Metabolic and hormonal correlates of molting and regeneration of pelage in Alaskan harbor and spotted seals (Phoca vitulina and Phoca largha)

摘要: Cellular, hormonal, and metabolic changes during annual molts regeneration of the pelage were studied in two harbor five spotted seals different ages. Seals maintained an appropriate photoperiod monitored biweekly to monthly by measuring their serum cortisol, thyroxine, triiodothyronine standardized resting rate. Concurrently, external signs molt (shedding hair) recorded, samples skin collected from midback for histological determination duration regenerative phase cycle. Timing coincided with those free-ranging natural environment. The overall period shedding regeneration, first descent hair bulbs on face flippers full emergence new back, was estimated as 120–170 days. During initial growth rate declined average 18...