Establishing models of corticosteroid patterns during the life history of killer whales (Orcinus orca) under human care.

摘要: Abstract The use of corticosteroids and their metabolites as a physiologic measure stress in wildlife species is increasing both ex situ populations. However, factors such season, circadian rhythm, sex age are also known to influence corticosteroid production wildlife. Our objective was evaluate the these variables on serum cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone fecal zoo-based killer whales (Orcinus orca). For evaluation age, we examined 30 animals (21 females, 9 males), for studied 18 (10 8 males). Season did not (P ≥ 0.19). Circadian rhythm influenced all (P ≤ 0.012). Serum cortisol corticosterone were highest morning lower by mid-day evening. lowest during Excreted higher compared evening (P ≤ 0.002). males than females (P = 0.011). inverse observed (P = 0.03). increased with (P = 0.002), but only (P