19 research outputs found
Monitoring the reproductive activity in captive bred female ball pythons (<i>P</i>. <i>regius</i>) by ultrasound evaluation and noninvasive analysis of faecal reproductive hormone (progesterone and 17β-estradiol) metabolites trends
<div><p>The royal python (<i>Python regius</i>) is commonly bred in captivity. To have a successful breeding season, accurate monitoring of the reproductive activity is necessary. The use of non-invasive monitoring methods in exotics is important in order to minimize stress. For this purpose ultrasound has been anecdotally used to monitor royal python reproductive activity. However, there is limited information regarding the reproductive cycle of this species. The aim of the present study is to monitor the female reproductive cycle of the royal python using ultrasonography and gonadal steroid metabolite measurements in the faeces. The reproductive activity of one hundred twenty-nine adult female P. regius was examined during two consecutive years. We performed brief scans on non-anaesthetized snakes using a portable ultrasound system and a 10–12 MHz linear array transducer (MyLab™ 30 Gold, Esaote). Ultrasound features, dimension and echogenicity of the reproductive structures were determined. During the second reproductive cycle, the hormonal profiles of 30 animals were also evaluated, with a monthly collection of faecal samples. These samples were classified according to reproductive stage, as identified by ultrasonographic examination, and the mean faecal progesterone and 17β-estradiol levels were calculated using the results from an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Progesterone levels increased during the reproductive cycle. Estradiol levels showed greater variability, although they appeared to increase before coupling when compared to the levels between coupling and egg laying. The present study suggests that it is possible to identify different phases in the female royal python reproductive cycle: anovulatory phase, transition, folliculogenesis and embryogenesis. Ultrasound is also useful for identifying follicular regression or slugs. Gonadal steroid metabolite measurements from the faeces could help integrate reproductive information. The use of ultrasonography in addition to the steroid metabolite measurement in the faeces gives an accurate picture of ovarian activity in captive adult female royal pythons.</p></div
Eggs with calcified shell (arrows) and inner wall (arrowheads).
<p>Eggs with calcified shell (arrows) and inner wall (arrowheads).</p
Long axis ovary scan.
<p>With a ventrolateral approach, few follicles (arrows) in the ovarian stroma are highlighted. The follicles appear anechoic and round. The large bars on the right side and lower border indicate a distance of 1 cm.</p
Mean FPM (ng/g) and mean FEM (pg/g) levels during the reproductive cycle.
<p>The number of fecal samples obtained for each phase of the reproductive cycle is shown in brackets. The analysis of variance was conducted through the Univariate Procedure of the General Linear Model (GLM), using the reproductive phases as fixed effect; Bonferroni Post Hoc Test was performed. Mean value ± SE is reported. A, B: P ≤0.05.</p
Few hours post-deposition.
<p><b>Ultrasound Evaluation.</b> (a, b) A few hours after deposition some rounded structures characterized by peripheral hyperechogenicity and central hypoechogenicity are shown (arrows). Some anechoic fluid is also present. (c, d) One day after deposition, these structures are no longer clearly recognizable.</p
Average follicular growth rate (MM/Day) during the first and second reproductive cycles.
<p>Error bars represent the standard deviation. a, b: P ≤0.05.</p
One month post-deposition ultrasound evaluation.
<p>(a, b, c) In the ovarian stroma (yellow oval), small roundish anechoic structures less than 5 mm in diameter are highlighted (arrowhead). (d) Aorta (arrow).</p
One day before deposition.
<p><b>evaluation of initial cardiac activity: Image from a B-mode video.</b> (a) with Pulsed-Wave (PW) Doppler (b).</p
Three weeks before deposition.
<p>Some eggs are similar in size and appearance, i.e., oval-shaped and uniformly hyperechoic (a, b); Two eggs show irregular echogenicity (c, d); The female later deposited 7 fertile eggs and two slugs.</p
A more advanced stage of development.
<p>Structures (asterisks) greater than 30 mm in diameter (dotted line), in a more advanced stage of development. (a, b, c).</p