Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites as Biomarkers in Equids: Assay Choice Matters

Free ranging animals are exposed to environmental, demographic, and ecological challenges over time, which can affect their health fitness. Non-invasive biomarkers provide insight into how cope with these assess the effectiveness of conservation management strategies. We evaluated free ponies (Equus ferus caballus) on Carneddau Mountain range, North Wales respond 2 stimuli: an acute stressor annual roundup event in November 2014, spatial temporal variation factors 2018. fecal glucocorticoid metabolites using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs): 11-oxoetiocholanolone EIA (measuring 11,17-dioxoandrostanes [11,17-DOAs]) a corticosterone EIA. The former assay has been validated equids, whereas there is limited evidence for suitability latter. used additional parent testosterone measure androgen response challenges. Following roundup, metabolite concentrations measured by EIAs were not correlated. 11,17-DOAs elevated from second day following then slowly returned pre-round levels next weeks. In contrast, showed no roundup. For data, all 3 assays detected positive correlation between social group size males but females. highly correlated temporally associated onset breeding season, not. co-variance assays, lack suggests that primarily increased production. recommend well-validated biomarker hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity evaluate compare effect different interventions environmental change. © 2021 Authors. Journal Wildlife Management published Wiley Periodicals LLC behalf Society.