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- Title
Validation of a non-invasive technique for quantifying a stress-associated biomarker in a southern African hornbill.
- Authors
Bouwer, Michelle; Ngcamphalala, Celiwe A.; Ganswindt, André; McKechnie, Andrew E.
- Abstract
Quantification of glucocorticoids and their metabolites as a central component of the physiological stress response has many potential applications in ornithological research, but require careful species-specific validations. We established a reliable non-invasive method to measure faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM) in the southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas). Following an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge, plasma corticosterone levels increased by 110%, with a tetrahydrocorticosterone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) revealing a ~ fourfold increase in fGCM concentrations approximately 3 h post-injection. These data reveal droppings are a suitable matrix for monitoring stress-associated biomarkers in this species and suggest the tetrahydrocorticosterone EIA may often be appropriate for wild birds.
- Subjects
ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC hormone; ENZYME-linked immunosorbent assay; PHYSIOLOGICAL stress; BIOMARKERS; METABOLITES
- Publication
Journal of Ornithology, 2021, Vol 162, Issue 2, p615
- ISSN
2193-7192
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10336-021-01861-5