@article{scarlata_elias_godwin_powell_shepherdson_shipley_brown_2013, title={Influence of environmental conditions and facility on faecal glucocorticoid concentrations in captive pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)}, volume={22}, ISSN={["0962-7286"]}, DOI={10.7120/09627286.22.3.357}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={ANIMAL WELFARE}, author={Scarlata, C. D. and Elias, B. A. and Godwin, J. R. and Powell, R. A. and Shepherdson, D. and Shipley, L. A. and Brown, J. L.}, year={2013}, month={Aug}, pages={357–368} }
 @article{scarlata_elias_godwin_powell_shepherdson_shipley_brown_2012, title={Relationship between fecal hormone concentrations and reproductive success in captive pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)}, volume={93}, ISSN={["1545-1542"]}, DOI={10.1644/11-mamm-a-223.1}, abstractNote={Abstract The Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is critically endangered and the focus of a captive-breeding program. However, reproductive success in captivity to date has not been sufficient to sustain reintroduction efforts. The goal of this study was to investigate patterns of fecal progestagen and glucocorticoid excretion in females during mating, gestation, and lactation and identify hormonal relationships to reproductive success. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 48 adult, female rabbits over 3 breeding seasons at a frequency of 4–7 samples per week. Results showed that a large (17-fold) increase in progestagen concentrations 1 day after mating provides a reliable means of determining if a successful mating occurred. In general, higher glucocorticoid concentrations during the breeding season, specifically during mating and gestation, were associated with lower reproductive success. Females that failed to conceive during the breeding season had higher glucocorticoid and lower progestagen baseline concentrations than females that did conceive. Glucocorticoid excretion during late gestation, but not lactation, was negatively associated with litter success, suggesting it affects offspring survival more during the prenatal than the postnatal period. Progestagen and glucocorticoid concentrations at the end of gestation were positively related to litter size, which may be an important factor in juvenile survival. In summary, higher concentrations of fecal glucocorticoids during the breeding season were associated with reduced conception rates and survival of subsequent litters. Ultimately, identifying what factors cause elevated glucocorticoids in pygmy rabbits could provide opportunities to alleviate negative stressors and increase the reproductive output of the captive population.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY}, author={Scarlata, Candace D. and Elias, Becky A. and Godwin, John R. and Powell, Roger A. and Shepherdson, David and Shipley, Lisa A. and Brown, Janine L.}, year={2012}, month={Jun}, pages={759–770} }
 @article{scarlata_elias_godwin_powell_shepherdson_shipley_brown_2011, title={Characterizing gonadal and adrenal activity by fecal steroid analyses in pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)}, volume={171}, ISSN={["1095-6840"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.03.002}, abstractNote={In 2001, the sudden collapse of the Columbia Basin population of pygmy rabbits prompted the initiation of a captive breeding program to facilitate reintroduction, but reproductive success in captivity has not met expectations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive and adrenal endocrinology of this endangered rabbit species so that appropriate management strategies could be developed to monitor animal welfare and increase reproduction. Fecal samples were collected from 27 female pygmy rabbits over three breeding and non-breeding seasons. HPLC analyses verified the presence of progesterone in the excreta of pygmy rabbits, but the majority of progestagen metabolites were unidentified polar compounds. By contrast, >70% of glucocorticoid immunoactivity was associated with cortisol. Longitudinal fecal hormone profiles during pregnancy were characterized by a large spike in progestagens shortly after mating, a gradual increase in progestagen and glucocorticoid concentrations throughout gestation and a return of hormones to baseline soon after birth (Day 24). The spike in progestagens 1 day after mating was a significant discovery for this species and appears to provide a reliable means of determining if a successful mating has occurred. Seasonal analyses of hormone excretion found that progestagen baselines did not vary between the breeding and non-breeding seasons, but, as expected, were highest during the breeding season in association with pregnancy. Across seasons, the lowest concentrations of glucocorticoids were associated with the highest rates of offspring production and survival, suggesting a possible link between heightened adrenal activity and lowered reproductive fitness in pygmy rabbits.}, number={3}, journal={GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY}, author={Scarlata, Candace D. and Elias, Becky A. and Godwin, John R. and Powell, Roger A. and Shepherdson, David and Shipley, Lisa A. and Brown, Janine L.}, year={2011}, month={May}, pages={373–380} }