Seasonal analysis of semen characteristics, serum testosterone and fecal androgens in the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), margay (L-wiedii) and tigrina (L-tigrinus)

Captive adult male ocelots(leopardus pardalis, n = 3), margays (L wiedii, n = 3) and tigrinas (L. tigrinus, n = 4) in two locations in southern Brazil were studied for 14 consecutive months to evaluate the effect of season on testicular function. Reproductive evaluations, including testicular measurements, electroejaculation and blood collection were conducted monthly. Fecal samples were collected weekly for androgen metabolite analysis to assess testicular steroidogenic activity. Ocelots had the highest number of motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate (114.7 +/- 15.8 x 10(6); p < 0.05), the highest percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (82.4 +/- 1.2%; P < 0.05) and the highest concentration of fecal androgens (1.71 vs. 0.14 mug/g; P < 0.05). Margays and tigrinas had lower numbers of motile spermatozoa (23.4 +/- 2.8 x 10(6), 74.2 +/- 8.9 x 106, respectively), lower percentages of morphologically normal spermatozoa (57.4 +/- 2.8, 59.2 +/- 3.5%, respectively), and lower fecal androgen concentrations (0.15 +/- 0.01, 0.23 +/- 0.01 mug/g, respectively). Serum testosterone concentrations were similar among the three species. Fecal androgen concentrations were not affected by season, with the exception of the ocelot where concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in the summer. Ejaculates were collected throughout the year; however, peaks in average sperm production were observed during the summer for all species. In summary, this study has identified several species differences in male testicular traits among ocelots, margays and tigrinas. Results of longitudinal reproductive assessments suggest males of each species are capable of breeding throughout the year. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.