Cited by 553Animal Behavior and Welfare StudiesWildlife Ecology and ConservationStress Responses and Cortisol

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Use of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite measures in conservation biology research: considerations for application and interpretation

Millspaugh, Joshua J., Washburn, Brian E.·2004·General and Comparative Endocrinology

Abstract

Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite analyses are increasingly being used by a variety of scientists (e.g., conservation biologists, animal scientists) to examine glucocorticoid (i.e., stress hormone) secretion in domestic and wild vertebrates. Adrenocortical activity (i.e., stress response) is of interest to conservation biologists because stress can alter animal behavior, reduce resistance to disease, and affect population performance. The noninvasiveness of fecal-based assessments is attractive, particularly when studying endangered species, because samples can often be obtained without disturbing the animal. Despite such advantages, many confounding factors inhibit the utility of this technique in addressing conservation problems. In particular, interpretation of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) measures may be confounded by the length of time animals are held in captivity, normal seasonal and daily rhythms, body condition, sample storage and treatment techniques, diet of the animal, assay selection, animal status (i.e., social ranking, reproductive status), sample age and condition, and sample mass. Further complicating interpretation and utility of these measures is the apparent species-specific response to these factors. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the factors that confound interpretation of FGM measures, summarize research that addresses these issues, and offer an agenda for future research and interpretation. We urge conservation biologists to carefully c…

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Metadata

Authors
Millspaugh, J. J., & Washburn, B. E.
Affiliations
  • University of Missouri (US)
  • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (US)
Corresponding author
Millspaugh, Joshua J.
Venue
General and Comparative Endocrinology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2004-09
Volume
138
Issue
3
Pages
189-199
ISSN
0016-6480 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2168394255
Cited by
553
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 24 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 43 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 25 · 2018: 32 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 30 · 2015: 25 · 2014: 43 · 2013: 37 · 2012: 31
FWCI
3.53
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • General and Comparative Endocrinology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Lincoln (University of Nebraska) (submittedVersion)
Funders
University of Missouri
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
Keywords
fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, stress hormones, glucocorticoid secretion, adrenocortical function, conservation biology, seasonal rhythms, body condition, assay selection, social ranking, reproductive status, threatened species, wildlife disturbance, surrogate species
MeSH terms
Age Factors, Animals, Conservation of Natural Resources, Ecology, Feces, Female, Glucocorticoids, Male, Reproduction, Seasons, Sex Factors, Specimen Handling, Zoology, Reproducibility of Results, Clinical Laboratory Techniques

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