Page 88 -

โครงการรวบรวมและจัดทําเอกสารวารสารอิเล็กทรอนิกส์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์

77

Figure 1 Day of study (Day -10 to Day 38) in FSH injection group (A) and Anti-inhibin injection group
(B). Superovulation protocols started from Day 0 to Day 20 (GnRH; Gonadotropin Releasing
Hormone, FSH; Follicular stimulating Hormone).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Mean fecal concentration of cortisol metabolite of FSH injection group (Group A, n=3) and
Anti/Inhibin group (Group B, n=2) were shown in Figure 2. The highest fecal cortisol metabolite
concentration was detected during the end of superovulation protocol (Day 20), followed by a sharp
decline after protocol is finished. However, mean of cortisol metabolite of Rusa deer was not

different between Group A (2446.88ng/g) and Group B (2364.05ng/g) (p>0.05). Morgan & Tromborg
(2007) reported that environmental and confinement-specific sources of stress such as lighting, sound
and uncomfortable temperatures or substrates, restricted behavior, forced proximity to humans, and
reduced feeding opportunities, affected captive animals. However, species genetically and
behaviorally adapted themselves to captive environment (Frankham, 2008).
From this study, the highest fecal cortisol metabolite level was found during the end of
superovulation protocol (Day 20). This is probably related to estrous behavior and estradiol
concentration (Heleil et al., 2010; Zanetti et al., 2014). However, in this study, the estradiol
concentration was not examined. Then, further studies focus on the relationship between Rusa deer
estrous signs and cortisol levels need to be done. However, the different number of handling/restrain

did not affect cortisol level that is used as stress indicator. Then, Rusa deer used in this study were
adapted to the artificial habitat provided for this experiment.
The previous study demonstrated that stress and also cortisol concentration level affects the
surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland which is responsible for stimulating
ovulation (Saltzman et al., 1998). This confirms that circulating cortisol concentrations are modulated
by reproductive function in female (Saltzman et al., 1998). Similarly, Kerdelhué et al. (1997) reported
that ACTH affects to the LH levels during follicle stimulation.

Hematology and blood biochemical profiles of Rusa deer were shown in Table 1 and Table 2,
respectively. Data on the hematology values including total white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte
plasma protein and platelets in Group A were significantly higher than Group B (p<0.05). This indicated
that the numbers of handling might be affected to WBC and platelet functions, which associated
with tissue repairing and inflammation (Klinger & Jelkmann, 2002).

วารสารสัตว์ป่าเมืองไทย ปีที่ 24 พ.ศ. 2560 Journal of Wildlife in Thailand Vol. 24, 2017