Premium
Use of behavior to evaluate reproductive problems in captive mammals
Author(s) -
Lindburg Donald G.,
FitchSnyder Helena
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430130506
Subject(s) - biology , mating , reproductive behavior , reproductive success , captive breeding , evolutionary biology , zoology , ecology , demography , endangered species , population , sociology , habitat , family planning , research methodology
Behavioral analyses constitute a logical starting point for discerning the causes of reproductive failure in captive mammals and should be completed before moving on to more invasive diagnostic procedures. Behavioral inadequacies affecting reproductive performance may be attributable to deficient early rearing environments, to the social milieux in which breeding‐age animals are held on a long‐term basis, or in the way pairings for mating are staged. Diagnoses may be focused on uncovering motivational, motoric, social, or communicative deficiencies. A biologically based approach which integrates species‐typical behavior with concerns for genetics, physiology, and health in designing breeding programs will improve prospects for success. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.