Development of Novel Noninvasive Methods of Stress Assessment in Baleen Whales
Abstract
The long-term goal of this research is to broaden the existing panel of endocrine stress assessment techniques for large whales. Few methods exist for the assessment of physiological stress levels of free-swimming cetaceans (Amaral 2010, ONR 2010, Hunt et al. 2013a). We have previously demonstrated that respiratory vapor (blow) sampling is practical and feasible for large whales, and that blow samples contain detectable steroid and thyroid hormones (Hunt et al. 2013b). We also have developed a suite of fecal hormone assays for reproductive and stress-related hormones in North Atlantic right whales (Hunt et al. 2006, Rolland et al. 2005, 2012). However, blow sampling needs further testing before it can enter widespread use, and some additional stress-related hormones have not yet been tested in either feces or blow, particularly aldosterone. Our aim in this project is to further develop both techniques -- respiratory hormone analysis and fecal hormone analysis -- for use in stress assessment of large whales. We have two specific objectives in this project: (1) further development of respiratory sampling methodology, via modifications to our sampling apparatus and testing of "internal controls" to control for water content; and (2) development of a noninvasive aldosterone assay (for both feces and blow) that can be used as an alternative measure of adrenal activation to complement existing glucocorticoid assays.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA599704
Entities
People
- Kathleen E. Hunt
- Rosalind M. Rolland
- Scott D. Kraus
Organizations
- New England Aquarium