Biology of reproduction of the Rocky Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus).: A contribution considering especially gestagen monitoring in faeces during pregnancy

Investigations of faecal samples of three Rocky Mountain goats were carried out to monitor the course of faecal gestagen concentrations analyzed by radioimmunoassay during six pregnancies and in this way to determine the time of conception and the duration of pregnancy. The basic level of faecal concentrations of the progesterone metabolites (minima) varied between 100 and 250 ng/g. Conceptions were dated on the last 10 days of November until the first week of December. During the pregnancy maximal values of gestagen concentration of 1742 +/- 248 ng/g (n = 6) were determined (one to five weeks a. p.). The faecal gestagen concentration decreased from 1614 +/- 186 ng/g about one week ante partum to 210 +/- 68 ng/g (n = 6) post partum. Births were given regularly between 22nd of May and 6th of June. A duration of pregnancy of about 180 days could be monitored. Further examinations should serve to improve the informations especially about the estrous cycle of this species.