Nghiên cứu một số đặc điểm sinh học và ảnh hưởng của kích dục tố đến khả năng sinh sản của cầy vòi hương ( paradoxurus hermaphroditus pallas, 1777) trong điều kiện nuôi nhốt tt tiếng anh

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
AND TRAINING

VIETNAM ACADEMY
OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY

GRADUATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
----------------------------Nguyen Thi Thu Hien

BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND
EFFECTS OF GONADOTROPIN ON
REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY OF COMMON PALM CIVETS
(Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Pallas, 1777) IN CAPTIVITY

Major: Biotechnology
Code: 9 42 02 01

SUMMARY OF BIOLOGY DOCTORAL THESIS

Ho Chi Minh City –2019


The thesis was completed at: Graduate University of Science and
Technology - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Supervisor 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh
Supervisor 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao
Reviewer 1: …
Reviewer 2: …
Reviewer 3: ….

The thesis will be defended at The Thesis Evaluation Council
held at Graduate University of Science and Technology - Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology at [time][date] [month] [2019].

Thesis can be found at:
- The Library of Graduate University of Science and Technology Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- The National Library of Vietnam


1

Introduction
1. The urgency of the thesis
The Common Palm Civet

(Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

Pallas, 1777) belongs to the Viverridae family, carnivora (Carnivora).
This animal is widely distributed in Central, South and Southeast Asia.
In Vietnam, the civets are widely distributed across the country [7].
Hunting and use of civet taps for different purposes such as
meat, leather, fur, aromatherapy, used in the production of weasel
coffee along with their declining habitat are depleting this species in
nature [2, 8]. Preserving and storing genetic resources is one of the
urgent, regular and long-term solutions [9]. In order to sustainably
preserve livestock gene sources, the exploitation and development of
genetic resources is an effective solution [10]. Therefore, in Vietnam,
successfully built many breeding civet farms. The civet farming in
addition to bringing high economic efficiency to the farmers also helps
to reduce hunting and contribute to preserving biodiversity [11].

In breeding management and improvement of the civet
process, studying their biological characteristics and increasing their
reproductive performance are very important. Therefore, the topic
"Biological characteristics and effects of gonadotropin on
reproductive ability of

common palm civets (Paradoxurus

hermaphroditus Pallas, 1777) in captivity" is carried out.
2. The aims of the thesis
-

Identify

biological

characteristics,

some

indicators

physiological and biochemical blood and urine of civets in captivity.

of


2
- Determine the change in sex hormones of female civets and
evaluate the effect of sexual stimulation on the fertility of civets in

captivity in order to preserve herd in the direction of quantity
development.
3. The main contents of the thesis
- Study on biological characteristics (appearance, behavior,
growth, reproduction) of the civets in captivity
- Studying on physiological and biochemical parameters of the
civets in captivity.
- Study on the change of sex hormones of the female civets in
captivity.
- Study on the effect of gonadotropin (PMSG, HCG) on the
reproduction of female civets.
CHAPTER 1. LITERATURE OVERVIEW
1.1. Overview of the common palm civets
This section presents an overview of the characteristics of species,
appearance, behavior, reproduction, distribution of species in nature and
current situation of breeding civets.
1.2. Overview of research on the common palm civets
This section presents research on the civets in the world and in
Vietnam. The studies mainly focused on the behavior, physiological and
biochemical characteristics of this species in nature, in terms of genetic
diversity and phylogeny.
1.3. Overview of PMSG and HCG
An overview of structure, functions, applications and studying of
the use of PMSG and HCG in livestock.
1.4. Overview of estrogen and progesterone


3
An overview of the structure and function of estrogen and
progesterone; method of extracting and identifying them through faeces.

CHAPTER 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1. Location, time of study
2.1.1. Location
- Biotechnology Application Center (Biotechnology) in Xuan
Duong commune, Cam My district, Dong Nai province.
- Thanh Long Wildlife Farm, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh
City.
- Experimental Research Center Thu Dau Mot University.
- Center for Animal Biotechnology - Southern Animal
Husbandry Institute.
2.1.2. Time: from May 2016 to March 2019.
2.2. Farms, food, water
2.3. Contents and methods
2.3.1. Study some biological characteristics of the civets in captivity
2.3.1.1. Material
Growth characteristics: Select 64 individuals (32 males, 32
females) to monitor the growth indicators continuously from 3 to 24
months of age.
Reproductive characteristics: Conducted follow-up on 32 female
civets and 34 male civets before sexual maturity; 42 mature female
civets
2.3.1.2. Survey targets
- Physical characteristics, some adaptive behavior of the civets in
captivity: activity, nutritional characteristics.


4
- Growth indicators of the civets in captivity: weight, length body,
length tail, chest girth.
- Some breeding criteria of female civets and male civets in

captivity.
2.3.1.3. Methods of determining the dimensions and dimensions
of measuring dimensions
Measure dimensions: body length (HB), tail length (T), chest
girth (C) and weight (W) according to Dang Huy Huynh et al. (2010).
2.3.1.4. Methods of growth rates
Absolute growth (A): A = V2– V1 / t2 - t1
Relative growth (R%): R (%) = 2 (V2– V1) x 100 / (V1 + V2). In
which: V1, V2 is the volume value (size) of the survey at t1, t2.
2.3.1.5. Methods of studying reproductive characteristics
-Experimental

method:

direct

monitoring

and

attaching

surveillance cameras to breeding facilities. Parameters were collected
and recorded for each experimental individual.
-Methods of interview: Interview farmers directly about some
reproductive characteristics of the civets.
2.3.2.

Researching

some

physiological

and

biochemical

parameters of the civets in captivity
2.3.2.1. Materials
A total of 186 blood samples were collected from 62 civets (30
males, 32 females). The civets were not sick, the females were not
pregnant.
2.3.2.2. Survey targets
Survey of 18 blood physiological indicators, 14 blood and urine
biochemical parameters. All indicators were monitored in normal
health status, by age and by gender.


5
2.3.2.3. Blood sampling and analysis
- Blood samples were collected through the tail peduncle vein with
3ml syringe (needle size 25Gx1).
- Blood physiological indicators were performed by using
automated hematology analyzer Mindray BC 2800 Vet.
- Blood biochemical parameters were measured by chemical
analyzer (Abaxis Vetscan 2, Union City, CA, USA).
2.3.2.4. Urinary sampling and analysis
- Urinary samples were collected from the stainless steel floor of a
special barn by cylinder, 18-20 hours, 1 time/week for 1 month (for

each individual).
- Urinary biochemical norms were measured on an automated
analyzer (model Teco TC-101, Teco diagnostics, USA).
- Na+, K+ and Cl- analyzes were measured from the supernatant
obtained by the centrifugation of urine samples from the civets at 3000
rpm for 10 min (Roto x 32®-Hettich) and were performed on an ion
selective

device

(model

Roche

9180,

Roche

Diagnostics,

Switzerland).
2.3.3. Study on changes in sex hormone content of female civets in
captivity
2.3.3.1. Materials
Fecal samples were collected from 12 mature female civets for 16
months.
2.3.3.2. Survey targets
Changes in the endocrine index: estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4)
of adult female civets in the following cases: non-pregnant, pregnant
and pseudopregnancy.

2.3.3.3. Fecal sampling and extraction


6
Fecal samples were collected an average of 3 days, about 18h 20h in 14 months. Fresh samples (5g) were collected in a plastic bag
and stored (-200C) until analysis. After thawing, 0.2 g was weighed
and placed in a glass jar containing 2 ml of 90% methanol. After
shaking for 30 min, the suspension was centrifuged at 1,700 x g for 20
min (on a shaker EAB 20). After centrifugation, approximately 1 ml
of the aqueous solution was extracted into 1.5 ml eppendorf vial and
frozen (-200C) until using (Frederick et al., 2010). The remainder is
returned to the glass vial and dried to determine the dry weight of the
stool.
2.3.3.4. Hormone assays
The fecal contents of P4 and E2 were determinned by using
fully automatic ELISA Dynex DS2 (Dynex, USA), Progesterone and
Estradiol ELISA Kit.
2.3.4. Study the effect of gonadotropin (PMSG, HCG) on
reproductive ability of the civets
2.3.4.1. Materials
A total of 54 mature female civets, after the survey were
classified into 3 groups:
- Group 1: Civets were slow to breed for the first time (after 24
months of age, there was no estrus manifestation); n = 14.
- Group 2: Slowly rejuvenating civets (after 12 months after birth,
no estrus have been seen); n = 15.
- Group 3: Low productivity breeding civets (1 litter/year;
number of civets per litter was small, 1-2 newborn/litter); n = 25.
2.3.4.2. Survey targets
- Changes in endocrine indexes: estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4)

after injection of PMSG and HCG (from 2 days before injection (day


7
-2) to the injection date (day 0) and 8 days later treatment.
- The duration of the civets’ oestrus after injection of PMSG and
HCG.
- Ratio of estrus civets (estrus civets/total number of treated
civets).
- Percentage of pregnancy civets (number of pregnant civets/total
number of treated civets).
- The average of newborn civets on the litter.
- Average weight of newborn civets.
- The proportion of live civets after 24 hours and after 1 month
(number of surviving civets /total number of newborn civets).
2.3.4.3 Type of reproductive hormones
Mixed PMSG / HCG (ratio 2: 1): trade name is Gestavet (United
Kingdom). Each vial contained 400 IU PMSG/200 IU HCG and vial
containing 5ml solvent for injection solution.
2.3.4.4. The treatments for injecting reproductive hormones
Control (ĐC): 0 IU PMSG + 0 IU HCG (No injection)
Treatment 1 (CT1): 20 IU PMSG + 10 IU HCG
Treatment 2 (CT2): 30 IU PMSG + 15 IU HCG
Treatment 3 (CT3): 40 IU PMSG + 20 IU HCG
The experiment was performed all treatments for civets in 3
groups. Each batch has 3 or more civets.
2.3.4.5. Experimental layouts
Table 2. 2. Experimental layout diagram
Group

ĐC

CT1

CT2

CT3

Group 1 (n=14)

3

4

4

3

Group 2 (n=15)

3

4

4

4

Group 3 (n=25)

3

7

7

8

2.3.4.6. Injection process


8
The female civets are injected intramuscularly (IM) at 8 AM.
2.3.4.7. Methods of determining hormone changes
Sampling procedure, stool extract, hormone test is done similarly
2.3.3.3 and 2.3.3.4.
2.3.4.8. Method of determining oestrus
- Observation method.
- Clinical method: monitoring pregnancy and childbirth of female
civets.
2.4. Data analysis
From the data obtained, conduct the calculation of statistical
parameters: average value (X̅ ), standard deviation (SD); ANOVA
analysis of a factor with a level of α = 0.05. Calculations were
processed by MS-Excel 2013 software.
CHAPTER 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Results of studying biological characteristics
3.1.1. Morphological characteristics and some behaviors of
civets in culture conditions
In terms of morphology, the civets in the captivity also has the

characteristics of the species as in natural conditions. The coat is gray
or moldy, sucking black fur; Vertebral vertebrae, black-brown ribs or
often forming three stripes along the spine from the shoulders to the
base of the ears. The tail has unknown streaks or is black at the base
of the tail, the tail is usually black, but in some civets it may be white;
the nose, cheeks, ears, lower thighs and four legs are black; gray belly.
When the civets are still young, the black brown stripe is not clear,
the hair is rough. The more you grow, the smoother the fur and the


9
dark brown the clearer. The face has 2-3 bright spots on the forehead
or the edge of the eyes.
Regarding nutritional characteristics, the civets are omnivorous.
Survey results showed that civets eaten many fruits. The favorite fruit
of civets is bananas. In breeding, depending on the season, it is
possible to change different food sources. In terms of animal feed,
civets especially like to eat meat, fish and eggs. According to Dang
Huy Huynh et al., (2010); Duckworth (2016), the civets is omnivorous,
they can eat most of the food that humans eat [7, 111].
The civets mainly act at night, sleep at day. Excretion activities
are mainly carried out at the beginning of the evening operation phase.
Civets has very high protective behavior. When grazing another child
into a barn, they will bite each other. The civet is only paired when the
offspring has arousal.
3.1.2. Growth characteristics of the civet civet in captivity
3.1.2.1. Volume growth
Survey results of mass growth rate of 64 civets were shown in Table
3.1.
Table

Age
(month)

3.

1.

Growth

rate

of

the

civets’

Male (n=32) (1)
X̅ (g)

Sx

Cv%

weight

in

captivity

Female (n=32) (2)

A
(g/head/day)

Rw%

A
(g/head/day

Sx

Cv%

727

82.7

11.38

975

125.3

12.85

2,76

X̅ (g)

3

782

118.5

15.15

6

1,152

126.1

10.95

9

1,735

109.1

6.29

6.48

40.39

1,456

117.8

8.09

5.34

12

2,644

113.5

4.29

10.10

41.52

2,225

113.7

5.11

15

3,245

128.1

3.95

6.68

20.41

2,848

120.7

18

3,533

108.5

3.07

3.20

8.50

3,175

21

3,743

116.3

3.11

2.33

5.77

24
X̅

3,925

105.2

2.68

2.02

4.75

4,11

a

5.14

38,26

20.22

a

Rw%

X̅ 1 - X̅ 2

P

55

>0,05

177

<0,05

39.57

279

<0,05

8.54

41.78

419

<0,05

4.24

6.92

24.56

397

<0,05

118.9

3.74

3.63

10.86

358

<0,05

3,335

84.7

2.54

1.78

4.92

408

<0,05

3,516

93

2.63

2.01

5.28

409

<0,05

4.71

21.16

29,14
b

b

Table 3.1 showed that the amount of civets that was monitored
has an uneven growth rate over the ages of months, which was

consistent with the periodic growth rules. Volume growth tended to
increase gradually from 3-12 months of age, then gradually slow down


10
from 12-24 months. The period with the highest growth rate was from
9 to 12 months with the average absolute growth of each male being
10.1 g/head/day, growing relatively R% = 41.52%, These indicators
corresponded to females of 8.54 g/head/day and R% of 41.78%.
3.1.2.2. Growth in body length
The survey results of growth of civets’ body length were shown in
Table 3.2.
Table 3 2. Growth rate of body length of the civets in captivity
Age
(month)

Male (n=32) (1)

Female (n=32) (2)

A
(cm/head/m)

Sx

Cv%

3
6

X̅ (g)
39.89
48.49

0.38
0.44

0.95
0.91

2.87

9

56.27

0.46

0.82

2.59

12
15

62.55
68.92

0.55
0.45

0.88
0.65

18
21

70.36
71.33

0.77
0.41

24

71.62

0.41

A
(cm/head/m)

Rw%

X̅ 1 - X̅ 2

P

Sx

Cv%

19.46

X̅ (g)
38.67
46.39

0.32
0.46

0.83
0.99

2.57

18.15

1.22
2.10

>0,05
>0,05

14.85

53.24

0.53

1.00

2.28

13.75

3.03

<0,05

2.09
2.12

10.57
9.69

59.01
65.12

0.55
0.54

0.93
0.83

1.92
2.04

10.28
9.84

3.54
3.80

<0,05
<0,05

1.09
0.57

0.48
0.32

2.07
1.37

67.41
68.68

0.31
0.29

0.46
0.42

0.76
0.42

3.46
1.87

2.95
2.65

<0,05
<0,05

0.57

0.10

0.41

69.03

0.30

0.43

0.12

0.51

2.59

<0,05

1.51

8.35

1.45

8.27

X̅

Rw%

Table 3.2 showed that the growth rate of the civets’ body
length was slow down through the months of age. The fastest growth
phase of body length was the period of 3-6 months with absolute
growth of 2.87 cm/head/month, relative growth R% = 19.46% (for the
period of 3 months) in males and 2.57 cm/head/month, relative growth
of R% = 18.15% in females. After the 15th month, when the stem
length was close to the good limit of the species, the growth in the
period of 18-24 months was very small (0.10-0.76 cm/head/month).
3.1.2.3. Growth in tail length
The survey results of the civets’ tail length growth were shown in
Table 3.3.
Table
Age
(month)

3.

3.

Growth

rate

Sx

Cv%

3

0.93

2.55

6

38.24

0.95

2.48

0.60

9
15

41.45
45.36
48.64

0.91

0.91
0.91

2.20
2.01
1.87

1.07
1.30
1.09

18

51.37

0.87

1.69

21
24

54.25

0.80

56.31

0.78

X̅

the

civets’

X̅ (g)

tail

length

in

captivity

Female (n=32) (2)

A
(cm/head/m)

36.44

12

of

Male (n=32) (1)
Rw%

A
(cm/head/m)

Sx

Cv%

36.02

1.18

3.28

4.82

37.68

1.28

3.40

0.55

8.06
9.01
6.98

40.82
44.68
48.19

1.18
1.33
1.34

2.89
2.98
2.78

1.05
1.29
1.17

0.91

5.46

50.88

1.22

2.40

1.47

0.96

5.45

53.57

1.25

1.39

0.69
0.95

3.73
6.21

55.62

1.03

X̅ (g)

Rw%

X̅ 1 - X̅ 2

P

0.42

>0,05

4.50

0.56

>0,05

8.00
9.03
7.56

0.63
0.68
0.45

>0,05

0.90

5.43

0.49

>0,05

2.33

0.90

5.15

0.68

1.85

0.68
0.93

3.75
6.20

0.69

>0,05
>0,05

>0,05
>0,05


11
Table 3.3 shows that the growth of the tail length of the civets
increased relatively evenly over the period of age, however, increased faster
in the period of 6-12 months (R% from 8-10, 14%). The absolute growth
rate (A) averageed 0.95 cm/head/month, the relative growth rate (R%) was
6.21% (in males) and A = 0.93 cm/head/month, R% = 6.20% (in females).
3.1.2.4. Chest growth
The results of monitoring the dimension of chest girth of the
civets in captivity were shown in Table 3.4.
Table

3.

4.

Growth

rate

of

the

civets’

Male (n=32) (1)
Age
(month)
3
6
9
12
15
18
21
24
X̅

X̅ (g)

Sx

Cv%

21.21
23.43
27.25
29.36
29.87
30.32
30.54
30.66

0.92
0.83
0.75
0.93
0.92
0.90
0.86
0.85

4.34
3.54
2.75
3.17
3.08
2.97
2.82
2.77

chest

girth

in

captivity

Female (n=32) (2)

A
(cm/head/m)
0.74
1.27
0.70
0.17
0.15
0.07
0.04
0.45

X̅ (g)
Rw%

9.95
15.07
7.45
1.72
1.50
0.72
0.39
5.26

20.83
22.56
25.75
27.64
28.24
28.68
28.93
29.12

Sx

Cv%

0.81
0.71
0.70
0.70
0.74
0.66
0.82
0.78

3.89
3.15
2.72
2.53
2.62
2.30
2.83
2.68

A
(cm/head/m)
0.58
1.06
0.63
0.20
0.15
0.08
0.06
0.39

Rw%

7.97
13.21
7.08
2.15
1.55
0.87
0.65
4.78

X̅ 1 - X̅ 2
0.38
0.87
1.50
1.72
1.63
1.64

1.61
1.54

P
>0,05
>0,05
<0,05
<0,05
<0,05
<0,05
<0,05
<0,05

Table 3.4 showed that the chest girth growth rate was high in the
period of 3-12 months of age and highest in the 9-month period (A =
1.27 cm/head/month, R = 15.07% in males) and A = 1.06 cm/
head/month, R = 13.21% in females). This was in accordance with the
rules of fast chest growth rate in the sexual maturity stage in animals.
Age of sexual maturity of civets was in the period of 9-12 months of
age [111].
3.1.3. Reproductive characteristics of incense civet in captivity
3.1.3.1. Age of sexual maturity and estrus manifestations
Results of monitoring the age of sexual maturity of civets (32
female civets, 34 male civets) in captivity in the study were shown in
Table 3.5.


12
Table 3. 5. Age of sexual maturity of the civets in captivity
Female (n=32)

Age
Rate
Number
(month)
(%)
Weight (kg)

Parameter

Mature

Not mature
̅
X
SD

9
10
11
12
13
14
24-30

0
4
5
9
6
3

5

0
12.50
15.63
28.13
18.75
9.38
15.63

11,96 a
1.22

2.38
2.43
2.51
2.58
2.62
3.26
2,50
0.08

Age
Number
(month)
9
10
11
12
13

14

2
9
14
6
3
0
0

Male (n=34)
Rate
Weight
(%)
(kg)
5.88
26.47
41.18
17.65
8.82
0.00
0

10,97 b
1.03

1.84
2.45
2.56
2.61

2.86

2,52
0.04

Note: Different characters in the same row are statistically
significant differences (P <0.05).
The table 3.5 showed that the female civets were starting to show
oestrus in the period of 10-14 months with an average weight of 2.38
- 2.62 kg. The average maturity was 11.96 months, with an average
weight of 2.50 kg. According to Nelson (2013), the estrus of civets
was between 11 and 12 months of age [112].
3.1.2.2. Mating activity, pregnancy rate and pregnancy time
During the study period, we monitored the reproductive results of
42 female civets, with 84 pairings. Results of monitoring pregnancy
rate and gestation period were presented in Table 3.6.
Table 3. 6. Pregnancy ratio and duration in the civets
Place

No of mating
civets (n=84)

No of
pregnancy
civets (heads)

R (%)

Gestation length
time (days)

Dong nai

30

14

46,67 a

61,2

42

b

60,8

Thu Duc
̅
X
SD

54

77,78
66.67

60.9
1.3

Note: the characters in the same column are different, the difference
is statistically significant (P <0.05).


13
3.1.3.3. Number of births per litter, survival rate, neonatal
characteristics and weaning age
Results of monitoring the number of young civets on litter,
neonatal characteristics and survival rates of 56 monitored parities
were presented in Table 3.7.
Table 3 .7. The number of piglets born on the litter and the survival
rate
Place

Dong Nai
(n= 14)
̅X1
SD
Thu Duc
(n=42)
̅X2
SD
X̅

Number
of
newborn
civets
(con)
1

2
3
4
1,86 a
0.77
1
2
3
4
2,55 b
0.92
2.38

Number of
(con) n=56
4
6
3
1

6
15
14
7

Live newborn civets
(n / %)

Weight (X
̅ , gr)

At birth

24h

48h

1 week

1 month

At
Weaning

22

20

20

17

17

17

84.62

76.92

76.92

65.38

65.38

65.38

107

101

97

93

92

92

100.00

94.39

90.65

86.92

85.98

85.98

96.15

90.03

87.22

81.53

80.83

80.83

Weight
at birth

Weight
at
weaning

96.93

585.36

96,93
7.45

585,36
26.85

94.57

592.65

94,57
6.27
95.16

59142
19.38
590.83

Note: the characters in the same column are different, the differences are
statistically significant (P <0.05).

Table 3.7 showed that the births of each litter were range from
1 - 4. The average number of civets per litter of all 56 litters was 2.38.
In nature, according to Dang Huy Huynh et al., (2010), civets lay 2 to
4 newborns [7]. According to Nelson (2013), 2-5 newborns, an
average of 3.4 newborn civets /litter [112]. Newborn civets were very
small and weak, unable to stand firmly, with an average weight of
95.16 grams. After a period of 7-10 days, the rim of the ear opened,
from 12-15 days the eyes opened.


14
3.2. Research results of some physiological and biochemical
indicators of blood of civets in captivity
3.2.1. Hematological parameters of common palm civets

by gender
The results of the study on the physiological parameters of 186
blood samples from 62 civets (30 males and 32 females) were
presented in Table 3.8.
Table 3.8.Hematological data of common palm civets by gender group


15
3.2.2. Hematological parameters of common palm civets by age
The results of the study on the physiological parameters of 186
blood samples from 62 civets by age were presented in Table 3.9.
Table 3.9. Hematological data of common palm civets by age group

3.2.3. Serum biochemical parameters of common palm civets
The results of blood biochemical parameters by sex and gender
group were shown in Table 3.10. and Table 3.11. Table 3.10. showed
that the total serum protein (TP), globulin, albumin and phosphorus
levels in males were higher than females, the difference was
statistically significant (P <0.05).


16
Table 3.10. Serum biochemical parameter of commom palm civets by sex group

Table 3. 11. Serum biochemical parameter of commom palm civets by age group


17
3.2.4. Urinary biochemical parameters of common palm civets by sex

The results of the study on the urinary biochemical parameters
from 60 civets were presented in Table 3.12.
Table 3.12. Urinary biochemical data of commom palm civets by sex group


18
3.2.5. Urinary biochemical parameters of common palm civets by
age
The results of urine biochemical indexes of civets in the age
group were presented in Table 3.13.
Table 3.13. Urinary biochemical data of commom palm civets by age group

Parameter
Weight (g)

3-<12 months (n= 31)

>12 months (n=31)

Mean ± SD

Mean ± SD

1.735±109,1a

3.335 ±84,7b

Body legth (mm)

56,27±0,46a

71,62±0,41b

Urobilinogen (µmol/L)

10,44 ±1,06

10,88 ±1,27

Glucose (mmol/L)

1a

0,47±0,22b

Neg

Billirubin (µmol/L)

0,46±0,06

0,35±0,05

Ketone (mmol/L)

0,13±0,02

0,17±0,03

Specific Gravity

1,02±0,01

1,02±0,01

Blood (Ery/µL)

neg

neg

pH

7,55±0,17

7,51±0,52

Protein (g/L)

16,01±1,27

15,88±1,31

Nitrite
Leukocytes (Leu/µL)
Ascorbic acid (mmol/L)
K (mmol/L)

neg

neg
a

3,82 ± 0,12

5,35 ± 0,37b

0,15±0,03

0,17±0,05

173,23±43,12

185,27±51,25

Na (mmol/L)

a

69,86±11,07

83,75±16,32b

Cl (mmol/L)

149,58±43,42

157,47±32,24

19
3.4. The results on the changes of sex hormone of female civets in
captivity
3.4.1. The changes of estradiol and progesterone in non-pregnant
civets
3.4.1.1. Faecal estradiol in non-pregnant civets
The concentrations of fecal E2 in non-pregnant civets in our
study ranged from 0.05 to 7.01 µg/g df, with an average of 1.07 ± 0.84
µg/g df and a peak of 3.22 ± 0.64 µg/g df. Although faecal estradiol
value of civets have not been published, faecal estradiol values in other
animals have already been widely used to monitor their sexual
activities. For example, faeal E2 of the Siberian tiger population
ranged from 0.39 to 0.49 µg/g and the mean faecal E2 of Bengal tiger
was 0.45 µg/g, and thoat of Sumatra tiger was 2.36 µg/g [89].
Changes in E2 levels showed a cyclic fertilization. The duration
of each cycle ranged from 26.8-33.1 days with the average of 28.6 ±
2.29 days. This period was comparable with that (27.0 days) of
Siberian tigers [89] and of Bengal tigers (29.3 days) [88], but different
from that of domestic cat (21 days) or leopard (10-20 days)[120].
3.4.1.2. Faecal progesterone in non-pregnant civets
In this study group, non-pregnant female civets’ fecal
progesterone (P4) metabolites levels ranged from 0.15 to 12.32 µg/g
df with the overall mean of 1.72 ± 2.16 µg/g df . For comparison, faecal
progesterone level of Siberian tigers varies from 0.27 to 38.19 µg/g
and that of the Sumatra tigers ranged from 0.09 to 18.52 µg/g, and the
level in Bengal Tigers was 36.05µg/g [89].
Faecal progesterone levels of civets also changed over time.
The peak of faecal progesterone level ranged from 6.03-12.32 µg/g df
with an average of 7.26 ± 1.11 µg/g df. The cycle of change in
progesterone level ranged from 26.6 to 31.0 days with an average of

27.8 ± 2.80 days.


20
3.4.2. The changes of estradiol and progesterone in pregnant civets
During pregnancy, the civets’ faecal P4 level ranged from 6.21
to 23.12 µg/g df with an average of 15.17 ± 5.22 µg/g df. This value
was approximately 5 to 7 times higher (P <0.05) than non-pregnant
and post-fertilization periods. In individuals with conception, P4
increased significantly for a period between 60 and 63 days after
fertilization. Faecal E2 concentration of a juvenile fennel during
pregnancy was relatively lower than that in other periods. Fecal E2
ranged from 0.22 to 1.05 µg/g df with an average of 0.74 ± 0.23 µg/g
df. After parturition, E2 increased and marked the recovery of ovarian
activity from 25-30 days. In contrast, in fetal predisposed individuals,
there was a negligible E2 change (range of 0.35-1.99 µg/g df)
compared to non-pregnant ones (P>0.05), and distinctly lower than
that of the pregnancy period (P <0.05). This result was similar to that
observed in the Pallas' cat, the clouded leopard, Tiger, in these an
increase in estrogen excretion in faeces was not observed during
pregnancy [120].
3.4.3. The changes of estradiol and progesterone in
pseudopregnancy civets
In pseudopregnancy civets, there were also significant
changes in P4 after fertilization, but the change duration was only 2630 days. The faecal P4 level at this stage ranged from 8.02 to 11.47
µg/g df with an average of 9.73 ± 1.73 µg/g df. This value was
significantly higher than that of non-pregnant civets but was
significantly lower than those of pregnant animals (P<0.05). In other
studies, leopard cats, clouded leopards, snow leopards and cheetahs
have been reported to have increased duration of P4 contents during

presumed pseudopregnancy [89]. Thus, the main indicator to
distinguish between pregnancy and fake pregnancies is both the
duration and the degree of the increase in the fecal P4.


21
3.5. Results of studying the effects of sex hormones (PMSG, HCG)
on fertility of the civets
3.5.1. The changes of estradiol and progesterone after injecting
sex hormones
Results of monitoring E2 and P4 changes showed that E2 content
in the feces of the civets in the treatments began to increase at day 1
after injection, peaking on day 2 and then gradually decreasing from
day to day. 3rd, the average E2 content of day 2 when peaking in
formula 1 was 2.59 µg/g df, treatment 2 was 2.69 µg / g df and
treatment 3 was 3.16 µg/g df ; in which the highest was in treatment 3.
Thus, when the higher treatment dose (40IU PMSG) increased the
amount of sex hormones in the treated civet group (P <0.05).
Meanwhile in the control group, E2 content in the stool changed over
the days, but this change was not significant (P> 0.05). By the 8th day,
the hormone content in the stool in all treatments decreased to close to
the value before sexual stimulation (day -2 and day -1).
3.5.2. Time appears manifestations and prolonged estrus
In all experimental groups, the average duration of oestrus was
1.1 days (CT3 in group 2) to 2.6 days (CT1 in group 2 and group 3)
after injection of sex hormones. In particular, CT3 always has the
earliest time of estrus (from 1-1.5 days). The duration of oestrus was
strongly correlated with the peak time of E2 (R = 0.82). The duration
of oestrus in all formulas ranged from 2.9 to 3.9 days, of which the
shortest time was in CT1 and the longest was in CT3. This time was

longer than the time of expression of oestrus in the civet without sexual
stimulation during the breeding season (2-3 days). ANOVA analysis
showed that there was a statistical difference (P <0.05) on the duration
of oestrus and duration of oestrus between the formulas in each
experimental civet group. CT3 always has the earliest occurrence of
oestrus and the longest period of oestrus.


22
3.5.3. The results of using hormone formulas on some
reproductive indicators
Results of monitoring reproductive efficiency after injection of
sex hormones were presented in table 3.19.
Table 3. 19. Results of reproductive performance monitoring after injecting sex
hormones
Treatment
n
Civets
%
Civets
%

ĐC
9
1
11,11a
1
11,11a

CT1

15
12
80,00b
10
66,67b

CT 2
14
12
85,71c
10
71,43c

CT 3
15
14
93,33d
12
86,67d

Newborn/ litter
(X̅ ± SD)

Civets/litter

2±0a

3,04± 0,47b

3,41± 0,66c

3,53± 0,90c

Weight at birth
(X̅ ± SD)

(g)

95,5±0

96,15± 2,14

95,72± 2,17

94,02± 3,35

Survivall rate after
48h

(%)

100,00a

86,60b

86,35b

90,00b

Survivall rate after 1

month

(%)

100,00a

83,57b

82,57b

82,83b

Estrus civets
Pregnant civets

Note: The difference of the characters in the same row is statistically
different (P <0.05), according to the T-test test with the significance
level α = 0, 05.
CONCLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Conclusion
1.1. Biological characteristics of the civets in captivity
- Description of morphological characteristics, nutritional
characteristics, weight growth, body length, tail length and chest girth
of the civets in the period of 3-24 months.
- Identified some reproductive characteristics of the civets: The
female civets have an average sexual maturity of 11.96 months and in
the male civets is 10.97 months. The average gestation period is 60.9
days. The number of civets born in each litter ranges from 1-4 heads,

23
averaging of 2.38 civets/litter. Newborn civet weighs have an average
of 95.16 grams.
1.2. Physiological - biochemical blood and urine indicators of
the civets
- Identified 18 physiological indicators and 14 blood biochemical
indicators in the civets by age and gender group. The average number
of erythrocytes is 11.06 x 1012/L, hemoglobin content of 120.74 gr/L.
The average number of white blood cells is 12.32 x 109/L; Leukocyte
formula: Lymphocyte 44.24%, Monocyte 3.96%, Gran 51.8%. The
average platelet count is 336.25 x 109/L.
- Identified 14 urine biochemical indicators of the civets:
leukocyte (4.63 Leu/µL), nitrite (negative), erythrocyte (negative),
Protein (15.94 g/L), Glucose (0.46 mmol/L), Keton body (0.15
mmol/L), Bilirubin (0.41 µmol/L); average density (SG) is 1.02, pH is
7.53; Urobilinogen (UBG) is 0.1 µmol/L; K+ is 179.25 mmol/L, Cl- is
153.53 mmol/L, Na+ is 76.82 mmol / L.
1.3. The changing sex hormones of the female civets in captivity
- Identified changes in hormones estradiol (E2) and progesterone
(P4) in the feces of the civets at the stage of non-pregnancy, pregnancy
and pseudopregnancy.
- During pregnancy, the P4 level in the civets is 5 to 7 times higher
than that of the non-pregnant period. P4 can be used as an indicator of
determining pregnancy in the civets.
1.4. The effects of sex hormones (PMSG, HCG) on the
reproduction ability of female civets.
- Determination of the effect of gonadotropin on hormone
changes E2 and P4 after injection and oestrus time after injection of
sex hormones.
- Determined the effect of PMSG and HCG on the reproductive

efficiency of the civets. Percentage of oestrus and pregnancy
increases; The number of newborn civets on litter was significantly
higher than the control. The dose of 40 IU PMSG/ 20IU HCG injection
gives the highest reproductive efficiency. Sex hormones do not affect
neonatal weight and survival.
2. Recommendations
- Applying the results of studying physiological, biochemical and
blood parameters on the civets in clinical examination, disease
diagnosis and care of this species in culture conditions. Need to