Seasonal physiological responses in the greater thick-tailed galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus)

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dc.contributor.advisor Tordiffe, Adrian Stephen Wolferstan
dc.contributor.coadvisor Scheun, Juan
dc.contributor.postgraduate Long, Channen
dc.date.accessioned 2024-10-02T11:59:38Z
dc.date.available 2024-10-02T11:59:38Z
dc.date.created 2024-04
dc.date.issued 2023
dc.description Thesis (PhD (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2023. en_US
dc.description.abstract Primate populations over the globe are facing declines as a result of several factors including climate change. It has become imperative to gain further insight into how primate species respond to these changes in weather to ensure appropriate conservation approaches. For this study, I chose to monitor the physiological changes of a population of greater thick-tailed galagos (O. crassicaudatus) residing in a highly seasonal, temperate environment. Research of this strepsirrhine species has been lacking for over two decades and the scientific community is unaware how they respond to seasonal weather changes. In this study, we assessed their glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone levels to monitor their hormonal responses, gut microflora, and metabolite profiles associated with changes in temperature and food availability. We successfully validated the immunoassays necessary to measure hormone metabolites in this species. The results revealed an increase in hormone levels during the summer season which may be caused by an increase in energy expenditure as food availability and temperatures increase. Furthermore, lactating females during this time require additional energy and nutrition to sustain themselves and their offspring. The results of the metabolite analyses indicate these concentrations were affected by changes in diet. However, it appears the dominant microflora and metabolic pathways adapt to seasonal fluctuations of nutrient intake to ensure the body receives the essential amino acids needed for ATP generation. Overall, this project has given further information into the mechanisms undertaken by this species during times of low food availability and will assist in future primate conservation. en_US
dc.description.availability Unrestricted en_US
dc.description.degree PhD (Veterinary Science) en_US
dc.description.department Paraclinical Sciences en_US
dc.description.faculty Faculty of Veterinary Science en_US
dc.identifier.citation * en_US
dc.identifier.other A2024 en_US
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/2263/98444
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher University of Pretoria
dc.rights © 2021 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
dc.subject UCTD en_US
dc.subject Otolemur crassicaudatus en_US
dc.subject Glucocorticoids en_US
dc.subject Thyroid hormones en_US
dc.subject Polysaccharides en_US
dc.subject Diet ecology en_US
dc.title Seasonal physiological responses in the greater thick-tailed galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus) en_US
dc.type Thesis en_US


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