Journal articles: 'Bottlenose dolphin – Reproduction'

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Clarkson, J., F. Christiansen, T. Awbery, L. Abbiss, N. Nikpaljevic, and A. Akkaya. "Non-targeted tourism affects the behavioural budgets of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the South Adriatic (Montenegro)." Marine Ecology Progress Series 638 (March 19, 2020): 165–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps13257.

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We investigated the short-term effects of non-targeted tourism on the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the South Adriatic off the coast of Montenegro, by comparing dolphin group behaviour during impact (the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels) and control (absence of all marine vessels) scenarios. Tourism vessel and dolphin behavioural data were collected through systematic weekly land-based surveys. Using instantaneous focal ‘group’ scan sampling, the predominant behaviour of bottlenose dolphin groups was determined. To quantify the effect of vessel interactions on the behavioural budget of the dolphins, we followed a stepwise modelling approach. A first-order Markov chain was used to calculate the transition probabilities between behavioural states before a Monte Carlo simulation estimated the behavioural budgets of dolphins during impact and control situations. In the presence of non-targeted tourism, dolphins were found to be less likely to remain diving (during which dolphins were assumed to be feeding), whilst milling-socialising and surface feeding were completely absent from their behavioural repertoires. Nevertheless, the behavioural budgets demonstrated an increase in resting behaviour in the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels. No significant changes to travelling behaviour were observed. The decrease in foraging behaviour (both surface feeding and diving) could result in a reduction in energy intake for dolphins, which over time (assuming repeated disturbance) could negatively affect body condition, and ultimately survival and reproduction. Regulations on non-targeted tourism should therefore be considered to minimise potential long-term negative effects on dolphins within Montenegrin territorial waters.

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Sanchez-Calabuig, M. J., J. de la Fuente, P. Beltrán-Breña, E. Martinez-Nevado, J. F. Perez-Gutierrez, D. Blyde, S. Johnston, K. Harrison, C. Lopez-Fernandez, and J. Gosalvez. "170 ASSESSMENT OF FRESH AND FROZEN - THAWED BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION USING THE SPERM CHROMATIN DISPERSION TEST." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 25, no. 1 (2013): 233. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rdv25n1ab170.

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There has been significant development over the last 20 years to improve genetic management of the captive bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) by means of genome resource banking and assisted reproduction. Although standard semen parameters have been analysed in some detail, very little is known about sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in this species. The aim of this study was to develop a sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt) for the bottlenose dolphin to establish the baseline level of SDF immediately after ejaculation and cryopreservation and to determine the dynamic loss of sperm DNA quality after ex vivo handing and incubation in conditions that mimic the female reproductive tract. Semen from 8 bottlenose dolphins was collected by manual stimulation. Initial validation of the SCDt was conducted by means of in situ nick translation and neutral comet assay using a proven fertile male. To investigate the dynamic loss of sperm chromatin (rate of sDF loss), thawed sperm samples were incubated at 37.9°C for up to 48 h, and aliquots of spermatozoa were assessed after 1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h. Dolphin sperm nuclei with fragmented DNA exhibited large halos of dispersed DNA fragments, whereas those with nonfragmented DNA displayed small halos of nondispersed DNA. A high correlation (r2 = 0.82; P ≤ 0.01) was found between the respective assessments of the SCDt and the neutral comet assay. All nucleoids resulting in a large halo of dispersed chromatin were intensely positive to in situ nick translation. The level of sDF fragmentation observed immediately after ejaculation in fresh and frozen samples was relatively low (1–5%). After comparing different ejaculates of the same individual, differences were found. Chromatin stability was high during the first 48 h of ejaculation or post-thawing and incubation. Evaluation of the sDF dynamics of fresh and frozen–thawed spermatozoa revealed no significant increase in the baseline level of sDF or in the relative increase of DNA damage after 48 h of incubation. Our data suggest that cryopreservation does not induce a dramatic increase in sperm chromatin damage. Interestingly, sperm samples derived from aged animals resulted in an increased rate of DNA loss, which was observed after 60 min post-incubation.

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Vermeulen, Els, Ricardo Bastida, Leonardo G. Berninsone, Pablo Bordino, Mauricio Failla, Pedro Fruet, Guillermo Harris, et al. "A review on the distribution, abundance, residency, survival and population structure of coastal bottlenose dolphins in Argentina." Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 12, no. 1-2 (March 2, 2018): 2–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.5597/00233.

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Although bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are among the most common delphinid species, global population trends remain poorly understood. To improve the knowledge of the species in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, thispaper reviews all available data related to the distribution and occurrence, abundance, residency and ranging patterns, group size and composition, survival and reproduction and population structure of the coastal bottlenose dolphin in Argentina. Most information proved to be scattered in time and space. Based on the available data, total abundance of coastal bottlenose dolphins in Argentina appears to be low. Data show sightings decreased notably since the 1990s in the northern province of Buenos Aires and the province of Chubut, with the species having disappeared completely from the former region. Data also indicated that two genetically and morphologically distinct coastal populations occur in Argentinean coastal waters, with a sympatric distribution in the provinces of Río Negro and Chubut. One is an isolated ‘Evolutionary Signifcant Unit’ within the larger Southwest Atlantic, whereas the other population appears to be genetically related to the Southwest Atlantic oﬀshore ecotype. In the absence of more substantial data, the present information is pertinent to our scientifc knowledge of the species in the country, collating all published information as well as information from grey literature and previously unpublished data. However, the available information appears to remain insufcient to explain the apparent decline in sightings and to assess the remaining abundance nationwide accurately. Therefore, we strongly recommend increased research eﬀorts for an in-depth assessment of the species’ population status in Argentina.

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Lane, Suzanne M., Cynthia R. Smith, Jason Mitchell, Brian C. Balmer, Kevin P. Barry, Trent McDonald, Chiharu S. Mori, et al. "Reproductive outcome and survival of common bottlenose dolphins sampled in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 282, no. 1818 (November 7, 2015): 20151944. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2015.1944.

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Common bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) inhabit bays, sounds and estuaries across the Gulf of Mexico. Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, studies were initiated to assess potential effects on these ecologically important apex predators. A previous study reported disease conditions, including lung disease and impaired stress response, for 32 dolphins that were temporarily captured and given health assessments in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA. Ten of the sampled dolphins were determined to be pregnant, with expected due dates the following spring or summer. Here, we report findings after 47 months of follow-up monitoring of those sampled dolphins. Only 20% (95% CI: 2.50–55.6%) of the pregnant dolphins produced viable calves, as compared with a previously reported pregnancy success rate of 83% in a reference population. Fifty-seven per cent of pregnant females that did not successfully produce a calf had been previously diagnosed with moderate–severe lung disease. In addition, the estimated annual survival rate of the sampled cohort was low (86.8%, 95% CI: 80.0–92.7%) as compared with survival rates of 95.1% and 96.2% from two other previously studied bottlenose dolphin populations. Our findings confirm low reproductive success and high mortality in dolphins from a heavily oiled estuary when compared with other populations. Follow-up studies are needed to better understand the potential recovery of dolphins in Barataria Bay and, by extension, other Gulf coastal regions impacted by the spill.

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Blasi, MF, C. Bruno, and L. Boitani. "Female reproductive output in a Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus population." Aquatic Biology 29 (September 17, 2020): 123–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/ab00732.

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The reproductive output of wild bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus has extensively been investigated; nevertheless, it remains widely unexplored in the Mediterranean Sea. We investigated the reproductive history of female bottlenose dolphins in the Aeolian Archipelago (Italy). Thirteen years of photo-identification data were used to track the reproductive pattern of 7 females and their 16 calves. The birth period was accurately estimated within 1 mo for 6 calves (37.5%), peaking in June/July. The mean number of calves for females was 2.3 ± 1.1 (SD), ranging from 1 to 4. The mean interbirth interval was 3.5 ± 1.6 yr, ranging from 2 to 7 yr. The mean weaning age was 3.2 ± 0.6 yr, although 1 calf may have been weaned as late as its fifth birthday. Mother-calf postweaning associations were tracked for 9 calves and ranged from 4 to 10 yr of residence in the maternal group of the calf. The age of first pregnancy was 7.5 yr. The number of calves was influenced by the mean maternal group size, with females that were sighted in larger groups having more calves. However, the number of calves was not influenced by the strength of the associations of mothers with other females. Calf mortality by age 1 was high (12.5%). Two juveniles also died postweaning within 6 yr of their birth. Finally, 2 females may have died during the study, as they were not re-sighted at the end of the study. Our results highlight the need to implement urgent conservation actions to protect this bottlenose dolphin population.

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Mann, Janet, Andrew F. Richards, Rachel A. Smolker, and Richard C. Connor. "Patterns of Female Attractiveness in Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphins." Behaviour 133, no. 1-2 (1996): 37–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853996x00026.

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AbstractHormonal profiles of captive individuals show that bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) are seasonally polyoestrous, but little is known of reproductive behaviour among free-ranging bottlenose dolphins. In Shark Bay, Western Australia, we have documented for the first time patterns of female attractiveness that may correspond to multiple oestrous cycles. Male bottlenose dolphins in stable alliances of 2-3 individuals form temporary consortships with individual females. Consortships often are established and maintained by aggressive herding. Consortships are associated with reproduction and are a useful measure of a female's attractiveness. Following reproduction, females may become attractive to males when their surviving calf is about 2-2.5 years old or within 1-2 weeks of losing an infant. Individual females are attractive to males for variable periods extending over a number of months, both within and outside of the main breeding season. The duration of attractive periods is greater during breeding season months than during the preceding months. Males sometimes are attracted to females for periods exceeding the reported duration of rising estrogen levels during the follicular stage of the oestrous cycle. Males occasionally have consorted or otherwise been attracted to females in several unusual contexts, including late pregnancy, the first two weeks after parturition, and the day after the loss of a nursing infant. Individual females were consorted by up to 13 males during the season they conceived, supporting predictions of a promiscuous mating system in bottlenose dolphins. Thus, consorting is a strategy by males to monopolize females, but not a completely successful one. Multiple cycling by female bottlenose dolphins may be a strategy to avoid being monopolized by particular males. Given the duration and agonistic nature of many consortships, the benefits to females of such a costly strategy are not obvious. Multiple cycling may reduce the risk of infanticide by males or allow females to mate with preferred males after being monopolized by less desirable males.

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Möller, Luciana M., and Robert G. Harcourt. "Shared Reproductive State Enhances Female Associations in Dolphins." Research Letters in Ecology 2008 (2008): 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2008/498390.

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Female bottlenose dolphins (genusTursiops) usually associate at moderate level with other females within social clusters called bands or cliques. It has been suggested that reproductive state may play the predominant role in determining associations within femaleT. truncatusbands. Here, we test the hypothesis that reproductive state correlates with associations of female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (T. aduncus). We found that females in similar reproductive state, which included females from late pregnancy to the first year of their calves' life or females from early pregnancy to their calves' newborn period, had higher-association coefficients with each other than they did with females in different reproductive states (females with older calves or without calves). This was observed both within and across social clusters suggesting that reproductive state, at least for pregnant females and those with young calves, plays an important role in determining who to associate with. However, a female's most frequent associate was not always with another in similar reproductive state. We suggest that several factors, including reproductive state, may be of importance in determining associations of female bottlenose dolphins.

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Bergfelt, Don R., Jason L. Blum, Jill R. Ratner, Marcelo H. Ratto, Justin K. O'Brien, and Todd R. Robeck. "Preliminary Evaluation of Seminal Plasma Proteins and Immunoreactivity of Nerve Growth Factor as Indicative of an Ovulation Inducing Factor in Odontocetes." Journal of Zoo Biology 2, no. 1 (December 22, 2019): 21–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.33687/zoobiol.002.01.2608.

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In the seminal plasma of terrestrial mammalian species known as induced (e.g., camels) and spontaneous (e.g., cattle) ovulators, an ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) with a protein structure similar to beta-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) has been identified. Detection of an OIF/NGF in the seminal plasma of cetaceans would have both basic and applied implications in reproductive biology and conservation management programs. A preliminary evaluation was conducted to characterize the distribution and abundance of seminal plasma proteins in aquarium-based belugas and a Pacific white-sided and bottlenose dolphin. Initially, SDS-PAGE was used with 50 µg of total protein for separation; thereafter, Western immunoblot was used with anti-NGF. In addition to odontocete seminal plasma, a purified fraction of llama seminal plasma (100 ng protein) and an extract of mouse brain (20 µg total protein) were included as positive controls for NGF. Within the two belugas, visual inspection of the protein bands indicated similar distribution and intensity. However, among the belugas and Pacific white-sided and bottlenose dolphins there was more diversity than similarity in the distribution and abundance of seminal plasma proteins. While immunoreactivity of NGF was distinctly evident in the llama and mouse positive controls, there was no visual reactivity in any of the odontocete samples. These preliminary results provide novel information indicating more homogeneity within and heterogeneity among seminal plasma proteins of ondentocetes. Although NGF was not immunologically detected, future studies are required to address the apparent limitations of immuno-detection of NGF, especially if the post-translational form of β-NGF is in low abundance in the seminal plasma of belugas and Pacific white-sided and bottlenose dolphins.

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Senigaglia, Valeria, and Lars Bejder. "Pregnancy Cravings: Visitation at a Food-Provisioning Site is Driven by the Reproductive Status of Bottlenose Dolphins." Tourism in Marine Environments 15, no. 3 (October 14, 2020): 237–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/154427320x15943283422072.

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Marine wildlife tourism attractions often use food rewards to ensure close-up encounters with freeranging animals. In Bunbury, Western Australia, the Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC) conducts a foodprovision program where bottlenose dolphins (N = 22; between 2000 and 2018) are offered food rewards to encourage their visitation at a beach in front of the DDC. We used historical records on individual beach visits by adult female dolphins collected by the DDC from 2000 to 2018 to develop generalized mixed effects models (GLMM) to test whether the frequency of beach visitation was influenced by their reproductive status (pregnant, lactating, nonreproductive) or climatic events (El Niño-Southern Oscillation phases) that could affect prey availability. We also quantified the behavioral budget of dolphins during food-provisioning sessions and documented intra- and interspecific aggressive behaviors using individual focal follows collected in 2017–2018. Provisioned females spend most of the time resting within the interaction area (66.3%) and aggressive interactions arise as a consequence of dominance behavior over food access. Visitation rates were most influenced by reproductive status with pregnant and lactating females visiting the provisioning area more frequently (z = 2.085, p = 0.037 and z = 2.437, p = 0.014, respectively). Females that frequently visit the provisioning area expose their dependent calves to regular human interactions at an early age when they are more susceptible to behavioral conditioning. Such experiences could cause the loss of awareness towards humans and promote maladaptive behaviors such as begging that increase risk of entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, and propeller injuries.

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Saviano, Pietro, Letizia Fiorucci, Francesco Grande, Roberto Macrelli, Alessandro Troisi, Angela Polisca, and Riccardo Orlandi. "Pregnancy and Fetal Development: Cephalic Presentation and Other Descriptive Ultrasonographic Findings from Clinically Healthy Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under Human Care." Animals 10, no. 5 (May 24, 2020): 908. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani10050908.

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Ultrasonography is widely used in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of pregnancy, and can also be used to monitor abnormal pregnancies, embryonic resorption, or fetal abortion. Ultrasonography plays an important role in modern-day cetacean preventative medicine because it is a non-invasive technique, it is safe for both patient and operator, and it can be performed routinely using trained responses that enable medical procedures. Reproductive success is an important aspect of dolphin population health, as it is an indicator of the future trajectory of the population. The aim of this study is to provide additional relevant data on feto-maternal ultrasonographic monitoring in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) species, for both the clinicians and for in situ population studies. From 2009 to 2019, serial ultrasonographic exams of 11 healthy bottlenose dolphin females kept under human care were evaluated over the course of 16 pregnancies. A total of 192 ultrasound exams were included in the study. For the first time, the sonographic findings of the bottlenose dolphin organogenesis and their correlation with the stage of pregnancy are described. Furthermore, this is the first report that forecasts the cephalic presentation of the calf at birth, according to its position within the uterus.

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Oliveira, Larissa R., Paulo Henrique Ott, Ignacio B. Moreno, Maurício Tavares, Salvatore Siciliano, and Sandro L. Bonatto. "Effective population size of an offshore population of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, from the São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago, Brazil." Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 11, no. 1-2 (January 8, 2017): 162–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.5597/00225.

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The São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago (SPSPA) (00°56’N, 29°22’W) lies approximately 1010km northeast off the coast of Rio Grande do Norte State in Brazilian waters. Recently, through photo-identification and group size analysis, around 20-30 individual bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, from SPSPA were recognized as a resident, and potentially genetically isolated, population. The effective population size (Ne), not the census number (Nc), as well the sex ratio, are of primary concern from an evolutionary and conservation management perspectives. The estimate of Ne reflects the number of individuals responsible for the maintenance of genetic diversity of a species or population as well its evolutionary potential. For this reason, we present here the first Ne and sex ratio estimates for the bottlenose dolphin population from SPSPA. Sex was molecularly determined for 19 biopsy samples collected from bottlenose dolphins from SPSPA between January and February 2005. The Newas estimated by direct counting of reproductive adults sexed by DNA analysis. The resulting Ne was 12 individuals and the sex ratio was 1.11 male to 1 female, however, it was not significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio (χ2 test, α= 0.05; df = 1). The effective population size based on the genetic diversity of 19 sequences of the mtDNA control region resulted in a female effective population size of 223 individuals, and the total long-term effective size of ~470 individuals. We believe that the estimated Ne for the SPSPA population is a critical value, because it is significantly lower than the mean minimum viable population (MVP) suggested for vertebrates (around 5000 breeding age adults). This small Ne is of great concern and should be taken into account in future management plans to ensure the conservation and protection of this small population at SPSPA.

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Nishita, Miki, Miki Shirakihara, and Masao Amano. "Patterns of association among female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in a population forming large groups." Behaviour 154, no. 9-10 (2017): 1013–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003453.

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Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) around Amakusa-Shimoshima, Japan form large groups of >100 individuals, a remarkable feature of this population, which is much larger than previously studied bottlenose dolphins. Using photo-identification data collected on 33 days in 2012, associations among 70 females were investigated using two scales of association measure (photograph- and group-based association) to know whether they associate based on their reproductive status, as is typically observed in other populations with smaller group size. Significant differences in associations between females of the same reproductive status category and those in different categories were detected, and a female that lost her calf within a year decreased associations with females with calves of the same age. These suggests that even in a population with large group size, the reproductive status of females is one of the factors influencing their associations.

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O'Brien, J. K., and T. R. Robeck. "Development of sperm sexing and associated assisted reproductive technology for sex preselection of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 18, no. 3 (2006): 319. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rd05108.

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Research was conducted to develop sperm sorting and novel sperm preservation methodologies for sex predetermination in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) using artificial insemination. In Study 1, the effect of seminal plasma (SP), sperm concentration and freezing rate (FR) on in vitro sperm quality of liquid-stored, non-sorted spermatozoa was examined. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of prefreeze SP addition on post-thaw quality (progressive motility, kinetic rating, sperm motility index (SMI), viability and acrosome integrity). Post-thaw motility parameters and viability were higher (P < 0.05) for slow FR than fast FR samples. In Study 2 investigating the effects of liquid storage and sorting on sperm quality, motility and SMI after sorting and centrifugation were lower (P < 0.05) than those of the initial ejaculate. The sort rate for enrichment (91 ± 4% purity) of X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa was 3400 ± 850 spermatozoa sex−1 s−1. In Study 3, compared with a modified straw method, directional freezing resulted in enhanced in vitro quality of sorted and non-sorted spermatozoa derived from liquid-stored semen (P < 0.05). In Study 4, endoscopic insemination of three dolphins with sorted, frozen–thawed X-bearing spermatozoa resulted in one conception and the birth of a female calf. High-purity sorting of dolphin spermatozoa, derived from liquid-stored semen, can be achieved with minimal loss of in vitro sperm quality and samples are functional in vivo.

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Urian, K. W., D. A. Duffield, A. J. Read, R. S. Wells, and E. D. Shell. "Seasonality of Reproduction in Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus." Journal of Mammalogy 77, no. 2 (May 17, 1996): 394–403. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1382814.

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Barratclough, A., FM Gomez, JS Morey, JM Meegan, C. Parry, L. Schwacke, ED Jensen, and CR Smith. "Biochemical and hematological biomarkers of reproductive failure in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus." Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 144 (May 27, 2021): 197–208. http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/dao03591.

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The physiological demands of pregnancy inevitably result in alterations in both biochemical and hematological parameters as fetal development occurs. The shifts observed in successful pregnancy in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus to support both fetal physiological needs and maternal basal requirements have been established according to each trimester. Detecting aberrations in blood-based biomarkers could help facilitate diagnosis of gestational abnormalities, improve our understanding of factors influencing reproductive outcomes and aid in prediction of reproductive failure. This study retrospectively analyzed 263 blood samples from 15 bottlenose dolphins in 21 failed pregnancies over 28 yr (1989-2017). Most samples remained within normal pregnancy reference ranges; however, significant shifts were observed between trimesters. Hematological alterations, compared to successful pregnancy reference ranges from previously published data, were consistent across failed pregnancies and included an increased prevalence of elevated 2nd and 3rd trimester neutrophils, elevated 2nd trimester monocytes and decreased 3rd trimester eosinophils. In addition, low hematocrit and low red blood cells were more prevalent in the 2nd trimester. Biochemical shifts included an increased prevalence of elevated creatine phosphokinase in the 3rd trimester outside of the normal reference ranges. Across failed pregnancies, calcium and iron were decreased in the 3rd trimester. Significantly decreased progesterone in the 3rd trimester was a negative prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcome with decreasing 3rd trimester progesterone associated with failed pregnancy. This study demonstrates the use of blood-based biomarkers as possible predictors of pregnancy outcome in bottlenose dolphins.

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Gerber, Livia, Richard C. Connor, Stephanie L. King, Simon J. Allen, Samuel Wittwer, Manuela R. Bizzozzero, Whitney R. Friedman, et al. "Affiliation history and age similarity predict alliance formation in adult male bottlenose dolphins." Behavioral Ecology 31, no. 2 (November 28, 2019): 361–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arz195.

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Abstract Male alliances are an intriguing phenomenon in the context of reproduction since, in most taxa, males compete over an indivisible resource, female fertilization. Adult male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Shark Bay, Western Australia, form long-term, multilevel alliances to sequester estrus females. These alliances are therefore critical to male reproductive success. Yet, the long-term processes leading to the formation of such complex social bonds are still poorly understood. To identify the criteria by which male dolphins form social bonds with other males, we adopted a long-term approach by investigating the ontogeny of alliance formation. We followed the individual careers of 59 males for 14 years while they transitioned from adolescence (8–14 years of age) to adulthood (15–21 years old). Analyzing their genetic relationships and social associations in both age groups, we found that the vast majority of social bonds present in adolescence persisted through time. Male associations in early life predict alliance partners as adults. Kinship patterns explained associations during adolescence but not during adulthood. Instead, adult males associated with males of similar age. Our findings suggest that social bonds among peers, rather than kinship, play a central role in the development of adult male polyadic cooperation in dolphins.

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Semenov, Vladimir A. "To question of dystocia distribution and etiology in black sea bottlenose dolphins female." Veterinaria Kubani, no. 6 (December 16, 2020): 38–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.33861/2071-8020-2020-6-38-42.

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Pregnancy is the most important period in the life of cetaceans, including those kept in captivity, associated with the growth and development of the fetus. The timely diagnosis of pregnancy, establishment of its exact term, features of the course and the prevention of the onset of dystocia - difficult childbirth caused by the presence of abnormalities in the fetus or mother - are becoming more and more urgent. The most common cause of difficult labor is obstruction of the labor act due to fetal abnormalities with large fetuses or incorrect presentation. Difficulty in labor due to maternal pathology may result from the presence of a too narrow pelvis in the female, weak contraction of the uterine muscles, or insufficient dilatation of the cervix during childbirth. The authors studied the distribution and etiological factors of the onset of dystocia in female Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. One of the main indicators of good conditions for keeping wild animals, including dolphins, is the production of offspring, since stress and unsatisfactory conditions of keeping, feeding, etc. negatively affect the reproductive ability. Studies to clarify the causes of difficult childbirth in female Black Sea bottlenose dolphins showed that in the anamnesis 51-60% of females previously recorded and treated intestinal dysbiosis caused by increased gastric acidity or abnormal liver function due to damage to its cells during toxicosis. Research data have shown that microorganisms in the distal intestine of wild bottlenose dolphins are represented mainly by the same species that are found in other animals and humans. The largest numbers in feces were non-hemolytic bacteria from the E. coli group, lactic acid bacteria and clostridia. In captivity, including pregnant bottlenose dolphins, coliform bacteria, as well as staphylococci, clostridia, bifidobacteria, lactic acid bacteria, streptococci were detected in the rectum. The authors found that the possible reasons for the development of dysbiosis in pregnant Black Sea bottlenose dolphins females include increased stomach acidity, the development of toxicosis or the appearance of diseases leading to liver dysfunction.

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Fuentes-Albero, María del Carmen, Silvia Abril Sánchez, José Luis Ros-Santaella, Eliana Pintus, Chiara Luongo, Sara Ruiz Díaz, Carlos Barros García, María Jesús Sánchez Calabuig, Daniel García Párraga, and Francisco Alberto García Vázquez. "Characterization of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Sperm Based on Morphometric Traits." Biology 10, no. 5 (April 22, 2021): 355. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biology10050355.

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Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) males follow many reproductive strategies to ensure their paternity. However, little is known about the sperm traits, including morphometric features, that contribute to their reproductive success. Our aim was to study dolphin sperm morphometry (a total of 13 parameters) in two adult males to evaluate (i) presumptive sperm subpopulations, (ii) the correlation of sperm morphometry with testosterone levels and (iii) the effect of refrigerated storage on the sperm morphometry. Sperm populations were classified into four principal components (PCs) based on morphometry (>94% of cumulative variance). The PCs clustered into two different sperm subpopulations, which differed between males. Furthermore, the levels of serum testosterone were positively correlated with the length of the midpiece but negatively correlated with head width and the principal piece, flagellum and total sperm lengths. Most of the sperm morphometric parameters changed during the storage period (day 1 vs. day 7), but only the principal piece length was affected by the storage temperature (5 °C vs. 15 °C). This is the first study to identify dolphin sperm subpopulations based on morphometry and the influence of serum testosterone and refrigeration on sperm morphometry.

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Karniski, Caitlin, Ewa Krzyszczyk, and Janet Mann. "Senescence impacts reproduction and maternal investment in bottlenose dolphins." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 285, no. 1883 (July 18, 2018): 20181123. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.1123.

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Reproductive senescence is evident across many mammalian species. An emerging perspective considers components of reproductive senescence as evolutionarily distinct phenomena: fertility senescence and maternal-effect senescence. While fertility senescence is regarded as the ageing of reproductive physiology, maternal-effect senescence pertains to the declining capacity to provision and rear surviving offspring due to age. Both contribute to reproductive failure in utero making it difficult to differentiate between the two prenatally in the wild. We investigated both components in a long-lived mammal with prolonged maternal care through three parameters: calf survival, interbirth interval (IBI) and lactation period. We provide clear evidence for reproductive senescence in a wild population of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops aduncus ) using 34+ years of longitudinal data on 229 adult females and 562 calves. Calf survival decreased with maternal age, and calves with older mothers had lower survival than predicted by birth order, suggesting maternal-effect senescence. Both lactation period and IBIs increased with maternal age, and IBIs increased regardless of calf mortality, indicating interactions between fertility and maternal-effect senescence. Of calves that survived to weaning, last-born calves weaned later than earlier-born calves, evidence of terminal investment, a mitigating strategy given reduced reproductive value caused by either components of reproductive senescence.

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Sanchez-Calabuig, M. J., P. Beltran-Brena, E. Martinez-Nevado, D. Rizos, J. F. Perez-Gutierrez, and J. de la Fuente. "119 HETEROLOGOUS BOVINE IN VITRO FERTILIZATION USING CRYOPRESERVED BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN SPERMATOZOA." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 24, no. 1 (2012): 172. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rdv24n1ab119.

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Assisted reproductive technologies are of great importance for increasing genetic diversity in captive animals without displacing them. The development and improvement of these techniques require accurate methods to assess sperm function. The ability of the sperm to bind the zona pellucida and the formation of a male pronucleus have been shown to have a high predictive value for fertilization outcome. The use of zona-intact bovine in vitro–matured oocytes in heterologous fertilization with dolphin spermatozoa could provide valuable information on its fertilizing ability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate male pronuclear formation in zona-intact bovine oocytes after coincubation with frozen-thawed bottlenose dolphin spermatozoa. A total of 1546 immature cumulus oocytes complexes (COC) were obtained from bovine ovaries collected at slaughter. The COC were matured for 24 h in TCM-199 supplemented with 10 ng mL–1 of epidermal growth factor and 10% FCS. Matured COC were inseminated with frozen-thawed Bovi-pure (Nidacon International, Mölndal, Sweden) separated bovine (control) or dolphin spermatozoa. At 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 h post-insemination (hpi), half of the presumptive zygotes from each group were fixed and stained with Hoechst 33342 to examine sperm penetration, polyspermy and pronuclear formation and the remainder were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid supplemented with 5% FCS for evaluating fertilization rates by cleavage on Days 2 and 4 (Day 0 = day of IVF). As expected, in the control a higher percentage of 2 pronuclear formation was observed at 18 hpi (74.5%), with a decrease at 20 and 22 hpi (57.4 and 43.2%, respectively) and was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.001) at 24 hpi (13.3%), reaching the lowest values at 26 and 28 hpi. However, in the heterologous group significantly less oocytes with both pronuclear formed (P ≤ 0.001) were observed at 18, 20 and 22 hpi (1.2, 3.4 and 3.0%, respectively) compared with 24, 26 and 28 hpi (22.5, 11.4 and 8.9%, respectively). No polyspermy was detected in oocytes coincubated with dolphin spermatozoa. Moreover, the cleavage rate at Day 2 and 4 in heterologous fertilization was 13.0 and 34.8%, respectively, whereas for the control it was 90.0%. In conclusion, these results indicate that dolphin spermatozoa can penetrate bovine oocytes and induce the block to polyspermy and the differences found regarding pronuclear formation times between the 2 species could be due to distinct sperm chromatin organisation or condensation. In conclusion, our preliminary results show that heterologous fertilization using bovine oocytes is useful for characterising the viability of dolphin thawed spermatozoa, which also could be helpful in performing a more complete sperm evaluation. Further studies are necessary to provide more consistent evidence of the efficiency of this test. The authors thank the staff at Zoo Aquarium Madrid for their dedicated work toward dolphin semen collection.

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Galezo, Allison A., Vivienne Foroughirad, Ewa Krzyszczyk, Céline H. Frère, and Janet Mann. "Juvenile social dynamics reflect adult reproductive strategies in bottlenose dolphins." Behavioral Ecology 31, no. 5 (July 14, 2020): 1159–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/araa068.

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Abstract The juvenile period is a challenging life-history stage, especially in species with a high degree of fission–fusion dynamics, such as bottlenose dolphins, where maternal protection is virtually absent. Here, we examined how juvenile male and female bottlenose dolphins navigate this vulnerable period. Specifically, we examined their grouping patterns, activity budget, network dynamics, and social associations in the absence of adults. We found that juveniles live in highly dynamic groups, with group composition changing every 10 min on average. Groups were generally segregated by sex, and segregation was driven by same-sex preference rather than opposite-sex avoidance. Juveniles formed strong associations with select individuals, especially kin and same-sex partners, and both sexes formed cliques with their preferred partners. Sex-specific strategies in the juvenile period reflected adult reproductive strategies, in which the exploration of potential social partners may be more important for males (which form long-term alliances in adulthood) than females (which preferentially associate with kin in adulthood). Females spent more time alone and were more focused on foraging than males, but still formed close same-sex associations, especially with kin. Males cast a wider social net than females, with strong same-sex associations and many male associates. Males engaged in more affiliative behavior than females. These results are consistent with the social bonds and skills hypothesis and suggest that delayed sexual maturity in species with relational social complexity may allow individuals to assess potential associates and explore a complex social landscape without the risks associated with sexual maturity (e.g., adult reproductive competition; inbreeding).

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Robeck, T. R., and J. K. O¿Brien. "212EFFECT OF CRYOPRESERVATION METHODS AND PRE-CRYOPRESERVATION STORAGE ON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATES) SPERMATOZOA." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 16, no. 2 (2004): 227. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rdv16n1ab212.

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In conjunction with artificial insemination (AI) and sperm preservation, sperm sexing technology has great potential as a population management strategy for captive bottlenose dolphins. Successful AI using fresh spermatozoa (Robeck TR et al. 2001 CRC Marine Mammal Medicine 193–226) and flow cytometric analysis of bottlenose dolphin spermatozoa (Garner DL and Seidel GE Jr 2002 CSAS Symposium 2–13) support this approach. For sperm sexing, methods for short-term storage of semen in a liquid state are required to enable transport of spermatozoa to the sorting laboratory. In addition, cryopreservation techniques must be optimized for long-term storage of sexed spermatozoa. Our objectives were to assess: (i) 3 cryopreservation methods×2 straw sizes×3 thawing rates (Exp. 1) and (ii) effects of liquid storage for 24h (pre-cryopreservation) and sperm concentration at freezing (Exp. 2) on post-thaw characteristics (PT) of bottlenose dolphin spermatozoa. For Exp. 1 and 2, 4 ejaculates (collected by manual stimulation)×3 males (aged 14–34yr)×4 replicates were used. For Exp. 1, semen was frozen in 0.25-mL (SM) and 0.5-mL straws (LG) by 3 methods (Mt) (Mt1: lactose, egg yolk, −32°Cmin−1; Mt2: lactose, egg yolk, 1.5% Equex STM (Nova Chemical, Calgary, Canada), −19.7°Cmin−1; Mt3: Test yolk buffer (TYB), −116°Cmin−1). All Mt had 3% glycerol. Samples were thawed using a slow (S: 2.8°Cs−1), medium (M: 8.8°Cs−1) or fast (F: 21°Cs−1) rate. In Exp. 2, ejaculates were divided into 4 aliquots for dilution (1:1) and stored at 4°C with EquiPro® (EP4°C, Minitube, Verona, WI, USA) and TYB (TYB4°C) or at 21°C with Androhep EnduraguardTM (AH21°C, Minitube) or no dilution (NEAT21°C). After 24h, samples were frozen and thawed using Mt3×SM×F at 10×106 spermmL−1 (LOW) or 100×106 spermmL−1 (STD). PT evaluations of motility (total motility [TM], % progressive motility [PPM], kinetic rating [KR, 0 to 5]) and acrosomal status (Spermac® , Minitube) were performed at 30min and 6h after dilution (1:1) with AH at 21°C. For statistical analysis (ANOVA), a sperm motility index (SMI=TM×PPM×KR) was calculated and expressed as % of initial SMI. For all ejaculates, initial TM and PPM were greater than 85% and KR was 5. In Exp. 1, at 6h PT, %SMI was highest for Mt3×LG×M (45.5±8.7) and Mt3×SM×F (44.8±11.9). For Exp. 2, %SMI at 0h PT was higher for samples stored at 4°C than at 21°C (TYB4°C 41.0±8.4, EP4°C: 36.7±7.7, NEAT21°C: 23.8±8.6, AH21°C: 14.8±8.6, P<0.001) and, with the exception of AH21°C, was similar between the LOW and STD concentration. At 6h PT, %SMI for all treatments was higher for STD than LOW concentration (P<0.05). Acrosome integrity was similar across treatments. In summary, a semen cryopreservation protocol maintained high levels of the initial characteristics of ejaculated spermatozoa. Transport of semen for sex pre-selection and cryopreservation within 24h may be feasible, but impact of storage time on functional capacity of dolphin spermatozoa is unknown.

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Robeck, TR, KJ Steinman, M. Yoshioka, E. Jensen, JK O’Brien, E. Katsumata, C. Gili, JF McBain, J. Sweeney, and SL Monfort. "Estrous cycle characterisation and artificial insemination using frozen–thawed spermatozoa in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)." Reproduction 129, no. 5 (May 2005): 659–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/rep.1.00516.

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The reproductive endocrinology of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, was characterized to facilitate the development of artificial insemination using cryopreserved spermatozoa. Specific objectives were: (i) to determine the excretory dynamics of urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) and ovarian steroid metabolites during the estrous cycle; (ii) to evaluate the effect of an exogenously administered synthetic progesterone analog (altrenogest) on reproductive hormone excretion; (iii) to correlate follicular growth and ovulation (as determined by transabdominal ultrasound) to urinary LH and ovarian steroid metabolites; (iv) examine the in vivo fertilisation capacity of cryopreserved semen, and (v) to develop an intrauterine insemination technique. Based on urinary endocrine monitoring of natural estrous cycles (2 consecutive cycles) and nine post altrenogest cycles in ten females, estrous cycles were found to be 36 days long and comprised of an 8 day and 19 day follicular and luteal phase, respectively. Peak estrogen conjugates (EC; 5.4 ± 3.8 ng/mg creatinine (Cr)) occurred 8 h prior to the LH surge (70.9 ± 115.7 ng/mg Cr). The time of ovulation, as determined by ultrasonography, occurred 32.1 ± 8.9 h and 24.3 ± 7.0 h after the onset of the LH surge and LH peak, respectively. Mean preovulatory follicular diameter and circumference were 2.1 ± 0.5 cm and 6.5 ± 1.5 cm, respectively. Of the 27 estrous synchronisation attempts, 13 resulted in an ovulatory cycle, with ovulation occurring 21 days post-altrenogest treatment. Intrauterine (4 of 5) and intracornual (1 of 3) inseminations conducted across eight estrous cycles resulted in five pregnancies (63%), one pregnancy resulted from the use of liquid stored semen, whereas four were achieved using cryopreserved semen. These data provide new information on female bottlenose dolphin reproductive physiology, and demonstrate that the combination of endocrine monitoring and serial ultrasonography contributed to successful AI using liquid-stored and cryopreserved semen.

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Patterson, Eric M., Ewa Krzyszczyk, and Janet Mann. "Age-specific foraging performance and reproduction in tool-using wild bottlenose dolphins." Behavioral Ecology 27, no. 2 (October 7, 2015): 401–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arv164.

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Thayer, Victoria G., Andrew J. Read, Ari S. Friedlaender, David R. Colby, Aleta A. Hohn, William A. McLellan, D. Ann Pabst, et al. "REPRODUCTIVE SEASONALITY OF WESTERN ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS OFF NORTH CAROLINA, U.S.A." Marine Mammal Science 19, no. 4 (October 2003): 617–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2003.tb01120.x.

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Orbach, Dara N., Christopher D. Marshall, Bernd Würsig, and Sarah L. Mesnick. "Variation in Female Reproductive Tract Morphology of the Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)." Anatomical Record 299, no. 4 (February 29, 2016): 520–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.23318.

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West, K. L., S. Atkinson, M. J. Carmichael, J. C. Sweeney, B. Krames, and J. Krames. "Concentrations of Progesterone in Milk from Bottlenose Dolphins during Different Reproductive States." General and Comparative Endocrinology 117, no. 2 (February 2000): 218–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/gcen.2000.7404.

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Brook, F. "Ultrasonographic imaging of the reproductive organs of the female bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus aduncas." Reproduction 121, no. 3 (March 1, 2001): 419–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/reprod/121.3.419.

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McFee, Wayne E., Todd R. Speakman, Len Balthis, Jeff D. Adams, and Eric S. Zolman. "Reproductive seasonality of a recently designated bottlenose dolphin stock near Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A." Marine Mammal Science 30, no. 2 (July 25, 2013): 528–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12055.

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Brook, F. M., R. Kinoshita, and K. Benirschke. "HISTOLOGY OF THE OVARIES OF A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN, TURSIOPS ADUNCUS, OF KNOWN REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY." Marine Mammal Science 18, no. 2 (April 2002): 540–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2002.tb01054.x.

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Montano, G. A., D. C. Kraemer, C. C. Love, T. R. Robeck, and J. K. O'Brien. "284 IN VITRO FUNCTION OF FROZEN - THAWED BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) SPERM UNDERGOING SORTING AND RECRYOPRESERVATION." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 23, no. 1 (2011): 240. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rdv23n1ab284.

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Artificial insemination (AI) using sex-selected sperm of bottlenose dolphins is currently used for the reproductive and social management of captive populations, but distance of males to the sorting facility represents a limitation of the procedure. Sorting and recryopreservation of previously frozen–thawed (FSF) sperm would facilitate the global application of this technology. Although a calf has been produced using FSF sperm (O’Brien et al. 2009 Theriogenology 71, 98–107), a comprehensive examination of the in vitro quality of such samples is needed. The objective was to compare the in vitro quality of nonsorted (CNTR) and sorted (FSF) dolphin sperm before and after recryopreservation using straw (STR) and directional freezing (DF) methods. At all assessment intervals, sperm were evaluated for 1) motility parameters with computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA); 2) plasma membrane integrity (viability) and acrosome integrity using propidium iodide/fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peanut agglutinin (PI/FITC-PNA) staining and 3) DNA denaturation using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Semen from 3 ejaculates × 3 males was cryopreserved by DF. After thawing, samples were divided into CNTR and FSF. The CNTR sperm were recryopreserved using STR and DF methods with assessments performed after the first thaw (PT1) and before recryopreservation (PF2). The FSF sperm were prepared for sorting using a density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method, stained with Hoechst 33342, sorted (SX MoFlo®, Dako, Fort Collins, CO, USA), then recryopreserved using STR and DF methods. The FSF sperm were assessed post-PT1, post-DGC, post-stain, post-sort, and at PF2. After the second thaw (PT2), CNTR and FSF samples were diluted (1:0.1, vol/vol) with Androhep Enduraguard™ (AE; Minitube of America, Verona, WI, USA), incubated at room temperature, and assessed at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h PT2. The PT1 samples retained high proportions of their PF1 total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) (mean ± SD; 87.9 ± 7.3% and 92.2 ± 5.9%, respectively). The FSF sperm had improved (ANOVA; P < 0.05) motility (TM, PM, VAP, VCL, VSL) and viability at PF2 compared with PF1. The FSF sperm recryopreserved using DF had higher (P < 0.05) motility over the 24-h post-thaw incubation period compared with STR. The CNTR sperm DNA fragmentation remained unchanged throughout the process. The DNA fragmentation of FSF samples increased after staining (P < 0.05), then decreased during the PT2 incubation period, stabilising at lower values (P < 0.05) than CNTR from 6 to 24 h PT2. This unusual pattern indicates a possible interaction between Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange. After recryopreservation, the viability of FSF sperm was higher (P < 0.05) than that of CNTR sperm. Results indicate that bottlenose dolphin sperm undergoing cryopreservation, sorting, and recryopreservation are of adequate quality for use in AI.

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Henderson, Shaun D., Stephen M. Dawson, Rohan J. C. Currey, David Lusseau, and Karsten Schneider. "Reproduction, birth seasonality, and calf survival of bottlenose dolphins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand." Marine Mammal Science 30, no. 3 (January 19, 2014): 1067–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12109.

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Smolker, Rachel A., Andrew F. Richards, Richard C. Connor, and John W. Pepper. "Sex Differences in Patterns of Association Among Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphins." Behaviour 123, no. 1-2 (1992): 38–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853992x00101.

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AbstractPatterns of association among bottlenose dolphins resident in Shark Bay, Western Australia were analyzed using party membership data. Parties contained an average of 4.8 individuals, but party size and composition were unstable. While these temporary parties often contained both males and females, long term consistent associations generally were between members of the same sex. The highest association coefficients, resulting from very frequent co-occurrence within parties were between males and between mothers and offspring. Males formed subgroups of two or three individuals who consistently associated with each other, and these were stable over periods of at least seven years in some cases. Male subgroups preferentially associated with particular other male subgroups. Females associated most consistently with other females, although not to the same extent as some males. Female associations were better described as a network rather than discrete subgroups. Male-female associations were generally inconsistent and depended in part on female reproductive state. Mothers and their offspring associated very consistently for at least 4 years.

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Koga, Sotaro. "Reproductive Ability of Elderly Male Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Captivity." Mammal Study 44, no. 2 (April 23, 2019): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.3106/ms2018-0044.

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Kerem, Dan, Rafi Kent, Mia Roditi-Elasar, Oz Goffman, Aviad Scheinin, and Pavel Gol’din. "Early physical maturation of female common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus in the eastern Levantine Basin." Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution 59, no. 3 (May 6, 2013): 154–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15659801.2013.892297.

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Regional resource limitation in the eastern Levantine Basin was predicted to protract the growth of members of the Israeli sub-population of the common bottlenose dolphin (CBD), compared to CBD sub-populations of similar adult size. Growth curves were fitted to length-at-age data available for 24 male and 26 female CBD stranded or incidentally caught along the Israeli coastline between 2000 and 2009. The obtained model growth constants were compared to those of other CBD sub-populations from the southeastern coast of the United States and a correlation to regional seawater primary productivity was sought. As in other sub-populations, local CBD females initially grow faster than males for approximately 3–4 years and remain longer until around eight years old, after which males surpass them in length. Yet the steep early growth of females as well as its high rate of decay was found to be extreme compared to other CBD sub-populations, with 99% of the asymptotic length being reached at the age of six years. A positive correlation between seawater primary productivity and early growth rate as well as growth decay constants could be demonstrated for CBD males from Texas, Florida and Israeli coasts. Females of the same sub-population presented a non-monotonic relationship to primary productivity. Early female attainment of physical maturity in an ultra-oligotrophic region was unpredicted and is not readily explained. It may accompany early reproductive maturation, selected for as partial compensation for lower lifelong reproductive success.

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Leu, Stephan T., Pratha Sah, Ewa Krzyszczyk, Ann-Marie Jacoby, Janet Mann, and Shweta Bansal. "Sex, synchrony, and skin contact: integrating multiple behaviors to assess pathogen transmission risk." Behavioral Ecology 31, no. 3 (February 20, 2020): 651–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/araa002.

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Abstract Direct pathogen and parasite transmission is fundamentally driven by a population’s contact network structure and its demographic composition and is further modulated by pathogen life-history traits. Importantly, populations are most often concurrently exposed to a suite of pathogens, which is rarely investigated, because contact networks are typically inferred from spatial proximity only. Here, we use 5 years of detailed observations of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) that distinguish between four different types of social contact. We investigate how demography (sex and age) affects these different social behaviors. Three of the four social behaviors can be used as a proxy for understanding key routes of direct pathogen transmission (sexual contact, skin contact, and aerosol contact of respiratory vapor above the water surface). We quantify the demography-dependent network connectedness, representing the risk of exposure associated with the three pathogen transmission routes, and quantify coexposure risks and relate them to individual sociability. Our results suggest demography-driven disease risk in bottlenose dolphins, with males at greater risk than females, and transmission route-dependent implications for different age classes. We hypothesize that male alliance formation and the divergent reproductive strategies in males and females drive the demography-dependent connectedness and, hence, exposure risk to pathogens. Our study provides evidence for the risk of coexposure to pathogens transmitted along different transmission routes and that they relate to individual sociability. Hence, our results highlight the importance of a multibehavioral approach for a more complete understanding of the overall pathogen transmission risk in animal populations, as well as the cumulative costs of sociality.

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Wiszniewski, Joanna, Shannon Corrigan, Luciano B. Beheregaray, and Luciana M. Möller. "Male reproductive success increases with alliance size in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)." Journal of Animal Ecology 81, no. 2 (October 7, 2011): 423–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01910.x.

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Yuen, Q. W. H., F. M. Brook, R. E. Kinoshita, and M. T. C. Ying. "Semen Collection and Ejaculate Characteristics in the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)." Journal of Andrology 30, no. 4 (January 22, 2009): 432–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.2164/jandrol.108.006692.

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Robinson, Kevin P., Texa M. C. Sim, Ross M. Culloch, Thomas S. Bean, Isabel Cordoba Aguilar, Sonja M. Eisfeld, Miranda Filan, Gary N. Haskins, Genevieve Williams, and Graham J. Pierce. "Female reproductive success and calf survival in a North Sea coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population." PLOS ONE 12, no. 9 (September 20, 2017): e0185000. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185000.

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Samuel, Asha M., and Graham A. J. Worthy. "Variability in fatty acid composition of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) blubber as a function of body site, season, and reproductive state." Canadian Journal of Zoology 82, no. 12 (December 1, 2004): 1933–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z05-001.

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Odontocete blubber has been shown to be variable in composition and can be separated into strata visually, histologically, and biochemically. The purpose of this study was to examine fatty acid composition of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821)) blubber, and determine if differences exist between body sites, reproductive states, and (or) seasons. The influence of these variables on blubber composition could aid in the creation of a model that would use fatty acid signature analysis to evaluate diet in free-ranging populations. Blubber samples were obtained from freshly dead animals along the Texas and Louisiana coastlines. Samples from nine body sites were analyzed to investigate site variability, and from one site to evaluate differences due to season, reproductive state, and blubber layer. All body sites of animals sampled in the winter were statistically indistinguishable, indicating that biopsy samples could be obtained from any location on the animal for fatty acid analysis during this season; however, three distinct blubber layers were identifiable, and reproductive states were significantly different in terms of fatty acid composition. Seasonal differences in fatty acid composition were also highly significant for all one-site inner blubber layer samples. Ultimately, the differences in fatty acid composition could have resulted from dietary or physiological factors and need to be examined further.

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Brough, TE, S. Henderson, M. Guerra, and SM Dawson. "Factors influencing heterogeneity in female reproductive success in a Critically Endangered population of bottlenose dolphins." Endangered Species Research 29, no. 3 (January 29, 2016): 255–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/esr00715.

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Brook, F., R. Kinoshita, B. Brown, and C. Metreweli. "Ultrasonographic imaging of the testis and epididymis of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus aduncas." Reproduction 119, no. 2 (July 1, 2000): 233–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.1190233.

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Steiner, Aude, and Mike Bossley. "Some Reproductive Parameters of an Estuarine Population of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)." Aquatic Mammals 34, no. 1 (January 1, 2008): 84–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/am.34.1.2008.84.

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Mann, J. "Female reproductive success in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.): life history, habitat, provisioning, and group-size effects." Behavioral Ecology 11, no. 2 (March 1, 2000): 210–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/11.2.210.

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Biancani, B., L. Da Dalt, G. Lacave, S. Romagnoli, and G. Gabai. "Measuring fecal progestogens as a tool to monitor reproductive activity in captive female bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)." Theriogenology 72, no. 9 (December 2009): 1282–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.025.

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Kot, Brian C. W., Michael T. C. Ying, Fiona M. Brook, Reimi E. Kinoshita, David Kane, and Winson K. Chan. "Sonographic evaluation of thyroid morphology during different reproductive events in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins,Tursiops aduncus." Marine Mammal Science 28, no. 4 (September 29, 2011): 733–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2011.00530.x.

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Gibson, Q. A., E. M. Howells, J. D. Lambert, M. M. Mazzoil, and J. P. Richmond. "The ranging patterns of female bottlenose dolphins with respect to reproductive status: Testing the concept of nursery areas." Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 445 (July 2013): 53–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2013.03.020.

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Rossi, A., E. Scordamaglia, M. Bellingeri, G. Gnone, S. Nuti, F. Salvioli, P. Manfredi, and G. Santangelo. "Demography of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Mammalia: Delphinidae) in the Eastern Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean): quantification of female reproductive parameters." European Zoological Journal 84, no. 1 (January 1, 2017): 294–302. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/24750263.2017.1334839.

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Houde, Magali, Brian C. Balmer, Sicco Brandsma, Randall S. Wells, Teri K. Rowles, Keith R. Solomon, and Derek C. G. Muir. "PERFLUOROALKYL COMPOUNDS IN RELATION TO LIFE-HISTORY AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) FROM SARASOTA BAY, FLORIDA, USA." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 25, no. 9 (2006): 2405. http://dx.doi.org/10.1897/05-499r.1.

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Schwacke, Lori H., Eberhard O. Voit, Larry J. Hansen, Randall S. Wells, Greg B. Mitchum, Aleta A. Hohn, and Patricia A. Fair. "PROBABILISTIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS ON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) FROM THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES COAST." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21, no. 12 (2002): 2752. http://dx.doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(2002)021<2752:praore>2.0.co;2.

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Journal articles on the topic 'Bottlenose dolphin – Reproduction'

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