Detection of pregnancy and fertility status in big cats using an enzyme immunoassay based on 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one

Development of non-invasive steroid hormone assays using fecal samples is crucial for detection of pregnancy and monitoring of fertility status in big cats and thus facilitates conservation and management of wild animals. Due to changes in metabolism and excretory pattern, animals excrete different steroid metabolites in feces and urine. The present study is an attempt to develop a common enzyme immunoassay for 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one one of the predominant progestogen metabolites in the feces samples of big cats. The developed ELISA showed a high sensitivity and low cross reactivity to other hormones compared to commercially available RIA kits based on progesterone antibody. It could be used in a wide range of animals for monitoring fertility status and pregnancy detection by measuring fecal steroid metabolites.

► Development of ELISA for non-invasive steroid monitoring for progesterone metabolites in feces of big cats. ► ELISA developed and standardized using antibody against 5-α-pregnan-3-α-ol-20-one. ► ELISA could be used for progesterone profiling and pregnancy detection in a wide range of animals.