Fecal estrogen, progestagen and glucocorticoid metabolites during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): evidence for delayed implantation

Table 1 Reproductive characteristics of giant anteaters

Animal name	Studbook number	Age range (years)	Estrous cycles (count)	Estrous cycle (days)	Luteal phase (days)	Pregnancy (days)	Post-partum return to estrous (days)
Monita	314	6.2 – 7.8	6	62.5 ± 2.6 (55 – 74)	24.8 ±1.3 (22 – 33)
Emelia	374	3.6 – 5.6	3	47.3 ± 4.3 (42 – 56)	25.2 ± 0.7 (23 – 27)	183	151
Lia	376	3.5 – 5.6	3	49.3 ± 2.8 (46 – 55)	20.1 ± 0.4 (19 – 22)	171	60
Odelia	379	3.5 – 3.7	0		16, 16
Gabriella	395	1.3 – 2.9	0
Praim	411	1.5 – 2.6	0		16, 28	175	88
Maripi	402	0.9 – 1.4	0

Data are shown as the mean ± SEM (range). Age range was estimated from beginning to end of the fecal collection period. Although two luteal phases were observed for Odelia and Praim, the lack of definitive E peaks did not allow for an estimation of total estrous cycle length. Gabriella and Maripi did not exhibit luteal activity during the study period.

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