Tuty Laswardi Yusuf

Characterization of Seminiferous Epithelium Stages in the Wild Javan Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak muntjak) Using the Tubular Morphology Method

Stages of the seminiferous epithelium of the testis of the wild Javan muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak muntjak) in hard antler period were characterized based on the tubular morphology method. The number and the relative frequencies of seminiferous epithelium stages and the morphometry of germinal cell nuclei were identified microscopically. We identified eight stages of seminiferous epithelium in testicular tissue of the Javan muntjac and found that the relative frequencies of stages I to VIII were 14.87, 15.12, 17.75, 6.87, 7.37, 12.37, 13, and 12.62%, respectively. The diameter of the nuclei of germinal cells varied in each stage of seminiferous epithelium. Diplotene-stage primary spermatocytes had prominent and large nuclei ~8.97 ± 1.0 μm in stages III and IV. Pachytene primary spermatocytes appeared in most stages, except stage IV, whereas leptotene- and diplotene-stage primary spermatocytes were found in stages I and II, and III and IV, respectively. Round spermatids were observed in stages IV to VIII and in stage I but were absent in stages II and III, while elongated spermatids were observed in all stages except stage I. Our findings show that the stages of seminiferous epithelium in the Javan muntjac are similar to those found in neotropical cervids, small ruminants, and other domestic animals.

Sexual Behaviour of the Spectral Tarsier ( Tarsius spectrum ) in Captivity

Tarsius spectrum is a primate species endemic to Sulawesi. Populations of the species have decreased due to habitat destruction and hunting. The sexual behaviour of T. bancanus and T. syrichta are known, but that of T. spectrum has not been reported until recently. The aim of this research was to study the sexual behaviour of T. spectrum in captivity. We observed 3 pairs of T. spectrum at the captive breeding facility of the IPB Primate Research Centre for 9 months using focal animal sampling. We showed that principal courtship behaviours were scent marking (36.7%) and genital marking for females (16.2%) and genital inspection for males (16.0%). Copulations lasted between 3 and 4 min, starting with the male mounting the female and thrusting quickly as many as 168–236 times followed by slow thrusting 9–20 times. When slow thrusting occurred, females vocalized up to 6 times. At the end of the copulation sequence, males remained motionless with their penis inserted within the female’s genitalia for about 31 s. Copulation occurred only once for each pair during the observation period. Our results should be useful to support breeding programmes and conservation actions for tarsiers.

Assessing female reproductive status of spectral tarsier (Tarsius tarsier) using fecal steroid hormone metabolite analysis

The wild population of spectral tarsier is declining and attempts to breed the species in captivity have been of limited success. One possible reason for this is that information on the reproductive biology of Tarsius tarsier is extremely limited and data on the species reproductive physiology are completely lacking. We validated fecal estrogen (E‐total) and progesterone metabolite (5‐P‐3OH) measurements for monitoring female ovarian activity and pregnancy. We used this approach to provide the first data on cycle and pregnancy length based on endocrine information in this species. We collected regular fecal samples in combination with observations on socio‐sexual behaviors for a maximum of 15 months from three females maintained at Primate Research Center of Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia. Hormonal profiles indicated that behavioral estrus was associated with marked elevations in fecal E‐total concentrations followed by increases in 5‐P‐3OH levels indicating luteal function. Pregnancy was characterized by low levels of E‐total and 5‐P‐3OH during the first month and markedly rising concentrations thereafter. An ovarian cycle length of 21.7 ± 5.7 days was found. Gestation length was 128d (live infant), 131d (stillbirth), and 164d (death of mother and infant due to dystocia). Despite the small sample size, the study demonstrates the overall validity of fecal sex hormone metabolite measurements for reproductive monitoring in female T. tarsier, as such, the methods described here may ultimately help to improve the breeding management of the species in captivity. They may also offer new opportunities for investigating basic questions of tarsier reproductive biology in the wild by using fecal hormone metabolite analysis to diagnose pregnant animals and determine reproductive rates in relation to ecological and other factors influencing tarsier reproduction. Thus, non‐invasive assessment of female reproductive condition as described here may ultimately contribute to facilitate in and ex situ conservation efforts of this endangered primate species.

FREEZING CAPABILITY OF PASUNDAN BULL SPERM USING TRIS-EGG YOLK, TRIS-SOY, AND ANDROMED® DILUENTS

The aims of this study were to investigate the freezing capability of Pasundan bull spermatozoa in Tris-egg yolk (TEY), Tris-soy (TS), and AndroMed as diluents. Semen were collected twice a week from four Pasundan bulls aged 3-5 years old using an artificial vagina and evaluated macroand microscopically. Semen had ≥70% sperm motility, ≥800x10/mL sperm concentration, and less than 20% sperm abnormalities were divided into three parts and each of them diluted with TEY, TS, or AndroMed. After an equilibration step at 5° C for four hours, diluted semen were packaged in 0.25 mL straw, frozen in liquid nitrogen for ten minutes and kept in liquid nitrogen container until examination. Motility test on fresh, diluted, equilibrated, and after-thawed semen was done using Androvision. The results showed that after thawing motility of sperm diluted in AndroMed (58.64±0.72%) was higher than in TEY (49.45±1.22%) and TS (39.34±6.33%). Sperm motility of Pasundan bulls diluted in these three diluents reduced around 33.27±2.45% during freezing process. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Diurnal Patterns of Testosterone and Cortisol Metabolites in Fecal of Javan Gibbons (Hylobates moloch) in Captivity

The term of allelopathy refers to chemical interactions (inhibitory or stimulatory) between plants, between plants and microorganisms, and between microorganisms. The wealth of information on the processes, procedures, and practices of allelopathy has contributed to understanding this field of science. Recently, researches of allelopathy have been conducted in laboratory, greenhouse, and field with multifaceted standpoint in some concerning area: (i) allelochemicals identifications and screening test; (ii) ecological and physiological aspects of allelopathy; (iii) genetic studies and the possibilities of using plant breeding or genetic manipulation to enhance allelopathic varieties; (iv) the use of allelopathic potential in the biological control, including as natural pesticide, of weeds and plant diseases as eco-friendly approach for sustainable agriculture scheme. Key words: Allelochemicals, biological control, sustainable agriculture

Pola Diurnal Metabolit Testosteron dan Kortisol di dalam Feses Owa Jawa (Hylobates moloch) di Penangkaran

The aims of this research were to determine diurnal patterns of testosterone and cortisol metabolites to predict the testis functional status. In this study, fecal testosterone and cortisol were quantified in 77 samples from three male Hylobates moloch during a course of three months period. These data showed that the highest concentration of fecal testosterone occured at 18.00-06.00 (23.61 ng/g dried feces), then declined gradually. The lowest concentration was in the evening (5.54 ng/g dried feces). Our tests showed that there was a decrease in the mean testosterone concentration from 06.00-10.00 to 10.00-14.00 to 14.00-18.00. For cortisol, the highest concentration occured at 06.00-10.00 (597.84 ng/g dried feces), then decline gradually in the evening (225.73 ng/g dried feces).

Characteristics of reproductive performance of Garut rams

Basic information on reproductive potency of Garut rams is necessary in order to identify the capacity of rams in producing chilled or frozen semen. Eight Garut rams (three to five years old) were used in this study. The male sexual behaviors were observed and semen was collected once a week using artificial vagina. Semen quality was evaluated and its potency to produce frozen semen was calculated. Results of this study indicated that first, second, and third ejaculations were at the 29, 87 and 176th seconds, respectively. Fresh semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, intact acrosomal cap, and intact plasma membrane were 0.99 ml, 3224 million/ml; 76.67; 86.13 and 87.73%, respectively. Protein value, fructose, vitamin C, vitamin E, sodiu, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphor, chloride, and mangan in seminal plasma of fresh semen were 4140, 180, 3.2, 24, 180, 117, 9, 6.12, 60, 104, and 5 mg/ml, respectively. Measurement of head length, width, and length of sperm tail were 6.59, 3.99, and 42.65 μm, respectively. Length and width measurement of right and left testes, and scrotal circumference were 12.71, 6.5, and 32.36 cm, respectively. Capacity of each Garut rams to produce frozen semen from three consecutive ejaculations are 35.88 mini straw with the cencentration of 200 million motile sperm per 0.25 ml. Key words: Reproductive characteristics, Garut rams