Managing parturition in rhinoceros
The reproductive investment in slow-breeding species like rhinoceroses is significant, with a reproductive cycle that includes oestrous, gestation, and lactation lasting between 1.5 to 4 years.
Ensuring the Safe Arrival of the
Next Generation
The investment of slow reproducing species like the rhinoceros into generating one offspring is tremendous. The reproduction cycle in rhinoceros including the oestrous cycle, gestation and lactation spans over 1.5 – 4 years. The parturition and perinatal period represent the eye of the needle of this reproduction cycle to establish a new generation. Delivering a live and healthy calf is of key importance to ensure that the breeders’ genes are represented in the population and that the resources invested into gestation over 1.5 years are not lost ‘last minute’.
Records or videos on normal parturition or dystocia are scarce for rhinoceros. Close observation of pre-partum changes, labour stages, parturition progress and perinatal events is of outmost importance for delivering a healthy calf. Better prediction of parturition and knowledge on its progress allows for concerted birth preparations and better obstetrical care. Our experience with dozens of rhinoceros births provides valuable insight into the physiology of rhinoceros parturition. We provide assistance for clinicians to recognize dystocia or foetal hypoxia and to take quick, clinical decisions for immediate or delayed interventions during parturition or in the perinatal period.
References:
Parturition in rhinoceros. Hermes R, Hildebrandt TB. In: Fowler’s Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Current Therapy Volume 10. Eds.: RE Miller, PP Calle, N Lamberski; Elsevier Saunders 2023; 613-620.
Parturition in white rhinoceros. Hermes R, Göritz F, Wiesner M, Richter N, Mulot B, Alerte V, Smith S, Bouts T, Hildebrandt TB. Theriogenology 2020; 156: 181-188.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.035
Obstetrics in elephants. Hermes R, Saragusty J, Schaftenaar W, Göritz F, Schmitt DL, Hildebrandt TB. Theriogenology 2008; 70: 131-44.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.003