Physiological and behavioral indices of short-term stress in wild vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) in Jujuy Province,Argentina |
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| Authors: | Gisela Marcoppido Yanina Arzamendia Bibiana Vilá |
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| Institution: | 1. Pathobiology Institute (Instituto de Patobiologia), Research Centre for Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences (Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA)), National Institute of Agronomic and Livestock Technology (Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA)) Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina;2. Vicu?as, Camelids, Environment (VICAM) (Vicu?as, Camélidos, Ambiente), Buenos Aires, Argentina;3. National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Buenos Aires, Argentinamarcoppido.gisela@inta.gob.ar;5. Vicu?as, Camelids, Environment (VICAM) (Vicu?as, Camélidos, Ambiente), Buenos Aires, Argentina;6. Faculty of Agronomic Science (Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias), Institute of Andean Eco-regions National University of Jujuy (Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA)) CONICET, National University of Jujuy (Universidad Nacional de Jujuy), Jujuy, Argentina;7. National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Buenos Aires, Argentina;8. Departamento de Ciencias Sociales (Social Sciences Department), National University of Lujan (Universidad Nacional de Luján), Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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| Abstract: | The management of wild vicuñas can trigger a stress response that may compromise welfare. In Santa Catalina, Jujuy Province, Argentina, indices of short-term stress associated with capture, handling, and shearing were studied in 105 wild vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna). The study included 2 groups (n = 59 and n = 46) of wild vicuñas captured in 2 consecutive days. Independent variables analyzed included sex, restraint time, and groups. Cortisol, creatine kinase, glucose, white blood cells, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory frequency were higher than published values. Respiratory rate increased during handling and correlated with holding time and group size, while heart rate decreased. Packed cell volume was higher in females. Cortisol concentrations differed between restraint groups and sex and inversely correlated with agonistic behavior. The most common behavior was increased vigilance. Sternal recumbency increased over holding time. During handling procedures, frequency of sudden movements like kicking and attempts to stand increased as restraint time increased. Females vocalized more than males. In conclusion, the methods used triggered measurable changes suggestive of short-term stress that appeared to be physiologically tolerated by the vicuñas. |
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| Keywords: | Argentinean Puna capture stress wild vicuñas |
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