ACTH Stimulation Induced Self-Mutilation Behavior in the Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Psittacidae are very susceptible to chronic stress and behavioral disorders. We report a successful physiological validation of an enzyme immunoassay for the non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity and, thus, stress in the golden conure. In addition, as an incidental finding, we demonstrate a link between increased glucocorticoid levels and behavioral disorders. Our results are of great relevance for conservation projects and endocrine-behavioral studies of captive golden conures, where the stress evaluation is a fundamental part of animal welfare programs. ABSTRACT: Psittacidae are very susceptible to chronic stress and behavioral disorders. Information regarding the endocrinology of the golden conure is scarce, especially about adrenocortical activity. Endocrine studies using non-invasive methods are useful, because they allow longitudinal analysis with high numbers of samples without causing additional stress and are viable in the psittacidae management. The objective was to physiologically validate an enzyme immunoassay for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) in this species. Serial droppings were collected from 16 animals. First, one subgroup received adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; Synacthen Depót(®)) and the other group served as controls. This procedure was reversed afterwards. All birds presented self-mutilation approximately 6 h after the ACTH injection. This behavior disappeared after two days. Peak concentrations (on average nine times higher than baseline values) of GCMs were found 6 (4–8) h after ACTH administration; in all (but one) animals also a second peak was found 14 (10–20) h post injection. GCM levels returned to the baseline after 24 h. We physiologically validated a cortisone enzyme immunoassays to measure adrenocortical activity in the golden conure. Such non-invasive methods are important for studies, which are related to welfare, reproductive, and conservation programs. In addition, we could demonstrate a link between increased glucocorticoid levels and behavioral disorders.