The aim of this study was to compare the effects of arginine vasotocin (AVT) administration in the endangered boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas) and common Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri). The objectives of this study were to determine if AVT could elicit: 1) calling, and 2) amplexus behaviors. Toads were paired into single male:female groups and administered AVT at varying concentrations: 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 25.0 μg/g and in different combinations: 1) only male was treated; 2) only female was treated, and 3) both male and female treated. AVT failed to stimulate any breeding behavior in the boreal toad, but the administration of AVT to both B. Fowleri genders significantly affected the duration of amplexus (p<0.0347). Also, the concentration of AVT significantly affected the length of amplexus (p<0.0429) and call frequency (p<0.0294). These results will be valuable for breeding programs where animals are failing to show natural reproductive behavior.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-5289 |
| Date | 12 May 2012 |
| Creators | Rowlison, Tricia Marie |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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