Service center: Endocrinology Lab

The Endocrinology Laboratory of the DPZ, headed by Michael Heistermann and previously part of the Reproductive Biology Unit, has established itself as an independent service unit since January 1st. The laboratory has a long standing experience in developing and applying endocrine methodologies, in particular non-invasive steroid hormone measurements from urine and faeces (plus blood and saliva). These measurements are used for the assessment of reproductive status and physiological stress in primates and some other mammal species, such as elephants. The hormone laboratory provides essential support for several research areas within the DPZ, particularly for the biomedical and comparative field based research, as well as supporting the breeding management of our primate colony.

This work provides the basis to offer expertise and methodological competence in hormone measurements as a service to external partners from the science community and zoos. The expertise and facilities are utilized by the scientific community at large and support an extensive network of international collaborative studies mainly in primate behavioural endocrinology, behavioural ecology, reproductive biology, field endocrinology, conservation and husbandry and welfare. In total, the lab staff analyzes more than 10.000 samples a year. In addition, the lab offers a service in reproductive and stress monitoring to support the breeding and husbandry of non-human primates and some other mammal species. This service is especially appreciated by zoos engaged in breeding management of endagered species, primarily apes. Using urinary and faecal hormone measurements, Michael Heistermann and his team assess the fertility status and/or diagnose and monitor pregnancy of potential breeding females. The lab also offers to monitor reproductive status in elephants and rhinos. Since about 20 years now, the lab supports the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for Asian and African elephants by weekly hormone analyses. This way Michael Heistermann and his staff currently support the breeding management of more than 80 animals in 24 zoos all over Europe.