USE OF BEHAVIOR TO EVALUATE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS IN CAPTIVE MAMMALS

Behavioral analyses constitute a logical starting point for discerning the causes of reproductive failure in captive mammals and should be c ompleted before moving on to more invasive diagnostic procedures. Beha vioral inadequacies affecting reproductive performance may be attribut able to deficient early rearing environments, to the social milieux in which breeding-age animals are held on a longterm basis, or in the wa y pairings for mating are staged. Diagnoses may be focused on uncoveri ng motivational, motoric, social, or communicative deficiencies. A bio logically based approach which integrates species-typical behavior wit h concerns for genetics, physiology, and health in designing breeding programs will improve prospects for success. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.