スナメリの妊娠，出産および繁 殖個体の飼育経過について

摘要

A female and a male finless porpoise were transferred to the Notojima Aquarium on December 8, 2004. On June 30, 2006, the female was confirmed pregnant by the increased levels of progesterone in the blood. To dispel the chance of pseudopregnancy, an ultrasound examination was performed. It showed a fetus of about 13 cm in length. Two more ultrasound examinations were performed prior to delivery to monitor the health condition of the fetus. The male finless porpoise (father) was separated from the female to avoid interference in the delivery of the calf. The calf was delivered naturally on May 29, 2007 at 4:31 am. Solid food intake started on the 101th day, and breast-feeding ended on the 387th day. On January 5, 2008, the male was reunited with the female and the calf. Twenty six days later, the calf's daily consumption decreased to the point where liquid nourishment was fed to the calf via an I. V. drip for two days. This treatment improved the calf's condition to normal.