Serum corticoid levels relative to handling stress in Alaskan moose

Abstract

Blood serum 11-hydroxycorticosteroids were compared to visual evaluation of handling stress in Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) at the Kenai Moose Research Center (MRC). Moose were evaluated for handling excitability before and during handling when trapped, and were graded on a scale from 1 (not excited) to 5 (highly excited). There were significant differences in corticosteroid levels (a = 0.1) between each class comparison, except between classes 4 and 5, suggesting that this analysis provided a means to classify and compare other blood chemistry values from similarly stressed moose. Other factors may influence the 11-hydroxycorticosteroid levels, but handling stress had an overwhelming influence. Other methods to evaluate handling stress, such as body temperature, should also be considered, but when not feasible this method may be utilized.