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Recommendations

  1. MGA Implant (F) - Ideally, to minimize progestin exposure, insert 1 month before the breeding season and remove 1 month after end of breeding season
  2. Depo-Provera® injection (F) - 5 mg/kg body wt. throughout breeding season.

    • Contraception schedule for MGA implant placement/removal and Depo-Provera injection frequency and number of doses for various lemur taxa. This schedule is based upon data from the RMC Contraception Database and the Duke Lemur Center of earliest and latest breeding dates. Please realize that there may also be individual variation.

    Species

    Start

    Effective through

    Frequency

    # doses in season

    Lemur catta

    early Sept

    end March

    Every 40-45 days

    5

    Eulemur sp.

    early Oct

    end March

    Every 60 days

    3

    Varecia sp.

    early Nov

    end April

    Every 45 days

    4

    Propithecus sp.

    early June

    end Dec

    Every 45 days

    4
  3. GnRH Agonists - Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonists are considered the safest reversible contraceptives, but dosages and duration of efficacy are not well established for all species. Side effects are generally similar to those associated with gonadectomy, especially the potential for weight gain unless diet is controlled.
    • Suprelorin® (deslorelin) Implants (F or M)
    • Lupron® Depot Injection (F or M)

Cautions

Depo-Provera is associated with weight gain and possible masculinization of females, e.g., in dichromatic species, female may take on aspects of male coloration.

Research and Monitoring

Surveillance for deleterious effects
• Contraception Annual Survey
• Tissue Submission Form – Pathology
• Adverse Reactions Report

THE USE OF ANY CONTRACEPTIVE IN NON-DOMESTIC ANIMALS IS CONSIDERED EXPERIMENTAL

(M=MALE-DIRECTED, F=FEMALE-DIRECTED METHOD)