Control of reproduction with anti-progestin and oestrogens in captive bears

The aim of this study was to establish new methods for controlling reproduction in bears. Anti-progestins were used to interrupt pregnancies. In two consecutive years, the anti-progestin J956 was administered to 11 female bears (nine Ursus arctos, one Ursus tibethanus, one Tremarctos ornatus) living in zoos. The anti-progestin J956 was given orally (n = 4) or parenterally (n = 12). The anti-progestin was administered alone or in combination with ethinyloestradiol, and before or after embryo implantation. The effects of anti-progestin treatment were determined using ultrasonographic examination of the urogenital tract and by monitoring progesterone concentrations in the blood and faeces. Oral administration of anti-progestin was not successful (successful in 0 of 4); however, in contrast, none of the parenteral treated animals remained pregnant (successful in 12 of 12). Parenteral treatment with J956, with or without ethinyloestradiol, was effective in disrupting pregnancy before implantation (successful in 6 of 6) and after implantation (successful in 6 of 6), but administration one month after implantation (n = 2) resulted in incomplete resorption of the fetuses. In conclusion, the administration of anti-progestins may be a useful method for preventing embryo implantation in captive bears.