Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Sciences)
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Item Spinal conformation of domesticated Sri Lankan elephants(Elephas maximus maximus)(University of Peradeniya. Peradeniya, 1998) Godagama, W.K.; Wemmer, C.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.The aim of this study was to investigate scientifically whether the five spinal conformations (Types 1 to 5) described for the Burmese elephant (Elephas maximus birmanicus) are also present in the Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus). This was done using 140 domesticated elephants and the GAle's five-description system. The results showed thst the five spinal conformation types described for Burmese elephant are also present in the Sri Lankan elephant. Out of the 140 elephants, 23(16perc.) had type 1, 48 conformation. The five types p=0.001, d.f.=4). Further there was a significant difference (fisher's Exact test; p=0.001, d.f.=4) between the number of male elephantas and female elephants falling into the five different types of spinal conformationItem The body condition of Sri Lankan domesticaded elephants (Elephas maximus maximus)(University of Peradeniya. Peradeniya, 1998) Godagama, W.K.; Wemmer, C.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.The body condition of domesticated Sri Lankan elephants has not been scientifically evaluated although many believe that it is poor. The objective of this study was to evalute the body condition of domesticated elephants in Sri Lanka using an index developed by Wemmer and Krishnamurthy (1992). This method of assessing relies on visual assessment and numerical scoring of six criteria (temporal depression, scapula, thoracic region, flank area, lumbar vertibrae and pelvic bone) resulting in a scale of 0-11. The study was conducted between 1st April 1993 and 1st April 1994 in 13 administrative districts using 140 domesticated elephants. The results show that the mean body condition index of the present day domesticated elephants is 6.95+/- 0.26 points (mean +/- SEM). MAles had significantly lower body condition index (6.63+/-0.22 points) than that of females (7.3+/-0.21points) and there was no significant (r=0.398, p=1, n=140) correlation between the age and the body condition index of elephants. Further, the body condition index was not significantly different between the elephants which were owned by private individuals or temples and dewales (p=0.71) and maintained by the mahouts or the owners(p=0.21)Item Absence of synchronization either in defaecation or urination of the Sri Lankan elephants(Elephas maximus maximus) in captivity(1994) Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Molligoda, P.S.; Molligoda, W.H.M.The main aim of this study was to examine whether synchronization in defaecation is present in the Sri Lankan elephant as is reported for the African elephants. The other secondary aims were to investigate whether such a phenomenon exists with respect to urination and to obtain baseline data related to these two phenomena. The study was conducted at the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka using eight captive elephants. The results show that there is no synchronization either in defaecation or in urination. Furthermore, the study shows that the Sri Lankan elephant, in captivity, defaecates approximately 13 times per day, each episode lasting for about 33 sec. About 5 faecal boluses are passed at each defaecation episode and each single bolus weighted approximately 1.5kg. Amoung the parameters monitored and computed, a gender defference was seen only in the weight of the boluses, where the weight was significantly lower in the females in comparison to the males. On the other hand, the elephants urinated approximately 10 times per day, each episode having a mean duration of about 22 sec.Item Effect of polyphloretin phosphate (a prostaglandin receptor-blocking drug) on fertility of male rats(1983) Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Lionel, N.D.W.No significant suppression in fertility and libido was evident by implanting Silastic rods containing 25perc. and 50 perc. polyphloretin phosphate, a prostonoid receptor-blocking drug, adjacent to the epididymis of rats. The treatment neither produced any significant deterioration of health nor development of undesirable side effects. Possible reasons for the failure of polyphloretin phosphate to effect fertility are discussed.Item Prevalence of eye defects in domesticated Sri Lankan elephants(Elephas maximus maximus)(University of Peradeniya. Peradeniya, 1999) Godagama, W.K.; Wemmer, C.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.Item The presence of spermatozoa in the oral cavity of sexually active male rates(University of Peradeniya. Peradeniya, 1998) Palitharatne, C.D.; Vidyaratne, M.G.A.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.Item A plant extract that prevents clotting of mammalian blood(University of Peradeniya. Peradeniya, 1975) Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Ranatunga, K.W.Item Antireproductive effects in male rats exposed to methamidophos(University of Peradeniya. Peradeniya, 1995) Peiris, L.D.C.; Jayatunga, Y.N.A.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.