ACTH Stimulation Induced Self-Mutilation Behavior in the Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is a well designed and good structured study. Although it is not new that stress in birds is related to an increase of urinary/fecal glycocorticoid metabolite excretion, the study contribute to the increasing data base of species in which the relevant metabolites were identified. In addition, the authors present a remarkable behavioral observation, allowing a link between peak levels of stress hormones (induced by ACTH) and self-mutilation behaviour in the Golden conure.

I support the publication of the manuscript in "Animals".

Author Response

Thank you very much for your quick and positive review.

Reviewer 2 Report

This is an interesting paper which is within the scope of Animal. I found the paper relevant, comprehensive, concise and well organized around the data presented.I recommended this paper for publication in present form.

This is well analyzed and written manuscript describing the result of validation of enzyme immunoassay for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites in droppings of golden conure. In addition, the authors demonstrated a link between increased glucocorticoid levels and behavioral disorders. This is an interesting paper which is within the scope of Animal. I found the paper relevant, comprehensive, concise and well organized around the data presented. The presentation is clear and attractive and easy to read and the language is fluent and precise. The Introduction provides adequate background. The research design is appropriate, and methods are adequately described. Results are presented clearly and logically, and they justify the data provided. The Figure is clear. The discussion is well organized and balanced. I have no suggestions to add. I recommended this paper for publication as it is.

Author Response

Thank you very much for your quick and positive review.