Theriogenology wild最新文献

Female reproductive physiology in the aardvark (Orycteropus afer): A novel case report 食蚁兽（后角兽）雌性生殖生理一例新报道

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2026-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100145

Lindsey Fallon , Geoffrey R. Browning , Rachel Felton , Missy Belmer , Xela Riveraluis , Barbara Durrant , Christopher W. Tubbs

There is scarce literature describing reproductive biology in the aardvark (Orycteropus afer). Although knowledge from species-specific endocrine monitoring can be applied to in situ and ex situ programs, endocrine profiles have yet to be described for this species, which experiences poor reproductive success in managed care. In this case report, we characterized aspects of aardvark reproductive physiology in a single female using longitudinal monitoring of hormones and behavior, description of physical characteristics, and ultrasonography during the estrous cycle, breeding, gestation, parturition, and lactation. Fecal progesterone (P₄), total estrogens (E), and androstenedione (A₄) concentrations were measured 2 – 4 times weekly by radioimmunoassay and paired with behavioral data to identify estrous cyclicity and gestation. The breeding pair was housed together from 337 to 232 days prior to parturition, with breeding observed via camera monitoring. Baseline P₄ was 193.0 ± 126.68 ng/g (mean±SD) while pregnancy P₄ levels rose to 18,939.8 ± 11,926.17 ng/g. Baseline E was 17.44 ± 11.86 ng/g and follicular phase peak E was 276.73 ± 100.06 ng/g. A₄ was found to be uninformative in this study. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasound approximately 3 months into gestation and fetal development was monitored until parturition. Length of gestation was confirmed as previously reported (213 – 258 days), as we estimated the length to be 231 days. Furthermore, we described, for the first time, aardvark pregnancy diagnosis, nursing behavior, return to ovulation during lactation and estrous cycle length (19 ± 5.29 days). These data may help with management decisions and contribute to improving success of aardvark reproduction in managed care.

关于食蚁兽（Orycteropus）生殖生物学的描述文献很少。尽管来自物种特异性内分泌监测的知识可以应用于原位和非原位计划，但该物种的内分泌概况尚未得到描述，该物种在管理护理中繁殖成功率较低。在本病例报告中，我们通过对一只雌性土豚在发情周期、繁殖、妊娠、分娩和哺乳期间的激素和行为的纵向监测、身体特征的描述和超声检查来描述土豚生殖生理的各个方面。每周用放射免疫法测定2 ~ 4次粪黄体酮（P4）、总雌激素(E)和雄烯二酮（A4）浓度，并结合行为数据确定发情周期和妊娠情况。从分娩前337天到232天，繁殖对被关在一起，通过摄像机监测繁殖情况。基线P4水平为193.0 ± 126.68 ng/g（平均±SD），妊娠期P4水平为18939.8 ± 11,926.17 ng/g。基线E为17.44 ± 11.86 ng/g，卵泡相峰值E为276.73 ± 100.06 ng/g。在本研究中发现A4是无信息的。妊娠大约在妊娠3个月时通过经腹超声诊断，并监测胎儿发育直至分娩。妊娠期与先前报道一致（213 - 258天），我们估计的妊娠期为231天。此外，我们还首次描述了土豚的妊娠诊断、哺乳行为、哺乳期恢复排卵和发情周期长度（19 ± 5.29 d）。这些数据可能有助于管理决策，并有助于提高管理护理中食蚁兽繁殖的成功率。

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引用次数: 0

Assessment of ultra-rapid freezing as a simplified, field-friendly technique for semen cryopreservation in wild ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) in southern Texas 德克萨斯州南部野生豹猫（Leopardus pardalis）和山猫（Lynx rufus）精液冷冻保存的简化、野外友好技术评价

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2026-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100146

Ashley M. Reeves , William F. Swanson , Tyler A. Campbell , Michael E. Tewes , Amy Miller , Cary Springer , Debra L. Miller

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) populations in southern Texas have shown declines in genetic variability over time. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs¹), such as semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination (AI²), can help improve species sustainability by preserving genetic diversity and connecting populations by transport of frozen gametes. Traditionally, felid semen has been cryopreserved by slow freezing in plastic straws (STRAW) for liquid nitrogen storage. However, another technique, ultra-rapid freezing (URF³), would decrease the time and effort needed to preserve samples and potentially facilitate cryopreservation in the field. The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of URF to traditional STRAW freezing with two wild felid species living in southern Texas. Semen was collected by urethral catheterization (UC⁴) and electroejaculation (EEJ⁵) and frozen using both cryopreservation methods from 12 free-ranging adult felids (n = 6 ocelots; n = 6 bobcats (Lynx rufus)). Post-thaw, sperm samples were assessed for progressive motility, acrosomal integrity, and heterologous in-vitro fertilization (IVF⁶) of domestic cat oocytes. For both species, sperm acrosomal integrity, percent progressive motility, and rate of forward progression declined (p < 0.001) over time, with no difference (p > 0.05) between cryopreservation methods. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa from both species fertilized mature domestic cat oocytes (range, 8.3 – 100 %), and oocyte cleavage percentage did not differ (p > 0.05) between cryopreservation techniques. Our initial results suggest that URF, in combination with UC, may allow wildlife veterinarians to routinely collect and bank semen samples from free-ranging cats for conservation purposes.

随着时间的推移，德克萨斯州南部的豹猫（Leopardus pardalis）种群的遗传变异性有所下降。辅助生殖技术（ARTs1），如精液冷冻保存和人工授精（AI2），可以通过保存遗传多样性和通过运输冷冻配子连接种群来帮助提高物种的可持续性。传统上，通过在塑料吸管（STRAW）中缓慢冷冻液氮来冷冻动物精液。然而，另一种技术，超快速冷冻（URF3），将减少保存样品所需的时间和精力，并有可能促进现场低温保存。本研究的目的是比较URF和传统秸秆冷冻在德克萨斯州南部两种野生动物身上的效果。12只自由放养的成年猫科动物（n = 6只豹猫；n = 6只山猫（Lynx rufus）），通过导尿（UC4）和电射精（EEJ5）采集精液，并采用两种冷冻保存方法进行冷冻。解冻后，评估精子样本的进行性活力、顶体完整性和家猫卵母细胞的异源体外受精（IVF6）。对于这两个物种，精子顶体完整性、进展活力百分比和向前进展率随着时间的推移而下降（p <； 0.001），而冷冻保存方法之间没有差异（p >； 0.05）。两种物种的冷冻解冻精子与成熟的家猫卵母细胞受精（范围8.3 - 100%），卵母细胞切割率在冷冻保存技术之间没有差异（p >； 0.05）。我们的初步结果表明，URF与UC相结合，可能使野生动物兽医能够定期收集和储存自由放养猫的精液样本，以用于保护目的。

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引用次数: 0

The effect of extended cold storage and the use of extenders on motility and swimming kinematics of shortnose sturgeon sperm 延长冷藏时间及延长剂的使用对短鼻鲟精子运动和游泳运动学的影响

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2026-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100144

Kenzie H. Melanson , Matthew K. Litvak

Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) are listed as a species of special concern in Canada and as endangered in the US. Increasing knowledge about the reproductive biology of this species will aid in the development of assisted reproduction protocols. However, access to wild sperm is limited, so short-term and long-term storage of sperm from sturgeon is crucial for reproductive studies. Milt samples were collected from wild shortnose sturgeon caught in the Wolastoq River, New Brunswick, Canada. Subsets of semen were mixed with different extenders with or without oxygen; control treatments without extenders were also run. We used computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to determine sperm motility and swimming kinematics for the different treatments. All groups were examined immediately after collection and treatment application, and then 1, 2, and 7 days after storage in a fridge (4 °C) for experiment 1, and days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, and 24 for experiment 2. Motility, curvilinear velocity, linearity, and wobble showed an overall decrease over time, and there was no significant effect of oxygen. Milt treated with the Park and Chapman extender had the slowest motility decline of extenders used (41.21 % in 2022 and 47.09 % in 2023) after 7 days, but only maintained motility up to day 10. While untreated milt maintained some motility up to day 21, milt treated with the modified Tsvetkova extender remained motile for up to 24 days (< 5 %), and had less potential for contamination, making the modified Tsvetkova extender the most practical extender choice.

短鼻鲟（Acipenser brevirostrum）在加拿大被列为特别关注的物种，在美国被列为濒危物种。增加对该物种生殖生物学的了解将有助于辅助生殖方案的发展。然而，获取野生精子的途径是有限的，因此短期和长期储存鲟鱼精子对生殖研究至关重要。从加拿大新不伦瑞克省沃拉斯托克河捕获的野生短鼻鲟身上采集了粟粒样本。将精液亚群与不同的扩展剂混合，有氧或无氧；另外还进行了不带扩展器的对照处理。我们使用计算机辅助精子分析（CASA）来确定不同治疗的精子活力和游泳运动学。实验1在冰箱（4 °C）保存1、2和7天后进行检测，实验2在第1、3、7、10、14、17、21和24天进行检测。运动性、曲线速度、线性度和摇摆度随时间的推移整体下降，并且没有明显的氧气影响。使用Park和Chapman扩展器处理的Milt在7天后使用的扩展器的运动性下降最慢（2022年为41.21 %，2023年为47.09 %），但仅保持运动性到第10天。未处理的milt在第21天仍保持一定的运动能力，而改良的Tsvetkova扩展剂处理的milt在24天内仍保持运动能力（< 5 %），并且污染的可能性更小，使改良的Tsvetkova扩展剂成为最实用的扩展剂选择。

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引用次数: 0

Investigating the use of trehalose, egg-yolk, and dimethyl sulfoxide, in white spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) sperm cryopreservation media 研究海藻糖、蛋黄和二甲亚砜在白斑竹鲨（Chiloscyllium plagiosum）精子低温保存培养基中的应用

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2025-12-11 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100143

James D. Gillis , Gisele A. Montano , Linda M. Penfold , Todd R. Robeck

It is estimated that over one-third of elasmobranch species are threatened with extinction. Sperm cryopreservation can theoretically augment population management through the development of gamete biobanks combined with artificial insemination to maintain genetic diversity. However, attempts at cryopreserving white spotted bamboo shark’s sperm, a potential elasmobranch model, have resulted in a poor post-thaw motility (

\leq

5 %), thus hindering the development of biobanks. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cryoprotecting agents’ trehalose (Tre), egg-yolk (EY), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on white spotted bamboo shark sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity post-thaw as first steps to developing a cryopreservation protocol. Motility was assessed using both subjective assessment and computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and was found to be correlated (P < 0.0000002; R = 0.908). Highest post-thaw motilities at 0 h were achieved using a combination of E-HBSS media containing 5 % Tre, 20 % EY, and 10 % DMSO (subjective total motility 21.3

\pm

1.1 %, CASA total motility 21.3

\pm

1.2 %, and PMI 26.6

\pm

1.6 %). However, it was noted that ∼40–50 % motility and PMI, respectively, were lost upon addition of DMSO prior to cryopreservation. The improved motility and PMI reported in the present study provide a foundation to further enhance elasmobranch sperm cryopreservation protocols.

据估计，超过三分之一的蛛形纲物种面临灭绝的威胁。精子低温保存理论上可以通过配子生物库的开发和人工授精相结合来增强种群管理，以保持遗传多样性。然而，冷冻保存白斑竹鲨精子（一种潜在的弹性分支模型）的尝试导致解冻后活力差（≤5%），从而阻碍了生物库的发展。因此，本研究的目的是研究海藻糖（Tre）、蛋黄（EY）和二甲亚砜（DMSO）对解冻后白斑竹鲨精子活力和质膜完整性的影响，作为制定冷冻保存方案的第一步。使用主观评估和计算机辅助精子分析（CASA）评估精子活力，发现两者相关（P < 0.0000002; R = 0.908）。使用含有5% Tre， 20% EY和10% DMSO的E-HBSS培养基组合，解冻后0 h的运动能力最高（主观总运动能力21.3%±1.1%，CASA总运动能力21.3%±1.2%,PMI 26.6±1.6%）。然而，值得注意的是，在冷冻保存前添加DMSO后，分别失去了~ 40 - 50%的活力和PMI。本研究报道的精子活力和PMI的改善为进一步完善无骨分支精子冷冻保存方案提供了基础。

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引用次数: 0

In vitro embryo production in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) using oocytes recovered post-mortem and cryopreserved spermatozoa 利用死后恢复的卵母细胞和冷冻保存的精子在伊比利亚猞猁（lynx pardinus）中体外制造胚胎

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2025-12-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100142

Andrea Priego-González , Ana Munoz-Maceda , Raquel González , Juan Antonio Rielo , Natalia Gañán , Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez , Pilar Villar-Moya , Ana Cantos Rubert , María Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig , Eduardo R.S. Roldan

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), once considered the most endangered felid in the world, has become a remarkable example of conservation success thanks to intensive ex situ and in situ management efforts. However, the long-term viability of the species remains under threat. The implementation of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) would contribute to ensure the species viability, but the use of ARTs is limited in this species and there are still important gaps in the knowledge of its physiology. Here, we report the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) and early embryo development in the Iberian lynx using oocytes retrieved post-mortem and cryopreserved spermatozoa. Oocytes from six females were subjected to in vitro maturation using two sets of conditions. In the first series, oocytes incubated in vitro for 24 h, exhibited a very low proportion (0–37 %) reaching metaphase II (MII). Attempted IVF with cryopreserved spermatozoa resulted in no fertilization. In a second series, oocytes were incubated in vitro for 28 h; grade I-II oocytes exhibited 40 % maturation rate (MII), whereas grade III oocytes showed 28 % maturation rate. Matured oocytes from one female were co-incubated with cryopreserved sperm for 18 h resulting in cleavage rates of 39.3 % (grade I–II) and 7.1 % (grade III) and the opportunity to vitrify one blastocyst and six morulae. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using ARTs in this species, validating domestic cat protocols for Iberian lynx gametes, and providing a foundation for further refinement of IVF protocols, embryo cryopreservation, and ultimately, embryo transfer strategies for use in conservation programs.

伊比利亚猞猁（lynx pardinus）曾经被认为是世界上最濒危的猫科动物，由于密集的移地和原地管理工作，它已成为保护成功的一个显著例子。然而，该物种的长期生存能力仍然受到威胁。辅助生殖技术的实施将有助于确保该物种的生存能力，但辅助生殖技术的使用在该物种中是有限的，并且在其生理知识方面仍然存在重要的空白。在这里，我们报道了首次在伊比利亚猞猁中使用死后获得的卵母细胞和冷冻保存的精子进行体外受精（IVF）和早期胚胎发育。从六个雌性卵母细胞进行体外成熟使用两组条件。在第一个系列中，卵母细胞体外培养24 h，达到中期II （MII）的比例非常低（0-37 %）。尝试用冷冻保存的精子进行体外受精，结果没有受精。在第二个系列中，卵母细胞在体外孵育28 h；I-II级卵母细胞成熟率为40 %，而III级卵母细胞成熟率为28 %。将一只雌性的成熟卵母细胞与冷冻保存的精子共孵育18 h，卵裂率分别为39.3% % （I-II级）和7.1 % （III级），并有机会玻璃化一个囊胚和六个胚泡。这些结果证明了在该物种中使用art的可行性，验证了伊比利亚猞猁配子的家猫方案，并为进一步完善体外受精方案、胚胎冷冻保存以及最终用于保护计划的胚胎移植策略提供了基础。

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引用次数: 0

First successful cervical artificial insemination in the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) 欧洲狍（Capreolus Capreolus）首次成功进行宫颈人工授精

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100136

Sara Elsafadi , Reto Giacometti , Sandra Milena Bernal-Ulloa , Susanne Holtze , Sylvia Ortmann , Davide Bosi , Mara D. Saenz-de-Juano , Alexander S. Leonard , Hubert Pausch , Frank Göritz , Thomas Hildebrandt , Susanne E. Ulbrich

The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is unique among artiodactyls for undergoing embryonic diapause, a 4–5 months period of reduced embryonic development at the blastocyst stage. However, our knowledge of the reproductive physiology and endocrinology of the seasonal roe deer, particularly regarding embryo development and diapause, remains limited. Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial and necessitates further advancements in reproductive technologies. Here, this case report documents the first successful artificial insemination resulting in a pregnancy and live birth in this species, marking a significant breakthrough in its reproductive management. The timing of artificial insemination was assessed through careful behavioral observations of the time of mating by a vasectomized teaser buck. Cervical insemination was then performed using frozen-thawed sperm collected earlier from a fertile buck. DNA sequencing of the progeny, the parents and non-related individuals in the herd confirmed the parent-offspring relationship between the fawn and the sperm donor buck. While this study serves as a proof of concept, it also identifies potential areas for enhancement, such as improving estrus detection methods, sperm handling techniques, and the insemination procedure itself. This research paves the way for advanced reproductive strategies in roe deer and potentially other species with similar reproductive characteristics.

欧洲狍（Capreolus Capreolus）在偶蹄动物中是独一无二的，经历胚胎滞育，胚胎发育在囊胚期减少4-5个月。然而，我们对季节性狍的生殖生理学和内分泌学，特别是关于胚胎发育和滞育的知识仍然有限。解决这一知识差距至关重要，需要在生殖技术方面取得进一步进展。在这里，本病例报告记录了该物种第一次成功的人工授精导致怀孕和活产，标志着其生殖管理的重大突破。人工授精的时机是通过对输精管切除的雄鹿交配时间的仔细行为观察来评估的。然后使用先前从可育雄鹿身上收集的冻融精子进行宫颈人工授精。后代、父母和鹿群中非相关个体的DNA测序证实了小鹿和精子供体雄鹿之间的亲子关系。虽然这项研究是一个概念的证明，但它也确定了潜在的改进领域，例如改进发情检测方法、精子处理技术和人工授精程序本身。这项研究为狍和其他具有类似生殖特征的物种的高级生殖策略铺平了道路。

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引用次数: 0

Evaluating alternatives to flow cytometry for sex-sorting rhinoceros sperm 评估用流式细胞术对犀牛精子进行性别分类的替代方法

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100135

Louisa A. Rispoli , Elizabeth Donelan , Parker M. Pennington , Priscilla H. Joyner , Terri L. Roth

Effective sperm sex-sorting techniques could be beneficial for managing ex-situ rhinoceros populations. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) technology has shown promise but is limited by high cost, long sorting times, and poor compatibility with frozen sperm. This study evaluated two alternative methods for sex-sorting sperm from white (Ceratotherium simum; n = 5) and greater one-horned (Rhinoceros unicornis; n = 5) rhinoceroses. Thirteen ejaculates (five fresh and eight cryopreserved) were used to assess Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). The TLR method selectively reduces X-bearing sperm motility via a TLR agonist, whereas MACS separates sperm based on Y-bearing sperm having a more positive surface charge than X-bearing sperm. The TLRs were confirmed to be present in rhinoceros sperm, with TLR7 primarily localized to the head region (90–95 %) and TLR8 to the flagellum (∼50 %). Activation with a TLR8 ligand reduced velocity (P = 0.001) but did not alter the distribution of X- and Y-bearing sperm in the upper and lower swim-up layers (P = 0.259). Negatively charged magnetic nanoparticles associated and pulled a portion of sperm to the tube wall when magnetic force was applied, leaving 35–80 % of sperm free in suspension, depending on the treatment conditions. However, no enrichment for X-bearing sperm was observed in the unbound fraction (P > 0.27). These results indicate that neither method physically separated X- from Y-bearing rhinoceros sperm under the tested conditions. Nonetheless, the findings provide important foundational data for refining alternative methods for sex-sorting in this species and highlight both the potential and the challenges of applying such methods.

有效的精子性别分类技术可能有利于管理迁地犀牛种群。荧光活化细胞分选（FACS）技术已显示出前景，但受成本高、分选时间长以及与冷冻精子相容性差的限制。本研究评估了两种不同的精子性别分选方法。n = 5)和更大的独角(独角犀牛；n = 5)犀牛。13个射精（5个新鲜的和8个冷冻保存的）用于评估toll样受体（TLR）激活和磁激活细胞分选（MACS）。TLR方法通过TLR激动剂选择性地降低携带x染色体的精子活力，而MACS则是基于携带y染色体的精子比携带x染色体的精子表面带更多正电荷来分离精子。这些tlr被证实存在于犀牛精子中，其中TLR7主要位于头部区域（90 - 95% %），TLR8主要位于鞭毛（~ 50% %）。TLR8配体的激活降低了游动速度（P = 0.001），但没有改变上下游动层中携带X和y染色体的精子的分布（P = 0.259）。当施加磁力时，带负电荷的磁性纳米颗粒结合并将一部分精子拉到管壁上，根据处理条件的不同，35 - 80% %的精子悬浮在悬浮液中。然而，在未结合的部分中没有观察到携带x的精子的富集（P >； 0.27）。这些结果表明，在测试条件下，两种方法都不能物理地分离携带X染色体和y染色体的犀牛精子。尽管如此，这些发现为改进该物种性别分类的替代方法提供了重要的基础数据，并强调了应用这些方法的潜力和挑战。

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引用次数: 0

Influence of cryopreservation media on fertilization rate and post-thaw characteristics of tiger (Panthera tigris ssp.) spermatozoa 低温保存介质对虎精子受精率及解冻后特性的影响

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100133

Shelley E.S. Sandmaier , Jason R. Herrick

There is a growing need for the development of assisted reproductive technologies to manage tiger populations under human care. Artificial insemination has been successful in tigers and other felid species but is ultimately reliant on the quality of the sperm sample. Cryobanking of tiger spermatozoa can aid in these efforts, but viability is reduced after thawing when compared to fresh samples. The current study tested new cryopreservation media with the goal of improving post-thaw viability and motility of tiger spermatozoa. Semen was collected by electroejaculation from 13 tigers and one or more treatments (TEST egg yolk buffer, soy, soy + glutamine, and soy + trehalose) were chosen for cryopreservation of each sample. Motility, acrosome integrity, and embryo development following heterologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) of domestic cat oocytes were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of each treatment. After thawing, none of the soy-based media improved upon these characteristics when compared to TEST egg yolk buffer. Despite low (average = 20 %) motility after thawing, all samples were capable of producing embryos via IVF. Results from this study indicate that both TEST and soy-based media can be used to cryopreserve tiger spermatozoa. However, there is still much room for improvement of sperm cryopreservation in this species.

越来越需要发展辅助生殖技术来管理人类照顾下的老虎种群。人工授精在老虎和其他猫科动物身上取得了成功，但最终取决于精子样本的质量。老虎精子冷冻库可以帮助这些努力，但与新鲜样本相比，解冻后的活力降低。为了提高老虎精子解冻后的活力和活力，本研究测试了一种新的冷冻保存介质。采用电射精法采集13只老虎的精液，分别选择一种或多种处理（TEST蛋黄缓冲液、大豆、大豆+谷氨酰胺和大豆+海藻糖）进行冷冻保存。对家猫卵母细胞体外受精（IVF）后的活力、顶体完整性和胚胎发育进行了评估，以确定每种处理的有效性。解冻后，与TEST蛋黄缓冲液相比，没有一种大豆基培养基改善了这些特性。尽管解冻后的活力较低（平均= 20 %），但所有样本都能够通过体外受精产生胚胎。本研究结果表明，TEST和大豆基培养基均可用于老虎精子的低温保存。然而，该物种的精子冷冻保存仍有很大的改进空间。

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引用次数: 0

Endoscopic visual anatomy of urogenital tract in female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) 雌性亚洲象泌尿生殖道内窥镜视觉解剖

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100121

Yaduraj Khadpekar , Govind S , Niraj Dahe , Jorge Soares , Nuhacet Fernández , Tenzing L. Lachenpa , Shubham Patil , Akshay Ghatare , Vaisakh Viswam , Nikorn Thongtip , Jahan Ahmed , Nirmali Sarma

Populations of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) have been declining in the wild, mostly due to the habitat loss and conflicts with humans. The elephants under human care thus become a very important source and opportunity to study this species, as well as for the future conservation efforts through captive breeding and conservation programs. Although a lot of work has been done on the reproductive physiology of Asian elephants, there is a limited information available on the detailed anatomy of the reproductive tract. Endoscopy offers a direct visual observation of internal organs and examination of anatomy in live animals. We examined urogenital tracts of 30 female Asian elephants under standing sedation, with the flexible endoscope. The examinations were carried out as part of urogenital tract health assessment, and treatment of infections and pathologies. The distances of different parts from the external vulva opening, were measured. Detailed description of the visual anatomy of each of the urogenital tract parts through endoscope has been provided in this study.

野生亚洲象的数量一直在下降，主要是由于栖息地的丧失和与人类的冲突。因此，人类照顾下的大象成为研究这一物种的一个非常重要的来源和机会，以及通过圈养繁殖和保护计划进行未来的保护工作。虽然在亚洲象的生殖生理方面已经做了很多工作，但关于生殖道的详细解剖信息有限。内窥镜检查提供了活体动物内部器官的直接视觉观察和解剖检查。我们用柔性内窥镜检查了30头处于站立镇静状态的雌性亚洲象的泌尿生殖道。这些检查是作为泌尿生殖道健康评估以及感染和病理治疗的一部分进行的。测量了不同部位距外阴开口的距离。本研究通过内窥镜对泌尿生殖道各部分的视觉解剖进行了详细的描述。

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引用次数: 0

Faecal oestrone, rather than an androgen, is a sensitive and consistent marker of male reproductive state in equids 粪雌激素，而不是雄激素，是一个敏感和一致的标记雄性生殖状态在马科动物

Theriogenology wild

Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100132

A.M. Burton , J.A. Britnell , G.K. Davies , S. Shultz

Measuring faecal steroid hormones can provide important information on reproductive state, health, and population demographics of wild and threatened species. Androgens are indicators of male reproductive state, dominance, and can provide sex and age metadata to samples. Steroids are difficult to measure in faeces, however, due to metabolism prior to excretion and to cross-reactivity. It is therefore essential to ensure faecal assays reflect biologically meaningful changes before using them in ecological settings. We assessed the suitability of four potential faecal biomarkers of male reproductive state in three equids: Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi), Mountain zebra (Equus zebra) and Carneddau Mountain ponies (Equus ferus caballus). We used commercial enzyme immunoassays for three androgens: androstenedione, testosterone, epiandrosterone, and an androgen derived oestrogen, oestrone, to evaluate variation between reproductively mature and immature males. Surprisingly, faecal oestrone showed the best discrimination between male reproductive classes in all species, with higher Z-scores in reproductive males compared to foals. Neither faecal testosterone, androstenedione, nor epiandrosterone could discriminate between reproductive classes. We also observed seasonal variation in Carneddau pony stallions preceding the breeding season for oestrone and androstenedione, and found high individual variation in repeated samples from Grevy’s zebra. Finally, we compared faecal oestrone between stallions and mares; non-pregnant mares had lower oestrone than stallions but there was only a significant difference between stallions and pregnant females in Grevy’s zebra. Our results suggest that faecal oestrone, rather than an androgen, is a more optimal biomarker of male reproductive state in equids. Our study highlight the importance of ensuring faecal steroid measurements are biologically and ecologically meaningful within wildlife endocrinology.

测量粪便类固醇激素可以提供有关野生和濒危物种的生殖状态、健康和种群统计的重要信息。雄激素是男性生殖状态、优势地位的指示器，可以为样本提供性别和年龄元数据。然而，由于排泄前的代谢和交叉反应性，很难在粪便中测量类固醇。因此，在将粪便分析用于生态环境之前，必须确保它们反映生物学上有意义的变化。本研究对格雷维斑马（Equus grevyi）、山地斑马（Equus zebra）和卡尼道山地小马（Equus ferus caballus） 3种马科动物的4种潜在雄性生殖状态的粪便生物标志物进行了适宜性评价。我们使用商业酶免疫分析法检测三种雄激素：雄烯二酮、睾酮、表雄酮和雄激素衍生的雌激素、雌酮，以评估生殖成熟和未成熟雄性之间的差异。令人惊讶的是，粪便雌激素在所有物种的雄性生殖类别中表现出最好的区别，与马驹相比，生殖雄性的z分数更高。无论是粪便睾酮，雄烯二酮还是表雄酮都不能区分生殖阶层。在繁殖季节之前，我们还观察了卡尼道马雌酮和雄烯二酮的季节变化，并在格雷维斑马的重复样本中发现了很高的个体差异。最后，我们比较了公马和母马的粪便雌激素；未怀孕母马的雌酮水平低于公马，而公马与怀孕母马之间差异显著。我们的研究结果表明，粪便雌激素，而不是雄激素，是一个更理想的生物标志物，雄性生殖状态在马科动物。我们的研究强调了确保粪便类固醇测量在野生动物内分泌学中具有生物学和生态学意义的重要性。

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引用次数: 0