Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100130
Sara Elsafadi , Sandra Milena Bernal-Ulloa , Reto Giacometti , Frank Göritz , Thomas Hildebrandt , Susanne E. Ulbrich
This case report presents a rare occurrence of an intrauterine single twin demise in a captive European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), representing to the best of our knowledge the first documented instance of this phenomenon in a wildlife species. Ultrasound examination of the reproductive organs of a twin-pregnant doe revealed that one twin was smaller and showed an absent heartbeat compared to the other twin. The viable twin displayed normal development and birth, while the dead twin exhibited signs of intrauterine fetal death. This phenomenon of single twin demise in an ungulate species known for its ability to undergo embryonic diapause highlights the importance of understanding reproductive anomalies in wildlife. Such findings enhance our knowledge of reproductive biology and have implications for wildlife conservation and captive breeding practices.
{"title":"A case report: Documenting intrauterine single twin death in the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)","authors":"Sara Elsafadi , Sandra Milena Bernal-Ulloa , Reto Giacometti , Frank Göritz , Thomas Hildebrandt , Susanne E. Ulbrich","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case report presents a rare occurrence of an intrauterine single twin demise in a captive European roe deer (<em>Capreolus capreolus</em>), representing to the best of our knowledge the first documented instance of this phenomenon in a wildlife species. Ultrasound examination of the reproductive organs of a twin-pregnant doe revealed that one twin was smaller and showed an absent heartbeat compared to the other twin. The viable twin displayed normal development and birth, while the dead twin exhibited signs of intrauterine fetal death. This phenomenon of single twin demise in an ungulate species known for its ability to undergo embryonic diapause highlights the importance of understanding reproductive anomalies in wildlife. Such findings enhance our knowledge of reproductive biology and have implications for wildlife conservation and captive breeding practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
As climate change threatens critical hunting habitat, wild polar bear (Ursus maritimus) populations face declining body condition and increased reproductive failure, highlighting the need for reliable biomarkers of reproductive function. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a biomarker of fertility in many species but has not been evaluated in bears. This study evaluated serum AMH concentrations in zoo-housed polar bears (n = 165 samples from 48 individuals) to explore patterns by sex, age, season, fertility, and contraceptive history. AMH concentrations ranged from 0.08 to 69.1 ng/mL and were higher in males (20.2 ± 1.8; mean ± SE.) than females (1.5 ± 0.2; P < 0.001). In males, AMH was higher in immature individuals (35.7 ± 9.5; P < 0.023) and remained stable after maturity. Concentrations were marginally lower in mature males during the breeding season (15.2 ± 1.3 ng/mL) than the non-breeding (21.0 ± 2.0; P = 0.07), suggesting seasonal modulation. In females, AMH declined with age, with the lowest concentrations observed in geriatric bears (P < 0.001), indicating potential as a marker of reproductive senescence. Seasonal variation was also detected (P = 0.006), with higher concentrations in fall (1.2 ± 0.2) than spring (0.5 ± 0.2 ) or summer (0.4 ± 0.1 ng/mL). Inter-individual differences accounted for 40 % of the residual variation, underscoring a strong individual effect beyond age, season, or fertility. Although overlap between fertility groups limits AMH’s utility as a standalone biomarker of fertility, these findings provide novel insight into polar bear reproductive physiology and support its further evaluation in conservation contexts.
{"title":"Assessment of anti-Müllerian hormone in polar bears (Ursus maritimus): Insights into seasonal regulation and reproductive senescence","authors":"Adrianna Tompros , Jessye Wojtusik , Emily E. Virgin, Megan Philpott, Erin Curry","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As climate change threatens critical hunting habitat, wild polar bear (<em>Ursus maritimus</em>) populations face declining body condition and increased reproductive failure, highlighting the need for reliable biomarkers of reproductive function. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a biomarker of fertility in many species but has not been evaluated in bears. This study evaluated serum AMH concentrations in zoo-housed polar bears (n = 165 samples from 48 individuals) to explore patterns by sex, age, season, fertility, and contraceptive history. AMH concentrations ranged from 0.08 to 69.1 ng/mL and were higher in males (20.2 ± 1.8; mean ± SE.) than females (1.5 ± 0.2; P < 0.001). In males, AMH was higher in immature individuals (35.7 ± 9.5; P < 0.023) and remained stable after maturity. Concentrations were marginally lower in mature males during the breeding season (15.2 ± 1.3 ng/mL) than the non-breeding (21.0 ± 2.0; P = 0.07), suggesting seasonal modulation. In females, AMH declined with age, with the lowest concentrations observed in geriatric bears (P < 0.001), indicating potential as a marker of reproductive senescence. Seasonal variation was also detected (P = 0.006), with higher concentrations in fall (1.2 ± 0.2) than spring (0.5 ± 0.2 ) or summer (0.4 ± 0.1 ng/mL). Inter-individual differences accounted for 40 % of the residual variation, underscoring a strong individual effect beyond age, season, or fertility. Although overlap between fertility groups limits AMH’s utility as a standalone biomarker of fertility, these findings provide novel insight into polar bear reproductive physiology and support its further evaluation in conservation contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100120
Tatiana Prata Menezes , Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro Dias , Nara Clara Lazaroni e Merchid , Camila Folly Batista , Camilo Jose Ramirez-Lopez , Arabela Guedes de Azevedo Viana , Renner Philipe Rodrigues Carvalho , Adrielli Ribeiro Araújo , José Lino-Neto , Gisele Lessa , Arlindo A. Moura , Mariana Machado-Neves
Sperm fertility in mammals depends on the complexity of several physiological events. The male gamete is produced in the testis and matured in the epididymis, which requires an adequate environment for sperm maturation and survival. This study focused on characterizing the sperm morphology of the small wild rodent Akodon cursor and describing the epididymal environment supporting sperm maturation. Eight A. cursor males were captured from a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest in Viçosa (MG, Brazil). The epididymides were processed for histological, functional, and proteomic analyses, besides sperm quality evaluation. Data were submitted to ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The length of A. cursor sperm was 52.71 ± 0.79 μm (mean ± SD), with 5.12 ± 0.07 μm corresponding to the nucleus. Sperm motility and vigor were 45.6 % ± 2.9 and 2.9 ± 0.2, respectively. The duration of sperm transit time in the epididymis was 2.75 ± 0.22 days. Histomorphometrically, the distal cauda had the highest tubular and luminal diameter, whereas the epithelial height was higher in the initial segment than in the other regions. Proteomic analysis identified 56 proteins in the proximal epididymal regions of A. cursor related to crucial processes, including cellular homeostasis, flagellar elongation, and the elimination of defective sperm during epididymal transit. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm maturation in this species. In conclusion, the epididymis of A. cursor shares similarities with other rodent species but exhibits unique characteristics, such as shorter sperm transit time.
{"title":"The epididymal microenvironment in Akodon cursor (Muridae, Sigmodontinae, Akodontini): The lifetime of spermatozoa from production to maturation","authors":"Tatiana Prata Menezes , Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro Dias , Nara Clara Lazaroni e Merchid , Camila Folly Batista , Camilo Jose Ramirez-Lopez , Arabela Guedes de Azevedo Viana , Renner Philipe Rodrigues Carvalho , Adrielli Ribeiro Araújo , José Lino-Neto , Gisele Lessa , Arlindo A. Moura , Mariana Machado-Neves","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sperm fertility in mammals depends on the complexity of several physiological events. The male gamete is produced in the testis and matured in the epididymis, which requires an adequate environment for sperm maturation and survival. This study focused on characterizing the sperm morphology of the small wild rodent <em>Akodon cursor</em> and describing the epididymal environment supporting sperm maturation. Eight <em>A. cursor</em> males were captured from a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest in Viçosa (MG, Brazil). The epididymides were processed for histological, functional, and proteomic analyses, besides sperm quality evaluation. Data were submitted to ANOVA and the <em>post hoc</em> Tukey's test (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The length of <em>A. cursor</em> sperm was 52.71 ± 0.79 μm (mean ± SD), with 5.12 ± 0.07 μm corresponding to the nucleus. Sperm motility and vigor were 45.6 % ± 2.9 and 2.9 ± 0.2, respectively. The duration of sperm transit time in the epididymis was 2.75 ± 0.22 days. Histomorphometrically, the distal cauda had the highest tubular and luminal diameter, whereas the epithelial height was higher in the initial segment than in the other regions. Proteomic analysis identified 56 proteins in the proximal epididymal regions of <em>A. cursor</em> related to crucial processes, including cellular homeostasis, flagellar elongation, and the elimination of defective sperm during epididymal transit. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm maturation in this species. In conclusion, the epididymis of <em>A. cursor</em> shares similarities with other rodent species but exhibits unique characteristics, such as shorter sperm transit time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143288566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100123
Alexandra Hampe , Benjamin Schusser , Jessica Link , Michael Lierz
This study aimed to establish an easy-to-use, alternative culture system for oocytes of endangered bird species (psittacids), allowing further oocyte cultivation without its eggshell from oviposition onwards. In such a culture system, eggs of endangered bird species can be cultivated despite defective eggshells, and the associated losses are minimized. It is also possible to conduct research and manipulations on the available germinal disc. Despite many efficient alternative breeding systems, especially for chicken and quail eggs, very few systems efficiently allow the entire embryonic development in a single design from egg laying to hatching. After successfully adaptation of a known an one-stage, alternative culture system with a replacement shell (surrogate) in chicken oocytes, this system was transferred to the smaller oocytes of cockatiels as a model species for psittacids. For better comparability of the culture system results, the Hamburger and Hamilton (1951) stages of classification were established for the cockatiel using 139 freshly laid cockatiel eggs. Afterwards, 68 freshly laid, fertilized cockatiel oocytes were cultured in quail surrogates. The development rate of the oocytes in this system was 89.7 %. Most developmental stages died before hatching. Though, one egg developed until the hatching of a chick and some until shortly before (four vital oocytes of 68 on incubation day 16). The median development of this oocytes was between the 3rd and 4th day of incubation (Hamburger and Hamilton stage 19). From the current point of view, this is the first described application of an alternative, complete culture system to a non-domesticated bird species in the available literature. However, improvement of the method is necessary to use this system in routine applications.
{"title":"A potential alternative entire culture system for psittacine embryos and the establishment of a detailed embryonal development table of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)","authors":"Alexandra Hampe , Benjamin Schusser , Jessica Link , Michael Lierz","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to establish an easy-to-use, alternative culture system for oocytes of endangered bird species (psittacids), allowing further oocyte cultivation without its eggshell from oviposition onwards. In such a culture system, eggs of endangered bird species can be cultivated despite defective eggshells, and the associated losses are minimized. It is also possible to conduct research and manipulations on the available germinal disc. Despite many efficient alternative breeding systems, especially for chicken and quail eggs, very few systems efficiently allow the entire embryonic development in a single design from egg laying to hatching. After successfully adaptation of a known an one-stage, alternative culture system with a replacement shell (surrogate) in chicken oocytes, this system was transferred to the smaller oocytes of cockatiels as a model species for psittacids. For better comparability of the culture system results, the Hamburger and Hamilton (1951) stages of classification were established for the cockatiel using 139 freshly laid cockatiel eggs. Afterwards, 68 freshly laid, fertilized cockatiel oocytes were cultured in quail surrogates. The development rate of the oocytes in this system was 89.7 %. Most developmental stages died before hatching. Though, one egg developed until the hatching of a chick and some until shortly before (four vital oocytes of 68 on incubation day 16). The median development of this oocytes was between the 3rd and 4th day of incubation (Hamburger and Hamilton stage 19). From the current point of view, this is the first described application of an alternative, complete culture system to a non-domesticated bird species in the available literature. However, improvement of the method is necessary to use this system in routine applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100128
Leon Mendel McClusky
Despite lacking a voluminous testis-associated lymphomyeloid tissue (epigonal organ) in adulthood, the far distally located non-spermatogenic tissue of the wild-captured Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) houses loosely circumscribed, granulocyte-liberating epigonal cell patches. These dynamic patches of epigonal cells are coincident with the differentiation and subsequent distribution of two types of intravascular and extravascular eosinophilic granulocytes in the expansive non-spermatogenic tissue, and in the interstitium of notably premeiotic and meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. Their sparse numbers, discreet occurrence, and as a rule within the vicinity of a blood vessel in all examined tissue samples, including a 1960s archival collection of tissues, are indicative of diapedesis whereupon they become ensconced in the tight interstitial spaces of spermatocysts (stage-synchronized germ and Sertoli cell clones). By comparison, an anatomically robust and intimate testis – epigonal association in the thresher shark does not correlate with any type of granulocyte in the testicular parenchyma nor its vasculature, despite that the most proximal eosinophilic epigonal cells nearly abut the basement membrane of some of its spermatozoal cysts (the only cyst stage to reveal this). These findings in Somniosus are discussed in relation to the previously reported protracted phase of disordered internal cellular organization of the Greenland shark’s spermatogonial cysts due to incompletely differentiated Sertoli supportive functions for what should be well-advancing spermatogonial generations.
{"title":"Proximal-distal anatomical relationships between spermatocysts (Sertoli – germ cell units) and eosinophilic immune system elements in the shark testis: A comparative study of the Greenland shark and thresher shark","authors":"Leon Mendel McClusky","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite lacking a voluminous testis-associated lymphomyeloid tissue (epigonal organ) in adulthood, the far distally located non-spermatogenic tissue of the wild-captured Greenland shark (<em>Somniosus microcephalus)</em> houses loosely circumscribed, granulocyte-liberating epigonal cell patches<strong>.</strong> These dynamic patches of epigonal cells are coincident with the differentiation and subsequent distribution of two types of intravascular and extravascular eosinophilic granulocytes in the expansive non-spermatogenic tissue, and in the interstitium of notably premeiotic and meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. Their sparse numbers, discreet occurrence, and as a rule within the vicinity of a blood vessel in all examined tissue samples, including a 1960s archival collection of tissues, are indicative of diapedesis whereupon they become ensconced in the tight interstitial spaces of spermatocysts (stage-synchronized germ and Sertoli cell clones)<strong>.</strong> By comparison, an anatomically robust and intimate testis – epigonal association in the thresher shark does not correlate with any type of granulocyte in the testicular parenchyma nor its vasculature, despite that the most proximal eosinophilic epigonal cells nearly abut the basement membrane of some of its spermatozoal cysts (the only cyst stage to reveal this). These findings in <em>Somniosus</em> are discussed in relation to the previously reported protracted phase of disordered internal cellular organization of the Greenland shark’s spermatogonial cysts due to incompletely differentiated Sertoli supportive functions for what should be well-advancing spermatogonial generations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143821316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100124
Grihamani Nepal , Bhuminand Devkota , Gokarna Gautam , Himal Luitel , Chet Raj Pathak , Amir Sadaula , Bijaya Kumar Shrestha , Kamal Prasad Gairhe , Kiran Raj Rijal
Asian elephants are classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Its population has declined by an estimated 50 percent over the past 75 years and captivity is one of the several reasons. This study aimed to assess key reproductive parameters of captive Asian elephants in Nepal, including fertility status, age at first calving, inter-calving interval, calving seasonality, calf sex ratio, and associated reproductive issues. Data were collected between May and October 2024 from 96 captive female elephants in five protected areas using standardized questionnaire surveys and retrospective records from 1985 to 2024. Among these, only 76 elephants were found matured (10–82 years of age)and became part of this study.A total of 50 % (38/76) elephants had a history of conception and calving, producing 100 calves. The earliest calving age was 11 years, with a maximum of seven parities observed in a single elephant, and one case of twin births. The average age at first calving was 5447 ± 1344 days (14 years 11 months 7 days), while the average inter-calving interval was 1543 ± 771 days (4 years 2 months 23 days). The male-to-female calf ratio was 1.5, and calf survivability was 85 %. Calving was the highest in spring(31 %), followed by autumn (26 %), winter (23 %) and summer (20 %). Dystocia, abortions and neonatal mortality were the major reproductive complications.These findings provide critical insights into the reproductive dynamics of captive Asian elephants, offering valuable information for improving their management and addressing reproductive challenges to support conservation efforts.
{"title":"Key reproductive insights of captive female asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Nepal","authors":"Grihamani Nepal , Bhuminand Devkota , Gokarna Gautam , Himal Luitel , Chet Raj Pathak , Amir Sadaula , Bijaya Kumar Shrestha , Kamal Prasad Gairhe , Kiran Raj Rijal","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Asian elephants are classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Its population has declined by an estimated 50 percent over the past 75 years and captivity is one of the several reasons. This study aimed to assess key reproductive parameters of captive Asian elephants in Nepal, including fertility status, age at first calving, inter-calving interval, calving seasonality, calf sex ratio, and associated reproductive issues. Data were collected between May and October 2024 from 96 captive female elephants in five protected areas using standardized questionnaire surveys and retrospective records from 1985 to 2024. Among these, only 76 elephants were found matured (10–82 years of age)and became part of this study.A total of 50 % (38/76) elephants had a history of conception and calving, producing 100 calves. The earliest calving age was 11 years, with a maximum of seven parities observed in a single elephant, and one case of twin births. The average age at first calving was 5447 ± 1344 days (14 years 11 months 7 days), while the average inter-calving interval was 1543 ± 771 days (4 years 2 months 23 days). The male-to-female calf ratio was 1.5, and calf survivability was 85 %. Calving was the highest in spring(31 %), followed by autumn (26 %), winter (23 %) and summer (20 %). Dystocia, abortions and neonatal mortality were the major reproductive complications.These findings provide critical insights into the reproductive dynamics of captive Asian elephants, offering valuable information for improving their management and addressing reproductive challenges to support conservation efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100129
D. Fischer , A. Bublat , A. Wehrend , M. Lierz
The assessment of sperm viability belongs to the core elements of semen analysis in human and veterinary andrology. In avian medicine various live/dead stains and protocols have been evaluated in a number of commercial poultry and companion bird species. However, viability results are known to differ largely between avian species and the used stains and protocols. Therefore, species specific comparisons of live/dead stains are required, which are absent in numerous bird orders. The aim of this study was to compare the conventional live/dead stains eosin blue 2% (EB), eosin yellow-nigrosin 10% (EYN), eosin blue-nigrosin 5% (EBN), bromphenol blue nigrosin (BBN) and the fluorescence stain SYBR green - propidium iodide (SYBR-PI) in spermatozoa of cockatiels as model for psittacine species. The latter comparison was performed conventionally via cell count as well as using a computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA). Moreover, all viability stains were correlated to sperm motility values of the same sample, as this has been suggested as suitable method to validate sperm viability. Pairwise comparison between the motility values and the viability values of EB, EYN, EBN, BBN, SYBR-PI were performed immediately, 24 hours and 48 hours after semen collection. Progressive motility values (PMOT) correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with all viability results immediately after semen collection, but PMOT after 24 hours and general motility values only with EB and SYBR/PI. In microscopy EB and SYBR were judged as best suited, because alive and damaged spermatozoa could be effectively distinguished. Conventional and computer-assisted analysis using SYBR/PI demonstrated significant and strong correlations (rs = 0.939; p < 0.0001). The results of this study, suggest EB and SYBR/PI as suitable stains for viability assessment in cockatiels, while EYN and EBN is not recommendable and BBN seems not suitable at all in psittacine spermatozoa.
{"title":"Comparison of staining protocols to assess sperm viability in cockatiels (Nymphycus hollandicus)","authors":"D. Fischer , A. Bublat , A. Wehrend , M. Lierz","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2025.100129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The assessment of sperm viability belongs to the core elements of semen analysis in human and veterinary andrology. In avian medicine various live/dead stains and protocols have been evaluated in a number of commercial poultry and companion bird species. However, viability results are known to differ largely between avian species and the used stains and protocols. Therefore, species specific comparisons of live/dead stains are required, which are absent in numerous bird orders. The aim of this study was to compare the conventional live/dead stains eosin blue 2<strong>%</strong> (EB), eosin yellow-nigrosin 10<strong>%</strong> (EYN), eosin blue-nigrosin 5<strong>%</strong> (EBN), bromphenol blue nigrosin (BBN) and the fluorescence stain SYBR green - propidium iodide (SYBR-PI) in spermatozoa of cockatiels as model for psittacine species. The latter comparison was performed conventionally via cell count as well as using a computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA). Moreover, all viability stains were correlated to sperm motility values of the same sample, as this has been suggested as suitable method to validate sperm viability. Pairwise comparison between the motility values and the viability values of EB, EYN, EBN, BBN, SYBR-PI were performed immediately, 24 hours and 48 hours after semen collection. Progressive motility values (PMOT) correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with all viability results immediately after semen collection, but PMOT after 24 hours and general motility values only with EB and SYBR/PI. In microscopy EB and SYBR were judged as best suited, because alive and damaged spermatozoa could be effectively distinguished. Conventional and computer-assisted analysis using SYBR/PI demonstrated significant and strong correlations (r<sub>s</sub> = 0.939; p < 0.0001). The results of this study, suggest EB and SYBR/PI as suitable stains for viability assessment in cockatiels, while EYN and EBN is not recommendable and BBN seems not suitable at all in psittacine spermatozoa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144069577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100111
Gabriela Ramos , Tiago de Oliveira Lima , Selma Maria de Almeida-Santos
Cannibalism, or intraspecific predation, refers to the practice in which an individual completely or partially consumes another conspecific. Filial cannibalism occurs when parents consume their own offspring, whether they are alive or stillborn. This study describes filial cannibalism behavior in just one female of each species, Amazon rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria) and the Caatinga rainbow boa (E. assisi). We observed that female E. cenchria and E. assisi only consumed atretic eggs. A female E. cenchria consumed two out of the eight atretic eggs she delivered, while sparing the four neonates and the only stillborn fetus in her litter. A female E. assisi consumed two out of the four atretic eggs and attempted to ingest the amniotic sacs and liquid yolk throughout the entire observation, sparing two neonates. This is the first documented record of such behavior in E. assisi.
食人行为或种内捕食指的是一个个体完全或部分吞噬另一个同种个体的行为。当父母吃掉自己的后代时，无论它们是活的还是死的，都会发生孝子食人行为。本研究描述了亚马逊彩虹蟒（Epicrates cenchria）和卡廷加彩虹蟒（E. assisi）两种雌性蟒蛇的食子行为。我们观察到，雌性 E. cenchria 和 E. assisi 只吃闭锁卵。一条雌岑氏蟒吃掉了它产下的 8 枚闭锁卵中的 2 枚，而放过了它产下的 4 个新生儿和唯一的死胎。在整个观察过程中，一只雌性 E. assisi 食用了四枚闭锁卵中的两枚，并试图吞食羊膜囊和液体卵黄，但放过了两只新生儿。这是首次记录到艾西西雌鸟的这种行为。
{"title":"Filial cannibalism in rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria and E. assisi)","authors":"Gabriela Ramos , Tiago de Oliveira Lima , Selma Maria de Almeida-Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cannibalism, or intraspecific predation, refers to the practice in which an individual completely or partially consumes another conspecific. Filial cannibalism occurs when parents consume their own offspring, whether they are alive or stillborn. This study describes filial cannibalism behavior in just one female of each species, Amazon rainbow boa (<em>Epicrates cenchria</em>) and the Caatinga rainbow boa (<em>E. assisi</em>). We observed that female <em>E. cenchria</em> and <em>E. assisi</em> only consumed atretic eggs. A female <em>E. cenchria</em> consumed two out of the eight atretic eggs she delivered, while sparing the four neonates and the only stillborn fetus in her litter. A female <em>E. assisi</em> consumed two out of the four atretic eggs and attempted to ingest the amniotic sacs and liquid yolk throughout the entire observation, sparing two neonates. This is the first documented record of such behavior in <em>E. assisi</em>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000424/pdfft?md5=5f528d944d43a3e2089b8f3914184648&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000424-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142241874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100081
Rodrigo S. Amaral , Vera M.F. da Silva , José Anselmo d’Affonsêca Neto
Knowledge of pregnancy length and the physiological parameters during pregnancy is an important tool for pregnancy diagnosis in free-ranging and captive individuals and for the correct husbandry of captive pregnant females. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the progesterone pattern during pregnancy in T. inunguis and to estimate the pregnancy length in this species. Blood or urine samples from a total of eight pregnancies were collected from six captive female Amazonian manatees. Serum progesterone and urinary progesterone metabolites were measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay. The mean of serum progesterone throughout pregnancy was 5.17 ± 4.71 ng/ml (0.08–19.71 ng/ml) and the mean urinary progesterone metabolites concentration was 11.34 ± 12.28 ng/mg Cr (1.00 – 54.71 ng/mg Cr). A pregnancy length of approximately 12–13 months was observed (369.6 ± 27.2 days, range 352–401 days). The pregnancy length observed in this study falls within the range reported for other sirenians. During the first four months, there was a high level of progesterone. After that, the hormone levels began to decrease. Low progesterone levels during most of pregnancy were also observed in other sirenians. This hormonal pattern suggests the existence of the paracrine action of progesterone or the role of other hormones in the maintenance of pregnancy. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the pregnancy endocrinology in Amazonian manatees.
{"title":"Progesterone monitoring and gestation length in Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis)","authors":"Rodrigo S. Amaral , Vera M.F. da Silva , José Anselmo d’Affonsêca Neto","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Knowledge of pregnancy length and the physiological parameters during pregnancy is an important tool for pregnancy diagnosis in free-ranging and captive individuals and for the correct husbandry of captive pregnant females. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the progesterone pattern during pregnancy in <em>T</em>. <em>inunguis</em> and to estimate the pregnancy length in this species. Blood or urine samples from a total of eight pregnancies were collected from six captive female Amazonian manatees. Serum progesterone and urinary progesterone metabolites were measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay. The mean of serum progesterone throughout pregnancy was 5.17 ± 4.71 ng/ml (0.08–19.71 ng/ml) and the mean urinary progesterone metabolites concentration was 11.34 ± 12.28 ng/mg Cr (1.00 – 54.71 ng/mg Cr). A pregnancy length of approximately 12–13 months was observed (369.6 ± 27.2 days, range 352–401 days). The pregnancy length observed in this study falls within the range reported for other sirenians. During the first four months, there was a high level of progesterone. After that, the hormone levels began to decrease. Low progesterone levels during most of pregnancy were also observed in other sirenians. This hormonal pattern suggests the existence of the paracrine action of progesterone or the role of other hormones in the maintenance of pregnancy. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the pregnancy endocrinology in Amazonian manatees.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100081"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000126/pdfft?md5=9d7ded6f9b7d188e0f9f2e8f72769659&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000126-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140180477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100093
Imke Lueders , Johanna Reuken , Ilse Luther , Gerhard van der Horst , Antoinette Kotze , Adrian Tordiffe , Harald Sieme , Ulrike Jakop , Karin Mueller
Sexual maturity and body condition are interconnected in many mammals. For non-domestic felids held in human care, the effect of body condition on male fertility has not been studied, although obesity is a recognized problem for many species such as the African lion (Panthera leo) under captive conditions.
Here, we assessed body weight, body condition via body condition score (BCS), reproductive organ appearance and size by ultrasonography and semen parameters as a function of age in a large population of captive male lions housed in different facilities in South Africa. Of 59 individuals (age range 2.5–10 years), we rated 21 (36 %) of the males (≥ 4 years) as highly obese (BCS 8–9). Semen collection via urethral catheter was successful in 49 males (83.0 %). Sperm were found in 44 males (74.6 %) across all age groups. Sperm motility and detailed sperm morphology was assessed in 42 and 18 lions, respectively.
As expected, body weight and reproductive organ size increased with age, but only the testis size increased in proportion to BCS. Although our data are unbalanced, as older animals (already after five years of age) were more often obese, they suggest an optimum age and body condition for potential fertility with adequate physical maturity in male lions. Physical maturity appeared to be reached between the ages of three and five years, which is later than sexual maturity in male lions.
Lions that far exceeded the normal body weight range and had a BCS of 8 or 9 had lower semen quantity and quality. Therefore, male lions in captivity are in prime breeding condition when physical maturity is combined with a BCS < 8.
Our data contribute towards interpretation of fertility assessments in managed breeding programs for lions. Ultrasonographic appearance of the reproductive organs, BCS and semen parameters can help to identify and select breeding males.
{"title":"Effect of age and body condition score on reproductive organ size and sperm parameters in captive male African lion (Panthera leo): Suggesting a prime breeding age","authors":"Imke Lueders , Johanna Reuken , Ilse Luther , Gerhard van der Horst , Antoinette Kotze , Adrian Tordiffe , Harald Sieme , Ulrike Jakop , Karin Mueller","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Sexual maturity and body condition are interconnected in many mammals. For non-domestic felids held in human care, the effect of body condition on male fertility has not been studied, although obesity is a recognized problem for many species such as the African lion <em>(Panthera leo</em>) under captive conditions.</p><p>Here, we assessed body weight, body condition via body condition score (BCS), reproductive organ appearance and size by ultrasonography and semen parameters as a function of age in a large population of captive male lions housed in different facilities in South Africa. Of 59 individuals (age range 2.5–10 years), we rated 21 (36 %) of the males (≥ 4 years) as highly obese (BCS 8–9). Semen collection via urethral catheter was successful in 49 males (83.0 %). Sperm were found in 44 males (74.6 %) across all age groups. Sperm motility and detailed sperm morphology was assessed in 42 and 18 lions, respectively.</p><p>As expected, body weight and reproductive organ size increased with age, but only the testis size increased in proportion to BCS. Although our data are unbalanced, as older animals (already after five years of age) were more often obese, they suggest an optimum age and body condition for potential fertility with adequate physical maturity in male lions. Physical maturity appeared to be reached between the ages of three and five years, which is later than sexual maturity in male lions.</p><p>Lions that far exceeded the normal body weight range and had a BCS of 8 or 9 had lower semen quantity and quality. Therefore, male lions in captivity are in prime breeding condition when physical maturity is combined with a BCS < 8.</p><p>Our data contribute towards interpretation of fertility assessments in managed breeding programs for lions. Ultrasonographic appearance of the reproductive organs, BCS and semen parameters can help to identify and select breeding males.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100093"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000242/pdfft?md5=3c043ccc55e740420bcb5cad96e098d6&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000242-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141298135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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