Theriogenology wild最新文献

This case report discusses the pharmacological induction of parturition in a pacarana (Dinomys branickii), a rare South American rodent with a reproductive biology that is still poorly understood. The aim of this case report was to induce labor in a pacarana in the final third of gestation after fetal death was confirmed due to a maternal cardiopulmonary arrest lasting 4 min. Using a pharmacological protocol similar to that applied in ruminants, the induction of labor was successfully carried out, resulting in the expulsion of two dead fetuses 2 h and 15 min after the administration of cloprostenol (0.275 mg; im) and dexamethasone (4 mg; im). This case, the first documented instance of pharmacological induction in pacarana, underscores the efficacy of the procedure and the need for further research to understand the reproductive physiology of the species, potentially aiding in the conservation of this and other Hystricomorpha species.

The reproductive success of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in U.S. zoos is poor and the underlying causes of reproductive failure remain elusive. It is evident that new methodologies for evaluating fertility are needed, along with baseline information about species-specific reproductive anatomy and physiology. Between 2012 and 2024, 25 examinations of 17 female polar bears were conducted opportunistically, and included vulvar measurements, vaginal cytology, vaginoscopy, hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy, and/or ultrasonography. Additionally, reproductive tracts (n = 10) harvested post-mortem were examined shortly after collection, allowing for inspection of anatomy ex vivo. The outcomes of these activities yielded detailed measurements and descriptions of reproductive anatomy. Vaginal cytology patterns demonstrated shifts in vaginal epithelial cell type associated with estrus and vaginoscopy enabled systematic evaluation of internal reproductive structures, including the vestibule, vestibulo-vaginal junction, urethral os, vaginal canal, and cervix. Hysteroscopy allowed visualization of the uterine endometrium and facilitated endometrial biopsy collection. Additionally, ultrasonography was utilized to identify ovaries in several bears, offering insights into ovarian dynamics and follicular development. Several abnormalities were noted during examinations of both in vivo and ex vivo tracts; these included clitoral hypertrophy, vaginal strictures, uterine polyps, endometritis, and cystic hyperplasia, although it is unclear if these aberrations significantly impacted fertility. Findings contribute to a better understanding of polar bear reproductive anatomy, highlight the utility of diagnostic techniques for monitoring reproduction, and elucidate potential causes of reproductive failure in polar bears.

Decreased genetic diversity and possible inbreeding depression have recently been documented in the last wild ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) population in the United States. One consequence of inbreeding depression in felids may be reduced semen quality which can adversely affect reproductive potential. Detailed assessments of reproductive parameters in wild individuals and populations can be conducted using assisted reproductive technologies, such as semen collection and analysis. For most felid species, semen has traditionally been collected via electroejaculation (EEJ²); however, an alternative method has been developed using alpha-2 agonist drugs to induce direct sperm release into the urethra, allowing collection by catheterization without requiring specialized equipment. The goal of this study was to characterize normative reproductive traits in free-ranging ocelots and co-occurring bobcats (Lynx rufus) in southern Texas and assess the effectiveness of urethral catheterization (UC³) for semen recovery in both species. For semen collection, free-ranging cats were live-captured and anesthetized using intramuscular ketamine and medetomidine/dexmedetomidine (alpha-2 agonist) with UC conducted 20–40 minutes post-induction. In ocelots only, EEJ was subsequently performed if UC failed to recover a viable sample. Semen collection was attempted in 31 felids (n=9 ocelots; n=22 bobcats), with sperm recovery by UC in seven of nine ocelots (78 %) and 14 of 22 bobcats (66 %), and by EEJ in four of five ocelots (80 %). For ocelots, the percentage of primary morphologic abnormalities was higher (p<0.001) for UC (47.75 ± 6.7; mean ± SEM) compared to EEJ (9 ± 2.7) but percent normal morphology (MORPH) did not differ between UC and EEJ (p=0.218). In wild ocelots, seminal parameters appeared lower relative to historical values reported for zoo-managed ocelots, possibly related to reduced heterozygosity. In wild bobcats, seminal traits were inferior to those of ocelots but similar to reports for other zoo-managed Lynx species. In conclusion, detailed male reproductive traits have been characterized for the first time in wild, free-ranging ocelots and bobcats in southern Texas. Although UC allowed semen recovery for assessment of seminal traits in both species, EEJ produced higher quality samples in ocelots when applied after UC while also mitigating the adverse impact of urine contamination observed frequently with both collection methods.

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  One-third of elasmobranch species are threatened with extinction, and the precise assessment of their sperm parameters and quality is one stage in the development of reproductive technology for animal conservation.

• 2.

  Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) is the gold standard for sperm analysis; however, there were not one setup established for elasmobranchs.

• 3.

  This study presents the description of a specific setup developed for elasmobranch semen analysis using the CASA system.

• 4.

  In addition, it provides a gold-standard technique protocol for elasmobranch sperm quality assessment.

• 5.

  The described setup presented an accuracy of more than 90 percent in fourteen distinct species of freshwater and marine sharks, stingrays, and rays, failing only when there were two or more bundled sperm.

Assisted reproductive technologies are playing an ever-increasing role in the management of ex situ rhinoceros populations. Traditionally, sperm collection in rhinos is conducted via electroejaculation (EEJ) or gamete rescue. Sperm collection via urethral catheterization (UC) is gaining popularity in wildlife reproductive sciences as it requires less specialized equipment, is faster, and less stimulatory than EEJ. This study investigated the use of UC to collect sperm from Southern white (Ceratotherium simum simum; n = 3) and Eastern black (Diceros bicornis michaeli; n = 6) rhinoceros as an alternative or complementary to collection via EEJ. UC samples (n = 14) exhibited high sperm concentration (1.6 ± 0.49 ×10⁹ sperm/mL) and low volume (0.98 ± 0.26 mL). Samples obtained via EEJ (n = 11) were of moderate sperm concentration (0.14 ± 0.05 ×10⁹ sperm/mL) and high volume (30.6 ± 7.2 mL). UC samples were processed for cryopreservation in OptiXcell extender. Motility of UC sperm decreased post-thaw (56 ± 2.4%) over pre-freeze (77.1 ± 3.2%; P < 0.05), with longevity data consistent to prior results published for sperm collected via EEJ. These results suggest sperm quality and cryo-survival are not impacted by the collection method. Since EEJ was conducted after UC, sperm parameters could not be compared between the two methods. Results indicate that UC is a viable alternative to EEJ for sperm collection in rhinoceros.

Assisted reproductive technologies are key to maintain genetic stocks of endangered wild species, such as the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). Due to the low availability of ibex ovaries, heterologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) with domestic goat (Capra hircus) oocytes constitutes an excellent alternative to determine the fertilization capacity of ibex sperm doses. The aim of this study was to optimize heterologous ibex-goat IVF procedures by testing two different IVF media (TALP and SOF) and to determine whether estrous sheep serum (ESS) is required for fertilization. We found that TALP medium provides optimal conditions to conduct heterologous ibex-goat IVF, yielding blastocyst rates above 50%, and that supplementation with ESS is not required. No differences were found in embryo quality between embryos fertilized in TALP, SOF alone, or SOF supplemented with 2 or 20% ESS, based on the analysis of cell lineages development at day (D) 8 and D10 of development. Optimized heterologous ibex-goat IVF, together with embryo quality assessment through lineages development analysis, constitute an excellent system to assess fertilization capacity of ibex sperm doses, and opens the possibility of performing homologous in vitro embryo production in this species.

Given the ongoing fragmentation and decline of suitable habitat coupled with recurring disease outbreaks and pack eradications, a major rethink is required to manage the long-term genetic diversity of the endangered African wild dog. Competing financial demands in developing countries mean that conservation strategies need to yield the biggest genetic gains for the smallest economic cost. As such, we propose the development of a hybrid conservation approach to the metapopulation management of African wild dogs, which augments assisted dispersal and natural breeding initiatives with genetic gains afforded by sperm banking and artificial insemination. We discuss how such an approach would address current challenges faced by the species in the context of its unique social biology and how this could integrate with existing conservation management interventions. Moreover, during a period spanning nearly 20 years, we have developed many of the supporting reproductive technologies required to maximise genetic diversity of African wild dogs, in addition to a suite of non-invasive management tools to quantify, monitor and manipulate behaviour, vocalisations, hormones for reproductive function and responses to stressors, as well as immune function to improve the social cohesion, health and reproduction of packs.