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Ng TT, Fascetti AJ, Larsen JA. Reproduction of Domestic Cats in Laboratories, Catteries, and Feral Colonies: A Review. Top Companion Anim Med 2023; 55:100780. [PMID: 37225041 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2023.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cat reproduction is important for research and commercial cat breeding operations, as well as the control of feral cat populations. This review describes studies examining reproductive performance in laboratory cats, privately-owned breeding cats, and feral cats, including sexual maturity, the estrous cycle (timing, behavior, and hormonal changes), seasonal effects, gestation length, parturition (litter size, litter weight, and parity effects), mortality, and stillbirth. Because the studies highlighted in this review vary in the location where they were conducted and the region's management practices, these factors should be considered depending on the goal of the reader when interpreting these data. Furthermore, standard practices were lacking in some earlier studies of cat reproduction, so they should be considered for historical context only and may not reflect the actual reproductive potential of cats as described in the new studies due to advancements in husbandry practices and nutrition. The objective of this manuscript is to review scientific studies examining reproductive performance in laboratory cats, privately-owned breeding cats, and feral cats. The data sources for this manuscript included original research publications and scientific reviews from the veterinary literature. All reviews or studies that augmented the knowledge of the reproduction of domestic cats in laboratories, catteries, and feral colonies were included. Most studies on laboratory cats have been conducted under the conditions of controlled light cycles, temperature, and diet. The environmental effects on reproductive behavior are subtler than those in feral cat studies, but the effects are still distinguishable. Cat breeding studies focus on genetic effects and rely heavily on surveys or questionnaires from cat breeders. However, the reliability of these data can be variable, in part because the methodology of record-keeping and other protocols are generally not reported. In addition, laboratory animal management standards, specific pathogen-free cat colonies, and nutritional requirements for cats were not fully established until the 1970s. Reproductive outcomes of earlier studies may not be a true representation of the modern cat due to more advanced, regulated husbandry practices, including improvements in nutrition, resulting in diets formulated to meet feline requirements for every life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theros T Ng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
| | - Andrea J Fascetti
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Larsen
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Ferraz MDAMM, Carothers A, Dahal R, Noonan MJ, Songsasen N. Oviductal extracellular vesicles interact with the spermatozoon's head and mid-piece and improves its motility and fertilizing ability in the domestic cat. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9484. [PMID: 31263184 PMCID: PMC6603010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45857-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization and early embryo development are regulated by a unique maternal-gamete/embryo cross-talk within the oviduct. Recent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) within the oviduct play important roles in mediating this developmental process. Here, we examined the influence of oviductal EVs on sperm function in the domestic cat. We demonstrated that (1) EVs are enriched in proteins related to energy metabolism, membrane modification, and reproductive function; (2) EVs bound and fused with the membranes of the acrosome and mid piece; and (3) incubating sperm with EVs improved motility, fertilizing capacity of cat spermatozoa and prevented acrosomal exocytosis in vitro. These findings indicated that oviductal EVs mediate sperm function and fertilization in the cat and provides new insights to improve sperm cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization in the domestic and wild felids and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- M de A M M Ferraz
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA.
| | - A Carothers
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA
| | - R Dahal
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA
| | - M J Noonan
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA
| | - N Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA
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Bosch P, Hernandez-Fonseca HJ, Miller DM, Wininger JD, Massey JB, Lamb SV, Brackett BG. Development of antral follicles in cryopreserved cat ovarian tissue transplanted to immunodeficient mice. Theriogenology 2004; 61:581-94. [PMID: 14662154 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cortex cryopreservation and xenotransplantation into immunodeficient mice represents a potential means for female germplasm conservation and an immediate model for investigation of folliculogenesis. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess follicle survival after cryopreservation and transplantation of cat ovarian tissue into non-obese diabetic severely combined immunodeficient (NOD SCID) mice; and (2) evaluate the effects of gonadotropin treatments on follicular development in the transplanted tissue. Slices from the cat ovarian cortex were frozen and after thawing, transplanted under each kidney capsule of castrated male NOD SCID mice (eight xenografts in four mice). Sixty-two days after surgery, mice were randomly assigned (two per group) to gonadotropin-treated (eCG and hCG 88 h later) or control (saline-treated) groups. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, ovarian tissue was recovered and processed for histology. Fresh ovarian tissue from the same original source was similarly processed. Follicles were counted, measured, and classified as primordial, primary, secondary, or antral. Immunoreactive proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stain was used to assess follicle viability. Microscopic examination revealed no evidence of necrosis or fibrosis. The grafts were well-vascularized, with follicles at all stages of development. Numbers of follicles in the transplanted tissue were markedly reduced compared to fresh tissue, with approximately 10% of follicles surviving freezing and transplantation procedures. Growing follicles positive for PCNA were found in all xenografts. Gonadotropin treatment did not alter the proportion of resting to growing follicles or mean follicle diameter by comparison with controls from untreated mice. By contrast, luteinization, but not ovulation, of antral follicles was observed only in grafts from treated mice. In summary, frozen-thawed cat ovarian cortex tissue not only survived xenotransplantation, it also contained follicles able to grow to antral stages. Exogenous gonadotropin treatment in this model resulted in luteinization of antral follicles but enhancement of follicular growth and ovulation did not occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Bosch
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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BLANDAU RJ, RUMERY R. Observations on cultured granulosa cells from ovarian follicles and ovulated ova of the rat. Fertil Steril 1998; 13:335-45. [PMID: 13869819 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)34564-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
In vitro oocyte maturation followed by in vitro fertilization (IVM/IVF) success in the domestic cat remains inferior to commonly studied livestock or laboratory species. The objectives here were (1) to histologically assess atresia status of freshly excised follicle/oocyte complexes, and (2) to evaluate taphonomic change (deterioration after excision) of these complexes after ovarian cold storage for up to 48 h. After excision of 50 ovarian pairs, one ovary was preserved immediately and the other stored in phosphate buffered saline (4 degrees C) for 4, 8, 12, 24, or 48 h before fixation and examination. Ovaries were classified as luteal if prominent corpora lutea (CL) were present or as follicular if antral follicles and no CL were present. Two classes of follicle-oocyte complexes (preantral and antral) were microscopically evaluated. Of the 2,280 complexes examined, 64.3% demonstrated clear evidence of slight to severe degeneration, with various stages being described and photographed for the first time. There was no histological evidence indicating distinctive morphological differences between oocytes recovered from follicular versus luteal donors. Storage of whole ovaries in cold saline inhibited taphonomic changes for 48 h after excision. In summary, there is marked variability in the number and quality of follicle populations in cat ovaries. A high percentage of full-sized follicular oocytes are undergoing atresia at any given time. However, additional gross degeneration as a result of cold-storage appears modest for up to 48 h. Nonetheless, this high level of natural atresia in the cat likely contributes to comparatively lower IVM/IVF success than in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Wood
- National Zoological Park, Conservation and Research Center, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C
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Reproduction in the Dog and Cat. Reprod Domest Anim 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-08-057109-6.50021-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of behavioral-gonadal-endocrine interrelationships is a prerequisite for the effective management of any feline breeding program. Some of the topics discussed in this article are seasonality of breeding behavior, problems associated with copulation, suggested mating schemes, and pharmacologic control of reproductive cyclicity.
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Chakraborty PK, Wildt DE, Seager SW. Induction of estrus and ovulation in the cat and dog. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 1982; 12:85-92. [PMID: 7048716 DOI: 10.1016/s0195-5616(82)50008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Wade-Smith J, Richmond ME. Induced ovulation, development of the corpus luteum, and tubal transport in the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ANATOMY 1978; 153:123-41. [PMID: 707306 DOI: 10.1002/aja.1001530108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ovulatory pattern, development of the corpus luteum (CL), and early tubal transport are described for 6 unmated and 19 mated striped skunks (mephitis mephitis) killed after known copulation times. Ovulation is induced by copulation and occurs around 42 hours (range = 40--50 hours) after first insemination. Seventeen of 19 females killed between 36 hours and 19 days postcoitus had ovulated. Two females killed at 36 hours had not ovulated; however, their follicles showed preovulatory changes and were significantly larger (p less than 0.01) than those of unmated females. Six unmated females, killed during and three weeks after the normal breeding season, had not ovulated. Ovarian events, such as preovulatory changes, ovulation, and development of the corpus luteum (CL), are described for animals killed 36 hours to 19 days post-coitus. Maximum CL size occurred at 11 days post-coitus and coincided with the onset of embryonic migration and enlargement. Embryonic development reflected individual variation in ovulation times. The first polar body was extruded at ovulation and the second at fertilization. Pronuclear stages were predominant at 42 to 48 hours and 3 to 8-cell stages at 72 to 96 hours; morulae (containing up to 95 cells) entered the uterus at seven days. Blastocysts were observed first at 11 days when embryonic spacing and enlargement began. Implantation occurred by 19 days.
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Khera KS, Roberts G, Trivett G, Terry G, Whalen C. A teratogenicity study with amaranth in cats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1976; 38:389-98. [PMID: 1033614 DOI: 10.1016/0041-008x(76)90145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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FERTILIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG. Reprod Domest Anim 1969. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-179251-0.50018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Interrelations between Progesterone and the Ovary, Pituitary, and Central Nervous System in the Control of Ovulation and the Regulation of Progesterone Secretion. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 1966. [DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(08)60383-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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BLANDAU RJ, RUMERY RE. Measurements of Intrafollicular Pressure in Ovulatory and Preovulatory Follicles of the Rat. Fertil Steril 1963; 14:330-41. [PMID: 13971501 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)34866-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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PECKHAM B, KIEKHOFER W. The Movement of Tritium-Labeled Water in the Human Ovarian Follicle**Presented at the Eighty-second Annual Meeting of the American Gynecological Society, Hot Springs, Va., May 21-23, 1959.††Supported in part by Grants T-100(t) and TIR71D(T) from the American Cancer Society, Inc., and Grant RF56 :371 from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1959; 78:1012-9. [PMID: 14431305 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(16)36653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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ODOR DL. The temporal relationship of the first maturation division of rat ova to the onset of heat. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ANATOMY 1955; 97:461-91. [PMID: 13292375 DOI: 10.1002/aja.1000970306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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BURR JH, DAVIES JI. The vascular system of the rabbit ovary and its relationship to ovulation. THE ANATOMICAL RECORD 1951; 111:273-97. [PMID: 12976703 DOI: 10.1002/ar.1091110302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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KELLER L. Beobachtungen �ber die Genese der Luteinzellen. Arch Gynecol Obstet 1950; 177:693-704. [PMID: 14783398 DOI: 10.1007/bf01395654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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HARRISON RJ. THE DEVELOPMENT AND FATE OF THE CORPUS LUTEUM IN THE VERTEBRATE SERIES. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 1948; 23:296-331. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.1948.tb00563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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HANSSON ARTUR. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION IN MINK (MUSTELA VISON, SCHREB.) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DELAYED IMPLANTATION. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 1947. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.1947.tb00023.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Dawson AB. The effects of lactation on the postpartum involution of the uterus of the cat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1946; 79:241-65. [DOI: 10.1002/aja.1000790204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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DAWSON AB. Some evidences of specific secretory activity of the anterior pituitary gland of the cat. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ANATOMY 1946; 78:347-409. [PMID: 20986988 DOI: 10.1002/aja.1000780303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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Allen E, Thomas TB, Wilson JG, Hession DA. Differential growth in the ovaries and genital tract near the time of ovulation in rats treated with colchicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1943. [DOI: 10.1002/aja.1000720207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Boling JL, Blandau RJ, Soderwall AL, Young WC. Growth of the graafian follicle and the time of ovulation in the albino rat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1941. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.1090790305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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