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Roberts BM, Sandfoss MR, Schwartz TS, Lindsey A, Hinkson KM, Reichling SB. First successful artificial insemination of the endangered Louisiana pinesnake, Pituophis ruthveni. Zoo Biol 2024; 43:178-182. [PMID: 38234153 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) is considered one of the rarest snakes in North America and was federally listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2018. Captive breeding and reintroduction of zoo-bred hatchlings has been successful, however, limited founders in the captive population and the inability to bring new, wild genes into the captive colony presents a major concern for the conservation of this species. The use of artificial insemination (AI) was first applied to snakes in the 1980s but further development of the technique has since received little attention. Our goal was to develop a method of AI for use in breeding Louisiana pinesnakes to facilitate gene flow from wild to captive populations. We inseminated two captive Louisiana pinesnakes with semen collected from one donor male, novel to both females. Timing of AI occurred following the emergence of females from brumation, and when large, distinct follicles were detected using digital palpation. Females were inseminated four and five times over a period of 14 and 19 days, respectively, using fresh and 2-day refrigerator stored semen. One female laid seven eggs, which resulted in four fertile eggs and two viable hatchlings, while the second female produced three fertile of seven eggs laid but no viable hatchlings. Genetic analyses confirmed the donor male was the sire of hatchlings. This is the first successful AI of an endangered snake species and provides a framework for the use and optimization of assisted reproductive technologies for use in conservation breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth M Roberts
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark R Sandfoss
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tonia S Schwartz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Alexis Lindsey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Kristin M Hinkson
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- BCS Laboratories, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Steven B Reichling
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Awan MA, Arshad J, Rakha BA, Ansari MS, Waseem M, Fouladi-Nashta A, Miller D, Akhter S. Sperm binding to hyaluronan is an excellent predictor of Nili-Ravi buffalo bull fertility. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13991. [PMID: 33528065 DOI: 10.1111/and.13991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the first evaluation of sperm hyaluronan binding assay (HBA) for predicting the fertility of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls in relation to standard parameters of sperm quality. Cryopreserved semen doses of low (n = 6), medium (n = 3) and high fertility (n = 8) bulls based on their respective return rates were used. Significantly, more spermatozoa bound to hyaluronan from the most fertile bulls (57.15% ± 1.44) compared with medium (42.46% ± 1.08) and low fertility bulls (29.70% ± 0.78). A strongly positive correlation (r = .824, p < .01) was found between HBA and fertility that predicts a 67.9% variability (r2 = .679, p < .01) in fertility. HBA was also strongly positively correlated with sperm viability (r = .679, p < .01) followed by their live/dead ratio (r = .637, p < .01), uncapacitated spermatozoa (r = .631, p < .01), normal apical ridge (r = .459, p < .01), motility (r = .434, p < .01), mature spermatozoa with low residual histones (r = .364, p < .01), high plasma membrane integrity (r = .316, p < .01) and nonfragmented DNA levels (r = .236, p < .05). It was negatively correlated with spermatozoa having reacted acrosome (r = -.654, p < .01). A fertility model built using a combination of sperm HBA and either sperm livability or viability predicts, respectively, 86.1% (r2 = .861, p < .01) and 85.9% (r2 = .859, p < .01) variability in buffalo bull fertility. In conclusion, sperm HBA may prove to be a single robust predictor of Nili-Ravi buffalo bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Amjad Awan
- Department of Zoology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Javeria Arshad
- Department of Zoology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Allah Rakha
- Department of Wildlife Management, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Ali Fouladi-Nashta
- Reproduction Research Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - David Miller
- LIGHT Laboratories, Leeds Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Shamim Akhter
- Department of Zoology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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Monaco D, Lacalandra GM. Considerations for the development of a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) semen collection centre. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 212:106239. [PMID: 31864495 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The dromedary camel (DC) is a strategic animal for the exploitation of the desert and unhospitable lands (arid and semiarid areas). These animals are a genetic resource, locally adapted and more resilient to these environs, that may significantly contribute to food security and sustainable development of marginal land areas. Artificial insemination is the least invasive, least expensive technique for improving genetic selection and minimising transmission of venereal disease among animals and herds. Besides semen preservation protocols, specific approaches for the development of DC semen collection centres - biosecurity measures, screening for infectious diseases, management of animals, welfare, nutrition, control of seasonality, training, hygiene of semen collection and processing - have been considered less important aspects. The aim of this research is to describe the aspects related to the development of a DC semen collection centre, summarising the latest studies in the field of welfare, reproduction and diseases, and describing biosecurity and hygiene aspects related to semen collection and handling. Scientific gaps and requirements for maximising the production of good quality and safe-to-use semen doses with minimal risks of disease transmission are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Monaco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DiMeV), University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Italy.
| | - G M Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DiMeV), University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Italy
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Silla AJ, McFadden M, Byrne PG. Hormone-induced spawning of the critically endangered northern corroboree frog Pseudophryne pengilleyi. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1352-1358. [PMID: 29694827 DOI: 10.1071/rd18011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fundamental knowledge of the optimal hormone concentrations required to stimulate amplexus and spawning in breeding pairs of amphibians is currently lacking, hindering our understanding of the proximate mechanisms underpinning mating behaviour. The present study investigated the effects of: (1) the dose of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-a) administered; (2) male-female hormone administration interval; and (3) topical application of GnRH-a, on spawning success in the northern corroboree frog. Administration of GnRH-a at doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0μgg-1 were highly successful, with a significantly greater proportion of hormone-treated pairs ovipositing (89-100%) compared with the 0μgg-1 treatment (22%). Of the hormone-treated pairs, those receiving 0.5μgg-1 GnRH-a exhibited the highest fertilisation success (61%). Administration of GnRH-a to males and females simultaneously (0h) was more effective than injecting males either 48 or 24h before the injection of females. Overall, administration of GnRH-a was highly successful at inducing spawning in northern corroboree frogs. For the first time, we also effectively induced spawning following the topical application of GnRH-a to the ventral pelvic region. Topical application of GnRH-a eliminates the need for specialised training in amphibian injection, and will allow assisted reproductive technologies to be adopted by a greater number of captive facilities globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J Silla
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Michael McFadden
- Herpetofauna Department, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, PO Box 20, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Phillip G Byrne
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Praxedes ÉCG, Peixoto GCX, Maria da Silva A, Silva AR. Reproduction in agouti (Dasyprocta spp . ): A review of reproductive physiology for developing assisted reproductive techniques. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:1181-1192. [PMID: 34221130 PMCID: PMC8203115 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dasyprocta spp. (agouti) include wild rodents with highlighted ecological
and economic importance, and are considered experimental models for endangered hystricognath
rodents. Of late, development of techniques to conserve their genetic material as well as
the formation of biobanks is increasing. In this context, this review describes the main advances
in the knowledge of the reproductive morphophysiological specificities of agouti as well
as the development and improvement of assisted reproductive techniques aimed at conservation,
multiplication, and exploitation of their reproductive potential under captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica Camila Gurgel Praxedes
- Laboratory on Animal Germplasm Conservation, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa and Silva, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Gislayne Christianne Xavier Peixoto
- Laboratory on Animal Germplasm Conservation, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa and Silva, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Andréia Maria da Silva
- Laboratory on Animal Germplasm Conservation, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa and Silva, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Rodrigues Silva
- Laboratory on Animal Germplasm Conservation, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa and Silva, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker M. Pennington
- San Diego Zoo Global; Institute for Conservation Research; 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido CA 92027 USA
| | - Barbara S. Durrant
- San Diego Zoo Global; Institute for Conservation Research; 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido CA 92027 USA
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A two-step dilution tris-egg yolk extender containing Equex STM significantly improves sperm cryopreservation in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Cryobiology 2018; 80:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Łukaszewicz ET, Kowalczyk AM, Rzońca Z. Comparative Examination of Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) Behaviour Responses and Semen Quality to Two Methods of Semen Collection. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138415. [PMID: 26397704 PMCID: PMC4580405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is very helpful in solving the reproductive and biodiversity problems observed in small, closed avian populations. The successful production of fertilized eggs using AI is dependent on the collection of good quality semen. Two methods of male sexual stimulation and semen collection from captive kept capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.), one of the most seriously endangered grouse species in Europe, are compared in this study. Ejaculates were obtained either with the use of a dummy female or by the dorso-abdominal massage method. Differences in the individual responses of the males to the two methods of semen collection as well as in their semen quality were noted. Only sperm concentration (432.4 x 10(6) mL(-1) with dummy female and 614.5 x 10(6) mL(-1) for massage method) was significantly affected by capercaillie stimulation method. Sperm motility and morphology were not affected (P ≥ 0.05). Thus, for semen collection from captive kept capercaillie both methods can be used successfully. The dummy female can be an alternative to dorso-abdominal massage method, commonly used for semen collection from domesticated bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Teresa Łukaszewicz
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Artur Mikołaj Kowalczyk
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Fertilization capacity of cryopreserved Iberian ibex epididymal sperm in a heterologous in vitro fertilization assay. ZYGOTE 2013; 23:136-44. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199413000518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryIn vitro fertilization (IVF) can be used to assess the fertilization capacity of sperm. Heterologous IVF may be useful when assessing that of wild animals as it is often difficult to obtain adequate numbers of naturally corresponding oocytes. The aim of the present study was to assess the fertilization capacity of frozen–thawed ibex epididymal spermatozoa via heterologous IVF involving the oocytes of prepubertal domestic goats. The effect on fertilization and embryo development of adding oestrous sheep serum (ESS) to the fertilization medium was also examined. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in TCM-199 for 24–27 h at 38.5°C in a 5% CO2 in air atmosphere. Frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa were selected by density gradient centrifugation. After maturation, the oocytes were co-incubated with spermatozoa in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) with different concentrations of ESS: SOF-C (0%), SOF-2 (2%) and SOF-20 (20%). At 17 h post-insemination (hpi), zygotes with one female and one male pronucleus (2PN) were categorised as normal; zygotes with 3PN were recorded as polyspermic, and oocytes with 1PN as asynchronous. Cleavage and blastocyst development were assessed at 48 and 168 hpi respectively. The percentage of zygotes with 2PN was higher in the SOF-2 than in the SOF-20 treatment group (27.7% versus 2.9% P < 0.05). The percentage of blastocysts formed with the SOF-C, SOF-2 and SOF-20 treatments were 1.1%, 7.5% and 0% respectively. These results show that the presence of 2% ESS achieves better results than the use of no serum or the standard 20% concentration. Heterologous IVF may be an effective method for predicting the fertilization capacity of ibex spermatozoa, and therefore perhaps that of other wild mountain ungulates.
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Reproduction in the endangered African wild dog: Basic physiology, reproductive suppression and possible benefits of artificial insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 133:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ciereszko A, Dietrich GJ, Liszewska E, Krzywiński A, Kobus A. Short-term storage and cryopreservation of black grouse Tetrao tetrix and capercaillie T. urogallus semen. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-010-0436-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Wildt DE, Comizzoli P, Pukazhenthi B, Songsasen N. Lessons from biodiversity--the value of nontraditional species to advance reproductive science, conservation, and human health. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:397-409. [PMID: 19967718 PMCID: PMC3929270 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is quintessential to species survival. But what is underappreciated for this discipline is the wondrous array of reproductive mechanisms among species- variations as diverse as the morphology of the species themselves (more than 55,000 vertebrate and 1.1 million invertebrate types). We have investigated only a tiny fraction of these species in reproductive science. Besides the need to fill enormous gaps in a scholarly database, this knowledge has value for recovering and genetically managing rare species as well as addressing certain reproductive issues in humans. This article provides examples, first to advise against oversimplifying reproduction and then to show how such knowledge can have practical use for managing whole animals, populations, or even saving an entire species. We also address the expected challenges and opportunities that could lead to creative shifts in philosophy and effective actions to benefit more species as well as a future generation of reproductive scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Wildt
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, Conservation & Research Center, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, USA.
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Thongtip N, Mahasawangkul S, Thitaram C, Pongsopavijitr P, Kornkaewrat K, Pinyopummin A, Angkawanish T, Jansittiwate S, Rungsri R, Boonprasert K, Wongkalasin W, Homkong P, Dejchaisri S, Wajjwalku W, Saikhun K. Successful artificial insemination in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) using chilled and frozen-thawed semen. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:75. [PMID: 19615097 PMCID: PMC2718890 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial insemination (AI) using frozen-thawed semen is well established and routinely used for breeding in various mammalian species. However, there is no report of the birth of elephant calves following AI with frozen-thawed semen. The objective of the present study was to investigate the fertilizing ability of chilled and frozen-thawed semen in the Asian elephant following artificial insemination (AI). METHODS Semen samples were collected by from 8 bulls (age range, 12-to 42-years) by manual stimulation. Semen with high quality were either cooled to 4 degrees C or frozen in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C) before being used for AI. Blood samples collected from ten elephant females (age range, 12-to 52-years) were assessed for estrus cycle and elephants with normal cycling were used for AI. Artificial insemination series were conducted during 2003 to 2008; 55 and 2 AI trials were conducted using frozen-thawed and chilled semen, respectively. Pregnancy was detected using transrectal ultrasonography and serum progestagen measurement. RESULTS One female (Khod) inseminated with chilled semen became pregnant and gave birth in 2007. The gestation length was 663 days and the sex of the elephant calf was male. One female (Sao) inseminated with frozen-thawed semen showed signs of pregnancy by increasing progestagen levels and a fetus was observed for 5 months by transrectal ultrasonography. CONCLUSION This is the first report showing pregnancy following AI with frozen-thawed semen in the Asian elephant. Successful AI in the Asian elephant using either chilled or frozen-thawed semen is a stepping stone towards applying this technology for genetic improvement of the elephant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikorn Thongtip
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Sittidet Mahasawangkul
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai 50100, Thailand
| | | | - Kornchai Kornkaewrat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Anuchai Pinyopummin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Taweepoke Angkawanish
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Saran Jansittiwate
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | | | - Khajornpat Boonprasert
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Warut Wongkalasin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai 50100, Thailand
| | - Pongpon Homkong
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Suthathip Dejchaisri
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Worawit Wajjwalku
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Kulnasan Saikhun
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand
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