Reproductive seasonality and sperm cryopreservation in the male tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus)

Detection of Protein Biomarkers Relevant to Sperm Characteristics and Fertility in Semen in Three Wild Felidae: The Flat-Headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)

Effective wild cat conservation programs with assisted reproductive technologies are being developed in different parts of the world. The flat-headed cat, fishing cat, and Asiatic golden cat are three species among nine wild Felidae in Thailand that are in need of urgent conservation efforts. Here, we assessed routine sperm characteristics and we report the detection of protein biomarkers related to the fertilization process, IZUMO1 and the CRISP family, and apoptotic markers, active or cleaved caspase-3, in semen samples collected from these wild cats. IZUMO1 was located in the equatorial segment of the sperm head, which is the region involved in gamete interaction. The highest levels of IZUMO1 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma of the flat-headed cat, as determined by immunoblotting. CRISP2, a sperm-egg fusion assisting protein, and CRISP3 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma, and the highest levels were observed in the fishing cat. Positive correlations between certain semen parameters and IZUMO1, CRISP2, and CRISP3 expression were also demonstrated. Cleaved caspase-3 was found in all sperm samples in all three species and was associated with an increase in DNA fragmentation and a decrease in certain semen characteristics such as motility, viability, and intact acrosomes. Our results suggest that the analysis of IZUMO1, the CRISP family, and cleaved caspase-3, along with the routine sperm characteristics, may allow for better success in breeding management in wild Felidae, particularly in the flat-headed cat and the fishing cat.

Effects of water-soluble curcuminoid-rich extract in a solid dispersion form (CRE-SD) on the sperm characteristics, longevity and casein kinase II catalytic subunit alpha protein stability in chilled goat semen

The present study evaluated the effects of water-soluble curcuminoid-rich extract in a solid dispersion form (CRE-SD) on goat sperm qualities and sperm protein CSNK2A2 expression during liquid storage. Semen was collected from five fertile goats, using an artificial vagina. Ejaculates with a motility above 70% were cooled to 4 °C using TRIS-citric acid-fructose diluent with 10% egg yolk containing various concentrations of CRE-SD (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL). Chilled sperm were evaluated for sperm characteristics, casein kinase II catalytic subunit alpha (CSNK2A2) protein level and oxidative status up to 15 days. After 12 days of preservation, sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial activity were significantly higher in the group preserved with 10 μg/mL CRE-SD as compared with the control group. Supplementation of CRE-SD at this concentration was also able to conserve the CSNK2A2 a significantly higher than that in control group until 9 days of cold storage, possibly by reducing oxidative stress. The molecular mass of the sperm CSNK2A2 protein detected in this study was 37 kDa; it was mostly located in the post-acrosomal region, midpiece and flagellum. These results demonstrate the possibility to use the CRE-SD as a natural antioxidant during liquid semen storage in goats.

Identification and characterization of a novel bocaparvovirus in tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) in China

We used viral metagenomics and next-generation sequencing to identify a novel strain of bocaparvovirus in the intestinal tract of tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), tentatively named "Elaphodus cephalophus bocaparvovirus" (ECBOV). A nearly complete genome sequence of 5,354 nucleotides was obtained, which had the typical genome organization and protein motifs of a bocaparvovirus. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis revealed that ECBOV may be a new ungulate bocaparvovirus. The identification and characterization of viruses in wildlife will facilitate our understanding of genetic evolution and cross-species transmission and thus further reduce the potential threat to human and animal health.

CRISP protein expression in semen of the endangered Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus)

The Malayan tapir is a large endangered herbivore native to South-east Asia with fewer than 2500 animals remaining in the wild. Although a small number of animals (183 animals held by 60 institutions) are managed in zoos and breeding centres, there is limited information on the fundamental reproductive biology of this species. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate the associations of reproductive protein biomarkers (CRISP2 and CRISP3) in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa with reproductive characteristics in male Malayan tapirs. Ejaculates were collected from zoo-housed animals by electroejaculation and assessed for sperm motility and quality traits. Seminal plasma and sperm pellets were analysed for CRISP protein expression by immunoblotting. The reproductive tract of a single animal was also analysed for CRISP2 and CRISP3 protein expression and localization by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that both CRISP2 and CRISP3 are expressed in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa derived from Malayan tapirs. CRISP expression was positively correlated with semen quality, especially ejaculate volume, number of motile sperm, and acrosomal integrity. In addition, CRISP2 and CRISP3 protein expression were slightly high in males that had recently sired an offspring. The results suggest that CRISP proteins may serve as biomarkers for ejaculate quality and fertility in male Malayan tapirs. These findings may have significant implications for planning future breeding and re-introduction efforts for this species.

Characterization of seminal parameters, sperm morphometry, micromorphology, and ultrastructure in gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira, Fischer, 1814)

Populations of gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) are declining; yet, knowledge on the reproductive biology of this species remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe morphology, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphometry, micromorphology, and ultrastructure of the gray brocket deer sperm. Three adult male gray brocket deer were used in the study. Semen collection was performed using electroejaculation. Semen were analyzed by evaluating pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphology, and morphometry. Micromorphology and ultrastructure of sperm were analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), respectively. There was no significant difference among males regarding on pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability. High values for membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and normal sperm were observed. The most frequent defects were simple bent tail and bowed midpiece. The head length, and width, midpiece, and tail length were 8.5, 4.4, 11.5, and 41.3 μm, respectively. SEM sperm showed paddle-shaped heads, with apical ridge and serrated band on the equatorial segment. TEM revealed the nucleus, acrosome, plasma membrane, mitochondria sheath, proximal centrioles, segmented columns, axoneme, outer dense fibers, and fibrous sheath. SEM and TEM showed the presence of some abnormalities. These results are expected to provide baseline values of diverse semen parameters, contributing toward the development of reproductive biotechnologies for gray brocket deer and, other deer species at risk of extinction.

Adult and yearling pampas deer stags (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) display mild reproductive seasonal patterns with maximum values in autumn

The pampas deer is an endangered species, from which reproductive biology little is known. We aimed to describe and compare the reproductive seasonal patterns of adult and yearling pampas deer stags throughout the year, including morphological traits, testosterone concentration, sperm morphology and cryoresistance pattern changes. Six adult (AS) and five yearling (YS) stags were captured with anesthetic darts once in winter, spring, summer and autumn to study morphological variables, serum testosterone and semen. Adult males were heavier, their neck girth tended to be greater and their testosterone concentration was higher than in YS. Animals were heavier in summer and autumn. Neck girth and testosterone concentration were greater in autumn. Scrotal circumference, testicular volume and gonado-somatic index varied with seasons, decreasing from winter to spring, increasing in summer and remaining in greater values in autumn. Sperm quality had maximum values from summer to winter. However, the cryoresistance ratio of motility score was greater in spring. In conclusion, in the captivity conditions, pampas deer stags seems to present a light seasonal reproductive pattern, with maximum testis size, testosterone secretion and fresh semen quality in autumn. Nevertheless, sperm cryoresistance ratio seemed to remain stable along the year. Although YS were still growing, they achieved similar semen quality than AS.

The effects of short-term medroxyprogesterone acetate on rut related behaviors, semen characteristics and fertility in farmed reindeer bulls

The effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on velvet antler cleaning, hypophagia, aggressive behavior and fertility were evaluated in farmed reindeer bulls during a 2-year study. Eight reindeer bulls aged 1-4 years were divided into 2 groups balanced for age. During each year, one group (MPA, n = 4) was treated with MPA 2 wk prior to the expected onset of rut while the other group (CTL, n = 4) served as untreated controls. Feed consumption, behavior and antler cleaning were recorded daily or 3 x weekly for 3 mo. Each year a dominant CTL and MPA bull were put into separate harems of estrous synchronized females for 1 wk in mid-September. Following harem breakup, semen was collected from all bulls via electroejaculation and evaluated. In Year 2 the bulls were switched such that year 1 MPA bulls received the CTL treatment and year 1 CTL bulls received MPA treatment. In Year 2 all eight bulls received MPA treatment/booster following semen collection. In both years, MPA treatment reduced rut associated body weight loss (p ≤ 0.05), rut associated hypophagia (p ≤ 0.001), interfered with velvet antler cleaning, and abolished aggressive rut related behavior. All of these changes suggest suppression of testosterone mediated effects. Alternatively, semen parameters differed little between treatment groups with the exception of reduced sperm concentration and total sperm production in MPA bulls (p ≤ 0.05). All CTL bulls in Year 2 exhibited full rut behavior with the dominant bull successfully breeding 100% of females available for breeding, suggesting no carryover effect of MPA treatment from the previous year. The MPA bull successfully bred 4 of 6 females (Year 1) but the MPA bull in Year 2 failed to sire any offspring. A single 400 mg treatment of MPA just prior to rut was sufficient to suppress rut associated aggression and hypophagia on a short-term (3 mo) basis. It did not however, completely suppress fertility.

Strong Heterogeneity in Advances in Cryopreservation Techniques in the Mammalian Orders

Between 1970 and 2012, vertebrate abundance has declined by 58% with an average annual decline of 2%, calling for serious action to prevent a mass extinction and an irreversible loss of biodiversity. Cryobanks and cryopreservation have the potential to assist and improve ex situ and in situ conservation strategies by storing valuable genetic material. A great deal of studies concerning cryopreservation have been performed within the class Mammalia, although no systematic overview has previously been presented. The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the status, pattern and future of cryopreservation within Mammalia. A strong disproportional distribution of studies in examined orders is displayed. For the majority of examined orders less than 10% of species has been examined. However, the cryopreservation of germplasm has in several cases been successful and resulted in successful applications of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Various obstacles are associated with the development of cryopreservation protocols, and among them the most prominent is interspecific differences in cryotolerance. Extrapolation of protocols in closely related species is considered the most applicable procedure, and a future supplement to overcome this problem is the examination and comparison of cryobiological traits. Successful protocols have been developed for the vast majority of domesticated mammals, which gives incentive for the further extrapolation of protocols in threatened species.

Physiological variations in reproductive and metabolic features of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) bucks throughout the rutting season

White-tailed deer farming is a growing industry in the United States, yet there is still a need to improve breeding practices in captive cervids. The objective of this study was to compare reproductive and somatic characteristics of white-tailed bucks early in the breeding season (September), at peak rut (December), and late breeding season (March). We hypothesized that reproductive parameters would improve at the peak of the breeding season. Young, mature bucks (n = 7-11, ages 2-3 yr) were anesthetized via projector with tiletamine-zolazepam and xylazine. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm output, motility, and morphology. The bulbourethral, vesicular, and prostate glands were measured by transrectal ultrasound. Body condition score, thoracic circumference, rump fat thickness, scrotal circumference, and testicular measurements were also recorded. Serum testosterone, estradiol, and IGF-I concentrations were measured. Body condition score and rump fat thickness were highest in September, intermediate in December, and lowest in March (p < 0.01), whereas thoracic circumference was lowest in September (p = 0.02). In September, serum IGF-I was highest (p < 0.01) and estradiol was lowest (p ≤ 0.02). Serum testosterone levels were lowest in March and highest in December (p < 0.01). Testicular volume and scrotal circumference were highest in September, intermediate in December, and lowest in March (p < 0.01). Bulbourethral gland length was greatest in March (p ≤ 0.05), whereas prostate length was greatest in September (p ≤ 0.02). Vesicular gland length and width were highest in December, intermediate in September, and lowest in March (p ≤ 0.02). Both overall and progressive sperm motilities were lowest in March (p < 0.01), but did not differ between September and December (p ≥ 0.12). In December, bucks had the highest percentage of normal sperm and lowest percentage of primary sperm defects (p ≤ 0.01). Collectively, our results demonstrated variation in reproductive and metabolic characteristics of white-tailed deer bucks throughout the breeding season at 40°N. The physiological variations described here will be useful for veterinarians and researchers performing reproductive evaluations in white-tailed deer bucks.