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Huijsmans TERG, Hassan HA, Smits K, Van Soom A. Postmortem Collection of Gametes for the Conservation of Endangered Mammals: A Review of the Current State-of-the-Art. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081360. [PMID: 37106923 PMCID: PMC10135332 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The collection of gametes from recently deceased domestic and wildlife mammals has been well documented in the literature. Through the utilization of gametes recovered postmortem, scientists have successfully produced embryos in 10 different wildlife species, while in 2 of those, offspring have also been born. Thus, the collection of gametes from recently deceased animals represents a valuable opportunity to increase genetic resource banks, obviating the requirement for invasive procedures. Despite the development of several protocols for gamete collection, the refinement of these techniques and the establishment of species-specific protocols are still required, taking into account both the limitations and the opportunities. In the case of wildlife, the optimization of such protocols is impeded by the scarcity of available animals, many of which have a high genetic value that must be protected rather than utilized for research purposes. Therefore, optimizing protocols for wildlife species by using domestic species as a model is crucial. In this review, we focused on the current advancements in the collection, preservation, and utilization of gametes, postmortem, in selected species belonging to Equidae, Bovidae, and Felidae, both domestic and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim E R G Huijsmans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hiba Ali Hassan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Jorge-Neto PN, Luczinski TC, de Araújo GR, Requena LA, de Jesus RS, Souza LSB, Zanella R, da Costa e Silva EV, de Deco-Souza T, Pizzutto CS. Cryopreservation of jaguar ( Panthera onca) sperm cells using different cryoprotectants and different thawing temperatures. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230009. [PMID: 37034116 PMCID: PMC10075188 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of jaguar semen must be improved to produce high-quality biobanking doses. Until now, the rare studies of semen freezing in the species have only evaluated glycerol, always with a significant reduction in sperm quality in thawed semen. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of three cryoprotectants, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol (GLY), and methanol (MET), in the cryopreservation of jaguar semen in an LDL-based extender, as well as the effect of thawing temperature on dosage quality. Five mature males with a history of reproduction were used. On the males, an infrared thermal image (IRT) was captured, the spicules and testes were analyzed, and the CASA system was used to evaluate the quality of fresh and thawed sperm. The superficial IRT was 4.6 ± 1.2 °C cooler than the anal sphincter, and the semen measured between 27.3 and 28.7 °C shortly after exiting the urethra. The total motility of fresh sperm was 55.3 ± 22.6%, and progressive motility was 36.3 ± 18%. The total motility of thawed sperm was 5.28 ± 2.51%, 4.49 ± %2.49, and 0.51 ± 0.62% for DMSO, GLY, and MET, respectively. DMSO and GLY performed better than MET, and there was no difference in thawing temperature (37°C 30 s vs. 50°C 12 s). All animals exhibit a considerable level of morphological changes in sperm. Low amounts of total and progressive motility were found in the thawed sperm. Males with a high level of sperm morphological changes were found to be fertile, but the lone male with normospermia was infertile. Thus, we contest the applicability of the commonly used morphological classification for bovines to felid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Nacib Jorge-Neto
- Instituto Reprocon, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Corresponding author:
| | - Thiago Cavalheri Luczinski
- Instituto Reprocon, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- No Extinction, Corumbá de Goiás, GO, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Gediendson Ribeiro de Araújo
- Instituto Reprocon, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
- Biotério Central, Faculdade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | | | | | - Larissa Schneider Brandão Souza
- Instituto Reprocon, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Zanella
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias, Inovação e Negócios, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Thyara de Deco-Souza
- Instituto Reprocon, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto
- Instituto Reprocon, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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How Can We Introduce ART into Wild Felid Conservation in Practice? Joint Experience in Semen Collection from Captive Wild Felids in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070871. [PMID: 35405860 PMCID: PMC8997001 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Artificial reproductive techniques (ART), such as cryopreservation of sperm cells and artificial insemination, are useful tools for species conservation. However, there is relatively little information published about their introduction into clinical practice for wild felids. The aim of this paper was to describe how those techniques were applied by three European teams in various species of wild felids. In total, this article presents 22 semen collection attempts in 12 species of wild felids, 15 of which were successful and resulted in the collection of at least one million spermatozoa. The failures in obtaining spermatozoa were most probably due to (1) male infertility, (2) wrong age/non-breeding season, or (3) recent multiple copulations. The cases presented in the article confirm that although ART have been introduced into clinical practice, they are mostly used in cases of infertility, not as routine breeding tools. Greater involvement of zoological gardens and private breeders is required, as many chances for preservation of valuable material are lost. Abstract Although artificial reproductive techniques (ART) are considered to be a valuable tool for species conservation, information about their introduction into clinical practice for wild felids is limited. The aim of this paper was to jointly describe cases of non-experimental sperm collection from males of various species of wild felids, performed by three European centers focused on feline reproduction. In total, the article presents 22 attempts of semen collection in 12 species of wild felids. The reasons for semen collection were: fertility assessment (10 cases), artificial insemination (5 cases), sperm rescue (postmortem collection for cryopreservation, 5 cases), and sperm banking (in vivo collection for cryopreservation, 2 cases). Semen collection was successful (defined as at least 1 × 106 spermatozoa) in 15 cases. The failures in obtaining spermatozoa were most probably due to (1) male infertility, (2) wrong age/non-breeding season, or (3) recent multiple copulations. The cases presented here confirm that although ART have been introduced into clinical practice, they are mostly used in cases of infertility, not as routine breeding tools. Higher involvement of zoological gardens and private breeders is required, as many chances for preservation of valuable material are lost.
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Mulia BH, Widianti A, Manansang J, Setiadi DR, Yoelinda VT, Nugraha TP, Karja NWK, Arifiantini RI. Establishment of semen collection technique using electroejaculator and semen cryopreservation of Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809). Vet World 2021; 14:3156-3163. [PMID: 35153407 PMCID: PMC8829418 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.3156-3163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a subspecies of Panthera pardus spp., spread across the African and Asian regions. Information on reproductive aspects is crucial for wild animals, including the Javan leopard. In this study, we aimed to developelectroejaculator (EE) techniques and evaluate cryopreservation success in Javan leopard semen. Materials and Methods: The semen of four adult Javan leopards was collected once a week using EE. Placement of the EE probe in the rectum was performed after ultrasound imaging (ultrasonography) to determine the prostate body location. The semen obtained was then evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Three Javan leopards were used for cryopreservation. The ejaculate was divided into two parts [i.e., one part diluted with AndroMed® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and the other part with Steridyl®(Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany)] at a 1:1 ratio immediately after collection and evaluation. The semen was then packed in a 0.25 mL MiniStraw® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) then equilibrated at 4°C for 2 h. After equilibration, the straw was then frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Frozen semen was then stored in containers until further evaluation. Results: The results showed that ejaculation response occurred at all levels of stimulation, while erections did not always occur. The fastest ejaculation and erection occurred at the fourth voltage. The macroscopic evaluation showed that the semen volume was 0.80±0.26 mL, cloudy white, pH 7.44±0.14, and with watery semen consistency. The microscopic evaluation showed that the sperm motility was 66.98±0.39%, with sperm viability of 75.6±1.79%. Sperm concentration was 62.17±46.95×106 mL−1 with a total concentration of 42.14±23.51×106 cells. Normal sperm morphology is only 40.72±6.26%. Conclusion: This study concluded that the development of a semen collection technique using an EE preceded by imaging of the EE probe location using ultrasound was effective for the ejaculation of Javan leopards. The characteristics of the semen of the Javan leopard showed moderate semen volume, sperm motility, and viability. Javan leopard showed low sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongot Huaso Mulia
- Biology Reproductive Program, Post Graduate School, IPB University, Jl. Raya Dramaga, Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia; Department of Life Sciences, Taman Safari Indonesia, Jalan Kapten Harun Kabir No.724 Cisarua 16750, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ardyta Widianti
- Department of Life Sciences, Taman Safari Indonesia, Jalan Kapten Harun Kabir No.724 Cisarua 16750, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Jansen Manansang
- Department of Life Sciences, Taman Safari Indonesia, Jalan Kapten Harun Kabir No.724 Cisarua 16750, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Dedi Rahmat Setiadi
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Jl. Agatis, Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Vincentia Trisna Yoelinda
- Biology Reproductive Program, Post Graduate School, IPB University, Jl. Raya Dramaga, Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Taufiq Purna Nugraha
- Zoological Division, Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Science, Cibinong 16911 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Jl. Agatis, Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Jl. Agatis, Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
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Braga DPDAF, Pizzutto CS, Rosenfield DA, Furtado PV, Oliveira CA, Corrêa SHR, Jorge-Neto PN, Guimarães MADBV. Suppression of ovarian activity in a captive African Lion Panthera leo after deslorelin treatment. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2020. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5803.12.11.16469-16477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: With the intent to evaluate the efficiency of a contraceptive treatment for cyclic ovarian suppression in African Lionesses Panthera leo using a Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist bioimplant, noninvasive fecal steroid assay associated with the observation of the behavioral estrus were employed for a period of 36 months. Five captive adult females, maintained with a vasectomized male, subcutaneously received a 9.4mg deslorelin acetate implant. The treatment initially stimulated behavioral estrus along with ovarian activity, demonstrated by an estrogen increase in two lionesses. A rise in progesterone concentration in two other animals suggested possible treatment-induced ovulation. After the initial period, deslorelin prevented ovarian activity for at least 22 months. Two females exhibited signs of behavioral estrus after 22 and 31 months. A third lioness with an increased estrogen concentration did not exhibit behavioral estrus signs or a consequent progesterone surge until 33 months after implantation, suggesting a possible resumption of ovarian activity. One female did not exhibit any behavioral estrus signs nor a rise in steroid levels after the “treatment-induced” estrus throughout the entire experiment (36 months). One lioness died after 15 months without exhibiting signs of estrus or an increased progesterone level, however, the estrogen concentration increased 12 months post-implantation, suggesting resumed ovarian activity. The study showed that long-term treatment with a GnRH agonist can be extremely effective as a contraceptive treatment in African lionesses, however, the duration of contraception may vary among individuals and may bear the risk of permanent loss of normal ovarian activity.
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Jorge-Neto PN, Luczinski TC, Araújo GRD, Salomão Júnior JA, Traldi ADS, Santos JAMD, Requena LA, Gianni MCM, Deco-Souza TD, Pizzutto CS, Baldassarre H. Can jaguar (Panthera onca) ovulate without copulation? Theriogenology 2020; 147:57-61. [PMID: 32092606 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Threatened of extinction in Brazil, the jaguar is the largest predator in Latin America, playing an important role in the ecosystem where it is inserted. Despite of some important studies in this species, its reproductive physiology needs to be better understood for the development of more effective reproductive biotechnologies. One well studied biological aspect is the occurrence of ovulation following stimulation of the vaginal floor during copulation. This mechanical stimulation is responsible for the induction of ovulation in domestic and wild cats. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate whether ovulation in captive jaguars can be induced by the above-mentioned mechanical stimulation but also by other forms of sensory stimulation. Nine jaguar (Panthera onca) females and six males were divided into three groups: Group 1 (four females), in which the females were close to the males, but with no possibility of copulation; Group 2 (three females), in which the females were in the same enclosure as the males, thereby being able to copulate; and Group 3 (two females), in which the females were completely isolated from any male of the species. Follicular growth was stimulated by administration of 800 IU of eCG, conducted three or five days before LOPU. In order to have certainty about the occurrence of ovulation, the ovaries were assessed by laparoscopy allowing the visualization of ovarian structures including follicles, recent ovulations, corpora hemorrhagica (CH) and corpora lutea (CL). Multiple CH were observed in the 2 females housed with males, as well as the two females kept in proximity of males, i.e. only visual contact (Group 1). None of the females in complete isolation from males showed CH or ovulation spots (Group 3). In summary, the seven females in contact or near proximity with males had multiple ovulations, regardless of copulation or not. Based on this evidence, we have established that jaguars are capable of two forms of induced ovulation: 1) the "mechanical" coitus-induced form that is traditional and thoroughly described for felines; 2) a "sensorial" form in which the nearby presence of a male can induce ovulation through the visual, olfactory and/or auditive senses. Further research is required for establishing the mechanisms and chemical mediators of sensorial stimulation. In addition, and consistent with expected results, we confirmed that females that received the same stimulation are incapable of ovulating when not exposed to any form of stimulation by males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Nacib Jorge-Neto
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Cavalheri Luczinski
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; NEX - No Extinction Scientific Breeding Center, Corumbá de Goiás, GO, Brazil
| | - Gediendson Ribeiro de Araújo
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Biosciences Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Jorge Aparecido Salomão Júnior
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anneliese de Souza Traldi
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Letícia Alecho Requena
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Genética Bacurizinho Eireli ME, Potirendaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Thyara de Deco-Souza
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hernan Baldassarre
- Reprocon, Reproduction for Conservation Research Group, Brazil; Reproductive Solutions for Small Ruminants, Montreal, Canada
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Silva HVR, Nunes TGP, Ribeiro LR, Freitas LAD, de Oliveira MF, Assis Neto ACD, Silva AR, Silva LDMD. Morphology, morphometry, ultrastructure, and mitochondrial activity of jaguar (Panthera onca) sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 203:84-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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