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Khonmee J, Brown JL, Pérez AL, Lertwichaikul T, Sathanawongs A, Pornnimitra P, Areewong C, Supanta J, Punyapornwithaya V, Buddhasiri S, Punturee K. Effect of Electroejaculation Protocols on Semen Quality and Concentrations of Testosterone, Cortisol, Malondialdehyde, and Creatine Kinase in Captive Bengal Tigers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1893. [PMID: 37370403 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is critically endangered, so assisted reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination, are important conservation tools. For wild and domestic felids, electroejaculation (EE) is the most common semen collection method, with protocols optimized to obtain sufficient amounts of viable sperm for artificial insemination. However, less attention has been paid to ensuring animal wellbeing during the process. This study examined the effects of three EE protocols (Low, 2-5 volts; Medium, 3-6 volts; High, 4-7 volts) on semen quality, testicular size, serum testosterone, creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and serum cortisol as a proxy for stress. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after each EE series. Seminal plasma pH, and sperm motility, viability, and morphology were evaluated after each procedure. Seminal plasma and sperm pellet MDA concentrations were also determined. Primary sperm abnormalities and seminal plasma MDA were higher in the Low compared to Medium and High voltage groups (p < 0.05). Serum CK in the High voltage group increased during the EE series (p < 0.05), suggesting the potential for muscle damage. However, no significant changes were observed for serum cortisol, testosterone, or MDA concentrations. Results suggest the Medium voltage protocol produced good quality samples at lower voltages than the High protocol with no negative effect on muscle function, which might be better for animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaruwan Khonmee
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University-Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Janine L Brown
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University-Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Anabel López Pérez
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University-Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant Conservation Center, Sayaboury 08000, Laos
| | - Teepakorn Lertwichaikul
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Anucha Sathanawongs
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Patchara Pornnimitra
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Chanakan Areewong
- Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, Khum Suea Trakan Co., Ltd., Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
| | - Jarawee Supanta
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University-Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Veerasak Punyapornwithaya
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Songphon Buddhasiri
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University-Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Khanittha Punturee
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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Sperm morphology and forward motility are indicators of reproductive success and are not age- or condition-dependent in a captive breeding population of endangered snake. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282845. [PMID: 36897888 PMCID: PMC10004498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between male ejaculate traits and reproductive success is an important consideration for captive breeding programs. A recovery plan for the endangered Louisiana pinesnake includes captive breeding for the release of young to the wild. Semen was collected from twenty captive breeding male snakes and ejaculate traits of motility, morphology, and membrane viability were measured for each male. Semen traits were analyzed in relation to the fertilization rate of eggs produced from pairings of each male with a single female (% fertility) to determine the ejaculate factors contributing to reproductive success. In addition, we investigated the age- and condition-dependence of each ejaculate trait. We found significant variation in the ejaculate traits of males and normal sperm morphology ([Formula: see text] = 44.4 ± 13.6%, n = 19) and forward motility ([Formula: see text] = 61.0 ± 13.4%, n = 18) were found to be the best predictors of fertility. No ejaculate traits were found to be condition-dependent (P > 0.05). Forward progressive movement (FPM) ([Formula: see text] = 4 ± 0.5, n = 18) was determined to be age-dependent (r2 = 0.27, P = 0.028), but FPM was not included in the best model for rate of fertilization. Male Louisiana pinesnakes do not appear to experience a significant decline in reproductive potential with age (P > 0.05). The observed average rate of fertilization in the captive breeding colony was below 50% and only those pairings with a male having >51% normal sperm morphology avoided a 0% rate of fertilization. Identification of the factors contributing to the reproductive success of captive breeding Louisiana pinesnakes is of considerable conservation value in the recovery of the species, and captive breeding programs should use assessments of ejaculate traits to plan breeding pairs for maximum reproductive output.
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Connecting the spots: Understanding cheetah reproduction to improve assisted breeding and population management. Theriogenology 2022; 185:70-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Smirnov GY. Sperm Motility in Bank (Clethrionomys glareolus) and Northern Red-backed Voles (Cl. rutilus) Exposed to Industrial Pollution. RUSS J ECOL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1067413622010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Maly MA, Edwards KL, Koester DC, Farin CE, Crosier AE. Assessing puberty in female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) via faecal hormone metabolites and body weight. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:841-854. [PMID: 34844663 DOI: 10.1071/rd21169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With fewer than 7500 cheetahs remaining in the wild, ex situ cheetah populations serve as an insurance policy against extinction and a resource to study species' biology. This study aimed to identify the age of pubertal onset in ex situ female cheetahs using non-invasive faecal steroid hormone monitoring and body weights. Faecal samples from nine female cheetahs were collected two to three times weekly from 2 to 36months of age and body weights were recorded every 3months. Faecal oestrogen metabolites (FOM) and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) were analysed using enzyme immunoassays and samples were categorised into 6-month intervals to compare endocrine characteristics. Faecal hormone and body weight data were analysed using generalised linear mixed models. Age was a significant predictor of mean and baseline FOM concentrations, number of FOM peaks, mean and maximum FOM peak concentrations and the number of cycles. Female cheetahs aged 24-30months exhibited a marked rise in mean FOM concentration and the number of FOM peaks and cycles increased with age until 24-30months. Females attained adult body weight by 21months of age. Mean and baseline FGM concentrations were highest at the 0-6 and 12-18months of age groups and did not follow the same FOM patterns. Based on body weight data, the FOM concentrations and peak patterning, females were considered pubertal from 24 to 30months of age. Characterisation of cheetah puberty has direct and significant implications for the improvement of management and reproductive success of cheetahs under human care. This information is particularly informative for identifying important windows of development, littermate dispersal and breeding introductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Maly
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; and Genetics Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; and Genetics Program, Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Katie L Edwards
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; and North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Diana C Koester
- Department of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
| | - Charlotte E Farin
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Adrienne E Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
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Dierenfeld ES, Whitehouse‐Tedd K, Dermauw V, Hanebury LR, Biggins DE. Environmental and prey‐based factors underpinning variability in prairie dogs eaten by black‐footed ferrets. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen S. Dierenfeld
- Department of Wildlife Nutrition New York Zoological Society (now Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx New York10460USA
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University Southwell NottinghamshireNG25 0QFUK
| | - Katherine Whitehouse‐Tedd
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University Southwell NottinghamshireNG25 0QFUK
| | - Veronique Dermauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Tropical Medicine Nationalestraat 155 Antwerp2000Belgium
| | - Louis R. Hanebury
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Ecology Research Center 1300 Blue Spruce Drive Fort Collins Colorado80524USA
| | - Dean E. Biggins
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Ecology Research Center 1300 Blue Spruce Drive Fort Collins Colorado80524USA
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First Birth of Cheetah Cubs from In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101811. [PMID: 33027972 PMCID: PMC7600091 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although the cheetah is the most studied of all wild felid species, reproduction of cheetahs in zoological settings has never been self-sustaining. A large proportion (~30%) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums population is excluded from breeding due to advanced age, health, behavior, or management issues. Development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to enable the genetic contribution of sub-fertile individuals is now a priority research and management focus. We have previously demonstrated that aging females produce eggs that have the same developmental competence as young females. The objective of the present study was to produce embryos in vitro from older donor oocytes and transfer them into younger recipients to obtain pregnancies and live births. Good quality oocytes were collected from three synchronized donors, fertilized in vitro with frozen-thawed semen, and cultured for two days. Resulting embryos were transferred into the oviduct of three synchronized recipients. Pregnancies were monitored via fecal levels of progestogens, ultrasonography, and radiography. Two cubs were born naturally after 90 days of gestation, representing the first cheetah births resulting from the transfer of embryos produced in vitro. Abstract Approximately 30% of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums cheetah population (~350 total animals) is unlikely to breed naturally due to advanced age, health, or behavioral issues. Aging cheetah females (≥9 y old) are unlikely to become pregnant via natural breeding if they are nulliparous. We previously demonstrated that oocytes recovered from aged females were of similar quality compared with those recovered from younger females (2–8 y old). We hypothesize that transfer of 4–8 cell embryos produced by in vitro fertilization with oocytes from old donors could result in pregnancy after transfer into younger recipients. Female cheetahs (n = 3 aging donors and n = 3 young recipients) received 300 IU equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) and 3000 IU Luteinizing Hormone (LH) while fecal metabolites of estrogens and progestogens were closely monitored. At 28 h post-LH injection, oocytes were aspirated laparoscopically from donors and inseminated in vitro with cryopreserved sperm. After 48 h of in vitro culture, resulting embryos (4–8 cells) were transferred into the oviducts of recipient females. Pregnancy was confirmed in one recipient via ultrasound 32 days after transfer and by radiograph 62 days after transfer. Two cubs were born naturally after 90 days of gestation, representing the first cheetah births resulting from transfer of embryos produced in vitro.
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Silvatti B, Granato TM, Jorge-Neto PN, Luppi MMCP, Reisfeld LC, Henrique PC, Padilha FLA, Leite RF, Losano JDDA, Kawai GKV, Nichi M, Pizzutto CS. Sperm evaluation and morphological description of male genitalia of meerkats (Suricata suricatta). Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106585. [PMID: 32889408 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In ex situ conditions, little is known about the reproductive biology of meerkats. The aim of present study was to describe the morphological aspects of male genital organs and accessory glands using macroscopic evaluation, ultrasonography, and radiography, as well as describing semen characteristics post-electroejaculation. The results indicated anatomical characteristics of meerkats are very similar to those of cats, having a prostate, accessory bulbourethral glands, and an elongated and radiopaque structure in the penis, which is indicative of there being a baculum. The testicular volume was 0.81 cm³ (± 0.10) and the relative testis weight was 1.37 cm³/kg (± 0.15). Both testicles are present in the scrotum, which has an ellipsoidal shape, homogeneous texture, hypoechoic parenchyma and are encased in a hyperechoic tunica albuginea. Electroejaculation was effectively induced in all animals for semen collection with utilization of medetomidine and ketamine. The values semen samples variables were as follows for volume - 0.125 ± 0.193 mL, motility - 19.8 ± 18.6 %, vigor - 1.9 ± 1.0, concentration - 40.5 ± 25.2 × 106 sperm/mL and morphologically normal sperm - 10.8 ± 6.6 %. This is the first study in which there is a description of morphological and imaging aspects of the male reproductive tracts of meerkats, as well as the seminal characteristics after using electroejaculation for semen collection. Knowledge of anatomical and seminal characteristics is essential for implementation of assisted reproduction programs, as well as reproductive management in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Silvatti
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Pedro Nacib Jorge-Neto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Roberta Ferreira Leite
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Diego de Agostini Losano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giulia Kiyomi Vechiato Kawai
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcilio Nichi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Immunoglobulin J chain as a non-invasive indicator of pregnancy in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0225354. [PMID: 32040477 PMCID: PMC7010269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The North American cheetah population serves as a reservoir for the species, and acts as a research population to help understand the unique biology of the species. Little is known about the intrauterine physiology of the cheetah, including embryo differentiation, implantation, and the development of the placenta. After mating, cheetah females frequently experience (30–65% of matings) a non-pregnant luteal phase where progestogen metabolite levels match those found in pregnant females for the first ~55 days of gestation, but parturition does not occur. Immunoglobulin J chain (IgJ) is a molecule that is involved in the activation of the secretory immune response and has been found to be indicative of pregnancy in the cheetah using fecal monitoring. In this study, western blotting was employed to track IgJ abundance in pooled weekly fecal samples following natural breeding or exogenous stimulation to ovulate, and IgJ levels were compared between individuals undergoing a pregnant (n = 12) and non-pregnant (n = 19) luteal phase. It was revealed that IgJ abundance was increased in pregnant females compared to non-pregnant females at week 4 and week 8 post-breeding, indicating the potential modulation of maternal immunity in response to sensitive events such as implantation and the increased secretory activity of the placenta. IgJ levels also tended to be higher early after breeding in females that were bred naturally with intact males compared to exogenously stimulated females with no exposure to seminal plasma, potentially indicating a response to the act of intromission or the stress of breeding, or possibly demonstrating an immune response resulting in the promotion of maternal tolerance to seminal antigens present upon embryonic implantation. Monitoring fecal IgJ may be a potential method to determine gestational status in the cheetah and will aid future conservation efforts of the species.
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McNutt JW, Groom R, Woodroffe R. Ambient temperature provides an adaptive explanation for seasonal reproduction in a tropical mammal. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. W. McNutt
- Botswana Predator Conservation Trust Maun Botswana
| | - R. Groom
- Institute of Zoology London UK
- African Wildlife Conservation Fund Birchenough Bridge Zimbabwe
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Maly MA, Edwards KL, Farin CE, Koester DC, Crosier AE. Assessing puberty in ex situ male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) via fecal hormone metabolites and body weights. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 268:22-33. [PMID: 30026021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cheetahs are one of the most heavily studied felid species, with numerous publications on health, disease, and reproductive physiology produced over the last 30 years. Despite this relatively long history of research, there is a paucity of crucial biological data, such as pubertal onset, which has direct and significant applications to improved management of ex situ cheetah populations. This study aimed to determine age of pubertal onset in ex situ male cheetahs using non-invasive fecal steroid hormone monitoring and body weights. Fecal samples from 12 male cheetahs from four institutions were collected 2-3 times weekly from 1 to 42 months of age. Fecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolites were analyzed using enzyme immunoassays previously validated for use with cheetah feces. Animal body weights were recorded monthly. Fecal hormone and body weight data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. Androgen concentrations exhibited an increase to levels similar to those observed in adult males by 18-24 months of age, and males attained adult body weights by 21 months of age. Based on these weight data and the initial increase in androgens toward adult concentrations, males were considered pubertal from 18 to 24 months of age. Glucocorticoid concentrations and amplitude of concentration over baseline were also increased during this period. Knowledge about the physiological changes associated with puberty is useful for management and improving reproductive success of cheetah populations under human care, particularly for determining timing of litter separation from dam, littermate dispersal and when to introduce potential breeding pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Maly
- Center for Species Survival, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, United States; Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, 123 Polk Hall, 120 Broughton Drive, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Katie L Edwards
- Center for Species Survival, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, United States
| | - Charlotte E Farin
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, 123 Polk Hall, 120 Broughton Drive, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Diana C Koester
- Department of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109, United States
| | - Adrienne E Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, United States.
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Influence of the type of semen and morphology of individual sperm cells on the results of ICSI in domestic cats. Theriogenology 2018; 131:140-145. [PMID: 30965206 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the type of spermatozoa and of different sperm abnormalities on fertilization and embryo development after ICSI in cats. In Exp I, ICSI was performed using urethral or epididymal spermatozoa collected from 7 tomcats. In Exp. II, epididymal spermatozoa from 16 cats were used for ICSI and an epididymal spermatozoon exhibiting no abnormalities or one with an abnormality was microinjected into an oocyte. Exp. I was performed in 14 replicates and Exp. II was performed in 20 replicates. In both experiments the number of cleaved oocytes, the number of embryos at the morula stage and the number of embryos at the blastocyst stage were evaluated at 24 h, and at 6 and 7 days after ICSI, respectively, and compared between experimental groups. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed, either for Exp. I or for Exp. II. The average cleavage rate was 60.2%, morula rate 62.3% and blastocyst rate 19.2% in Exp. I and 51.6%, 66.8% and 25.8% in Exp. II, respectively. The study confirmed that both urethral and epididymal spermatozoa can be used for in vitro fertilization in cats and proved the usefulness of the ICSI method in the case of teratozoospermic males. The study showed that even in severe cases, when almost no normal spermatozoa can be found in the semen, it is possible to obtain embryos using abnormal sperm cells with the same chance of success as for normal spermatozoa.
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Crosier AE, Comizzoli P, Koester DC, Wildt DE. Circumventing the natural, frequent oestrogen waves of the female cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) using oral progestin (Altrenogest). Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1486-1498. [PMID: 27483379 DOI: 10.1071/rd16007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cheetah are induced ovulators, experiencing short, variable oestrogen waves year-round. Exogenous gonadotrophin administration induces ovulation, but success is variable and often improves if ovaries are quiescent. After affirming the presence of short-term oestrogenic waves, we examined the effect of the timing of administration of exogenous equine and human chorionic gonadotrophins (eCG-hCG) within the oestrogen concentration pattern on subsequent follicle development and oocyte and corpus luteum quality. We also investigated ovarian suppression using an oral progestin (Altrenogest, 7 days) and assessed whether Altrenogest moderated adrenal activity by reducing glucocorticoid metabolites. All cheetahs exhibited short (every ~7-10 days), sporadic, year-round increases in faecal oestradiol punctuated by unpredictable periods (4-10 weeks) of baseline oestradiol (anoestrous). Gonadotrophin (eCG-hCG) efficacy was not affected by oestradiol 'wave' pattern if administered ≥3 days after an oestrogen peak. Such cheetahs produced normative faecal progestagen patterns and higher numbers (P<0.06) of mature oocytes than females given gonadotrophins ≤2 days after an oestradiol peak. Altrenogest supplementation expanded the interval between oestradiol peaks to 12.9 days compared with 7.3 days without progestin pretreatment. Altrenogest-fed females excreted less (P<0.05) glucocorticoid metabolites than non-supplemented counterparts. Results show that Altrenogest is effective for suppressing follicular activity, may contribute to reduced glucocorticoid production and may result in more effective ovulation induction via gonadotrophin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Crosier
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | - Diana C Koester
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - David E Wildt
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
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Koester DC, Freeman EW, Wildt DE, Terrell KA, Franklin AD, Meeks K, Crosier AE. Group management influences reproductive function of the male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:496-508. [PMID: 26388294 DOI: 10.1071/rd15138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the free-ranging cheetah is generally socially solitary, as many as 60% of males live in same-sex (usually sibling) coalitions. Under ex situ conditions, the cheetah experiences low reproductive success with only ~18% of males having ever produced young. Most male cheetahs (85%) are managed in captivity in coalitions, but with no data on the influence of social grouping on reproductive parameters. We examined the influence of singleton versus coalition management on various male cheetah physiological traits, including ejaculate quality and gonadal and adrenal hormone metabolite concentrations. We also assessed behaviour within coalitions for evidence of social hierarchy through initiation of interactions with group mates and relatedness to physiological traits. Ejaculate quality (including total motile and structurally normal spermatozoa per ejaculate) and androgen concentration profiles were higher (P<0.05) in coalition compared with singleton males. These results support the conclusion that testis function in the cheetah, specifically related to the development of normal, motile spermatozoa and androgen production, is influenced by management with same-sex conspecifics. The findings have implications for ex situ conservation breeding programs by suggesting that reproductive quality can be enhanced through group maintenance of cheetah males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Koester
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Freeman
- New Century College, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - David E Wildt
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Kimberly A Terrell
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Ashley D Franklin
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Karen Meeks
- White Oak Conservation Center, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, USA
| | - Adrienne E Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
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Mossotti RH, Baskir EA, Kozlowski CP, Franklin AD, Feldhamer GA, Asa CS. Reactions of female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to urine volatiles from males of varying genetic distance. Zoo Biol 2018; 37:229-235. [PMID: 29900582 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the factors used by female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to make mate choice decisions could benefit zoo breeding programs, which currently assign mates based primarily on genetic distance. Because transporting animals between institutions is costly and can be stressful, females are often limited in the number of males available for mating. One solution would be to determine if an easily transported substance could be used to gauge interest by a female to a potential mate. Here, we investigate female interest in urine samples from males of different genetic distances. Twelve females at five institutions were offered scents from 17 males of varying genetic relatedness in a pair-wise choice paradigm. Behavioral responses of the females were recorded to determine preference. Results showed that females spent more time sniffing and in proximity to scents from the most distantly related males, but female response was not influenced by male urine testosterone concentration, female parity, age, or estrous cycling. Further research will be necessary to determine whether a female's interest in male urine translates to mate preference and acceptance before this technique can be applied to zoo breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina H Mossotti
- Department of Animal Care and Conservation, Endangered Wolf Center, Eureka, Missouri
| | - Eli A Baskir
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Corinne P Kozlowski
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Ashley D Franklin
- AZA Reproductive Management Center at the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - George A Feldhamer
- Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Cheryl S Asa
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri
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17
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Muñoz-Fuentes V, Cacheiro P, Meehan TF, Aguilar-Pimentel JA, Brown SDM, Flenniken AM, Flicek P, Galli A, Mashhadi HH, Hrabě de Angelis M, Kim JK, Lloyd KCK, McKerlie C, Morgan H, Murray SA, Nutter LMJ, Reilly PT, Seavitt JR, Seong JK, Simon M, Wardle-Jones H, Mallon AM, Smedley D, Parkinson HE. The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC): a functional catalogue of the mammalian genome that informs conservation. CONSERV GENET 2018; 19:995-1005. [PMID: 30100824 PMCID: PMC6061128 DOI: 10.1007/s10592-018-1072-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) is building a catalogue of mammalian gene function by producing and phenotyping a knockout mouse line for every protein-coding gene. To date, the IMPC has generated and characterised 5186 mutant lines. One-third of the lines have been found to be non-viable and over 300 new mouse models of human disease have been identified thus far. While current bioinformatics efforts are focused on translating results to better understand human disease processes, IMPC data also aids understanding genetic function and processes in other species. Here we show, using gorilla genomic data, how genes essential to development in mice can be used to help assess the potentially deleterious impact of gene variants in other species. This type of analyses could be used to select optimal breeders in endangered species to maintain or increase fitness and avoid variants associated to impaired-health phenotypes or loss-of-function mutations in genes of critical importance. We also show, using selected examples from various mammal species, how IMPC data can aid in the identification of candidate genes for studying a condition of interest, deliver information about the mechanisms involved, or support predictions for the function of genes that may play a role in adaptation. With genotyping costs decreasing and the continued improvements of bioinformatics tools, the analyses we demonstrate can be routinely applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Muñoz-Fuentes
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD UK
| | - Pilar Cacheiro
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ UK
| | - Terrence F. Meehan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD UK
| | - Juan Antonio Aguilar-Pimentel
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Steve D. M. Brown
- Medical Research Council Harwell Institute (Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mary Lyon Centre), Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD UK
| | - Ann M. Flenniken
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7 Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5 Canada
| | - Paul Flicek
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD UK
| | | | - Hamed Haseli Mashhadi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD UK
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Alte Akademie 8, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Jong Kyoung Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - K. C. Kent Lloyd
- Mouse Biology Program, University of California, Davis, CA 95618 USA
| | - Colin McKerlie
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7 Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5 Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X84 Canada
| | - Hugh Morgan
- Medical Research Council Harwell Institute (Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mary Lyon Centre), Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD UK
| | | | - Lauryl M. J. Nutter
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7 Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X84 Canada
| | - Patrick T. Reilly
- PHENOMIN-iCS, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, Alsace France
| | - John R. Seavitt
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Interdisciplinary Program for Bioinformatics and Program for Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Michelle Simon
- Medical Research Council Harwell Institute (Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mary Lyon Centre), Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD UK
| | | | - Ann-Marie Mallon
- Medical Research Council Harwell Institute (Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mary Lyon Centre), Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD UK
| | - Damian Smedley
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ UK
| | - Helen E. Parkinson
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD UK
| | - the IMPC consortium
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD UK
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ UK
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Medical Research Council Harwell Institute (Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mary Lyon Centre), Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD UK
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7 Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5 Canada
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA UK
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Alte Akademie 8, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988 Republic of Korea
- Mouse Biology Program, University of California, Davis, CA 95618 USA
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X84 Canada
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 USA
- PHENOMIN-iCS, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, Alsace France
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Interdisciplinary Program for Bioinformatics and Program for Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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18
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Marker L, Grisham J, Brewer B. A Brief History of Cheetah Conservation. CHEETAHS: BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 2018. [PMCID: PMC7150087 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-804088-1.00001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is a charismatic, and iconic species that, due to its uniqueness and extreme popularity over the epochs, has been exploited to near extinction. Once found on three continents, this streamline carnivore is disappearing rapidly from its former range and faces a bleak future due to numerous factors, including, popularity by nobility as pets and hunting companions, human population growth, human-wildlife conflict, illegal trafficking, loss of genetic diversity, and many others. The conservation crisis this species is facing is overwhelming, yet a core of hard-working conservationists has been working diligently for decades to slow, and in some areas try to even reverse, their downward spiral. This narrative will give the reader an insight into the history of the conservation efforts for this species, what has been done to date, and what still needs to be developed to save this unique species.
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Non-invasive identification of protein biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188575. [PMID: 29236714 PMCID: PMC5728495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 80% of cheetahs living in typical zoological collections never reproduce. In more than 60% of breedings, the female is confirmed to ovulate, but parturition fails to occur. It is unknown if these non-pregnant intervals of elevated progesterone (deemed luteal phases) are conception failures or a pregnancy terminating in embryonic/fetal loss. There have been recent advances in metabolic profiling and proteome analyses in many species with mass spectrometry used to identify ‘biomarkers’ and mechanisms indicative of specific physiological states (including pregnancy). Here, we hypothesized that protein expression in voided cheetah feces varied depending on pregnancy status. We: 1) identified the expansive protein profile present in fecal material of females; and 2) isolated proteins that may be candidates playing a role in early pregnancy establishment and diagnosis. Five hundred and seventy unique proteins were discovered among samples from pregnant (n = 8), non-pregnant, luteal phase (n = 5), and non-ovulatory control (n = 5) cheetahs. Four protein candidates were isolated that were significantly up-regulated and two were down-regulated in samples from pregnant compared to non-pregnant or control counterparts. One up-regulated candidate, immunoglobulin J chain (IGJ; an important component of the secretory immune system) was detected using a commercially available antibody via immunoblotting. Findings revealed that increased IGJ abundance could be used to detect pregnancy successfully in >80% of 23 assessed females within 4 weeks after mating. The discovery of a novel fecal pregnancy marker improves the ability to determine reproductive, especially gestational, status in cheetahs managed in an ex situ insurance and source population.
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20
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O'Brien SJ, Johnson WE, Driscoll CA, Dobrynin P, Marker L. Conservation Genetics of the Cheetah: Lessons Learned and New Opportunities. J Hered 2017; 108:671-677. [PMID: 28821181 PMCID: PMC5892392 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The dwindling wildlife species of our planet have become a cause célèbre for conservation groups, governments, and concerned citizens throughout the world. The application of powerful new genetic technologies to surviving populations of threatened mammals has revolutionized our ability to recognize hidden perils that afflict them. We have learned new lessons of survival, adaptation, and evolution from viewing the natural history of genomes in hundreds of detailed studies. A single case history of one species, the African cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is here reviewed to reveal a long-term story of conservation challenges and action informed by genetic discoveries and insights. A synthesis of 3 decades of data, interpretation, and controversy, capped by whole genome sequence analysis of cheetahs, provides a compelling tale of conservation relevance and action to protect this species and other threatened wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J O'Brien
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, Rockville, MD; and Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia
| | - Warren E Johnson
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, Rockville, MD; and Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia
| | - Carlos A Driscoll
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, Rockville, MD; and Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia
| | - Pavel Dobrynin
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, Rockville, MD; and Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia
| | - Laurie Marker
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, Rockville, MD; and Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Namibia
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21
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Lemaître JF, Gaillard JM. Reproductive senescence: new perspectives in the wild. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2017; 92:2182-2199. [PMID: 28374548 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
According to recent empirical studies, reproductive senescence, the decline in reproductive success with increasing age, seems to be nearly ubiquitous in the wild. However, a clear understanding of the evolutionary causes and consequences of reproductive senescence is still lacking and requires new and integrative approaches. After identifying the sequential and complex nature of female reproductive senescence, we show that the relative contributions of physiological decline and alterations in the efficiency of parental care to reproductive senescence remain unknown and need to be assessed in the light of current evolutionary theories of ageing. We demonstrate that, although reproductive senescence is generally studied only from the female viewpoint, age-specific female reproductive success strongly depends on male-female interactions. Thus, a reduction in male fertilization efficiency with increasing age has detrimental consequences for female fitness. Lastly, we call for investigations of the role of environmental conditions on reproductive senescence, which could provide salient insights into the underlying sex-specific mechanisms of reproductive success. We suggest that embracing such directions should allow building new bridges between reproductive senescence and the study of sperm competition, parental care, mate choice and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Lemaître
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1; CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR5558, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1; CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR5558, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
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22
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Seasonality and breeding success of captive and wild Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii). Theriogenology 2017; 95:33-41. [PMID: 28460677 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The synchrony and timing of reproductive events are crucially important factors to maximize individual and offspring survival, especially in seasonal environments. To increase our understanding of the physiological basis of seasonality and the influence of associated environmental factors (maximum temperature, day length and rate of day length change associated with different latitudes) on reproduction in Tasmanian devils, we reviewed records and research data from captive facilities throughout Australia in comparison to those from a wild population study (1974-1987). Overall, breeding activity began 2 weeks earlier in the captive than the wild population (week 5.7 ± 0.6 versus week 7.7 ± 0.5 for devils entering into estrus during the first two week phase; n = 24 and n = 23 respectively). If the timing of reproductive activity is considered against absolute day length rather than date, both the captive and wild populations displayed similar distributions (12.9 ± 0.7 h versus 13.0 ± 0.7 h respectively; P < 0.01) confirming day length as a proximal cue involved in eliciting a physiological response to trigger seasonal reproductive activity regardless of location. Wild devils had a higher breeding success (75%; n = 169 versus 43%; n = 115) and larger litter size (3.4 ± 0.9 versus 2.8 ± 1.1 joeys per litter) than captive devils (P < 0.05). Mean maximum temperature at the onset of reproductive activity (P < 0.05) was higher for the captive than the wild population (28.1 ± 4.0 °C versus 22.3 ± 2.7 °C respectively). The drivers for reproductive success in captive Tasmanian devils are likely multifactorial, but our results suggest that elevated temperatures associated with shifts in breeding activity and geographical location should be examined further.
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23
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Influence of living status (single vs. paired) and centrifugation with colloids on the sperm morphology and functionality in the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa). Theriogenology 2016; 86:2202-2209. [PMID: 27568458 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to evaluate sperm characteristic of captive clouded leopards in Thailand and examine the structural and functional properties of sperm after selection with the single-layer centrifugation (SLC) method. Twenty-two ejaculates from 11 captive clouded leopards (four housed with access to a female in estrus, and seven housed singly) were collected and assessed for semen traits during 2013 to 2015. Twelve fresh ejaculates were chosen from seven males, and each was divided between two sperm preparation methods; (1) simple washing and (2) SLC. Cryopreservation was performed after semen preparation. Sperm qualities after selections including motility, progressive motility, sperm motility index, viability, acrosome integrity, DNA integrity, and morphology were evaluated in fresh, chilled, and frozen-thawed samples. In addition, sperm functionality after cryopreservation was tested by heterologous IVF using domestic cat oocytes. Sperm motility in the ejaculates was 52.5% to 91.3% (76.8 ± 2.0%, mean ± standard error). A high proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (63.9 ± 2.0%) was observed, with the major abnormality being tightly coiled tail (13.5 ± 0.5%). An interesting observation was that males housed together with a female had a significantly higher proportion of sperm with intact acrosome (47.9 ± 3.4% and 38.4 ± 2.8%) and lower proportion of sperm with bent midpiece and droplet (7.1 ± 0.6% and 10.2 ± 0.5%) than the males living singly. The sperm motility index, intact acrosome, and sperm with normal tail in the fresh and chilled semen samples were improved by the SLC. In the postthawed semen, the SLC selected higher numbers of viable sperm (34.1 ± 2.2% and 27.9 ± 1.8%), sperm with intact acrosome (31.2 ± 2.1% and 24.3 ± 2.2%), and sperm with normal tail (34.2 ± 2.7% and 24.3 ± 2.7%) than simple washing. Also, the proportion of sperm with tightly coiled tail was lower in the SLC-processed than the simple washed samples (8.1 ± 3.1% and 13.5 ± 3.4%). The SLC-processed group had significantly higher penetration rate in heterologous IVF (29.4 ± 3.0%) than the simple washing group (15.8 ± 3.2%). In conclusion, ejaculates of clouded leopards living in Thailand demonstrated teratospermic characteristic similar to the previous reports from other continents. Single-layer centrifugation is a promising tool to select morphologically normal sperm of teratospermic donors. The successes of assisted reproductive technology could be enhanced by the improved quality of postthaw sperm in this species.
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24
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Barnes SA, Andrew Teare J, Staaden S, Metrione L, Penfold LM. Characterization and manipulation of reproductive cycles in the jaguar (Panthera onca). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 225:95-103. [PMID: 26399935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Basic reproductive information in female jaguars (Panthera onca) is lacking, thus longitudinal fecal samples from seven females were analyzed via enzyme immunoassay to measure estradiol and progestin metabolites throughout the year. Mean estrus length of 194 estrus periods measured hormonally was 6.5±0.3d, mean peak fecal estradiol concentration was 138.7±5.7ng/g; and in one female, estrus resumption occurred approximately 15d post-partum. Ovulation, as indicted by sustained elevated progestin concentrations (>20d), was successfully induced one time by treatment with exogenous hormones in one female and by physical vaginal stimulation in two females a combined total of three times. Elevated fecal progestin was observed outside exogenous stimulation on five occasions, suggesting ovulation occurred spontaneously. Mean length of physically induced and spontaneous pseudopregnancies was 24.7±4.2d and 29.6±2.6d, respectively, and mean length of pregnancy (n=2) was 98.0±0.0d. Mean peak progestin concentration for spontaneous and induced pseudopregnancies, and pregnancy was 7.4±1.4μg/g, 6.4±1.2μg/g, and 13.7±1.0μg/g, respectively. This data suggests jaguars are polyestrous and generally induced ovulators, with a moderate incidence of spontaneous ovulation. Additionally, two protocols to successfully stimulate ovarian activity in jaguars are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena A Barnes
- White Oak Conservation Center, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, United States
| | - J Andrew Teare
- International Species Information System, Eagan, MN 55121, United States
| | - Sheryl Staaden
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States
| | - Lara Metrione
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, United States
| | - Linda M Penfold
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, United States.
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25
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Dobrynin P, Liu S, Tamazian G, Xiong Z, Yurchenko AA, Krasheninnikova K, Kliver S, Schmidt-Küntzel A, Koepfli KP, Johnson W, Kuderna LFK, García-Pérez R, Manuel MD, Godinez R, Komissarov A, Makunin A, Brukhin V, Qiu W, Zhou L, Li F, Yi J, Driscoll C, Antunes A, Oleksyk TK, Eizirik E, Perelman P, Roelke M, Wildt D, Diekhans M, Marques-Bonet T, Marker L, Bhak J, Wang J, Zhang G, O'Brien SJ. Genomic legacy of the African cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus. Genome Biol 2015; 16:277. [PMID: 26653294 PMCID: PMC4676127 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patterns of genetic and genomic variance are informative in inferring population history for human, model species and endangered populations. RESULTS Here the genome sequence of wild-born African cheetahs reveals extreme genomic depletion in SNV incidence, SNV density, SNVs of coding genes, MHC class I and II genes, and mitochondrial DNA SNVs. Cheetah genomes are on average 95 % homozygous compared to the genomes of the outbred domestic cat (24.08 % homozygous), Virunga Mountain Gorilla (78.12 %), inbred Abyssinian cat (62.63 %), Tasmanian devil, domestic dog and other mammalian species. Demographic estimators impute two ancestral population bottlenecks: one >100,000 years ago coincident with cheetah migrations out of the Americas and into Eurasia and Africa, and a second 11,084-12,589 years ago in Africa coincident with late Pleistocene large mammal extinctions. MHC class I gene loss and dramatic reduction in functional diversity of MHC genes would explain why cheetahs ablate skin graft rejection among unrelated individuals. Significant excess of non-synonymous mutations in AKAP4 (p<0.02), a gene mediating spermatozoon development, indicates cheetah fixation of five function-damaging amino acid variants distinct from AKAP4 homologues of other Felidae or mammals; AKAP4 dysfunction may cause the cheetah's extremely high (>80 %) pleiomorphic sperm. CONCLUSIONS The study provides an unprecedented genomic perspective for the rare cheetah, with potential relevance to the species' natural history, physiological adaptations and unique reproductive disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Dobrynin
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia.
| | - Shiping Liu
- National Genbank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Gaik Tamazian
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia.
| | - Zijun Xiong
- National Genbank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Andrey A Yurchenko
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia.
| | - Ksenia Krasheninnikova
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia.
| | - Sergey Kliver
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia.
| | - Anne Schmidt-Küntzel
- Life Technologies Conservation Genetics Laboratory, Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Otjiwarongo, 9000, Namibia.
| | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia. .,National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington DC, 20007, USA.
| | - Warren Johnson
- National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington DC, 20007, USA.
| | - Lukas F K Kuderna
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC/UPF), Dr. Aiguader, 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.
| | - Raquel García-Pérez
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC/UPF), Dr. Aiguader, 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.
| | - Marc de Manuel
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC/UPF), Dr. Aiguader, 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Godinez
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, 02138, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Aleksey Komissarov
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia.
| | - Alexey Makunin
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia. .,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Vladimir Brukhin
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia.
| | - Weilin Qiu
- National Genbank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Long Zhou
- National Genbank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Fang Li
- National Genbank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Jian Yi
- National Genbank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Carlos Driscoll
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, 20852, Maryland, USA.
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 177, Porto, 4050-123, Portugal. .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Porto, 4169-007, Portugal.
| | - Taras K Oleksyk
- Biology Department, University of Puerto-Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
| | - Eduardo Eizirik
- PUCRS, Faculdade de Biociencias, Laboratorio de Biología Genómica e Molecular, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil.
| | - Polina Perelman
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia. .,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Melody Roelke
- Laboratory of Animal Sciences Progras, Leídos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, 21702, Maryland, USA.
| | - David Wildt
- National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington DC, 20007, USA.
| | - Mark Diekhans
- Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa-Cruz, USA.
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC/UPF), Dr. Aiguader, 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain. .,Centro Nacional de Analisis Genomics (CNAG), Baldiri Reixach 4, Barcelona, 08013, Spain. .,State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Laurie Marker
- Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo, Otjiwarongo, 9000, Namibia.
| | - Jong Bhak
- Biomedical Engineering Department, UNIST, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Korea.
| | - Jun Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China. .,Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark. .,Princess Al Jawhara Center of Excellence in the Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia. .,Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, 999078, Macau, China.
| | - Guojie Zhang
- National Genbank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China. .,Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.
| | - Stephen J O'Brien
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, 41A Sredniy Avenue, St. Petersburg, 199004, Russia. .,Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University Ft Lauderdale, 8000 N. Ocean Drive, Ft Lauderdale, 33004, Florida, USA.
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Koester DC, Freeman EW, Brown JL, Wildt DE, Terrell KA, Franklin AD, Crosier AE. Motile Sperm Output by Male Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) Managed Ex Situ Is Influenced by Public Exposure and Number of Care-Givers. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135847. [PMID: 26332582 PMCID: PMC4558051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The collective cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) population in zoological institutions has never been self-sustaining because of challenges in natural reproduction. A retrospective analysis of North American zoo-breeding records has revealed that >90% of litters produced since 2003 occurred in facilities ‘off-display’ from the public. We examined seminal, endocrine, and behavioral traits of 29 adult male cheetahs that were: 1) managed in public exhibit or off-display facilities; 2) maintained by different numbers of cheetah-specific care-givers; and 3) living adjacent to varying numbers of adult conspecifics. Cheetahs housed off-display produced more total motile sperm/ejaculate (P = 0.04) than on-exhibit males. This finding was mirrored in our laboratory’s historical records where two-fold more total motile sperm (P < 0.01) were measured in ejaculates from individuals with no public exposure (n = 43) compared to on-exhibit (n = 116) counterparts. Males at institutions with ≤3 care-givers also produced more total motile sperm/ejaculate (P < 0.03) and spent more time behaviorally active (P < 0.01) than at facilities using >3 care-givers. Exposure to high numbers of conspecifics within the same institution did not impact (P > 0.05) seminal traits, and presence of the public, care-giver number, or animals/facility had no influence (P > 0.05) on androgen or glucocorticoid excretion or other behavioral metrics. Findings indicate that male cheetahs are sensitive to general public exposure and too many care-givers, resulting in compromised motile sperm output/ejaculate with mechanism of action unrelated to altered androgen or glucocorticoid excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. Koester
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth W. Freeman
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- New Century College, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - David E. Wildt
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A. Terrell
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Ashley D. Franklin
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Adrienne E. Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
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COMPARISON OF TWO α2-ADRENERGIC AGONISTS ON URINE CONTAMINATION OF SEMEN COLLECTED BY ELECTROEJACULATION IN CAPTIVE AND SEMI-FREE-RANGING CHEETAH (ACINONYX JUBATUS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:417-20. [PMID: 26056908 DOI: 10.1638/2014-0211r2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha2-adrenergic agonists are used to immobilize many veterinary species, but use has been infrequently linked to urine contamination of semen collected via electroejaculation. The objective of the study was to compare the α2-agonists medetomidine and dexmedetomidine on urine contamination of semen in anesthetized cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) during electroejaculation procedures. From 2009-2012, a retrospective medical record review revealed 21 anesthesia events in 12 adult male cheetahs. Animals were immobilized with combinations of Telazol® (2.33±0.43 mg/kg) and ketamine (2.38±1 mg/kg); Telazol (1.17±0.14 mg/kg), ketamine (1.17±0.14 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.012±0.0017 mg/kg); or Telazol (1.59±0.1 mg/kg), ketamine (1.59±0.1 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0.01±0.001 mg/kg). Semen was successfully collected in all animals; four animals anesthetized with medetomidine had urine contamination (P=0.037). Medetomidine may contribute to urine contamination; however, further investigation is needed to determine significance in cheetahs.
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28
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Seasonal changes in activity of males’ reproductive system in Eurasian lynx. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF THERIOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.13.1.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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29
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Testosterone production and spermatogenesis in free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) throughout the year. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-014-0821-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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30
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Non-invasive collection and analysis of semen in wild macaques. Primates 2013; 55:231-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-013-0393-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Chadwick CL, Rees PA, Stevens-Wood B. Captive-housed male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii) form naturalistic coalitions: measuring associations and calculating chance encounters. Zoo Biol 2013; 32:518-27. [PMID: 23813720 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cheetahs are known to reproduce poorly in captivity and research suggests that the reasons for this are behavioral, rather than physiological. In the wild, male cheetahs remain in stable groups, or coalitions, throughout their lifetime. Appropriate social group housing is important in enhancing welfare and reproductive success in captivity and this study examined the effect of changes in social group composition on the behavior of four male cheetahs: two siblings and two half siblings. During the study, the cheetahs were housed both in pairs and as a group of four, before one male was relocated. The remaining cheetahs were then housed in a trio. Affiliative behaviors were frequently shown within pairs and overt aggression was seldom observed. Association indices were calculated for each cheetah pair and corrected for chance encounters based on data generated from a Monte Carlo simulation. The indices showed that two coalitions existed before the relocated male departed. Following the relocation of one of the half siblings, the remaining cheetahs appeared to form a coalition of three, as the indices of association between the unrelated male and the siblings increased and allogrooming between unrelated individuals was observed. The findings of this study indicate that natural social groupings of male cheetahs can be successfully replicated in captivity, which could potentially improve the chances of reproductive success when they are introduced to female cheetahs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly L Chadwick
- Formerly School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, United Kingdom; Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, The Crescent, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
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32
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Curren LJ, Weldele ML, Holekamp KE. Ejaculate quality in spotted hyenas: intraspecific variation in relation to life-history traits. J Mammal 2013. [DOI: 10.1644/12-mamm-a-057.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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33
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Terrell KA, Wildt DE, Anthony NM, Bavister BD, Leibo S, Penfold LM, Marker LL, Crosier AE. Different patterns of metabolic cryo-damage in domestic cat (Felis catus) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) spermatozoa. Cryobiology 2012; 64:110-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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34
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Crosier AE, Comizzoli P, Baker T, Davidson A, Munson L, Howard J, Marker LL, Wildt DE. Increasing age influences uterine integrity, but not ovarian function or oocyte quality, in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Biol Reprod 2011; 85:243-53. [PMID: 21565998 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.089417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) routinely lives for more than 12 yr in ex situ collections, females older than 8 yr reproduce infrequently. We tested the hypothesis that reproduction is compromised in older female cheetahs due to a combination of disrupted gonadal, oocyte, and uterine function/integrity. Specifically, we assessed 1) ovarian response to gonadotropins; 2) oocyte meiotic, fertilization, and developmental competence; and 3) uterine morphology in three age classes of cheetahs (young, 2-5 yr, n = 17; prime, 6-8 yr, n = 8; older, 9-15 yr, n = 9). Ovarian activity was stimulated with a combination of equine chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and fecal samples were collected for 45 days before gonadotropin treatment and for 30 days after oocyte recovery by laparoscopy. Twenty-six to thirty hours post-hCG, uterine morphology was examined by ultrasound, ovarian follicular size determined by laparoscopy, and aspirated oocytes assessed for nuclear status or inseminated in vitro. Although no influence of age on fecal hormone concentrations or gross uterine morphology was found (P > 0.05), older females produced fewer (P < 0.05) total antral follicles and oocytes compared to younger counterparts. Regardless of donor age, oocytes had equivalent (P > 0.05) nuclear status and ability to reach metaphase II and fertilize in vitro. A histological assessment of voucher specimens revealed an age-related influence on uterine tissue integrity, with more than 87% and more than 56% of older females experiencing endometrial hyperplasia and severe pathologies, respectively. Our collective findings reveal that lower reproductive success in older cheetahs appears to be minimally influenced by ovarian and gamete aging and subsequent dysfunction. Rather, ovaries from older females are responsive to gonadotropins, produce normative estradiol/progestogen concentrations, and develop follicles containing oocytes with the capacity to mature and be fertilized. A more likely cause of reduced fertility may be the high prevalence of uterine endometrial hyperplasia and related pathologies. The discovery that a significant proportion of oocytes from older females have developmental capacity in vitro suggests that in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer may be useful for "rescuing" the genome of older, nonreproductive cheetahs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA.
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Terrell KA, Wildt DE, Anthony NM, Bavister BD, Leibo SP, Penfold LM, Marker LL, Crosier AE. Glycolytic enzyme activity is essential for domestic cat (Felis catus) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) sperm motility and viability in a sugar-free medium. Biol Reprod 2011; 84:1198-206. [PMID: 21325689 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.090225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported a lack of glucose uptake in domestic cat and cheetah spermatozoa, despite observing that these cells produce lactate at rates that correlate positively with sperm function. To elucidate the role of glycolysis in felid sperm energy production, we conducted a comparative study in the domestic cat and cheetah, with the hypothesis that sperm motility and viability are maintained in both species in the absence of glycolytic metabolism and are fueled by endogenous substrates. Washed ejaculates were incubated in chemically defined medium in the presence/absence of glucose and pyruvate. A second set of ejaculates was exposed to a chemical inhibitor of either lactate dehydrogenase (sodium oxamate) or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-chlorohydrin). Sperm function (motility and acrosomal integrity) and lactate production were assessed, and a subset of spermatozoa was assayed for intracellular glycogen. In both the cat and cheetah, sperm function was maintained without exogenous substrates and following lactate dehydrogenase inhibition. Lactate production occurred in the absence of exogenous hexoses, but only if pyruvate was present. Intracellular glycogen was not detected in spermatozoa from either species. Unexpectedly, glycolytic inhibition by alpha-chlorohydrin resulted in an immediate decline in sperm motility, particularly in the domestic cat. Collectively, our findings reveal an essential role of the glycolytic pathway in felid spermatozoa that is unrelated to hexose metabolism or lactate formation. Instead, glycolytic enzyme activity could be required for the metabolism of endogenous lipid-derived glycerol, with fatty acid oxidation providing the primary energy source in felid spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Terrell
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
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36
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Terrell KA, Wildt DE, Anthony NM, Bavister BD, Leibo SP, Penfold LM, Marker LL, Crosier AE. Evidence for compromised metabolic function and limited glucose uptake in spermatozoa from the teratospermic domestic cat (Felis catus) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Biol Reprod 2010; 83:833-41. [PMID: 20650882 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cheetahs and certain other felids consistently ejaculate high proportions (≥ 60%) of malformed spermatozoa, a condition known as teratospermia, which is prevalent in humans. Even seemingly normal spermatozoa from domestic cat teratospermic ejaculates have reduced fertilizing capacity. To understand the role of sperm metabolism in this phenomenon, we conducted a comparative study in the normospermic domestic cat versus the teratospermic cat and cheetah with the general hypothesis that sperm metabolic function is impaired in males producing predominantly pleiomorphic spermatozoa. Washed ejaculates were incubated in chemically defined medium containing glucose and pyruvate. Uptake of glucose and pyruvate and production of lactate were assessed using enzyme-linked fluorescence assays. Spermatozoa from domestic cats and cheetahs exhibited similar metabolic profiles, with minimal glucose metabolism and approximately equimolar rates of pyruvate uptake and lactate production. Compared to normospermic counterparts, pyruvate and lactate metabolism were reduced in teratospermic cat and cheetah ejaculates, even when controlling for sperm motility. Rates of pyruvate and lactate (but not glucose) metabolism were correlated positively with sperm motility, acrosomal integrity, and normal morphology. Collectively, our findings reveal that pyruvate uptake and lactate production are reliable, quantitative indicators of sperm quality in these two felid species and that metabolic function is impaired in teratospermic ejaculates. Furthermore, patterns of substrate utilization are conserved between these species, including the unexpected lack of exogenous glucose metabolism. Because glycolysis is required to support sperm motility and capacitation in certain other mammals (including dogs), the activity of this pathway in felid spermatozoa is a target for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Terrell
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, USA
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38
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Comizzoli P, Crosier AE, Songsasen N, Gunther MS, Howard JG, Wildt DE. Advances in reproductive science for wild carnivore conservation. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 44 Suppl 2:47-52. [PMID: 19754535 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01373.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge about reproduction is critical for predicting the viability of wildlife populations in nature and for managing breeding programmes in captivity. Intensive species-based studies are the priority, because reproductive mechanisms are extraordinarily diverse, even within the same taxonomic family. Carnivores deserve more attention as such species are highly vulnerable to environmental change and human persecution. The present review provides contemporary illustrations of how reproductive science is contributing to understand unique reproductive mechanisms that are both of fundamental and applied interest. In the case of the endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) free-living in South Africa, non-invasive faecal corticosteroid assessments have yielded new insights about the impact of animal relocation and reintroduction on adaptive responses, reproductive fitness and survival. For the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), advances have been made in characterizing and comparing reproductive traits in free-ranging vs captive individuals. For the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), recent studies have focused on the cryosensitivity of sperm and the ability to develop a field-friendly sperm cryo-method. The by-product has been a large-scale frozen repository of sperm from wild-caught cheetahs useful for infusing new genes into ex situ populations. Finally, rigorous, multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional reproductive studies of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), including the use of artificial insemination, have contributed to the remarkable recovery and restoration of this species, once on the brink of extinction. In summary, advances in reproductive science are not necessarily related to 'assisted breeding'. However, understanding the unique ways of carnivore reproduction greatly contributes to species management and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comizzoli
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.
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39
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Gañán N, Sestelo A, Garde JJ, Martínez F, Vargas A, Sánchez I, Pérez-Aspa MJ, López-Bao JV, Palomares F, Gomendio M, Roldan ERS. Reproductive traits in captive and free-ranging males of the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Reproduction 2010; 139:275-85. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world. Adequate genetic management of in situ and ex situ populations, and linkage between both, require knowledge on male reproductive biology and factors influencing it. We examined the influence of age, free-ranging versus captive conditions and seasonality on phenotypic, endocrine and semen traits, and links between reproductive traits and male fertility. Males had relatively small testes, produced low sperm numbers, a low proportion of normal sperm, and a high proportion of motile sperm. Young (2-year-old) males had lower testosterone levels, fewer sperm, and a lower proportion of motile and normal sperm than ≥4-year-old males. No major differences were found in semen traits before and after the mating season or between free-ranging and captive males, although the latter had better sperm motility. Males with larger relative testes weight and more sperm copulated more frequently, whereas males that produced more sperm with higher motility produced more cubs per female. In conclusion, small relative testes size and low sperm quality could indicate either low levels of sperm competition or high levels of inbreeding. Young males are probably subfertile; there is a slight trend for males in the captive breeding programme to have better semen quality than wild males, and males with higher sperm production are sexually more active and more fertile. These findings have major implications for decisions regarding which males should breed, provide samples for the genetic resource bank, or participate in programmes involving the use of assisted reproductive techniques.
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The importance and potential of artificial insemination in CANDES (companion animals, non-domestic, endangered species). Theriogenology 2009; 71:113-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Firman RC, Simmons LW. The frequency of multiple paternity predicts variation in testes size among island populations of house mice. J Evol Biol 2008; 21:1524-33. [PMID: 18811664 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01612.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyandry generates selection on males through sperm competition, which has broad implications for the evolution of ejaculates and male reproductive anatomy. Comparative analyses across species and competitive mating trials within species have suggested that sperm competition can influence the evolution of testes size, sperm production and sperm form and function. Surprisingly, the intraspecific approach of comparing among population variation for investigating the selective potential of sperm competition has rarely been explored. We sampled seven island populations of house mice and determined the frequency of multiple paternity within each population. Applying the frequency of multiple paternity as an index of the risk of sperm competition, we looked for selective responses in male reproductive traits. We found that the risk of sperm competition predicted testes size across the seven island populations of house mice. However, variation in sperm traits was not explained by sperm competition risk. We discuss these findings in relation to sperm competition theory, and other intrinsic and extrinsic factors that might influence ejaculate quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Firman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology M092, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
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