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15 pages, 2256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Season and Social Environment on Semen Quality and Endocrine Profiles of Three Endangered Ungulates (Gazella cuvieri, G. dorcas and Nanger dama)

by Lucía Arregui, José Julián Garde, Ana Josefa Soler, Gerardo Espeso and Eduardo R. S. Roldan

Animals 2021, 11(3), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030901 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2351

Abstract

Knowledge of factors affecting semen quality could be of great importance for the collection and preservation of semen from threatened animals. To assess the effect of seasonality, sperm parameters and testosterone levels were examined throughout the year and compared with the distribution of [...] Read more.

Knowledge of factors affecting semen quality could be of great importance for the collection and preservation of semen from threatened animals. To assess the effect of seasonality, sperm parameters and testosterone levels were examined throughout the year and compared with the distribution of conceptions. Cuvier’s gazelle showed higher sperm quantity in April, coinciding with one peak of conceptions. In dorcas gazelle, sperm parameters showed a drop in October. However, percentage of conceptions increased during that month. In Mohor gazelle, sperm quality was best in April and August, in agreement with higher conception rates and high testosterone levels. Percentage of conceptions was correlated with photoperiod and rainfall in Cuvier’s gazelle and with temperature in Mohor gazelle. To assess the effect of social environment, semen quality, testosterone and cortisol levels were quantified in males housed alone, in bachelor groups or with females. No differences were seen in Cuvier’s and Mohor gazelles’ semen traits, whereas dorcas males housed with females showed lower semen quality than males kept alone or with other males. Overall, ejaculate quality is influenced by seasonal factors in the three gazelle species, while social factors only appear to affect that of dorcas gazelle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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21 pages, 365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Ethical Assessment Tool (ETHAS) to Evaluate the Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Mammals’ Conservation: The Case of the Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni)

by Barbara de Mori, Maria Michela Spiriti, Ilaria Pollastri, Simona Normando, Pierfrancesco Biasetti, Daniela Florio, Francesco Andreucci, Silvia Colleoni, Cesare Galli, Frank Göritz, Robert Hermes, Susanne Holtze, Giovanna Lazzari, Steven Seet, Jan Zwilling, Jan Stejskal, Samuel Mutisya, David Ndeereh, Stephen Ngulu, Richard Vigne and Thomas B. Hildebrandt Show full author list Hide full author list

Animals 2021, 11(2), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020312 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4757

Abstract

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) can make a difference in biodiversity conservation. Their application, however, can create risks and raise ethical issues that need addressing. Unfortunately, there is a lack of attention to the topic in the scientific literature and, to our knowledge, there [...] Read more.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) can make a difference in biodiversity conservation. Their application, however, can create risks and raise ethical issues that need addressing. Unfortunately, there is a lack of attention to the topic in the scientific literature and, to our knowledge, there is no tool for the ethical assessment of ARTs in the context of conservation that has been described. This paper reports the first applications of the Ethical Assessment Tool (ETHAS) to trans-rectal ovum pick-up (OPU) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures used in a northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) conservation project. The ETHAS consists of two checklists, the Ethical Evaluation Sheet and the Ethical Risk Assessment, and is specifically customized for each ART procedure. It provides an integrated, multilevel and standardized self-assessment of the procedure under scrutiny, generating an ethical acceptability ranking (totally, partially, not acceptable) and a risk rank (low, medium, high), and, hence, allows for implementing measures to address or manage issues beforehand. The application of the ETHAS to the procedures performed on the northern white rhinoceros was effective in ensuring a high standard of procedures, contributing to the acceptability and improved communication among the project’s partners. In turn, the tool itself was also refined through an iterative consultation process between experts and stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

10 pages, 469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exogenous Melatonin Improves the Reproductive Outcomes of Yearling Iberian Red Deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) Hinds

by José Antonio Ortiz, Olga García-Álvarez, Mariano Amo-Salas, Alejandro Maroto-Morales, María Iniesta-Cuerda, María del Rocío Fernández-Santos, Ana Josefa Soler and José Julián Garde

Animals 2021, 11(1), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010224 - 18 Jan 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1887

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of melatonin implants on the reproductive performance of yearling Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) hinds. It also explored exogenous melatonin administration as a tool to minimize the negative effect of [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of melatonin implants on the reproductive performance of yearling Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) hinds. It also explored exogenous melatonin administration as a tool to minimize the negative effect of a low yearling hind’s liveweight on their reproductive efficiency. In addition, the effect of melatonin-treated yearling hinds on non-treated hinds was studied in order to provide a practical and economical protocol to improve farms’ productivity. A total of 4520 Iberian red deer hinds belonging to the same farm were included in this study. Melatonin (108 mg/hind) implants were administered three-fold every 30 days before the breeding season. Fertility rates, calves’ weights and calving dates were registered for each hind. The results showed that exogenous melatonin increased significantly (p < 0.05) the calves’ weight (32.39 ± 1.07 kg vs. 27.65 ± 1.11 kg for Weight 1_calf (July) and 46.59 ± 1.50 kg vs. 41.79 ± 1.54 kg for Weight 2_calf (August, at weaning)) and advanced the calving date by 15 days in yearling hinds compared to the non-treated group. In addition, the administration of melatonin implants before the breeding season was able to minimize the negative effect of low yearling hinds’ liveweight (Weight 1_hind) on their future reproductive outcomes, as the fertility rates increased by 46% and the calves’ weight increased by 7 kg after the melatonin treatment, regardless of the yearlings’ weight. Finally, when both experimental groups (melatonin and non-treated) were kept separate, higher fertility rates (76.73 ± 7.18% vs. 66.94 ± 7.41%) were observed for the melatonin-treated hinds compared to the non-treated hinds. However, when both groups of yearling hinds were maintained together, no significant differences were observed in their fertility outcomes (78.13 ± 21.26% vs. 78.12 ± 23.32%). Therefore, melatonin implants may be used in yearling Iberian red deer hinds as a management tool to improve their reproductive productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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13 pages, 478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sperm Cryopreservation in American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Ruber): Influence of Cryoprotectants and Seminal Plasma Removal

by María Gemma Millán de la Blanca, Eva Martínez-Nevado, Cristina Castaño, Juncal García, Berenice Bernal, Adolfo Toledano-Díaz, Milagros Cristina Esteso, Paula Bóveda, Lucía Martínez-Fresneda, Antonio López-Sebastián and Julián Santiago-Moreno

Animals 2021, 11(1), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010203 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2504

Abstract

The American flamingo is a useful model for the development of successful semen cryopreservation procedures to be applied to threatened related species from the family Phoenicopteridae, and to permit genetic material banking. Current study sought to develop effective sperm cryopreservation protocols through examining [...] Read more.

The American flamingo is a useful model for the development of successful semen cryopreservation procedures to be applied to threatened related species from the family Phoenicopteridae, and to permit genetic material banking. Current study sought to develop effective sperm cryopreservation protocols through examining the influences of two permeating cryoprotectants and the seminal plasma removal. During two consecutive years (April), semen samples were collected and frozen from American flamingos. In the first year, the effect of two permeating cryoprotectants, DMA (dimethylacetamide) (6%) or Me₂SO (dimethylsulphoxide) (8%), on frozen–thawed sperm variables were compared in 21 males. No differences were seen between DMA and Me₂SO for sperm motility, sperm viability, and DNA fragmentation after thawing. In the second year, the role of seminal plasma on sperm cryoresistance was investigated in 31 flamingos. Sperm samples were cryopreserved with and without seminal plasma, using Me₂SO (8%) as a cryoprotectant. The results showed that samples with seminal plasma had higher values than samples without seminal plasma for the following sperm variables: Straight line velocity (22.40 µm/s vs. 16.64 µm/s), wobble (75.83% vs. 69.40%), (p < 0.05), linearity (62.73% vs. 52.01%) and straightness (82.38% vs. 73.79%) (p < 0.01); but acrosome integrity was lower (55.56% vs. 66.88%) (p < 0.05). The cryoresistance ratio (CR) was greater in samples frozen with seminal plasma than without seminal plasma for CR-progressive motility (138.72 vs. 54.59), CR-curvilinear velocity (105.98 vs. 89.32), CR-straight line velocity (152.77 vs. 112.58), CR-average path velocity (122.48 vs. 98.12), CR-wobble (111.75 vs. 102.04) (p < 0.05), CR-linearity (139.41 vs. 113.18), and CR-straightness (124.02 vs. 109.97) (p < 0.01). This research demonstrated that there were not differences between Me₂SO and DMA to successful freezing sperm of flamingos; seminal plasma removal did not provide a benefit for sperm cryopreservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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9 pages, 747 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Effectiveness of Pharmacological Synchronization of the Estrous Cycle in Hinds (Cervus elaphus L.): A Pilot Field Trial

by Anna J. Korzekwa, Władysław Kordan, Angelika M. Kotlarczyk and Roland Kozdrowski

Animals 2020, 10(11), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112148 - 19 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2235

Abstract

The aim was to estimate the effective pharmacological method of the estrous cycle synchronization by checking the effects of synchronization by measurement of progesterone (P4) and 17-beta estradiol (E2) concentration by RIA and artificial insemination. The experiment was performed at the red deer [...] Read more.

The aim was to estimate the effective pharmacological method of the estrous cycle synchronization by checking the effects of synchronization by measurement of progesterone (P4) and 17-beta estradiol (E2) concentration by RIA and artificial insemination. The experiment was performed at the red deer farm in Rudzie (North-East Poland; 3 year’s old). The herd (N = 14) was kept away from bulls and was divided in two groups of seven animals. In the Group I, CIDR insert (0.3 g of P4) was applicated intravaginally for 12 days; a second insert replaced the first one for the next 12 days, and next 200 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was injected intramuscularly (Folligon). Estrus was expected 48 h after eCG injection. In the Group II, Chronogest sponge (20 mg of flugestone acetate) was applicated intravaginally and after 7 days replaced with second chronogest sponge for 7 days. After removing the sponge, on the same day eCG was injected and estrus was expected after 48 h. Artificial insemination was provided with frozen-thawed semen twice: 12 and 24 h after expected estrus. The peripheral blood from the jugular vein was collected each time when the inserts or sponge were applicated and 40 days after insemination. The concentration of P4 and E2 in plasma was measured by RIA. The effectiveness of insemination was monitored by pregnancy-associated glycoproteins determination and observed by the number of calves born. Two pregnancies were confirmed in Group I and five in Group II based on PAG concentration. One newborn was observed in Group I and five in Group II. Both methods of synchronization are effective in hinds based on the received profile of steroids. Although the sponge shape in case of chronogest is better comparing with CIDR, which was not completely deposited in the vagina of hind, potentially leads to bacteria inflammation, and it disturbs the rightful endocrine regulation. Moreover, pregnancy rate and hormone responsiveness were better in Group II. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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11 pages, 406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparison of Semen Collection in Electroejaculation, Rectal Massage and Combination of Both Methods in the Critically Endangered Malayan Pangolin, Manis javanica

by Reza Tarmizi, Yap Keng Chee, Symphorosa Sipangkui, Zainal Zahari Zainuddin and Wan-Nor Fitri

Animals 2020, 10(11), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10111948 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4856

Abstract

This article describes the semen characteristics from different collection methods between captive and confiscated Malayan pangolins, Manis javanica. Semen was collected from 15 pangolins; two captive and 13 confiscated individuals at the mean weight of 9.36 ± 1.94 kg. The three semen [...] Read more.

This article describes the semen characteristics from different collection methods between captive and confiscated Malayan pangolins, Manis javanica. Semen was collected from 15 pangolins; two captive and 13 confiscated individuals at the mean weight of 9.36 ± 1.94 kg. The three semen collection methods employed were electroejaculation, rectal massage and a combination of both techniques. The semen characteristics (mean ± standard deviation) of the Malayan pangolin are volume (73.75 ± 144.57 µL), pH (7.63 ± 0.53), spermatozoa concentration (997.19 ± 728.98 × 10⁶ /mL), total motility (59.60% ± 30.00%), progressive motility (48.95% ± 30.93%), mass motility (3.50 ± 1.50) and live spermatozoa (80.25% ± 13.45%). There was no significant difference in semen characteristics between the three collection methods. The percentages of live spermatozoa were significantly different, suggesting better samples from captive compared to confiscated animals. However, there was no significant difference in spermatozoa kinetics between the captive and confiscated samples, suggesting the potential of utilizing confiscated individuals for gamete recovery to conserve the genetic pool of pangolins. All three methods of semen collection were successfully performed in pangolins and should be considered; however, electroejaculation remains the most consistent method of obtaining semen from the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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11 pages, 2923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Preservation of Testicular Tissue Integrity and Viability Using Vitrification in the Endangered Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)

by David Baruc Cruvinel Lima, Lúcia Daniel Machado da Silva, Paul Marinari and Pierre Comizzoli

Animals 2020, 10(10), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101865 - 13 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3117

Abstract

Systematic cryo-banking of semen and testicular tissues is critical to preserve the genetic value of recently deceased or neutered black-footed ferrets (BFFs). Specifically, recovering or producing mature sperm cells from vitrified-warmed issues offers additional options in assisted reproduction. This could, in turn, enhance [...] Read more.

Systematic cryo-banking of semen and testicular tissues is critical to preserve the genetic value of recently deceased or neutered black-footed ferrets (BFFs). Specifically, recovering or producing mature sperm cells from vitrified-warmed issues offers additional options in assisted reproduction. This could, in turn, enhance the genetic management of this rare and endangered species over multiple generations. The objective of the study was to evaluate structural properties, DNA fragmentation, cell viability, and germ cell composition in vitrified testicular tissues from BFFs directly after warming or after warming plus a short in vitro culture period. Tissue biopsies from five adult BFFs were either kept fresh or vitrified with a standard protocol (using dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and glycerol) and warmed at 50 °C for 5 s. Some of the warmed samples were then cultured in vitro for 24 h. Fresh, warmed, and warmed/cultured tissues were analyzed using different indicators: histology of seminiferous tubules, intact Sertoli cells (vimentin labeling), DNA integrity, cell viability, germ cell composition (Oct4 and Boule labeling). Percentages of intact seminiferous tubules decreased after vitrification/warming and returned to the level of fresh samples after culture. While percentages of cells labeled with vimentin, with intact DNA integrity, or proportions of viable cells were affected by vitrification/warming, they all reached similar or better levels than the fresh tissue after culture. Proportions of cells labeled with Boule antibodies also improved during in vitro culture post-warming. We demonstrated for the first time that BFF testes subjected to vitrification, rapid warming, and short in vitro culture were viable and maintained the ability to resume germ cell progression. Cryopreserved testicular tissues could potentially contribute to new strategies to enhance BFF assisted reproduction as well as conservation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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11 pages, 2241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Birth of Cheetah Cubs from In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

by Adrienne E. Crosier, Julie Lamy, Priya Bapodra, Suzi Rapp, Morgan Maly, Randy Junge, Holly Haefele, Jason Ahistus, Jenny Santiestevan and Pierre Comizzoli

Animals 2020, 10(10), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101811 - 5 Oct 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4942

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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9 pages, 944 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Sperm Morphology and Male Age in Black-Throated Blue Warblers, an Ecological Model System

by Emily Cramer, Nicole Krauss, Tricia Rowlison and Pierre Comizzoli

Animals 2020, 10(7), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071175 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3159

Abstract

Extra-pair paternity may drive selection on spermatozoa and ejaculate characteristics through sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Here, we examine sperm morphology in the black-throated blue warbler (Setophaga caerulescens), an ecological model species where extra-pair paternity is frequent and is linked [...] Read more.

Extra-pair paternity may drive selection on spermatozoa and ejaculate characteristics through sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Here, we examine sperm morphology in the black-throated blue warbler (Setophaga caerulescens), an ecological model species where extra-pair paternity is frequent and is linked with male age. We test whether sperm morphology relates to several aspects of male phenotype known or suspected to affect extra-pair paternity success. Sperm morphology did not correlate with the size of the white wing spot, a social status signal, nor with the volume of the cloacal protuberance. However, older males tended to have longer sperm cells. Although the sample size was limited, this pattern is intriguing, as longer cells may be advantageous in post-copulatory sexual selection and older males have larger testes and higher extra-pair paternity success in this species. Changes in sperm morphology with age are not observed in other birds, though they have been observed in insects and fishes. More research on sperm morphology is needed to clarify its role in extra-pair fertilizations in this well-studied species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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13 pages, 2400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Evaluations and Cryopreservation of Semen Samples from Sunda Clouded Leopards (Neofelis diardi)

by Zainal Zahari Zainuddin, Mohamed Reza Mohamed Tarmizi, Keng Chee Yap, Pierre Comizzoli and Symphorosa Sipangkui

Animals 2020, 10(6), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10061072 - 22 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4875

Abstract

A better understanding of semen characteristics and resilience to freezing temperatures is necessary before developing assisted reproductive techniques and systematic biobanking for the Sunda clouded leopard. The objective of this study was to evaluate for the first time the semen and sperm quality [...] Read more.

A better understanding of semen characteristics and resilience to freezing temperatures is necessary before developing assisted reproductive techniques and systematic biobanking for the Sunda clouded leopard. The objective of this study was to evaluate for the first time the semen and sperm quality (in fresh and frozen samples) of two captive Sunda clouded leopards in Malaysia. A total of 17 examinations of the reproductive tract (using ultrasonography) and electro-ejaculations were performed on the two leopards over a 2-year period. Samples obtained from Leopard 1 (8 years old) varied in terms of volume (402 ± 92 µL), pH (7.9 ± 0.9), sperm motility (54.5 ± 24.2%), sperm concentration (122.4 ± 84.7 × 10⁶ sperm/mL), normal morphology (23.9 ± 12.3%), and viability (55.2 ± 18.2%). Midpiece defects represented the most common structural abnormality followed by abnormal tail and head defects. Samples from Leopard 2 (11 year old with abnormal testicular tissue) were of lesser quality. Two frozen semen samples from Leopard 1 were thawed and examined for acrosome integrity. Post-thawed samples contained <10% of motile spermatozoa but almost 50% of abnormal acrosomes. The present results emphasized the high incidence of structurally-abnormal spermatozoa, similar to the mainland clouded leopard. Post-thaw evaluations showed that the few surviving spermatozoa could potentially be used for in vitro fertilization or sperm injection. However, more individuals must be studied to validate those first findings that are exciting but still preliminary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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14 pages, 2778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semen Parameters of Fertile Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Collected by Transrectal Electroejaculation

by Fernando Benavides, Peter Sutovsky, Verónica López, Chelsey Kennedy and Luisa Echevarría

Animals 2020, 10(5), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10050767 - 28 Apr 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4169

Abstract

The guinea pig, as a livestock species, is still developing and growing throughout Peru and neighboring countries, as reflected by its increasing export since 2000. However, the selection of proven fertile males is tedious due to the absence of seminal parameter standards and [...] Read more.

The guinea pig, as a livestock species, is still developing and growing throughout Peru and neighboring countries, as reflected by its increasing export since 2000. However, the selection of proven fertile males is tedious due to the absence of seminal parameter standards and the lack of safe semen collection techniques. Thus, pregnancy detection or live births are required for males’ selection. The purpose of this study was to describe the qualitative and quantitative semen parameters of fertile guinea pig males, to set reference values, and to validate a novel electroejaculation technique for the species. Semen was collected at weekly intervals from sixteen fertile males. Four transrectal electroejaculations were performed per male with 95% successful collections, yielding 39 viable semen samples. Seminal characteristics were as follows: pH 7.0 ± 0.13; ejaculate volume 0.67 ± 0.55 mL; sperm motility 90.81 ± 6.64%; sperm concentration 36.7 ± 28.41 × 106 sperm/mL; sperm count 20.09 ± 17.56 × 106 sperm/ejaculate; percentage of abnormal morphology 18.26 ± 8.52%; and percentage ubiquitinated spermatozoa 5.57 ± 6.28%. These values will serve as a reference to detect best breeding and infertile males rapidly. The described techniques are reproducible by commercial producers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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17 pages, 2362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beneficial Effects of Melatonin in the Ovarian Transport Medium on In Vitro Embryo Production of Iberian Red Deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)

by Irene Sánchez-Ajofrín, María Iniesta-Cuerda, Patricia Peris-Frau, Alicia Martín-Maestro, Daniela-Alejandra Medina-Chávez, Carolina Maside, María Rocío Fernández-Santos, José Antonio Ortiz, Vidal Montoro, José Julián Garde and Ana Josefa Soler

Animals 2020, 10(5), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10050763 - 27 Apr 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3572

Abstract

A major limiting factor for the development of in vitro embryo production (IVP) in wild species, such as Iberian red deer, compared to livestock animals is the poor availability and limited access to biological material. Thus, the use of post-mortem ovaries from slaughtered [...] Read more.

A major limiting factor for the development of in vitro embryo production (IVP) in wild species, such as Iberian red deer, compared to livestock animals is the poor availability and limited access to biological material. Thus, the use of post-mortem ovaries from slaughtered animals represent a source of oocytes for the large scale production of embryos needed for research and to improve the efficiency of IVP. However, these oocytes are not as developmentally competent as their in vivo counterparts. Moreover, oocytes are usually obtained from ovaries that have been transported for long distances, which may also affect their quality. In order to overcome the issues associated with prolonged storage times of post-mortem material, in this study we examined the effect of melatonin supplementation to the ovary transport medium on oocyte quality, embryo yield, and blastocyst quality in Iberian red deer. When necessary, sheep was used as an experimental model due to the large number of samples required for analysis of oocyte quality parameters. Oocytes were in vitro matured and assessed for early apoptosis; DNA fragmentation; reactive oxygen species (ROS); reduced glutathione (GSH) content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and distribution; and relative abundance of mRNA transcript levels. After in vitro fertilization, embryo rates and blastocyst quality were also investigated. The results revealed that melatonin treatment significantly increased intracellular level of GSH in sheep oocytes. Moreover, the percentage of cleavage and blastocyst yield in red deer was greater compared to the Control group and there was lower abundance of oxidative stress- and apoptosis-related SHC1, TP53, and AKR1B1 mRNA transcripts in blastocysts for the Melatonin group. In conclusion, the supplementation of melatonin to the ovary storage medium had a positive effect on the developmental competence and quality of resulting blastocysts in Iberian red deer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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11 pages, 819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Sperm Cryopreservation Protocol for Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

by Beatriz Cardoso, Irene Sánchez-Ajofrín, Cristina Castaño, Olga García-Álvarez, Milagros Cristina Esteso, Alejandro Maroto-Morales, María Iniesta-Cuerda, José Julián Garde, Julián Santiago-Moreno and Ana Josefa Soler

Animals 2020, 10(4), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040691 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3691

Abstract

Sperm cryopreservation is a complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic avian species to ensure proper efficiency. Because of its accessibility, the peregrine falcon may be used as a good model for studying other raptor species. To find the [...] Read more.

Sperm cryopreservation is a complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic avian species to ensure proper efficiency. Because of its accessibility, the peregrine falcon may be used as a good model for studying other raptor species. To find the most optimal cryopreservation protocol for peregrine falcon ejaculates, sperm parameters such as motility, viability, DNA fragmentation, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed under different conditions by varying the freezing method (slow freezing in straws vs. ultrarapid freezing in pellets), thawing conditions (37 °C for 30 s vs. 5 °C for 1 min), type of cryoprotectant (DMA vs. DMSO), and concentration of DMSO (4% vs. 8%). Results show that slow cryopreservation in straws yielded greater percentages (p < 0.05) of motile spermatozoa (22.5% ± 4.4% vs. 0.0% ± 4.1%), viable spermatozoa with intact acrosomes (84.6% ± 4.3% vs. 77.4% ± 4.3%), and spermatozoa with active mitochondria (41.0% ± 6.7% vs.12.8% ± 6.7%), compared with those obtained by the ultrarapid freezing in pellets. However, no differences were found between different thawing conditions. Moreover, all sperm motility parameters were greater (p < 0.05) when DMSO was used during freezing compared with DMA, although the use of 3% and 8% DMSO produced similar results. In conclusion, these results represent important progress in the study of falcon semen cryopreservation protocol, highlighting the crucial steps of the process and the most suitable conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 3596 KiB

Open AccessReview

Status of Sperm Functionality Assessment in Wildlife Species: From Fish to Primates

by Gerhard van der Horst

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061491 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4077

Abstract

(1) Background: in order to propagate wildlife species (covering the whole spectrum from species suitable for aquaculture to endangered species), it is important to have a good understanding of the quality of their sperm, oocytes and embryos. While sperm quality analyses have mainly [...] Read more.

(1) Background: in order to propagate wildlife species (covering the whole spectrum from species suitable for aquaculture to endangered species), it is important to have a good understanding of the quality of their sperm, oocytes and embryos. While sperm quality analyses have mainly used manual assessment in the past, such manual estimations are subjective and largely unreliable. Accordingly, quantitative and cutting-edge approaches are required to assess the various aspects of sperm quality. The purpose of this investigation was to illustrate the latest technology used in quantitative evaluation of sperm quality and the required cut-off points to distinguish the differential grades of fertility potential in a wide range of vertebrate species. (2) Methods: computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) with an emphasis on sperm motility, 3D tracking and flagellar and sperm tracking analysis (FAST), as well as quantitative assessment of sperm morphology, vitality, acrosome status, fragmentation and many other complimentary technologies. (3) Results: Assessing sperm quality revealed a great deal of species specificity. For example, in freshwater fish like trout, sperm swam in a typical tight helical pattern, but in seawater species sperm motility was more progressive. In amphibian species, sperm velocity was slow, in contrast with some bird species (e.g., ostrich). Meanwhile, in African elephant and some antelope species, fast progressive sperm was evident. In most species, there was a high percentage of morphologically normal sperm, but generally, low percentages were observed for motility, vitality and normal morphology evident in monogamous species. (4) Conclusions: Sperm quality assessment using quantitative methodologies such as CASA motility, FAST analysis, morphology and vitality, as well as more progressive methodologies, assisted in better defining sperm quality—specifically, sperm functionality of high-quality sperm. This approach will assist in the propagation of wildlife species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biotechnology in Wildlife)

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