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The author discusses the effectiveness of breeding program on domesticated animals in response to the preservation on wild life worldwide. He emphasizes that the survival of most endangered species and animals are already critical not only in the country as will as worldwide. He offers various techniques on how to preserve wild life animals such as frozen semen, artificial insemination, superovulation, and embryo transplant. He presents few of the endangered animals that need preservation including Tasmanian wolf, Aribian oryx, Philippine eagle, and Sumatran rhinoceros. He added, that by using the technique, it develop a better breeding program for the preservation of the endangered wild life.

Biodiversity is the basic indicator, which expresses the durability and stability zone in direct relationship with the environment and life. Biodiversity monitoring both quantitatively and qualitatively puts us in contact with reality environment and its stability, because biodiversity is constantly changing. Only by measuring the biodiversity we can perceive the sudden chances, which influence directly our life in order to interfere with redesigning the media by ecological reconstruction. The application of biotechnologies to buffalo breeding is paramount to remedy the existing situation. The most numerous Romanian buffalos are the Carpathian type, with valuable gene resource, well adapted to the cold climate for buffalo. Results of artificial insemination in this species are influenced by the quality of semen used. We know that there are periods in which sperm are immobile, so it is important to test the ability of sperm fertilized. This test can be performed in vitro using direct or indirect methods. Utilization of Polamski scale principle remains present, but can be improve and combine with Milovanov resistance and "in vitro" capacitating methods. For determination of fertilizing power we use "in vitro" capacitation methods: direct method, indirect method and "swim-up" technique who are obligatory in E.U. We use this tests because Polamski scale can't be applied, knowing that an immobility of buffalo semen in some conditions is a characteristic of this semen, semen that can be recovery on the normal parameters. Milovanov resistance test have restricted efficiency because NaCl solution have a negative effect over the sperms. Semen charges testing with these new methods they present a good fertilizing power. This test is easier to realize and takes of decision is faster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to induce superfetation in hares. On day 37 or 39 of pregnancy, female hares were treated with GnRH analogue and artificially inseminated with fresh semen. Ultrasonographic examination showed that pregnant females had follicles on the ovary on 37 days of pregnancy. After a few days from insemination performed during pregnancy, all females gave birth to healthy young, and one of the females inseminated on day 37 of pregnancy gave birth to two healthy young 42 days after insemination performed during pregnancy (39 days post first delivery). The same female in the next year gave birth to two healthy young 43 days after second insemination that was performed on the day 37 during pregnancy. The obtained results confirm that superfetation is possible to occur in hares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the application of an artificial insemination approach in the early embryonic development of the mangrove sesarmid crab Perisesarma bidens. For the study, researchers analyzed crabs in nature exhibiting courtship behaviors at the Manko mangrove swamp in Okinawa Island, Japan. Researchers removed the sperms from the spermatheca of the similar female and diluted them in 80 percent filtered sea water (FSW). Findings suggest that the crab fertilization is of the moderately internal kind that happens in the abdominal cavity or flaps.

Abstract: In captive Asian elephants, there is a strong need for production of female offspring to enhance reproduction, counter premature aging processes in female animals and reduce challenging management situations derived from husbandry of several bulls in one institution. Artificial insemination of flow cytometrically sex-sorted spermatozoa offers the possibility to predetermine the sex of offspring with high accuracy. The aims of this study were to determine a suitable semen extender and basic parameters for flow cytometrical sex-sorting of Asian elephant spermatozoa. In total 18 semen samples were collected by manual rectal stimulation from one bull. Sperm quality parameters and sex sortability of spermatozoa were evaluated after dilution in three semen extenders (MES-HEPES-skim milk, MES-HEPES, TRIS–citric acid) and DNA staining. MES-HEPES-skim milk was the only semen extender found suitable to sex Asian elephant spermatozoa. From 18 ejaculates collected, 12 were successfully sorted with a purity of 94.5±0.7% at an average sort rate of 1945.5±187.5 spermatozoa per second. Sperm integrity, progressive and total motility were 42.6±3.9%, 48.1±3.3%, 59.4±3.8% after DNA labelling, and 64.8±3.2%, 58.0±5.0%, 70.8±4.4% after sorting, respectively. After liquid storage of sorted spermatozoa for 12h at 4°C, sperm integrity, progressive and total motility were 46.4±5.2%, 32.2±4.2% and 58.2±3.9%, respectively. The obtained results provide a promising base to inseminate Asian elephants with sexed semen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Artificial insemination technology has revolutionized the domestic cattle breeding industry and allowed for the dissemination of valuable genetics worldwide. This technology has been adapted for use in many other taxa for the conservation of threatened and endangered species, but its use for the genetic management of small populations of deer, antelope and other non-domestic bovids has met numerous challenges and limited success. In practice, adaptation of domestic bovine AI protocols to other artiodactylids for genetic management has been limited by: (1) a lack of understanding of species-specific reproductive characteristics; (2) the inability to minimize handling stress; (3) pregnancy losses; and (4) regulatory challenges in semen importation. To date, AI protocols have been developed for seven species of cervid and 14 species of non-domestic bovids; recent developments in this technology has allowed greater use of AI for dissemination of genetics in farmed deer species. However, despite decades of research in the use of assisted reproduction for the conservation of antelope and other non-domestic bovids, even this simplest technique has not been used repeatedly for genetic management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Efforts toward the conservation and captive breeding of wildlife can be enhanced by sperm sorting and associated reproductive technologies such as sperm cryopreservation and artificial insemination (AI). Sex ratio management is of particular significance to species which naturally exist in female-dominated social groups. A bias of the sex ratio towards females of these species will greatly assist in maintaining socially cohesive groups and minimizing male–male aggression. Another application of this technology potentially exists for endangered species, as the preferential production of females can enable propagation of those species at a faster rate. The particular assisted reproductive technology (ART) used in conjunction with sperm sorting for the production of offspring is largely determined by the quality and quantity of spermatozoa following sorting and preservation processes. Regardless of the ART selected, breeding decisions involving sex-sorted spermatozoa should be made in conjunction with appropriate genetic management. Zoological-based research on reproductive physiology and assisted reproduction, including sperm sorting, is being conducted on numerous terrestrial and marine mammals. The wildlife species for which the technology has undergone the most advance is the bottlenose dolphin. AI using sex-sorted fresh or frozen-thawed spermatozoa has become a valuable tool for the genetic and reproductive management of captive bottlenose dolphins with six pre-sexed calves, all of the predetermined sex born to date. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Contents Over the last few decades, rhinoceroses and elephants became important icons in the saga of wildlife conservation. Recent surveys estimate the wild Asian ( Elephas maximus) and African ( Loxodonta africana) elephant populations to be, at most, 50 250 and 637 600 respectively. For the five rhinoceros species, black ( Diceros bicornis), white ( Ceratotherium simum), Indian ( Rhinoceros unicornis), Javan ( Rhinoceros sondaicus) and Sumatran rhinoceros ( Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis), the population estimates of 3610, 11 330, 2400, 60 and 300, respectively, are of even greater concern. Protected against habitat loss, poaching and left undisturbed, rhinoceros and elephants reproduce well in the wild. But small and decreasing populations make successful captive management of these taxa increasingly important. In captivity, however, most populations face possible ‘extinction’ because of historically poor reproductive performance. From the first descriptions of the reproductive anatomy and the oestrous cycle ( Laws 1969 ; Kassam and Lasley 1981 ; Balke et al. 1988a,b ; Plotka et al. 1988 ; Godfrey et al. 1991 ) to the present use of advanced assisted reproduction technologies, researchers have strive to understand the function and dysfunction of the reproductive biology of these charismatic species. This paper reviewed the current knowledge on rhinoceros and elephant reproduction biology, reproductive cycle, gestation, dystocia, reproductive pathology, oestrous induction and artificial insemination, sperm sexing, IVF and contraception, and how this knowledge is or might be used to aid species conservation for maximal reproductive efficiency and enhancement of genetic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Artificial insemination (AI) was performed in spider monkeys; these primates are vulnerable to extinction and usually do not reproduce spontaneously in captivity. Uterine cycles were followed by daily assessment of vaginal cytology, and corroborated a posteriori by concentrations of 17-β estradiol and progesterone, measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA), in fecal samples collected once daily. Five females between 13 to 27 years old were inseminated intravaginally (with fresh semen) twice each during the periovulatory phase (Days 9–12 of the menstrual cycle; Day 0, first day of menstrual bleeding), from September to the first 3 weeks of November (most fertile months). Transcervical AI was not useful in this primate because the liquid portion of the semen completely solidified instead of liquefying as in other primates. Pregnancies were apparently achieved in 5 of 14 attempts. One female became pregnant after the first round of inseminations, delivered a healthy infant, was inseminated and got pregnant again (subsequently aborted). One female aborted, apparently due to an intramural uterine leiomyoma. Another two females stopped menstruating for a few months, then restarted menstruating (these females may have been pregnant and aborted). In conclusion, in spider monkeys: (1) captivity-induced stress did not inhibit reproduction; (2) fecal steroid hormones were useful to assess cyclicity; (3) the semen coagulum, which apparently is a tightly packed and large reservoir of spermatozoa, must not be discarded but used in AI; (4) old female spider monkeys did not have cessation of reproductive function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the embryonic development of the eggs in the Mastacembelus mastacembelus (Bank & Solender, 1794) was examined. At the same time, possibilities of artificial breeding through artificial insemination were investigated. Artificial insemination was achieved by mixing the eggs of the mature female and sperm of the mature male samples caught with gill nets (22 × 22) in Ataturk Dam Lake in Turkey. To this end, first in a Petri dish (100 × 20), the testes were cut into small pieces with a lancet and the mixture of sperm–testes-tissue was obtained. The fertilization rate of the eggs was found to be 80%. The diameter of the eggs ranged from 2.015to 1.147 mm. The perivitelline space formed 0.5 h after insemination. The first cleavage occurred at the animal pool 4 h after insemination. The oil droplets had fused to a single droplet 19 h after insemination. The blastoderm became an embryonic shield 30 h after insemination. The blastoderm covered almost half the egg 40 h after insemination and embryonic body was formed. The blastoderm covered almost the whole egg 50 h after insemination. Some somites were discernible 59 h after insemination. The embryonic body reached two-third of the circumference of the egg 70 h after insemination. The tail bud began to separate from the yolk 77 h after insemination. A newly hatched larva was observed at 85 h after insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the application of reproductive technology to the conservation and management of natural populations of deer. The application of assisted reproduction technologies within natural population of deer is in its infancy. However, its future potential is enormous, particularly in relation to genetic management or conservation. This paper reviews the present state of such technologies for a wild subspecies of red deer, the Iberian red deer ( Cervus elaphus hispanicus), by discussing the major components of oestrous synchronization, semen collection/cryopreservation and insemination techniques. In addition, findings made during the course of studies on natural populations have enormous potential for the understanding of novel reproductive mechanism that may not be uncovered by livestock or human studies. A summary of these results are also reviewed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of loach, the mud loach ( Misgurnus mizolepis Günther) and the cyprinid loach ( M. anguillicaudatus Cantor), are commercially important in Korea both for food and ceremonial purposes. The mud loach has superior potential for aquaculture in terms of growth, whereas the cyprinid loach has a more desirable body shape and colour. This study was conducted to produce reciprocal diploid and triploid hybrids and to evaluate their potential benefits in culture by examining growth performance, morphometrics and gonad development. Reciprocal diploid and triploid hybridization was performed by artificial insemination without or with the induction of triploidy. The successful formation of diploid or triploid karyogamy was verified by flow cytometric analysis. Body weights of induced reciprocal diploid hybrids were intermediate between those of the two parental species, i.e. hybrids were heavier than cyprinid loach but lighter than mud loach. In contrast, the growth performance of triploid hybrids was similar to that of their corresponding maternal parents. Diploid hybrids showed intermediate morphometric traits between the two species; however, the body proportions of triploid hybrids were more similar to those of the maternal species than the paternal species. Histological analyses indicated that reciprocal diploid hybrids of both sexes were able to reach maturity, as evidenced by the presence of mature oocytes or spermatozoa in the gonad tissues. However, triploid hybrids showed stringent sterility at the gonadic level; the sizes of ovaries and testes were much smaller, and gonad development was abnormal and significantly retarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many animals reproductive success is determined after insemination by the interaction of male and female processes. While sperm competition is reasonably well understood in some taxa, other processes, such as cryptic female choice and differential early embryo mortality resulting from genetic incompatibilities, are less well understood. The relative importance of these different factors contributing to reproductive success is difficult to assess. Here we control for male-mediated effects (which are often considerable and can mask more subtle processes) through the artificial insemination of known numbers of sperm in the domestic fowl to reveal that male reproductive success is nontransitive across females: the success of a particular male depends on the background against which his sperm compete for fertilization. Two potential processes could account for this effect: cryptic female choice (sperm choice) or differential early embryo mortality. Regardless of the mechanism, nontransitivity of male reproductive success has important evolutionary consequences, including the maintenance of variation in male fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the progress in female great ape reproduction has focused on monitoring ovarian and endocrine activity. Perhaps of more importance has been the gradually evolving interest and willingness to consider biotechnology as a potential, viable approach for enhancing reproductive performance. Artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo transfer offer an array of possibilities for combating infertility and understanding the fundamental differences and similarities among great ape species. Multidisciplinary efforts have assessed reproductive competence, from the simple (i.e., perineal tumescence and urinary occult blood in chimpanzees) to the complex (i.e., ovum recovery and IVF following exogenous hormone treatment in chimpanzees and gorillas). Hysterosal-pingography and laparoscopy have been used to determine uterotubal patency and to identify pathological conditions in gorillas. Assays for steroid metabolites in serial urine samples, to permit accurate assessments of ovarian cyclicity. have been developed and validated for all great apes species. Stimulation of follicular recruitment and maturation h4s been achieved following administration of clomiphene citrate (chimpanzees and gorillas) and human menopausal gonadotropin (gorillas), Clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin have been used to regulate ovulation for the Al of chimpanzees. Pregnancies have resulted in chimpanzees and gorillas following Al using fresh and cryopreserved/thawed semen; however, conception rates vary. Embryos have been nonsurgically recovered from chimpanzees after timed matings and follicular oocytes have been recovered from chimpanzees and gorillas by transabdominal laparoscopy after exogenous hormone treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports preliminary studies designed to evaluate hybridization through natural mating and artificial insemination between female Penaeus japonicus Bate, 1888 and male Penaeus kerathurus Forskäl, 1775. Although both species were able to mature in captivity, natural copulation was not achieved. Different techniques, including manual squeezing in the base of the fifth pair of pereiopods. electrical stimulation and dissection, were used for the artificial insemination experiments. However, only dissection gave spermatophores. Stained sperm showed no malformations and its viability was very high. Seven out of 10 inseminations (70%) produced eggs, but the development of embryos was abnormal. It is suggested that the high genetic distance between these species is responsible for these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on fertilising ability of pheasant semen following artificial insemination. Sperm storage enhancing effect of alpha-tocopherol; Age of the birds; Number of fertilized eggs after artificial insemination (AI); Percent egg fertility; Percent decline of egg fertility during second week following AI.

Artificial insemination (AI) using sex-selected sperm of bottlenose dolphins is currently used for the reproductive and social management of captive populations, but distance of males to the sorting facility represents a limitation of the procedure. Sorting and recryopreservation of previously frozen–thawed (FSF) sperm would facilitate the global application of this technology. Although a calf has been produced using FSF sperm (O’Brien et al.2009 Theriogenology 71, 98–107), a comprehensive examination of the in vitroquality of such samples is needed. The objective was to compare the in vitroquality of nonsorted (CNTR) and sorted (FSF) dolphin sperm before and after recryopreservation using straw (STR) and directional freezing (DF) methods. At all assessment intervals, sperm were evaluated for 1) motility parameters with computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA); 2) plasma membrane integrity (viability) and acrosome integrity using propidium iodide/fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peanut agglutinin (PI/FITC-PNA) staining and 3) DNA denaturation using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Semen from 3 ejaculates×3 males was cryopreserved by DF. After thawing, samples were divided into CNTR and FSF. The CNTR sperm were recryopreserved using STR and DF methods with assessments performed after the first thaw (PT1) and before recryopreservation (PF2). The FSF sperm were prepared for sorting using a density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method, stained with Hoechst 33342, sorted (SX MoFlo®, Dako, Fort Collins, CO, USA), then recryopreserved using STR and DF methods. The FSF sperm were assessed post-PT1, post-DGC, post-stain, post-sort, and at PF2. After the second thaw (PT2), CNTR and FSF samples were diluted (1:0.1, vol/vol) with Androhep Enduraguard™ (AE; Minitube of America, Verona, WI, USA), incubated at room temperature, and assessed at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24h PT2. The PT1 samples retained high proportions of their PF1 total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) (mean±SD; 87.9±7.3% and 92.2±5.9%, respectively). The FSF sperm had improved (ANOVA; P<0.05) motility (TM, PM, VAP, VCL, VSL) and viability at PF2 compared with PF1. The FSF sperm recryopreserved using DF had higher (P<0.05) motility over the 24-h post-thaw incubation period compared with STR. The CNTR sperm DNA fragmentation remained unchanged throughout the process. The DNA fragmentation of FSF samples increased after staining (P<0.05), then decreased during the PT2 incubation period, stabilising at lower values (P<0.05) than CNTR from 6 to 24h PT2. This unusual pattern indicates a possible interaction between Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange. After recryopreservation, the viability of FSF sperm was higher (P<0.05) than that of CNTR sperm. Results indicate that bottlenose dolphin sperm undergoing cryopreservation, sorting, and recryopreservation are of adequate quality for use in AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the pregnancy Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at SeaWorld Adventure Park in San Diego, California. The pregnancy of the dolphin, named Sandy, was already predetermined. The dolphin was artificially inseminated with sorted sperm carrying only the X chromosome, which produces females. She gave birth to a healthy female dolphin, named Sofi. At SeaWorld, half the dolphins are males, and half females. To mimic the primarily female social groups in the wild, researchers there plan to make more female dolphins. By selecting for specific gender scientists may improve the populations of captive sea mammals and reduce the need to capture wild animals.