Potential applications of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus).

Interest in the use of assisted reproductive technology in reindeer husbandry has gradually increased during the last decades. This article reviews Western and Russian literature on reindeer semen collection, semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination. In addition, literature on the synchronisation of the stage of reindeer oestrous cycle among females, recovery of in vivo embryos, embryo transfer, the production of in vitro -produced embryos and pregnancy diagnosis is reviewed. • Several of the reindeer subspecies are regarded as vulnerable or near threatened. • Genome resource banking would be possible for reviving endangered deer species. • Five reindeer offspring have been produced by AI of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. • One reindeer offspring has been produced by transfer of fresh in vivo -produced embryos. • The first reindeer IVP blastocysts have been produced using the bovine IVP protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]