Serum cortisol concentrations associated with artificial insemination events in an African elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Elephants are among the most charismatic and controversial species in modern zoo collections. Advanced cognitive and emotional capabilities have been attributed to elephants. As a result, good zoo management includes monitoring and enhancing the well-being of individual animals. To this purpose, we have assessed the serum cortisol concentration (SCC) of an adult female African elephant […]
Successful artificial insemination in the corn snake, Elaphe gutatta, using fresh and cooled semen
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20144.abs The design and implementation of assisted reproductive technology to improve genetic diversity and augment captive populations is an important but rarely applied research field in reptiles. Using the corn snake (Elaphe gutatta) as a model, the Henry Doorly Zoo recently produced offspring born as a result of artificial insemination using both fresh, diluted […]
Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the elephant (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10129.abs A simple, rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of LH in plasma and serum of elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus) has been developed, validated, and used for comparative studies. Purified elephant LH (eleLH) diluted in elephant plasma was used as standards (0.78–50 ng/ml). A monoclonal antibody against the β-subunit of […]
Assessment of motility, acrosomal integrity, and viability of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) sperm following short-term storage at 4°C
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10113.abs Short-term cool storage of semen affords many of the same benefits as cryopreservation, without the extensive cryoinjury to sperm associated with freezing. Semen storage for artificial insemination (AI) is an integral part of giant panda captive breeding programs. AI functions to generate offspring from males that have never bred, are underrepresented, or are […]
Comparison of storage techniques for giant panda sperm
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10107.abs Semen storage for artificial insemination is an integral part of giant panda captive breeding programs. The development of short- and long-term storage techniques is needed to ensure a viable reserve of germplasm for artificial reproduction. In this study semen collected by electroejaculation from three male pandas was extended in culture medium prior to […]
Reproductive endocrine responses to photoperiod and exogenous gonadotropins in the pallas’ cat (Otocolobus manul)
Abstract Fecal samples were collected for 14–26 months from three male and six female Pallas’ cats (Otocolobus manul) to examine gonadal steroidogenic activity in response to changes in photoperiod and treatment with exogenous gonadotropins. Females exhibited a seasonal anestrus from May–December, excreting consistently low concentrations of fecal estrogens (overall mean, 50.2±8.5 ng/g). During the breeding […]
Birth of a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) after artificial insemination with cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa collected postmortem
Abstract A male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) suddenly died of acute hemorrhagic enteritis at the age of 18 years. Within 24 hours after its death, a large quantity of spermatozoa of excellent quality was recovered from the distal cauda epididymides and was subsequently cryopreserved. After storage for 67 days, the frozen spermatozoa were thawed and inseminated […]
Transcervical artificial insemination in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1998)17:53.3.CO;2-0 The research was undertaken to develop a successful nonsurgical procedure for artificially inseminating ferrets. A fiberoptic endoscope used in conjunction with a specially designed speculum and catheter permitted cervical catheterization and intrauterine insemination. Sperm were collected from the cauda epididymides of 10 discarded breeder males; the number of sperm in diluted samples used […]
Cryogenic preservation of semen from the Aleutian Canada goose (Branta canadensis leucopareia)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430090504.abs Aleutian Canada geese (Branta canadensis leucopareia) were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen containing 6% or 7% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) resulting in 32 fertile eggs and 17 goslings; with 7% DMSO, 19 of 31 eggs were fertile. Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE), adjusted to 270 ± 30 mOs and 7.5 ± 0.4 pH, was used to […]