Genetic kinship and social structure in a herd of square-lipped rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) at the zoological center, Tel Aviv/Ramat-Gan, Israel
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10056.abs Zoos and zoological parks serve as genetic and demographic reserves for strengthening endangered populations and reestablishing extinct populations in the wild. Knowing the genetic ties within captive populations is a very helpful tool for successful reproductive management. In the present study we addressed kinship relationships and behavior among rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) raised […]
Artificial insemination in captive whooping cranes: Results from genetic analyses
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1032.abs Artificial insemination has been used frequently in the captive whooping crane (Grus americana) population. In the 1980s, it was necessary at times to inseminate females with semen from several males during the breeding season or with semen from multiple males simultaneously due to unknown sperm viability of the breeding males. The goals of […]
Impact of male–male competition and morphological traits on mating strategies and reproductive success in broiler breeders
The goal of this experiment was to determine the effect of male–male competition on broiler breeder mating strategies and reproductive success and to identify behavioral and morphological traits associated with high fertility. Males were kept in groups with no competition (one male and 10 females; 1M), or high male–male competition (three males and 10 females; […]
Female influences on pair formation, reproduction and male stress responses in a monogamous cavy (Galea monasteriensis)
We examined the possible existence of, and female contributions to, pair bonds, as well as the relation of social preference to mating selectivity, in a recently identified wild guinea pig, the Muenster yellow-toothed cavy (Galea monasteriensis). In Experiment 1, females housed for ~ 20 days in an apparatus in which they could choose to approach and interact […]
Semen Characteristics and artificial insemination in rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome)
This work was performed as part of a multi-year study to determine the cause of the low fertility in captive rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome) and attempt to increase the fertility through artificial insemination (AI). Semen collection and characterization was performed on 14 male rockhopper penguins. The samples were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, and […]
Stable heterosexual associations in a promiscuous primate
Close associations between adult males and females are rare among group-living, nonmonogamous mammals but may mark the transition from life in promiscuous bisexual groups to groups of pairs or pair living. Although heterosexual friendships have been described in baboons, these are short-term affairs serving as protection against infanticide and thus tightly linked to the presence […]