Semen characteristics of the quaker parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10060.abs This report describes characteristics of semen samples collected from eight captive quaker parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) using the massage technique. Overall, semen characteristics were (mean±SE, range in parentheses, n=8 males): ejaculate volume 1.96±0.26μl (1.02–2.96), sperm concentration 346.6±64.6 million/ml (74.8–579.3), and number of sperm per ejaculate 0.71±0.16 million (0.09–1.53). Significant differences were observed between males […]
Non-invasive treatments of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone for inducing spermiation in American (Bufo americanus) and Gulf Coast (Bufo valliceps) toads
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1007.abs As many as 20% of all assessed amphibian species are threatened with extinction, and captive breeding programs are becoming important components of conservation strategies for this taxon. For some species, exogenous hormone administration has been integrated into breeding protocols to improve propagation. However, most treatments are administered by an intraperitoneal injection that can […]
Successful ovulation induction and laparoscopic intrauterine artificial insemination in the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1996)15:13.3.CO;2-J Exogenous gonadotropins and a laparoscopic intrauterine artificial insemination (AI) technique were assessed for effectiveness in the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), a species difficult to breed in captivity due to severe mate incompatibility. Fourteen hormone trials using 10 female clouded leopards were performed to evaluate the ability of 50, 100, or 200 i.u. pregnant […]
Noninvasive semen collection from an adult orangutan
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430120303.abs Preservation of the genetic diversity of the captive orangutan, especially the wild-caught founders, is critical in maintaining a long-term population in zoological parks. One solution to the problem of maintaining maximum genetic diversity would be to initiate a program of artificial insemination for genetically underrepresented individuals through the banking and interinstitutional use of […]
Reproductive status of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in North American Zoos: The benefits of physiological surveys for strategic planning
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430120107.abs Under the mandate of a Species Survival Plan (SSP), reproductive status was assessed in 128 cheetahs maintained in 18 different institutions in North America. A mobile laboratory research team evaluated cheetahs using anesthesia, serial blood sampling, electroejaculation (males), and laparoscopy (females). Biomaterials were also collected for parallel studies of genetics, nutrition, and health. […]
Prudent sperm allocation in Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus: a mammalian model of adaptive ejaculate adjustment
In species where there is postcopulatory competition between males in the form of sperm competition, theory predicts that males should show prudent sperm allocation. Specifically, males should adjust the number of sperm that they inseminate in response to variations in the risk and intensity of sperm competition. Some experimental evidence for nonmammalian species indicates that […]
Evaluation of extenders and cryopreservatives for cooling and cryopreservation of spermatozoa from the western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430110606.abs Experiments were conducted to develop a suitable protocol for cryopreservation of spotted skunk semen. Semen was collected by electroejaculation of captive male skunks (n = 16) from late January through late November. In the first experiment, fresh semen was diluted in either TEST (n = 10), TRIS (n = 9), or BF5F (n […]
A review of the reproductive physiology of rhinoceros species in captivity
Substantial progress in understanding the reproductive physiology of the four rhinoceros species in captivity, White rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum, Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis, Indian or Greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis and Suma-tran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, has been achieved over the last two decades largely owing to advances in endocrine and ultrasound techniques, and improved methods of […]
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 […]
The quality and fertility of sperm collected from European common frog (Rana temporaria) carcasses refrigerated for up to 7 days
There is a catastrophic decrease in the biodiversity of amphibians coupled with the loss of genetic variation. The perpetuation of amphibian biodiversity demands a multifaceted approach, including the use of reproduction technologies (RTs), to enable efficient reproduction in captivity and to prevent the loss of genetic variation. Reproduction technologies for the storage of amphibian sperm […]