scholarly journals Induction of ovulation and natural oestrous cycling in the Stripe-faced Dunnart, Sminthopsis macroura

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 133 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Menkhorst ◽  
N Ezard ◽  
L Selwood
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Hormone Injection ◽  
Initial Injection ◽  
Marsupial Species ◽  
Sminthopsis Macroura ◽  
First Time ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Induced ovulation allows reproduction by otherwise infertile females, and is ideal for the captive breeding of endangered species where the population is aged or breeding is unsuccessful. A predictable time of ovulation after induction has not yet been achieved in polyovular marsupials. Ovulation was induced in Sminthopsis macroura using an initial injection of 20 IU equine serum gonadotrophin (eSG; Day 0), followed on Day 4 by either 20 IU eSG (n = 25) or 0.5 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (n = 26). I.p. hormone injection was given in the morning or early evening, and reproductive status was established prior to induction. Five non-cyclic animals began to cycle naturally following induction and one gave birth to a litter. The time of ovulation after the 1st injection (7.8 ± 0.9 days) was significantly shorter (P = 0.000) and less variable than the previous study, mimicked the timing of natural cycling, and both natural and induced animals ovulated in the early morning. In vitro oocyte movement through the oviduct, observed for the first time in a marsupial, occurred in pulses. We estimated one group of oocytes could travel the length of the oviduct in 40 min, but it was probably around 4 h. The entire ovulation time (including multiple ovulations) was estimated at 7.5 h. This study has achieved a predictable timing of ovulation after stimulation, and induced noncyclic animals to cycle naturally and give birth, providing a modified methodology for use in captive breeding programs of endangered dasyurid marsupial species with low fecundity.

165 EFFECTS OF AGE, HORMONES AND HIBERNATION ON BREEDING SUCCESS IN BOREAL TOADS (BUFO BOREALIS)

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Roth ◽  
D. C. Szymanski ◽  
E. D. Keyster
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Success ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Hormone Injection ◽  
Boreal Toads ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

The global amphibian extinction crisis has stimulated interest in captive breeding programs for this diverse taxa. The goals of this study were to test the effects of exogenous hormone injections (LHRH and hCG) and hibernation on breeding behavior and gamete release by the boreal toad, a temperate species. The 5-year study was initiated with 77 toadlets. Each year, a subset of female and/or male toads was hibernated for 5 months at 4°C. The remaining toads were maintained in a lab receiving 12 h of light daily and ample food and water. Within 48 h of removal from hibernation, toads were paired with hibernated or non-hibernated mates. All toads were weighed and pairs were randomly assigned to treatments. Toads were injected IP with 6 μg LHRH, 250 IU hCG, or saline control and observed for amplexus and egg production. Some treatment groups received a second hormone injection if eggs were not produced within 48 h. Eggs were counted and transferred to aquariums for tadpole and toadlet development. During years 1 to 3, sperm production was assessed in male toads by sampling tank water or urine samples after injections. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-tests and chi-square analyses. In year 1, only 19% of pairs overall exhibited amplexus, none of the males produced sperm and none of the females produced eggs. In year 2, only male toads injected with LHRH exhibited amplexus, and it was more prevalent (P < 0.05) in those that were hibernated than non-hibernated (54.0% and 33.3%, respectively). Percentage of pairs in amplexus in years 2 and 3 (56.9% and 100%) was greater (P < 0.05) than in year 1. Only one and two females produced eggs in years 2 and 3, respectively. In contrast, most hibernated (87.5%) and non-hibernated (75%) males produced sperm. In year 4, eight females produced eggs, but two of these died egg-bound. Interestingly, more (P < 0.05) non-hibernated (7/10) than hibernated (1/10) females produced eggs despite no differences (P ≥ 0.05) in proportion of pairs amplexing or time spent in amplexus between groups. Mean (±SD) weight of female toads producing eggs (58.9 ± 11.9 g) was greater (P < 0.05) than that for non-producing females (43.6 ± 7.0 g). Similarly, 4/7 non-hibernated females produced eggs in year 5, and their weights averaged (58.8 ± 8.3 g). All eggs were produced by females injected a single time with LHRH. Number of eggs per female varied (141–3307), and percentage of eggs developing to tadpoles was low (0–36.5%), but tadpoles were capable of developing into adult toads. In conclusion, two-year-old male boreal toads are mature, exhibiting amplexus and releasing sperm in response to LHRH injections. Females appear to mature at four years of age, and eggs are more likely to be produced by heavier females. Therefore, to enhance breeding success, males should be hibernated and injected with LHRH. In contrast, better productivity in females may be achieved by improving their body condition instead of subjecting them to winter hibernation prior to LHRH injection. Supported by: AZA Conservation Endowment Fund and Colorado Division of Wildlife.

scholarly journals Emergency Response to Australia’s Black Summer 2019–2020: The Role of a Zoo-Based Conservation Organisation in Wildlife Triage, Rescue, and Resilience for the Future

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Marissa L. Parrott ◽  
Leanne V. Wicker ◽  
Amanda Lamont ◽  
Chris Banks ◽  
Michelle Lang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
State Government ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Catastrophic Events ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Face ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Modern zoos are increasingly taking a leading role in emergency management and wildlife recovery. In the face of climate change and the predicted increase in frequency and magnitude of catastrophic events, zoos provide specialised expertise to assist wildlife welfare and endangered species recovery. In the 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season, now called Australia’s Black Summer, a state government-directed response was developed, assembling specialised individuals and organisations from government, non-government organisations, research institutions, and others. Here, we detail the role of Zoos Victoria staff in wildlife triage and welfare, threatened species evacuation and recovery, media and communications, and fundraising during and after the fires. We share strategies for future resilience, readiness, and the ability to mobilise quickly in catastrophic events. The development of triage protocols, emergency response kits, emergency enclosures, and expanded and new captive breeding programs is underway, as are programs for care of staff mental health and nature-based community healing for people directly affected by the fires. We hope this account of our response to one of the greatest recent threats to Australia’s biodiversity, and steps to prepare for the future will assist other zoos and wildlife organisations around the world in preparations to help wildlife before, during, and after catastrophic events.

Captive management and the maintenance of genetic diversity in a vulnerable marsupial, the greater bilby

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. Miller ◽  
Mark D. B. Eldridge ◽  
Keith Morris ◽  
Neil Thomas ◽  
Catherine A. Herbert
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Genetic Impact ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

The endemic Australian greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is a vulnerable and iconic species. It has declined significantly due to habitat loss, as well as competition and predation from introduced species. Conservation measures include a National Recovery Plan that incorporates several captive breeding programs. Two of these programs were established within 12 months of one another (1997/98), with the same number and sex ratio of founding individuals, but executed different breeding strategies: (1) unmanipulated mating in semi–free range natural habitat versus (2) minimising mean kinship in large enclosures, with the supplementation of new individuals into both populations. This study evaluates the long-term genetic impact of these programs and examines the congruency between the pedigree studbook estimates of diversity and molecular data. Our data demonstrate that genetic diversity was maintained in both populations, with the supplementation of new individuals contributing to the gene pool. The studbook estimates of diversity and inbreeding are not consistent with the microsatellite data and should not solely be relied upon to evaluate the genetic health of captive populations. Our analyses suggest that captive breeding programs may not require costly and intensive management to effectively maintain long-term genetic diversity in a promiscuous species.

scholarly journals The production of mature oocytes from adult ovaries following primary follicle culture in a marsupial

Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Nation ◽  
L Selwood
Keyword(s):  
Normal Growth ◽  
Primary Follicle ◽  
Follicle Culture ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Progressive Growth ◽  
Sminthopsis Macroura ◽  
First Time

A model marsupial culture system has been developed whereby individual primary follicles, obtained from adult ovaries, can be grown in vitro to the antral stage and oocytes retrieved from these follicles can achieve nuclear maturation (metaphase II) in the presence of LH. Primary follicles isolated from adult Sminthopsis macroura ovaries were cultured individually in one of four systems: microdrops under oil, upright, inverted, or roller culture. After 6 days of culture, cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were excised from early antral follicles and incubated for an additional 24 h to assess meiotic competence and the effects of LH and lithium on oocyte maturation. Histology and transmission electron microscopy established normal in vivo standards and verified oocyte and follicular integrity following culture. On day 6 of culture, follicle viability was significantly greater in the inverted system (73%) than in the other three systems (10–46%). The inverted system was the most effective in supporting development with follicles demonstrating progressive growth during culture and showing antral signs by day 4. Meiotic resumption during COC culture was facilitated by LH, but hindered by lithium. The ability to resume meiosis and progress to metaphase II was equivalent in oocytes retrieved following follicle culture and those matured in vivo. This study highlights the importance of oxygen and nutrient availability during marsupial follicle culture, and demonstrates for the first time that primary follicles isolated from adult mammalian ovaries can undergo normal growth and development in vitro, to produce mature, meiotically competent oocytes.

Changes in food availability mediate the effects of temperature on growth, metamorphosis and survival in endangered yellow spotted mountain newt: implications for captive breeding programs

Biologia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Somaye Vaissi ◽  
Mozafar Sharifi
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Size Growth ◽  
Effects Of Temperature ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

AbstractThe effects of temperature and food levels on body size, growth rate, time to metamorphosis and survival were studied in larval and post-metamorphic juvenile endangered yellow spotted mountain newts

scholarly journals Disentangling the mechanisms of mate choice in a captive koala population

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parice A Brandies ◽  
Catherine E Grueber ◽  
Jamie A Ivy ◽  
Carolyn J Hogg ◽  
Professor K Belov
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Female Choice ◽  
Mating Success ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Genetic Determinants ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Successful captive breeding programs are crucial to the long-term survival of threatened species. However, pair incompatibility limits sustainability of many captive populations. Understanding whether the drivers of this incompatibility are behavioural or genetic, or a combination of both, is crucial to improving breeding programs. We used twenty-eight years of pairing data from the San Diego Zoo koala colony, plus genetic analyses using both MHC-linked and non-MHC-linked microsatellite markers, to show that both behavioural and genetic determinants can influence mating success. Male age was reconfirmed to be a contributing factor to the likelihood of a pair copulating. Familiarity was also reconfirmed to increase the probability of a successful copulation. Our data provided evidence that females select mates based on MHC and genome-wide similarity. Male heterozygosity at class II MHC loci influenced both pre- and post-copulatory female choice. Genome-wide similarity and similarity at the MHCII DAB locus were also found to influence female choice at the post-copulatory level. Finally, certain MHC-linked alleles were associated with increased or decreased mating success. We predict that utilising a variety of behavioural and MHC-dependent mate choice mechanisms improves female fitness through increased reproductive success. This study highlights the complexity of mate choice mechanisms within a species and the importance of ascertaining mate choice mechanisms to improve the success of captive breeding programs.

scholarly journals Conservation Genetics and Gut Microbial Communities’ Variability of the Critically Endangered European Mink Mustela Lutreola: Implications for Captive Breeding Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline ML van Leeuwen ◽  
Albrecht I. Schulte-Hostedde ◽  
Christine Fournier-Chambrillon ◽  
Carmen M. Aranda ◽  
Laurie Berthomieu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Mustela Lutreola ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
European Mink ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Abstract Host’s fitness can be affected by its genotype and gut microbiota, defined as the microbes living in the host’s intestinal tract. This study explored how the genetic diversity of the host influences its bacterial communities in the context of captive breeding programs, for the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola). As stated by the ecosystem on a leash model, loss of host genetic diversity may lead to changes in immunomodulation and will therefore induce modifications of the gut microbiota. We investigated variation in the gut bacteria through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, related to the genetic diversity of European mink held in captivity in two breeding centers representing separate breeding stocks originating from the western and eastern populations. The genetic diversity of the host was assessed through diversity analysis of the adaptive MHC class I and II genes as well as neutral microsatellite markers. Results indicate lower diversity in neutral and MHC class I genes for the western population, and the opposite for MHC class II. A lower MHC class II gene variability led to an increase in microbial phylogenetic diversity and in abundance depending on the presence of specific MHC-II motifs. Those results seem to be linked to management practices that differs between the two programs, especially the number of generations in captivity. Long term Ex situ conservation practices can thus modulate gut microbial communities, that might potentially have consequences on the survival of reintroduced animals. We suggest strategies to foster genetic diversity in captive breeding program to mitigate the effects of genetic drift on those small, isolated populations.

scholarly journals Sex identification comparison of barn owls (Tyto alba javanica) using morphological features and molecular-based methods

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Shakinah Ravindran ◽  
Safwan Saufi ◽  
Wan Nur Amni ◽  
Intan Ishak ◽  
Noor Hisham Hamid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Sex Identification ◽  
Molecular Sexing ◽  
Tyto Alba ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Barn Owls ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Abstract Sexing of barn owls, Tyto alba javanica, using morphological traits has not been accurate enough due to ambiguous sexual dimorphism between sexes. This has been one of the major problems for the management of barn owls worldwide, especially for translocation and captive-breeding programs. In order to increase the success rate of sexing the barn owl, we compared the results of a molecular sexing method to six morphological traits for sexing the owls: the shape and colour of the facial disc, the colour of the throat area, the tail plumage, the colour of their tarsus, the back plumage, and the frequency of spotting on the chest and underside of the wings. The result of our comparison showed that sex identification using morphological traits had an accuracy of only 72.7%. Three of our samples were identified as females using morphological traits, but molecular sexing determined that these samples were males. We also used our results to determine the best morphological traits for sexing barn owls, and concluded that the best traits for morphological sexing are the frequency of spotting on the chest and underparts of barn owls (accuracy of 81.8%), as well as colour of the owls’ facial disc and throat area (accuracy of 63.6%).

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