Theriogenology wild最新文献

{"title":"A first report of organoids derived from rhinoceros endometrium","authors":"Riley E. Thompson-Brandhagen ,&nbsp;Mindy A. Meyers ,&nbsp;Holly Haefele ,&nbsp;Adam Eyres ,&nbsp;Barbara Durrant ,&nbsp;Carly Young ,&nbsp;Shotaro Nakagun ,&nbsp;Fiona K. Hollinshead ,&nbsp;Elena Ruggeri","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cell culture models that recapitulate key features of the tissue of interest are widely used in domestic and laboratory animals to reduce the time and financial cost of evaluating physiological and pathological reproductive conditions. Model systems are particularly advantageous for endangered species because performing reproductive experiments to better understand normal physiology and/or disease states must be secondary to producing offspring for the survival of the species. Here we describe a first report of endometrial organoid culture from tissues of two rhinoceros species (<em>Rhinoceros unicornis</em> and <em>Diceros bicornis minor</em>). Organoids from the greater one-horned rhinoceros did not proliferate in culture, and organoids from the southern black rhinoceros proliferated slowly and had a smaller, more dense morphology than either equine or bovine endometrial organoids cultured under the same conditions. This report highlights the importance of biobanking somatic reproductive tissues from endangered species to better understand their normal physiology and disease states and as a resource to potentially improve assisted reproductive technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of field techniques for collection and disinfection of wood bison semen","authors":"S.E. Pezo,&nbsp;T. Shury,&nbsp;K. Rajapaksha,&nbsp;R. Enns,&nbsp;M. Anzar,&nbsp;J. Singh,&nbsp;G.P. Adams","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a part of an overarching objective to optimize semen cryopreservation from wild free-roaming wood bison of unknown diseases status, experiments were done to test two potential sources of variation in the quality of bison ejaculates. Experiment 1 was done to determine the effects of two different chemical-immobilization drug combinations (medetomidine, zolazepam and tiletamine [MZT] vs thiofentanyl and xylazine [TX]) on the ejaculate. Semen was collected by electro ejaculation from mature wood bison bulls after chemical immobilization (n = 4 in each of 4 replicates). Experiment 2 was done to determine the potential deleterious effects of increasing concentrations of antibiotics (up to 4x the recommended dose for cattle: 500 µg gentamicin, 100 µg tylosin, 300 µg lincomycin, 600 µg spectinomycin per ml of undiluted semen) on sperm quality. Semen was collected by electroejaculation of mature wood bison bulls (n = 10) physically restrained in a hydraulic chute. Each ejaculate was divided into five aliquots, and antibiotics were added as a i) single dose, ii) double dose, iii) quadruple dose, iv) no antibiotics (only 20 µl of TCA), or v) fresh semen (no antibiotics or TCA). Data were analyzed by mixed linear models. In Experiment 1, no difference (P = 0.12) was found between TX vs MZT in any sperm characteristic, however, two bison in the TX groups failed to ejaculate. Results of Experiment 2 showed no difference among semen groups in overall sperm motility (P = 0.81), progressive motility(P = 0.83) or the proportion of morphologically normal sperm (P = 0.26). While differences in the quality of the ejaculates were not significant between bison chemically immobilized with MZT vs TX, all values were lower in the latter group and may be attributed to deeper sedation. There was no deleterious effect, dose-related or otherwise, of antibiotics on sperm motility or morphology in bison ejaculates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148569143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pre-extraction drying alters fecal testosterone measurements and variability in male Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus)","authors":"Caroline Silva Vieira,&nbsp;Hiba Abi Hussein,&nbsp;Leticia Zoccolaro Oliveira,&nbsp;Yves Hingrat,&nbsp;Gwènaêlle Levêque,&nbsp;Mohamed Abdessamad,&nbsp;Janaina Torres Carreira","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100165","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100165","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-invasive endocrine monitoring is an important tool in captive breeding programs for birds, however, hormone measurements from fecal samples remain sensitive to methodological decisions. Variation in fecal moisture content introduces systematic bias in hormone quantification and complicates the interpretation of reproductive patterns. Although fecal hormone analysis is widely used in avian studies, direct comparisons of how pre-extraction processing influences hormone measurements and the detection of seasonal endocrine patterns remain limited to cockerels and parrots. This study compared testosterone concentrations in fecal samples processed under two pre-extraction conditions (samples dried at 80°C for 48 h and non-dried groups), in adult male Gyrfalcons (<em>Falco rusticolus</em>) during the breeding season. 126 fecal samples were collected twice weekly over eight weeks from nine captive-bred males and analyzed using ethanol-based extraction followed by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Differences between groups and temporal patterns were assessed using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Testosterone concentrations were higher in dried than in non-dried samples (median: 181.20 vs. 71.09 ng/g; p &lt; 0.001), with non-dried showing higher variability. Drying revealed substantial and variable water loss, identifying fecal moisture as a major source of measurement bias. Concentrations declined across the sampling period (p &lt; 0.001), consistent with seasonal dynamics, and no significant interaction between processing condition and time was detected, indicating consistent temporal patterns across groups. These results demonstrate that sample processing influences fecal testosterone measurements and differences between dried and non-dried samples primarily reflect methodological rather than biological variation. Drying reduces moisture-driven variability and is therefore recommended as a standard approach for fecal hormone analysis in raptors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148569209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Female reproductive physiology in the aardvark (Orycteropus afer): A novel case report","authors":"Lindsey Fallon ,&nbsp;Geoffrey R. Browning ,&nbsp;Rachel Felton ,&nbsp;Missy Belmer ,&nbsp;Xela Riveraluis ,&nbsp;Barbara Durrant ,&nbsp;Christopher W. Tubbs","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is scarce literature describing reproductive biology in the aardvark (<em>Orycteropus afer</em>). Although knowledge from species-specific endocrine monitoring can be applied to in situ and ex situ programs, endocrine profiles have yet to be described for this species, which experiences poor reproductive success in managed care. In this case report, we characterized aspects of aardvark reproductive physiology in a single female using longitudinal monitoring of hormones and behavior, description of physical characteristics, and ultrasonography during the estrous cycle, breeding, gestation, parturition, and lactation. Fecal progesterone (P₄), total estrogens (E), and androstenedione (A₄) concentrations were measured 2 – 4 times weekly by radioimmunoassay and paired with behavioral data to identify estrous cyclicity and gestation. The breeding pair was housed together from 337 to 232 days prior to parturition, with breeding observed via camera monitoring. Baseline P₄ was 193.0 ± 126.68 ng/g (mean±SD) while pregnancy P₄ levels rose to 18,939.8 ± 11,926.17 ng/g. Baseline E was 17.44 ± 11.86 ng/g and follicular phase peak E was 276.73 ± 100.06 ng/g. A₄ was found to be uninformative in this study. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasound approximately 3 months into gestation and fetal development was monitored until parturition. Length of gestation was confirmed as previously reported (213 – 258 days), as we estimated the length to be 231 days. Furthermore, we described, for the first time, aardvark pregnancy diagnosis, nursing behavior, return to ovulation during lactation and estrous cycle length (19 ± 5.29 days). These data may help with management decisions and contribute to improving success of aardvark reproduction in managed care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impacts of sperm cryopreservation on fitness related traits of endangered gene-banked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)","authors":"Britney Lynn Firth,&nbsp;Trevor E. Pitcher,&nbsp;Laura K. Weir,&nbsp;Nathalie MacPherson,&nbsp;Tyler J.B. Wilson,&nbsp;Anna MacDonnell,&nbsp;Michael J. Goguen,&nbsp;Zack M. Trefry,&nbsp;Nathalie N. Brodeur,&nbsp;Darek T.R. Moreau,&nbsp;J. Derek Hogan,&nbsp;Louise de Mestral,&nbsp;Beth L. Lenentine,&nbsp;Brendan F. Wringe","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100167","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100167","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of live gene banks to preserve genetic diversity is on the rise as global biodiversity declines. Gamete cryopreservation can be used in addition to live gene banks to preserve genetic diversity while minimizing domestication effects; however, it remains unclear whether fitness-related traits are affected by this process. The established Live Gene Bank for endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon (<em>Salmo salar</em>) was used to assess whether sperm cryopreservation affects sperm metrics, fertilization, survival, alevin DNA methylation signatures, offspring morphometrics, and age at sexual maturity. A split clutch design was used to reduce parental effects between cryo- and fresh-derived offspring. Cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility and fertilization success, as well as embryo and alevin survival. Cryo-derived individuals at 50% hatch were shorter and had smaller yolk-sac area compared to fresh-derived individuals. Cryo-derived individuals were significantly larger at first feeding than fresh-derived individuals; however, there were no differences in length, mass, or condition factor at later life-stages. Furthermore, there was no difference in age at sexual maturity. At the alevin timepoint, there was 493 differentially methylated regions. This study demonstrates that cryopreservation appears to have minimal impact on the tested fitness-related traits, suggesting that individuals may have similar post-release survivorship and growth. However, observed differences in DNA methylation could affect gene expression and other fitness related traits. These differences could be inherited, which could reduce genome stability and integrity effecting conservation program goals to maintain genetic diversity. Thus, further research is needed to assess generational DNA methylation impacts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100167"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148635011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation of reproductive monitoring techniques in free-living female giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus)","authors":"Ana Carolina M. Lobo ,&nbsp;Danilo Kluyber ,&nbsp;Budhan S. Pukazhenthi ,&nbsp;Mayara Grego Caiaffa ,&nbsp;Gabriel F. Massocato ,&nbsp;Arnaud L.J. Desbiez ,&nbsp;Rogério A. de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Jaqueline Tamara Bonavina ,&nbsp;Eunice Oba","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The giant armadillo (<em>Priodontes maximus</em>) is classified as Vulnerable and remains one of the least studied neotropical mammals, with major gaps in knowledge of its reproduction limiting reproductive management strategies. This study presents the first integrated reproductive assessment of female giant armadillos, aiming to validate practical tools for reproductive monitoring under field conditions. Between May 2023 and January 2025, six females (one juvenile and five adults) were evaluated in the Pantanal and Cerrado biomes of Brazil. Assessments included external genitalia morphology, vaginal cytology, serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations, and vaginal microbiota. Camera trap records were retrospectively analyzed to determine pregnancy status at the time of capture and no females were pregnant during the study period. The mean estradiol and progesterone concentrations in adults were 422.5 ± 620.4 pg/mL and 5.8 ± 3.3 ng/mL, respectively, while the juvenile concentrations were 10.2 pg/mL and 1.8 ng/mL, respectively. Significant correlations were detected among reproductive parameters, including positive associations between superficial cells and vulvar edema (<em>r</em>_s= 0.72), and between large intermediate cells and progesterone concentration (<em>r</em>_s= 0.75). Negative correlations were observed between parabasal cells and both superficial cells (<em>r</em>_s= −0.82) and estradiol concentration (<em>r</em>_s= −0.68). Vaginal cytology revealed cyclic epithelial maturation consistent with hormonal and morphologic variations and vaginal microbiota was predominantly composed of Enterobacteriaceae. These findings demonstrate that the integration of vaginal cytology, external genitalia assessment, and hormonal profiling is a promising approach for reproductive monitoring in <em>P. maximus</em>, providing essential baseline data for future research and conservation efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147649498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of post-meiotic reproductive senescence and ovarian fluid on sperm quality and reproductive success in a wild population of Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha","authors":"G.E. Tellier ,&nbsp;T.E. Pitcher","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100159","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reproductive senescence (i.e., the decline in reproductive function associated with increasing cellular age) negatively impacts sperm cell performance, which becomes particularly evident when ejaculate is stored for extended periods of time following collection for supplementation programs. In light of this relationship, female reproductive fluids have been shown to modulate ejaculate quality by enhancing sperm performance across taxa. Chinook salmon (<em>Oncorhynchus tshawytscha</em>), a free spawning species, provided an ideal opportunity to study senescent-related interactions in a wild-population that remains reliant on artificial reproduction thanks to their external fertilization mode of reproduction allowing for facilitated experimental manipulation. In this study, ejaculate, ovarian fluid, and eggs were collected from wild spawning Chinook salmon. Ejaculate was stored and sperm quality was assessed at multiple binned time points post-collection (0.5 h, 2.5 h, 4.5 h, 6.5 h) using automated sperm analysis, with two separate activation treatments (river water or a 25% ovarian fluid solution) used at each time point. We measured sperm quality traits (sperm velocity, linearity, longevity, and motility) then conducted fertilization trials at 4.5 h post-collection (reflecting the typical time required to transport gametes from river to hatchery) using a split clutch in-vitro fertilization design to assess activation treatment effects on reproductive success metrics. We found that velocity and linearity significantly declined as a function of post-collection time while longevity and motility were unaffected; however, all traits were significantly improved when activated by the ovarian fluid solution as compared to river water. Fertilization and hatching success did not differ between activation treatments during fertilization trials. These findings provide novel insights into post-meiotic reproductive senescence as it relates to sperm quality and the influence of ovarian fluid, informing management practices with the goal of optimizing artificial reproduction protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100159"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147991514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transvaginal ovum retrieval in scimitar horned oryx (Oryx dammah) and roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus)","authors":"Parker M. Pennington,&nbsp;James D. Gillis,&nbsp;Darya A. Tourzani,&nbsp;Christopher J. Lambert,&nbsp;Thanh Q. Nguyen,&nbsp;Steve Metzler,&nbsp;Scott B. Citino,&nbsp;Matt James,&nbsp;Jason R. Herrick","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Development and use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in non-domestic species provides novel tools for species conservation. As a first step towards in vitro embryo production, we developed an ovum pick-up (OPU) technique for two antelope species, scimitar horned oryx (<em>Oryx dammah;</em> SHO) and roan antelope (<em>Hippotragus equinus</em>) utilizing a custom-made needle guide and commercially available OPU equipment utilized by livestock and human practitioners. Females were anesthetized and placed in sternal recumbency for transvaginal OPUs. Prior to OPUs (36–45 h), SHO and roan were either hormonally stimulated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, 140 or 250IU) as a single treatment or not. A total of 32 and 26 OPUs were completed in SHO (n = 10) and roan (n = 7), respectively, representing one to four OPUs per animal at monthly intervals. A total of 139 oocytes were recovered from 216 follicles in SHO and 29 oocytes from 58 follicles in roan. FSH (250IU) increased (P &lt; 0.05) the number of follicles aspirated and the number of oocytes recovered in SHO, but not in roan (P &gt; 0.05). Good quality oocytes were recovered from all females and procedures were conducted in four consecutive months with no evidence of scar tissue buildup or reduced capacity to recover good quality oocytes. These ARTs can be used to develop in vitro embryo production tools for population management and the preservation of female genetics; bolstering genetic diversity and guarding against extinction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149051157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changing reproductive dynamics in harbour seals of the North and Baltic Seas","authors":"Britta Schmidt ,&nbsp;Frederieke Steingrefer ,&nbsp;Tina Kesselring ,&nbsp;Ursula Siebert","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Successful Reproduction is fundamental for species survival. In harbour seals, reproductive cycle includes the embryonic diapause. This study investigates seasonal and annual variations in reproductive parameters of harbour seals from the North and Baltic Sea to assess reproductive status, sexual maturity and broader reproductive dynamics. 1.523 females were found dead, or mercy killed along Germany`s coastline between 1995 and 2024. Out of these 383 were examined and categorized into three age groups (adult = 80, juvenile = 77, neonate = 226), as well as into two timelines (1995–2015 and 2016–2024). Ovaries were cut into 2 mm slices and examined for the presence or absence of Tertiary follicles, Corpus luteum, Corpus albicans and scars. Sexual maturity was first observed at 3.5 years - six months later than previously reported. Reproductive activity declined from age 13, earlier than previously assumed. A peak in ovarian weight shifted from mid-March (1995–2015) to late December (2016–2024), suggesting earlier reproductive activation. The period of minimal ovarian activity was delayed, indicating a prolonged reproductive window. Inconsistencies in Cl presence during expected embryonic diapause periods imply alterations in reproductive timing, potentially linked to prey availability or population structure. These results suggest a complex interplay between environmental pressures and reproductive physiology, with potential consequences for fitness, genetic diversity and population resilience. This study presents basic information for assessing harbour seal reproduction along Germany`s coastline and supports the need for long-term, regionally monitoring to guide effective management strategies to better understand the impacts of ongoing changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147537572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a sperm cryopreservation protocol for the purple-striped jellyfish (Chrysaora colorata)","authors":"Carly Young ,&nbsp;Nicole Ravida ,&nbsp;Barbara Durrant ,&nbsp;Ellen Umeda","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2026.100148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cryopreservation of gametes is a valuable strategy for the long-term preservation of genetic material in marine invertebrates, especially for species facing ecological pressures or requiring controlled breeding strategies. The purple-striped jellyfish (<em>Chrysaora colorata</em>) holds ecological and scientific significance due to its role in coastal marine ecosystems. Despite increasing interest in cnidarian biology and aquaculture, standardized methods for the cryopreservation of jellyfish sperm remain underdeveloped. Establishing a reliable cryopreservation protocol for <em>C. colorata</em> sperm is crucial for supporting ex situ conservation efforts, facilitating reproductive research, and enabling assisted gene flow between fragmented populations. C. <em>colorata</em> sperm was opportunistically collected from live specimens and shipped in filtered seawater overnight at 4°C from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Initial motility and speed of progression (SOP, on a scale of 1–5) were evaluated upon arrival. Sperm was extended in three different cryoprotectants, 10 % DMSO, 1.5 M ethylene glycol or 1.5 M propanediol, with or without the presence of 0.5 M trehalose in either filtered seawater or artificial saltwater. Sperm in 200 µl of extender was frozen in cryovials at 50 °C/min before liquid nitrogen storage. Duplicate vials were thawed at 30°C, and samples were diluted 1:1 with filtered seawater before assessing motility and SOP. Sperm frozen in 1.5 M propanediol without trehalose, regardless of water type, yielded the highest post-thaw motility score of all treatments. This sperm cryopreservation protocol serves as a foundation for future advancements in cnidarian germplasm preservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100148"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}