Theriogenology wild最新文献

{"title":"Conservation of teleost fishes: Application of reproductive technologies","authors":"Ian Mayer ,&nbsp;Martin Pšenička","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100078","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fishes are by far the most species-rich group of vertebrates, with 36,105 species currently recognised, approximately the same number of species as that of all non-fish vertebrates combined. Recent decades have witnessed dramatic population declines for many fish species, together with a loss in overall fish biodiversity. Globally, fish biodiversity is being threatened by a multitude of anthropogenic impacts including overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, aquaculture, loss of river connectivity, climate change and the impact of alien species. Nowhere is the world’s biodiversity crisis more acute than in freshwater ecosystems. While rivers, lakes and wetlands cover less than 1% of the planet’s total surface, they are home to over half the world´s fish species. One third of freshwater fishes are now threatened with extinction, and 80 species are already extinct. This review covers the main drivers of declining fish biodiversity, and details remedial strategies aimed at conserving both marine and freshwater fish biodiversity. The preservation of genetic resources through the cryobanking of reproductive cells and tissues, collectively known as germplasm, will be a valuable tool in the conservation of fish biodiversity. With the help of a range of emerging reproductive technologies, frozen germplasm will play a key role in future <em>in situ</em> and <em>ex situ</em> conservation initiatives. The ability to establish cryo-banks for the full range of fish germplasm, including sperm, oocytes, embryos and germ cells represents a powerful tool for use in the conservation of threatened fish species. The rapid advance in next-generation sequencing technologies, together with the proliferation of resources such as fully sequenced fish genomes is expected to result in a rapid expansion in the application of conservation genomics to the conservation and management of fish populations, and be instrumental in formulating mitigations directed at conserving fish biodiversity, through both in situ and ex situ conservation initiatives.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100078"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000096/pdfft?md5=8dcb549a111c707a4c2b76651a15118d&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000096-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140062612","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":"Laparoscopic tubal ligature in pumas (Puma concolor): A technique allied with conservation","authors":"Thyara Deco-Souza ,&nbsp;Lucas Cazati ,&nbsp;Letícia Alecho Requena ,&nbsp;Pedro Nacib Jorge-Neto ,&nbsp;Sofia Regina Polizelle ,&nbsp;Silvana Marques Caramalac ,&nbsp;Simone Marques Caramalac ,&nbsp;Roberta Ferreira Leite ,&nbsp;Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto ,&nbsp;Gediendson Ribeiro de Araujo","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The increasing presence of pumas (<em>Puma concolor</em>) in <em>ex situ</em> environments poses challenges in managing individual accommodations, necessitating contraceptive practices to allow more individuals to cohabit in the same enclosure. The current pioneering study aimed to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic tubal ligature (LTL) as a contraceptive alternative to vasectomy in pumas. It sought to contribute to <em>ex situ</em> conservation strategies by enabling the cohabitation of couples without reproduction. With appropriate management authorizations and ethical evaluation, the LTL technique was applied to three adult females, followed by ovarian hormonal stimulation and laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU). The findings affirmed the efficacy and safety of LTL, which proved to be a robust contraceptive method without postoperative complications and effective in preventing gestation after multiple matings attempts. Notably, the ovarian function was preserved, allowing for successful oocyte collection via LOPU. This approach offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical ligature, aligning more closely with ethical standards for animal conservation by allowing for the minimally invasive acquisition of female gametes and embodying the One Conservation concept, which advocates a holistic approach to reproductive conservation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100083"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X2400014X/pdfft?md5=48625b10e96b5de9cc30671761ed04c1&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X2400014X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140180478","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":"Descriptive analysis of the sperm of three South American catfish species maintained ex situ and the influence of morphology on sperm movement","authors":"Bruna Bitencourt da Costa ,&nbsp;Rômulo Batista Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Jayme Aparecido Povh ,&nbsp;Eduardo Antônio Sanches ,&nbsp;Nathalia dos Santos Teixeira ,&nbsp;Thales de Souza França ,&nbsp;Louise Nex Spica ,&nbsp;Thales Lysakowski Flores Machado ,&nbsp;Jhony Lisbôa Benato ,&nbsp;Camila Vargas Stawinski ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Yutaka Dichoff Kasai ,&nbsp;Danilo Pedro Streit Jr","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><em>Phractocephalus hemioliopterus</em>, <em>Hemisorubim platyrhynchos</em>, and <em>Zungaro zungaro</em> are native of South American rivers whose population is being threatened by the damming of rivers to build hydroelectric dams, fishing pressure and environmental degradation. Basic information on these species’ reproductive characteristics is necessary to enable production in captivity. The aim of this study was to present descriptive data regarding the sperm parameters of these three species maintained in captivity, the correlations between these parameters, and relevant factors, and how these issues can affect sperm quality. Sperm was collected and diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution after hormonal induction with carp pituitary extract. The evaluated parameters for <em>Hemisorubim platyrhynchos</em>, <em>Phractocephalus hemioliopterus</em>, and <em>Zungaro zungaro</em> were, respectively: Sperm concentration (×10⁹) was 3.00, 1.77, and 1.40 sperm mL⁻¹; Sperm total length was 93.2, 91.4, and 79.4 μm; Motility rate was 71.8, 73.5, and 61.7%; Normal sperm was 35.5, 38.8, and 30.2%. Describing sperm characteristics is extremely important for the artificial reproduction of fish in captivity, contributing to the knowledge on the reproductive biology of the species. In the present study, we discuss these issues to build the knowledge necessary for sperm characterization of these little-studied species. Our results suggest that the morphological abnormalities can affect motility and sperm movement kinetics.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100080"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000114/pdfft?md5=297ad77bddf5611a745cc061f3f47341&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000114-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140187846","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":"Cryopreservation of okapi (Okapia johnstoni) oocytes following in vitro maturation","authors":"Raffaella Simone ,&nbsp;Daniel Čižmár ,&nbsp;Susanne Holtze ,&nbsp;Baptiste Mulot ,&nbsp;Benjamin Lamglait ,&nbsp;Tobias Knauf-Witzens ,&nbsp;Annika Weigold ,&nbsp;Robert Hermes ,&nbsp;Thomas B. Hildebrandt","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Okapi (<em>Okapia johnstoni</em>) belong to the Giraffidae family and is the only representative of the <em>Okapia</em> genus. The species has been declared as endangered and due to its very elusive nature, little is known about its reproductive behavior. The wild population has continued to decrease over the last decades despite the different conservation programs developed worldwide. Captive breeding is difficult and the European population is not self-sustaining. An alternative tool to prevent the extinction of this charismatic species is the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Specifically, we introduce a novel protocol for the in vitro maturation (IVM) and cryopreservation of matured oocytes obtained post-mortem. Out of sixteen cumulus-oocytes complexes isolated from one deceased individual, four matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes were successfully obtained following IVM. Furthermore, these matured oocytes demonstrated resilience during the vitrification/warming process and underwent sperm injection. Although no embryos were obtained, this study represents the first step towards the application of ART in okapi, providing a foundation for future reproductive interventions aimed at preserving self-sustaining captive populations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100088"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000199/pdfft?md5=d902cd07f65fdc0beeb146eea08ffc29&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000199-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924468","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":"Follicle-like and other novel structures found in ovaries of aged white rhinoceroses and their potential impact on oocyte recovery rate","authors":"R. Appeltant ,&nbsp;R. Hermes ,&nbsp;S. Holtze ,&nbsp;T.B. Hildebrandt ,&nbsp;S.A. Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Female rhinoceroses have an ovarian reserve that consists of immature oocytes in primordial follicles. Establishing methods to grow and culture these oocytes from those follicles in the laboratory might fuel efforts towards <em>in vitro</em> embryo production in this species without the need for repeated in vivo oocyte collection. In depth understanding of the biology behind and improvement of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) is the only option for preventing the disappearance of functionally extinct species such as the northern white rhinoceros. In vitro follicle development can only be obtained by in depth knowledge on rhinoceros ovarian histology. In addition to known ovarian features, we identified numerous undescribed structural and molecular ovarian characteristics from adult southern white rhinoceros (n=3). Ovarian sections were stained with H&amp;E, PAS or Masson Trichrome and molecular analyses (hyaluronic acid detection, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay) were performed to identify proliferation, extracellular matrix, pluripotency markers, hormones, enzymes, markers for inflammation or endocrine glands, blood vessel presence, oocyte markers and apoptosis. Besides degenerating, deformed, or luteinized follicles, analysis revealed several ‘follicle-like structures’ (FLS) that deviated from the expected follicle appearance. Most importantly, the majority of FLS did not contain any oocyte and were comprised of a collection of cells organised around fluid islands with or without an antral cavity. The discovery and description of FLS in aged southern white rhinoceroses may play a role in poor oocyte recovery rates in ovum pick-up (OPU) in older rhinoceroses. It remains to be investigated whether FLS might be present on ovaries from other rhinoceros species and whether they might serve as a general indicator for oocyte recovery success in aged females.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100096"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000278/pdfft?md5=4cbc7c0db66306ffa18200bec99a786a&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000278-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141323284","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":"Exploring enzymatic antioxidant activities in Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) sperm and seminal plasma","authors":"Yuqing Yang ,&nbsp;Junpen Suwimonteerabutr ,&nbsp;Taweepoke Angkawanish ,&nbsp;Nicole Sirisopit Mehl ,&nbsp;Patharapol Piamsomboon ,&nbsp;Nuttawadee Ngamlertwong ,&nbsp;Padet Tummaruk ,&nbsp;Pakpoom Navanukraw ,&nbsp;Phakjira Sanguansook ,&nbsp;Kaywalee Chatdarong","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study explored the relationships between sperm quality and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) in sperm (S) and seminal plasma (SP) of Asian elephants, as well as the potential protective role of glutamine in semen extenders during chilled storage. In experiment 1, twenty ejaculates from 11 bulls were analyzed for percentages (%) of sperm motility (%MOT), viability (%VIA), and activities of SOD and GPx. A significant negative correlation was found between %VIA and SP-SOD (r = − 0.71), and positive correlations between %MOT and both S-GPx (r = 0.49) and SP-GPx (r = 0.57). Following these findings, glutamine, a precursor of glutathione and semen antioxidant was introduced in Experiment 2. Each ejaculate (in a total of 8 ejaculates obtained from four bulls) was diluted in Tris-fructose- (EYT) and Tris-glucose-egg yolk extender (TCG), respectively, supplemented with 0 (control), 20 and 40 mM glutamine and stored at 4 °C. Sperm parameters including %MOT, %VIA, functional membrane integrity (%sHOST), and DNA integrity (%DNA) were assessed after 24 and 48 h of storage. Results demonstrated that glutamine did not significantly affect %VIA or %DNA. A significant reduction in %MOT was observed at 24 h, but 20 mM glutamine added in extenders reversed this decline at 48 h. A 40 mM addition of glutamine in TCG markedly reduced %sHOST at 24 h. In conclusion, SOD and GPx activities in the sperm and seminal plasma are indicative of sperm quality. During chilling, using a higher level of glutamine may damage the spermatozoa of Asian elephants.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000345/pdfft?md5=bf30ffee5ee7d7c568a5012b6da26f81&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000345-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141481006","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":"Hysterotomy, fetus removal, and sterilization in pregnant capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): A strategy for population control and Brazilian spotted fever prevention","authors":"Fernanda Battistella Passos-Nunes ,&nbsp;Fabiana Morse Gosson Jorge ,&nbsp;Mariana Passos Nunes ,&nbsp;Alexia Gazzola Steiner ,&nbsp;Pedro Nacib Jorge-Neto ,&nbsp;Antonio Chaves de Assis Neto ,&nbsp;Marcelo Bahia Labruna ,&nbsp;Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study explores a novel surgical method for population control in pregnant capybaras (<em>Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris</em>) within areas endemic to Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), a disease caused by the bacterium <em>Rickettsia rickettsii</em> and transmitted by the <em>Amblyomma</em> sp. tick. The proposed technique involves fetus removal and sterilization through a cesarean section performed along the <em>linea alba</em>. Conducted on 43 capybaras in São Paulo, Brazil, with all necessary ethical and legal clearances, the surgical procedure featured a periumbilical incision through the <em>linea alba</em> for direct uterine access, facilitation fetal removal and subsequent uterine horn ligature for complete sterilization. The technique proved efficient, with surgeries lasting between 60 and 90 minutes and incisions spanning 5–7 cm, offering minimal hemorrhage, and avoiding excessive abdominal viscera manipulation. Post-surgery, anesthetic recovery was smooth, and no sterilized females produce offspring after the procedure, underscoring the method's effectiveness for capybara population control. This is particularly significant in urban areas where human-capybara interactions are increasing due to residential expansion. The proposed surgical approach demonstrated herein presents a time-efficient and effective strategy for BSF prevention by controlling capybara population. In conclusion, the cesarean section along the <em>linea alba</em> emerges as a viable option for reproductive control in capybaras, with positive outcomes observed in tissue samples and overall animal health condition supporting its application in BSF-endemic regions to help reduce disease incidence.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100085"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000163/pdfft?md5=6de94e973e0d8bf2a27476f918786105&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000163-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140540728","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":"Review: The role of prolactin in the maternal investment-survival balance","authors":"Tim E.R.G. Huijsmans ,&nbsp;Ann Van Soom ,&nbsp;Katrien Smits ,&nbsp;Jella Wauters ,&nbsp;Thomas B. Hildebrandt","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Prolactin is a protein hormone that plays a regulating role in many physiological processes across mammalian species, but the two primary functions it exerts are the development of the mammary glands and milk production. This review will focus on the potential key role of prolactin in the hormonal control of maternal investment and survival in mammals. Prolactin has been demonstrated to influence maternal investment throughout the complete investment process from ovulation and implantation to gestation and lactation, highlighting its essential role in this balance. Different stressors may affect prolactin secretion, and therefore, be a trigger to lower or stop maternal investment. Hence, comprehending prolactin's function in maternal investment and survival strategies can have important implications for our understanding of reproductive success and failure, potentially benefiting conservation efforts to protect endangered species. Since the role of prolactin is inconsistent in different mammalian species, species-specific research is mandatory to determine the exact role of prolactin in individual maternal survival-investment strategies. The current knowledge on this topic is highlighted in the present review but is also illustrative of the fact that many areas of prolactin related research remain underexposed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000400/pdfft?md5=e0a971b596ff93116fa2e2f7a8c78702&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000400-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142076936","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":"First successful artificial insemination of a reptile using frozen-thawed semen","authors":"Mark R. Sandfoss ,&nbsp;Tonia S. Schwartz ,&nbsp;Alexis Lindsey ,&nbsp;Gary Wigman ,&nbsp;Palmer Mihalevich ,&nbsp;Steve Reichling ,&nbsp;Beth M. Roberts","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) has considerable value for conservation. However, their development has been limited to relatively few species of charismatic megafauna. Non-avian reptiles are incredibly speciose and up to a third are threatened with extinction, but progress developing and implementing ARTs into conservation programs has lagged other taxonomic groups. Here, we describe successful artificial insemination of an endangered snake using frozen-thawed semen within the context of a species recovery program. Six female Louisiana pinesnakes (<em>Pituophis ruthveni</em>) were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen from six donor males resulting in oviposition of two fertile cutches producing three viable hatchlings. Paternity of hatchlings was confirmed using genetic analyses. This is the first documented case of successful artificial insemination using frozen-thawed semen in a reptile and is a significant step forward in the conservation of reptiles. The methods described here hold the potential for zoos and conservation organizations to diversify reptile gene pools in captivity and the transfer of genetic material between wild populations and captive breeding programs. In addition, the ability to use frozen-thawed semen for AI emphasizes the conservation value of establishing cryobanks for reptile semen. The development and implementation of ARTs in recovery programs for reptiles has great conservation potential and warrants exploration across a broader range of species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142421588","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":"Sperm morphology, and macro and microscopic description of male and female reproductive tract in the North African houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata)","authors":"Léna Meunier ,&nbsp;Gabriele Sorci ,&nbsp;Caroline Silva Vieira ,&nbsp;Yves Hingrat ,&nbsp;Michel Saint Jalme ,&nbsp;Janaina Torres Carreira","doi":"10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.therwi.2024.100082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><em>Ex-situ</em> conservation programs are useful tools for preserving endangered species, and knowledge of their reproductive physiology is essential for achieving conservation objectives in captive breeding programs. The North African houbara bustard (<em>Chlamydotis undulata</em>) is a vulnerable bird species bred in captivity to restore its natural populations. To better understand the reproductive biology of this species, we first described the anatomy and histology of the reproductive tracts of male and female North African houbara bustards. We described and classified the normal and abnormal sperm morphologies for the species. The reproductive tracts of males and females were collected during the breeding season (BS) (21 males and 14 females) and the non-breeding season (NBS) (four males and two females). Pictures and measurements of the testes and oviducts were taken, and testis colour was graded from 1 (black) to 6 (white). Organs were fixed and processed for histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The testis, epididymis, oviduct size, testicular capsule thickness, seminiferous tubule (ST) diameter, and histological layers of the oviduct were compared between the BS and NBS groups. Sperm morphometry was evaluated using fixed ejaculates (n=22, from 22 males). Ejaculates (n=417, 166 males) were collected and fixed during the BS, and their morphology and morphometry were evaluated using phase-contrast microscopy. Ejaculate mixes (n=12) were fixed and analysed using SEM and TEM. Overall, the anatomical structure and histology of the male and female reproductive tracts were similar to those of other avian species. The testes were symmetric, and a regression of testis and oviduct size, the thickness of the mucosa and serosa of the oviduct, and ST diameter (p&lt;0.001) were observed during NBS compared with those during BS. Sperm storage structures are located inside the oviduct at the uterovaginal junction and infundibulum. Melanin granules were observed in the interstitial space of the seminiferous epithelium, which explains the testis pigmentation. Melanin was also found in the ovaries and the uterus. Houbara sperm have an elongated nuclear form and a round-shaped acrosome lacking perforatorium and rostrum. Most analysed samples were limitrophe normospermic (normal= 68.5 ± 14.7%), houbara sperm morphology could be classified into eight categories: normal sperm, acrosome, head, midpiece, tail, and teratogenic defects, swollen head, and cytoplasmic droplet. This study provides the first anatomical and histological descriptions of the male and female reproductive tracts of the North African houbara bustard. Further investigation into the functional role of melanin in the testes is warranted.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":75220,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology wild","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100082"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773093X24000138/pdfft?md5=e1574f919fc831a39998f73ecdc045c3&pid=1-s2.0-S2773093X24000138-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140187845","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}