Ann. Méd. Vét., 2014, 158 (2), pp 109-120 Current knowledge about large
wild felids reproductive physiology,
its control, and assisted
reproductive technologiesCOQUEMPOT P., LINDEN A., VOLPE R., FURTHNER E., DELEUZE S.Abstract :
All of the eight large wild feline
species are considered as threatened
are near-threatened by the International
Union for Conservation
of Nature. The evaluation technologies
of large felids reproductive
functions are similar to the ones
routinely applied in the domestic
cat, but their use in wild animals
is often limited by the necessity
of anaesthesia. Using faecal hormones
analysis for monitoring the
reproductive activity in females
is a non-invasive alternative that
highlights significant differences
between the felids reproductive
cycles.
The reproductive rate in captivity
is very low, and knowledge of wild
felids behaviour is fundamental
to improve the efficiency of the
breeding programs. The studbooks
allow genetic management
of large felids captive populations
and application of these registers
could avoid consanguineous mating.
When natural reproduction is
impossible, assisted reproductive
technologies prevent the species
extinction. Artificial insemination
is currently the most developed
technique. Other methods are in
progress such as in vitro fertilization,
embryo transfer or freezing.
Nevertheless teratospermia highly
affects the fertility in felids consanguineous
populations, and improvement
of the techniques such as
intracytoplamic sperm injection
and subzonal insemination may
circumvent this limitation. Get the PDF Contact person : S.Deleuze@ulg.ac.be |