Reproduction of Small Animals: Physiology, Pathology and Performance, Second Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Since the late 1970s, fundamental research focusing on the unique reproductive physiology of the bitch has brought about a greater understanding of the LH surge, ovulation, and the events surrounding the estrous cycle. This research has led to advances that have improved overall reproductive performance, especially with the use of chilled or frozen–thawed semen samples. Additionally, the development of a basic understanding of specific unique reproductive features, such as luteolysis in the canine, has furthered our understanding of pregnancy, non-pregnancy, and pathologic conditions such as pyometra. Furthermore, novel pharmacological drugs and devices for the treatment of many reproductive conditions and diseases in small animal species have evolved from these early fundamental studies. This work has also paved the way for additional research into non-surgical contraceptive solutions with potential worldwide welfare and ethical implications.

More recently, advances in semen evaluation, handling, chilling, and cryopreservation, along with advances in artificial insemination technologies, such as transcervical endoscopes, have allowed for significant improvements in reproductive performance, genetic gain and, importantly, welfare aspects for female small animal species. However, despite these exciting advancements, there is still much research to be done, particularly in the canine. In-vitro fertilization and blastocyst production, which are so commonly achieved in many other species, are still an area of ongoing research for canine species, especially in wildlife. This makes the development of novel technologies such as gene editing, extracellular vesicles, and 3D organoid culture systems even more important in their application to reproduction in the canine species, especially for the preservation of our endangered small animal species for future generations.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present recent research and reviews on the unique reproductive physiological features of our small animal species and to stimulate interest in the evolving technologies in hopes of furthering this exciting field.

Dr. Fiona K. Hollinshead
Dr. Greg Burns
Dr. Natali Krekeler
Guest Editors

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• artificial insemination
• contraception
• litter size
• transcervical insemination
• in vitro fertilization
• ovulation
• LH surge
• semen cryopreservation

• Reproduction of Small Animals: Physiology, Pathology and Performance in Animals (1 article)