Effective Option regarding Wildlife Resources Protection: Assisted Reproductive Technology

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2023) | Viewed by 10808

Special Issue Editors

Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido – UFERSA, Mossoro, Brazil
Interests: wildlife reproductive physiology and biotechnologies; assisted reproductive technology; wildlife reproduction
Department of Animal Production, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Interests: animal physiology; embryo micromanipulation; gene edition; assisted reproduction in wild mammals
Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido – UFERSA, Mossoro, Brazil
Interests: wildlife biotechnologies; assisted reproductive technology in wild mammals; embryology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the worldwide outline, where the species extinction is an increasing problem, the global conservation is a major concern due the biodiversity role in the preservation of ecosystems. In this context, the establishment of Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ARTs) in wild species represents essential steps in the conservation of wild fauna. These techniques allow the conservation and multiplication of genetic valuable individuals, as well as facilitate the transport of the germplasm among distant regions. A series of ARTs has been developed in different wild species with variable efficiency, mainly due to physiological and reproductive characteristics, sometimes species-specific. In this issue, we aim to present the main results aimed at wild conservation, as well as to correlate the reproductive parameters involved in choosing the most suitable ARTs for the species of interest. Additionally, such information will be interesting for the optimization of conservation strategies aimed at increasing their efficiency.

Prof. Dr. Alexandre Rodrigues Silva
Prof. Dr. Daniel Felipe Salamone
Prof. Dr. Alexsandra Fernandes Pereira
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • assisted reproductive technology
  • wildlife reproductive physiology and biotechnologies
  • cryobanking
  • conservation strategies
  • cryopreservation
  • embryo technology
  • threatened species

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 24526 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Vitrification Techniques on Viability and Apoptotic Index of Domestic Cat Testicular Tissue Cells
by Julyne Vivian Guimarães de Carvalho, Airton R. B. Soares, Danuza L. Leão, Adriana N. Reis, Regiane R. Santos, Ana P. R. Rodrigues and Sheyla F. S. Domingues
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2768; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172768 - 31 Aug 2023
Viewed by 793
Abstract
Vitrification is essential for successful tissue cryopreservation and biobanking in wild cats. This study aimed to compare different methods of vitrification (Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem—OTC, Straws—STW, and Solid Surface vitrification—SSV) for testicular fragment vitrification in tom cats. Testicular fragments were recovered from five adult [...] Read more.
Vitrification is essential for successful tissue cryopreservation and biobanking in wild cats. This study aimed to compare different methods of vitrification (Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem—OTC, Straws—STW, and Solid Surface vitrification—SSV) for testicular fragment vitrification in tom cats. Testicular fragments were recovered from five adult tom cats and subjected to equilibrium vitrification using different cryovials and methods under the same conditions of vitrification solutions and cryoprotectants. The efficiencies of the methods were evaluated using histological analysis of spermatogonia and Sertoli cell nuclei, seminiferous tubular basement membrane detachment, and the gonadal epithelium shrinkage score scale. Cell viability was assessed using Hoechst PI and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The results showed that OTC is an effective vitrification method for maintaining the distinction between spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. OTC was similar to the control for basal membrane detachment parameters (p = 0.05). Epithelial shrinkage was low in the SSV group, which showed the highest percentage of viable cells among the vitrified groups (p = 0.0023). The OTC and SSV vitrification methods were statistically similar in terms of the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells (p = 0.05). Therefore, OTC and SSV provide favorable conditions for maintaining viable cat testicular tissue cells after vitrification. Full article
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15 pages, 2646 KiB  
Article
Different Methods for Seminal Plasma Removal and Sperm Selection on the Quality and Fertility of Collared Peccary Sperm
by Maria V. O. Santos, Andréia M. Silva, Leonardo V. C. Aquino, Lhara R. M. Oliveira, Samara S. J. Moreira, Moacir F. Oliveira, Alexandre R. Silva and Alexsandra F. Pereira
Animals 2023, 13(12), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121955 - 11 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1023
Abstract
Methods for seminal plasma (SP) removal and the selection of collared peccary sperm for fertilization were compared. The experiments evaluated the following: the (I) impact of centrifugation for SP removal before swim-up for sperm selection and (II) a comparison of different Percoll® [...] Read more.
Methods for seminal plasma (SP) removal and the selection of collared peccary sperm for fertilization were compared. The experiments evaluated the following: the (I) impact of centrifugation for SP removal before swim-up for sperm selection and (II) a comparison of different Percoll® gradient densities (PG 45–90% and PG 35–70%). Non-selected sperm served as the control. Sperm quality was assessed based on motility patterns, morphology, membrane functional integrity, viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and DNA integrity. Subsequently, the most successful group in the previous experiment and washing by centrifugation (WC) were compared for motility patterns and fertilization using pig oocytes. Swim-up decreased motility and enhanced ROS compared to the control. Centrifugation before swim-up harmed integrity and viability compared to the control. PG 45–90% (96.8 vs. 69.7 vs. 40.7 µm/s) allowed for a better velocity average pathway (VAP), a better velocity straight line, and better linearity (LIN) than those of the control and PG 35–70% (88.4 vs. 56.0 vs. 27.3 µm/s). Thus, PG 45–90% was used for fertilization. PG 45–90% obtained a higher VAP, a higher amplitude of the lateral head, straightness, and higher LIN than those of the control and WC. Cleavage (25.2–26.3%) and morula (8.1–10.5%) rates did not differ between the groups. Therefore, PG 45–90% and WC were efficient in isolating collared peccary sperm capable of fertilizing pig oocytes. Full article
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13 pages, 2183 KiB  
Article
Follicular Atresia, Cell Proliferation, and Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Two Neotropical Primates (Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus)
by Deise de Lima Cardoso, Diva Anélie de Araújo Guimarães, Pedro Mayor, Maria Auxiliadora Pantoja Ferreira, Leandro Nassar Coutinho and Frederico Ozanan Barros Monteiro
Animals 2023, 13(6), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061051 - 14 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1546
Abstract
This study evaluated the follicular atresia, cell proliferation, and anti-Mullerian hormone action in Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus during three sexual phases (follicular, luteal, and gestational). Follicular quantification and immunolocalization of Caspase-3 protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the follicular atresia, cell proliferation, and anti-Mullerian hormone action in Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus during three sexual phases (follicular, luteal, and gestational). Follicular quantification and immunolocalization of Caspase-3 protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were performed. A significant difference in the quantification between preantral and antral follicles, with a progressive decrease in the antrals, was identified. Protein and hormonal markers varied significantly between follicle cell types (A. nancymae p = 0.001; S. macrocephalus, p = 0.002). Immunostaining in the preantral and antral follicles was present in all sexual phases; for Caspase-3, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and stroma; for BCL-2, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca; and for PCNA and AMH, in oocytes and granulosa cells. The immunostaining for Caspase-3 was more expressive in the preantral follicles (follicular phase, p < 0.05), while that for BCL-2 and PCNA was more expressive in the antral follicles of the follicular phase. The AMH was more expressive in the primary and antral follicles of nonpregnant females, in both the follicular and luteal phases. Our results contribute to understanding the ovarian follicular selection, recruitment, and degeneration of these species. Full article
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11 pages, 1796 KiB  
Article
Effect of Detergents Based on Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on Functional Metrics of Frozen–Thawed Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) Semen
by Samara S. J. Moreira, Andréia M. Silva, Ana G. Pereira, Romário P. Santos, Maiko R. T. Dantas, João B. F. Souza-Júnior, Paola P. N. Snoeck and Alexandre R. Silva
Animals 2023, 13(3), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030451 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1607
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of detergents based on sodium dodecyl sulfoxide (SDS) on the functional parameters of collared peccary frozen–thawed sperm. Semen aliquots from ten individuals were diluted in a Tris–egg yolk–glycerol extender alone or with 0.5% Equex STM® paste or SDS [...] Read more.
We evaluated the effects of detergents based on sodium dodecyl sulfoxide (SDS) on the functional parameters of collared peccary frozen–thawed sperm. Semen aliquots from ten individuals were diluted in a Tris–egg yolk–glycerol extender alone or with 0.5% Equex STM® paste or SDS (at 0.1%, 0.3% or 0.5% (v/v) concentration). Samples were fast frozen in liquid nitrogen with a post-thaw evaluation of motility, membrane functionality and integrity, mitochondrial activity, sperm binding ability and thermal resistance. The treatments without SDS (41.8 ± 3.5%) and those containing Equex (41.8 ± 4.4%) or 0.1% SDS (41.2 ± 5.5%) provided greater sperm motility (p < 0.05) than those containing SDS 0.3% (30.5 ± 4.7%) and 0.5% (31.2 ± 6.3%). Immediately after thawing, only treatments containing 0.1% SDS effectively preserved sperm straightness (STR) when compared to the negative control. All treatments preserved the amplitude of lateral head (ALH) and straightness (STR) during a thermal resistance test (p > 0.05), but SDS 0.5% impaired the membrane functionality and mitochondrial activity after thawing (p < 0.05). All treatments provided a similar recovery of sperm binding ability after thawing (p < 0.05). Our results showed that the addition of 0.1% SDS to the Tris–yolk–glycerol extender optimized the freeze–thaw recovery of peccary semen. Full article
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14 pages, 7727 KiB  
Article
Surgical Anatomy for Sterilization Procedures in Female Capybaras
by Fabiana M. G. Jorge, Flavia Maria Pia Montenegro Donoso, Mayla Magalhães de Oliveira Alcobaça, Marilu Cristofoli, Fernanda B. Passos Nunes, Cristiane S. Pizzutto and Antonio Chaves de Assis Neto
Animals 2023, 13(3), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030438 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3573
Abstract
Capybaras are the largest rodents cohabiting with humans within urban and peri-urban green areas and are known by their prolificity. Surgical contraception has been recommended by official organizations as a way to control capybara populations in areas of zoonotic disease transmission, but little [...] Read more.
Capybaras are the largest rodents cohabiting with humans within urban and peri-urban green areas and are known by their prolificity. Surgical contraception has been recommended by official organizations as a way to control capybara populations in areas of zoonotic disease transmission, but little data are available concerning surgical anatomy. To obtain objective anatomical descriptions related to reproductive organs, eight female capybaras cadavers were dissected. The stratigraphy of the lateral (flank) and ventral, post-umbilical (on the linea alba) abdominal wall is described as well as the vascular anatomy of reproductive organs and their syntopy with the abdominal viscera. We commented on the access to the uterine tubes and uterine horns for each approach, and for better description of abdominal wall stratigraphy, abdominal ultrasonography was performed in one live female. All of the animals were provenient from “in situ” population management projects that were properly authorized. Similar abdominal wall stratigraphy was found in comparison to domestic mammals, with emphasis on a thick cutaneous muscle, a thin linea alba, and a large, loose cecum. The uterine tubes were easily accessed by bilateral laparotomy, allowing tubal removal/ligation procedures, while uterine horn exposure was more readily reached by a midline post umbilical celiotomy, favoring horn ligature and hysterotomy techniques. This study can help achieve more efficient contraceptive surgeries in capybaras, reducing the total surgical time and enhancing animal welfare. Full article
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9 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
The Use of Commercial Microvolume Techniques for Feline Oocyte Vitrification
by Agnieszka Nowak, Joanna Kochan, Barbara Kij-Mitka, Karolina Fryc and Wojciech Witarski
Animals 2023, 13(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010036 - 22 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1401
Abstract
This project aimed to compare the three most popular commercial oocyte vitrification techniques to determine their suitability for the vitrification of felid germlines in rescue and conservation programs. The present study aimed to determine the viability and developmental competence of feline oocytes after [...] Read more.
This project aimed to compare the three most popular commercial oocyte vitrification techniques to determine their suitability for the vitrification of felid germlines in rescue and conservation programs. The present study aimed to determine the viability and developmental competence of feline oocytes after IVM and vitrification using a commercial vitrification method. In the first experiment, oocytes were vitrified after in vitro maturation (IVM) using the Kitazato, Cryotech, and Vitrolife methods. The oocytes were stained with fluorescein diacetate and ethidium bromide to evaluate their viability. The differences between Vitrolife and the control, Cryotech and Kitazato were statistically significant (p < 0.05), and between the control and Kitazato, were highly significant (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the control and Cryotech, Vitrolife and Cryotech, or Kitazato and Vitrolife. In the second part of the experiment, oocytes, after IVM and vitrification using three commercial methods, were subjected to fertilization. After vitrification, IVF was performed. We observed 35% of embryonic divisions in the group where Vitrolife and Kitazato media were used and 45% in the control group. In the presented experiment, vitrification with Vitrolife media gave slightly better results for survival and fertilization, while in the case of emergency protocol vitrification, all of the above methods may be useful to protect material derived from valuable wild felids. Full article
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