Zoo Animal Reproduction Flashcards
goal of conservation breeding programs
Goal: maintain 90% genetic diversity for 100 years
challenges with conservation breeding programs (4)
-Genetic Diversity: adequate number and genetic make-up of
founders
-lack of holding / breeding space
-husbandry expertise to support consistent reproductive success
-Reproductive efficiency; (age/sex structure, compatibility)
what components contribute to reproductive success and species sustainability (5)
Environment
Nutrition
Health
Genetics
Behaviour
what is “unintentional domestication”
Conservation breeding protocols disregard natural breeding strategies:
mate choice
sperm competition
monogamy/polygamy
how does assisted reproductive technology improve efficiency of breeding technologies
Resolve fertility issues
Overcome behavioural
incompatibility
Fulfill natural mating strategies
Reduce population size
Eliminate transportation of animals
Extend generation intervals
Preservation and distribution of genetics
are all ART equally as involved?
no, there is a range of invasiveness, complexity and cost associated with many different methods and you can pick and choose which works best based on those
4 pillars of consevation strategies
-habitat management and protection
-translocation
-captive breeding
-reproductive technology
hormone monitoring; what does it evaluate
Estrus
Pregnancy
Sexual maturity
Seasonality
Fertility
Hormone therapy
what is something super important to consider when trying to understand reproduction, especially with animals from the other side of the world
understand the possibility of seasonality of breeding potential
methods of hormone manipulation (5)
Estrus synchronization
Ovarian super-stimulation
Ovulation Induction
Contraception
Behavioural modification
what makes a genetically valuable breeding animal
not a lot of offspring in their lineage, and good genetics
three aspects of the best artificial reproductive technology
- least invasive or complex technique
- fertilization and embryo development in the natural environment
- greatest potential for success and widespread application
what is the issue with a small gene pool
whatever animal you are dealing with will likely be very inbred if there arent many breeding animals left in the population before intervention takes place
can sex selection be done
yes!
features of IVF and how they are an important tool for preserving female genetics (3)
- Invasive retrieval of oocytes requires specific tools and skill
- Development of complex embryo culture systems required
- Successes are difficult to achieve
what is somatic cell technologies used for and what is required (3)
Possible tool for preserving sterile/deceased animals:
1. Knowledge of in vitro culture required
2. Specialized equipment and skills required
3. Live healthy births difficult to achieve
what is genetic preservation important for? why? (3)
Important for long-term genetic preservation:
1. Male genetic material is highly represented (sperm more easily handled and frozen)
2. Female genetic material (as oocytes or embryos) is lacking
3. Possibilities for other sources of genetic material (e.g. somatic cells, gonadal tissue)
why is preservation of founders important
can store sperm/eggs long term and use way after animal dies to continue on with breeding and maintaining population
