Age-Dependent Changes in Sperm Production, Semen Quality, and Testicular Volume in the Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)
K. N. Wolf,K. N. Wolf,David E. Wildt,A. Vargas,Paul E. Marinari,Julie Kreeger,Mary Ann Ottinger,JoGayle Howard +7 more
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TLDR
Functional reproductive capacity of male black-footed ferrets exceeds that of females by at least 2 yr, and testes and seminal quality are indistinguishable among males 1 to 5 yr of age, with progressive reproductive aging occurring thereafter.Abstract:
The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), which was extirpated from its native North American prairie habitat during the 1980s, is being reintroduced to the wild because of a successful captive-breeding program. To enhance propagation, the reproductive biology of this endangered species is being studied intensively. The typical life span of the black-footed ferret is approximately 7 yr. Female fecundity declines after 3 yr of age, but the influence of age on male reproduction is unknown. In this study, testis volume, seminal traits, sperm morphology, and serum testosterone were compared in 116 males from 1 to 7 yr of age living in captivity. Results demonstrated that testes volume during the peak breeding season was similar (P > 0.05) among males 1 to 5 yr of age, reduced (P 0.05) in older males. Histological comparison of testicular/epididymal tissue from 5- and 7-yr-old black-footed ferrets confirmed that the interval between these two ages may represent a transitional period to reproductive senescence. In summary, functional reproductive capacity of male black-footed ferrets exceeds that of females by at least 2 yr. Testes and seminal quality are indistinguishable among males 1 to 5 yr of age, with progressive reproductive aging occurring thereafter.read more
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Reproductive problems directly attributable to long-term captivity--asymmetric reproductive aging.
TL;DR: It is imperative that appropriate counter measures such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) be utilized to ensure early pregnancy in captive animals for their preservation and to ensure increased genetic diversity of the captive populations.
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Reproductive senescence: new perspectives in the wild
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that, although reproductive senescence is generally studied only from the female viewpoint, age‐specific female reproductive success strongly depends on male–female interactions, and a reduction in male fertilization efficiency with increasing age has detrimental consequences for female fitness.
Journal ArticleDOI
Approaches and efficacy of artificial insemination in felids and mustelids.
JoGayle Howard,David E. Wildt +1 more
TL;DR: Two of the most diverse and species-rich families in the order Carnivora include Felidae (cats) and Mustelidae (commonly called weasels), with the North American black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) being the most endangered.
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Male age, germline mutations and the benefits of polyandry
TL;DR: It is proposed that female polyandry can be more effective in decreasing the risk of genetic disorders in progeny than pre-copulatory mate choice, particularly if sperm competitiveness declines more steeply with age than other traits affecting chances of males to mate.
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Advances in reproductive science for wild carnivore conservation.
Pierre Comizzoli,Adrienne E. Crosier,Nucharin Songsasen,M Szykman Gunther,M Szykman Gunther,JoGayle Howard,David E. Wildt +6 more
TL;DR: Advances in reproductive science are not necessarily related to 'assisted breeding', however, understanding the unique ways of carnivore reproduction greatly contributes to species management and conservation.
References
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