Non-invasive assessment of fecal glucocorticoid and androgen metabolites in the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis).

The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is an endangered species endemic to the Upper Guinea Forest ecosystem in West Africa. We have limited information concerning the species' reproduction and well-being under managed care. We therefore developed non-invasive methods for characterizing gonadal androgen and adrenal hormone profiles in pygmy hippos using fecal samples collected from 12 males and 12 females housed in North American zoological institutions.

Appeasing Pheromones for the Management of Stress and Aggression during Conservation of Wild Canids: Could the Solution Be Right under Our Nose?

Thirty-six species of canid exist globally, two are classified as critically endangered, three as endangered, and five as near threatened. Human expansion and the coinciding habitat fragmentation necessitate conservation interventions to mitigate concurrent population deterioration. The current conservation management of wild canids includes animal translocation and artificial pack formation.

Dog appeasing pheromone prevents the androgen surge and may reduce contact dominance and active submission after stressful interventions in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus).

The endangered African wild dog (AWD; Lycaon pictus) is a highly social canid living in packs with a separate male and female hierarchy. Immobilisation, handling and translocations are acute stressors for AWDs, however such interventions are often needed for species management. In addition, new pack formation or temporary pack separation can lead to an increase in intra-pack aggression.

Social rank does not affect sperm quality in male African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus).

Sperm banking and AI could benefit endangered African wild dog conservation. However, it is unclear whether their dominance hierarchy causes a decrease in reproductive and sperm quality parameters in subordinate males that typically do not breed. In this study, we investigated the effect of social rank on male reproductive parameters, including faecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations, prostate and testes volume, preputial gland size, semen collection success and sperm quality.

A two-step dilution tris-egg yolk extender containing Equex STM significantly improves sperm cryopreservation in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus).

Conservation management of endangered African wild dogs (AWD; Lycaon pictus) can benefit greatly from development of sperm freezing and artificial insemination. Previous freezing attempts yielded nearly 0% motile sperm within 2 h of thawing. In this study, two canine freezing protocols were tested: Protocol 1: a one-step dilution in TRIS-20% egg yolk containing 8% glycerol; and Protocol 2: a two-step dilution in TRIS-20% egg yolk containing a final extender concentration of 5% glycerol and 0.

Characterizing the reproductive biology of the female pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) through non-invasive endocrine monitoring.

The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is endangered in the wild and very little is known about its reproductive biology. In zoological facilities, this species experiences a number of reproductive issues that complicate breeding management, including a high rate of stillbirths and failure of many pairs to reproduce. We conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate reproductive cycles and pregnancy in this species using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for fecal hormone metabolite analysis.

Profiling patterns of fecal 20-oxopregnane concentrations during ovarian cycles in free-ranging southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum).

Unlike their wild counterparts, many white rhinoceros females in captivity fail to reproduce successfully such that current captive populations are not self-sustaining. The causes of the problem are poorly understood. Variation in cycle length and long periods of acyclicity are characteristics of the majority of these non-reproducing females in captivity but it is unknown whether these characteristics are a feature of reproductively successful free-ranging females.

GLP-2 administration results in increased proliferation but paradoxically an adverse outcome in a juvenile piglet model of short bowel syndrome.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) administration in a piglet, juvenile model of short bowel syndrome.

Materials And Methods: Four-week-old piglets underwent either a sham operation or 75% small bowel resection. Postoperatively, piglets received either polymeric infant formula diet or the diet and subcutaneous human recombinant GLP-2 (1600 microg/day for 7 days, 800 microg/day thereafter).

Ovarian and testicular tissue xenografting: its potential for germline preservation of companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species.

In the present paper we aim to review the development of both ovarian and testicular xenografting with specific emphasis on its usage for companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species. Ovarian and testicular tissue xenografting has been used successfully across a variety of species for the harvesting of mature gametes and subsequent fertilisation. It has become a novel and promising tool to explore various aspects of testicular development and function and was useful for determination of gonadotoxic treatments on xenografted gonads.

A perspective on the role of emerging technologies for the propagation of companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been used successfully in humans, domestic and laboratory species for many years. In contrast, our limited knowledge of basic reproductive physiology has restricted the application of ART in companion animal, non-domestic and endangered species (CANDES). Although there are numerous benefits, and in some cases a necessity, for applying ART for the reproductive and genetic management of CANDES, the challenges encountered with even the most basic procedures have limited the rate of progress.

Preservation of female germ cells from ovaries of cat species.

This review provides an overview on recent knowledge on female germ cell population within cat ovaries; on isolation, culture and cryopreservation of feline preantral follicles and on ovarian tissue preservation.

Colostrum protein concentrate enhances intestinal adaptation after massive small bowel resection in juvenile pigs.

Objectives: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) usually results from the surgical removal of a large segment of small intestine. Patient outcome depends on the extent of intestinal resection and adaptation of the remaining intestine. We evaluated the impact of colostrum protein concentrate (CPC) on intestinal adaptation after massive small bowel resection in a porcine model of infant SBS.

Xenotransplantation: a tool for reproductive biology and animal conservation?

The transplantation of reproductive organs, including ovaries and ovarian tissue, was pioneered over 100 years ago. In the 1960s, ovarian grafting was used as a tool to investigate ovarian function, but with the recent development of more effective cryopreservation protocols for ovarian tissue, germline preservation and propagation have now become realistic goals. This review describes progress in ovarian banking and ovarian tissue transplantation, with emphasis on how fresh and frozen ovarian tissue can be used in assisted reproduction for both humans and animals.

Influence of diet complexity on intestinal adaptation following massive small bowel resection in a preclinical model.

Aims: To investigate the effect of dietary complexity on intestinal adaptation using a preclinical model.

Methods: Four-week-old piglets underwent a 75% proximal small bowel resection or transection operation (control). Post-operatively, animals received either pig chow (n = 15), polymeric formula (n = 9), polymeric formula plus fiber (n = 6), or elemental formula (n = 7).