Lynx reproduction--long-lasting life cycle of corpora lutea in a feline species.

A review of lynxes' reproductive biology and comparison between the reproductive cycles of the domestic cat and lynxes is presented. Three of the four lynx species (the bobcat excluded) express quite similar reproductive pattern (age at sexual maturity, estrus and pregnancy length, litter size). Similarly to the domestic cat, the bobcat is polyestric and can have more than one litter per year.

Analysis of Sertoli cell efficiency allows the differentiation between two fundamentally different forms of feline teratospermia.

Teratospermia is a common phenomenon within felid species and has been attributed to reduction in genetic diversity. Testes from teratospermic domestic cats show enhanced spermatogenesis accompanied by remarkably reduced germ cell apoptosis. In the present study we investigated whether free-range teratospermic tom cats exhibit a similar testicular phenotype as proven permanently teratospermic males.

Comparative metabolism of gestagens and estrogens in the four lynx species, the Eurasian (Lynx lynx), the Iberian (L. pardinus), the Canada lynx (L. canadensis) and the bobcat (L. rufus).

With the increasing prevalence of faecal hormone metabolite analysis, it is important to develop a better understanding of the dynamics of faecal metabolite composition. The aim of this study was to compare the quantitative faecal gestagen and estrogen metabolite composition in the four lynx species: Eurasian lynx, Iberian lynx, Canada lynx and bobcats. Comparative HPLC immunograms were generated from faecal samples collected before, during, and after pregnancy from individual females of each lynx species.

Ultrasonographic monitoring of fetal development in unrestrained bonobos (Pan paniscus) at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

The bonobo, Pan paniscus, is one of the most endangered primate species. In the context of the Bonobo Species Survival Plan(®), the Milwaukee County Zoo established a successful breeding group. Although the bonobo serves as a model species for human evolution, no prenatal growth curves are available.

Non-invasive monitoring of hormones: a tool to improve reproduction in captive breeding of the Eurasian lynx.

The survival of many critical endangered mammal species is often depending on successful captive breeding programmes which include the future option of reintroduction to the wild. Breeding in captivity also demands the application of modern assisted reproductive techniques to ensure maximal biodiversity, but knowledge on reproductive physiology is often limited. Therefore, non-invasive monitoring of urinary and faecal hormones has become an important tool for reproductive management.

Assisted reproduction in female rhinoceros and elephants--current status and future perspective.

Over the last few decades, rhinoceroses and elephants became important icons in the saga of wildlife conservation. Recent surveys estimate the wild Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephant populations to be, at most, 50 250 and 637 600 respectively. For the five rhinoceros species, black (Diceros bicornis), white (Ceratotherium simum), Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis), Javan (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis), the population estimates of 3610, 11 330, 2400, 60 and 300, respectively, are of even greater concern.

Monitoring testicular activity of male Eurasian (Lynx lynx) and Iberian (Lynx pardinus) lynx by fecal testosterone metabolite measurement.

The aim of the present study was to identify relevant fecal testosterone metabolites in the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using HPLC analysis and to evaluate the specificity of two testosterone immunoassays against these fecal metabolites. Finally, fecal hormone analysis was used to characterize seasonal reproductive activity of captive male Eurasian and Iberian (Lynx pardinus) lynx. Fecal samples from a male Eurasian lynx who received an i.

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.

Investigations on reproductive physiology in the male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx).

This study characterized (in vivo) morphological and functional parameters of reproductive organs of adult male lynx (n = 3) prior to, during, and after the breeding season (n = 3). Size and morphology of the reproductive tract were monitored by transcutaneous (testes) and transrectal (accessory sex glands) ultrasonography. Semen was collected by electroejaculation.

Contraception for population control in exotic carnivores.

There is an increasing demand for management of feral and wild carnivores; since many of them have become "pest species" by adapting successfully to changing environments, having substantial impacts on their prey species, and serving as reservoirs for infectious diseases. Also in captivity, a low adult mortality and an increase in longevity, especially in large carnivores, cause an urgent need for population management. This paper presents an overview on contraceptive strategies to control reproduction in carnivores.

Seasonally activated spermatogenesis is correlated with increased testicular production of testosterone and epidermal growth factor in mink (Mustela vison).

Seasonal changes in spermatogenesis were studied with respect to testicular production of both testosterone and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mink. The testes were collected in November (n = 15; testis recrudescence), February (n = 15; before breeding season), March (n = 14; breeding season), and May (n = 11; testis involution) and the following parameters of testicular activity were quantified: testicular mass, number of testicular spermatozoa, percentages of haploid, diploid, and tetraploid (G2/M-phase) cells and content of testosterone and EGF. The growth factor was immunohistochemically localized in the parenchyma.

Evaluation of living conditions of free-ranging animals by automated chronobiological analysis of behavior.

A biorhythmical method has been developed to assess behavior patterns and to evaluate the living conditions of animals that can be applied also to humans. All kinds of continuous and equidistant long-term recordings of behavior are suitable for this method. Time functions from an automatic telemetry system (ETHOSYS II) were analyzed macroscopically (comparison of daily levels) and microscopically (autocorrelation function and power spectral analysis).

Organochlorine contaminants in body tissue of free-ranging white-tailed eagles from northern regions of Germany.

Concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides hexachlorobenzene (HCB), gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH), DDT and its metabolite p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and seven polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were analyzed in livers and adipose tissue samples of 145 white-tailed eagles found dead or moribund in Germany from 1979 to 2001. Most birds were found in the region of the former German Democratic Republic where the insecticide DDT was used until 1988. Therefore, our samples represent mainly residue data of specimens following the ban of DDT in these regions.

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the determination of 5alpha-androst-2-en-17-one and -17beta-ol in the female Asian elephant: application for reproductive monitoring and prediction of parturition.

Asian elephants are not self-sustaining in captivity. The main reasons for this phenomenon are a low birth rate, an aging population, and poor calf-rearing. Therefore, it is essential that reproductive rates had to be improved and there is need for rapid quantitative measures to monitor reproductive functions focussing on estrous detection and the prediction of the period of parturition.

Newcastle disease virus and Chlamydia psittaci in free-living raptors from eastern Germany.

Organ samples from free-living raptors from the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg in eastern Germany were tested for Newcastle disease virus (NDV; n = 331) and Chlamydia psittaci (n = 39) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In 18 individuals NDV nucleic acids were detected. These samples originated from barn owls (Tyto alba; n = 15, 28%), tawny owl (Strix aluco; n = 1, 5%), common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n = 1, 1%), and European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus; n = 1, 4%).

Apoptosis within bovine follicular cells and its effect on oocyte development during in vitro maturation.

Developmental competence of oocytes is compromised if they originate from atretic follicles. Apoptosis is the underlying process of atresia. Apoptotic changes in follicular cells are thought to influence the outcome of IVF.

A review of mutual transmission of important infectious diseases between livestock and wildlife in Europe.

Oral vaccination of red foxes against rabies has been practiced in Europe since 1978 and has succeeded in greatly reducing the occurrence of this disease in foxes: this is an example of coordinated activity against a disease that affects both wild and domestic animals as well as humans. Some examples of diseases that affect both domestic and wild animals in Europe are: classical swine fever (hog cholera) in wild boars and domestic swine; myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease in domestic and wild rabbits; bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) in cattle and roe deer; contagious ecthyma in domestic sheep and goats and also in, e.g.

Phylogenetic relationships and ancestral areas of the bustards (Gruiformes: Otididae), inferred from mitochondrial DNA and nuclear intron sequences.

The taxonomy of the bustards is poorly understood phylogenetically and has not been extensively evaluated using molecular methods. We sequenced part of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, the control region (central domain II), and an intron-exon crossing fragment of the nuclear chromo-helicase-DNA binding gene (CHD1) in 27 bustard taxa (including multiple subspecies) representing 11 genera and four gruiform outgroup species. Molecular datings suggest a Miocene origin for the family.

Seasonal changes of spermatogonial proliferation in roe deer, demonstrated by flow cytometric analysis of c-kit receptor, in relation to follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone.

The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a seasonal breeder. The cyclic changes between totally arrested and highly activated spermatogenesis offer an ideal model to study basic mechanisms of spermatogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated, to our knowledge for the first time, c-kit receptor-positive cells in the testis of roe deer.

Establishment of assisted reproduction technologies in female and male African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus).

Transrectal ultrasonography, electroejaculation and cryopreservation of spermatozoa were applied to the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) to establish non-invasive protocols for assessing the reproductive health of one of the most endangered African canids. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on immobilized male (n = 2) and female (n = 5) captive wild dogs. The testes and epididymides of the male dogs were imaged transcutaneously, followed by electrostimulation and cryopreservation of spermatozoa.

Control of reproduction with anti-progestin and oestrogens in captive bears.

The aim of this study was to establish new methods for controlling reproduction in bears. Anti-progestins were used to interrupt pregnancies. In two consecutive years, the anti-progestin J956 was administered to 11 female bears (nine Ursus arctos, one Ursus tibethanus, one Tremarctos ornatus) living in zoos.

Timing and location of zona pellucida synthesis during oogenesis in domestic cats--an ultrastructural immunohistological investigation.

The application of zona pellucida proteins for contraception of wildlife and feral animals, including stray cats, has been promoted since it was demonstrated to be effective for free-roaming feral mares. Active immunization with zona pellucida proteins leads to either reversible or irreversible infertility. Therefore, knowledge of the timing and location of zona pellucida synthesis during oogenesis in cats is a key aspect of designing an immunocontraceptive for felids.

Administration of antiprogestin J956 for contraception in bears: a pharmacological study.

Effective and reversible control of reproduction in bears is highly desirable for conservation and management programs in zoos to establish genetically variable ex-situ populations of bears within the constraints of limited space in captivity. The reproductive physiology of bears is characterized by two main traits--seasonality and delayed implantation, which is progesterone dependent. This offers the opportunity to interrupt early pregnancy by short-term administration of antiprogestins.

Heavy metals in soft tissue of white-tailed eagles found dead or moribund in Germany and Austria from 1993 to 2000.

Residues of the potentially toxic metals lead, mercury, and cadmium were analyzed in liver and kidney tissue of 61 free-ranging white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead or moribund in Germany and Austria between 1993 and 2000. Highest values and the widest range were detected for lead in liver and for mercury in kidney tissue. Lead concentrations considered to induce lethal lead poisoning (>5 ppm wet wt) were determined in 28% of liver samples.

A variant of the endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in European zoos.

Newly discovered, lethal elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV) have been identified in both Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephants. Carried by otherwise healthy African elephants they can be fatal mainly for young Asian elephants. Since zoos often harbour both elephant species, we conducted a survey on the presence of EEHV in Asian elephants from 12 European zoos, 3 circuses and 1 Israeli zoo.