Artificial Insemination in Queens in the Clinical Practice Setting: Protocols and challenges

Abstract

Practical relevance: Despite substantial advances in assisted reproductive techniques having been recently reported in cats, the use of these is limited and routine application is still far from being a reality in veterinary clinics. Nevertheless, there is an increasing demand from domestic cat breeders for artificial insemination (AI) techniques that are already commonly used in dogs. Where natural breeding is not possible in tom cats and queens of high breeding value, AI could offer a solution. Clinical challenges: AI in cats is more difficult than in other species – both in terms of semen collection/handling and oestrous cycle management given that ovulation must be induced. Aim: For practitioners wishing to perform AI in queens, there are challenges to overcome, and a good understanding of the techniques and procedures involved is pivotal. This review aims to contribute to improved knowledge by providing an overview of AI protocols, encompassing choice of breeding animals, procedures for semen collection, oestrus and ovulation induction, AI techniques and equipment. Equipment and technical skills: Depending on the animals involved and the specific AI technique chosen, essential equipment may include an artificial vagina, electroejaculator, endoscope (sialendoscope, which can be fairly expensive) and special catheters for transcervical insemination. Other instrumentation and materials needed are typically readily available in a veterinary clinic. In general, no particular skills are needed to perform the procedures described in this review, with the exception of endoscopic transcervical catheterisation, where the ability to use an endoscope is required. Evidence base: The information and advice/recommendations provided are based on specific feline research and reviews published in scientific peer-reviewed journals, animal reproduction textbooks, and presentations at national and international congresses. The authors also drew on their own clinical experience with regard to the choice of protocols and procedures presented in this review.

Perspective Chapter: Wild and Domestic Cats Semen Cryopreservation – Main Aspects and Perspectives

“…Electro-ejaculation is an effective method of semen collection in cats, which may be applicable to other animals if they can be safely anesthetized [24]. It has certain advantages over the use of an artificial vagina in the context of an untrained or aggressive male, or in the absence of a teaser queen [26]. Studies have reported that electro-ejaculation is safe, with no significant histological or endoscopic lesions in the rectum following the procedure [27].…”

Reversible Control of Reproduction In Queens: Mastering the use of reproductive drugs to manipulate cyclicity

“…Although this reproductive quiescence is often referred to as ‘medical (or chemical) sterilisation’, in terms of the reproductive cycle this is simply either an extension of normal anoestrus (if treatment is administered during anoestrus) or an anoestrus occurring during the breeding season. Oestrus induction is not a common requirement in feline practice and can be a nuisance in a queen presented for oestrus control; however, inducing a heat may be useful in queens presented for prolonged anoestrus or undergoing artificial insemination (as discussed in an accompanying review in this series 73 ). 74…”

Infertility In Toms: Clinical approach, experiences and challenges

“…Mating problems can be solved using artificial insemination. For a male with obstruction of the vas deferens, the last chance for breeding might be post-castration sperm collection from the epididymis followed by artificial insemination (see accompanying review 54 ). Moreover, when semen quality is poor, classical in vitro fertilisation can be used and, if very poor, in vitro fertilisation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), both followed by embryo transfer.…”