In Vitro Maturation and Fertilization in the Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) using Oocytes and Spermatozoa Recovered Post‐mortem from Animals that had Died because of Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak

Abstract

The ability to rescue gametes from endangered or wildlife species and to subsequently produce viable embryos holds tremendous potential as a means to increase the population size of endangered or wildlife species. The objective of this study was to assess the developmental competence of gametes recovered from nilgai that had died because of foot and mouth disease outbreak. Oocytes collected from the ovaries of seven dead nilgais were allowed to mature in vitro and were tested for developmental potential by in vitro fertilization (IVF) with epididymal spermatozoa collected also post-mortem. The average number of oocytes (n = 517) recovered per ovary was 36.9, and the side (right or left), size and weight of the ovaries had no significant effect on the number and quality of oocytes recovered. In vitro maturation studies indicated that the proportion of matured oocytes (MII stage) at 18, 24 and 30 h was 55.6%, 63.4% and 63.6%, respectively. Furthermore, 43% of the matured oocytes cleaved following in vitro fertilization and 12% of the cleaved oocytes (6/49) developed to the 4-8 cell stage. These findings suggest that the gametes recovered from nilgai post-mortem could be utilized for in vitro production of embryos.

Post‐mortem recovery, in vitro maturation and fertilization of fallow deer (Dama dama, Linnaeus 1758) oocytes collected during reproductive and no reproductive season

“…Previous papers reported differences in post‐mortem collection of oocytes across seasons: high oocytes recovery during the peak of breeding season (December) has been reported for example in nilgai (Mahesh et al., 2011). Breeding season also seems to positively influence maturation rate in sika deer (76%) and red deer (78%–85%) (Comizzoli et al., 2001) and proportion of blastocysts that developed was higher in breeding season compared to the non‐breeding season in both species (Berg & Asher, 2003, Berg et al, 2000; Locatelli et al., 2006).…”

“…Few attempts have been made so far to explore the feasibility of ARTs in accidentally dead wild ruminants. Successful oocytes recovery, IVM and IVF have been reported in nilgai ( Boselaphus tragocamelus ) (Mahesh et al., 2011), in chousingha (Tetracerus quadricornis ) (Brahmasani et al., 2013), in blesbok ( Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi ) (Brad et al, 2004; Winger, Damiani, Loskutoff, 1997), addax antelope ( Addax nasomaculatus ) (Hall‐Woods et al, 1999), blackbuck ( Antilope cervicapra ) (Keller, Chapman, Westhusin, Drew, & Kraemer, 1999; Rao et al, 2010), black wildebeest ( Connochaetes gnou ) (Brad et al, 2004), dorcas gazelle ( Gazella dorcas ) (Roldan et al, 2005) and springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) (Krisher et al, 2006). Post‐mortem‐derived oocytes have been matured in vitro and developed to morulae⁄blastocysts following IVF in klipspringer (Raphael et al, 1991), Kudu "Tragelaphus strepsiceros" and impala "Aepyceros melampus" (Loskutoff, Bartels, Meintjes, Godke & Schiewe, 1995), blackbuck (Keller et al, 1999) and springbok (Krisher et al, 2006).…”

“…Few attempts have been made so far to explore the feasibility of ARTs in accidentally dead wild ruminants. Successful oocytes recovery, IVM and IVF have been reported in nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) (Mahesh et al, 2011), in chousingha (Tetracerus quadricornis) (Brahmasani et al, 2013), in blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) (Brad et al, 2004;Winger, Damiani, Loskutoff, 1997), addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) (Hall-Woods et al, 1999), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) Rao et al, 2010), black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) (Brad et al, 2004), dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas) (Roldan et al, 2005) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) (Krisher et al, 2006).…”

Embryo production by in vitro fertilization in wild ungulates: progress and perspectives – A Review

“…In wild ungulates, it is possible to obtain gametes from post-mortem females in a timely manner when individuals are euthanized, ovariectomized (in the case of hunted or slaughtered animals) or experience accidental death (Table 1). In these situations, the collection efficiency may vary, as the reproductive stage and conditions of death are typically unknown, and euthanasia or ovariectomies may be performed for health reasons (Mahesh et al, 2011).…”

Animal Models in Biomedical Research

“…Similarly, assisted-reproduction techniques are being examined and used to help restore populations of animals threatened with extinction (Swanson, 2012;Mahesh et al, 2011;Ganan et al, 2009;Swanson et al, 2007;Luvoni, 2000;Goodrowe et al, 2000). Similarly, assisted-reproduction techniques are being examined and used to help restore populations of animals threatened with extinction (Swanson, 2012;Mahesh et al, 2011;Ganan et al, 2009;Swanson et al, 2007;Luvoni, 2000;Goodrowe et al, 2000).…”