Assisted Reproductive Technology in Neotropical Deer: A Model Approach to Preserving Genetic Diversity

Abstract

One of the most significant challenges in deer is the ability to maintain genetic diversity, avoiding inbreeding and sustaining population health and reproduction. Although our general knowledge of reproductive physiology is improving, it appears that the application of assisted reproductive technology (ART) will more efficiently advance wildlife conservation efforts and preserve genetic diversity. The purpose of this review is to present the most important results obtained with the use of ART in Neotropical deer. Thus, the state-of-the-art for estrus synchronization, semen technology, artificial insemination, and in vivo embryo production will be presented. In vitro embryo production (IVP) is also a biotechnology that is taking initial steps in deer. In this aspect, the approach with the proteomics of ovarian follicular fluid is being used as a tool for a better understanding of oocyte maturation. Finally, cell banks and the use of interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) as well as the use of stem cells for gametes differentiation are promising techniques.

Transcervical artificial insemination in the brown brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira): a promising method for assisted reproduction in deer

“…Between Days 7 and 10, females were subjected to estrus detection every four hours, with the aid of a fertile male of the same species. One animal, which was more docile, was evaluated using lordosis response to handlers and vaginal mucus evaluation 6 . The estrus rate ([%, number of females in estrus/number of females synchronized] × 100) and the interval from treatment to estrus onset (behavioral estrus detection after administration of cloprostenol sodium, in hours) were calculated.…”

“…In that context, several reproductive biotechnologies appear as part of conservation strategies 3 , 4 . Among these, germplasm banks are positioned as an essential strategy for ex-situ conservation of genetic resources, enabling the preservation of the genetic diversity of wild animals 5 , 6 .…”

“…An important reproductive biotechnique is artificial insemination (AI), which is widely performed in cervids via laparoscopic access 5 , 6 , 8 . However, there are also reports of AI with semen deposition in the vagina without cervical transposition 9 .…”

“…On the other hand, transcervical AI (TCAI) is a less invasive option and, therefore, more broadly applicable considering animal welfare. However, the biggest obstacle regarding deer TCAI is the anatomy of the cervix, which, similar to sheep, has a tortuous cervical canal with reduced dimensions 6 , 18 . Despite this, there is one successful report for the cervical canal transposition and semen deposition in the uterine lumen of a Passalites nemorivagus (formerly Mazama nemorivaga ) 19 female, giving rise to a healthy offspring 20 .…”

Observational Study on Reproductive Behavior in Semi-Wild Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) for Wildlife Conservation and Assisted Reproductive Management

“…Further decline in the population of sambar deer in their natural habitat increases the urgency of conserving the species (Kawanishi et al, 2014). There has been a growing interest in employing assisted reproductive technology in deer, which highlights a progressive step in wildlife conservation reproductive management (Rola et al, 2021). This initiative aligns with the Malaysian government's dedicated efforts to elevate the genetic standards of the nucleus herd population, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and viability of these deer for subsequent release programs into their natural habitat (Munisamy et al, 2022).…”