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

Abstract

Abstract. 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. In this foreword we discuss the status of conventional ART, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation, as well as their benefits and inherent difficulties when applied to CANDES. It is upon these techniques, and ultimately our knowledge of basic reproductive physiology, that the success of emerging technologies, such as those described in this special issue, are dependent for success.Development of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for domestic species and humans has been ongoing for several decades and is routine practice in many situations. Welldeveloped technologies in domestic species include artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET). Unfortunately, this wealth of knowledge developed for commercially important livestock species, biomedically relevant model species and human infertility treatment cannot be directly applied to other species, as significant species-specific challenges exist. Our knowledge of the basic reproductive physiology of many companion animal, non-domestic and endangered species (CANDES) is limited in comparison. This is partly due to scarce and costly animal resources, lack of economic demand and inadequate research funding. However, there is a need for reproductive knowledge in CANDES to meet an increased interest in breeding companion animals for pleasure and recreation, propagate valuable genetic models for biomedical research (Songsasen and Wildt 2007), and manage ex situ populations of endangered species (Pukazhenthi and Wildt 2004). Although ART have numerous potential applications, we must remind ourselves that the success of any ART is completely dependent on our knowledge of basic reproductive physiology, in any species. Thus, detailed descriptions of reproductive cycles (seasonal patterns, ovulatory mechanisms, etc.), structural anatomy, and gamete and embryo physiology must be collected in many, if not most, CANDES before advanced ART can be effectively used to significantly impact reproductive and genetic management.

Lipid Metabolism in Bovine Oocytes and Early Embryos under In Vivo, In Vitro, and Stress Conditions

“…These findings indicate that the lipid content and profile of the embryo are correlated with its quality, but the underlying biological mechanisms are yet to be well understood. In Figure 2, we illustrate bovine embryos during in vitro cultivation (2,4, and 8 cells, morula and blastocyst) demonstrating DNA, lipid content, and mitochondrial activity.…”

“…Mice have been used in research for all these techniques. Completely different aspects and, above all, greater problems arise in the use of such techniques in wild and zoo animals, especially in endangered species [3,4]. In this review, we focused on bovine species.…”

Reproduction in the endangered African wild dog: Basic physiology, reproductive suppression and possible benefits of artificial insemination

“…As a result of such differences, reproductive information cannot always be extrapolated between species, even if closely related (Paris et al, 2007). Even within the Canidae, there are several important differences in seasonality and reproduction (Table 3 in Wildt et al, 2010).…”