Inbreeding causes decreased seminal quality affecting pregnancy and litter size in the endangered black‐footed ferret

Santymire, Rachel M.; Lonsdorf, Eric V.; Lynch, Colleen; Wildt, David E.; Marinari, Paul E.; Kreeger, Julie S.; Howard, Jo Gayle

doi:10.1111/acv.12466

Cited by 27 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 46 publications

(51 reference statements)

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“…Furthermore, catheterization was not repeated if an adequate number of sperm were observed, possibly resulting in incomplete collection of all available sperm in the urethra. Reports describing sperm morphology and incidence of abnormalities vary greatly in this species, and appear to be impacted by age ( Wolf et al ., 2000 ) and level of inbreeding ( Santymire et al ., 2018 ). Sperm morphology following UC was similar to that described previously (0–89%, μ = 33 ± 1.1; Santymire et al ., 2018 ) with the predominant abnormalities including damaged acrosomes, coiled tails and bent tails or midpieces.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Urethral catheterization as an alternative method for collecting sperm in the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Mackie

Chan

Franke

et al. 2020

Conservation Physiology

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The endangered black-footed ferret (BFF; Mustela nigripes) is an important example of the benefits of assisted reproduction in species conservation with both semen evaluation and artificial insemination using fresh and frozen sperm being successfully incorporated into the breeding program. Currently, electroejaculation (EE) is routinely utilized for semen collection in BFFs, a technique that requires custom equipment and experienced operators, and does not consistently yield viable samples in this species. In this case study, we evaluated the feasibility of urethral catheterization (UC) for semen collection, a method predominately tested in domestic and non-domestic felids, on four occasions (three BFF males). After general anesthesia with a combination of ketamine, midazolam and α2-agonist dexmedetomidine (thought to promote semen release into the urethra), a lightly lubricated, flexible feeding tube was passed into the urethral opening and advanced ~7–8 cm into the urethra. A syringe attached to the feeding tube was used to apply mild negative pressure to collect sperm. Semen samples were successfully collected on all four attempts. Sperm characteristics ranged as follows: 10.5–26.0 × 106 sperm/ml concentration, 50–90% motility and 36–61% normal sperm morphology. This is the first report of the use of UC as a potential alternative to EE in the BFF, a more field-friendly technique that is less invasive and more consistent for obtaining samples free of urine contamination.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Urethral catheterization as an alternative method for collecting sperm in the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Mackie

Chan

Franke

et al. 2020

Conservation Physiology

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“…Santymire et al. (2019) found that inbreeding mainly affects the percentages of motile sperm, progressive motile sperm and in the presence of abnormal forms. We do not have genetic data, but consanguinity cannot be entirely excluded because the animals come from the same commercial breeder.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryopreservation of ferret (Mustela putorius furo) sperm collected by rectal massage and electroejaculation: Comparison of a decelerating and an accelerating freezing rate protocol

Toledano-Dı́az

Castaño

Velázquez

et al. 2020

Veterinary Medicine & Sci

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The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) provides a good model for developing new reproductive technologies for use with threatened related species. Such technologies could also be used in the reproductive management of this pet species. The present work reports an improved freezing protocol for ferret sperm. Semen was collected by electroejaculation plus rectal massage (in an attempt to reduce the electrical stimulation necessary) from five adult male ferrets, and then subjected to one of two freezing protocols: (a) from 5 to −35°C at 40°C/min, then from −35 to −65°C at 17°C/min, and finally from −65 to −85°C at 3°C/min—a decelerating freezing rate; and (b) from 5 to − 10°C at 5°C/min, and then from −10 to −130°C at 60°C/min—an accelerating freezing rate. After thawing, the viability and acrosomal integrity of the sperm frozen via the two‐step accelerating method were better than those frozen via the three‐step decelerating method (43.3 ± 3.5% and 71.2 ± 3.4% compared with 29.7 ± 3.7% and 58.8 ± 3.4% respectively; p < .05). No differences were seen between the methods with respect to sperm motility variables; most sperm (>90%) remained static with both freezing methods. In conclusion, although the method with accelerating freezing rate was associated with better post‐thaw sperm viability and acrosome integrity values, neither of the two freezing methods tested provided adequate motility results after thawing. Combining rectal massage with electrical stimuli seemed to reduce the number of the latter required for successful sperm collection.

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“…The idea for creating sustainable insurance populations for rare species was pioneered nearly 40 years ago by zoos (Conway 1980). In this “ark” paradigm, certain species are intensively managed by cooperating institutions that share individuals (figure 1), or occasionally germplasm (Santymire et al 2018), in a “metapopulation” (Long et al 2011). A pedigree is maintained and relatedness among animals (mean kinship) used to determine best matings to retain gene diversity (Ballou and Lacy 1995).…”

Section: Ex Situ Programs and Zoosmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After reaching maximal abundance within 25 years, population abundance began to decline because of the (1) negative impact of random variation in reproductive success and survival across years, and (2) gradual accumulation in inbreeding that occurs in persistently small populations. Genetic impacts can occur even in zoo populations that are properly managed by mean kinship-based metrics (e.g., Santymire et al 2018). In contrast, the SPA population continued to grow ∼6% annually for almost 40 years before slowing (figure 8).…”

Section: Simulation Modeling To Demonstrate Value Of Herd Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breeding Centers, Private Ranches, and Genomics for Creating Sustainable Wildlife Populations

et al. 2019

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Human-induced changes to environments are causing species declines. Beyond preserving habitat (in situ), insurance (ex situ) populations are essential to prevent species extinctions. The Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2) is leveraging space of breeding centers and private ranches to produce “source populations”—genetically diverse reservoirs that also support research and reintroductions. The initial focus is on four African antelopes. C2S2 has developed a program, the Source Population Alliance, that emphasizes animals living in spacious, naturalistic conditions in greater numbers than can be accommodated by urban zoos. Simulation modeling demonstrates how herds can rapidly increase population abundance and retain genetic diversity. Advances in genomics and resulting DNA data allow monitoring of genetic diversity and parentage as well as refined decision-making. This approach, neither pure in situ nor ex situ, but rather “sorta situ”, is an innovative way of linking public and private sector resources to ensure that endangered species survive.

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Inbreeding causes decreased seminal quality affecting pregnancy and litter size in the endangered black‐footed ferret

Abstract: This is the author manuscript accepted for publication and has undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as

Cited by 27 publications

References 46 publications

Urethral catheterization as an alternative method for collecting sperm in the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Urethral catheterization as an alternative method for collecting sperm in the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Cryopreservation of ferret (Mustela putorius furo) sperm collected by rectal massage and electroejaculation: Comparison of a decelerating and an accelerating freezing rate protocol

Breeding Centers, Private Ranches, and Genomics for Creating Sustainable Wildlife Populations

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