Recent advances in assisted reproductive technologies of feline reproduction

Abstract

Many wildcat species are threatened with extinction, rare or vulnerable due to habitat destruction and poaching. In addition, Ankara and Van domestic cat species originating from Türkiye are in danger of extinction and are under protection. Thus, the requirement for assisted reproductive techniques in b oth domestic and nondomestic cat species has been increasing in recent years. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, and cloning in domestic cats (Felis catus) provide a useful and suitable model for the conservation of endangered cat species. Domestic cats can be recipients for embryo transfer and recipient cytoplasm for nuclear transfer from various small wildcat species. Thanks to ART, it is possible to ensure the continuation of the generation by producing in vitro embryos or by making intra or inter-species clones from wild cats that have lost their reproductive functions or even died recently. Many inherited genetic disorders have been identified in cats that are similar to humans. Due to their genetic closeness, they have recently begun to be used as animal models in some therapeutic studies on humans, especially on kidney and nervous system diseases. In the early years, in vitro study results were less successful than in farm animals but in recent years ART’s such as in vitro embryo production, embryo transfer, cloning, and transgenesis have made significant progress in domestic of domestic and wild cats. This review includes the assisted reproductive technologies applied in recent years and the results obtained in domestic cat and felines.