HILDEBRANDT, TB; HERMES, R; GOERITZ, F; Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, Berlin: Development of assisted reproducion technologies for endangered species

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, ovum pickup, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmatic sperm injection and gamete or embryo cryopreservation, are widely applied techniques used in human reproductive medicine and livestock production. Most endangered species are not self-sustaining in captivity resulting in increasing gene loss. This fact, coupled with the progressive decline of wild populations, indicates that there is a strong need for ART. However, due to a lack of basic information on reproductive events in most captive species, the direct transfer of ART has often failed. In the last decade, efforts have been undertaken in order to understand reproductive events in several species. One of the most powerful research tools for this process, ultrasound imaging, has been used in conjunction with the now classical approach of endocrinological monitoring. These methods allow for examination of reproductive events such as sexual cycle length, follicular maturation, seasonal spermatogenesis, and pregnancy length. In order to perform ultrasonographic investigations in non-anesthetized species, animal training programs have been developed for the safe handling of animals. Such approaches are based on positive reinforcement methods in combination with the use of specific restraint devices. In addition, for animals not conditioned for manipulation while �free standing� or under physical restraint alone, chemical sedation or immobilization procedures developed for wildlife have been incorporated for reproductive examinations. Knowledge gained by combining ultrasonagraphy and endocrinology has proven beneficial for better understanding the reproductive biology of many species such as elephants, rhinoceroses and big cats. In this manner, ART has become an important part of captive breeding programs.