Implementing artificial insemination as an effective tool for ex situ conservation of endangered avian species

doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.019

Theriogenology

Volume 71, Issue 1, 1 January 2009, Pages 200-213

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.019 Get rights and content

Abstract

Approximately 503 of the known species of birds are classified as ‘endangered’ or ‘critical’. Captive propagation programs have proven useful in maintaining genetic diversity and restoring wild populations of certain species, including the Peregrine falcon, California condor and Whooping crane. Artificial insemination (AI) has the potential of solving problems inherent to reproductive management of small, closed populations of endangered birds, including dealing with demographic instability, physical and behavioral disabilities, sexual incompatibility, lack of synchrony, and need to maintain gene diversity. In this review, we address the necessary methods and factors that allow AI to be applied effectively to manage rare bird populations. It is clear that semen availability and quality are the greatest limiting factors to implementing consistently successful AI for birds. Behavioral sensitivity to animal handling and the ability to minimize stress in individual birds also are keys to success. Multiple, deep vaginal inseminations can improve fertility, particularly when semen quality is marginal. Laparoscopic methods of semen transfer also have produced fertile eggs. All of these practices leading to successful AI remain dependent on having adequate basic knowledge on female reproductive status, copulatory behavior, endocrine profiles and duration of fertility, especially as related to oviposition. The overall greatest challenge and highest priority is defining these normative traits, which are highly species-specific.

Section snippets

Brief historical perspective of avian AI

Artificial insemination (AI) was first successful in birds almost a century ago when Ivanov produced fertile chicken eggs using semen recovered from the ductus deferens [1]. The most widely used technique of intravaginal insemination was first reported by Quinn and Burrows in 1936 [1]. Since then, AI has evolved to become an important, yet common production method for the poultry industry. This assisted breeding technique now is integral to commercial turkey production, resulting in more than

Semen collection

Unlike domesticated poultry where flocks are housed under environmental conditions aimed at maximizing egg and semen production for 30–60 wk, wild birds invariably experience a short (30–120 d) season of sexual activity. Consequences include restricted (1) time periods for research and (2) opportunities for semen collection, processing, storage, and use [15], [16]. Seasonality and natural wild behaviors also require that birds be conditioned for handling and collection prior to sperm production

Disease control and AI

Birds present special challenges in disease control. Avian anatomy predisposes a semen sample to fecal contamination and, thereby, an array of problem-causing bacteria, the most common being E. coli [57]. The semen diluent may be another common source of contamination, especially for E. coli and pseudomonas [58]. These agents can trigger significant sperm mortality in raw or diluted ejaculate and, when used for AI, may cause both systemic disease and infertility [58]. This problem is commonly

Practical challenges and future priorities

In summarizing the challenges and needs, it is important to begin by simply encouraging that more research be directed at birds. Most investigations in the reproductive sciences have been mammal-centric, even though there are almost two-fold more bird than mammal species on the planet. Due to electrocution, poisonings, gun wounds, and other human-related causes, there is a constant influx of wild birds entering ex situ collections. Few of these animals can ever be returned to nature and even a

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View full text

Implementing artificial insemination as an effective tool for ex situ conservation of endangered avian species

Abstract

Section snippets

Brief historical perspective of avian AI

Semen collection

Disease control and AI

Practical challenges and future priorities

Anim Behav

Br Vet J

Proc N Am Crane Workshop

Poult Sci

Poult Sci

Poult Sci

Poult Sci

Poult Sci

Poult Sci

Poult Sci

Poult Sci

Artificial insemination in fowls

J Heredity

Hatchery production 2007 summary

Artificial insemination and cryopreservation of semen from non-domestic birds

Recent advances in artificial breeding techniques in birds and reptiles

Intl Zoo Yrbk

The onset and duration of fertility in the American kestrel

Can J Zool

Peregrine to soar off endangered species list

Endangered Species Bull

Endangered avian species propagation: an overview of functions and techniques. International congress on bird reproduction, special issue

Avian Poult Biol Rev

Artificial inseminations in houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata): influence of the number of spermatozoa and insemination frequency on fertility and ability to hatch

J Reprod Fertil

Avian artificial insemination, and semen preservation

Reproduction in non-domestic birds: physiology, semen collection, artificial insemination and cryopreservation

Avian Poult Biol Rev

Effect of mating activity on the ability of Salmonella enteritidis to persist in the ovary and oviduct of chickens

Avian Dis

The possible role of ureaplasma in a continuous infertility problem in turkeys

Avian Dis

Cryopreservation of semen in the Aleutian Canada Goose (Branta canadensis leucopareia)

Zoo Biol

Artificial insemination

An improved method for obtaining semen from Muskovi drakes and some of its quantitative and qualitative characteristics

Poult Sci

Preliminary studies of electroejaculation to facilitate manual semen collection in psittacines

Ejaculate quality and the success of extra-pair copulations in the Zebra finch

Nature

Experiments on the mating behavior of the Brewer blackbird

Condor

Artificial insemination