title: Enhancing captive Indian rhinoceros genetics via artificial insemination of cryopreserved sperm.
abstract: The objective of this study was to design an artificial insemination (AI) protocol using cryopreserved spermatozoa to obtain pregnancies in captive Indian rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis). Four methods developed varied by timing and approach, as follows; Method 1: females (n=2) were inseminated pre- and post-ovulation under general anesthesia, Method 2: females (n=2) were inseminated pre-ovulation without anesthetic via endoscopy, Method 3: females (n=1) were inseminated pre-ovulation without anesthetic via manual insertion of an insemination catheter, Method 4: females (n=2) were inseminated same as Method 3 with the addition of standing sedation. Semen deposition site varied as a result of changes in AI technology and experience. All females conceived following intrauterine AI using three methods. Four pregnancies (n=3 females) produced via Method 3 and 4 resulted in term births (n=2 male calves, n=2 female calves) at 481.8±12.8days post-AI. Unfortunately, two early pregnancy losses were documented in a fourth female conceiving via Method 2. Pregnancy rates were 0%, 22%, 17%, and 50% for Method 1-4, respectively. Method 3 and 4 rates improved to 29% and 67%, respectively when accounting for AI's conducted only on ovulatory estrous cycles. Spermatozoa (n=5 males) were cryopreserved 0.3-9.3 y prior to successful AI procedures. The lowest dose of frozen-thawed sperm resulting in conception was 500×10(6) motile sperm. Mean time from AI to ovulation in conceptive and non-conceptive cycles was 26±11.8h and 66±80.7h, respectively.
authors.affiliation: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA. Electronic address: monica.stoops@cincinnatizoo.org.
authors.forename: Monica A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stoops
authors.affiliation: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA.
authors.forename: Mark K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: Innovative Zoological Solutions, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: DeChant
authors.affiliation: Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hauser
authors.affiliation: Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kottwitz
authors.affiliation: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA.
authors.forename: Randal D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Pairan
authors.affiliation: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Shaffstall
authors.affiliation: Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Volle
authors.affiliation: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA.
authors.forename: Terri L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010527:Perissodactyla / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: Assisted reproductive technologies; Frozen semen; Genome resource bank; Rhinoceros unicornis