Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Semen cryopreservation and the conservation of endangered species

  • Review
  • Published:
European Journal of Wildlife Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Currently, more than 16,000 plant and animal species are imminently threatened by extinction, often as a direct consequence of anthropogenic influences. One of the measures to halt that process is genetic resource banking. This short review focuses on mammal sperm cryopreservation in combination with assisted reproduction techniques. It summarizes general problems, recent developments, and currently applied protocols and gives an overview of hitherto existing successes of assisted reproduction measures in wild animals in the light of conservation efforts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

AI:

artificial insemination

BHT:

butylated hydroxytoluene

DMSO:

dimethylsulphoxide

ICSI:

intracytoplasmic sperm injection

IVF:

in vitro fertilization

SP:

seminal plasma

References

  • Alm H, Torner H, Blottner S, Nürnberg G, Kanitz W (2001) Effect of sperm cryopreservation and treatment with calcium ionophore or heparin on in vitro fertilization of horse oocytes. Theriogenology 56:817–829

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Almid T, Johnson L (1988) Effects of glycerol concentration, equilibration time and temperature of glycerol addition on post-thaw viability of boar spermatozoa frozen in straws. J Anim Sci 66:2899–2905

    Google Scholar 

  • Anel L, Martinez F, Alvarez M, Anel E, Boixo J, Kaabi M, Paz P, Chamorro C, Herraez P (1999) Post-mortem spermatozoa recovery and freezing in a Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos): a preliminary report. Theriogenology 51:277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asher GW, Kraemer DC, Magyar SJ, Brunner M, Moerbe R, Giaquinto M (1990) Intrauterine insemination of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) with frozen–thawed semen via laparoscopy. Theriogenology 34:569–577

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asher GW, Fisher MW, Fennessy PF, Mackintosh CG, Jabbour HN, Morrow CJ (1993) Oestrous synchronization, semen collection and artificial insemination of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama). Anim Reprod Sci 33:241–265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asher GW, Berg DK, Evans G (2000) Storage of semen and artificial insemination in deer. Anim Reprod Sci 62:195–211

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bains HK, Pabst MA, Werner G, Bawa SR (1993) Wheat-germ-agglutinin binding-sites on the sperm surface of water-buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)—a fracture label study. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 25:465–470

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ballou JD (1992) Potential contribution of cryopreserved germ plasm to preservation of genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species in captivity. Cryobiology 29:19–25

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartels P, Friedmann Y, Lubbe K, Mortimer D, Rasmussen LA, Godke RA (2001) The live birth of an eland (Taurotragus oryx) calf following estrous synchronization and artificial insemination using frozen thawed epididymal sperm. Theriogenology 55:381 (Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Blottner S (1998) Semen preservation for the management of reproduction in rare and endangered species. Adv Ethol 33:9–13 (supplement to Ethology)

    Google Scholar 

  • Blottner S, Warnke C, Tuchscherer A, Heinen V, Torner H (2001) Morphological and functional changes of stallion spermatozoa after cryopreservation during breeding and non-breeding season. Anim Reprod Sci 65:75–88

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blottner S, Wagener A, Schön J, Göritz F, Fickel J (2006) Reproductive fitness in roe bucks (Capreolus capreolus): seasonal timing of testis function. Eur J Wildl Res 52:9–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Byers AP, Hunter AG, Seal US, Binczik GA, Graham EF, Reindl NJ, Tilson RL (1989) In-vitro induction of capacitation of fresh and frozen spermatozoa of the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris). J Reprod Fertil 86:599–607

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cardoso RDS, Silva AR, da Silva LDM (2006) Comparison of two dilution rates on canine semen quality after cryopreservation in a coconut water extender. Anim Reprod Sci 92:384–391

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi YH, Love CC, Varner DD, Hinrichs K (2006) Equine blastocyst development after intracytoplasmic injection of sperm subjected to two freeze–thaw cycles. Theriogenology 65:808–819

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cirovic D (2006) First record of the racoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834) in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Eur J Wildl Res 52:136–137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crump JP Jr, Crump JW (1994) Manual semen collection from a Grevy’s zebra stallion (Equus grevyi), onset of sperm production, semen characteristics, and cryopreservation of semen, with a comparison to the sperm production from a Grant’s Zebra stallion (Equus burchelli boehmi). Theriogenology 41:1011–1021

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cseh S, Solti L (2000) Importance of assisted reproductive technologies in the conservation of wild, rare or indigenous ungulates: a review article. Acta Vet Hung 48:313–323

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dankoff S, Curro T, Simmons H (2001) Post-thaw viability of wild cattle (Bos gaurus) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer) sperm cryopreserved using a novel, non-animal protein cryodiluent. Theriogenology 55:387 (Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • De Jong CE, Jonsson N, Field H, Smith C, Crichton EG, Phillips N, Johnston SD (2005) Collection, seminal characteristics and chilled storage of spermatozoa from three species of free-range flying fox (Pteropus spp.). Theriogenology 64:1072–1089

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Drobnis EZ, Crowe LM, Berger T, Anchordoguy TJ, Overstreet JW, Crowe JH (1993) Cold shock damage is due to lipid phase-transitions in cell-membranes—a demonstration using sperm as a model. J Exp Zool 265:432–437

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Durrant BS (1990) Semen collection, evaluation, and cryopreservation in exotic animal species: maximizing reproductive potential. ILAR News 32:2–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Farstad W, Fougner JA, Torres CG (1992) The optimum time for single artificial insemination of blue fox vixens (Alopex lagopus) with frozen–thawed semen from silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Theriogenology 38:853–865

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Faszer K, Draper D, Green JE, Morris GJ, Grout BWW (2006) Cryopreservation of horse semen under laboratory and field conditions using a Stirling Cycle freezer. Cryo-lett 27:179–184

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fickel J, Schmidt A, Putze M, Spittler H, Ludwig A, Streich WJ, Pitra C (2005) Genetic structure of populations of European brown hare: implications for management. J Wildl Manage 69:760–771

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freyhof J, Lieckfeldt D, Pitra C, Ludwig A (2005) Molecules and morphology: evidence for introgression of mitochondrial DNA in Dalmatian cyprinids. Mol Phylogenet Evol 37:347–354

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao DY, Ashworth E, Watson PF, Kleinhans FW, Mazur P, Critser JK (1993) Hyperosmotic tolerance of human spermatozoa—separate effects of glycerol, sodium-chloride, and sucrose on spermolysis. Biol Reprod 49:112–123

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao DY, Liu J, Liu C, McGann LE, Watson PF, Kleinhans FW, Mazur P, Critser ES, Critser JK (1995) Prevention of osmotic injury to human spermatozoa during addition and removal of glycerol. Hum Reprod 10:1109–1122

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gilmore JA, McGann LE, Ashworth E, Acker JP, Raath JP, Bush M, Critser JK (1998) Fundamental cryobiologyogy of selected African mammalian spermatozoa and its role in biodiversity preservation through the development of genome resource banking. Anim Reprod Sci 53:277–297

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goodrowe KL, Hay MA, Platz CC, Behrns SK, Jones MH, Waddell WT (1998) Characteristics of fresh and frozen–thawed red wolf (Canis rufus) spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 53:299–308

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haigh JC, Bowen G (1991) Artificial insemination of red deer (Cervus elephas) with frozen–thawed wapiti semen. J Reprod Fertil 93:119–123

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haigh JC, Dradjat AS, English AW (1993) Comparison of two extenders for the cryopreservation of chital (Axis axis) semen. J Zoo Wildl Med 24:454–458

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammadeh ME, Szarvasy D, Zeginiadou T, Rosenbaum P, Georg T, Schmidt W (2001) Evaluation of cryoinjury of spermatozoa after slow (programmed biological freezer) or rapid (liquid nitrogen vapour) freeze–thawing techniques. J Assist Reprod Genet 18:364–370

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartley M (2005) A seroprevalence survey of Toxoplasma gondii in common wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Eur J Wildl Res 51:65–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hell P, Plavy R, Slamecka J, Gasparik J (2005) Losses of mammals (Mammalia) and birds (Aves) on roads in the Slovak part of the Danube Basin. Eur J Wildl Res 51:35–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hermes R, Goritz F, Maltzan J, Blottner S, Proudfoot J, Fritsch G, Fassbender M, Quest M, Hildebrandt TB (2001) Establishment of assisted reproduction technologies in female and male African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). J Reprod Fertil Suppl 57:315–321

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hermes R, Hildebrandt TB, Blottner S, Walzer C, Silinski S, Patton ML, Wibbelt G, Schwarzenberger F, Göritz F (2005) Reproductive soundness of captive southern and northern white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum, C. s. cottoni): evaluation of male genital tract morphology and semen quality before and after cryopreservation. Theriogenology 63:219–238

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hildebrandt TB, Göritz F, Hermes R (2006) Ultrasonography: an important tool in captive breeding management in elephants and rhinoceroses. Eur J Wildl Res 52:23–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hishinuma M, Suzuki K, Sekine J (2003) Recovery and cryopreservation of sika deer (Cervus nippon) spermatozoa from epididymides stored at 4 degrees C. Theriogenology 59:813–820

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holt WV (1996) Can we predict fertility rates? Making sense of sperm motility. Reprod Domest Anim 31:17–24

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holt WV (2000) Basic aspects of frozen storage of semen. Anim Reprod Sci 62:3–22

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holt WV, Pickard AR (1999). Role of reproductive technologies and genetic resource banks in animal conservation. Rev Reprod 4:143–150 (Review)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holt WV, Bennett PM, Volobouev V, Watson PF (1996) Genetic resource banks in wildlife conservation. J Zool (London) 238:531–544

    Google Scholar 

  • Holt WV, Medrano A, Thurston LM, Watson PE (2005) The significance of cooling rates and animal variability for boar sperm cryopreservation: insights from the cryomicroscope. Theriogenology 63:370–382

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Howard JG, Bush M, de Vos V, Schiewe MC, Pursel VG, Wildt DE (1986) Influence of cryoprotective diluent on post-thaw viability and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). J Reprod Fertil 78:295–306

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Howard JG, Bush M, Morton C, Morton F, Wentzel K, Wildt DE (1991) Comparative semen cryopreservation in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and pregnancies after laparoscopic intrauterine insemination with frozen–thawed spermatozoa. J Reprod Fertil 92:109–118

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • IUCN (2006) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, accessible at http://www.iucn.org

  • Jabbour HN, Argo CMcG, Brinklow BR, Loudon ASI, Hooton J (1993a). Concenption rates following intrauterine insemination of European fallow deer (Dama dama dama) does with fresh or frozen–thawed Mesopotamian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica) spermatozoa. J Zool 230:379–384

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jabbour HN, Veldhuizen FA, Green G, Asher GW (1993b). Endocrine responses and conception rates in fallow deer (Dama dama) following oestrus synchronization and cervical insemination with fresh or frozen–thawed spermtozoa. J Reprod Fertil 98:495–502

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jenneckens I, Meyer JN, Debus L, Pitra C, Ludwig A (2000) Evidence of mitochondrial DNA clones of Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii, within Russian sturgeon, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, caught in the River Volga. Ecol Lett 3:503–508

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jetschke G (1992) Stochastic population-models and their relevance for the conservation of species. Ecol Model 63:71–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston SD, MacCallum C, Blyde D, McClean R, Lisle A, Holt WV (2006) An investigation into the similarities and differences governing the cryopreservation success of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus: goldfuss) and common wombat (Vombatus ursinus: shaw) spermatozoa. Cryobiology 53:218–228

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston SD, Ward D, Lemon J, Gunn I, Maccallum CA, Keeley T, Blyde D (2007) Studies of male reproduction in captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Anim Reprod Sci (in press) DOI 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.08.017

  • Kierdorf U, Kierdorf H (2005) Antlers as biomonitors of environmental pollution by lead and fluoride: a review. Eur J Wildl Res 51:137–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kitiyanant Y, Schmidt MJ, Pavasuthipaisit K (2000) Evaluation of sperm acrosome reaction in the Asiatic elephant. Theriogenology 53:887–896

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar S, Millar JD, Watson PF (2003) The effect of cooling rate on the survival of cryopreserved bull, ram, and boar spermatozoa: a comparison of two controlled-rate cooling machines. Cryobiology 46:246–253

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leibo SP, Songsasen N (2002) Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos of non-domestic species. Theriogenology 57:303–326

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lieckfeldt D, Hett AK, Ludwig A, Freyhof J (2006) Detection, characterization and utility of a new highly variable nuclear marker region in several species of cyprinid fishes (Cyprinidae). Eur J Wildl Res 52:63–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loskutoff NM, Simmons HA, Goulding M, Thompson G, Jongh TD, Simmons LG (1996) Species and individual variations in cryoprotectant toxicities and freezing resistance of epididymal sperm from African antelope. Anim Reprod Sci 42:527–535

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig A (2006) A sturgeon view on conservation genetics. Eur J Wildl Res 52:3–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig A, Debus L, Lieckfeldt D, Wirgin I, Benecke N, Jenneckens I, Williot P, Waldman JR, Pitra C (2002a) When the American sea sturgeon swam east. Nature 419:447–448

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig A, Debus L, Jenneckens I (2002b) A molecular approach for trading control of black caviar. Int Rev Hydrobiol 87:661–674

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig A, Congiu L, Pitra C, Fickel J, Gessner J, Fontana F, Patarnello T, Zane L (2003) Nonconcordant evolutionary history of maternal and paternal lineages in Adriatic sturgeon. Mol Ecol 12:3253–3264

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luenser K, Fickel J, Lehnen A, Speck S, Ludwig A (2005) Low level of genetic variability in European bisons (Bison bonasus) from the Bialowieza National Park in Poland. Eur J Wildl Res 51:84–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyons G (2006) Viewpoint: policy requirements for protecting wildlife from endocrine disruptors. Environ Health Perspect 114(suppl 1):142–146. Available at DOI 10.1289/ehp.8070

    Google Scholar 

  • Martinez AIP (2004) Canine fresh and cryopreserved semen evaluation. Anim Reprod Sci 82–83:209–224

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez-Pastor F, Anel L, Guerra C, Alvarez M, Soler AJ, Garde JJ, Chamorro C, de Paz P (2006) Seminal plasma improves cryopreservation of Iberian red deer epididymal sperm. Theriogenology 66:1847–1856

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McClean R, MacCallum C, Blyde D, Holt WV, Johnston SD (2006) Ultrastructure, osmotic tolerance, glycerol toxicity and cryopreservation of caput and cauda epididymal kangaroo spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 18:469–476

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller RR Jr, Cornett CL, Waterhouse KE, Farstad W (2005) Comparative aspects of sperm membrane fatty acid composition in silver (Vulpes vulpes) and blue (Alopex lagopus) foxes and their relationship to cell cryopreservation. Cryobiology 51:66–75

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moce E, Graham JK, Schenk JL (2006) Effect of sex-sorting on the ability of fresh and cryopreserved bull sperm to undergo an acrosome reaction. Theriogenology 66:929–936

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Molinia FC, Rodger JC (1996) Pellet-freezing spermatozoa of two marsupials: the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, and the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. Reprod Fertil Dev 8:681–684

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Monfort SL, Asher GW, Wildt DE, Wood TC, Schiewe MC, Williamson LR, Bush M, Rall WF (1993) Successful intrauterine insemination of Eld’s deer (Cervus eldii thamin) with frozen–thawed spermatozoa. J Reprod Fertil 99:459–465

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morrell JM, Nubbemeyer R, Heistermann M, Rosenbusch J, Kuderling I, Holt W, Hodges JK (1998) Artificial insemination in Callithrix jacchus using fresh or cryopreserved sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 52:165–174

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mosaferi S, Niasari-Naslaji A, Abarghani A, Gharahdaahi AA, Gerami A (2005) Biophysical and biochemical characteristics of bactrian camel semen collected by artificial vagina. Theriogenology 63:92–101

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mulley RC, Moore NW, English AW (1988) Successful uterine insemination of fallow deer with fresh and frozen semen. Theriogenology 29:1149–1153

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neubauer K, Jewgenow K, Blottner S, Wildt DE, Pukazhenthi BS (2004) Quantity rather than quality in teratospermic males: a histomorphometric and flow cytometric evaluation of spermatogenesis in the domestic cat (Felis catus). Biol Reprod 71:1517–1524

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nichols SM, Bavister BD (2006) Comparison of protocols for cryopreservation of rhesus monkey spermatozoa by post-thaw motility recovery and hyperactivation. Reprod Fertil Dev 18:777–780

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nilsen EB, Solberg EJ (2006) Patterns of hunting mortality in Norwegian moose (Alces alces) populations. Eur J Wildl Res 52:153–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien JK, Roth TL (2000a) Post-coital sperm recovery and cryopreservation in the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and application to gamete rescue in the African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). J Reprod Fertil 118:263–271

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien JK, Roth TL (2000b) Functional capacity and fertilizing longevity of frozen–thawed scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) spermatozoa in a heterologous in vitro fertilization system. Reprod Fertil Dev 12:413–421

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Olson MA, Huang Y, Li DS, Spindler R, Howard J, Zhang HM, Durrant B (2003) Assessment of motility, acrosomal integrity, and viability of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) sperm following short-term storage at 4 degrees C. Zoo Biol 22:529–544

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parks JE, Meacham TN, Saacke RG (1981) Cholesterol and phospholipids of bovine spermatozoa. 1. Selection of a PIPES-buffered diluent for evaluating the effect of egg-yolk lipoproteins on sperm cholesterol and phospholipids. Biol Reprod 24:393–398

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paz RCR, Zuge RM, Morato RG, Barnabe VC (2002) Penetration assay of frozen jaguar (Panthera onca) sperm in heterologous oocytes. Theriogenology 57:588 (Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Persson Y, Soderquist L (2006) Comparison between spermiograms in semen samples obtained from bulls by transrectal massage and artificial vagina. Reprod Domest Anim 41:311 (Abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pickard AR, Abaigar T, Green DI, Holt WV, Cano M (2001) Hormonal characterization of the reproductive cycle and pregnancy in the female Mohor gazelle (Gazella dama mhorr). Reproduction 122:571–580

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pitra C, Lutz W (2005) Population genetic structure and the effect of founder events on the genetic variability of introduced sika deer, Cervus nippon, in Germany and Austria. Eur J Wildl Res 51:95–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pitra C, Rehbein S, Lutz W (2005) Tracing the genetic roots of the sika deer Cervus nippon naturalized in Germany and Austria. Eur J Wildl Res 51:237–241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pitra C, VazPinto P, O’Keeffe BWJ, Willows-Munro S, van Vuuren BJ, Robinson TJ (2006) DNA-led rediscovery of the giant sable antelope in Angola. Eur J Wildl Res 52:142–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Platz CC, Magyar S, Crider N, Densmore M, Wiley G, Browen MJ, Templeton JW, Kraemer DC (1982) Cryopreservation of electroejaculated and epididymal spermtozoa in white tail deer (Odocoileus virginiamus). In: Annual Proceedings—American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, pp 127–129

  • Potts GR (2005) Incidence of ingested lead gunshot in wild grey partridges (Perdix perdix) from the UK. Eur J Wildl Res 51:31–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ptak G, Clinton M, Barboni B, Muzzeddu M, Cappai P, Tischner M, Loi P (2002) Preservation of the wild European mouflon: the first example of genetic management using a complete program of reproductive biotechnologies. Biol Reprod 66:796–801

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pukazhenthi B, Laroe D, Crosier A, Bush LM, Spindler R, Pelican KM, Bush M, Howard JG, Wildt DE (2006) Challenges in cryopreservation of clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 66:1790–1796

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robeck TR, O’Brien JK (2004) Effect of cryopreservation methods and precryopreservation storage on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 70:1340–1348

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roca J, Gil MA, Hernandez M, Parilla I, Vasquez JM, Martinez EA (2004) Survival and fertility of boar spermatozoa after freeze–thawing in extender supplemented with butylated hydroxytoluene. J Androl 25:397–405

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabocanec R, Konjevic D, Srebocan E, Petrinec Z (2005) Fatal poisoning of a Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) with methomyl. Eur J Wildl Res 51:210–212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Said S, Pellerin M, Guillon N, Debias F, Fritz H (2005) Assessment of forage availability in ecological studies. Eur J Wildl Res 51:242–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanchez-Partida LG, Maginnis G, Dominko T, Martinovich C, McVay B, Fanton J, Schatten G (2000) Live rhesus offspring by artificial insemination using fresh sperm and cryopreserved sperm. Biol Reprod 63:1092–1097

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sankai T, Terao K, Yanagimachi R, Cho F, Yoshikawa Y (1994) Cryopreservation of spermtozoa from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). J Reprod Fertil 101:273–278

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanz-Elorza M, Dana ED, González A, Sobrino E (2003) Changes in the High-mountain vegetation of the Central Iberian Peninsula as a probable sign of global warming. Ann Bot (London) 92:273–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saragusty J, Hildebrandt TB, Natan Y, Hermes R, Yavin S, Göritz F, Arav A (2005) Effect of egg-phosphatidylcholine on the chilling sensitivity and lipid phase transition of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) spermatozoa. Zoo Biol 24:233–245

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saragusty J, Gacitua H, King R, Arav A (2006) Post-mortem semen cryopreservation and characterization in two different endangered gazelle species (Gazella gazella and Gazella dorcas) and one subspecies (Gazella gazelle acaiae). Theriogenology 66:775–784

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seager SWJ, Platz CC, Hodge W (1975) Successful pregnancy using frozen semen in the wolf. Int Zoo Yearb 15:140–143

    Google Scholar 

  • Serrano E, Calabuig G, Perez JM, Gallego L (2005) The potential use of identification of skeletal remains for the early detection of Ammotragus: an exotic ungulate species in Southern Spain. Eur J Wildl Res 51:88–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Si W, Hildebrandt TB, Reid C, Krieg R, Ji WZ, Fassbender M, Hermes R (2006) The successful double cryopreservation of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) semen in large volume using the directional freezing technique with reduced concentration of cryoprotectant. Theriogenology 65:788–798

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Spindler RE, Yan H, Howard J, Pengyan W, Hemin Z, Guiquan Z, Wildt DE (2006) Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) spermatozoa decondensation in vitro is not compromised by cryopreservation. Reprod Fertil Dev 18:767–775

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stilley K, Godke RA (1998) Assisted reproductive technologies in exotic zoo animals. Can Soc Anim Sci 98:213–239

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanson WF, Brown JL (2004) International training programs in reproductive sciences for conservation of Latin American felids. Anim Reprod Sci 82–83:21–34

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Swanson WF, Howard JG, Roth TL, Brown JL, Alvarado T, Burton M, Starnes D, Wildt DE (1996a) Responsiveness of ovaries to exogenous gonadotrophins and laparoscopic artificial insemination with frozen–thawed spermatozoa in ocelots (Felis pardalis). J Reprod Fertil 106:87–94

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Swanson WF, Roth TL, Blumer E, Citino SB, Kenny D, Wildt DE (1996b). Comparative cryopreservation and functionality of spermatozoa from the normospermic jaguar (Panthera onca) and teratospermic cheeta (Acinonyx jubatus). Theriogenology 45:241 (Abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swanson WF, Johnson WE, Cambre RC, Citino SB, Quigley KB, Brousset DM, Morais RN, Moreira N, O’Brien SJ, Wildt DE (2003) Reproductive status of endemic felid species in Latin America zoos and implications for ex situ conservation. Zoo Biol 22:421–441

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thiangtum K, Swanson WF, Howard J, Tunwattana W, Tongthainan D, Wichasilpa W, Patumrattanathan P, Pinyopoommintr T (2006) Assessment of basic seminal characteristics, sperm cryopreservation and heterologous in vitro fertilisation in the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus). Reprod Fertil Dev 18:373–382

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thongtip N, Saikhun J, Damyang M, Mahasawangkul S, Suthunmapinata P, Yindee M, Kongsila A, Angkawanish T, Jansittiwate S, Wongkalasin W, Wajjwalkul W, Kitiyanant Y, Pavasuthipaisit K, Pinyopummin A (2004) Evaluation of post-thaw Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) spermatozoa using flow cytometry: the effects of extender and cryoprotectant. Theriogenology 62:748–760

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thurston LM, Watson PF, Holt WV (2002a) Semen cryopreservation: a genetic explanation for species and individual variation? Cryo-lett 23:255–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Thurston LM, Siggins K, Mileham AJ, Watson PF, Holt WV (2002b) Identification of amplified restriction fragment length polymorphism markers linked to genes controlling boar sperm viability following cryopreservation. Biol Reprod 66:545–554

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tollner TL, VandeVoort CA, Overstreet JW, Drobnis EZ (1990) Cryopreservation of spermtozoa from cynomoglus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). J Reprod Fertil 90:347–352

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Walters C, Wheeler L, Stanwood PC (2004) Longevity of cryogenically stored seeds. Cryobiology 48:229–244

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Warnke C, Tuchscherer A, Alm H, Kanitz W, Blottner S, Torner H (2003) Characterisation of movement pattern and velocities of stallion spermatozoa depending on donor, season and cryopreservation. Acta Vet Hung 51:395–408

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wu JM, Chung YK, Belford KJ, Smith GD, Takayama S, Lahann J (2006) A surface-modified sperm sorting device with long-term stability. Biomed Microdevices 8:99–107

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zindl C, Asa CS, Gunzel-Apel AR (2006) Influence of cooling rates and addition of Equex pasta on cooled and frozen-thawed semen of generic gray (Canis lupus) and Mexican gray wolf (C. l. baileyi). Theriogenology 66:1797–1802

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zomborszky Z, Zubor T, Toth J, Horn P (1999) Sperm collection from shot red deer stags (Cervus elaphus) and the utilization of sperm frozen and subsequently thawed. Acta Vet Hung 47:263–270

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zomborszky Z, Nagy S, Nanassy L, Szabari M, Bodo S (2005) Experiences in deer sperm cryopreservation under practical conditions—a pilot study. Anim Reprod Sci 90:185–190

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We value Steffen Blottner as a colleague and friend with whom we successfully cooperated during many years and whose enthusiastic discussions we always enjoyed, and we hope that we can further profit from his vast experience and knowledge in reproduction biology. Steffen Blottner, who together with other colleagues from the IZW initiated and maintained the institute’s spermbank, focused his research both on the establishment of applicable cryopreservation protocols for endangered species and on the exploration of pathways involved in and factors regulating spermatogenesis.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany

    Jörns Fickel & Arne Ludwig

  2. Institute of Animal Sciences, Humboldt-University Berlin, Invalidenstr. 42, 10115, Berlin, Germany

    Asja Wagener

Authors
  1. Jörns Fickel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Asja Wagener
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Arne Ludwig
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arne Ludwig.

Additional information

This article is dedicated to the 65th birthday of Steffen Blottner on April 27, 2007.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Fickel, J., Wagener, A. & Ludwig, A. Semen cryopreservation and the conservation of endangered species. Eur J Wildl Res 53, 81–89 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-007-0089-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-007-0089-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation