Reproduction

​   Research in animal reproduction involves basic to applied studies in order to understand and maximize the reproductive outcomes either in ex situ or in situ conservation actions. Most of our studies are conducted in Nupecce's facilities, where we have access to captive deer species. In this context, we can determine many aspects of their basic biology, such as the determination of estrous cycle, period and diagnosis of pregnancy, testicular activity and antler cycle, and also perform applied studies involving embryo transfer, follicular aspiration, superovulation protocols, semen collection/analysis, and artificial insemination.

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   We also have an Endocrinology Laboratory where we perform in house enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to characterize the basic reproductive cycle by measuring progesterone and androgens, and determine stress-axis by glucocorticoid hormones. There are many possible biological matrices that can be used for the EIA assays such as serum, feces, saliva, hair, urine.  In deer, the fecal samples are preferable and the most used in endocrinology studies, and can provide longitudinal monitoring in wild species.

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 Our current projects in animal reproduction and endocrinology involve:

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• Understand the effect of photoperiod in tropical deer species by oral melatonin treatment.

• Determine a non-invasive estrous synchronization protocol using oral progestogens.

• Enhance semen collection by using pharmacological strategies.

• Improve intra cervical insemination technique by using pharmacological strategies.

• Assess the effect of dietary fiber on androgens excretion.

• Assess the representativeness and repeatability of different weights of fecal samples

 

  If you are interested to knowing more, please contact us.