Approaches and efficacy of artificial insemination in felids and mustelids

Abstract

Two of the most diverse and species-rich families in the order Carnivora (containing 280 species) include Felidae (cats) and Mustelidae (commonly called weasels). According to a current taxonomic classification system, the family Felidae consists of 41 felid species, most of which are listed as threatened or endangered with extinction [1]. The family Mustelidae consists of 59 species (including weasels, ferrets, minks, badgers, otters, wolverines), with the North American black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) being the most endangered [1]. Ex situ breeding programs exist for many of these rare carnivores, and one of the highest priorities is the retention of existing gene diversity to ensure species integrity, health and reproduction. Tools associated with ‘assisted reproduction’ offer multiple advantages for species propagated under the auspices of an organized genetic management plan (e.g., the Species Survival Plan or SSP#; Table 1) [2,3]. Because cooperating institutions (usually zoos) breed animals on the basis of the genetic value of individuals and computerized calculations of