Efficient recovery of in vivo mature and immature oocytes from jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) by Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU)

Abstract

The jaguar and the puma play an essential role in balancing the ecosystem. Developing reproductive biotechnologies for such species could permit the exchange of genetic material across in situ and ex situ populations, encompassing the concept of One Conservation. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare different gonadotropin stimulation strategies in conjunction with laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) technology for the recovery of immature and mature oocytes from these species. Adult female pumas (n = 10) and jaguars (n = 11) underwent 12 and 16 LOPU treatments, respectively. Hormonal stimulation was performed with eCG (750 IU for pumas; 800 IU for jaguars; im), and they were randomized into two treatment groups: Group 1 (G1) received hCG (500 IU, im) approximately 85 h after eCG administration to promote oocyte maturation and recover in vivo matured oocytes; and Group 2 (G2) did not receive hCG to recover immature oocytes. Between the two treatments, a total of 416 and 160 viable oocytes were recovered, 205 and 80 from G1 and 211 and 80 from G2-treated females from pumas and jaguars, respectively. We found that LOPU is a safe technique for getting high-quality oocytes from wild cats, such as pumas and jaguars, and that it may be included in conservation efforts. In pumas and jaguars, protocols employing eCG for ovarian stimulation are effective, as is the use of hCG to stimulate in vivo oocyte maturation prior to collection.