Abstract
Background and Aim:The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a subspecies of Panthera pardus spp., spread across the African and Asian regions. Information on reproductive aspects is crucial for wild animals, including the Javan leopard. In this study, we aimed to developelectroejaculator (EE) techniques and evaluate cryopreservation success in Javan leopard semen.Materials and Methods:The semen of four adult Javan leopards was collected once a week using EE. Placement of the EE probe in the rectum was performed after ultrasound imaging (ultrasonography) to determine the prostate body location. The semen obtained was then evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Three Javan leopards were used for cryopreservation. The ejaculate was divided into two parts [i.e., one part diluted with AndroMed® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and the other part with Steridyl®(Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany)] at a 1:1 ratio immediately after collection and evaluation. The semen was then packed in a 0.25 mL MiniStraw® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) then equilibrated at 4°C for 2 h. After equilibration, the straw was then frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Frozen semen was then stored in containers until further evaluation.Results:The results showed that ejaculation response occurred at all levels of stimulation, while erections did not always occur. The fastest ejaculation and erection occurred at the fourth voltage. The macroscopic evaluation showed that the semen volume was 0.80±0.26 mL, cloudy white, pH 7.44±0.14, and with watery semen consistency. The microscopic evaluation showed that the sperm motility was 66.98±0.39%, with sperm viability of 75.6±1.79%. Sperm concentration was 62.17±46.95×106 mL−1 with a total concentration of 42.14±23.51×106 cells. Normal sperm morphology is only 40.72±6.26%.Conclusion:This study concluded that the development of a semen collection technique using an EE preceded by imaging of the EE probe location using ultrasound was effective for the ejaculation of Javan leopards. The characteristics of the semen of the Javan leopard showed moderate semen volume, sperm motility, and viability. Javan leopard showed low sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology.
Highlights
The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a separate subspecies of nine Panthera pardus spp
The ejaculate was divided into two parts [i.e., one part diluted with AndroMed® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and the other part with Steridyl® (Minitüb)] at a 1:1 ratio immediately after collection and evaluation
This study concluded that the development of a semen collection technique using an EE preceded by imaging of the EE probe location using ultrasound was effective for the ejaculation of Javan leopards
Summary
The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a separate subspecies of nine Panthera pardus spp. The primary color of a leopard’s skin varies from golden yellow to black. Black spots in this animal are arranged in a rosette or rose-like pattern, and a tendency for melanism (black color). The threat of Javan leopard extinction is caused by the decrease of habitat carrying capacity, the shrinking of natural forests on the island of Java, and the increasing conflict between the leopard and the community in the last decade [2]. The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a subspecies of Panthera pardus spp., spread across the African and Asian regions. We aimed to develop electroejaculator (EE) techniques and evaluate cryopreservation success in Javan leopard semen
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