First Birth of Cheetah Cubs from In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer.
Authors: Crosier Adrienne E, Lamy Julie, Bapodra Priya, Rapp Suzi, Maly Morgan, Junge Randy, Haefele Holly, Ahistus Jason, Santiestevan Jenny, Comizzoli Pierre
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer in Cheetahs Approximately 30% of zoo-managed cheetahs cannot breed naturally due to age, health complications, or behavioural problems—a significant constraint on genetic management of this vulnerable population. Crosier and colleagues tested whether oocytes recovered from aged, nulliparous females (≥9 years old) could produce viable embryos through in vitro fertilisation, which were then transferred into younger recipient females. Three aging donors and three young recipients received hormonal stimulation (300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin and 3000 IU luteinising hormone) with concurrent faecal hormone monitoring; oocytes were collected laparoscopically, inseminated with cryopreserved sperm, cultured for 48 hours, and transferred at the 4–8 cell stage into recipient oviducts. One recipient became pregnant and delivered two healthy cubs after 90 days of gestation, marking the first successful cheetah births from in vitro–produced embryos. This proof-of-concept demonstrates that reproductive senescence need not preclude genetic contribution from older individuals, with clear applications for equine practitioners managing aged mares with valuable genetics but limited natural breeding prospects.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •This case demonstrates that reproductive senescence in aging female cheetahs may be overcome using assisted reproductive technologies, with potential application to other endangered species with similar breeding challenges
- •IVF combined with embryo transfer offers a viable pathway to increase genetic diversity and reproductive output in managed zoo populations of species with limited natural breeding success
- •Successful oocyte recovery and in vitro embryo development can be achieved in non-domestic felids using protocols adapted from domestic species
Key Findings
- •Oocytes from aged cheetah females (≥9 years old) demonstrated similar quality to those from younger females (2-8 years old)
- •Embryo transfer of 4-8 cell embryos produced via IVF resulted in successful pregnancy in a young recipient female
- •Two cubs were born naturally after 90 days of gestation, representing the first cheetah births from in vitro produced embryos transferred to recipient females
- •Approximately 30% of the ~350 cheetahs in Association of Zoos and Aquariums are unlikely to breed naturally due to age, health, or behavioral constraints