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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 21(6)

Ejaculate characteristics, short-term semen storage and successful artificial insemination following synchronisation of oestrus in the Indian blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra)

Sadanand D. Sontakke A , Manoj S. Patil A , Govindhaswamy Umapathy A , K. Ramachandra Rao A and Sisinthy Shivaji A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES), Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Annexe-I (CSIR), Attapur Ring Road, Hyderabad 500 048, India.

B Corresponding author. Email: shivas@ccmb.res.in

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 21(6) 749-756 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD08291
Submitted: 10 December 2008  Accepted: 2 April 2009   Published: 1 July 2009

Abstract

The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a small (20–30 kg) Indian antelope that is listed on Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Studies were undertaken to develop assisted reproductive technologies, such as synchronisation of oestrus and non-surgical AI, to support the conservation and genetic management of this Indian antelope. Semen characteristics, testosterone levels and the feasibility of short-term cold storage of semen were investigated. Furthermore, different oestrous synchronisation protocols (norgestomet implants and prostaglandin injections) were evaluated for successful AI, defined as the birth of live young. Norgestomet ear implants and i.m. administration of pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin (PMSG) resulted in successful pregnancies in two of five inseminated females, but both had twin pregnancies that were delivered prematurely. In contrast, two injections of prostaglandin 11 days apart were effective in synchronising oestrus in the blackbuck. Transcervical AI in oestrous-synchronised animals 72 and 96 h after the second prostaglandin injection resulted in successful pregnancies in four of six inseminated females (67%) and resulted in the delivery of three live fawns. These studies demonstrate the potential application of AI technology for the conservation of endangered ungulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the synchronisation of oestrus and successful non-surgical AI in blackbuck.

Additional keywords: assisted reproduction, gamete biology, norgestomet, prostaglandin, ungulate.


Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, the Central Zoo Authority, Government of India, and a supra institutional grant from CSIR, Government of India. The authors thank the Chief Wildlife Warden of Andhra Pradesh and the Director, Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad, for granting permission for the study to be performed. The authors thank Shri A. V. Joseph for his cooperation and interest in this project and Dr S. D. Kholkute for his constant encouragement. The authors acknowledge the technical assistance of Dr U. Lakshmikantan during the latter part of the study.


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