Factors affecting reproductive performance of white-tailed deer subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination or natural mating
Miguel Mellado A D , Claudia G. Orta A , Eloy A. Lozano B , Jose E. García A , Francisco G. Veliz C and Angeles de Santiago C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Department of Animal Nutrition, Saltillo 25315, Mexico.
B Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Department of Natural Resources, Saltillo 25315, Mexico.
C Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Torreon 27059, Mexico.
D Corresponding author. Email: mmellbosq@yahoo.com
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 25(3) 581-586 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD12055
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of several factors affecting fawning rate, litter size, litter weight and neonatal fawn mortality in white-tailed deer inseminated either transcervically or by means of laparoscopy. Oestrus synchronisation with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based protocol and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was conducted in 130 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texanus) during three reproductive seasons (2007–2009; 271 services) in a game-hunting ranch in a hot–arid environment (26°4′ N, 101°25′ W). Ninety additional non-treated does were exposed to bucks for natural mating. Fawning rate did not differ between AI methods (40.0 vs 45.0% for transcervical and laparoscopic AI, respectively). Overall fawning rate (proportion of all does fawning after FTAI and a subsequent period of buck exposure) did not differ between transcervical (89.5%), laparoscopic (80.3%) or natural (88.9%) insemination. Litter size per fawning doe was higher (P < 0.05) in naturally-served does (1.65 ± 0.48) than in transcervically-inseminated does (1.40 ± 0.51) or in laparoscopically-inseminated does (1.48 ± 0.50). The main conclusion was that no enhancement of fawning rate or litter size occurred as a result of intrauterine deposition of semen by laparoscopy compared with the transcervical insemination technique.
Additional keywords: fawning rate, fawn mortality, laparoscopic insemination, transcervical insemination.
References
Aller, J. F., Fernandez, O., and Sanchez, E. (2009). Fixed-time artificial insemination in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Argentina. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 115, 312–316.| Fixed-time artificial insemination in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Argentina.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXptl2iu7Y%3D&md5=08e458f9a9dfb6cf9658f6b7987ac2f1CAS | 19131191PubMed |
Asher, G. W., Kraemer, D. C., Magyar, S. J., Brunner, M., Moerbe, R., and Giaquinto, M. (1990). Intrauterine insemination of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) with frozen–thawed semen via laparoscopy. Theriogenology 34, 569–577.
| Intrauterine insemination of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) with frozen–thawed semen via laparoscopy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD283pvFKhtg%3D%3D&md5=fd5707cb4a15ac42a0b3700f159ea3b3CAS | 16726861PubMed |
Asher, G. W., Fisherb, M. W., Fennessyb, P. F., Mackintoshb, C. G., Jabboura, H. N., and Morrow, C. J. (1993). Oestrus synchronization, semen collection and artificial insemination of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama). Anim. Reprod. Sci. 33, 241–265.
| Oestrus synchronization, semen collection and artificial insemination of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bowers, S. D., Brown, C. G., Strauch, T. A., Gandy, B. S., Neuendorff, D. A., Randel, R. D., and Willard, S. T. (2004). Artificial insemination following observational versus electronic methods of oestrus detection in red deer does (Cervus elaphus). Theriogenology 62, 652–663.
| Artificial insemination following observational versus electronic methods of oestrus detection in red deer does (Cervus elaphus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2czisF2msw%3D%3D&md5=e81c3ed19d23004bf9e72830a4d7ea88CAS | 15226020PubMed |
Chemineau, P. (1993). Environment and animal reproduction. World Anim. Rev. 77, 2–14.
Cook, R. C., Murray, D. L., Cook, J. G., Zager, P., and Monfort, S. L. (2001). Nutritional influences on breeding dynamics in elk. Can. J. Zool. 79, 845–853.
| Nutritional influences on breeding dynamics in elk.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
dos Santos-Zanetti, E., Furlan-Polegato, B., and Barbanti-Duarte, J. M. (2010). Comparison of two methods of synchronization of oestrus in brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). Anim. Reprod. Sci. 117, 266–274.
| Comparison of two methods of synchronization of oestrus in brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhsVGltrbN&md5=04b6da0cf903caf4337fd31dbc79d798CAS |
Fernández-Santos, M. R., Esteso, M. C., Montoro, V., Soler, A. J., and Garde, J. J. (2006). Cryopreservation of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) epididymal spermatozoa: effects of egg yolk, glycerol and cooling rate. Theriogenology 66, 1931–1942.
| Cryopreservation of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) epididymal spermatozoa: effects of egg yolk, glycerol and cooling rate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16759687PubMed |
Fernández-Santos, M. R., Martínez-Pastor, F., Matias, D., Domínguez-Rebolledo, A. E., Esteso, M. C., Montoro, V., and Garde, J. J. (2009). Effects of long-term chilled storage of red deer epididymides on DNA integrity and motility of thawed spermatozoa. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 111, 93–104.
| Effects of long-term chilled storage of red deer epididymides on DNA integrity and motility of thawed spermatozoa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18328648PubMed |
Garde, J. J., Martínez-Pastor, F., Gomendio, M., Malo, A. F., Soler, A. J., Fernández-Santos, M. R., Esteso, M. C., García, A. J., Anel, L., and Roldán, E. R. (2006). The application of reproductive technologies to natural populations of red deer. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 41, 93–102.
| The application of reproductive technologies to natural populations of red deer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16984473PubMed |
Haigh, J., Berezowski, J., and Woodbury, M. R. (2005). A cross-sectional study of reproductive indices and fawn mortality in farmed white-tailed deer. Can. Vet. J. 46, 413–416.
| 16018560PubMed |
Hopkins, P. S., Nolan, C. J., and Pepper, P. M. (1980). The effects of heat stress on the development of the foetal lamb. Aust. J. Agric. Res. 31, 763–771.
| The effects of heat stress on the development of the foetal lamb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Jacobson, H. A., Bearden, H. J., and Whitehouse, D. B. (1989). Artificial insemination trials with white-tailed deer. J. Wildl. Manage. 53, 224–227.
| Artificial insemination trials with white-tailed deer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Jones, P. D., Strickland, B. K., Demarais, S., and Blaylock, A. C. (2010). Reproductive characteristics of white-tailed deer in Mississippi. Southeast. Nat. 9, 803–812.
| Reproductive characteristics of white-tailed deer in Mississippi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lambe, J., Forbes, W., Olcott, B. M., Sanders, D. E., Godke, R. A., and Gentry, G. T. (2010). Effect of GnRH on fixed-timed artificial insemination pregnancy rates of white-tailed deer. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 22, 170.
| Effect of GnRH on fixed-timed artificial insemination pregnancy rates of white-tailed deer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Macmillan, K. L., and Peterson, A. J. (1993). A new intravaginal progesterone-releasing device for cattle (CIDR-B) for oestrus synchronization, increasing pregnancy rates and the treatment of post-partum anoestrus. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 33, 1–25.
| A new intravaginal progesterone-releasing device for cattle (CIDR-B) for oestrus synchronization, increasing pregnancy rates and the treatment of post-partum anoestrus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mader, T. L., Davis, M. S., and Brown-Brandl, T. (2006). Environmental factors influencing heat stress in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84, 712–719.
| Environmental factors influencing heat stress in feedlot cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XhvFygsL8%3D&md5=4c146ad33611eaadd0c3e6500c4b3b87CAS | 16478964PubMed |
Magyar, S. J., Biediger, T., Hodges, C., Kraemer, D. C., and Seager, S. W. J. (1989). A method of artificial insemination in captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Theriogenology 31, 1075–1079.
| A method of artificial insemination in captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD283pvFeruw%3D%3D&md5=841b7bb0af8630dfdc17e236dd316a61CAS | 16726625PubMed |
Malo, A. F., Garde, J. J., Soler, A. J., García, A. J., Gomendio, M., and Roldan, E. R. S. (2005). Male fertility in natural populations of red deer is determined by sperm velocity and the proportion of normal spermatozoa. Biol. Reprod. 72, 822–829.
| Male fertility in natural populations of red deer is determined by sperm velocity and the proportion of normal spermatozoa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXis12hsrY%3D&md5=22e6452cd2c9882d6a359b69372a72deCAS | 15576823PubMed |
Martínez-Pastor, F., Martínez, F., Álvarez, M., Maroto-Morales, A., García-Alvarez, O., Soler, A. J., Garde, J. J., de Paz, P., and Anel, L. (2009). Cryopreservation of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) spermatozoa obtained by electroejaculation. Theriogenology 71, 628–638.
| Cryopreservation of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) spermatozoa obtained by electroejaculation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18976805PubMed |
McCorkell, R. B., Woodbury, M. R., and Adams, G. P. (2007). Evaluation of an ovarian synchronization scheme for fixed-time artificial insemination in wapiti. Theriogenology 67, 1217–1223.
| Evaluation of an ovarian synchronization scheme for fixed-time artificial insemination in wapiti.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXjs1Ojs7s%3D&md5=2b9163eccb0906f966e09e386d8355b9CAS | 17331570PubMed |
McMillan, W. H., and Asher, G. W. (2007). Development of large-scale commercial AI for genetic improvement in farmed red deer in New Zealand. Proc. N.Z. Soc. Anim. Prod. 67, 82–90.
Mellado, M., and Meza-Herrera, C. A. (2002). Influence of season and environment on fertility of goats in a hot–arid environment. J. Agric. Sci. 138, 97–102.
| Influence of season and environment on fertility of goats in a hot–arid environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Monfort, S. L., Asher, G. W., Wildt, D. E., Wood, T. C., Schiewe, M. C., Williamson, L. R., Bush, M., and Rall, W. F. (1993). Successful intrauterine insemination of Eld’s deer (Cervus eldi thamin) with frozen–thawed spermatozoa. J. Reprod. Fertil. 99, 459–465.
| Successful intrauterine insemination of Eld’s deer (Cervus eldi thamin) with frozen–thawed spermatozoa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXhvVeiu7g%3D&md5=5b8375cf2a3996ad835267aab9a9222bCAS | 8107027PubMed |
Montané, J., Marco, I., Manteca, X., López, J., and Lavín, S. (2002). Delayed acute capture myopathy in three roe deer. J. Vet. Med. Series A – Physiol. Pathol. Clin. Med. 49, 93–98.
| Delayed acute capture myopathy in three roe deer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Morrow, C. J., Penfold, L. M., and Wolfe, B. A. (2009). Artificial insemination in deer and non-domestic bovids. Theriogenology 71, 149–165.
| Artificial insemination in deer and non-domestic bovids.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1cjnt1ektA%3D%3D&md5=2ac769b923234d770c159fa90ebbe53fCAS | 18986694PubMed |
Mylrea, G., Evans, G., and English, A. (1991). Conception rates in European fallow does (Dama dama dama) following intrauterine insemination with frozen–thawed semen from Mesopotamian fallow (Dama dama mesopotamica) and crossbred (Dama dama dama x Dama dama mesopotamica) bucks. Aust. Vet. J. 68, 294–295.
| Conception rates in European fallow does (Dama dama dama) following intrauterine insemination with frozen–thawed semen from Mesopotamian fallow (Dama dama mesopotamica) and crossbred (Dama dama dama x Dama dama mesopotamica) bucks.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK38%2FmtFyguw%3D%3D&md5=e530b8f19e9bcaaeb53ba3694f4f89dbCAS | 1953562PubMed |
Swihart, R. K., Weeks, H. P., Easter-Pilcher, A. L., and DeNicola, A. J. (1998). Nutritional condition and fertility of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from areas with contrasting histories of hunting. Can. J. Zool. 76, 1932–1941.
Wildt, D. E. (1989). Reproductive research in conservation biology: priorities and avenues for support. J. Zoo Wildl. Med. 20, 391–395.
Willard, S. T., Hughes, D. M., Bringans, M., Sasser, R. G., White, D. R., Jaques, J. T., Godfrey, R. W., Welsh, T. H., and Randel, R. D. (1996). Artificial insemination, hybridization and pregnancy detection in sika deer (Cervus nippon). Theriogenology 46, 779–789.
| Artificial insemination, hybridization and pregnancy detection in sika deer (Cervus nippon).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD28zgtVKqtA%3D%3D&md5=af52f10b39b215b46c31aeb9107e6d8eCAS | 16727942PubMed |
Willard, S. T., Neuendorff, D. A., Lewis, A. W., and Randel, R. D. (2002). A comparison of transvaginal artificial insemination procedures for use in commercially-farmed deer. Small Rumin. Res. 44, 135–140.
| A comparison of transvaginal artificial insemination procedures for use in commercially-farmed deer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
