Gual SF, Pulido RJ

Language: English/Spanish
References: 10
Page: 261-267
PDF size: 735.04 Kb.

ABSTRACT

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a highly endangered wild carnivore which inhabits China. It was naturally bred for the first time at the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City. Eight offspring were born out of 6 parturitions, and four are still alive. Since 1990, 10 artificial inseminations (A.I.) have been performed in 2 females. Techniques used to electroejaculate, conserve and freeze the semen, as well as the one for artificial insemination are described here. Due to the peculiar features of the female's reproductive tract in giant pandas, A.I. has to be performed by means of a speculum or vaginoscope and urethral catheters. The urethra and the vagina have to be differentiated inside the vestibule which is located right next to the vulva. Usualiy fresh or frozen/thawed semen is deposited in the vagina, and an endoscope has to be used to reach the uterus trans-cervically. Up to now, none of the females have got pregnant by means of A.I. Observation of the species behaviour and some other external signs like anorexia and vulvar color and swelling have been the only way in which the reproductive cycle has been followed. Considering this study, it is now known that A.I. is difficult to be performed in giant pandas, partly, because of the reproductive tract particular features, and because there is a need to perform a technique to determine the exact time of ovulation. One possibility would be to relate steroid hormone levels in feces and urine, together with ethological observations.

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