The effect of genetic selection for lack of aggression towards humans on male reproductive physiology in the silver fox

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 16-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. V. Osadchuk
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Defensive Responses ◽  
Silver Fox ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Selection For ◽  
And Control

Most of silver foxes bred in captivity show predominantly defensive responses to human contact. Since early captive breeding humans have unconsciously carried out selection for tameness. Thus, artificial selection for the absence of aggressive and fearful responses to humans most likely played a key role in domestication process. To establish the genetic and physiological mechanisms of the early evolution of domestic animals, a model of silver fox domestication was developed at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (Novosibirsk, Russia). A population of silver foxes has been produced in long-term selection for lack of aggression and fear towards humans (domestic behaviour). The method of selection and the behavioural changes in the course of selection have been described (Belyaev, 1979; Trut, 1995). Selected animals show no aggressiveness to humans and they are better adapted to captive conditions than their wild counterparts. The purpose of this study was to determine how behaviour selection influences testicular function in silver fox males. Plasma concentrations and testicular production of testosterone were determined in selected and control males in different parts of the reproductive cycle and prenatal life. In addition, reproductive behaviour and hormonal responses to opposite sex were estimated in the males of both behaviour groups. Sperm production and sexual activity were also compared between selected and control males.

scholarly journals Captive Hill Mynah Gracula religiosa breeding success: potential for bird conservation in Thailand?

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
MANEE ARCHAWARANON
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Species Survival ◽  
Conservation Problem ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Nest Materials

Hill Mynah Gracula religiosa is one of the most popular bird pets worldwide due to its ability to mimic diverse sounds, especially human speech. However, Mynahs have rarely been bred in captivity, so nestlings from natural populations are in large demand, resulting in many populations being threatened with extinction. Both subspecies in Thailand, intermedia and religiosa, are costly and desired in the pet market. Captive breeding is one of the most practical strategies to solve a conservation problem of this nature and this report describes a success in breeding Hill Mynahs in captivity. Mated pairs were given free access to food, nest-cavities and nest materials. Reproductive behaviour in captivity was not different from that in the wild, with the exception that breeding occurred throughout the year, even during the non-breeding season for wild populations. Although there are doubts concerning the reintroduction of captive-bred birds and whether successful Hill Mynah breeding in captivity is an economically competitive alternative to poaching, it ensures species survival in captivity as the risk of extinction increases.

Effects of behaviour selection on litter size, fetal development and plasma progesterone concentrations during pregnancy in silver fox vixens

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 125-125
Author(s):  
L. V. Osadchuk
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Coat Colour ◽  
Performance Potential ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Term Selection ◽  
Silver Fox ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Selection For ◽  
And Control

Animal domestication is a natural selection experiment the important result of which is a great increase in the rate of appearance of new forms and in the wild range of variation of organisms. Analysing different aspects of this problem, D.K. Belyaev has came to a hypothesis that the morphological and physiological reorganisation of domestic animals has been going by the way of unconscious selection of animals on their behaviour, carried out by person at the very first stages of domestication (Belyaev, 1979). To testify this hypothesis, a population of tame silver foxes has been produced in long-term selection for lack of aggression and fear towards humans (domestic behaviour) at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk, Russia. In the process of selection the genetic transformation of behaviour and morphology, and physiological functions has been observed (Trut, 1999). In particular, selected animals show no aggressiveness to man, behave amicably towards humans and have some changes in the coat colour and body constitution (Trut, 1999). The important part of Belyaev’s hypothesis was the assumption that selection for domestic behaviour could affect the reproductive function, in particular the pituitary-gonadal axis controlling reproduction and fertility. The aim of this study was to obtain information about possible changes in reproduction between control (C) and domesticated (D) vixens. Reproductive performance, potential fertility, embryonic mortality and fetal viability were analysed for vixens from domesticated and control population. In addition, plasma progesterone concentrations were determined in selected and control females during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Responses to divergent selection for plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 in mice

1989 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. T. Blair ◽  
S. N. McCutcheon ◽  
D. D. S. Mackenzie ◽  
P. D. Gluckman ◽  
J. E. Ormsby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Divergent Selection ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Family Selection ◽  
Selection For ◽  
High Control ◽  
And Control

SummaryA divergent selection experiment with mice, using plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) at 42 days of age as the selection criterion, was undertaken for 7 generations. Lines were not replicated. To obtain sufficient plasma for the IGF-1 assay, blood from four individuals was volumetrically bulked to obtain a litter mean IGF-1 concentration. This necessitated the use of between family selection. Although inbreeding accumulated in a linear fashion in each of the high, control and low lines, the rates were different for each line (3·6, 1·6 and 5·3% per generation for the high, control and low lines, respectively). As a consequence, the effects of selection and inbreeding are confounded in this experiment. Divergence between the high and low lines in plasma concentrations of IGF-1 continued steadily until generation 5. In generations 6 and 7, there was a reduced degree of divergence and this contributed towards the low realized heritability value of 0.15 ± 0.12. Six-week liveweight showed a steady positive correlated response to selection for or against plasma concentrations of IGF-1 until generation 4 (high-low difference = 1·7 g = 12%). In generation 5, a substantial drop in 6-week liveweight in the low line relative to both the high and control lines occurred (high-low difference, 3·9; g, 25%). This difference was maintained until generation 7.This experiment suggests that genetic variation exists at 6 weeks of age in plasma concentrations of IGF-1 in mice. Furthermore, genetic covariation between plasma IGF-1 concentrations and liveweight at 6 weeks of age is likely to be positive. Further experiments have been initiated to examine these theories.

Physiological attributes as possible selection criteria for milk production 1. Study of metabolites in Friesian calves of high or low genetic merit

1980 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Tilakaratne ◽  
J. C. Alliston ◽  
W. R. Carr ◽  
R. B. Land ◽  
T. J. Osmond
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Free Fatty Acids ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Sodium Propionate ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Blood Characteristics

ABSTRACTThe use of variation in metabolism to predict genetic merit for milk production was studied using 42 Friesian calves: 11 ♀♀, 10 ♂♂ were the offspring of four bulls with high (H), and 11 ♀♀, 10 ♂♂ of four with low (L) improved contemporary comparison (ICC) values (mean = + 402 kg and − 276 kg respectively). The animals were 14 or 15 weeks of age at the start of the study and treated similarly throughout.Blood samples were collected: I—in relation to feeding; II—at set intervals; III—during a 44-h fast; and IV—following the sudden introduction of an energy metabolite (sodium propionate), and then refeeding. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, urea, free fatty acids, total proteins and albumin were measured in all samples.Blood characteristics apparently differed among animals, particularly protein and urea (repeatability 0·74 and 0·62 respectively).The progeny of high ICC bulls had lower levels of urea during fasting (H = 4·70, L = 5·62P< 0·05) but higher levels of free fatty acids (H = 578, L = 492 μ equivalents/l;P< 0·05). There was a small difference in total protein (H = 69·7, L = 66·8 g/l,P< 0·05) but the other metabolites showed no significant ICC group difference.In general, sex of the animal did not influence the metabolites.Results suggest that calves with different potentials for milk production vary in aspects of energy and nitrogen metabolism; the possibility of using these as criteria for genetic selection for milk production is discussed.

Female control of reproductive behaviour in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), with notes on female competition for mating

Behaviour ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomas ◽  
Marissa L. Parrott ◽  
Kathrine A. Handasyde ◽  
Peter Temple-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Female Competition ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
And Control

Abstract Opportunities for studying platypus courtship and mating behaviours in the wild are limited due to the nocturnal and cryptic nature of this species. We report on platypus courtship and mating behaviour from a successful breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, in which platypuses were held as either breeding pairs or trios over seven years. Behaviour was recorded daily on infrared cameras resulting in over 80,000 h of footage that was analysed for activity periods, and courtship and mating behaviours including non-contact and contact courtship, mating and avoidance. Our aims were to describe and quantify courtship and mating interactions between males and females, and to determine if either sex controlled the initiation and continuation of the behaviours. From our observations, we describe a new courtship behaviour, non-contact courtship, which constituted the majority of all mating season interactions between males and females. The time between first and last appearance of a courtship and mating behaviour was 41.0 ± 6.6 days, with the females showing behavioural receptivity for 29.6 ± 5.1 days. Female platypuses used three evasive strategies in relation to approaches by males: avoidance, flight and resistance. Females controlled the duration of 79% of encounters using resistance. For the first time, two females were seen competing with each other over access to the male platypus in their enclosure and for nesting material. Time investment in courtship and mating behaviours was a poor indicator of receptivity and breeding success, and we suggest that breeding failure is more likely to be associated with failure of fertilisation, nest building, embryonic development or incubation. We describe how female platypuses demonstrate evasiveness and control of courtship and mating behaviours, and the importance of providing these opportunities in captivity to promote successful breeding.

scholarly journals Blind Trading: A Literature Review of Research Addressing the Welfare of Ball Pythons in the Exotic Pet Trade

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennah Green ◽  
Emma Coulthard ◽  
David Megson ◽  
John Norrey ◽  
Laura Norrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Veterinary Science ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Nutrition Environment ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Widespread Availability

Extensive numbers of Ball pythons are caught, bred, traded and subsequently kept in captivity across the world as part of the exotic pet industry. Despite their widespread availability as pets, relatively little is known about the potential welfare challenges affecting them. We reviewed the literature for research focused on the health and welfare of Ball pythons in the international pet trade. From a total of 88 articles returned from the search criteria, our analysis showed that very few actually focused on trade (10%) or animal welfare (17%). Instead, the majority (64%) of articles focused on veterinary science. There was a considerable bias towards physical health, with most studies neglecting the four other domains of animal welfare (behaviour, nutrition, environment and mental health). Furthermore, very few studies considered Ball pythons prior to resulting pet ownership, during wild capture and transportation or captive breeding operations. Our review demonstrates that our current understanding of welfare for Ball pythons traded as exotic pets is limited. We recommend that future research should focus on aspects of the industry that are currently overlooked, including the potential consequences of genetic selection during captive-breeding and the conditions provided for snakes prior to and during international transportation.

scholarly journals Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)—A Review

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3140
Author(s):  
Alexia Tommasi ◽  
Jacek A. Koziel ◽  
Annelin H. Molotsi ◽  
Giulia Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Reproductive Aging ◽  
International Union ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Insight Into

The cheetah species (Acinonyx jubatus) is currently listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Captive breeding has long since been used as a method of conservation of the species, with the aim to produce a healthy, strong population of cheetahs with an increased genetic variety when compared to their wild counterparts. This would then increase the likelihood of survivability once released into protected areas. Unfortunately, breeding females have been reported to be difficult due to the age of these animals. Older females are less fertile, have more difficult parturition, and are susceptible to asymmetric reproductive aging whereas younger females tend to show a significantly lower frequency of mating behaviour than that of older females, which negatively affects breeding introductions, and therefore mating. Nonetheless, the experience from breeding methods used in some breeding centres in South Africa and the Netherlands, which also rely on the role that semiochemicals play in breeding, proves that cheetahs can be bred successfully in captivity. This review aims to give the reader an in-depth overview of cheetahs’ reproductive physiology and behaviour, focusing on the role that pheromones play in this species. Furthermore, it aims to provide new insight into the use of semiochemicals to improve conservation strategies through captive breeding.

scholarly journals Gonadotrophic, prolactin, corticosterone, and gonadal hormones levels over 15 months in Giant Amazon River Turtles - Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines: Podocnemididae), in captive conditions

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-355
Author(s):  
G. E. Freneau ◽  
V. A. Sá ◽  
C. R. Franci ◽  
D. Vieira ◽  
B. N. Freneau
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Podocnemis Expansa ◽  
17Β Estradiol

Abstract In order to achieve successful captive breeding the Podocnemis expansa, it is necessary to study their reproductive endocrinology. The purpose of this research was to evaluate and characterize plasma concentrations in gonadotrophic, gonadic, corticosterone and prolactin hormones from Giant Amazon Turtles under captive conditions. Blood samples were collected over a 15 month period. The samples were assayed by the use of radioimmunoassay, prolactin, corticosterone, LH, FSH, testosterone, 17β-estradiol and progesterone. We verified significant seasonal pattern increase in 17β-estradiol levels and decrease in progesterone levels in the course of a year, which indicates vitellogenesis. This is related to normal ovarian cycles and possibly to the functional integrity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis of captive females. There were negative correlations between testosterone and corticosterone in the male samples, suggestive of stress (management stress) on the reproductive system. The plasma concentrations of gonadotrophic, gonadic, prolactin and corticosterone hormones may be used as a reference for further research and possible therapeutic approaches. The data collected during this research are unprecedented for this species and may serve as a reference for future research regarding the reproductive cycle of this turtle, also allowing reproductive management while in captivity. Information about these hormones must be gathered from wild populations during different periods of the year for better clarification of the reproductive physiology of this species.

Morphological changes to black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) resulting from captivity

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (9) ◽  
pp. 1562-1568 ◽  
Author(s):  
S M Wisely ◽  
J J Ososky ◽  
S W Buskirk
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Mustela Nigripes ◽  
Inbreeding Coefficients ◽  
Founding Population ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Selection For

Captive breeding of endangered species carries risks associated with small population size and domestication. The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) was among the first endangered species bred in captivity. We documented morphological changes to the species after >10 years of captive breeding. We measured 9 dental or cranial traits on 109 skulls; 85 specimens were collected prior to captivity and 24 specimens were of captive-born animals. Skulls of captive animals were 5–6% smaller than skulls from precaptive animals and were 3–10% smaller than skulls of animals collected near the founding population, suggesting that changes occurred in captivity rather than from sample bias in the founders of the captive population. Skull size did not correlate with inbreeding coefficients of captive animals, eliminating the possibility that black-footed ferrets were smaller because of the effects of inbreeding depression or overdominance. Although reintroduced animals were smaller than historical animals, we recommended no alterations to the current management because intentional selection for body size might further reduce genetic variation in a genetically impoverished species. We hypothesize that reintroduced individuals will return to historical body sizes rapidly, owing either to release of environmental stresses or to natural selection for larger size.

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