Med. Weter. 70 (1), 15-19, 2014
full text
| Prochowska S., Ochota M., Niżański W. |
| Current views on the possibility of the stimulation of estrus and ovulation in felines submitted to assisted reproductive techniques |
| The use of assisted reproductive techniques in wild felids (Felidae) is currently the subject of research in many scientific centers all around the world. Despite the described success, the pregnancy rates obtained as the result of artificial insemination or embryo transfer are low and the litters are small, which is a limiting factor for wider use of reproduction biotechnology in wild felids. The lack of sufficient knowledge about endocrinology of individual members of the Felidae family and the inability to optimize female hormonal stimulation is given as a reason of failure by many authors. This paper presents methods of control of ovarian cycle in wild animals, characteristic features of reproduction of the family Felidae, and methods of the induction of estrus and ovulation. The paper also draws attention to endocrine disorders that occur in felines after hormonal stimulation and describes attempts to minimize them by prestimulatory down-regulation of ovarian activity. |
| Key words: ovarian cycle, felines, estrus and ovulation stimulation. |