For South American wild mammals, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have been established in accordance with the procedures used for domestic mammals. However, often, it is not possible to infer the experimental conditions from one species to another. In general, the use of these ARTs aims the conservation of the animal genetic material, using gamete manipulation, embryo technology by in vivo or in vitro methods, and cloning. In all animals, the previous knowledge of reproductive physiology becomes the starting point for the use of ARTs in the expansion of all species of interest. In this sense, the purpose of this chapter is to develop an approach of theoretical, technical, and applied aspects of the ARTs in South American wild mammals, with emphasis on the state-of-the-art and its progress and perspectives.
Part of the book: Insights from Animal Reproduction
The knowledge of reproductive physiology is of paramount importance to guide reproductive management and to make possible future application of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) aiming ex situ conservation of wild mammals. Nevertheless, information on the basic reproductive aspects of wild mammals remain scarce, and appropriate management practices have not yet been developed for all the species. This chapter discusses the methods most currently used for reproductive monitoring in wild females. Additionally, the difficulties regarding their use in different species and the possibilities of these procedures in captivity or in free-living mammals are addressed.
Part of the book: Theriogenology