The Experts below are selected from a list of 303 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Robert Hermes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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One Small Step for Rhinos, One Giant Leap for Wildlife Management- Imaging Diagnosis of Bone Pathology in Distal Limb
2016Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Thomas B. Hildebr, Robert HermesAbstract:Chronic foot disease poses a threat to the general health, represents a tremendous clinical challenge, and often is a reason for euthanasia in captive megaherbivores, among them the elephant and Rhinoceros. Nevertheless, apart from the elephant, foot pathology is handled as being confined only to soft tissues whereas bone pathology is often overlooked. As a case in point, the authors selected the second largest mammal on land, the Rhinoceros. We performed a computed tomographic (CT) study using the highest resolution available in veterinary world, followed by digital radiography of eight distal limbs from two white and one Indian Rhinoceroses. Our study demonstrated that bone pathology in Rhinoceroses ’ foot is present and in large numbers, yet none of these were diagnosed ante mortem. Even when the animals were euthanized due to foot problems, the decision was based on soft tissue pathology rather than orthopedic reasons. Even more worrying is the fact that the largest number of osteopathologies was present in one of the white Rhinoceroses that showed no discernable related clinical signs. This study describes for the first time the existence of bone pathology in white Rhinoceros foot, in addition to the two previously described Rhinoceros species- Indian and black Rhinoceroses. Furthermore, the chronic foot disease reported for the Indian Rhinoceros in our study was not restricted to soft tissue structures as was presumed ante mortem but included severe bone pathology. New evidence suggesting that osteopathology in Rhinoceroses ’ distal limb is more widespread than it was thought before could force us to rethink of radiographic diagnosis in captive megaherbivore
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Tumour incidence in female Indian Rhinoceros – data from repeated ultrasound examinations.
2014Co-Authors: Robert Hermes, Joseph Saragusty, Frank Göritz, Monica A. Stoops, Thomas B HildebrandtAbstract:Tumour incidence in female Indian Rhinoceros – data from repeated ultrasound examinations.
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Rhinoceroses.
2014Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Robert Hermes, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Frank Göritz, Rui Bernardino, Teresa FernandesAbstract:Ceratotherium simum simum- Southern white Rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis- Indian Rhinoceros, FR - front right, FL - front left, HR - hind right, HL - hind left autopodium.
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Rhinoceroses' species-related radiographic views.
2014Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Robert Hermes, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Frank Göritz, Rui Bernardino, Teresa FernandesAbstract:Dorsomedial-palmarolateral (DMPL) 20° oblique view performed at a projection angle of 20° from the dorsal mid-plane (arrow) allows a better visualization of all digits than the traditional DMPL 45° oblique view. Positioning technique is demonstrated on tri-dimensional computed tomographic (3D CT) image of Indian Rhinoceros 3 right front foot (right side image) and schematically represented using a cross-sectional CT image (left side image). Semi-transparent 3D CT imaging protocol was employed to show both foot's exterior aspect and the underlying bony structures.
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one small step for rhinos one giant leap for wildlife management imaging diagnosis of bone pathology in distal limb
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Thomas B Hildebrandt, Robert HermesAbstract:Chronic foot disease poses a threat to the general health, represents a tremendous clinical challenge, and often is a reason for euthanasia in captive megaherbivores, among them the elephant and Rhinoceros. Nevertheless, apart from the elephant, foot pathology is handled as being confined only to soft tissues whereas bone pathology is often overlooked. As a case in point, the authors selected the second largest mammal on land, the Rhinoceros. We performed a computed tomographic (CT) study using the highest resolution available in veterinary world, followed by digital radiography of eight distal limbs from two white and one Indian Rhinoceroses. Our study demonstrated that bone pathology in Rhinoceroses’ foot is present and in large numbers, yet none of these were diagnosed ante mortem. Even when the animals were euthanized due to foot problems, the decision was based on soft tissue pathology rather than orthopedic reasons. Even more worrying is the fact that the largest number of osteopathologies was present in one of the white Rhinoceroses that showed no discernable related clinical signs. This study describes for the first time the existence of bone pathology in white Rhinoceros foot, in addition to the two previously described Rhinoceros species - Indian and black Rhinoceroses. Furthermore, the chronic foot disease reported for the Indian Rhinoceros in our study was not restricted to soft tissue structures as was presumed ante mortem but included severe bone pathology. New evidence suggesting that osteopathology in Rhinoceroses’ distal limb is more widespread than it was thought before could force us to rethink of radiographic diagnosis in captive megaherbivores as routine examination incorporated into their health management. The anticipated improvements in radiologic examinations in megaherbivores will increase the effectiveness of their management and husbandry and open the way for improved animal welfare and better wildlife conservation.
Ulfur Arnason - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the complete mitochondrial dna sequence of the white Rhinoceros ceratotherium simum and comparison with the mtdna sequence of the Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 1997Co-Authors: Ulfur ArnasonAbstract:The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the white Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum, was determined. The length of the reported sequence is 16,832 nucleotides. This length can vary, however, due to pronounced heteroplasmy caused by differing numbers of a repetitive motif (58-CGCATATACA-38) in the control region. The 16,832 nucleotide sequence presented here is the longest version of the molecule and contains 35 copies of this motif. Comparison between the complete mitochondrial sequences of the white and the Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis) Rhinoceroses allowed an estimate of the date of the basal evolutionary divergence among extant Rhinoceroses. The calculation suggested that this divergence took place approximately 27 million years before present. r1997Academic Press
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the complete mitochondrial dna sequence of the greater Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis and the phylogenetic relationship among carnivora perissodactyla and artiodactyla cetacea
Molecular Biology and Evolution, 1996Co-Authors: Xiufeng Xu, Axel Janke, Ulfur ArnasonAbstract:The sequence (16,829 nt) of the complete mitochondrial genome of the greater Indian Rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis, was determined. Like other perissodactyls studied (horse and donkey) the Rhinoceros demonstrates length variation (heteroplasmy) associated with different numbers of repetitive motifs in the control region. The 16,829-nt variety of the molecule includes 36 identical control region motifs. The evolution of individual peptide-coding genes was examined by comparison with a distantly related perissodactyl, the horse, and the relationships among the orders Carnivora, Perissodactyla, and Artiodactyla (+ Cetacea) were examined on the basis of concatenated sequences of 12 mitochondrial peptide-coding genes. The phylogenetic analyses grouped Carnivora, Perissodactyla, and Artiodactyla (+ Cetacea) into a superordinal clade and within this clade a sister group relationship was recognized between Carnivora and Perissodactyla to the exclusion of Artiodactyla (+ Cetacea). On the basis of the molecular difference between the Rhinoceros and the horse and by applying as a reference the Artiodactyl/Cetacean divergence set at 60 million years ago (MYA), the evolutionary divergence between the families Rhinocerotidae and Equidae was dated to approximate to 50 MYA. (Less)
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ARTICLE NO. FY960385 The Complete Mitochondrial DNA Sequence of the White Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum, and Comparison with the mtDNA Sequence of the Indian Rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis
1996Co-Authors: Ulfur ArnasonAbstract:The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the white Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum, was determined. The length of the reported sequence is 16,832 nucleotides. This length can vary, however, due to pronounced heteroplasmy caused by differing numbers of a repetitive motif (58-CG-CATATACA-38) in the control region. The 16,832 nucleotide sequence presented here is the longest version of the molecule and contains 35 copies of this motif. Comparison between the complete mitochondrial sequences of the white and the Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis) Rhinoceroses allowed an estimate of the date of the basal evolutionary divergence among extant Rhinoceroses. The calculation suggested that this divergence took place approximately 27 million years before present. r 1997 Academic Pres
Gabriela Galateanu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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One Small Step for Rhinos, One Giant Leap for Wildlife Management- Imaging Diagnosis of Bone Pathology in Distal Limb
2016Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Thomas B. Hildebr, Robert HermesAbstract:Chronic foot disease poses a threat to the general health, represents a tremendous clinical challenge, and often is a reason for euthanasia in captive megaherbivores, among them the elephant and Rhinoceros. Nevertheless, apart from the elephant, foot pathology is handled as being confined only to soft tissues whereas bone pathology is often overlooked. As a case in point, the authors selected the second largest mammal on land, the Rhinoceros. We performed a computed tomographic (CT) study using the highest resolution available in veterinary world, followed by digital radiography of eight distal limbs from two white and one Indian Rhinoceroses. Our study demonstrated that bone pathology in Rhinoceroses ’ foot is present and in large numbers, yet none of these were diagnosed ante mortem. Even when the animals were euthanized due to foot problems, the decision was based on soft tissue pathology rather than orthopedic reasons. Even more worrying is the fact that the largest number of osteopathologies was present in one of the white Rhinoceroses that showed no discernable related clinical signs. This study describes for the first time the existence of bone pathology in white Rhinoceros foot, in addition to the two previously described Rhinoceros species- Indian and black Rhinoceroses. Furthermore, the chronic foot disease reported for the Indian Rhinoceros in our study was not restricted to soft tissue structures as was presumed ante mortem but included severe bone pathology. New evidence suggesting that osteopathology in Rhinoceroses ’ distal limb is more widespread than it was thought before could force us to rethink of radiographic diagnosis in captive megaherbivore
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Rhinoceroses.
2014Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Robert Hermes, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Frank Göritz, Rui Bernardino, Teresa FernandesAbstract:Ceratotherium simum simum- Southern white Rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis- Indian Rhinoceros, FR - front right, FL - front left, HR - hind right, HL - hind left autopodium.
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Rhinoceroses' species-related radiographic views.
2014Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Robert Hermes, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Frank Göritz, Rui Bernardino, Teresa FernandesAbstract:Dorsomedial-palmarolateral (DMPL) 20° oblique view performed at a projection angle of 20° from the dorsal mid-plane (arrow) allows a better visualization of all digits than the traditional DMPL 45° oblique view. Positioning technique is demonstrated on tri-dimensional computed tomographic (3D CT) image of Indian Rhinoceros 3 right front foot (right side image) and schematically represented using a cross-sectional CT image (left side image). Semi-transparent 3D CT imaging protocol was employed to show both foot's exterior aspect and the underlying bony structures.
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one small step for rhinos one giant leap for wildlife management imaging diagnosis of bone pathology in distal limb
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Thomas B Hildebrandt, Robert HermesAbstract:Chronic foot disease poses a threat to the general health, represents a tremendous clinical challenge, and often is a reason for euthanasia in captive megaherbivores, among them the elephant and Rhinoceros. Nevertheless, apart from the elephant, foot pathology is handled as being confined only to soft tissues whereas bone pathology is often overlooked. As a case in point, the authors selected the second largest mammal on land, the Rhinoceros. We performed a computed tomographic (CT) study using the highest resolution available in veterinary world, followed by digital radiography of eight distal limbs from two white and one Indian Rhinoceroses. Our study demonstrated that bone pathology in Rhinoceroses’ foot is present and in large numbers, yet none of these were diagnosed ante mortem. Even when the animals were euthanized due to foot problems, the decision was based on soft tissue pathology rather than orthopedic reasons. Even more worrying is the fact that the largest number of osteopathologies was present in one of the white Rhinoceroses that showed no discernable related clinical signs. This study describes for the first time the existence of bone pathology in white Rhinoceros foot, in addition to the two previously described Rhinoceros species - Indian and black Rhinoceroses. Furthermore, the chronic foot disease reported for the Indian Rhinoceros in our study was not restricted to soft tissue structures as was presumed ante mortem but included severe bone pathology. New evidence suggesting that osteopathology in Rhinoceroses’ distal limb is more widespread than it was thought before could force us to rethink of radiographic diagnosis in captive megaherbivores as routine examination incorporated into their health management. The anticipated improvements in radiologic examinations in megaherbivores will increase the effectiveness of their management and husbandry and open the way for improved animal welfare and better wildlife conservation.
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Bone pathologies in three Rhinoceroses.
2013Co-Authors: Gabriela Galateanu, Alexis Maillot, Romain Potier, Joseph Saragusty, Baptiste Mulot, Pascal Etienne, Thomas B Hildebrandt, Robert HermesAbstract:WR 1- white Rhinoceros 1, WR 2- white Rhinoceros 2; IR- Indian Rhinoceros, FR-front right, FL-front left, HR-hind right, HL-hind left autopodium, R-radial carpal bone, I-intermediate carpal bone, U-ulnar carpal bone, Ta-talus, Ca-Calcaneus, CTB-central tarsal bone, T I-first tarsal bone, Mc-metacarpal bone, Mt-metatarsal bone, D-digit, Ph-phalanx, S-large or proximal sesamoids. The lesions visible on digital radiographs are underlined.
Mahesh Poudyal - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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economic incentives and poaching of the one horned Indian Rhinoceros in nepal stakeholder perspectives in biodiversity conservation analysis of local national and global stakes in rhino conservation in royal chitwan national park nepal
2005Co-Authors: Bhim Adhikari, Wolfgang Haider, Om Gurung, Mahesh Poudyal, Ben Beardmore, Duncan Knowler, Pieter Van BeukeringAbstract:The one-horned Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is of special conservation importance, and plays a key role in Nepal's growing eco-tourism industry. Abundant in the past, this rhino population now faces a multitude of threats, the most serious of which is poaching for valuable rhino horn. The main aim of this research was to carry out a stakeholder analysis in order to determine who has a stake in the welfare of Terai's rhino population. A household survey (444 interviews) was conducted in six different villages in the buffer zone of the Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP). Tourists' attitudes towards national parks and eco-tourism in Nepal, as well as their opinions on forest and wildlife conservation, were also examined. Stakeholder analysis revealed that there are five major stakeholders in the RCNP buffer zone: i) landless/marginalized households, ii) farmers, iii) tourism and related sectors, iv) visitors and non-users and v) government/NGOs. Each group represents different interests with regard to park management and rhino conservation. Loss of crops and livestock presents a major management problem around the RCNP buffer zone in the view of local farmers. Non-farmer groups, like the Chepang, Bote and Majhi communities, pledged to be rhino herders if the government provided them with job opportunities. Other non-farmers claimed they wouldn't disturb rhinos (or other wild animals) if they could use forest and water resources for longer periods of time on a regulated basis. Local poachers explained that they were looking for alternative sources of income to avoid being involved in such a risky business. The park authority considered the establishment of the national park (and subsequent conservation of rhinos) to have not only contributed to the national economy, but also to community development in buffer zone areas. As nature and wildlife form the basis of the eco-tourism industry, tourism entrepreneurs believed they had also contributed positively to local conservation. Despite some negative impacts on their livelihoods, local people valued rhinos and equated them with national wealth. They believed rhinos have a right to co-exist with the surrounding human population. The discrete choice experiment conducted confirmed that all stakeholder groups found the proposed management scenarios more attractive than the status quo. Most respondents were in favour of compensation for rhino-related damage, and supported a community development program funded by parks revenues. Interestingly, the general preference for these compensatory measures peaked at about 50%, indicating that either respondents do not require full compensation, or they do not believe higher amounts would be forthcoming. Respondents would particularly value increased tourism employment opportunities and greater possibilities to use park resources. Most importantly, if these compensatory measures were put in place, the majority of respondents would have a clear linear preference for more rhinos. The various stakeholder groups reacted as expected; the highest income farmers regarded high compensatory measures as less important than low and mid-income farmers, while the landless marginalised group considered i) greater park access and ii) an income generation program as very important. The challenge for a pro-poor conservation policy is to integrate the needs of poor people into efforts to conserve an international public good, in this case rhinos. It is vital to ensure that poor farming and non-farming households are compensated for the costs they incur in supplying this unique good.
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economic incentives and poaching of the one horned Indian Rhinoceros in nepal simulation modelling of policies to combat the poaching of rhino in royal chitwan national park nepal
2005Co-Authors: Duncan Knowler, Mahesh PoudyalAbstract:Abundant in the past, the one-horned Rhinoceros that inhabits the low-lying Terai region of Nepal has come under pressure due to the loss of habitat and poaching. Efforts to protect the species continue to face considerable challenges, including: (i) economic constraints associated with protecting these species in one of the poorest countries in the world; and (ii) the ineffectiveness of current policies due to a number of socio-economic and political factors. This study models poaching behaviour to provide information about the effectiveness of current interventions and to simulate alternative policies. Our goal is to help design more effective policies to combat poaching, while at the same time ensuring that local livelihoods are supported. This study considers some salient features of the rhino conservation/poaching problem in Nepal, such as: rhino population dynamics, crop damage due to rhinos, park-community revenue sharing programmes, the collection of resources from the park, tourism employment, etc., when running a simulation model. Indeed, all of these factors were entered as sub-models within the overarching simulation model. The simulation model was run over a ten-year period from 2004-2013 (inclusive) for four policy scenarios. The current policy scenario represents the baseline and the three other hypothetical scenarios represent three distinct policy alternatives. The simulation results indicate that although a conventional conservation strategy, emphasising the role of anti-poaching units (APUs), is likely to increase the rhino population to a greater extent than the other strategies, it produces less overall benefits to local communities. Conversely, incentive-based conservation strategies that target farming and non-farming households through economic incentives (such as compensation for crop damage, increased employment opportunities, and greater access to park resources), along with some anti-poaching enforcement, are likely to increase the rhino population and at the same time produce greater overall benefits for local communities. It is inherently difficult to ensure all stakeholder groups simultaneously benefit from a single policy measure. However, the simulation results show that any policy that tries to incorporate the concerns of different stakeholders by providing different economic incentives is more likely to help protect rhinos, and at the same time improve local livelihoods.
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economic incentives and poaching of the one horned Indian Rhinoceros in nepal poaching of the one horned Indian Rhinoceros in the chitwan valley nepal a retrospective econometric analysis
2005Co-Authors: Mahesh Poudyal, Duncan KnowlerAbstract:Despite a relatively successful conservation programme for the endangered one-horned Rhinoceros in the National Parks of the Terai region, poaching remains one of the major threats to its survival in Nepal. In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in the number of rhinos poached; over 100 rhinos were taken in and around the Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) between 1998 and 2003. Although rhino poaching levels are influenced by the price of rhino horn on the international black market (amongst a host of other socio-economic factors), there have not been any attempts to study the reasons behind poaching in Nepal using econometric models developed and applied elsewhere. This study uses econometric models to explain changes in the level of poaching in the RCNP over a 30-year period. Factors that are thought to influence the number of rhinos poached in the RCNP include: (i) rhino population; (ii) effectiveness of antipoaching measures; (iii) penalties for poaching; (iv) availability of alternative economic opportunities (i.e., opportunity costs of poaching); and (v) the price of rhino horn. The results indicate that anti-poaching units (APUs), in their original organisational and operational form were highly successful in controlling the level of poaching in the RCNP. Furthermore, the availability of local economic opportunities seemed to reduce the level of poaching significantly. However, the penalties imposed on the convicted poachers were found to have little or no effect on the level of rhino poaching in the RCNP. The results also indicate a sharp rise in the number of rhinos poached during the years of the Maoist insurgency in the country, compared to the years before. Although the analysis is still very simplistic, it provides valuable insights into the factors that have affected the level of poaching in the RCNP over the years. It is hoped that these insights will be helpful in formulating effective policies to tackle rhino poaching, especially in and around the RCNP where Nepal’s largest population of one-horned Rhinoceros is found.
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economic incentives and poaching of the one horned Indian Rhinoceros in nepal
05 12, 2005Co-Authors: Bhim Adhikari, Wolfgang Haider, Om Gurung, Mahesh Poudyal, Ben Beardmore, Duncan Knowler, Pieter Van BeukeringAbstract:Study Area Nepal’s mountainous, hilly and lowland terrain has made its economic development difficult, yet these same geographical features make it a treasuretrove of globally significant biodiversity. Biodiversity conservation began around 40 years ago, in response to the combined threats of habitat loss, population growth and poverty. Conservation was made a priority, not only to maintain healthy ecosystems but also to meet the country’s future socio-economic needs.
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a study of the reasons for an increase in poaching of the one horned Indian Rhinoceros in royal chitwan national park nepal
2005Co-Authors: Mahesh PoudyalAbstract:Despite a relatively successful conservation programme for the one-horned Rhinoceros in national parks of the Terai region, poaching has been one of the major threats to the survival of the Rhinoceros, an endangered species in Nepal. This study uses a model to explain the level of poaching in Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) over a 30-year period, based on the factors that are thought to influence poaching in the Terai. The results indicate that anti-poaching units (APUs), in their original organisational and operational form were highly successful in controlling the level of poaching in RCNP. Further, the availability of economic opportunities locally seemed to reduce the level of poaching significantly. However, the penalties imposed on the convicted poachers were found to have little or no effect on the level of rhino poached in RCNP. The results also indicate a sharp rise in the number of rhinos poached since the start of a Maoist insurgency in 1996. These results will be helpful in formulating effective policies to tackle the growing problem of rhino poaching in Nepal, especially in and around RCNP, since this national park holds the largest population of the one-horned Rhinoceros in the country.
Terri L Roth - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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comparison of soy lecithin coconut water and coconut milk as substitutes for egg yolk in semen cryodiluent for black Rhinoceros diceros bicornis and Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis
Theriogenology, 2018Co-Authors: Jessye Wojtusik, Monica A. Stoops, Terri L RothAbstract:Abstract Semen cryopreservation for the black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) relies on extenders containing egg-yolk (EY). Use of such media is not ideal as inter-batch composition varies and there is risk of pathogenic contamination. The goal of this study was to test animal protein-free extenders. Semen collected via electroejaculation from 10 Rhinoceros (6 black, 4 Indian) was diluted with extender containing EY, 1% or 2% soy lecithin (1%SL; 2%SL), coconut water (CW), or coconut milk (CM), cryopreserved and evaluated for sperm motility, viability, morphology, progression, and acrosomal integrity at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 24 h post-thaw. Mean ± SD fresh ejaculate motility was 84.5 ± 7.6%, progression: 3.6 ± 0.6 (scale 0–5), viability: 83.4 ± 7.1%, intact acrosomes: 71.3 ± 6.9%, and morphologically normal: 78.8 ± 13.6%. Motility and progression decreased in all groups post-thaw, were greatest in EY, and decreased over time (P ≤ 0.05). Motility and progression did not differ (P > 0.05) between 1%SL and 2%SL, but were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in CM and CW, and acrosomal integrity was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in EY, 1%SL and 2%SL than in CM and CW. Post-thaw viability was greatest in EY and 2%SL followed by 1%SL, then CM and CW (P ≤ 0.05). Morphology did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). Morphology, acrosomal integrity, and viability were maintained over time (P > 0.05). Although some Rhinoceros sperm survived cryopreservation in SL treatments, reduced post-thaw motility rendered all treatments inadequate substitutes for EY-based extenders.
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enhancing captive Indian Rhinoceros genetics via artificial insemination of cryopreserved sperm
Animal Reproduction Science, 2016Co-Authors: Monica A. Stoops, Mark Campbell, Randal D Pairan, Christopher J Dechant, Joe Hauser, Jack Kottwitz, Wendy Shaffstall, Kurt Volle, Terri L RothAbstract:The objective of this study was to design an artificial insemination (AI) protocol using cryopreserved spermatozoa to obtain pregnancies in captive Indian Rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis). Four methods developed varied by timing and approach, as follows; Method 1: females (n=2) were inseminated pre- and post-ovulation under general anesthesia, Method 2: females (n=2) were inseminated pre-ovulation without anesthetic via endoscopy, Method 3: females (n=1) were inseminated pre-ovulation without anesthetic via manual insertion of an insemination catheter, Method 4: females (n=2) were inseminated same as Method 3 with the addition of standing sedation. Semen deposition site varied as a result of changes in AI technology and experience. All females conceived following intrauterine AI using three methods. Four pregnancies (n=3 females) produced via Method 3 and 4 resulted in term births (n=2 male calves, n=2 female calves) at 481.8±12.8days post-AI. Unfortunately, two early pregnancy losses were documented in a fourth female conceiving via Method 2. Pregnancy rates were 0%, 22%, 17%, and 50% for Method 1-4, respectively. Method 3 and 4 rates improved to 29% and 67%, respectively when accounting for AI's conducted only on ovulatory estrous cycles. Spermatozoa (n=5 males) were cryopreserved 0.3-9.3 y prior to successful AI procedures. The lowest dose of frozen-thawed sperm resulting in conception was 500×10(6) motile sperm. Mean time from AI to ovulation in conceptive and non-conceptive cycles was 26±11.8h and 66±80.7h, respectively.
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REPRODUCTIONRESEA CH Follicular, endocrine and behavioural dynamics of the Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) oestrous cycle
2015Co-Authors: Monica A. Stoops, Al D Pairan, Terri L RothAbstract:Longitudinal ultrasound, behaviour and endocrine evaluations were conducted, over 14 to 18 months, in two young female Indian Rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis) to characterize the oestrous cycle. Both females showed the same pattern of follicular development producing a large follicle (10–12 cm diameter) on one of the ovaries that persisted for 8.5 6 4.68 days before spontaneously ovulating. Ovulation occurred in all eight cycles monitored in a 6- to 7-year-old female versus 10 out of 14 cycles monitored in a 5- to 6-year-old female. Ultrasound examinations confirmed follicular collapse 48 h following the onset of behavioural oestrus in ovulatory cycles, while anovulatory cycles were associated with the formation of a haemorrha-gic follicle. The day of behavioural oestrus corresponded to peak urinary oestrogen conjugate concentrations for each cycle, but anovulatory cycles had lower concentrations on the day of behavioural oestrus compared with ovulatory cycles. A transi-ent increase in urinary progesterone metabolite concentrations was detected 1 day prior to ovulation. Irregular urinary pro-gesterone metabolite profiles followed anovulatory cycles, reflecting varying degrees of follicular luteinization. In an attempt to ensure that a cycle would result in ovulation in the 5- to 6-year-old female, a GnRH treatment was tested during two separ-ate cycles. Administration of GnRH on the day of behavioural oestrus resulted in an increase in urinary luteinizing hormone concentrations 2 h following injection. Regardless, ovulation did not occur in response to treatment. This study provides the first ultrasound data on ovarian activity in the Indian Rhinoceros and establishes normal physiologic and behavioural relation-ships during the oestrous cycle that may facilitate the breeding of this species in captivity
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use of urinary biomarkers of ovarian function and altrenogest supplementation to enhance captive breeding success in the Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis
Zoo Biology, 2014Co-Authors: Monica A. Stoops, Terri L Roth, Gary D West, Nancy P LungAbstract:Urinary hormone analysis was conducted on two adult female Indian Rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis) that exhibited minimal or no estrual behaviors traditionally used to time breeding. Urine was collected throughout two consecutive estrous cycles to establish preliminary data on each individual's pattern and concentration of estrogen conjugates (EC) and progesterone metabolites (PdG) during follicular and luteal phases. Following preliminary endocrine analysis, urine samples were shipped on a frequent basis to verify when each female was off baseline in EC. Estrus and breeding dates were then predicted. Females were introduced to fresh male Rhinoceros fecal samples daily throughout the follicular phase to potentially stimulate estrous behaviors. Despite successful assessment of follicular phase dynamics, females sometimes failed to exhibit estrus. Both females conceived following mating introductions that were timed using hormone analysis. Pregnancy was diagnosed either by endocrine analysis or rectal ultrasonography. Progestational support (altrenogest) occurred after pregnancy confirmation and varied for each female (21 and 66 days post-breeding). One female experienced early pregnancy loss and the other successfully completed a term pregnancy. These results demonstrate that a science based management strategy that relies on urinary biomarkers of ovarian function can facilitate naturally breeding captive Indian Rhinoceroses. Zoo Biol. 33:83–88, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
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semen cryopreservation in the Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis
Theriogenology, 2010Co-Authors: Monica A. Stoops, M W Atkinson, E S Blumer, Mark Campbell, Terri L RothAbstract:The objective was to identify an extender and cryoprotectant combination for Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) sperm that yielded high post-thaw sperm quality. Male Indian Rhinoceroses (n = 6; 7.5–34 yr old) were anesthetized and subjected to a regimented electroejaculation procedure (75–100 mAmps; 4–10 volts; 7–150 stimuli; total of 10 electroejaculation procedures). High quality semen fractions from each ejaculate were divided into four aliquots and a 2 x 2 factorial design used to compare the effect of two sperm extenders (standard equine [EQ] and skim milk-egg-yolk-sugar [SMEY]), and two cryoprotectants (glycerol and dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO]). Cyropreserved samples were thawed and assessed for motility, viability and acrosome integrity over time. Electroejaculate fractions processed for cryopreservation had high sperm concentration (516 10 6 /mL) and motility (79%). Post-thaw sperm characteristics were higher (P < 0.05) when semen was cryopreserved in EQ versus SMEY. Post-thaw motility of sperm cyropreserved in EQ averaged 50–55% compared to 22–37% in SMEY, with no significant differences in sperm characteristics of samples cyropreserved in glycerol and DMSO. In conclusion, sperm collected from Indian Rhinoceroses via electroejaculation were cryopreserved using EQ extender with either glycerol or DMSO; post-thaw quality was adequate for use in assisted reproductive procedures.