Ultrasonographic-guided retrieval and in vitro maturation of eland (Taurotragus oryx) and bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) antelope oocytes.

The limited availability of gametes is a major factor hindering the development and application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in large non-domestic ungulates. This is partly due to the small number of captive animals and handling difficulties associated with procedures for gamete recovery. In the present study, results are reported of multi-year studies on ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval by ultrasonographic-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration and subsequent in vitro maturation (IVM) in eland and bongo antelopes. All procedures were conducted on sedated females handled in a hydraulic chute without inducing general anesthesia. Five estrous synchronization/ovarian stimulation protocols were evaluated and data are presented on 73 and 15 procedures in eland and bongo, respectively. Repeating procedures (< or =once/month) on the same female did not affect ovarian response or number oocytes recovered in either species. Eland females, but not the ovarian stimulation treatment, affected ovarian response. Ovarian stimulation treatment affected oocyte recovery rate in eland, but not in bongo. In both species, ovarian hormone stimulation treatment affected the distribution of follicles by size and the status of expansion of the cumulus cell investment of oocytes, but not the frequency of metaphase II oocytes during IVM. The timing of extrusion of the first polar body during IVM was more synchronous in bongo than in eland oocytes. It is concluded that Transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) can be safely and repeatedly applied in gonadotropin-treated eland and bongo females to recover oocytes that can mature in vitro. The methods described for the present study can be adapted to improve the availability of non-domestic ungulate oocytes for basic and applied studies.

Transposition of the biceps tendon to reduce lateral scapulohumeral luxation in three species of nondomestic ruminant.

Open reduction of lateral luxation of the scapulohumeral joint was performed in a Mhorr gazelle (Gazella dama mhorr), a southern pudu (Pudu puda), and an Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex) by transposition of the biceps brachii tendon lateral to the greater tubercle of the humerus. The ibex had a very large greater tubercle that required a second osteotomy to allow successful lateral transfer of the tendon. Although all three animals were non-weight bearing in the first 2-3 wk after surgery, ambulation improved at 3 wk and was almost normal by 6 wk after surgery. Postoperative follow-up of 8 yr, 7 mo, and 3 mo in the gazelle, pudu, and ibex, respectively, revealed normal ambulation with no gait deficits. The gazelle was euthanized 8 yr after surgery for unrelated disease and necropsy demonstrated mild to moderate degenerative joint disease. Similar lateral shoulder luxations in comparably sized, nondomestic ruminants, without concurrent fractures or significant joint abnormality, have a good prognosis for return to function after surgical reduction using a biceps tendon transposition.

[Rumen fistula operation in a sitatunga antelope (Tragelaphus spekei gratus)]. / Pansenfisteloperation bei einer Sitatunga-Antilope (Tragelaphus spekei gratus).

It is reported on a fistula of the rumen in a Sitatunga caused by the butt of a horn. Surgical removal was successful.