Intracytoplasmic sperm injection in domestic and wild mammals.
Abstract: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a useful technique for clinical applications in the horse-breeding industry. However, both ICSI blastocyst and offspring production continues to be limited for most farm and wild species. This article reviews technical differences of ICSI performance among species, possible biological and methodological reasons for the variable efficiency and potential strategies to improve the outcomes. One of the major applications of ICSI in animal production is the reproduction of high-value specimens. Unfortunately, some domestic species like the bovine show low rates of pronuclei formation after sperm injection, which led to the development of various artificial activation protocols and sperm pre-treatments that are discussed in this article. The impact of ICSI technique on equine breeding programs is considered in detail, since in contrast to other species, its use for elite horse reproduction has increased in recent years. ICSI has also been used to produce genetically modified animals; however, despite numerous attempts in several domestic species, only transgenic pigs have been consistently produced. Finally, the ICSI is a promising tool for genetic rescue of endangered and wild species. In conclusion, while ICSI has become a consistent ART for some species, it needs further development for others. The low results obtained for some domestic species, the high training needed and the equipment required have limited this technique to the production of elite specimens or for research purposes.
© 2017 Society for Reproduction and Fertility.
Publication Date: 2017-12-01 PubMed ID: 29196493DOI: 10.1530/REP-17-0357Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article explores Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a technique used in animal breeding, and its varying performance among different species. While extensively used in horse-breeding, it has limitations in its application to wild species and other farm animals, which this paper intends to examine and offer potential strategies for improvement.
Technical Differences of ICSI Among Species
- The research paper first deals with the disparities in the application of ICSI to different species. Its effectiveness varies among species due to biological and technical reasons, both of which are being analysed for potential remedies.
Reproduction of High-Value Specimens
- The ICSI technique is most useful when used for the reproduction of high-value specimens within the breeding industry. Particular challenges occur with certain domestic species such as bovines, where there is a noteworthy low rate of pronuclei development post sperm injection.
- Various artificial activation protocols and sperm pre-treatments have been developed to address this issue, an aspect which is thoroughly discussed in the paper.
Impact of ICSI on Equine Breeding
- The usage of ICSI technique for breeding has seen a significant increase in the equine industry. Its impact in particular is examined in great detail since it has proved a useful tool for the reproduction of elite horses, despite it not being quite as effective for other species.
Production of Genetically Modified Animals
- ICSI has been used to breed genetically modified animals with mixed results. The research points out that while many attempts have been made across multiple domestic species, only transgenic pigs have been successfully and consistently produced.
Potential for Genetic Rescue
- ICSI holds potential for genetic rescue, especially for endangered and wild species, deeming it as a useful tool for conservation efforts. However, the technique needs further development to be applied efficiently across all species.
Conclusions
- While ICSI has proven to be a reliable Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) for certain species, it requires more refinement for use in others. The research posits that the low success rate seen in some domestic animals, the high level of required training, and the need for specialized equipment have restricted ICSI’s use primarily to the breeding of elite specimens or for research purposes.
Cite This Article
APA
Salamone DF, Canel NG, Rodríguez MB.
(2017).
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection in domestic and wild mammals.
Reproduction, 154(6), F111-F124.
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-17-0357 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia Animal, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICETBuenos Aires, Argentina salamone@agro.uba.ar.
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia Animal, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICETBuenos Aires, Argentina.
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia Animal, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICETBuenos Aires, Argentina.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic
- Fertilization in Vitro / veterinary
- Mammals
- Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
Citations
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