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Embryo Transfer and Embryonic Capsules in the Bobcat ( Lynx rufus )
Author(s) -
MILLER D. L.,
WALDHALM S. J.,
LEOPOLD B. D.,
ESTILL C.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0264.2002.00367.x
Subject(s) - embryo , embryo transfer , cryopreservation , andrology , biology , anatomy , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology
Bobcats ( Lynx rufus ) ( n =22) were used to test a surgical embryo transfer protocol for wild felines. Five blastocysts were collected 8–14 days post‐initial copulation (PIC). Translucent capsule‐like structures were recovered at 12 days PIC and are the first report of such a structure in a felid. Endometrial fibrosis was observed in one cat but, in general, post‐surgical fibrosis of the uterus did not seem to impede ova or embryo transport. One embryo underwent cryopreservation and this embryo plus two other transferrable embryos were placed in recipient cats during the course of the study. No pregnancies were maintained; but one non‐cryopreserved embryo was detected by ultrasound examination at 2 weeks post‐transfer. This study provides valuable groundwork for future studies and warrants optimism for continued research in this area.