Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) Applied to Female Cervids Adapted from Domestic Ruminants

Simple Summary The application of ART in Cervidae is crucial for conservation, especially those endangered by extinction, management of farmed deer, and understanding cellular mechanisms in the reproductive processes. The reproductive techniques used in domestic ruminants are adapted in female deer. Nowadays, ART includes synchronization of the estrous cycle, artificial insemination, superovulation, oocyte collection, IVM, IVF, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos. Some reproductive biotechniques, such as IVF, have been already adopted for female cervids with satisfactory results, while others, such as cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, still require refinement. Some environmental factors influence the success of ART, e.g., stress susceptibility. There are about 150 Cervidae species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Only a small part is counted among farm animals, and most of them are free roaming. The universality and large numbers of representatives of cervids such as red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) may predispose these species to be used as models for research on reintroduction or assisted reproduction of deer at risk of extinction. We outlined the historical fluctuation of cervids in Europe and the process of domestication, which led to breeding management. Consequently, the reproductive techniques used in domestic ruminants were adapted for use in female deer which we reviewed based on our results and other available results. We focused on stress susceptibility in cervids depending on habitat and antropopression and proposed copeptin as a novel diagnostic parameter suitable for stress determination. Some reproductive biotechniques have been adopted for female cervids with satisfactory results, e.g., in vitro fertilization, while others still require methodological refinement, e.g., cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos.

Automated summary

The use of assisted reproduction techniques in Cervidae is crucial for conservation efforts, particularly in managing endangered species and farmed deer. While some techniques like IVF have shown satisfactory results, others such as cryopreservation still require refinement.