Abstract:
Recent loss of rhinoceros subspecies has renewed interest in using more advanced assisted reproductive technologies
(ART) in rhinoceroses and elephants. Currently, only semen collection, semen preservation and artificial insemination
(AI) have been used repeatedly with success in these species. Although ovum pick-up (OPU) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm
injection (ICSI) have been reported recently in rhinoceroses, the techniques are not yet optimised. In contrast, multiple
ART applications are routinely used in the horse. Since elephants and rhinoceroses share some reproductive features
with equids, we postulate that procedures such as OPU, ICSI, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET), which are
well established in the horse, may represent a basis to develop protocols for endangered pachyderms. In this review, we
summarise current knowledge on reproductive physiology relevant to ART. We discuss the current state of ART in all three
families and the requirements for the successful implementation of OPU, ICSI, IVF and ET in these species.
