Characterization of reproductive activity in captive male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) |
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Authors: | Katarina Jewgenow Frank Goeritz Katrin Neubauer Joerns Fickel Sergej V Naidenko |
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Institution: | 1. Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Stra?e 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany 2. A. N. Severtzov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Leninsky pr.33, 119071, Moscow, Russia
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Abstract: | This study characterizes the reproductive activity of male European lynx kept in Central Russia. Four captive adult males
were subjected to an electroejaculation prior to (November), during (March) and after (June) the breeding season. Concentration,
motility and morphological integrity of spermatozoa as well as testis diameter and testosterone levels in serum were evaluated.
Additionally, fecal samples were collected for 2 years to determine the fecal testosterone secretion. Testis sizes and serum
testosterone concentrations were characterized by little changes with highest levels in March (2.98 mm3; 1.96 ng/ml testosterone) and lowest in June (2.34 mm3; 0.75 ng/ml testosterone). In faeces, the highest testosterone concentrations were measured in February followed by a second
increase in May. The volume of ejaculates and percentages of motile and intact spermatozoa reached the maxima in March. By
performing two-male mating experiments, we could prove multiple paternity within three litters. Paternity analysis of litter
also revealed that 26 of 31 cubs (84%) were sired from the same male, independently from being the first or second mating
partner of the respective female. This particular male showed the most developed and activated reproductive tract and also
had the best semen quality, which seems to be important for sperm competition. |
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Keywords: | Lynx Teratozoospermia Mating experiment Paternity Seasonality |
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