Semester of Graduation

Fall 2025

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Wild felids are experiencing population declines because of anthropogenic factors. As a result, there is a need for ex situassisted reproductive technologies (ART) for captive wild felids. Fortunately, domestic cats are an excellent model for developing ART for other felids. The aims of this thesis were to evaluate the potential effects of “holding” oocytes for 18 hours and different media sources, mimicking transport for ART on oocyte development and competence for ART. In the first study, 320 cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were allotted to 4 groups: group 1 COCs were fixed and DNA stained shortly after collection; group 2 COCs were placed in equine holding (EH) media for 18 h and then fixed and stained like group 1; group 3 COCs were placed into in vitro maturation (IVM) shortly after collection for 24 h; and group 4 COCs were placed in EH for 18 h before being placed in IVM for 24 h. In the second experiment, 1156 COCs were allotted into three groups: control (n=384), placed immediately into IVM for 24 hours; EH (n=386), placed in a serum free HEPES buffered media for 18 hours at room temperature prior to IVM; and MEM-HEPES (n=386), placed in a minimum essential media for 18 hours prior to IVM. After IVM, COCs underwent in vitro insemination using domestic cat frozen semen. These studies found that media type and an 18 h hold at room temperature did not affect oocyte maturation, fertilization, or development. Because domestic cats are a validated model for wild felids, this may be a novel alternative for handling and storage of wild felids COCs.

Date

10-29-2025

Committee Chair

Mitchell, Mark

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