Current and Emerging Advanced Techniques for Breeding Donkeys and Mules

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Reproduction
• Equine Genetics

Background:

• Donkeys and mules are vital in agriculture, conservation, and emerging industries.
• Reproductive challenges hinder efficient breeding management in these equids.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) present a promising avenue for overcoming these hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging in vitro techniques for donkey and mule breeding.
• To highlight the importance of ARTs in optimizing reproductive outcomes.
• To identify areas for improvement in gamete conservation and embryo transfer protocols.

Main Methods:

• Sperm cryopreservation and preservation technologies
• Embryo transfer, ovum pick-up (OPU), and oocyte maturation
• In vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)

Main Results:

• Successful production of the first donkey and mule blastocysts and foals using SCNT.
• Significant progress in various in vitro techniques over the past decade.
• Identification of the need for standardized protocols for gamete conservation and embryo transfer.

Conclusions:

• Advancing in vitro embryo production and gamete conservation technologies is essential for long-eared equids.
• Standardization of protocols will enhance reproductive efficiency and genetic management.
• ARTs hold significant potential for improving donkey and mule populations.