Integrated Reproductive and Cytogenetic Assessment of Infertility in a Captive Jaguar (Panthera onca).
5 affiliations
- 1Laboratory of Fish Genetics, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.
- 2Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
- 3Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences - ANIVET Gut and host health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- 4Randers Regnskov, Randers, Denmark.
- 5Evidensia Dania Hinnerup Dyrehospital, Hinnerup, Denmark.
Abstract
Background
Ex situ conservation of threatened felid species requires a thorough understanding of reproductive biology and realistic evaluation of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). In jaguars (Panthera onca), however, knowledge of reproductive limitations in captivity remains scarce.Objectives
On the basis of a comprehensive single-timepoint assessment, this study applied an integrated clinical, endocrinological, semen analysis and cytogenetic approach to investigate persistent infertility in a captive jaguar breeding pair recommended for reproduction within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) programme.Methods
Both animals underwent comprehensive reproductive and health assessments, including genital examination, ultrasonography, haematological and hormonal profiling. Semen quality was evaluated following electroejaculation, and cytogenetic screening was performed to detect potential chromosomal abnormalities using conventional staining, banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization.Results
Cytogenetic analyses revealed a standard felid karyotype (2n = 38) in both individuals, with no evidence of aneuploidy or structural chromosomal rearrangements. Clinical and endocrinological assessments of the female did not identify abnormalities likely to impair fertility. In contrast, semen evaluation of the male revealed markedly reduced ejaculate volume, low sperm concentration, low sperm motility and a high proportion of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, consistent with severe teratozoospermia.Conclusions
Taken together, these findings indicate that although genetic and general clinical contraindications for reproduction were absent, semen quality represents a critical limiting factor for successful natural breeding. Under the observed reproductive profile, ART feasibility requires functional validation through sperm selection and competence assays. This study highlights the value of combining cytogenetic and reproductive assessments to support evidence-based decision-making in captive breeding programmes and provides novel cytogenetic data for the jaguar.
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BibTeX
@article{altmanova2026integrated,
title = {{Integrated Reproductive and Cytogenetic Assessment of Infertility in a Captive Jaguar (Panthera onca).}},
author = {Marie Altmanová and Julie Strand and Kathrine Thejll Kirchhoff and Zuzana Majtánová},
journal = {Veterinary medicine and science},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1002/vms3.71192},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42893534},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Integrated Reproductive and Cytogenetic Assessment of Infertility in a Captive Jaguar (Panthera onca).
AU - Marie Altmanová
AU - Julie Strand
AU - Kathrine Thejll Kirchhoff
AU - Zuzana Majtánová
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - Veterinary medicine and science
DO - 10.1002/vms3.71192
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42893534
AB - Background Ex situ conservation of threatened felid species requires a thorough understanding of reproductive biology and realistic evaluation of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). In jaguars (Panthera onca), however, knowledge of reproductive limitations in captivity remains scarce.Objectives On the basis of a comprehensive single-timepoint assessment, this study applied an integrated clinical, endocrinological, semen analysis and cytogenetic approach to investigate persistent infertility in a captive jaguar breeding pair recommended for reproduction within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) programme.Methods Both animals underwent comprehensive reproductive and health assessments, including genital examination, ultrasonography, haematological and hormonal profiling. Semen quality was evaluated following electroejaculation, and cytogenetic screening was performed to detect potential chromosomal abnormalities using conventional staining, banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization.Results Cytogenetic analyses revealed a standard felid karyotype (2n = 38) in both individuals, with no evidence of aneuploidy or structural chromosomal rearrangements. Clinical and endocrinological assessments of the female did not identify abnormalities likely to impair fertility. In contrast, semen evaluation of the male revealed markedly reduced ejaculate volume, low sperm concentration, low sperm motility and a high proportion of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, consistent with severe teratozoospermia.Conclusions Taken together, these findings indicate that although genetic and general clinical contraindications for reproduction were absent, semen quality represents a critical limiting factor for successful natural breeding. Under the observed reproductive profile, ART feasibility requires functional validation through sperm selection and competence assays. This study highlights the value of combining cytogenetic and reproductive assessments to support evidence-based decision-making in captive breeding programmes and provides novel cytogenetic data for the jaguar.
SN - 2053-1095
ER -