321 Ovarian Superstimulation and Oocyte Collection in Wood Bison, a Threatened Canadian Species

A breakthrough in wood bison conservation, a threatened Canadian species, has been achieved through the successful development of an ovarian superstimulatory protocol. This method significantly increases oocyte collection rates, crucial for in vitro embryo production to support repopulation efforts. Researchers found that using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) resulted in more than twice the number of viable oocytes compared to equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Specifically, FSH-treated bison yielded 7.2 ± 1.4 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) of acceptable quality versus 3.4 ± 0.6 for eCG-treated ones. The study employed transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration, demonstrating its efficacy in collecting high-quality oocytes from superstimulated wood bison. This advancement, funded by Canadian agricultural grants and supported by Bioniche Animal Health Canada, offers a promising solution to the challenges posed by endemic diseases like tuberculosis and brucellosis in wild herds.

Palomino, J. M., McCorkell, R. B., Woodbury, M. R., Cervantes, M. P., Toosi, B. M., & Adams, G. P. (2010). 321 OVARIAN SUPERSTIMULATION AND OOCYTE COLLECTION IN WOOD BISON, A THREATENED CANADIAN SPECIES. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 23(1), 257. https://doi.org/10.1071/rdv23n1ab321