REPRODUCTIVE-BIOLOGY OF THE BOTTLE-NOSED-DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS-TRUNCATUS)AND THE POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF ADVANCED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Current methods for genetic management of captive cetacean breeding re ly on intrainstitutional animal movement or occasional interinstitutio nal breeding loans. Breeding loans between cooperating institutions sh ould be organized to emphasize the genetic management of the total cap tive population of each species as these populations become self-susta ining. Advanced reproductive technologies (ART) currently used with do mestic species, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer, should be developed and utilized to improve the ability of marine mam mal managers to regulate the captive gene pool. Before ART can be deve loped, an improved understanding of anatomy and reproductive physiolog y of these animals is necessary. Available anatomical data provide ins ight into potential techniques for insemination. Initial research conc erning semen handling and freezing techniques has been accomplished in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). However, additional stud ies are required to define what factors influence the effectiveness of cryopreservation procedures. A combination of sonographic ovarian eva luation and endocrine data should help determine and define the effect iveness of synchronization or ovulation induction protocols and the ap propriate timing for semen introduction. Development and application o f these technologies should first be accomplished in a species that br eeds successfully in captivity, such as bottlenose dolphins. These tec hnologies can then be used to help establish and manage breeding colon ies of endangered cetacean species.