A review on reproduction in South American camelids

In this paper,aspects of reproductive physiology and endocrinology, as well as sexual behaviour in South American camelids are reviewed. Because of th e many unique features of reproduction in these animals, the application of advanced breeding techniques that are routinely used in other domestic spe cies has been slow and in some cases, are not applicable. Relatively high e mbryonic loss and the capacity to carry only one offspring at a time limit production in females. Furthermore, some 20% of females do not conceive fol lowing mating. Research is needed to elucidate the causes of embryonic loss , particularly in relation to the preferential location of embryos in the l eft uterine horn and the apparent differential luteolytic activity of the t wo uterine horns. A fuller understanding of the endocrine changes and mecha nisms accompanying folliculogenesis estrus, induction of ovulation and lute al regression may led to treatments that provide better control of ovulatio n and enhance the quality and viability of eggs shed. In the male, the horm onal interactions involved in facilitating libido need to be established an d the underlying causes of declining libido resulting from continued exposu re to estrous females, identified. More importantly, there is a need to dev elop a routine method to collect semen from animals on farm, or in studs. D eficiencies in this area have long hampered the evaluation of sires through proper assessment of their semen quality and in the application of artific ial insemination. In addition, establishment of techniques to freeze semen from these species has obvious advantages for breeding, including crossbree ding between species to improve products such as fibre and to assist in pre servation of some of the more endangered New world camelids. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.