engleski

Artificial insemination of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus l.)

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) is endangered bird species from the group of forest grouses (Tetraoninae). Despite still being present in the majority of its previous habitats, the population number is rapidly declining. Therefore, measures aimed at habitat analysis, understanding of factors with negative influence and establishment of artificial breeding are very important in preserving this species. Capercaillie inhabits mountainous areas, of Lika, Gorski kotar and Velebit, above 1000 m.a.s.l. The mating season begins at the end of the March and early April, with environmental temperature reaching 8 to 17 ° C. Out of sixty days of display, actual mating lasts for approximately only 8 days. Furthermore, in the artificial breeding, problems like failing to copulate, aggressive behaviour of males and females, avoiding of certain males, etc., were observed. The study was carried out in capercaillie breeding centre Prezid. The centre consists of 2 males and 5 females. At the time of the study they were at the end of the mating season, but without a successful mating. We took the sperm from the males by the lumbar massage method in the Eppendorf tube. Immediately after ejaculation, the sperm was diluted with a diluent (ASG medium) in a ratio of 1:2. Prepared diluted sperm was administered through the cloaca to the initial part of the uterus by a pipette. On the fifth day after artificial insemination, one of the eggs was cracked during the laying and analysed. On the surface of the egg yolk, we identified the embryo plate, and confirmed successful fertilization. Artificial insemination is a spare method in the case when natural fertilization fails, but also in the case of delayed egg production by females when males are already non-responsive.

artificial insemination ; capercaillie ; captive breeding

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