Scientists with the University of Western Australia compared the sperm of endangered and non-threatened mammals, from the giant panda to the familiar domestic cat, to better understand the link between sperm quality and inbreeding.
Dr John Fitzpatrick and Dr Jon Evans from UWA's Centre for Evolutionary Biology analysed sperm data from 20 species including, among others, the panther, lion, cheetah, giant panda, bison and howler monkey.
Inbreeding Could Cost Chicken Industry Heavily
Inbreeding among chickens too has serious fall-out. Industrial chickens have lost about half of the genetic variation found in their wild counterparts. It is a A disaster waiting to strike.
Inbreeding among chickens too has serious fall-out. Industrial chickens have lost about half of the genetic variation found in their wild counterparts. It is a A disaster waiting to strike.
"Endangered species are often plagued by reductions in fertility," Dr Fitzpatrick said. "Recent studies have linked impaired sperm quality brought on by inbreeding with infertility in individual species.
"We show that the most inbred species had more sperm abnormalities and fewer motile (mobile) sperm, and that inbreeding can severely reduce male reproductive fitness. Genetic viability and reproductive potential are therefore important considerations when restoring threatened populations."
Animals Use Their Genes to Avoid Inbreeding
Many animals avoid mating between close relatives as it can cause shared but hidden faulty traits to surface in their offspring. A new study throws light on just how they do so.
Many animals avoid mating between close relatives as it can cause shared but hidden faulty traits to surface in their offspring. A new study throws light on just how they do so.
"We show that those endangered species with the most severe loss of genetic variability had the poorest ejaculate quality. Since sperm quality is an essential part of breeding programs, and hence species restoration, our results highlight that preserving genetic variability is essential for preserving a species' reproductive capacity," he said.
Remarks Linking Inbreeding And Diabetes Sparks of Controversy
Remarks by Dr Ian Gibson in an interview linking inbreeding and diabetes sparks off controversy.
Remarks by Dr Ian Gibson in an interview linking inbreeding and diabetes sparks off controversy.
Source-Medindia
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