Application of reproductive technology to conservation
Over the last few years cryopreservation of house mice sperm has been successfully developed in several laboratories overseas. Using the Australian rodents, and in particular plains mice and spinifex hopping mice, we have managed to develop a superovulation regime for these species and, furthermore, we have carried out some preliminary observations on cryopreservation of sperm of these animals. Using the hairy-nosed wombat we have recently found that administration of porcine gonadotrophin results in ovarian follicular development and oocyte maturation (McDonald et al, 2006; Drury et el, 2007); a finding that may be of practical benefit in the developing of assisted reproductive procedures in these animals in the future.
