Objective: To evaluate sperm reproductive parameters in mature male Zanjani vipers, Vipera albicornuta, to further understand snake reproductive biology for captive breeding.
Materials & Methods: 20 male Zanjani vipers collected, anesthetized, and "sacrificed." Testes and vas deferens were removed, and testes weighed. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, and survival time were measured from different sections of the vas deferens duct.
Results: Testes are oval, elongated, with light pink color, surrounded with many vessels, located in the 1/3 posterior part of the body. The right testes is located further up in the body and is significantly larger than the left. Sperm count is highest in late summer and early autumn seasons. There is no difference in motility in different regions of the vas deferens. Concentration is generally lower than garter, corn, and rattle snakes.
Discussion: Zanjani vipers are endemic to Iran, and often hunted from the wild to be milked for the production of biomedical products using their venom and antivenin. The concept of captive breeding may support a more reliable and inexpensive collection of snake venom. Results will help optimize the protocols for sperm collection in the snake species and create guidelines to find most viable males for reproduction in captivity, as well as the most optimal breeding season. One major consideration is the affect on venom of captive breeds versus wild breeds that face different environmental factors and constraints. Captivity also tends to lead to interbreeding which can have numerous, unknown physiological effects. If the main focus is to help create an antivenom, the most novel venom would be most effective. People would be bitten by wild vipers more than captive vipers. Understanding their reproductive biology could serve as important, future conservation acts, as well. Further research needs to be done to understand causes of low concentration, motility, and high sperm abnormalities, as well as reproductive behavior.
Moshiri, Malihe, Fatemeh Todehdehghan, and Abdolhossein Shiravi. "Study Of Sperm Reproductive Parameters In Mature Zanjani Viper." Cell Journal (Yakhteh) 16.2 (2014): 111-116.
1 comment:
Cool! I'm also curious about whether this type of research could be used to develop in vitro fertilization for conservation.
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