Theriogenology in Cervids and Wild Ruminants

Knowledge gained about small ruminants has served to develop techniques for reproductive management of farmed cervids and wild ruminants. This chapter is not intended to be an in-depth review of reproduction in exotic species. It aims to provide a working description of the reproductive physiology and application of reproductive technologies to farmed cervids. Techniques for semen collection and preservation, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer in these species are described. Collection of epididymal sperm has been used on several wild small ruminant (antelopes, caprinae) species for preservation. Reproductive management of wild animals and the control of cervid populations using zona pellucida immunization or vaccination against GnRH are discussed. The chapter concludes with a brief presentation of reproductive disorders in these species.