Research overview: artificial insemination programs in cheetahs

Artificial insemination offers a way to move cheetah genetics between institutions and to breed animals that will not pair naturally, but it remains technically challenging in this species. This overview surveys the development of cheetah artificial insemination, including hormonal induction of ovulation, semen collection by electroejaculation, and laparoscopic deposition of sperm into the reproductive tract. It reviews the modest pregnancy rates achieved, the obstacles posed by teratospermia and variable ovarian responses, and efforts to combine insemination with cryopreserved semen. The review connects this work to genome banking and studbook management. Understanding cheetah artificial insemination is central to assessing how assisted reproduction can supplement natural breeding in maintaining the genetic diversity of managed cheetah populations.