Sensitivity to exogenous gonadotropins for ovulation induction and laparoscopic artificial insemination in the cheetah and clouded leopard

This study developed and tested protocols for hormonally inducing ovulation and performing laparoscopic artificial insemination in two nondomestic felids. The authors administered exogenous gonadotropins to stimulate follicular development and ovulation, monitored the ovarian response, and deposited semen directly into the reproductive tract using minimally invasive laparoscopy. They characterized how dose and timing affected follicle and corpus luteum formation and identified species differences in sensitivity to the hormonal regimen. The work was a key methodological advance, showing that controlled ovulation and intrauterine insemination could be achieved reliably in cheetahs and clouded leopards. It laid practical groundwork for assisted-reproduction programs and genome banking aimed at maintaining genetic diversity in captive populations of these vulnerable cats.