Elephant reproduction: Improvement of breeding efficiency and development of a breeding strategy

Abstract

The efficiency of reproduction of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has become of major concern. To improve captive breeding management, we need to understand better the reproductive physiology and, in particular, the estrous cycle of the Asian elephant. We investigated the female reproductive physiology in semi-captive elephants in Thailand, where the climate, ecology and nutrition are close to that of the wild population, and studied also the reproductive behavior. This resulted in the development of an estrus detection method to improve the breeding efficiency. In addition, the induction of ovulation protocol was investigated to increase the success of both artificial and natural mating. Evaluation of the genetic relationship between breeding animals has been investigated in order to maintain the genetic diversity. To this end, microsatellite markers were evaluated, which led to an optimize panel of markers for individual identification, parentage analysis and genetic diversity assessment. This panel has been proposed as the standard for studying genetic diversity across regions in Asia. Furthermore, genetic data of Asian elephants in Thailand and Dutch zoos were assessed. This information is most relevant for a conservation programs and management. These studies can be implemented in the captive breeding program in elephant camps and zoos to protect the sustainability of the Asian elephants.