Applications and perspectives of the use of ultrasonography for wildlife andrology: a review

Brito, Bruno Galvão de MatosOliveira, Radan Elvis Matias deSilva, Alexandre Rodrigues

Abstract Application of assisted reproduction techniques are essential for the preservation of endangered species, and ultrasonography has emerged as an interesting tool in this process, allowing noninvasive assessment of reproductive stages and characterization of male gonads. This review provides a compilation on the applications and perspectives of using ultrasonography for investigation of the morphological and functional aspects of the male reproductive tract in wild species. The technique, which has been improved with the use of vascular doppler, allows detailed analysis of blood flow and aids in the selection of individuals for breeding programs. Although there are challenges, such as physiological variations among species and the difficulty for applying ultrasonography to birds and reptiles, advances in imaging technologies, including elastography and doppler, have expanded the possibilities for diagnosis and monitoring reproductive status in various mammals. Ultrasonographic analysis contributes to the assessment of fertility, detection of testicular diseases and the definition of protocols for reproductive management, becoming an important tool in the conservation of wildlife and in the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies.