Ovarian function in captive owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae and A. vociferans)

• Published in: Journal of medical primatology Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 187 - 193
• Main Authors: Mayor, Pedro, Takeshita, Rafaela S.C., Coutinho, Leandro Nassar, Sánchez, Nofre, Gálvez, Hugo, Ique, Carlos, Monteiro, Frederico Ozanan Barros
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Animals; Aotidae - anatomy & histology; Aotidae - physiology; Aotus; Corpus Luteum - anatomy & histology; Corpus Luteum - physiology; Female; Hogs; morphology; Organ Size; Ovarian Follicle - anatomy & histology; Ovarian Follicle - physiology; ovaries; Ovary - anatomy & histology; Ovary - physiology; owl monkey; Parity; Pregnancy; reproduction; owl monkey; morphology; ovaries; Aotus; reproduction
• ISSN: 0047-2565; 1600-0684
• DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12181

Background Ovarian function and morphology of owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) is inadequately known, but it is essential to describe this organ in detail to better understand reproductive patterns of the species. Methods This study reports the anatomical and histological features of the ovaries from 41 owl monkeys, considering their reproductive status and parity. Results The corpora lutea (CL) and reproductive state had a significant effect on ovarian volume. Follicles were observed in both pregnant and non‐pregnant subjects. All females in the luteal phase and pregnant females showed at least one cyclic or pregnancy CL. Mean ovulation rate was 1.89 CL/female, and the mean ovum mortality was 37.5%. There were no significant differences in ovarian volume related to parity. Conclusions These results contribute to the scarce information available on the reproductive biology of owl monkeys and can aid in the development of biotechnologies involved in assisted reproduction.