Objective—To describe the health status of foals derived by use of somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) at a university laboratory. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—14 live-born NT-derived foals. Procedures—Medical records from 2004 through 2008 were evaluated to identify all pregnancies resulting in live-born NT-derived foals. Information obtained included gestation length, birth weight, foaling complications, gross abnormalities of the fetal membranes, appearance of the umbilicus, mentation of the foal, limb deformities, and any other abnormalities detected in the neonatal period. Clinicopathologic data were also evaluated when available. Records of 4 recipient mares during gestation were included. Results—Six foals were clinically normal for all evaluated variables. The most common abnormalities detected in the remaining 8 foals included maladjustment, enlarged umbilical remnant, and angular deformity of the forelimbs. Two foals died within 7 days after parturition; in the remaining foals, these conditions all resolved with medical or surgical management. Large offspring syndrome and gross abnormalities of the fetal membranes were not detected. The 12 surviving foals remained healthy. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Associated problems of calves resulting from use of NT have been reported, but there are few data on the outcome of foals resulting from adult somatic cell NT in horses. Although this population of foals had a lower perinatal mortality rate than has been reported for NT-derived calves, some NT-derived foals required aggressive supportive care. Birth of foals derived from NT should take place at a center equipped to handle critical care of neonates.

Practical relevance: Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they exhibit multiple estrous cycles within a season, followed by a period of non-cyclicity. Cats cycle when the day length is long but can be induced to cycle year-round with 14 h of continuous artificial lighting. The feline estrous cycle includes the following stages: proestrus, estrus, interestrus and, if ovulation occurs, diestrus. Cats are induced ovulators and ovulate in response to multiple natural matings. Successful breeding in a cattery requires knowledge of the female’s reproductive cycle, behavior and management, and often improper management can be the sole cause of infertility. Aim: The aim of this review is to provide readers with an overview of normal anatomy, cyclicity, management and behavior of the queen. It includes a series of questions veterinarians can ask to obtain a baseline knowledge of the management of the specific breeding set-up. Evidence base: The information in this article is based on the author’s experience, as well as drawing on historical and current literature, and provides the most up-to-date review as possible.

Objectives: Phage–gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) constructs with potential contraceptive properties were generated in our previous study via selection from a phage display library using neutralizing GnRH antibodies as selection targets. In mice, these constructs invoked the production of antibodies against GnRH and suppressed serum testosterone. The goal of this study was to evaluate this vaccine against GnRH for its potential to suppress reproductive characteristics in cats. Methods: Sexually mature male cats were injected with a phage–GnRH vaccine using the following treatment groups: (1) single phage–GnRH vaccine with adjuvant; (2) phage–GnRH vaccine without adjuvant and half-dose booster 1 month later; or (3) phage–GnRH vaccine with adjuvant and two half-dose boosters with adjuvant 3 and 6 months later. Anti-GnRH antibodies and serum testosterone, testicular volume and sperm characteristics were evaluated monthly for 7–9 months. Results: All cats developed anti-GnRH antibodies following immunization. Serum antibody titers increased significantly after booster immunizations. In group 3, serum testosterone was suppressed 8 months after primary immunization. Total testicular volume decreased in group 1 by 24–42% and in group 3 by 15–36% at 7 months after immunization, indicating potential gonadal atrophy. Vacuolation of epididymides was observed histologically. Although all cats produced sperm at the conclusion of the study, normal morphology was decreased as much as 38%. Phage alone produced no local or systemic reactions. Immunization of phage with AdjuVac produced unacceptable injection site reactions. Conclusions and relevance: Our phage-based vaccine against GnRH demonstrated a potential for fertility impairment in cats. Future research is required to optimize vaccine regimens and identify animal age groups most responsive to the vaccine. If permanent contraception (highly desirable in feral and shelter cats) cannot be achieved, the vaccine has a potential use in zoo animals or pets where multiple administrations are more practical and/or reversible infertility is desirable.

Practical relevance: Understanding the normal reproductive anatomy and physiology of the male cat is important for successful breeding. Veterinarians may be called in to troubleshoot when fertility and pregnancy rates decrease in a cattery. By understanding the normal physical parameters, as well as breeding behavior, the veterinarian is better equipped to assess the infertility issue. Also, clients are increasingly requesting breeding soundness examinations prior to mating or purchase. Semen collection is more difficult in the cat than in the dog but can still be accomplished in a clinical setting and provides important information when confronted with breeding males. Aim: The aim of this review is to provide a practical overview of the breeding male. The reader will receive information on time of puberty, normal reproductive anatomy (both external and internal), and breeding management practices to optimize fertility. The most up-to-date semen collection techniques are discussed, as are sedation/anesthesia options. Also, historical literature on the basic anatomy of the male reproductive system is reviewed, such as how the penile spines work and when they appear; this information is specific to the cat. Evidence base: The information in this article is based on the author’s experience, as well as drawing on historical and current literature, and provides the most up-to-date review as possible.