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A meta-analysis of birth-origin effects on reproduction in diverse captive environments.

ABSTRACT: Successfully establishing captive breeding programs is a priority across diverse industries to address food security, demand for ethical laboratory research animals, and prevent extinction. Differences in reproductive success due to birth origin may threaten the long-term sustainability of captive breeding. Our meta-analysis examining 115 effect sizes from 44 species of invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals shows that, overall, captive-born animals have a 42% decreased odds of reproductive success in captivity compared to their wild-born counterparts. The largest effects are seen in commercial aquaculture, relative to conservation or laboratory settings, and offspring survival and offspring quality were the most sensitive traits. Although a somewhat weaker trend, reproductive success in conservation and laboratory research breeding programs is also in a negative direction for captive-born animals. Our study provides the foundation for future investigation of non-genetic and genetic drivers of change in captivity, and reveals areas for the urgent improvement of captive breeding.

SUBMITTER: Farquharson KA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5849764 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A meta-analysis of birth-origin effects on reproduction in diverse captive environments.

Farquharson Katherine A KA Hogg Carolyn J CJ Grueber Catherine E CE

Nature communications 20180313 1

Successfully establishing captive breeding programs is a priority across diverse industries to address food security, demand for ethical laboratory research animals, and prevent extinction. Differences in reproductive success due to birth origin may threaten the long-term sustainability of captive breeding. Our meta-analysis examining 115 effect sizes from 44 species of invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals shows that, overall, captive-born animals have a 42% decreased odds of reproductive suc ...[more]

PMID: 29535319

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A meta-analysis of birth-origin effects on reproduction in diverse captive environments.

Publications

A meta-analysis of birth-origin effects on reproduction in diverse captive environments.

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