Abstract
This first edition of a book on “Comparative Reproductive Biology” truly fills a gap in the literature for veterinarians, their reproductive physiologists, and for the student who may be interested in reproductive phenomena. Because of its great details in anatomy and physiology it will also be useful to veterinary pathologists. It is authored by many specialists who engage in research of this area but, because they have been recruited from different regions, some overlaps exist and the book, therefore, contains some duplication of material. The book covers the reproductive physiology of mostly domestic animals, but, on many occasions, it refers to other species, including humans.
The book is laid out into chapters on anatomy, histology, physiology, ART, embryo transfer, cryobiology, and placentation and it ends with placentation, pregnancy diagnosis and sonography. It is richly illustrated with B&W drawings, photomicrographs, and some color plates are also shown in a separate section. As can be expected, the bibliography varies much in length depending largely on the author of a specific section. Similarly, the various chapters differ much in style but they generally discuss in adequate or even exhaustive manner the topics at hand. Thus, there is an enormous amount of detail in the anatomical and histological consideration of the male and reproductive systems; the differences existing in anatomy between different taxa are detailed. The detail of the drawings is exquisite and adds much to make the book very readable and enjoyable. Still, while the ovulatory fossa of horse ovaries is presented briefly, I missed mention, let alone an account of the structural anatomy of the mare's ovary that differs much from that of other domestic animals. No doubt, future editions will correct some of these anatomical features.
Of particular interest was the great discussion on spermatogenesis that highlights the differences in anatomical details of various animals. It also includes a wonderful review of the chemical participants in spermatogenesis with histochemical details presented as well. Also, it includes an exhaustive bibliography. More disappointing, however, was the review of reproductive physiology that was too elementary and without adequate references to enlighten a modern student.
Transgenic animals are covered in the next chapter and the various delivery systems are covered in considerable detail. This is an excellent review with ample references that also covers knockout mice and clones. Gender selection from semen segregation follows this chapter and presents many techniques very adequately; following this theme, AI is superbly covered with detailed instructions and diagrams to guide insemination techniques. Embryo transfer and IVF are covered next with presentation of ovulation induction and its practice in nearly all relevant species. This is an excellent chapter with great references, excellent pictures and it discusses ovum maturation among many other relevant topics. Freezing of preimplantation is presented adequately in a short chapter to follow this sequence of AI. In this chapter, as well as in the following on somatic cloning, the numerous problems had with dog ART and cloning in general are highlighted. But the cloning chapter provides a superb overview of the extensive progress that has been made since Wilmut's presentation of “Dolly”. Indeed, that chapter provides exact protocols for cloning procedures for most domestic animals, gives success rates at various intervals of the cloning procedure and includes current, up-to-date references. The historical details of these two chapters are especially worthwhile.
Comparative placentation follows next and is of special interest to this reviewer. This is a comprehensive review that includes many more than the domestic species, such as elephant, galago, mouse, hyrax etc. But it provides a neat overview of current thoughts on placentation and how it may aid in phylogenetic considerations. Besides, there is a comprehensive list of references and clear B&W diagrams and pictures help in making this topic accessible to any veterinarian. Pregnancy diagnosis and, finally, ultrasonographic studies and a comprehensive index complete this interesting book.
I have much enjoyed reading this new book and can truly recommend it to all veterinarians with an interest in reproductive phenomena. For the veterinary pathologist, the anatomic and comparative aspects are most useful. Since no other works of this kind and especially none as comprehensive as this work exist, the book should become a standard reference work and find a place in all schools' libraries and on many a veterinarian's bookshelf.