Evaluation of chemical restraint promoted by the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine for semen collection in neotropical rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus terrificus)

• Grant number: 24/21158-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Renata Gaido Cortopassi
• Grantee: Luana Helena Antonini Gaia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Assisted reproduction is an essential tool in the conservation of threatened species, especially in the case of snakes, where reproductive management in captivity faces several challenges. The neotropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) stands out not only for its ecological relevance, but also for its crucial role in the production of antivenom. Maintaining viable populations of this species in captivity, in addition to contributing to public health, is strategic for scientific research, serving as an experimental model for the development of new reproductive biotechnologies that can be applied to other snakes, especially those threatened with extinction. This is particularly important given that conventional reproduction methods, such as natural copulation, have limitations in conditioned environments, both due to aggressive behavior during mating and the difficulties in simulating ideal environmental conditions. Given this scenario, the present project proposes to evaluate the effects of the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine hydrochloride as an effective pharmacological alternative for collecting semen in rattlesnakes. When using these drugs, the objective is to develop a less invasive and stressful method that allows the collection of high-quality samples, without the side effects often observed in techniques such as electroejaculation. Furthermore, the study aims to guarantee the well-being of the animals during the procedure, offering a safe and efficient approach from a reproductive point of view, which can be replicated in other species of snakes.