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

Katherine A. Farquharson, Carolyn J. Hogg and Catherine E. Grueber ()
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Katherine A. Farquharson: The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science
Carolyn J. Hogg: The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science
Catherine E. Grueber: The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03500-9

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