Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Reproduction of Aquatic, Avian, Exotic and Wild Species

Reproductive science in veterinary medicine has traditionally centered on conventional domestic species such as cattle, horses, pigs, and dogs, driven by their economic and cultural significance. In recent decades, however, there has been a pronounced rise in the farming, management, and conservation of aquatic, exotic and wild species, including rabbits, rodents, camelids, cervids, ferrets, reptiles, fish, and selected avian species. This diversification is influenced by changing consumer preferences, economic opportunities, biomedical research needs, and conservation priorities. Despite their increasing importance, knowledge surrounding the unique reproductive biology, management practices, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for aquatic, avian, exotic and wild species remains comparatively limited. There is growing recognition that each of these species presents distinct challenges and opportunities, with significant gaps in our understanding of their seasonal breeding behaviors, reproductive physiology, disease susceptibility, genetic management, and optimal husbandry strategies.Recent scientific advances have gradually started to fill these gaps. Innovations in ART, such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation, have shown promising outcomes in several aquatic, avian, exotic and wild species, enabling genetic improvement, biodiversity conservation, and disease control. Additionally, studies in endocrinology, genomics, and reproductive pathology are elucidating species-specific mechanisms that can inform breeding management and health strategies. Despite these advances, obstacles such as limited baseline data, anatomical and physiological variability, and regulatory or ethical concerns, still persist. Open questions remain about optimizing reproductive success, enhancing sustainability, addressing welfare concerns, and developing practical tools suitable for diverse management systems.This Research Topic aims to showcase the latest breakthroughs, challenges, and innovative approaches in the reproduction of non-conventional animals. The main objectives are to summarize current advancements in reproductive technologies and management, identify knowledge gaps, promote interdisciplinary research, and propose practical solutions for animal producers, veterinarians, and conservationists working with these diverse species. By gathering original research, case studies, and syntheses, this collection seeks to advance the science and practical understanding of reproduction in aquatic, avian, exotic and wild species and inspire future collaborative efforts.To gather further insights within the diverse boundaries of aquatic, avian, exotic and wild species reproduction, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Novel reproductive technologies and protocols tailored to aquatic, avian, exotic and wild species• Comparative analysis of reproductive physiology and seasonality among these species• Optimization of breeding management and husbandry for improved reproductive outcomes• Reproductive disease control, pathology, and biomonitoring in aquatic, avian, exotic and wild species• Conservation-focused reproductive strategies and genetic resource management• Development and validation of diagnostic methods for reproductive assessment• Welfare and ethical considerations in reproductive interventions and management• Case reports and field-based studies illustrating practical challenges and solutionsThis collection is open to Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Brief Research Reports, Methods articles, and Policy & Practice or Perspective contributions aligned with the topics above. Topic editors: Marco Quartuccio, LETIZIA FIORUCCI Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81442/emerging-trends-and-innovations-in-the-reproduction-of-aquatic-avian-exotic-and-wild-species