Conclusion
Currently, technologies are available to incorporate IVF
into captive breeding programs for endangered bufonid
species and may assist in their long-term genetic management.
This study showed that extended 'priming' of B.
baxteri resulted in higher fecundity. Higher fecundity from
two primings, when compared to no priming or one priming,
occurred through two responses: 1) an increased
number of eggs per. toad, and 2) a greater survival of fertilized
eggs to swim-up stage. The number of eggs from
females receiving two primings was similar to the number
of eggs from B. baxteri in nature indicating that egg production
is not dependent on hibernation. However, considering
the low fertilization rates in our study, we cannot
make a similar statement for egg quality. It may be that hibernation plays an important role in the B. baxteri for
final oocyte development and our current protocols
rushed the recruitment of a large cohort of eggs. Therefore,
the development of methods to increase fertilization and
embryo survival rates by producing a greater number of
mature follicles before ovulation should be prioritized in
the development of reproduction technologies for B. baxteri