MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF OOCYTES IN AN ADULT FEMALE GRAY WOLF (CANIS LUPUS), A CASE REPORT

Abstract

The study describes the morphometric characteristics of the ovaries, follicles, and oocytes of an adult female gray wolf. Macroscopic examination revealed ellipsoidal ovaries, which measured 9×18 mm and weighed 844 mg and 752 mg for the left and right ovaries, respectively. Two large follicles (4 mm) were prominent on the surface of the left ovary. The mean diameter of the collected primary oocytes (n=22) was 116.8±12.35 μm (including zona pellucida). Microscopic examination revealed dark, finely granulated, homogenous cytoplasm surrounded by a clearly visible zona pellucida and 2–5 layers of cumulus cells. Limited scientific studies are available due to challenges in obtaining biological material. The present analysis offers preliminary insights into the morphological features of the gray wolf oocytes and is informative for future research aimed at species' conservation.