Although assessment of reproductive function is essen­tially similar for all mammals, monotremes and marsupi­als exhibit anatomical, physiological and behavioural differences that require extra consideration when making diagnostic, therapeutic and reproductive management decisions.

Reproductive anatomy and physiology is cov­ered in Vogelnest and Woods (2008), Johnston and Keeley (2015) and Parrott and Edwards (2023), which should be read alongside this chapter.

Assessment of reproduction in any species should include:

• history and signalment, including: age, weight, body condition, health, appetite, changes in behaviour, vaccinations

• review of reproductive history or measures of previous performance, including: previous breeding history (e.g. pairing attempts, production of young), breeding environment, current and recent social structure (e.g. housed individually, paired, grouped) and if part of a managed breeding program, any relevant genetic or studbook information

• clinical examination and confirmation of physical soundness

• confirmation of presence and normalcy of external genitalia and internal reproductive organs

• assessment of endocrine function

• in males, the collection and evaluation of semen

• an evaluation of the animal’s ability and willingness to perform normal sexual behaviour.

Many factors can influence the potential fertility of an individual. A whole-animal approach to breeding sound­ness is required to develop reliable diagnoses, treatments and where necessary, direct changes in environment or husbandry. However, a challenge with many wild species, especially monotremes and marsupials, is the limited infor­mation on normal anatomy, physiology and behaviour.

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