Infertilization as method to control reproduction

Conventional reproductive control methods in wild and zoo mammals—such as orchiectomy or ovariectomy—often lead to undesired effects, including hormonal imbalance, behavioral alterations, and disruption of social structures. At the Centro Animali Non Convenzionali (CANC), researchers have applied an alternative approach, termed Infertilization, to various wild species, to preserve the animals’ endocrine function and maintain their ethological patterns. The term was intentionally coined to distinguish this method from traditional sterilization (gonadectomy) commonly performed in companion animals. The procedure involves laparoscopic interruption of the gamete pathway—at the level of the vas deferens in males and the fallopian tubes in females—while leaving gonadal function intact. Over fifteen years of application across multiple species have demonstrated excellent safety, rapid recovery, and preserved natural behaviors. Infertilization offers a respectful and species-appropriate option for reproductive management in non-domestic mammals.