Journal of Equine Veterinary Science最新文献

{"title":"Effect of extender on motility and sperm DNA fragmentation of stallion and jack semen after storage at 4°C","authors":"E.L. de Guevara Ojeda,&nbsp;V. Cisneros Moreno,&nbsp;A. M. Boeta Acosta,&nbsp;L.A. Zarco Quintero","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cooled semen is widely used, it has become part of the routine breeding management, achieving higher fertility rates than frozen semen (Pagl et al. Theriogenology. 2006; 66:1115-1122). During storage, sperms undergo oxidative stress, leading to an impair in semen quality, affecting sperm functionality (Del Prete et al. Animal Reproduction Science. 2019; 210:106195). Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) is a parameter that affects the fertilizing capacity and adequate embryo development. It doesn't fully correlate with conventional parameters, so its evaluation gives a completer and more objective estimate about the stallion fertility (López-Fernández et al. Theriogenology. 2007; 68:1240-1250). There is little information about the sperm DNA quality in jacks. The aim of this study was to assess the total (TM) and progressive (PM) motility, through SCA^Ⓡ, and sDF by the SCD test using the Halomax Kit^Ⓡ Equus-halomax HT-EC40. Two ejaculates from three stallions and three jacks (4 to 13 years) of proven fertility, located at the Equine Reproduction Center of the UNAM, Tequisquiapan, Querétaro, were included in the study. Semen collection was performed with a Hannover type artificial vaginal during July, all ejaculates contained a minimum of 60% progressive motile sperms. Immediately after collection, semen was divided and diluted with INRA 96 (IMV Technologies, L'Aigle, France) or Botusemen (Botupharma^Ⓡ, Botucatu, SP, Brazil) to obtain a final concentration of 50 × 10⁶ sperms/ml and storage at 4°C. Motility and sDF was evaluated at 0, 12, 24 and 36 hours of storage. Statistical analyses were performed using the binomial distribution and the logit link function. The model included extender, species, and time, as well as double interactions and triple interactions. The Bonferroni method was used for multiple comparisons. The significance level was set at P&lt;0.05. Sperm motility decrease and sDF increase during storage at 4°C in stallions and jacks sperms extended either in INRA 96 or Botusemen. There are no differential effects in TM or sDF between extenders in any of the species, however, PM on stallion semen was affected depending on the extender used, being better with INRA 96. It is likely that the similarity of the results between extenders is due to the similar composition between these skimmed milk-based extenders. Impairment of motility occur faster in jack sperm than in stallion sperm, while sDF is greater in stallion than in jack sperm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hormonal changes and sperm quality of stallions after testicular thermal insult","authors":"T.M.S. Cavalero ,&nbsp;M.S. Frasson ,&nbsp;C.M. Trinque ,&nbsp;L.E.F. Canuto ,&nbsp;C.P. Freitas-Dell'Aqua ,&nbsp;A.J. Conley ,&nbsp;M.A. Alvarenga ,&nbsp;J.A. Dell'Aqua Jr ,&nbsp;F.O. Papa","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Testicular thermal insult negatively affects spermatogenesis and it's a common cause of testicular degeneration. Changes in semen quality after heat stress are well understood but its effects in hormone synthesis still not well characterized. Recently, hormones produced by Sertoli cells as antimulleriano hormone (AMH) and Inhibin-B have been suggested as potential fertility biomarkers. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the changes in hormone profile, especially serum inhibin-B and AMH after scrotal insulation. Stallions (n=6) were submitted to scrotal insulation for 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon, for two consecutive days, using a thermal blanket surrounding the scrotum. The intratesticular temperature was measured immediately after the blanket was removed and increased ∼10oC during the insulation time. The stallions were weekly evaluated for 98 days after the procedure. Testicular response was assessed by measuring testosterone and estrone sulphate (interstitial compartment) and AMH and inhibin-B (tubular compartment). Sperm kinetics were evaluated by CASA (IVOS Version 12 Hamilton Thorne Research, MA, USA), sperm concentration by Neubauer hemocytometer (Optik Labor^Ⓡ, Lancing, England), serum concentrations of AMH, inhibin- B and estrone sulfate were determined by ELISA and testosterone by RIA. Lipid peroxidation, plasma membrane stability (MPAI) and superoxide anion generation were assessed by flow cytometry (BD LSR II, Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, CA, USA) and sperm morphology by differential phase interference contrast microscope. The correlations between semen parameters and hormones were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Testosterone correlated with MT (r=0,39), RAP (r=0.34), sperm concentration (r=0.29), MPAI (r=0.26), head defects (r= - 0.49) and total sperm defects (r= - 0.37). Estrone sulfate correlated with MT (r=0.3908), RAP (r=0.3401), sperm concentration (r=0.37), head defects (r=-0.42) and total sperm defects (r=-0.41). Inhibin-B positively correlated with sperm concentration (r=0.41) and negatively with total sperm defects (r=-0.39), whereas AMH did not correlate with the other sperm parameters evaluated. In conclusion, the correlation between hormones and sperm output indicates these hormones, besides AMH, are good markers for testicular harm and recovery when damages are caused by thermal insults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an ultrasound-guided proximo-medial approach for injection of the carpal flexor tendon sheath in horses and comparison with the conventional proximo-lateral ´blind` technique","authors":"C.A. Dörner ,&nbsp;V. Vargas ,&nbsp;C.H. Castellón","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this prospective case-control study was to describe and implement a reliable, accurate, and straightforward ultrasound-guided proximo-medial approach technique for injecting the carpal flexor tendon sheath in horses. The proximo-medial ultrasound-guided approach for intrathecal access to the carpal canal, as described in this study, was firstly developed on ten cadaveric limbs using an undiluted ionic iodinated contrast medium. Landmarks were identified, and the access point was established. Subsequently, the technique was validated in ten horses, and its efficacy was compared with the proximo-lateral ´blind` technique. For each injection, the following was recorded: successful injection (contrast within the carpal canal), number of attempts, and whether a structure other than the carpal sheath was penetrated. The ´blind` technique had a total accuracy of 70 % (7/10; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: CI 35 %-93 %), with inadvertent injection into the dorso-palmar pouch of the radiocarpal joint, carpal canal surrounding soft tissue, and intravenous injection being the most common issues associated with this approach. In contrast, the ultrasound-guided approach achieved an accuracy of 100 % (10/10; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 69 %-100 %) for intrasynovial administration of the contrast medium. The ultrasound-guided proximo-medial approach for injecting the carpal sheath is an accurate and technically straightforward technique. This approach should be considered for synoviocentesis of the carpal sheath, particularly in horses with no evident effusion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142877390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Follicular growth, ovulation, and pregnancy responses to PGF-indued luteolysis and spontaneous return to estrus in Standardbred mares with large diestrous follicles","authors":"J. Cuervo-Arango","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105342","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to compare the fertility of diestrous mares with a follicle ≥ 30 mm in diameter treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF) (PGF group) or left untreated for 7 days (SP group). Standardbred mares (<em>n</em> = 46) were assigned randomly to the SP (<em>n</em> = 23) and PGF groups (<em>n</em> = 23) when they were identified with a corpus luteum (CL) of unknown age and a follicle ≥ 30 mm in diameter (Day 0). The most frequent outcome in the PGF group was estrus and ovulation of the dominant follicle (74 %), while the outcomes of the SP mares 7 days after Day 0 were more variable: estrus and follicle regression (30 %), diestrous ovulation (22 %) and diestrus along with follicle regression (26 %) of the dominant follicles. Therefore, more mares from the PGF group were bred within 7 days after treatment (83 %) than SP mares (9 %; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). The 14-day pregnancy rate tended to be higher in SP mares (65 %; <em>P</em> = 0.092; OR = 2.716) than in PGF mares (39 %), and more artificial inseminations (AI) were required in the PGF than in the SP group to reach a 14-day pregnancy (1.7 ± 0.6 and 1.3 ± 0.5, respectively; <em>P</em> = 0.02). However, the interval from Day 0 to 14-day pregnancy and the end of season pregnancy rates were similar (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.1) in both groups (SP: 39.6 ± 23.2 days and 87 %; PGF: 37.4 ± 16.3 days and 96 %, respectively). In conclusion, there is no advantage of waiting for diestrous mares with a large follicle to enter estrus spontaneously over administering a PGF treatment. However, more AIs were needed to obtain a pregnancy in the PGF than in the SP group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105342"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143131762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deciphering the molecular basis of equine sperm-oviduct binding: a stepwise exclusion approach","authors":"B. Leemans,&nbsp;T. Stout,&nbsp;B. Gadella","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105299","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;In several mammalian species, the molecular interaction between the apical part of the sperm plasma membrane and oviduct epithelium, to establish a sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction and oviductal isthmus, is based on Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;-dependent carbohydrate-lectin recognition. Additionally, disulfide reductants markedly reduce the affinity of spermatozoa for carbohydrate moieties on bovine oviduct epithelium. In the horse, the nature of this binding is not fully understood. Using an oviduct explant model, we previously demonstrated that equine sperm-oviduct binding is not regulated by a Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;-dependent lectin (electrostatic) interaction (Leemans et al., 2016, Reproduction 151:313-30). In the current study, we aimed to further investigate the nature of equine sperm-oviduct binding. For all experiments, oviduct epithelial cells were collected and cultured as described previously by Nelis et al. (2014, Reproduction Fertility Development 26:954-66). After overnight incubation, oviduct explants 〈200 µm diameter were selected and washed in non-capacitating (100 mM NaCl, 4.7 mM KCl, 1.2 mM MgCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, 5.5 mM glucose, 22 mM HEPES, 2.4 mM sodium lactate, 1.0 mM pyruvate and 0.05% polyvinylpyrrolidone; pH=7.4 and 280–300 mOsm/kg) sperm medium, before 5 oviduct explants were transferred to 45 µL droplets of non-capacitating medium. Next, fresh Hoechst-33342 stained spermatozoa were added (after Percoll&lt;sup&gt;Ⓡ&lt;/sup&gt; centrifugation) in a volume of 5 µL to a final sperm concentration of 2 × 10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; sperm cells/mL in each droplet. After 2 h co-incubation, density of sperm binding to oviduct explants was determined using a fluorescent microscope in five 400x magnification fields. In the first experiment, we identified the expression of carbohydrate moieties at the apical region of the sperm plasma membrane and oviduct epithelium using fluorescent (FITC) labeled lectins. N-acetylglucosamine (WGA-FITC) moieties were highly expressed on the apical part of the sperm plasma membrane, whereas N-acetylgalactosamine (DBA-FITC and HPA-FITC), N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid; SNA-FITC) and D-mannose or D-glucose (Con A-FITC, LCA-FITC and PSA-FITC) were highly abundant on the oviduct epithelium. In a second experiment, the role of these highly expressed carbohydrates in sperm-oviduct interaction was assessed by pre-incubating stallion spermatozoa for 30 min with WGA lectin (0-5-50 µg/ml); and oviduct explants for 30 min with DBA, HPA, SNA, Con A, LCA and PSA lectins (0-5-50 µg/ml for each lectin). Subsequently, oviduct explants and spermatozoa were washed twice in non-capacitating medium before co-incubation. None of the lectins reduced sperm binding to oviduct explants, except WGA pre-incubation of sperm. This result is likely related to the concentration-dependent effect of WGA on sperm motility. In a third experiment, a possible covalent disulfide bridge-based sperm-oviduct interaction was evaluated by pre-incubating stallion ","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105299"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling fertility decline in stallions: causes and outcomes","authors":"H. Farnia,&nbsp;D. Bencharif,&nbsp;J.F. Bruyas","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105281","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105281","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Management of breeding stallions is crucial in equine reproduction. The long-life use of a stallion for a breeding career is the ultimate objective, whether it happens through natural mating or through semen collection and artificial insemination. This retrospective study investigated some aspects of the multifaceted decline in fertility among stallions, focusing on both the etiological factors and the repercussions for equine reproduction to aid breeding management. The first aim was to investigate the most common causes of infertility in stallions and their risk factors. A second objective was to evaluate the stallion's fertility after treatment. According to the history and the reason all stallions were classified into several groups, age-related decline (n=1), testicular and epididymal issues (n=5), infections (n=4), endocrine dysfunction (n=1), semen quality issues (n=3), poor management and nutrition (n=16), environmental and seasonal factors (n=7), trauma or injury (n=3), psychological factors (n=3). Data were collected and statistically analyzed from breeding records and veterinary evaluations about the different breed stallions with range age between 9 and 25 years referred to our clinic during 2016-2023(n=43). Revealing significant correlations between declining fertility rates and conditions and suboptimal management practices. Additionally, the impact of nutritional deficits and seasonal variations on reproductive performance was assessed. Our findings underscore the critical need for enhanced breeding management protocols and health monitoring to address fertility decline effectively. There were a number of conditions associated with poor fertility such as reproductive mismanagement 48%, anabolic steroid treatment, infectious and non-infectious pathology of reproductive organs 25%, behavioral 20% and endocrine disorders 7%(p&lt;0.05). Optimal breeding management could be obtained by deeper understanding of stallion reproductive health, informing strategies to improve breeding outcomes in the equine industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The associations between dismount semen evaluation, post-mating antibiotics, and mare clinical parameters","authors":"H.B. Magalhaes,&nbsp;I.F. Canisso","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105301","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;In-hand-mating is the only acceptable method of breeding Thoroughbred mares; confirmation of ejaculation and monitoring of semen quality is performed via dismount samples collected from the mare's cranial vagina or, more typically, from the glans penis of the stallion after mating. Also, in-hand-mating poses significant challenges, such as transmitting venereal and infectious diseases; thus, strategies to minimize such issues include screening for infectious diseases and post-mating uterine infusion of antibiotics such as ceftiofur or ticarcillin. This study aimed to determine associations dismount sample features and mare clinical parameters during in-hand-mating. The study involved 50 matings of 25 mares and three fertile stallions. Ovulation was induced with GnRH-agonist (Histrelin acetate), and mares were mated 24h later under the maiden-mare-sedation protocol (100 mg xylazine, 10 mg butorphanol, 20 mg acepromazine, all-intravenous). Uterine cultures and cytology were performed 4h, 3d, and 5d after mating. Dismount semen samples were assessed for volume, concentration and semen kinetics using a portable sperm analyzer (iSperm&lt;sup&gt;Ⓡ&lt;/sup&gt;). Mares underwent daily transrectal ultrasonography for six days post-mating to confirm ovulation and detect uterine fluid. Uterine infusions were performed 4 h post-mating and then q24-h for 5 d immediately after each ultrasonography. Each mare underwent a control cycle (60 mL LRS/infusion, 25 cycles) followed by an antibiotic cycle (ceftiofur reconstituted in distilled water 20 mL+ 40 mL of LRS, n=15 cycles or 3.1 of ticarcillin-clavulanate reconstituted in distilled water 20 mL+ 40 mL of LRS, 10 cycles) for five infusions. No other post-mating therapies were applied. Pregnancy was confirmed 14d post-ovulation and then terminated with dinoprost (7.5 mg, intramuscularly). Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with significance set at P&lt;0.05. All mares ovulated 24 h post-GnRH-application. Dismount parameters did not vary between control and ceftiofur (12.1 ± 5 mL and 11.7 ± 4.4 mL gel free volume; 71.7 ± 3.71 and 78.4 ± 3.6 total motility; 61.1 ± 8.3, and 66.7 ± 5.8 progressive motility, respectively) groups (P&lt;0.05) or between ticarcillin and control (12.3±4.8 and 11.2±5.5 mL gel free; 73.7 ± 5.27% and, 70.1± 4.8% total motility; 65.5±6.8%, and 62.6±8.1% progressive motility, respectively) groups (P&gt;0.05). Uterine infusions of ceftiofur or ticarcillin reduced endometrial leukocyte counts compared to their respective controls (P&lt;0.05). Mares receiving antibiotics had fewer uterine infections (40.5%) than the control (54.2%) 72h post-mating (P&lt;0.05). Intrauterine fluid accumulation varied over time (P&lt;0.05) but not with groups or interactions (P&gt;0.05). The group overall affected the pregnancy rate (P&lt;0.05; antibiotic 36% vs. 54% control). There was an effect of the group for ceftiofur (P &lt; 0.05; ceftiofur 25% vs. 75% control) but no effect of the g","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105301"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seminal plasma (SP) exposure during breeding alters placental transcriptome and subsequent growth of foals","authors":"M.H.T. Troedsson ,&nbsp;K.E. Scoggin ,&nbsp;H. El-Sheikh Ali ,&nbsp;C.E. Fedorka","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105329","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>SP proteins are involved in biological functions associated with breeding in horses. Specifically, SP DNAse suppresses neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), while CRISP-3 and lactoferrin/SOD-3 regulate the protection of viable spermatozoa for safe transport in the presence of an inflammatory uterine environment while allowing for the elimination of dead spermatozoa and bacteria through PMN phagocytosis. While SP is not necessary for establishing pregnancy, it may contribute to a suitable uterine environment and optimal fetal development. We have previously found that SP exposure at the time of breeding is associated with differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the endometrium that are associated with various pathways relating to embryo development and health, immunotolerance, and metabolism. Based on these findings and an association between human <em>in vitro</em>-produced babies and metabolic diseases later in life, we hypothesized that the absence of SP is affecting the uterine environment during pregnancy and subsequently the health of offspring. Therefore, we conducted two experiments to explore the possible role of SP on the transcriptome of placenta in the absence versus exposure to SP during breeding and followed the development of offspring during their first two years of life. <u>Experiment 1</u>: Warmblood mares were bred with exposure to SP (n=9) or recipients of ICSI-produced embryos (n=9; no SP). Samples from the chorioallantois were collected immediately postpartum, and RNA sequencing was performed for transcriptomic analysis. A total of 1580 genes was differentially expressed with an FDR cutoff of p&lt;0.05. KEGG analyses indicated an alteration in pathways associated with hypoxia, metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, innate immunity, chemokines, and altered angiogenesis, including both the EGF pathway and the EGF bypass pathway, all of which may lead to altered translation (eIF-4E and DROSHA). <u>Experiment 2</u>: The growth of foals (n=60) from mares exposed to SP during breeding (n=30) and mares bred in the absence of SP (embryo transfer and ICSI; n=30) was monitored monthly during the first 24 months of age. Overall, offspring produced from embryo transfer and ICSI exhibited greater weight gain during the first two years of age than offspring produced from conventional AI at the same farm, and this was most evident in colts (p&lt;0.05). While advanced growth may be desired in young athletes, it carries an enhanced risk of developmental diseases, such as osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). In conclusion, the absence of seminal plasma exposure at the time of breeding is associated with placental dysregulation during pregnancy, which may be associated with abnormal growth and possible developmental issues in the offspring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105329"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of washing stallion's penis prior to semen collection on bacterial load of the distal genital tract and semen","authors":"A. Lauciello ,&nbsp;I. Loncaric ,&nbsp;L. Bernardi ,&nbsp;B. Schreiner ,&nbsp;J. Spergser ,&nbsp;C. Aurich","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The external genital tract of stallions is physiologically colonized by a variety of bacteria, most of which are considered non-pathogenic, with a small proportion classified as pathogenic or potentially pathogenic. When collecting stallion semen, proper hygiene is essential because bacterial contamination can affect semen quality and the reproductive health of mares. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the best practice for washing the stallion's penis before semen collection. The most common approaches are (1) no washing, (2) washing with warm water or a mild soap, and (3) washing with chlorhexidine soap before semen collection for export purposes. Our aim was to determine effects of washing the stallion's penis before semen collection on the bacterial load of the genital tract and semen and on semen characteristics. Five stallions were included and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: control (NW), washing with warm water (WW), and washing with chlorhexidine soap and warm water (WC). Treatments lasted for two consecutive weeks, with three semen collections per week. After each treatment period, stallions underwent a two-week rest interval before switching to the next treatment in a crossover design. On the first day of each treatment period, semen and swabs from the urethral fossa were collected for bacteriological analysis without prior cleaning procedure. Sampling was repeated after the two week-washing protocols. Samples were serially diluted up to 1 × 10^-8 and plated on Columbia Agar with 5% sheep blood and Schaedler Agar with vitamin K 1% and 5% sheep blood. Colony forming units (CFU) were counted after 72 hours of aerobic and anaerobic incubation at 37°C. Native semen was analyzed for pH, sperm concentration, motility and membrane integrity (CASA), and morphology. Semen was subsequently diluted with Equiplus extender (Minitube) without antibiotics and an aliquot of 2 ml was stored at 5°C for 72 hours and analyzed every 24 hours for motility and membrane integrity. For statistical analysis, CFU and sperm characteristics were compared among treatments by a general linear model for repeated measures. Total bacterial load decreased over time (P&lt;0.01) and an effect of treatment (P&lt; 0.05) and a treatment x time interaction was observed (P&lt;0.05). The number of CFU/ml after treatment was already decreased in WW and even more in WC compared to NW (CFU/ml for aerobic and anaerobic culture, respectively, WW: 5.2 × 10⁵ and 5.8 × 10⁵, WC: 3.0 × 10⁴ and 6-8 × 10⁴, NW: 4.5 × 10⁶ and 6.2 × 10⁶). Total motility and percentage of membrane-intact sperm decreased over time (P&lt;0.001), but there was no treatment effect. In conclusion, washing the stallion's penis with warm water or chlorhexidine soap before semen collection reduces the total bacterial count in semen without compromising semen characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105297"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Centrifugation through a low density colloid as an alternative to antibiotics in semen extenders: a controlled insemination trial","authors":"J. Morrell ,&nbsp;F. Reigner ,&nbsp;A. Gesbert ,&nbsp;P. Barriere ,&nbsp;D. Laskowski ,&nbsp;T. Ntallaris ,&nbsp;S. Deleuze","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antibiotics are added to semen extenders to inhibit seminal bacterial growth, but this non-therapeutic use of antibiotics goes against recommendations for prudent antibiotic stewardship. Colloid centrifugation could provide an alternative method for reducing the bacterial load in stallion semen. Previous studies have shown that centrifugation through a low density colloid reduces the bacterial count of stallion semen considerably and sperm quality was not adversely affected by the procedure (Malaluang et al. Theriogenology 2024;216:111-117. The objective of the current study was to assess the fertilising capacity of stallion sperm samples prepared by Single Layer Centrifugation through Equicoll in an artificial insemination (AI) trial. Semen samples were collected from 4 stallions and pooled. The pool was divided into two portions. One portion was prepared as standard AI doses in EquiPlus with antibiotics, with 200 million sperm per dose, while the other half was extended in EquiPlus without antibiotics for preparation by centrifugation through a low density colloid. For the latter, 20 mL extended semen at a sperm concentration of 100 million/mL was layered over 15 mL 20% Equicoll in a 50 mL tube. After centrifuging for 20 min at 300 RCF, the supernatant was removed and the sperm pellet resuspended in EquiPlus without antibiotics to provide 200 million spermatozoa per insemination dose. The ovaries of pony mares were examined per rectum. When a follicle of more than 35 mm diameter was seen on ultrasound, 1000 iu hCG (Chorulon) was administered to induce ovulation and the mares were inseminated 24 h later. The mares were randomly assigned to two groups, one group (23 mares) being inseminated with the control doses (with antibiotics) and the other group (23 mares) receiving doses without antibiotics. Mares were scanned after a further 14 days and the presence of an embryonic vesicle in the uterus was noted. The results were as follows: an embryonic vesicle was detected in 19 of 23 control mares and 17 of the 23 mares receiving the colloid centrifuged samples. No mares developed a uterine infection. Since the outcome of the inseminations was similar in both groups, we can conclude that centrifugation through a low density colloid could replace antibiotics in semen extenders without having a detrimental effect on inseminated mares.</div><div>Thanks to the Linnea and Axel Ericsson Foundation, Stockholm, (DL) and Fonds Spéciaux de la Recherche 2024, Veterinary Faculty of Liege (SD) for financial support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 105309"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}