Reproduction in Domestic Animals最新文献

This study evaluated the effects of cholesterol, pentoxifylline and casein, with or without skim milk, added to extenders during pre-centrifugation on equine sperm cryosurvival. Seven ejaculates from four stallions (n = 28) were divided into four groups: SM (skim milk), SMP (SM + pentoxifylline), SMCho (SM + cholesterol) and ChoCa (cholesterol + casein). After centrifugation and freezing, sperm kinematics and plasma membrane integrity were assessed immediately and 30 min post-thaw. SMCho and ChoCa showed superior results compared with SM and SMP. These findings indicate that cholesterol-based extenders improve post-thaw sperm quality when added before cryopreservation.

Cattleyak is a hybrid between cattle and yak; the underlying mechanism for its spermatogenic arrest is still unclear, and it's a typical male sterile mammal. In this work, we cloned the OTUD6A gene of cattleyak and analyzed it by bioinformatics. The expression level of OTUD6A in testicular tissues and undifferentiated spermatogonia of cattleyak was significantly lower than that in yak (p < 0.05). Overexpression of OTUD6A in cattleyak promoted the viability and proliferation activity of cattleyak undifferentiated spermatogonia (p < 0.05). Furthermore, OTUD6A overexpression resulted in significant upregulation of genes associated with proliferation (p < 0.05). Therefore, the aberrant expression of OTUD6A in undifferentiated spermatogonia of cattleyak impaired its proliferation and decreased its growth potentiality, thereby affecting the development of undifferentiated spermatogonia. This study provided a new theoretical basis for further elucidation of the molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis arrest in cattleyak.

This paper reviews research on indigenous goat breeds in Ethiopia, focusing on economically important traits. The objective is to compile and document findings on the potential of these breeds while identifying research gaps and future directions. Relevant literature was collected for 3 months using Scopus-indexed Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The review highlights that the growth and reproductive efficiency of indigenous goats vary due to differences in management practices, breed characteristics, and community-based breeding programs. Selective breeding has effectively improved key traits in livestock, including birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight, leading to improved growth performance. Traditional management systems resulted in delayed puberty, lower litter size, longer kidding intervals, and high mortality rates. Improved management systems lead to higher milk yields, larger litter sizes, and better survival rates. Indigenous goats in lowland areas have longer kidding intervals, lower body weights, and less selection pressure compared to those in midland and highland regions. Although productivity is generally low under traditional systems, Ethiopian indigenous goats show great potential with improved management. Community-based breeding programs are crucial for improving these breeds in low-input production systems.

In equine reproduction, determining foetal sex is of economic and strategic importance, but currently available methods are often invasive, costly, or require specialised expertise. This study aimed to assess whether plasma progesterone concentrations could serve as a predictive tool for foetal sex determination in Criollo mares between the 4th and 8th months of gestation and to determine whether these measurements could identify foetal sex. Blood samples were collected at 30-day intervals from 17 Crioula mares between 114 days and 240 days of gestation. Maternal plasma progesterone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay and the sex of the foals was confirmed at birth. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was made to verify the variation in maternal progesterone concentrations according to foetal sex and month of gestation. In mares carrying male foetuses (n = 7), there was a significant difference in progesterone concentrations between months 4 and 8, as well as between months 7 and 8. In mares carrying male foetuses (n = 7), progesterone concentrations were higher (p = 0.028) during the 4th month of gestation and lower at the 8th month (p = 0.020), compared to the values in mares with female foetuses (n = 10). In the 8th month of pregnancy, the sensitivity and specificity of progesterone concentrations for the predicted sex were 80% and 100%, respectively. A limit value of progesterone (12.45 ng/mL) was established through the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) Curve. Prediction values were 78.8% and 100% for males and females, respectively. Detection rates were 100% and 80% for males and females, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy for both sexes was 88.2%. It is concluded that foetal sex influences plasma concentrations of progesterone in pregnant mares.

Cystic ovarian disease is one of the leading causes of infertility in dairy cows. In this experimental field study, the comparative efficacy of the -3hCG/Ovsynch protocol (pre-treatment with hCG before Ovsynch) was investigated alongside the Ovsynch and the progestagen-based Ovsynch protocol. A total of 45 dairy cows with follicular cyst (FC) were enrolled in the study. The cows were randomly divided into three equal groups: in the first group, the Ovsynch-48 protocol (Day 0 GnRH, Day 7 PGF_2α, Day 9 GnRH and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) 16-20 h later); in the second group, the CIDR-synch protocol (Day 0 GnRH and the insertion of CIDR into the vagina for 7 days, Day 7 PGF_2α, Day 9 GnRH and FTAI 16-20 h later); and in the third group, the -3hCG/Ovsynch protocol (3000 IU hCG pre-treatment before initiation of the Ovsynch-48 protocol) were applied. Blood samples were collected on Day -3, 0, 3 and 7, and serum progesterone levels were measured. Transrectal sonography of the ovaries was performed on Day -3, 0, 3 and 7 for ovarian dynamics (follicular development, presence of FC, measurement of diameter and wall thickness of FC) throughout the protocols. Cows were fixed-time artificially inseminated. On Day 13 (3 days after FTAI) and Day 45 (pregnancy diagnosis), ovarian ultrasonography was also performed to evaluate the cystic persistence (PC). hCG pre-treatment was found to be ineffective on follicular development in the early period of the -3hCG/Ovsynch protocol, but it significantly increased the diameter of the dominant follicle on Day 3 when compared to the Ovsynch and CIDR-synch protocols. The lifespan of the corpus luteum in the -3hCG/Ovsynch group was longer (> 4 days) than in the other protocols (< 4 days). Following the Ovsynch, CIDR-synch and -3hCG/Ovsynch protocols, the PC rates were found to be 54.5% (6/11), 45.4% (5/11) and 27.2% (3/11) on Day 13, and 27.2% (3/11), 27.2% (3/11) and 9.1% (1/11) on Day 45, respectively. Conception rates were found in Ovsynch (6/15), CIDR-synch (8/14) and -3hCG/Ovsynch (8/15) protocols as 40%, 57.1% and 53.3%, respectively. According to the findings, it was concluded that the -3hCG/Ovsynch protocol may be more effective than the Ovsynch protocol in the treatment of cows with FCs, can be used as an alternative to the CIDR-synch protocol and can be preferred especially in cows with uterine infection detected early in the postpartum period and in cases where the use of exogenous progesterone is contraindicated.

Alpaca gestation lasts approximately 11.5 months, but significant variation exists, and contributing factors are poorly described. This study aimed to conduct an international survey to assess pregnancy length (PL), based on geographical location. When available, the survey collected data on embryo transfer, dam and sire identity, maternal age, offspring sex, and time of birth. These variables were analyzed for their potential effects on PL, cria weight (CW), and parturition complications such as dystocia. Data from 7049 worldwide pregnancies were analyzed. The global median PL was 346 days (range: 270-428; coefficient of variation: 3.37%), with 50% of pregnancies between 339 and 353 days. Median birth time was 11:30 AM (range 0:30 AM-11:30PM). Northern hemisphere had longer PL (p < 0.0001, 345.9-346.7 vs 344.3-345.1 days, n = 7049), that depended on the country (p < 0.0001). Fetal sex had no impact, but embryo transfer slightly tended to increase PL (p = 0.0918). While effect of the dam had no influence, the sire and the maternal age did (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0039). No correlation was found between PL and CW, though season and maternal age influenced both in the northern hemisphere (p < 0.0001 for both). Maternal age also affected CW (p < 0.0001). Dystocia rates were not affected by CW, but longer PL slightly tended to increase dystocia risk (p = 0.0798). This survey confirms the median pregnancy length of 346 days and suggests explanations for the wide variability in PL and CW, as sire, dam age, season, and location.

Fecundity-related genes, such as GDF9, play a critical role in regulating ovulation, fertilisation and early embryonic development. This study aimed to elucidate the functional role of GDF9 in caprine granulosa cells by employing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, incorporating single guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 endonuclease, was used to specifically disrupt the GDF9 gene. Successful GDF9 knockout was confirmed via the T7 Endonuclease I (T7E1) cleavage assay. Subsequent analyses assessed the impact of GDF9 disruption on the expression of GDF9 and its associated receptors-BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B and BMPR-II. Additionally, the study examined the modulatory effects of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on receptor expression. FGF2 treatment led to increased mRNA expression of BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B and BMPR-II in wild-type granulosa cells. Furthermore, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) levels were significantly upregulated, whereas luteinising hormone receptor (LHR) expression decreased following FGF2 stimulation in wild-type cells. In contrast, GDF9-knockout cells showed elevated expression of both FSHR and LHR. The study also investigated the impact of GDF9 deletion on the expression of key steroidogenic genes, particularly StAR. The combined presence of GDF9 and FGF2 synergistically enhanced StAR expression. Cellular responses to FGF2 included a downregulation of CASPASE 3, indicating reduced apoptosis and an upregulation of PCNA, suggesting increased cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the regulatory role of GDF9 in ovarian granulosa cell function and highlights the utility of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for functional genomics in caprine species. The findings have significant implications for enhancing reproductive performance through targeted gene modulation.

Efficient use of frozen-thawed semen in sheep is limited by low fertility following cervical insemination (CAI), whereas laparoscopic insemination (LAI) offers higher success but requires specialised skills and equipment. The current study aimed to evaluate the fertility outcomes of two artificial insemination techniques, laparoscopic and transcervical, in Lohi sheep using frozen-thawed semen. Lohi ewes (n = 44) were synchronised through progestin-sponges (day 0-day 11), administering PGF2_α (d-cloprostenol 75 μg/mL; i.m @ 75 μg/ewe) on day 09 and eCG (i.m @ 300 IU/ewe) on day 11. Synchronised ewes (n = 44) were divided into two groups for artificial insemination (AI) procedures: cervical (CAI; n = 24; sperm concentration = 200 million/dose) and laparoscopic (LAI; n = 20; sperm concentration = 50 million/dose). All ewes were inseminated at 54 h post-sponge removal. Results of the experiment revealed that LAI demonstrated higher pregnancy rates (65%) than CAI (33.3%) (p = 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in prolificacy or twinning rates between the two techniques (p = 0.11). In conclusion, LAI as compared to CAI is a superior method of insemination for achieving optimum pregnancy rates in estrous synchronised Lohi ewes.

To date, extra-amniotic foetal development has not been reported in cattle. In humans, such development outside the amniotic cavity is often associated with the formation of amniotic strands, which can lead to developmental malformations. Although congenital defects in the bovine species are uncommon, they typically result in significant economic losses due to production losses and additional veterinary costs. In this case, pregnancy was diagnosed in a primiparous Jersey-Holstein crossbred cow, 56 days after insemination, during routine pregnancy evaluation. Transrectal palpation revealed less uterine enlargement (i.e., corresponding to a 6-week pregnancy) than was expected for the gestational age. Ultrasound examination (using a Draminski, Poland) confirmed a right-horn pregnancy with an ipsilateral corpus luteum. Foetal length was measured at 41 mm, compared to the expected 50 mm at 56 days of gestation, according to the ultrasound software. The foetus exhibited severe malformations, including the complete absence of limbs and gross deformities caudal to the neck. Although the amnion was fluid-filled, the foetus was located outside of it, within the allantochorion. Abortion was induced, but the aborted material was not recovered. The cow successfully conceived again after one oestrous cycle and calved without complications. While most congenital defects are diagnosed postpartum, this case underscores the importance of performing routine ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis to enable the early detection of developmental abnormalities, facilitating timely intervention and reducing economic losses. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of an extra-amniotic pregnancy in cattle.

Antifreeze proteins are naturally occurring proteins that are known for their ability to inhibit ice formation. Although effective in nature, they have failed to produce the expected results in cryobiological studies. However, the lack of a significant effect when used alone has raised the following question: Could conjugation with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs), which are frequently used in drug delivery studies, enable closer interaction with spermatozoa and provide cumulative protection? To address this question, bull spermatozoa were used. First, Fe₃O₄ NPs (~6 nm) and AFP III-conjugated Fe₃O₄ NPs (AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs) were synthesised and characterised by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy to confirm the conjugation. Then, sperm samples collected from five different Holstein bulls for five replications were diluted with AndroMed extender and divided into five groups: control, Fe₃O₄ NPs only, AFP III only (0.1 and 0.5 μg/mL), and AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs (0.042 and 0.075 μg/mL). After cryopreservation, spermatological parameters and DNA condensation were analysed. The AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs (0.075 μg/mL) exhibited significantly higher motility and DNA integrity compared to the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane, and acrosomal integrity. Analyses of motility and DNA damage supported the protective effect of the AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs 0.075 μg/mL formulation. Thus, we have demonstrated the applicability of AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs, for the first time, in bull sperm cryopreservation and have introduced a novel nano-biotechnological approach for improving the success of assisted reproductive technologies in livestock.