Reproduction in Domestic Animals最新文献

Cryopreservation of ram semen is challenged by the high polyunsaturated fatty acid content in spermatozoa, which leads to increased oxidative stress and cellular damage. This study explored the potential of orally administered moringa oil (MO) or its microencapsulated form (MON) to protect ram spermatozoa during cryopreservation by assessing their effects on semen quality, antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, seminal metabolic enzyme activity, as well as molecular docking study. Fifteen Rahmani rams were randomly split into three groups (n = 5 per group) and fed a basal diet. The control group (CON) received 1 mL of distilled water orally, while the second and third groups received 2 mL of MO or 1 mL of MON, respectively, daily for 4 months. Semen samples were collected bi-weekly using an artificial vagina, pooled, extended and cryopreserved following standard protocols. Results demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) post-thaw sperm viability, progressive motility and membrane integrity in the MO group compared to other groups after equilibration (at 5°C for 4 h), post-thawed ram semen (at 37°C for 30 s) or incubated at 37°C and 5% CO₂ for 2 h. Regarding apoptotic sperm, the orally administered MO group had a significantly greater number of viable spermatozoa (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Although all treated groups had a lower percentage of early apoptosis than the control, MON administration resulted in a significant increase in the percentages of necrotic sperm compared to the MO group (p < 0.05). The TAC was highest and MDA was lowest (p < 0.05) in the MO group. Molecular docking analysis revealed the binding energies (kcal/mol) of bioactive compounds from MO including apigenin, ferulic acid and naringenin with three target proteins: ADAM17 (-4.47, -4.49 and -4.88, respectively), DNase1 (-4.42, -3.47 and -4.46, respectively) and SHBG (-6.38, -4.70 and -6.43, respectively). These findings indicate that orally administering MO has a more pronounced positive effect on Rahmani ram semen quality, apoptosis, and antioxidant status following cryopreservation compared to its microencapsulated form.

Semen banking and artificial insemination play an indispensable role in the propagation and preservation of germplasm. Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) is a small-sized game bird and facing threats in its natural habitat and can be conserved by employing assisted reproductive technologies like semen banking. For successful semen banking, it is necessary to have knowledge of the reproductive potential (semen volume, sperm motility, total sperm per ejaculation, sperm concentration, semen quality and sperm abnormalities) of the species. The present study was designed to investigate the reproductive potential of common quail. Common quail were kept individually in a 4 × 4 ft enclosure while a group of 5 females, which were utilised for male excitement, were kept in a 3 × 3 ft enclosure. Semen was collected from 10 mature males (Selection was made based on the size of proctodeal foam gland, ejaculation time and stimulation response to teaser female) collected individually after excitation by a teaser female on a daily basis. After collection, semen was evaluated for semen volume, sperm motility, total sperm per ejaculation, sperm concentration, semen quality (motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosomal integrity) and sperm abnormalities of individual males. Mean semen volume (7.75 ± 0.59 μL), sperm concentration (20.105 ± 0.81) and total sperm per ejaculation (0.316 ± 0.175 10⁹/mL) were recorded. Sperm motility (74.1% ± 2.24%), viability (76.88% ± 2.155%), intact acrosome (78.69% ± 2.13%) and integrity of the plasma membrane (75.5% ± 2.261%) and semen quality factor (121.06 ± 14.23) were recorded. Semen quality factor SQF was positively correlated with volume (r = 0.824), motility (r = 0.583), plasma membrane integrity (r = 0.592), viability (r = 0.593) and acrosomal integrity (r = 0.610) (p < 0.05) while negatively correlated with total sperm per ejaculation (r = -0.208). The total percentage of abnormal sperm was (12.125% ± 6.161%) recorded. It is concluded that common quail exhibit excellent reproductive potential in terms of semen quality with a low percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. The results of semen characteristics can now be used for artificial propagation and conservation programs.

This study investigated the effects of multiple treatments of estradiol benzoate (EB) prior to the induction of luteal regression on the efficiency of artificial lactation induction and milk yield in pseudopregnant sows. Pseudopregnant females induced by treatment with 30 mg estradiol dipropionate (EDP) were administered 2 mg (Group EB 2 mg, n = 5) or 3 mg (Group EB 3 mg, n = 6) EB on Days-10, -7, and -4 (Day 0 = the day of prostaglandin F_2α [PGF_2α] treatment). Six pseudopregnant sows (Group EDP) received 5 mg EDP on Day -10.5 ± 1.6. The induction efficiency of artificial lactation, collected milk volume and immunoglobulin concentrations in the milk obtained from sows after PGF_2α treatment were analysed. The dosage of EB treatment before PGF_2α administration had no significant effect on either the induction rate of artificial lactation or the milk yield during the experimental period. Harvested milk volumes from EB-treated pseudopregnant sows were higher than those in Group EDP. The immunoglobulin levels in harvested milk from artificial lactating sows did not differ between the EB-treated groups. In conclusion, multiple EB treatments prior to PGF_2α administration increased milk production in pseudopregnant sows but did not affect the efficiency of artificial lactation induction.

This study investigated the impacts of dietary trace mineral supplementation (copper, zinc and manganese) on plasma testosterone concentrations and semen characteristics in Afshari × Booroola merino rams. Twenty rams were equally allocated into four groups and fed for 70 days, as follows: Control (no supplemental minerals); Sulphate (sulphate forms); Hydroxychloride (30% hydroxychloride, 70% sulphate) and Amino chelate (30% chelate, 70% sulphate). Plasma testosterone concentrations, seminal plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, alkaline phosphatase and total antioxidant capacity were assessed on Days 0 and 70. On Day 70, all these end points were higher (p < 0.05) in the Hydroxychloride and Amino chelate groups compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the Sulphate group had no significant change from Day 0, whereas the Control group decreased (p < 0.05). Ejaculate volume and sperm concentration were measured in fresh semen. Sperm quality was evaluated in fresh and frozen-thawed samples, including motility, morphology, viability and membrane functionality every 14 days. From Day 42, sperm motility, viability and membrane functionality improved (p < 0.05) in the Hydroxychloride and Amino chelate groups. These parameters remained stable in the Sulphate group but declined in the Control group (p < 0.05). Notably, the Control group had the highest percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm at 70 days (p < 0.05). Additionally, the Hydroxychloride and Amino chelate groups had fewer apoptotic sperm and lower malondialdehyde concentrations compared to the Control and Sulphate groups. In conclusion, supplementation with hydroxychloride or amino chelate forms of trace minerals optimised reproductive performance in rams, with higher plasma testosterone concentrations and superior sperm quality compared to sulphate or control diets.

Semen quality plays a critical role in artificial insemination; however, the accumulation of oxidised substances during semen storage impairs sperm viability and function, ultimately reducing fertility. Sodium phytate is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, known for its potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium phytate on the preservation of porcine semen at various storage temperatures (17°C and 4°C). The study employed a variety of methods, including the assessment of sperm quality parameters (sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were determined. The experiment was divided into a control group and different concentrations of sodium phytate. Sperm quality parameters were evaluated in the control group (0 μg/mL) and in the sodium phytate group (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg/mL) on Days 2, 4, and 6 of sperm storage at various storage temperatures (17°C and 4°C). Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of porcine sperm was evaluated on Days 2 and 4. The results indicated that the addition of sodium phytate to porcine semen dilutions significantly enhanced sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.05), while simultaneously reducing MDA levels produced during semen preservation (p < 0.05). The optimal concentration of sodium phytate was found to be 1-10 μg/mL under ambient storage conditions and 100 μg/mL under low-temperature storage conditions. These findings suggest that sodium phytate has potential effects on porcine semen during preservation under various storage conditions, providing a theoretical foundation for improving artificial insemination fertility rates.

Humanin is the first short peptide in a speculated group of peptides produced by mitochondria that possess potent cytoprotective properties against various forms of stress. Despite being a prevalent peptide in testes and spermatozoa, there has been no report on the identification or quantification of humanin in buck sperm cells or the reproductive tract. This study aimed to establish the presence of humanin in the epididymis, testes and semen of Sirohi and Barbari bucks, whereas also assessing its seasonal expression, as goats are reported to be seasonal breeders in India. A total of 12 bucks were selected, and an indirect immunofluorescence test was conducted to detect humanin using a commercially available anti-humanin antibody. Immunofluorescence examination of the male reproductive tract revealed the presence of green fluorescence, indicating humanin, in the elongated spermatids of the caput epididymis and the interstitial space of the testicles. In ejaculated spermatozoa, humanin was localised in the neck and acrosomal regions. Humanin was also observed in the upper middle region of ejaculated spermatozoa. However, during the rainy season, humanin expression was stronger or brighter, and throughout the summer and winter, there was little fluorescence. The rainy season was also markedly associated with increased levels of sperm concentration, progressive motility and mitochondrial membrane potential in semen. However, superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation levels also exhibited substantial seasonal variation.

This study investigated the effects of hCG administration during different times after mating on the reproductive parameters of Torki-Ghashghaei sheep. In the first experiment, 75 Torki-Ghashghaei ewes and 56 ewe lambs were synchronised for 14 days. One day before withdrawing the sponges, 400 and 350 IU of eCG were injected into ewes and ewe lambs, respectively. Then the ewes and ewe lambs were divided into five and four groups, respectively, based on not receiving (control) or receiving hCG in ewes on 1.5, 2, 4 and 6 days and in ewe lambs on 1.5, 2 and 6 days after mating. The results of the first experiment showed that the rate of multiple twinning, the number of lambs born, fecundity, prolificacy and progesterone concentration in ewes and ewe lambs receiving hCG on days 1.5 and two were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). In the second experiment, 316 ewes and 304 ewe lambs were synchronised and received 400 and 300 IU of hCG, respectively, and were divided into two groups based on receiving hCG one day and a half (hCG-1.5) and two days (hCG-2) after mating. The results showed that multiple births in ewes were significantly higher in the hCG-1.5 group compared to the hCG-2 group. The results of this study generally showed that the use of hCG on all different days after mating increased the concentration of serum progesterone. Ewes and ewe lambs receiving hCG on days 1.5 and two had the best reproductive performance compared to the other groups. In conclusion, the application of hCG on 1.5 days after mating in Torki-Ghashghaei ewes and ewe lambs during the out-breeding season could be recommended for improving twinning rate, the number of lambs born and prolificacy rate.

This study aims to comprehensively explore genome-wide selective processes influencing reproductive traits across six cattle breeds by employing different statistical methods. Reproductive efficiency is crucial for livestock productivity, as it directly influences the number of offspring and, consequently, the availability of animals for production. Early reproductive development and high fertility in herds boost selection intensity, driving faster genetic gains. This efficiency underpins the sustainability and profitability of livestock systems. To identify genomic signatures related to these traits, this study utilises genotyping technologies, including the Illumina BovineSNP50 Bead Chip and GGP Bos indicus 70k array. For this work, we used four summary statistics, including two intra-population statistics (Tajima's D and iHS), and two inter-population statistics (Rsb and XP-EHH). After identifying the key locations for selection, the NCBI database and the Cattle QTL database were utilised for annotation. The genes CACNA1H, KCNIP4, GDF9, SLC4A4, DHX57, EIF2AK3 and ME3 have been demonstrated to be under positive selection in Gir cattle. These are associated with characteristics such as udder cleft, age at puberty, sperm counts, sperm motility, sperm acrosome integrity rate, sperm motility per conception, sperm counts, conception rate, etc. Two genes, ENTHD1 and PRDM16 found on chromosomes 5 and 16, respectively, have been shared by Tharparkar and Gir which were undergoing positive selection. The ENTHD1 gene is linked to reproductive traits such as calving ease and stillbirth. Meanwhile, the PRDM16 gene is associated with characteristics like udder cleft, udder attachment, udder depth and udder height. The genes RXFP2, FRY, ENTHD1, SREBF2, RNF10, NYAP2, VWF, PPP1R8, EYA3, BBX, and TRPM3 were consistently identified across multiple selection signature methods, highlighting them as strong candidates under intense selection pressure. This approach offers valuable insights into the genetic basis of variations in reproductive traits, facilitating informed selection processes and enhancing our understanding of evolutionary and domestication in diverse cattle breeds.

Vitrified in vitro-produced embryos can be successfully warmed in isotonic media at room temperature (RT; 22°C). However, this protocol has not been reported for in vivo embryos, which are more challenging to vitrify and warm. Study objectives were to see if vitrified in vivo embryos warmed in RT isotonic medium gave equivalent pregnancy rates to stepwise serial dilution warming, and if embryo size influenced the results. One hundred and seventeen embryos were divided into groups by size (G1:≤ 300 μm, n = 59; G2:> 300-400 μm, n = 33; G3:> 400-500 μm, n = 24) and vitrified using a commercial vitrification kit. Embryos were placed in an equilibration solution for 10 (embryos ≤ 300 μm) or 15 min (embryos > 300 μm) before being moved to a vitrification solution (≤ 90 s) and loaded onto a Cryolock prior to plunging into LN2. Warming was undertaken by placing the tip of the uncapped Cryolock into RT isotonic medium (n = 77; comprised of G1:n = 45; G2:n = 22; G3:n = 10) or by stepwise serial dilution (n = 40) with the initial 1 M sucrose solution at 42°C (G1:n = 14; G2:n = 12; G3:n = 14). Warmed embryos were transferred to Day 6 recipient mares and pregnancy rates compared between warming protocols. Ignoring embryo size, there was no difference in Day 14 pregnancy rates for vitrified embryos warmed in RT isotonic medium versus stepwise serial dilution (70.1%, 54/77 vs. 82.5%, 33/40, respectively). No statistical difference existed in pregnancy rates between warming protocols for G1 or G2 embryos (p = 1.0, p = 0.439, respectively), but for G3 embryos, the stepwise protocol results in significantly more pregnancies (p < 0.001). The largest embryo successfully warmed in RT isotonic medium was 390 μm. Whereas for the stepwise protocol, the largest embryo was 480 μm. Direct warming in RT isotonic medium is a suitable protocol for warming vitrified embryos ≤ 390 μm, although the decline in pregnancies at the upper limit of G2 would suggest that clinically this methodology is suitable for embryos ≤ 360 μm.