Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Retrospective evaluation of semen quality in bulls in Spain, managed in extensive grazing systems over a 10-year period.","authors":"C C Pérez-Marín, L Quevedo, M Salas, L A Quintela","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extensively managed beef herds often lack systematic reproductive monitoring, which can lead to reduced fertility rates and economic losses. Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE) is a critical tool for identifying sires with suboptimal reproductive performance. This study aimed to assess semen quality and reproductive soundness in beef bulls raised under extensive systems, to determine the prevalence of unsatisfactory breeders and identify factors affecting reproductive performance. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1541 evaluations for breeding soundness in 549 bulls (checked in different years or re-checked after an unsatisfactory result) across 45 farms in southern Spain between 2014 and 2024. Bulls underwent physical examination, scrotal circumference (SC) measurement, and semen collection (by electroejaculation). Sperm motility was assessed using computer-assisted analysis. Bulls were classified as suitable, questionable or unsatisfactory based on BBSE criteria. Overall, 83.1 % of bulls passed BBSE: 68.9 % were classified as suitable and 14.2 % as questionable. A total of 16.9 % were unsatisfactory due to low progressive motility, anatomical defects, or clinical conditions. Morphological sperm assessment was not performed in all the samples. A total of 230 bulls classified as unsatisfactory in a first evaluation were reevaluated (63.5 %), showing that 52.9 % of them exhibited acceptable semen quality later, highlighting the importance of follow-up testing. Limousin bulls had the highest probability of passing BBSE (82.5 %), while older bulls (>85 months) had reduced odds. Seminal parameters varied significantly among breeds, and age affected SC but not sperm motility or other semen parameters. BBSE is an essential tool in extensive systems to ensure optimal bull fertility and prevent economic losses. Repeated evaluations improve accuracy, particularly for bulls initially deemed unsatisfactory. Breed, age, and farm management practices significantly influence reproductive outcomes and should be considered in breeding programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"108120"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146117708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Graphene oxide enhances post-thaw sperm quality in tropically-adapted rams.","authors":"Francisca N M Almeida, Denise D Guerreiro, Alan M Araújo, Bruno R M Costa, Eduardo R Pessoa, Gaby J Q Palomino, Aderson M Viana Neto, Luciano P Silva, Valder N Freire, Arlindo A Moura","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the effects of graphene oxide (GO) on the quality of frozen-thawed ram semen. Each of 30 ejaculates from five rams were cryopreserved with a control extender (Optidux®, Reprodux Inc., Brazil) or extender containing GO concentrations at 5, 50, or 100 µg/mL. Post-thaw data were analyzed using Tukey's or Dunn's t test (p < 0.05). Graphene oxide at 5 and 50 µg/mL increased frozen-thawed total (50.4 ± 3.15; 52^.0 ± 2.76 %), and progressive sperm motility (44.2 ± 3.06; 45^.7 ± 2.68 %) vs control (42.0 ± 2.75; 36.7 ± 2.58 %), and sperm viability (56.3 ± 2.17; 57.8 ± 2.82 %) vs control (48.8 ± 2.60 %); and decreased immotile spermatozoa (49.6 ± 3.15; 48.0 ± 2.76 %) vs control (58.0 ± 2.75 %). Both 5 and 100 µg/mL treatments improved DNA integrity (90 ± 0.34; 90.5 ± 0.44 %) vs control (89.1 ± 0.37 %). There were no GO effects on sperm morphology, VCL, VAP. Local motility, an undesirable parameter, increased significantly from 5.42 ± 0.52 % (control) to 6.77 ± 0.43 % (100 µg/mL GO). Supplementation with GO improved post-thaw sperm progressive motility (by up to 24.5 %) and viability (up to 18.4 %), reducing immotile sperm (up to 17.2 %), compared to extender alone. This potentially supports the practical use of GO as an additive to semen extenders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"108119"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146111856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive characterization of transcriptional regulation during HCG-induced follicle maturation in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi): Insights from transcriptomics","authors":"Mingqing Zhang ,&nbsp;Zixuan E ,&nbsp;Han Wen,&nbsp;Yingshi Tang,&nbsp;Shujia Liao,&nbsp;Lin Tang,&nbsp;Fengying Yan,&nbsp;Yong Zhang,&nbsp;Shuisheng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Follicle maturation is critical for egg quality and fry production, yet its transcriptional regulation remains poorly defined. In this study, we employed comparative transcriptomics across five developmental stages (SCS1–SCS5) following HCG induction to resolve stage-specific transcriptional dynamics in mandarin fish (<em>Siniperca chuatsi</em>) follicle. A total of 15 libraries yielded high-quality data with mapping rates of 92.50–96.79 %, identifying 17,320 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with a pronounced increase in later maturation stages. Functional enrichment highlighted stage-specific activation of key biological processes, including oocyte maturation, steroid biosynthesis, meiotic regulation, lysosomal proteolysis, fatty acid degradation, and immune responses. Notably, core cell-cycle regulators (<em>CDC20</em>, <em>BUB1Bb</em>, <em>PKMYT1</em>, <em>YWHAE1</em>) exhibited dynamic patterns consistent with meiotic resumption, indicating activation of the maturation-promoting factor (MPF) and APC/C pathways. Yolk hydrolysis was mediated by lysosomal proteases (<em>CTSBa</em>, <em>CTSC</em>) and ubiquitin–proteasome system genes (<em>CDC34a</em>), while lipid metabolism supported lipid droplet formation. Stage-specific immune activation further suggested complex immune–reproductive crosstalk. Co-expression network analysis further identified key hub genes positively (e.g., <em>CDC20</em>, <em>BUB1Bb</em>, <em>SETD2</em>) or negatively (e.g., <em>MRPL4</em>, <em>RPS3</em>) associated with maturation. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive transcriptomic resource and reveals critical pathways and regulators, offering molecular insights to refine hormonal induction and selective breeding strategies in aquaculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108116"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 effect of hibernation on reproduction performance of Alligator sinensis, Chinese Alligator is not limited to maintenance of matural follicle, but also involves the fundamental resource of germ cells","authors":"Haitao Nie ,&nbsp;Fuyong You ,&nbsp;Shi Wang ,&nbsp;Yunlu Xu ,&nbsp;Shaofan Li ,&nbsp;Jixiang Zhan ,&nbsp;Yuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Peng Liu ,&nbsp;Yue Wen ,&nbsp;Yongkang Zhou ,&nbsp;Song Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaobing Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hibernation, acknowledged as a survival strategy under low-temperatures, is regarded as exert a substantial impact on reproductive performance. However, numerous enigmas remain concerning the underlying mechanisms of this interaction. Ultrasound scanning was employed to quantify follicle numbers, and assay of plasma neurotransmitters and steroid hormones were conducted to elucidate the dynamic correlations between follicle development and endocrine fluctuations during the hibernation period, encompassing onset of hibernation (OH), deep hibernation (DH), and ending of hibernation (EH). The findings demonstrated that a cycle of follicular development commenced prior to the OH, and an additional cycle of yolk deposition occurred subsequent to hibernation. Furthermore, a notable correlation was identified between the quantity of follicles larger than 20 mm (PF, the one closest to mature size) and the plasma GABA/glutamine concentration. This strongly suggests that the maintenance of follicles nearing maturity might be associated with the fluctuations of neurotransmitters during hibernation. The RNA-seq results indicate that the down-regulation of GABA receptors in PF may imply a reduced neurotransmitter responsiveness, a phenomenon that is temporally congruent with the hibernation period. We postulate that this phenomenon might function to prevent excessive cell proliferation and apoptosis, potentially facilitating their continuous existence during hibernation. The findings from MeRIP-seq in conjunction in vitro molecular responses following sh-METTL3 treatment, further indicate that the suppression of oocyte recruitment into vitellogenic growth during hibernation is correlated with the M⁶A methylation modification. Additionally, the corresponding results imply that, beyond the initiation and recruitment of primordial follicles, the ovarian reserve may also been potentially influenced by the hibernation depth through crucial biological events such as double-strand breaks (DSBs) and the synapsis of homologous chromosomes during oogenesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108115"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 rearing environment and age on spermatophore quality in Penaeus indicus and validation of short term storage extenders","authors":"Biju Francis ,&nbsp;C.P. Balasubramanian ,&nbsp;P.S. Shyne Anand ,&nbsp;Akshaya Panigrahi ,&nbsp;Jose Antony ,&nbsp;N.S. Sudheer ,&nbsp;R. Aravind ,&nbsp;K.K. Vijayan","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reproductive development of male <em>Penaeus indicus</em> was studied in indoor tanks at three stocking densities (T1–15, T2–30 and T3–60/m²) and outdoor polythene lined ponds (SD-10/m²) for 180 days. Spermatophore development and the quality changes in relation to age was studied and compared with wild caught shrimps. Pond-reared males exhibited fused petasma and presence of visible spermatophores in the terminal ampoulle, at a body weight of 12.23 ± 0.13 g (90 DOC) indicating morphological maturity. Tank reared males exhibited poor growth and inferior spermatophore quality was observed irrespective of stocking density. Spermatophore weight (0.146 ± 0.015 g) and sperm count (21.47 ± 1.97 × 10⁶ cells) increased significantly with age (180 DOC) in pond-reared males indicating superior sperm quality than tank reared males (180 DOC). Wild males exhibited significantly higher sperm count (43.05 ± 8.05 × 10⁶ cells), morphologically normal cells, and acrosome reaction than pond reared males (180 DOC), while spermatophore weight remained statistically similar between the groups. Spermatophore preservation in three extenders (mineral oil, phosphate buffer (PBS), and calcium-free saline (CFS)) were evaluated during 15 day period. Mineral oil showed superior preservation of sperm viability and acrosome integrity during the first 5–10 days. The findings conclude that, outdoor pond rearing enhances male reproductive quality in <em>P. indicus</em> compared to indoor tank rearing, particularly in males at 180 DOC and using mineral oil as extender can improve retention of sperm cell viability during short term preservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108114"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146046038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ferroptosis-driven cryoinjury in porcine testicular tissue: Mechanisms, antioxidant-based cryoprotection, and translational strategies for fertility preservation","authors":"Jesse Oluwaseun Ayantoye ,&nbsp;Baigao Yang ,&nbsp;Hang Zhang ,&nbsp;Jianhua Dong ,&nbsp;Xiaomeng Zhang ,&nbsp;Haoran Song ,&nbsp;Muhammad Shahzad ,&nbsp;Hubdar Ali Kolachi ,&nbsp;David Olusola Aderibigbe ,&nbsp;Osamede Henry Osaiyuwu ,&nbsp;Pengcheng Wan ,&nbsp;Hongmei Pan ,&nbsp;Xueming Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Porcine testicular tissue cryopreservation underpins genetic resource banking and fertility preservation. However, conventional dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) protocols recover only a fraction of viable spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and often compromise downstream function. This review synthesizes mechanistic evidence showing that cryoinjury is not solely a problem of ice formation and osmotic stress; it is amplified by a surge of reactive oxygen species that peroxidize the exceptionally polyunsaturated, low-cholesterol membranes of porcine germ cells. Together with high testicular iron flux, these features create conditions in which ferroptosis dominates freeze–thaw lethality. In contrast to previous reviews that chiefly attribute cryodamage to generic oxidative stress and advocate broad antioxidant supplementation, this review defines ferroptosis as the dominant mechanism of regulated cell death and proposes targeted antioxidant strategies accordingly. We summarize how glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4) insufficiency, labile Fe²⁺, and lipid radical propagation converge during cryostress, and we compile emerging evidence from large animals that targeting this pathway improves outcomes. Lipid-directed radical-trapping agents (ferrostatin-1, liproxstatin-1), vitamin-E analogs, selenium (to support GPX4 activity), and iron chelators each reduce post-thaw lipid peroxidation, preserve membrane and mitochondrial integrity, and enhance sperm/SSC performance. We discuss synergistic combinations and practical delivery considerations, including nano- and liposomal carriers for poorly soluble antioxidants. Translational sections integrate data from xenografting/autografting models showing that cryopreserved testicular tissue can reinitiate spermatogenesis and yield fertile gametes, underscoring the value of mechanism-informed media for both livestock and human fertility biobanking. Finally, we outline priorities for porcine-specific ferroptosis assays, standardized antioxidant-enriched freezing protocols, dose optimization, and long-term reproductive endpoints. Collectively, the evidence supports a paradigm shift: ferroptosis is a central driver of cryodamage in porcine testicular tissue, and ferroptosis-targeted, antioxidant-based cryoprotection offers a rational path to higher SSC survival, improved graft architecture, and better translational fertility outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108113"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heat stress disrupts the ovarian microenvironment in cattle: An in vivo analysis of hormonal alterations, oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, and reduced pregnancy outcomes","authors":"Tae-Gyun Kim ,&nbsp;Sung-Ho Kim ,&nbsp;Seung-Joon Kim ,&nbsp;Won-Jae Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heat stress during summer impairs reproductive function in cattle. Since previous studies have largely employed <em>in vitro</em> models to examine heat stress effects on oocytes and mural granulosa cells (MGCs), comprehensive <em>in vivo</em> research is required to elucidate its multifaceted impact on cattle fertility. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms of heat stress-induced reproductive changes by comparing ovarian microenvironment, hormone levels, and pregnancy rates in cattle across seasons. Compared with the control group (temperature–humidity index [THI] &lt;72, <em>n</em> = 87), the heat-stressed group (HS; THI ≥72, <em>n</em> = 86) exhibited significant alterations in reproductive physiology, including increased serum cortisol concentration, and a reduced pregnancy rate (60.3 % vs. 43.5 %). In the HS group, MGCs showed reduced expression of steroidogenic-related proteins (StAR, LHR, and aromatase), accompanied by reduced estradiol concentrations in follicular fluid. A significant upregulation of oxidative stress-related proteins (SOD1 and SOD2) and the apoptosis marker (caspase-3) was observed, with a positive correlation identified between these factors. These findings suggest that MGCs exposed to heat stress undergo late-stage apoptosis driven by oxidative stress. In the HS group, gene expression in dominant follicle-derived cumulus–oocyte complexes presented an impaired oocyte maturation (decreased GDF9 and BMP15), while immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased HSP70 signal intensity in oocytes. Collectively, these findings suggest that heat stress triggers molecular and hormonal alterations in the ovarian microenvironment, leading to impaired oocyte maturation and reduced fertility. This study provides essential insight for the development of effective strategies to mitigate heat stress and enhance reproductive outcomes in livestock.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108111"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146008762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of zona-free cloning technologies to livestock breeding programmes","authors":"Muren Herrid ,&nbsp;Alison Van Eenennaam","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Advanced reproductive technologies are powerful tools for accelerating genetic gain because they enable both increased selection intensity and the generation of large numbers of offspring from elite animals. Among these, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning offers a means to rapidly multiply elite genetics from nucleus herds into commercial populations. Genomic estimated breeding values allow for the accurate assessment of genetic merit in embryos and newborns, creating opportunities to identify elite young stock for cloning. Cloning will also be an important complement to gene-editing as a way to generate animals from cell lines carrying targeted genetic modifications. Nevertheless, the widespread application of cloning remains constrained by low efficiency and high costs, underscoring the need for continued optimisation. Zona-free cloning, also known as handmade cloning, has potential as a simpler and more scalable alternative to conventional micromanipulator-based methods to prepare cloned embryos, and has demonstrated promising improvements in pregnancy and live birth rates across several livestock species. This review summarises advances in zona-free cloning, tracing its development from the microblade to the two-pipette and micropipette methods, and evaluates their relative advantages and limitations. Approaches to improve the health and welfare of clones are examined, and potential applications of cloning in livestock breeding programmes, along with associated regulatory considerations, are discussed. Cloning may become increasingly important as a crucial bridge between lines of genetically elite and possibly gene-edited embryonic cells, and their manifestation as breeding animals in livestock improvement programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108107"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"MSI2 expression in single vs. double dominant follicles and its role in Mongolian sheep fecundity","authors":"Hao Qinqin ,&nbsp;Li Penghui ,&nbsp;Zhou Xin ,&nbsp;He Yang ,&nbsp;Liu Haodong ,&nbsp;Li Xiaolong ,&nbsp;Yu Mingyang ,&nbsp;Zhang Zelin ,&nbsp;Fan Jiaxin ,&nbsp;Yang Wenchao ,&nbsp;Yin Junzhe ,&nbsp;Cao Guifang ,&nbsp;Li Haijun ,&nbsp;Cao Xiaojuan ,&nbsp;Ge Haiyan ,&nbsp;Li Yongqiang ,&nbsp;Ren Junguang ,&nbsp;Du Chenguang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Musashi 2 (MSI2), a conserved RNA-binding protein, is important in mammalian sperm and follicle development. Its function in Mongolian sheep, however, remains unclear. We investigated the differential expression of MSI2 in single and double dominant follicles of Mongolian sheep and its role in prolificacy. Sixty 7-month-old Mongolian ewes in estrus were studied. The results showed that MSI2 was expressed in Mongolian sheep ovarian granulosa cells, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of MSI2 were significantly higher in single dominant follicles than in double dominant follicles. There were 3400 DEGs in the single and double dominant follicles of Mongolian sheep, which were mainly enriched in steroidogenesis, TGF-β, and estrogen signaling pathways; based on PPI analysis, further studies were conducted on CYP17A1, ERβ, StAR, and 3β-HSD that interact with MSI2. It has been confirmed that they are coexpressed in Mongolian sheep ovarian granulosa cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MSI2 and CYP17A1 in double dominant follicles were significantly lower than those in single dominant follicles, with a significant positive correlation. In contrast, 3β-HSD, StAR, and ERβ were more highly expressed in double follicles, correlating negatively with MSI2. It is speculated that reduced expression of MSI2 and CYP17A1 in double dominant follicles promotes the expression of StAR, 3β-HSD, and ERβ, thereby facilitating the formation of double dominant follicles in Mongolian sheep. This study confirms that MSI2 may serve as an essential regulatory factor for Mongolian sheep multiparity trait, providing a theoretical basis for further research on the trait.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108112"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146016935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phosphatidylcholine promotes sperm motility by regulating sperm membrane phospholipid homeostasis","authors":"Jiwei Li ,&nbsp;Yuzhu Cao ,&nbsp;Juan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yadong Tian ,&nbsp;Guirong Sun ,&nbsp;Yaling Gu ,&nbsp;Xiangtao Kang ,&nbsp;Donghua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The effect of phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine on the maintenance of sperm motility in vitro was investigated. Sperm motility is a key determinant of reproductive efficiency in poultry production, influenced by seminal plasma factors. This study characterized phenotypic distinctions between high- and low-motility sperm from 40-week-old Yufen 1 roosters and elucidated underlying molecular mechanisms. Metabolomics analysis showed that seminal plasma was enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine were the main metabolites. The effect of phosphatidylcholine on the maintenance of sperm motility in vitro was tested and verified by sperm co-incubation experiments. Herein, the high-motility group showed significantly higher fertilization capacity when compared to the low-motility sperm (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the removal of seminal plasma impaired motility, while cross-exchange between high- and low-motility groups restored motility (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) and marginally improved membrane integrity in low-motility sperm. Metabolomic profiling of seminal plasma revealed the effects of seminal plasma on sperm motility were associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism, lysine degradation, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Among these pathways, The conversion from phosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidylcholine, mediated by glycerophosphatidylcholine metabolism, becomes the key mechanistic driver. The content of phosphatidylcholine in seminal plasma significantly affects the motility, membrane integrity, and fertilization characteristics (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), respectively. These findings underscore the importance of seminal plasma in sperm motility, as well as that phosphatidylcholine probably serves as a key regulator for sperm properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108108"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}