Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108118
Rodrigo de Morais , Fúlvio Picanço Florenzano , Adryele Araujo Borges Lima , Giovanna Meireles Borges , Sacha Manuelly da Silva Lobato , Daniel Rocha de Oliveira , Lorrayne Honorio de Paula , Weslen Fabricio Pires Teixeira , Moyses dos Santos Miranda , Rinaldo Batista Viana , Bruno Moura Monteiro
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multivalent reproductive vaccination program against BoHV-1, BoHV-5, BVDV-1, BVDV-2, Leptospira spp., and Campylobacter fetus on the reproductive performance of 1217 beef cows and heifers (Bos indicus) subjected to two consecutive timed artificial insemination protocols (TAI). Serological titers for BoHV-1, BVDV, Leptospira spp., and Neospora caninum were analyzed before vaccination. The first dose of the multivalent vaccine was administered 21–30 days before the TAI protocol, with a booster on day 0 (D0). Artificial insemination (AI) occurred 11 days later (D11). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography 28–30 days after TAI and confirmed at 120 days by transrectal palpation. At 120 and 210 days of gestation, previously vaccinated females received a booster dose containing only Leptospira spp. antigens. All females were monitored until birth, to calculate the calving rate of the inseminated animals. High pre-vaccination seroprevalence was observed for all tested agents, indicating widespread prior exposure within the herd. No significant differences in pregnancy per AI (P/AI) were detected between vaccinated and control groups after the first TAI. However, higher P/AI at 120 days and lower pregnancy loss was observed between 30 and 120 days (P = 0.03) in vaccinated animals after second TAI. These findings indicate that multivalent inactivated reproductive vaccination is safe and may contribute to the immunological stability of naturally exposed herds. However, its impact on immediate fertility appears to be limited, particularly in populations with high pre-existing immunity.
{"title":"Effect of a multivalent vaccination protocol on reproductive efficiency in Bos indicus beef females","authors":"Rodrigo de Morais , Fúlvio Picanço Florenzano , Adryele Araujo Borges Lima , Giovanna Meireles Borges , Sacha Manuelly da Silva Lobato , Daniel Rocha de Oliveira , Lorrayne Honorio de Paula , Weslen Fabricio Pires Teixeira , Moyses dos Santos Miranda , Rinaldo Batista Viana , Bruno Moura Monteiro","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108118","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108118","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multivalent reproductive vaccination program against BoHV-1, BoHV-5, BVDV-1, BVDV-2, <em>Leptospira</em> spp., and <em>Campylobacter fetus</em> on the reproductive performance of 1217 beef cows and heifers (<em>Bos indicus</em>) subjected to two consecutive timed artificial insemination protocols (TAI). Serological titers for BoHV-1, BVDV, <em>Leptospira</em> spp., and <em>Neospora caninum</em> were analyzed before vaccination. The first dose of the multivalent vaccine was administered 21–30 days before the TAI protocol, with a booster on day 0 (D0). Artificial insemination (AI) occurred 11 days later (D11). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography 28–30 days after TAI and confirmed at 120 days by transrectal palpation. At 120 and 210 days of gestation, previously vaccinated females received a booster dose containing only <em>Leptospira</em> spp. antigens. All females were monitored until birth, to calculate the calving rate of the inseminated animals. High pre-vaccination seroprevalence was observed for all tested agents, indicating widespread prior exposure within the herd. No significant differences in pregnancy per AI (P/AI) were detected between vaccinated and control groups after the first TAI. However, higher P/AI at 120 days and lower pregnancy loss was observed between 30 and 120 days (<em>P</em> = 0.03) in vaccinated animals after second TAI. These findings indicate that multivalent inactivated reproductive vaccination is safe and may contribute to the immunological stability of naturally exposed herds. However, its impact on immediate fertility appears to be limited, particularly in populations with high pre-existing immunity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108118"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154340","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}
Bidirectional signalling between the oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells is essential for coordinating follicular development and acquiring oocyte competence. The metabolic networks governing bovine cumulus cell function, however, remain poorly characterized. To address this gap, we performed integrated metabolomic and proteomic analyses of cumulus cells isolated from cumulus-oocyte complexes at two critical maturation stages: (1) meiotically arrested germinal vesicle stage (0 h) and (2) metaphase II stage (24 h). This temporal profiling reveals dynamic metabolic reprogramming events supporting oocyte maturation. In particular, we found the active use of glucose metabolism via glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, rather than the citric cycle, suppression in fatty acid β-oxidation, and active tryptophan and polyamine biosynthesis. Meanwhile, the surrounding cumulus cells showed a steady rise in steroid hormone production and one-carbon metabolism in tandem with the development of the oocyte. In sum, the data provide a comprehensive metabolic atlas of cumulus cell differentiation and give prospective indicators for enhancing and predicting oocyte quality.
{"title":"Multi-omics profiling uncovers metabolic regulation in cumulus cells during oocyte maturation","authors":"Yassin Kassim , Hao Sheng , Haibin Zhong , Mostafa Elashry , Omaima Mohamed Kandil , Esraa Aly Ismail , Kun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108121","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108121","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bidirectional signalling between the oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells is essential for coordinating follicular development and acquiring oocyte competence. The metabolic networks governing bovine cumulus cell function, however, remain poorly characterized. To address this gap, we performed integrated metabolomic and proteomic analyses of cumulus cells isolated from cumulus-oocyte complexes at two critical maturation stages: (1) meiotically arrested germinal vesicle stage (0 h) and (2) metaphase II stage (24 h). This temporal profiling reveals dynamic metabolic reprogramming events supporting oocyte maturation. In particular, we found the active use of glucose metabolism via glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, rather than the citric cycle, suppression in fatty acid β-oxidation, and active tryptophan and polyamine biosynthesis. Meanwhile, the surrounding cumulus cells showed a steady rise in steroid hormone production and one-carbon metabolism in tandem with the development of the oocyte. In sum, the data provide a comprehensive metabolic atlas of cumulus cell differentiation and give prospective indicators for enhancing and predicting oocyte quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108121"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154337","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}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108137
Jaehyung Ham , Dongjin Oh , Hyerin Choi , Ali Jawad , Zheng Haomiao , Juyoung Heo , Aram Oh , Huijin Jin , Jaehyeok Seo , Seokyung Lee , Joohyeong Lee , Sang-Hwan Hyun
Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) is known to act as an oocyte-secreted factor (OSF) of oocyte maturation in several mammalian species; however, its expression and function in the porcine ovary remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the localization patterns of FGF8 and its receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor 3c (FGFR3c) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), during follicular development, and to evaluate the effects of FGF8 supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that FGF8 was present in both oocytes and surrounding somatic cells, FGFR3c was primarily localized to somatic cells, and FGFR4 was detected mainly in oocytes. Supplementation with FGF8 during IVM enhanced nuclear maturation, cytoplasmic maturation, cumulus expansion, and subsequent embryonic development, as compared to the controls. In addition, blastocysts derived from FGF8-treated oocytes exhibited a significantly reduced proportion of apoptotic cells, indicating improved blastocyst quality. At the molecular level, treatment with 100 ng/mL FGF8 significantly increased the expression of mRNA associated with glycolysis, antioxidative response, and anti-apoptotic pathways in cumulus cells, and upregulated the expression of OSFs and maternal-effect genes (MEGs) in oocytes. These molecular changes support the notion that FGF8 facilitates oocyte developmental competence via both metabolic and protective mechanisms. Collectively, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the spatial expression of FGF8 and its receptors in porcine ovaries and confirm that FGF8 positively regulates porcine oocyte maturation through transcriptional changes in both cumulus cells and oocytes.
{"title":"Functional characterization of the ability of FGF8 to enhance porcine oocyte maturation","authors":"Jaehyung Ham , Dongjin Oh , Hyerin Choi , Ali Jawad , Zheng Haomiao , Juyoung Heo , Aram Oh , Huijin Jin , Jaehyeok Seo , Seokyung Lee , Joohyeong Lee , Sang-Hwan Hyun","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108137","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108137","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) is known to act as an oocyte-secreted factor (OSF) of oocyte maturation in several mammalian species; however, its expression and function in the porcine ovary remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the localization patterns of FGF8 and its receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor 3c (FGFR3c) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), during follicular development, and to evaluate the effects of FGF8 supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that FGF8 was present in both oocytes and surrounding somatic cells, FGFR3c was primarily localized to somatic cells, and FGFR4 was detected mainly in oocytes. Supplementation with FGF8 during IVM enhanced nuclear maturation, cytoplasmic maturation, cumulus expansion, and subsequent embryonic development, as compared to the controls. In addition, blastocysts derived from FGF8-treated oocytes exhibited a significantly reduced proportion of apoptotic cells, indicating improved blastocyst quality. At the molecular level, treatment with 100 ng/mL FGF8 significantly increased the expression of mRNA associated with glycolysis, antioxidative response, and anti-apoptotic pathways in cumulus cells, and upregulated the expression of OSFs and maternal-effect genes (MEGs) in oocytes. These molecular changes support the notion that FGF8 facilitates oocyte developmental competence via both metabolic and protective mechanisms. Collectively, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the spatial expression of FGF8 and its receptors in porcine ovaries and confirm that FGF8 positively regulates porcine oocyte maturation through transcriptional changes in both cumulus cells and oocytes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108137"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173078","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}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108136
Peng Xu, Tong Xing, Lin Zhang, Liang Zhao, Feng Gao
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant with reproductive toxicity. Until now, its effects on ovarian aging of broiler breeders remain poorly understood. This study established a 10-week Cd exposure model in broiler breeders. The data indicated that Cd administration impaired the laying performance and compromised the egg quality. Notably, it markedly elevated the enzymatic activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum while concurrently reducing serum TG concentration (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, Cd exposure decreased the relative weight of ovarian stroma, induced the damage to the ovarian tissue structure, and significantly reduced the follicle number (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Cd exposure triggered ovarian oxidative stress, manifested by elevated 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and diminished antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px) (P < 0.05). It also promoted the transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory genes (IFN-γ, IL-8, IL-17, NF-κB) (P < 0.05). TUNEL staining and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that Cd exposure increased ovarian cell apoptosis rates and upregulated the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes, including Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 (P < 0.05). Additionally, immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR results further confirmed that Cd exposure upregulated the senescence-associated marker P21 at both the protein and transcriptional levels, while upregulating the mRNA expression of P16 and γ-H2AX, and downregulating the mRNA expression levels of senescence-regulating genes SIRT1 and SIRT6 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Cd exposure accelerates ovarian aging in broiler breeders by inducing oxidative stress and fostering inflammation, which provides potential therapeutic targets for mitigating Cd-induced ovarian aging.
{"title":"Cadmium exposure accelerates ovarian aging in broiler breeders through oxidative stress and inflammation","authors":"Peng Xu, Tong Xing, Lin Zhang, Liang Zhao, Feng Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108136","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108136","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant with reproductive toxicity. Until now, its effects on ovarian aging of broiler breeders remain poorly understood. This study established a 10-week Cd exposure model in broiler breeders. The data indicated that Cd administration impaired the laying performance and compromised the egg quality. Notably, it markedly elevated the enzymatic activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum while concurrently reducing serum TG concentration (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Meanwhile, Cd exposure decreased the relative weight of ovarian stroma, induced the damage to the ovarian tissue structure, and significantly reduced the follicle number (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Furthermore, Cd exposure triggered ovarian oxidative stress, manifested by elevated 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and diminished antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px) (<em>P</em> < 0.05). It also promoted the transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory genes (<em>IFN-γ</em>, <em>IL-8</em>, <em>IL-17</em>, <em>NF-κB</em>) (<em>P</em> < 0.05)<em>.</em> TUNEL staining and RT-q<em>P</em>CR analysis revealed that Cd exposure increased ovarian cell apoptosis rates and upregulated the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes, including <em>Bax</em>, <em>caspase-3</em>, <em>caspase-8</em>, and <em>caspase-9</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Additionally, immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR results further confirmed that Cd exposure upregulated the senescence-associated marker P21 at both the protein and transcriptional levels, while upregulating the mRNA expression of <em>P16</em> and <em>γ-H</em><sub><em>2</em></sub><em>AX</em>, and downregulating the mRNA expression levels of senescence-regulating genes <em>SIRT1</em> and <em>SIRT6</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.05). In conclusion, Cd exposure accelerates ovarian aging in broiler breeders by inducing oxidative stress and fostering inflammation, which provides potential therapeutic targets for mitigating Cd-induced ovarian aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108136"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154342","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}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108138
Jiehuan Xu , Mengqian He , Jun Gao , Lingwei Sun , Caifeng Wu , Shushan Zhang , Defu Zhang , Jianjun Dai
Porcine oocytes experience severe mitochondrial cryoinjury after cryopreservation, posing challenge for post-warming survival and subsequent in vitro fertilization. Autophagy was involved in cellular self-renewal in cryopreserved porcine oocytes in response of stress. In this study, autophagy was manipulated in vitrified-warmed porcine oocytes by rapamycin (RAPA) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) to assess the feasibility of autophagy modifications in redressing post-warming mitochondrial dysfunction and fertilizability. As the results, RAPA-induced autophagy redressed mitochondrial membrane potential (1.44 ± 0.06 vs 0.81 ± 0.07), inhibited oxidative stress (0.91 ± 0.11 vs 1.46 ± 0.07) and early apoptosis rate (23.74 ± 3.21 % vs 46.78 ± 4.45 %) in vitrified-warmed oocytes, promoted the viability (77.73 ± 4.24 % vs 58.87 ± 4.05 %), the cleavage rate (56.90 ± 2.97 % vs 41.10 ± 3.71 %) following parthenogenetic activation (PA) and the blastocyst rate (10.93 ± 0.82 % vs 2.63 ± 1.56 %) following in vitro fertilization (IVF) of vitrified-warmed oocytes. In contrast, inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and early apoptosis, leading to the loss of oocyte viability, parthenogenetic potential, and IVF capacity, thus losing its practical applicability. This study regarded the manipulation of autophagy as an applicational strategy to maintain post-warming mitochondrial homeostasis and to enhance the IVF embryo outcome of cryopreserved porcine oocyte.
猪卵母细胞在低温保存后会经历严重的线粒体低温损伤，这对暖后存活和随后的体外受精提出了挑战。低温保存的猪卵母细胞在应激反应中自噬参与细胞自我更新。本研究采用雷帕霉素（rapamycin， RAPA）或3-甲基腺嘌呤（3-MA）对玻璃化加热的猪卵母细胞进行自噬处理，以评估自噬修饰在修复加热后线粒体功能障碍和受精率方面的可行性。作为结果,RAPA-induced自噬的纠正线粒体膜电位(1.44 ±0.06 vs 0.81 ±0.07 ),抑制氧化应激(0.91 ±0.11 vs 1.46 ±0.07 )和早期细胞凋亡率(23.74 ±3.21 % 46.78 vs ±4.45 %)在vitrified-warmed卵母细胞,促进了可行性(77.73 ±4.24 % 58.87 vs ±4.05 %),卵裂率(56.90 ± % 2.97 vs 41.10 ±3.71 %)后孤雌生殖的激活(PA)和囊胚率(10.93 ± % 0.82 vs 2.63 ±1.56 %)后vitrified-warmed卵母细胞的体外受精(IVF)。相反，3-MA抑制自噬会加重线粒体功能障碍、氧化应激和早期凋亡，导致卵母细胞活力、孤雌生殖潜能和体外受精能力丧失，从而失去其实际适用性。本研究认为，调控自噬是维持线粒体温热后稳态和提高猪卵母细胞体外受精结果的一种应用策略。
{"title":"Manipulation of autophagy regulates mitochondrial homeostasis and early embryo development of cryopreserved porcine oocytes","authors":"Jiehuan Xu , Mengqian He , Jun Gao , Lingwei Sun , Caifeng Wu , Shushan Zhang , Defu Zhang , Jianjun Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Porcine oocytes experience severe mitochondrial cryoinjury after cryopreservation, posing challenge for post-warming survival and subsequent <em>in vitro</em> fertilization. Autophagy was involved in cellular self-renewal in cryopreserved porcine oocytes in response of stress. In this study, autophagy was manipulated in vitrified-warmed porcine oocytes by rapamycin (RAPA) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) to assess the feasibility of autophagy modifications in redressing post-warming mitochondrial dysfunction and fertilizability. As the results, RAPA-induced autophagy redressed mitochondrial membrane potential (1.44 ± 0.06 <em>vs</em> 0.81 ± 0.07), inhibited oxidative stress (0.91 ± 0.11 <em>vs</em> 1.46 ± 0.07) and early apoptosis rate (23.74 ± 3.21 % <em>vs</em> 46.78 ± 4.45 %) in vitrified-warmed oocytes, promoted the viability (77.73 ± 4.24 % <em>vs</em> 58.87 ± 4.05 %), the cleavage rate (56.90 ± 2.97 % <em>vs</em> 41.10 ± 3.71 %) following parthenogenetic activation (PA) and the blastocyst rate (10.93 ± 0.82 % <em>vs</em> 2.63 ± 1.56 %) following <em>in vitro</em> fertilization (IVF) of vitrified-warmed oocytes. In contrast, inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and early apoptosis, leading to the loss of oocyte viability, parthenogenetic potential, and IVF capacity, thus losing its practical applicability. This study regarded the manipulation of autophagy as an applicational strategy to maintain post-warming mitochondrial homeostasis and to enhance the IVF embryo outcome of cryopreserved porcine oocyte.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108138"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154341","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}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108123
Iqra Batool
Early embryonic loss remains a major constraint to reproductive efficiency in cattle, with a large proportion of failures occurring during early gestation, particularly across the peri-implantation period encompassing maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP). During this critical window, conceptus-derived interferon tau (IFNT) acts as a key spatiotemporal regulator of immune and endocrine adaptation required for pregnancy establishment. Beyond its classical luteotropic role in preventing prostaglandin F₂α-mediated luteolysis, IFNT exerts cell- and compartment-specific immunomodulatory actions across the endometrium, corpus luteum (CL), and peripheral immune system. Within the uterus, IFNT induces tightly regulated interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) programs, restricts epithelial antigen presentation, modulates chemokine networks, and promote locally tolerogenic yet immunocompetent immune environment supportive of implantation. Systemically, circulating IFNT reaches maternal immune and endocrine compartments, inducing ISGs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils, biasing cytokine profiles toward immune regulation rather than overt inflammatory activation. Innate immune cells, particularly neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages, emerge as early IFNT-responsive populations, exhibiting restrained effector activity while contributing to immune–vascular remodeling and progesterone-supportive pathways within the CL. IFNT-responsive signaling is also evident within the CL itself, where immune–steroidogenic crosstalk and cell-survival pathways are associated with luteal maintenance during the maternal recognition period. Despite growing evidence, most current knowledge derives from correlative transcriptomic and in vitro studies, and the causal, cell-specific mechanisms linking IFNT-driven immune modulation to pregnancy establishment remain incompletely defined. This review integrates uterine, luteal, and systemic perspectives to position IFNT as a unifying immunoregulatory signal coordinating local and systemic immune adaptation during early ruminant pregnancy.
{"title":"Interferon tau and the immune blueprint of early ruminant pregnancy","authors":"Iqra Batool","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early embryonic loss remains a major constraint to reproductive efficiency in cattle, with a large proportion of failures occurring during early gestation, particularly across the peri-implantation period encompassing maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP). During this critical window, conceptus-derived interferon tau (IFNT) acts as a key spatiotemporal regulator of immune and endocrine adaptation required for pregnancy establishment. Beyond its classical luteotropic role in preventing prostaglandin F₂α-mediated luteolysis, IFNT exerts cell- and compartment-specific immunomodulatory actions across the endometrium, corpus luteum (CL), and peripheral immune system. Within the uterus, IFNT induces tightly regulated interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) programs, restricts epithelial antigen presentation, modulates chemokine networks, and promote locally tolerogenic yet immunocompetent immune environment supportive of implantation. Systemically, circulating IFNT reaches maternal immune and endocrine compartments, inducing ISGs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils, biasing cytokine profiles toward immune regulation rather than overt inflammatory activation. Innate immune cells, particularly neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages, emerge as early IFNT-responsive populations, exhibiting restrained effector activity while contributing to immune–vascular remodeling and progesterone-supportive pathways within the CL. IFNT-responsive signaling is also evident within the CL itself, where immune–steroidogenic crosstalk and cell-survival pathways are associated with luteal maintenance during the maternal recognition period<strong>.</strong> Despite growing evidence, most current knowledge derives from correlative transcriptomic and <em>in vitro</em> studies, and the causal, cell-specific mechanisms linking IFNT-driven immune modulation to pregnancy establishment remain incompletely defined. This review integrates uterine, luteal, and systemic perspectives to position IFNT as a unifying immunoregulatory signal coordinating local and systemic immune adaptation during early ruminant pregnancy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108123"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154338","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}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108122
Yuqing Yang , Nikorn Thongthip , Taweepoke Angkawanish , Pierre Comizzoli , Kaywalee Chatdarong
Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) face persistent challenges across both natural habitats and managed environments. In zoological and conservation settings, elephant populations remain largely unsustainable, due to low reproductive rates, elevated calf mortality, suboptimal breeding management practices, and a high prevalence of chronic health conditions. Although substantial knowledge gaps remain in female elephant reproduction, greater insight into semen biology and semen quality is equally critical, given that existing evidence in that area is fragmented and has been difficult to translate into practical applications. A major unresolved challenge is the underlying cause of poor and inconsistent fresh semen quality, together with the marked fragility of elephant spermatozoa during handling, short-term storage, or cryopreservation. These limitations also continue to compromise semen preservation outcomes and may reduce the overall success of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). This review synthesizes current knowledge on elephant semen, including sperm and seminal plasma biology and physiology, and summarizes commonly used methods for semen collection, processing, and evaluation. Practical and refined methodological guidance is provided, with emphasis on rectal massage as the primary semen collection technique. By integrating evidence on intrinsic factors (age, reproductive anatomy, endocrine regulation, and musth-related changes) and extrinsic factors (semen handling practices, nutritional status such as body condition score, and seasonality) that may contribute to semen variability and reduced semen quality, this review identifies key knowledge gaps, highlights future research priorities, and provides practical recommendations to improve semen handling and preservation in elephants under human care.
亚洲象（elephant has maximus）在自然栖息地和人工环境方面都面临着持续的挑战。在动物和保护环境中，由于繁殖率低、小象死亡率高、繁殖管理方法不理想以及慢性疾病的高流行率，大象种群基本上仍然是不可持续的。尽管在母象生殖方面仍存在大量的知识空白，但考虑到该领域的现有证据支离破碎，难以转化为实际应用，对精液生物学和精液质量的更深入了解同样至关重要。一个尚未解决的主要挑战是新鲜精液质量差且不稳定的潜在原因，以及大象精子在处理、短期储存或冷冻保存过程中明显的脆弱性。这些限制也会继续影响精液保存的结果，并可能降低辅助生殖技术（ARTs）的总体成功率。本文综述了目前关于大象精液的研究进展，包括精子和精浆的生物学和生理学，并对目前常用的精液采集、处理和评价方法进行了综述。提供了实用和完善的方法指导，重点是直肠按摩作为主要的精液收集技术。通过整合可能导致精液变异性和精液质量下降的内在因素（年龄、生殖解剖学、内分泌调节和菌类相关变化）和外在因素（精液处理方式、营养状况，如身体状况评分和季节性）的证据，本综述确定了关键的知识空白，强调了未来的研究重点，并提供了切实可行的建议，以改善人类照料下大象的精液处理和保存。
{"title":"Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on quality of Asian elephant semen – Current knowledge and new research directions","authors":"Yuqing Yang , Nikorn Thongthip , Taweepoke Angkawanish , Pierre Comizzoli , Kaywalee Chatdarong","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Asian elephants (<em>Elephas maximus</em>) face persistent challenges across both natural habitats and managed environments. In zoological and conservation settings, elephant populations remain largely unsustainable, due to low reproductive rates, elevated calf mortality, suboptimal breeding management practices, and a high prevalence of chronic health conditions. Although substantial knowledge gaps remain in female elephant reproduction, greater insight into semen biology and semen quality is equally critical, given that existing evidence in that area is fragmented and has been difficult to translate into practical applications. A major unresolved challenge is the underlying cause of poor and inconsistent fresh semen quality, together with the marked fragility of elephant spermatozoa during handling, short-term storage, or cryopreservation. These limitations also continue to compromise semen preservation outcomes and may reduce the overall success of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). This review synthesizes current knowledge on elephant semen, including sperm and seminal plasma biology and physiology, and summarizes commonly used methods for semen collection, processing, and evaluation. Practical and refined methodological guidance is provided, with emphasis on rectal massage as the primary semen collection technique. By integrating evidence on intrinsic factors (age, reproductive anatomy, endocrine regulation, and musth-related changes) and extrinsic factors (semen handling practices, nutritional status such as body condition score, and seasonality) that may contribute to semen variability and reduced semen quality, this review identifies key knowledge gaps, highlights future research priorities, and provides practical recommendations to improve semen handling and preservation in elephants under human care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108122"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154339","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}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108134
Taylor N. Andrews , Maria K. Chavez , Emily A. Melchior , Collin Anderson , Alexis B. Tamez , Shelby L. Rosasco , Shad H. Cox , Richard L. Dunlap , Robert A. Cushman , Jennifer A. Hernandez-Gifford , Eric J. Scholljegerdes , Adam F. Summers
Increased supply of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) in beef heifers improved pregnancy rates, however physiological mechanisms underlying enhanced conception rates remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the level of RUP on growth performance, ovarian morphometrics, and ovarian development in beef heifers grazing native rangelands. Beef heifers (N = 30) were randomly assigned to one of two diets: 1) 36 % crude protein (CP) containing 36 % RUP (36RUP, n = 15) or 2) 36 % CP containing 50 % RUP (50RUP, n = 15). Heifers were individually fed treatments three times a week for 90 d at a rate of 1.14 kg/hd/d and bilateral ovariectomies were conducted at the end of the feeding period. Diets did not influence heifer growth (P = 0.55) or average daily gain [ADG: (P = 0.17)]. Antral follicle counts and ovarian histology did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.40). Ovarian morphometrics, size of the largest preovulatory follicle, surface antral follicle counts, and corpus luteum weight were not impacted by diets (P ≥ 0.31). Circulating urea nitrogen concentrations were increased in 36RUP heifers compared to 50RUP heifers (P < 0.01). Estradiol and progesterone follicular fluid concentrations were not influenced by treatments (P ≥ 0.19), however 36RUP heifers tended to have elevated urea nitrogen follicular fluid concentrations compared to 50RUP heifers (P = 0.06). In conclusion, feeding an increased level of RUP did not improve growth, ovarian morphometrics, and ovarian histology in heifers grazing dormant forage.
{"title":"Title: The evaluation of ruminal undegradable protein supplementation level on growth performance and ovarian development in beef heifers grazing native rangelands.","authors":"Taylor N. Andrews , Maria K. Chavez , Emily A. Melchior , Collin Anderson , Alexis B. Tamez , Shelby L. Rosasco , Shad H. Cox , Richard L. Dunlap , Robert A. Cushman , Jennifer A. Hernandez-Gifford , Eric J. Scholljegerdes , Adam F. Summers","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108134","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108134","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increased supply of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) in beef heifers improved pregnancy rates, however physiological mechanisms underlying enhanced conception rates remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the level of RUP on growth performance, ovarian morphometrics, and ovarian development in beef heifers grazing native rangelands. Beef heifers (N = 30) were randomly assigned to one of two diets: 1) 36 % crude protein (CP) containing 36 % RUP (36RUP, n = 15) or 2) 36 % CP containing 50 % RUP (50RUP, n = 15). Heifers were individually fed treatments three times a week for 90 d at a rate of 1.14 kg/hd/d and bilateral ovariectomies were conducted at the end of the feeding period. Diets did not influence heifer growth (<em>P</em> = 0.55) or average daily gain [ADG: (<em>P</em> = 0.17)]. Antral follicle counts and ovarian histology did not differ among treatments (<em>P</em> ≥ 0.40). Ovarian morphometrics, size of the largest preovulatory follicle, surface antral follicle counts, and corpus luteum weight were not impacted by diets (<em>P</em> ≥ 0.31). Circulating urea nitrogen concentrations were increased in 36RUP heifers compared to 50RUP heifers (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Estradiol and progesterone follicular fluid concentrations were not influenced by treatments (<em>P</em> ≥ 0.19), however 36RUP heifers tended to have elevated urea nitrogen follicular fluid concentrations compared to 50RUP heifers (<em>P</em> = 0.06). In conclusion, feeding an increased level of RUP did not improve growth, ovarian morphometrics, and ovarian histology in heifers grazing dormant forage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108134"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172998","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}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108124
Habibeh Samiei , Shaban Rahimi , Mohammad Amir Karimi Torshizi , Mohsen Sharafi , Jesse Grimes
This study examined the impact of L-arginine (L-Arg) and L-carnitine (LC) supplements, alone and combined, on blood parameters, lipid peroxidation, testicular histology, reproductive performance, and hormones in 50-week-old roosters. Thirty-two Arian breed broiler breeders were divided into four experimental groups in a completely randomized design. The treatments were: 1) control (CON); 2) diet with 150 mg/kg LC; 3) diet with 500 mg/kg L-Arg; and 4) diet with 75 mg/kg LC + 250 mg/kg L-Arg. The analysis of testicular tissue indicated that the malondialdehyde levels in the LC treatment group were significantly reduced compared to the other treatment groups (P ˂ 0.05). The inclusion of 150 mg/kg LC in the diet of roosters resulted in a significant increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, the volume of connective tissue between the tubules, the quantity of seminiferous tubules, and the spermatogenesis index (P ˂ 0.05). Roosters fed with the L-Arg + LC mixed diet had higher concentrations of FSH and testosterone (P < 0.05). Fertility and hatchability percentages in the LC treatment were significantly higher than those in CON and L-Arg treatments (P < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that L-Arg + LC prevents the severity of oxidative stress caused through modulating lipid metabolism, reducing malondialdehyde, and increasing the reproductive hormones, and improves the process of spermatogenesis and ultimately fertility and hatchability.
{"title":"Dietary supplementation with L-carnitine and L-arginine improves testicular development and reproductive potential on aged broiler breeder roosters","authors":"Habibeh Samiei , Shaban Rahimi , Mohammad Amir Karimi Torshizi , Mohsen Sharafi , Jesse Grimes","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the impact of <span>L</span>-arginine (<span>L</span>-Arg) and <span>L</span>-carnitine (LC) supplements, alone and combined, on blood parameters, lipid peroxidation, testicular histology, reproductive performance, and hormones in 50-week-old roosters. Thirty-two Arian breed broiler breeders were divided into four experimental groups in a completely randomized design. The treatments were: 1) control (CON); 2) diet with 150 mg/kg LC; 3) diet with 500 mg/kg <span>L</span>-Arg; and 4) diet with 75 mg/kg LC + 250 mg/kg <span>L</span>-Arg. The analysis of testicular tissue indicated that the malondialdehyde levels in the LC treatment group were significantly reduced compared to the other treatment groups (<em>P</em> ˂ 0.05). The inclusion of 150 mg/kg LC in the diet of roosters resulted in a significant increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, the volume of connective tissue between the tubules, the quantity of seminiferous tubules, and the spermatogenesis index (<em>P</em> ˂ 0.05). Roosters fed with the <span>L</span>-Arg + LC mixed diet had higher concentrations of FSH and testosterone (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Fertility and hatchability percentages in the LC treatment were significantly higher than those in CON and <span>L</span>-Arg treatments (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that <span>L</span>-Arg + LC prevents the severity of oxidative stress caused through modulating lipid metabolism, reducing malondialdehyde, and increasing the reproductive hormones, and improves the process of spermatogenesis and ultimately fertility and hatchability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"288 ","pages":"Article 108124"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173077","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108113
Jesse Oluwaseun Ayantoye , Baigao Yang , Hang Zhang , Jianhua Dong , Xiaomeng Zhang , Haoran Song , Muhammad Shahzad , Hubdar Ali Kolachi , David Olusola Aderibigbe , Osamede Henry Osaiyuwu , Pengcheng Wan , Hongmei Pan , Xueming Zhao
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.
{"title":"Ferroptosis-driven cryoinjury in porcine testicular tissue: Mechanisms, antioxidant-based cryoprotection, and translational strategies for fertility preservation","authors":"Jesse Oluwaseun Ayantoye , Baigao Yang , Hang Zhang , Jianhua Dong , Xiaomeng Zhang , Haoran Song , Muhammad Shahzad , Hubdar Ali Kolachi , David Olusola Aderibigbe , Osamede Henry Osaiyuwu , Pengcheng Wan , Hongmei Pan , 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":"2026-04-01","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}
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