Reproduction In Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Does the Reproductive Technique Affect Neonatal Health Parameters in Foals?
Alonso MA, Dos Santos GR, Fonte JS … +7 more , Marques PC, Pereira DD, Toral FLB, Bordignon V, Junior JB, Squires E, Fernandes CB
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Mar · PMID 41804035 · Full text
This retrospective study evaluated whether different reproductive biotechnologies influence neonatal behaviour parameters in foals. Data from 102 foalings in two commercial breeding farms were analysed, including foals c...
This retrospective study evaluated whether different reproductive biotechnologies influence neonatal behaviour parameters in foals. Data from 102 foalings in two commercial breeding farms were analysed, including foals conceived by artificial insemination (AI), conventional embryo transfer (ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Neonatal parameters recorded were birth weight, time to achieve sternal recumbency, time to stand, time to nurse and time to meconium elimination. Mixed statistical models were applied to assess the influence of reproductive technique, breed, sex and farm. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between farms for time to sternal recumbency and time to nurse, and among breeds for birth height and time to meconium elimination. However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between sexes or among reproductive techniques for any of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, these results indicate that reproductive techniques, including advanced biotechnologies, such as ICSI, do not adversely affect neonatal health parameters in foals. On the other hand, the present findings highlight the importance of considering environmental and genetic factors, such as farm management and breed, when evaluating neonatal outcomes.
Fetal Bovine Serum Is Essential for Maintaining Viability of Porcine Blastocysts During Extended In Vitro Culture: A Comparative Study With Defined Supplements.
Lee S, Yu IJ, Jeon Y
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Mar · PMID 41804032 · Full text
Extended in vitro culture (EIVC) of porcine embryos beyond Day 7 is critical for understanding peri-implantation development but remains technically challenging due to the rapid degeneration of blastocysts. While defined...
Extended in vitro culture (EIVC) of porcine embryos beyond Day 7 is critical for understanding peri-implantation development but remains technically challenging due to the rapid degeneration of blastocysts. While defined serum-free supplements, such as B27 and growth factor cocktails (FGF2, LIF, IGF1; FLI), have successfully supported EIVC in bovine and murine models, their efficacy in porcine embryos has not been systematically evaluated against fetal bovine serum (FBS). This study investigated the effects of these supplements on the long-term viability and molecular integrity of porcine blastocysts. Porcine blastocysts produced in vitro were cultured from Day 7 to Day 11 in Porcine Zygote Medium (PZM) supplemented with either 10% FBS, FLI cocktail, B27 or no supplement (Control). Contrary to findings in other species, supplementation with FLI or B27 failed to support porcine blastocyst survival, resulting in complete degeneration by Day 11, similar to the control group. In contrast, FBS supplementation significantly extended blastocyst viability and maintained structural integrity up to Day 11. Although blastocyst expansion plateaued after Day 9, the FBS group retained a significantly higher total cell number and preserved the expression of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2) and lineage (CDX2, GATA6) markers compared to other groups. Furthermore, FBS significantly suppressed apoptosis, as evidenced by a lower BAX/BCL2 ratio. These findings demonstrate a distinct species-specific requirement for porcine EIVC; defined supplements effective in other mammals are insufficient for pigs, suggesting that while FBS is essential for preventing rapid degeneration and maintaining cellular viability, further optimisation is required to fully support extended developmental progression comparable to in vivo peri-implantation elongation.
Decoding Bull Fertility Under Tropical Conditions: Multivariate Predictive Modelling From 25,512 Field Spermiograms.
Fassano CJ, de Lima PHL, Souza FA … +4 more , de Lara NS, Bergstein-Galan TG, Nogueira E, Kozicki LE
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Mar · PMID 41787246 · Publisher ↗
This large-scale study evaluated 25,512 Nellore bulls raised under tropical field conditions to elucidate multivariate determinants of breeding soundness and to derive a data-driven risk stratification framework based on...
This large-scale study evaluated 25,512 Nellore bulls raised under tropical field conditions to elucidate multivariate determinants of breeding soundness and to derive a data-driven risk stratification framework based on BSE outcomes. Macro- and microscopic semen traits (e.g., progressive motility, sperm morphology including major defects, scrotal circumference, vigour and mass activity), recorded clinical alterations and epidemiological factors (age and seasonality) were integrated using multivariable modelling and internal validation. Logistic regression identified progressive motility, proportion of major defects and scrotal circumference as independent predictors of BSE-based unfitness, with a cross-validated ROC AUC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.83-0.85), indicating high discriminative performance. Principal component and clustering analyses revealed three reproducible phenotypic profiles (optimal, intermediate and critical) combining functional, morphological and anatomical attributes. These components were synthesised into a Breeding Soundness Risk Index (BSRI) showing consistent calibration and stability under five-fold cross-validation, enabling objective stratification of bulls by probability of BSE-based unfitness. Advancing age and seasonal heat load were associated with increased odds of BSE-based unfitness, consistent with cumulative thermal and physiological stress under tropical management. Collectively, these results support progressive motility, major sperm defects and scrotal circumference as cornerstone indicators of breeding soundness in large-scale field settings, and the BSRI provides an objective, field-applicable score to support sire selection and management decisions under tropical conditions.
Bull Fertility and Epigenetics: Exploring Influences Beyond Genetics.
Sethi M, Mohanty TK, Shah N … +4 more , Bhakat M, Kumar N, Baithalu RK, Swain D
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Mar · PMID 41757565 · Publisher ↗
Infertility has been a concern throughout the ages and is still a significant problem in several species, including human beings and farm animals. Many research projects have focused on exploring the genetic basis of mal...
Infertility has been a concern throughout the ages and is still a significant problem in several species, including human beings and farm animals. Many research projects have focused on exploring the genetic basis of male infertility, but thus far, they have been able to explain not more than 15% of infertile cases. Therefore, much remains to be understood, and we need to involve several other approaches to fully understand the aetiology of male infertility. One such promising approach is epigenetics, which has the potential to explain the aetiology of numerous disorders partially. Epigenetics is a discipline that studies heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve altering the DNA sequence. The main epigenetic mechanisms include the well-understood phenomenon of DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by non-coding RNAs, a mode of regulation identified relatively recently and an area of intensive ongoing investigation. In cattle and especially dairy breeds, where bull semen is widely used for artificial insemination (AI), several selection and breeding practices may interfere with the proper establishment of the sperm epigenome. The future bull progeny's sperm epigenome may be influenced by the mother's nutrition, potentially affecting future fertility. The bull calf's postnatal diet and environment, including stress, housing conditions and temperature, affect the sperm epigenome. These epigenetic modifications have a transgenerational effect, meaning they affect the fertility of subsequent generations. It has been observed that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, differ between high- and low-fertility bulls. Prediction of these epigenetic biomarkers may therefore provide a new method for differentiating between high- and low-fertility bulls.
Rhodiola sachalinensis Polysaccharides as a Novel Cryoprotectant Improves Yak Frozen-Thawed Sperm Quality and Fertilisation Potential.
Xiong X, Cheng Y, Li X … +7 more , Li Y, Xiong Y, Yin S, He H, Fu W, Yang L, Li J
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41707018 · Publisher ↗
Rhodiola sachalinensis polysaccharides (RSP), known for their antioxidant qualities, can scavenge superoxide anion radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to determine the ideal extra concentration to u...
Rhodiola sachalinensis polysaccharides (RSP), known for their antioxidant qualities, can scavenge superoxide anion radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to determine the ideal extra concentration to use as a freezing extender additive and to explore the effects of RSP on the quality parameters and fertility ability of yak semen after cryopreservation. A commercial extender supplemented with varying concentrations of RSP (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1 g/L) was used to dilute the pooled semen samples from six yaks (four experimental replicates). The sperm's total motility, progressive motility, kinematics, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels were among the many parameters that were assessed after semen thawing. Our findings revealed that the total motility, progressive motility, kinematics, T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MMP and ATP were significantly increased in the 0.06 g/L RSP-treated group than that of the control group (p < 0.05), whereas further increasing the concentration resulted in negative effects. Additionally, the MDA and ROS levels in 0.06 g/L RSP-treated group were notably lower than counterparts (p < 0.05). Following thawing, the fertilisation efficiency and subsequent developmental capacity of the 0.06 g/L RSP-treated group were considerably higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). Taken together, the inclusion of 0.06 g/L RSP in the semen freezing extender for semen cryopreservation is an effective strategy to enhance the quality and potential for fertilisation of yak spermatozoa. This study provides valuable insights into the role of RSP in ameliorating oxidative stress and preserving sperm function during cryopreservation.
Impact of Season, Semen Collection Frequency and Between-Male Variation on Ostrich Seminal Plasma Composition.
Muvhali P, Bonato M, Malecki I … +3 more , Douglas K, Swart P, Cloete S
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41685530 · Full text
This study evaluated the effect of season, semen collection frequency, and male variation on seminal plasma composition of farmed ostriches. Five South African Black ostrich males (4.47 ± 0.95 years of age) were used in...
This study evaluated the effect of season, semen collection frequency, and male variation on seminal plasma composition of farmed ostriches. Five South African Black ostrich males (4.47 ± 0.95 years of age) were used in spring 2011 and winter 2012. Semen was collected once daily, three times with an interval of 4 days between collections, followed by three collections at two-day intervals, and daily for three consecutive days using the dummy female method. Seminal plasma volume was measured with an automatic pipette after semen centrifugation, while seminal plasma protein concentration was determined using the Bradford Coomasie assay. Total seminal plasma proteins were obtained as a product of seminal plasma volume and protein concentration. Semen samples collected in spring had lower total seminal plasma proteins and protein concentration compared to samples collected in winter. Semen collection frequency had no effect on total seminal plasma proteins and protein concentration. Seminal plasma volume was independent of season and semen collection frequency. Lastly, between-male variation was recorded for all seminal plasma traits, with repeatability estimates for seminal plasma volume, seminal plasma protein concentration and total seminal plasma proteins amounting to 0.51 ± 0.19, 0.33 ± 0.18 and 0.44 ± 0.19, respectively. This study established that higher seminal plasma protein levels are characteristic of winter collections, while frequent semen collection exerts no influence on seminal plasma composition. Between-male variation and repeatability estimates suggest identification and selection for males with favourable seminal plasma concentration could be achievable in the ostrich.
Repeated Melatonin Implant Improves Testicular Volume, Testicular Blood Flow, Estradiol, Antioxidant Capacity, and Nitric Oxide Levels in Post-Pubertal Camels Under Heat Stress Conditions.
Abdelnaby EA, Alhaider AK, Emam IA
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41685504 · Publisher ↗
This current work aimed to determine the impacts of melatonin implants on testicular artery blood flow and Doppler indices, in relation to hormonal profile in post-pubertal camels (Camelus dromedaries) under heat stress...
This current work aimed to determine the impacts of melatonin implants on testicular artery blood flow and Doppler indices, in relation to hormonal profile in post-pubertal camels (Camelus dromedaries) under heat stress and non-breeding conditions. Post-pubertal males were categorised into control (C; n = 7) and melatonin-treated group (MT; n = 7; two doses 1 month apart starting in June). Testicular morphometric expressed by testicular volume and testicular echogenicity (TV and TE), Doppler indices as resistance index and pulsatility index (RI and PI) of testicular artery (TA), testicular blood flow volume (TBFV), blood sampling and hormonal (melatonin, follicle stimulating, luteinizing hormone [FSH and LH], estradiol [E2], testosterone [T], and nitric oxide [NO]) analysis and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measurement were performed weekly. TV was elevated (p ≤ 0.05) in the MT group, reaching a peak at week 12, compared to C males, while TE did not change (p ≥ 0.05) due to melatonin implants. Melatonin, E2, and NO were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from week 2, reaching the peak at wks. 7 and 8 of the implant. In addition, TAC showed the same pattern of elevation (p ≤ 0.05). FSH, LH, and T levels showed non-significant alterations (p ≥ 0.05). TA. RI and TA. PI declined from week 4 with an elevation (p ≤ 0.05) in TBFV. Melatonin implant improves the testicular vascularization with an elevation of the vasodilator mechanism. This led to a perfect breeding period in camels following the long photoperiod that extended the breeding period by 2-3 months.
Optimisation of Laser-Assisted Biopsy Parameters in Bovine Embryos.
Zhang J, Shen H, Zhang Z … +3 more , Tian J, An L, Wang Y
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41676988 · Full text
Although laser-assisted biopsy has shown advantages in other species, optimised protocols for bovine embryos remain scarce. This study developed a systematically optimised laser biopsy method for bovine embryos, which de...
Although laser-assisted biopsy has shown advantages in other species, optimised protocols for bovine embryos remain scarce. This study developed a systematically optimised laser biopsy method for bovine embryos, which demonstrated high post-biopsy survival rates. Key parameters including laser energy, needle diameter, and operating medium were refined to establish a reliable and efficient standard protocol. This technical advance provides critical support for large-scale embryo genomic selection in cattle, facilitating enhanced genetic breeding outcomes.
Comparative Evaluation of Follicular Flushing Frequency and Scraping Time During Ovum Pick-Up in Mares: Effects on Oocyte Recovery Rate and Technical Considerations.
Márquez-Moya A, Carreras-Vico N, Sala-Ayala L … +2 more , Martínez-Boví R, Cuervo-Arango J
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41674388 · Full text
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration or ovum pick-up (OPU) has become the standard technique for oocyte collection in mares for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Although repeated follicular flushe...
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration or ovum pick-up (OPU) has become the standard technique for oocyte collection in mares for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Although repeated follicular flushes and wall scraping are commonly used to improve oocyte recovery rate (ORR), the relative contribution of each remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of multiple flushes versus controlled scraping time on ORR in mares. A controlled trial was conducted in two phases: (1) an ex vivo phase using slaughterhouse ovaries (n = 32), and (2) an in vivo phase in clinically healthy mares (n = 9). Follicles were assigned to two groups: multiple flushes (MF, 10 flushes with intermittent scraping, lasting 18 s in total) or single flush (SF, 18 s of continuous scraping followed by 1 flush). A total of 489 follicles were aspirated ex vivo and 143 in vivo. Results showed no significant difference in ORR between MF and SF groups in either phase (ex vivo: 63.8% vs. 59.5%; in vivo: 48.3% vs. 44.3%; p > 0.05). However, MF used significantly more flushing medium per follicle in the ex vivo model (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in aspiration time or incidence of clots and blockages in the aspiration lines. A significant correlation was observed between clot number and aspiration system blockage (r = 0.497, p = 0.036). Continuous scraping without repeated flushing reduces medium usage but may increase operator fatigue and the risk of clot formation and system obstructions. Therefore, optimising scraping duration could improve the efficiency of oocyte recovery procedures while simplifying the technique and reducing costs. Further research is required to refine scraping protocols, reduce operator fatigue, and prevent complications related to clot formation.
Factors Affecting the Intrafollicular Transfer of Immature Oocytes in Beef Heifers: Does the Injection Matter?
de Faria OAC, Kussano NR, de Faria LC … +6 more , Martins LP, Pereira BO, Fidelis AAG, Bueno J, Sprícigo JFW, Dode MAN
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41669919 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to evaluate whether the quality of injection and number of oocytes injected during Intrafollicular Transfer of Immature Oocytes (IFIOT) affect ovulation timing, follicle dynamics, oocyte recovery, nuclea...
This study aimed to evaluate whether the quality of injection and number of oocytes injected during Intrafollicular Transfer of Immature Oocytes (IFIOT) affect ovulation timing, follicle dynamics, oocyte recovery, nuclear maturation and in vitro embryo production in beef heifers. In three experiments, ovulator cows were synchronised and subjected to IFIOT, followed by the evaluation of follicular regression, recovery of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), oocyte nuclear maturation, embryo development and pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and Proc Glimmix (SAS Institute). The injection procedure did not affect ovulation timing but induced follicular regression (p < 0.05). Injection quality and number of oocytes injected affected COC recovery (p < 0.05), with higher recovery rates observed following good-quality injections and lower oocyte numbers (48.90% vs. 24.49%). Although nuclear maturation rates and embryo production were similar (p > 0.05) across the groups, embryos produced via IFIOT exhibited a higher (p < 0.05) proportion of blastocysts classified as suitable for cryopreservation (51.72% vs. 33.81%). Furthermore, after transfer, the pregnancy rates of cryopreserved IFIOT-derived blastocysts were comparable to those of embryos produced using conventional in vitro maturation. These findings indicate that although IFIOT did not increase the total embryo yield, it improved oocyte recovery and significantly enhanced the production of high-quality cryotolerant blastocysts. Therefore, improving the injection technique is critical for enhancing IFIOT efficiency and embryo developmental competence.
Effect of Ewe Nutritional Restriction During Gestation on the Number of Sertoli Cells in the Offspring: A Meta-Analysis.
Espinosa-Martínez MA, Jiménez-Severiano H, Montiel-Olguín LJ
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41665278 · Full text
Maternal nutrition during gestation critically influences foetal reproductive programming. To clarify inconsistent evidence, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of maternal nutritional restriction on the n...
Maternal nutrition during gestation critically influences foetal reproductive programming. To clarify inconsistent evidence, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of maternal nutritional restriction on the number of Sertoli cells in ovine offspring. A systematic review in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Science Direct identified three studies (four comparisons; n = 52). Standardised mean differences (Hedges' g) were calculated using a random-effects model. The pooled effect was significant (g = -0.95, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.41; p < 0.001), with no heterogeneity (I = 0%) or publication bias (Egger's test p = 0.616). In conclusion, maternal undernutrition reduces Sertoli cell numbers by approximately one standard deviation.
Efficacy of Hormonal Stimulation on Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up Response in Jakhrana Goats.
Soni YK, Singh SP, Kharche SD … +4 more , Khandelwal V, Pathak J, Pathak M, Ranjan R
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41665266 · Publisher ↗
Laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) coupled with in vitro embryo production (IVEP) offers an efficient strategy for genetic improvement and conservation in goats; however, breed-specific variation in ovarian response necess...
Laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) coupled with in vitro embryo production (IVEP) offers an efficient strategy for genetic improvement and conservation in goats; however, breed-specific variation in ovarian response necessitates optimization of hormonal stimulation protocols. The present study evaluated the efficacy of exogenous gonadotropin stimulation on LOPU response in Jakhrana goats, an economically important dual-purpose but threatened indigenous breed. A total of 48 adult does were used across two experimental series. In the first experiment, 24 goats were assigned to hormonally stimulated (n = 12) and unstimulated control (n = 12) groups. In the second experiment, another 24 goats were allocated to compare two gonadotropin regimens: single-dose (T-1, n = 12) and multiple-dose (T-2, n = 12). Ovarian response was monitored by ultrasonography, and LOPU was performed to recover cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which were subsequently graded. In vitro maturation (IVM) was assessed both morphologically, based on cumulus expansion, and by nuclear maturation using Hoechst-33,342 staining. Hormonal stimulation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the number of aspirated follicles (7.17 ± 0.32 vs. 3.92 ± 0.23), recovered COCs (6.42 ± 0.66 vs. 2.42 ± 0.31), and matured oocytes (5.42 ± 0.31 vs. 1.50 ± 0.19) compared with controls. Recovery and maturation rates were also higher in stimulated animals (89.53% and 84.41%, respectively) than in controls (61.7% and 62.06%). Between regimens, T-2 produced superior results, yielding more recovered COCs (7.58 ± 0.45) and matured oocytes (6.41 ± 0.42) than T-1 (5.83 ± 0.69 and 4.58 ± 0.29, respectively), although nuclear maturation rates did not differ significantly. This study provides the first evidence of successful LOPU in Jakhrana goats and demonstrates that gonadotropin stimulation, particularly through multiple-dose administration, enhances oocyte yield and quality. The findings highlight the potential of LOPU-based IVEP systems for genetic improvement and conservation of Indian goat breeds.
Glutamine Protects Porcine Granulosa Cell From Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting JNK Activation.
Wang L, Liu Y, Li J … +4 more , Liu X, Wu S, Jiang A, Bao W
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41614661 · Publisher ↗
Oxidative stress-induced granulosa cells (GCs) apoptosis is believed to be the hallmark of follicular atresia. Although a large number of studies have shown that some molecules in follicular fluid (FF) are important to g...
Oxidative stress-induced granulosa cells (GCs) apoptosis is believed to be the hallmark of follicular atresia. Although a large number of studies have shown that some molecules in follicular fluid (FF) are important to granulosa cell survival, the key substances in FF associated with the regulation of granulosa cell apoptosis have not been fully elucidated. Herein, metabolomics analysis showed that the glutamine level in healthy FF was significantly higher than that in atretic FF. Then, an oxidative stress model was built up by adding hydrogen peroxide (HO). The results revealed that treating porcine GCs with HO significantly elevated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (p < 0.01) and caused a marked decrease in cell viability (p < 0.0001). Exogenous glutamine alleviated the intracellular ROS accumulation and porcine GCs apoptosis induced by HO (p < 0.05). Knocking down glutamine synthetase (GLUL), the key gene for glutamine synthesis, diminished cell viability (p < 0.01) and increased intracellular ROS levels and porcine GCs apoptosis (p < 0.05). Both HO and the knockdown of GLUL activated the JNK signalling pathway, while glutamine decreased the activation of JNK to protect porcine GCs from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. These findings indicate that glutamine protects porcine GCs from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by inhibiting JNK activation, which is of great significance for clarifying the molecular mechanisms behind follicular atresia.
Effects of Resveratrol-Loaded Nanoparticles on Follicular Survival, Stromal Integrity and Activity of Endogenous Free-Radical Scavengers in Bovine Ovarian Cortical Slices Cultured In Vitro.
Catunda MBA, Costa FDC, Bezerra VS … +8 more , Caetano Filho FF, Ribeiro RP, Silva AA, Martins SD, Araújo VR, Reis AVF, Eloy JO, Silva JRV
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41603054 · Full text
The aims of this study were to assess the effects of resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles (RLNP) on follicular survival, stromal integrity and activity of endogenous free-radical scavengers in bovine ovarian tissues cultured...
The aims of this study were to assess the effects of resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles (RLNP) on follicular survival, stromal integrity and activity of endogenous free-radical scavengers in bovine ovarian tissues cultured in vitro. Ovarian cortical slices were incubated in α-MEM alone or supplemented with 0.2, 2.0 or 20.0 μM RLNP, blank nanoparticles (BNP) or free resveratrol (20.0 μM) for 6 days at 38.5°C and 5% CO. Follicular integrity, number of stromal cells, density of collagen fibres, levels of thiol and activity of free-radical scavengers (glutathione peroxidase [GPX], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]) were evaluated in tissues cultured in the different treatments. The data showed that ovarian cortex cultured with 20.0 μM free resveratrol or RLNP, in all tested concentrations, had a reduced rate of morphologically intact follicles in relation to uncultured controls (p < 0.05). The RLNP (0.2, 2.0 or 20.0 μM) and BNP increased the proportion of growing follicles and stromal cell numbers (p < 0.05). Collagen fibre levels decreased in tissues cultured with 0.2 or 2.0 μM RLNP compared to uncultured controls, but remained greater than those seen in ovarian cortex cultured in other treatments (p < 0.05). Free resveratrol increased CAT and GPX activity, while RLNP reduced activity of SOD and GPX (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RLNP improved follicle survival and growth, preserved stromal tissue and modulated the activity of free-radical scavengers in bovine ovarian slices cultured in vitro.
Comparison of Different Lighting Protocols on Female Cat Reproduction.
Lantermino A, Lapuente C, Blanco PG … +1 more , Gobello C
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Feb · PMID 41589730 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to describe and compare the effect of different lighting protocols on sexual cyclicity and serum melatonin in domestic female cats. Additionally, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations and...
The aim of this study was to describe and compare the effect of different lighting protocols on sexual cyclicity and serum melatonin in domestic female cats. Additionally, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations and ultrasound or histological imaging of the ovaries were included. For this purpose, three experiments (Expt.) were conducted under controlled lighting conditions: Expt. I: A short photoperiod (SP) vs. a long photoperiod (LP), Expt. II: LP preceded by a SP, and Expt. III: Prolonged 6-month SP. In both Expt. I and II LP increased most of the ovarian functionality parameters, prior exposure to a SP did not increase functionality. In Expt. I, AMH serum concentrations did not differ between both photoperiods. In Expt. II, ultrasound ovarian volume and follicle diameters were larger in LP than in SP. Intraovarian arteries' resistance index was lower in LP. In Expt. III, cyclicity was maintained without quantitative differences between the first and the second half. At the end of Expt. III, the ovaries presented a proportion of 92.08% primordial, 2.35% primary, 2.26% secondary, and 3.31% small antral follicles. Corpora lutea also appeared in three queens. In the three experiments, spontaneous ovulation frequency was not influenced by the photoperiod. In both Expt. I and II, serum melatonin concentrations were not different between photoperiods. These concentrations did not also differ at the end of Expt. III. It was concluded that although sexual activity was more intense under this artificial LP, independently of the previous photoperiod, cyclicity and ovulation were maintained under a SP.
Comparative Evaluation of Candidate Genes for Efficient Sex Determination in Bovine Sorted Semen and Embryos.
Anusha N, Vats P, Sehrawat R … +4 more , Mohanty AK, Kaushik JK, Kumar S, Kumar S
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Jan · PMID 41578690 · Publisher ↗
Sex-sorted sperm and preimplantation sex determination are indispensable tools for improving reproductive efficiency and herd management in livestock production. The present study aimed to identify the most effective 'X'...
Sex-sorted sperm and preimplantation sex determination are indispensable tools for improving reproductive efficiency and herd management in livestock production. The present study aimed to identify the most effective 'X' and 'Y' specific genes for sexing sorted bovine sperm and embryos. We selected five Y-specific (SRY, HSFY, TSPY, ZFY and OFD1Y) and four X-specific (PLCXD1, SHROOM 2, PLP and MAOA) genes and evaluated their specificity and sensitivity by PCR and qPCR analyses in X-sorted sperm, Y-sorted sperm, mixed sperm and female blood. HSFY and TSPY showed more pronounced and specific amplification in Y-sorted sperm DNA, making them robust Y-specific markers, while MAOA and SHROOM 2 were more specific to X-sorted sperm DNA and identified as effective X-specific markers. These results were further validated in buffalo IVF embryos, confirming their effectiveness in embryo sexing. The findings of this study can be applied in duplex or multiplex PCR assays, which minimise the risk of amplification failure and false negatives, providing a rapid and reliable toolkit for bovine sperm and embryo sexing. Implementing such a molecular approach can significantly benefit livestock management by improving breeding outcomes, reducing the costs and inefficiencies associated with undesired sex ratios.
Special Issue: 59 Annual Conference Physiology and Pathology of Reproduction and 51 Joint Conference on Veterinary and Human Reproductive Medicine at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, February 11-13, 2026.
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Jan · PMID 41569885 · Publisher ↗
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Special Issue: 59 Annual Conference Physiology and Pathology of Reproduction and 51 Joint Conference on Veterinary and Human Reproductive Medicine at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, February 11-13, 2026.
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Jan · PMID 41569812 · Publisher ↗
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GnRH Administration Increases Synchronisation of Ovulation in Mares.
Cui B, Liu Y, Wu X … +1 more , Li X
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Jan · PMID 41556226 · Publisher ↗
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous GnRH administration at the beginning of estrus synchronisation in mares during the spring transitional period. Estrus was synchronised using a progeste...
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous GnRH administration at the beginning of estrus synchronisation in mares during the spring transitional period. Estrus was synchronised using a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID). The PRID was left in the vagina for 10 days, followed by an injection of 0.4 mg of cloprostenol at PRID removal. The GnRH group (n = 32) was subjected to intramuscular administration of 100 μg of the GnRH agonist triptorelin at PRID insertion, while the control group (n = 32) received 1 mL of sterile physiological saline solution. Ovulation was induced by an intramuscular injection of 3000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin until the dominant follicle reached a diameter of 35 mm. The mares were examined and insemination was performed. Subsequently, insemination was carried out every 12 h until ovulation. Transrectal palpation and ultrasound were carried out 15 days after ovulation to confirm the presence or absence of an embryonic vesicle. The days of ovulation induction and insemination in the control group were more dispersed than in the GnRH group. Compared with the control group, the time of ovulation induction and insemination in the GnRH group were accelerated and concentrated. In summary, GnRH given at the beginning of the estrus synchronisation program significantly increased synchronisation of ovulation in mares; however, it did not increase pregnancy rates.
Differences in Clinicochemical Serum Parameters of Gestating Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus Cattle and Relationships With Embryo-Fetal and Placental Weights.
Shuaib E, Beckman I, McAllister MM … +4 more , Grützner F, Wright ML, Hiendleder S, Kind KL
Reprod Domest Anim · 2026 Jan · PMID 41546474 · Publisher ↗
Differences in clinicochemical serum parameters of gestating Bos taurus taurus (taurine, Angus) and Bos taurus indicus (indicine, Brahman) cattle and the relationships of such parameters with conceptus phenotype are larg...
Differences in clinicochemical serum parameters of gestating Bos taurus taurus (taurine, Angus) and Bos taurus indicus (indicine, Brahman) cattle and the relationships of such parameters with conceptus phenotype are largely unexplored. We determined the concentrations of 21 electrolytes, metabolites and enzymes in serum of Angus and Brahman dams at early (Day 48, n = 24) and midgestation (Day 153, n = 37) and examined relationships with embryo, fetal and placental weights. At early gestation, ionised calcium (+26%), magnesium (+7%), lactate (+32%), total protein (+6%) and alanine transaminase (ALT, +39%) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Angus than in Brahman. At midgestation, ionised (+15%) and total calcium (+4%), magnesium (+11%), sodium (+2%), calcium/phosphorus ratio (+25%) and albumin (+5%) were higher (p < 0.05) in Angus cows. Ionised calcium, magnesium, sodium, albumin, lactate and ALT correlated positively with embryo, fetal and/or placental weights (r = 0.31-0.48, p < 0.05), while calcium/phosphorus ratio correlated negatively with Day 48 placental weight (r = -0.51, p < 0.05). Serum creatinine (+21%), glucose (+15%), triglycerides (+16%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, +73%) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH, +44%) levels were higher (p < 0.05) in Brahman at midgestation. Creatinine, glucose and ALP correlated negatively with fetal and placental weights at midgestation (r = -0.37 to -0.48, p < 0.05-0.01). Our data demonstrate genetic effects on maternal blood composition that reflect differences in maternal physiology of gestating taurine and indicine cattle which may affect conceptus growth and birthweight.
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