Reproduction In Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Antibiotic-Free Management of Canine Pyometra With Aglepristone: Endocrine Effects and Post-Treatment Vaginal Hyperplasia.
Lopes TV, Kozicki LE, de Lima PHL … +6 more , de Lara NS, Silvestri M, Vaz ES, Morettini E Castella R, Laskoski LM, Souza FA
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 41001846 · Publisher ↗
This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of aglepristone for the management of canine pyometra-either as a sole therapy or in combination with different antibiotic regimens-and investigated the association between agle...
This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of aglepristone for the management of canine pyometra-either as a sole therapy or in combination with different antibiotic regimens-and investigated the association between aglepristone dosing and the occurrence of vaginal hyperplasia during the subsequent estrous cycle. Eighty-seven intact bitches diagnosed with pyometra were enrolled and divided into two experiments. In Experiment I, 57 bitches were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n = 19/group): (1) AGL, aglepristone alone; (2) AGL-CEF, aglepristone plus ceftriaxone; and (3) AGL-CEF-MET, aglepristone plus ceftriaxone and metronidazole. Clinical examinations and haematological and biochemical profiles were assessed every 48 h for 15 days. In Experiment II, 30 bitches were treated with aglepristone using two protocols: AGL 4X (10 mg/kg s.c. on Days 0, 1, 8 and 15) or AGL 2X (10 mg/kg s.c. on Days 0 and 1). Incidence and severity of vaginal hyperplasia, as well as post-treatment reproductive performance, were evaluated during the subsequent oestrus. All three treatment protocols achieved clinical resolution of pyometra-including the aglepristone-only group-with normalisation of leukocyte counts and serum biochemical markers. In Experiment II, vaginal hyperplasia occurred in 53.3% of bitches in the AGL 4X group versus 7% in the AGL 2X group. Grade III hyperplasia was associated with pyometra recurrence and reduced pregnancy rates. Overall pregnancy rate in Experiment II was 80%. These findings indicate that aglepristone is an effective, fertility-preserving treatment for canine pyometra, even when administered without systemic antibiotics. However, high-dose or prolonged administration may induce oestrogen-mediated adverse effects such as vaginal hyperplasia and disease recurrence. A reduced dosing regimen appears safer while maintaining equivalent clinical and reproductive efficacy.
Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira DNA in Cervicovaginal Mucus of Mares With Reproductive Disorders in a Brazilian Herd.
Motta D, Pedrosa J, Lilenbaum W
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40988486 · Full text
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. A lesser-known form, equine genital leptospirosis (EGL), has been identified as a chronic and often silent infection involving th...
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. A lesser-known form, equine genital leptospirosis (EGL), has been identified as a chronic and often silent infection involving the colonisation of the mare's genital tract. Despite its potential impact, EGL remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood, particularly in its association with reproductive inefficiency. This study showed the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA by lipL32-PCR in the genital tract of mares with a history of reproductive disturbances. Cervicovaginal mucus samples were collected from 120 adult mares exhibiting recent reproductive problems. Results showed that 30 (25%) of the mares tested positive for Leptospira DNA. Among these 30 positive cases, 23.3% had experienced abortions, 3.3% had stillbirths, 53.3% showed placental alterations, and 36.6% were subfertile. These findings suggest a possible association between EGL and reproductive disorders in mares. The high detection rate of Leptospira DNA in genital samples reinforces the need for increased awareness and improved diagnostic efforts.
N-Acetylcysteine Promotes the Maturation of Sheep Oocytes and Embryo Development In Vitro.
Li C, Zhang Y, Pan Y … +5 more , Wu H, Zhang C, Wu Y, Meng R, Su J
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40947894 · Publisher ↗
During the in vitro maturation process of oocytes, oxidative stress is commonly present, and excessive oxidative stress can affect oocyte maturation. Thus, adding antioxidants during maturation is an effective strategy f...
During the in vitro maturation process of oocytes, oxidative stress is commonly present, and excessive oxidative stress can affect oocyte maturation. Thus, adding antioxidants during maturation is an effective strategy for reducing oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a derivative of cysteine, participates in glutathione (GSH) metabolism and stimulates glutathione synthesis. However, a clear understanding of the effect of NAC on sheep oocytes remains unknown. In this study, we investigated NAC's impact on the maturation of sheep oocytes, and the results revealed that the maturation rate, and subsequently the cleavage and blastocyst formation, were significantly enhanced by incubation with 1 mM NAC. The GSH and Ca levels increased, and the cortical granules were significantly elevated, whereas the reactive oxygen species levels were significantly reduced in the 1 mM NAC-treated group. Additionally, the number of inner cell masses was significantly increased. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that NAC increases oocyte maturation rate by protecting them from oxidative stress damage. These discoveries provide a new approach for improving the efficiency of in vitro production of sheep embryos.
Effect of Kisspeptin Fortification in Freezing Media on Post-Thaw Quality and Fertility of Buffalo Bull Semen.
Singh B, Singh AK, Devi P … +4 more , Kumar A, Singh N, Ratta NS, Singh P
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40923151 · Publisher ↗
The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of kisspeptin supplementation (0.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 40.0 μM) in cryodiluent on freezability and in vivo fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Twenty-four s...
The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of kisspeptin supplementation (0.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 40.0 μM) in cryodiluent on freezability and in vivo fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Twenty-four semen ejaculates were collected using an artificial vagina from four Murrah buffalo bulls. Ejaculates having > 70% sperm motility, < 25% morphological abnormalities and > 500 million/ml concentration were diluted with Tris-egg yolk extender containing 0.0 (control), 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 40.0 μM kisspeptin and cryopreserved following established protocol. The CASA-based progressive motility and viability were higher (p < 0.05) in cryodiluent containing 20.0 μM of kisspeptin in comparison to other experimental concentrations and control. Addition of kisspeptin at 20.0 and 40.0 μM in extender exhibited higher (p < 0.05) CASA-based total motility and plasma membrane integrity. Regarding CASA-based sperm kinematics, supplementation of kisspeptin (20.0 μM) in extender improved (p < 0.05) VCL and VAP as compared to other tested concentrations and control. The acrosome integrity revealed no difference (p > 0.05) in all the experimental extenders compared to control. The MDA levels were lower (p < 0.05) in cryodiluent supplemented with kisspeptin (20.0 μM) than in other concentrations and control. Sixty artificial inseminations were performed with the post-thaw semen having the most effective dose of kisspeptin (20.0 μM) and control (30 inseminations each). The conception rates were recorded to be higher (p > 0.05) using post-thaw semen containing kisspeptin (20.0 μM; 43.3%) as compared to control (33.3%). In conclusion, complementing the cryodiluent with 20.0 μM kisspeptin improved the quality and in vivo fertility of cryopreserved Murrah buffalo bull semen.
Effects of Donor Cell Type on Developmental Competence of Canine-Porcine Interspecies Cloned Embryos.
Yan Y, Li Z, Zhang G … +5 more , Dong Y, Wu Z, Wang H, Li Z, Xu Z
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40919765 · Publisher ↗
Canine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a powerful technology that can be used to clone beloved companion dogs, produce valuable working dogs, rescue endangered canine breeds, and create genetically engineered dog...
Canine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a powerful technology that can be used to clone beloved companion dogs, produce valuable working dogs, rescue endangered canine breeds, and create genetically engineered dogs. Nevertheless, the application of this technology is hindered by the low developmental efficiency of canine SCNT embryos. It has been shown that in pig and horse cloning using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), compared with fibroblasts, as donor cells can enhance the developmental potential of SCNT embryos. Whether this is also true for dog SCNT is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of MSCs and fibroblasts as donor cells for canine SCNT. We demonstrated that canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (cAd-MSCs) have a higher growth rate, lower apoptosis level, and higher expression level of pluripotency genes and HOX family genes than canine ear fibroblasts (cEFs). These features enhance the reprogramming efficiency of cAd-MSCs in canine-porcine interspecies SCNT (iSCNT) embryos, resulting in a higher developmental competence in cAd-MSCs-derived iSCNT embryos than that in cEFs-generated counterparts. This study indicates that cAd-MSC is a better donor cell type than cEF for SCNT.
Body and Testicular Biometry and Epididymal Sperm Characteristics in Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor (Kerr, 1792)).
de Matos Brandão Carneiro I, Bittencourt RF, Xavier GM … +7 more , Costa EO, Dos Santos Correia AÍ, Baptista MFB, Mendes RRM, Barbosa LF, Dos Santos MMR, Santos LC
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40913359 · Full text
Characterising body and reproductive morphometry and their association with epididymal sperm quality can contribute to the conservation of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Five adult males maintained in captivity at the Getú...
Characterising body and reproductive morphometry and their association with epididymal sperm quality can contribute to the conservation of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Five adult males maintained in captivity at the Getúlio Vargas Zoobotanical Park (Salvador, BA, Brazil) were captured, anaesthetised, and subjected to bilateral orchiectomy as part of a population-control strategy. Body measurements included head circumference, thoracic diameter, total length, withers height, and body weight. The length, width, thickness, and weight of the testes and epididymides were measured, and the gonadosomatic index was estimated. Spermatozoa were recovered from the epididymal tail by slicing and flotation, and their morphology, membrane integrity, and kinematic parameters were assessed using a computerised computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. Mean kinematic parameters were: total motility (80.61% ± 18.33%), progressive motility (54.95% ± 16.55%), average path velocity-VAP (60.58 ± 12.38 μm/s), and percentage of normal spermatozoa (77.80% ± 6.14%). Withers height showed significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with most reproductive parameters, including testicular weight (r = 0.936), testicular volume (r = 0.936), testicular area (r = 0.878), epididymal thickness (r = 0.882), total sperm recovered (r = 0.939), progressive motility (r = 0.888), and percentage of normal spermatozoa (r = 0.968). Additionally, testicular volume, thickness, epididymal length, epididymal width, and epididymal thickness showed significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with most of the sperm parameters studied. These findings provide important preliminary data for future investigations on the reproductive potential of this species.
Full-Term In Vivo Development of Frozen-Thawed Mammalian Diapausing Embryos.
Amstislavsky S, Rozhkova I, Rakhmanova T … +2 more , Kozeneva V, Brusentsev E
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40910471 · Publisher ↗
Embryonic diapause is widespread among mammals. This is the first report of successful post-thaw in vivo development of mammalian embryos cryopreserved at the diapause stage using mouse as a model species. Live offspring...
Embryonic diapause is widespread among mammals. This is the first report of successful post-thaw in vivo development of mammalian embryos cryopreserved at the diapause stage using mouse as a model species. Live offspring were obtained after cryopreservation of murine embryos and their transfer to pseudo-pregnant recipients. The sex ratio at birth was male-skewed, and the offspring were fertile. The results may open new possibilities for applying the Genome Resource Banking concept to diapausing mammalian species.
Bacterial Contamination of Liquid Nitrogen Tanks Used to Store Bull AI Doses: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Hensel B, Schulze Y, Kasten M … +2 more , Jung M, Schulze M
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40905617 · Publisher ↗
Extended bull sperm for artificial insemination is routinely cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen (LN, -196°C) tanks to maintain semen quality for extended periods. Bacterial contamination impairs sperm quality; h...
Extended bull sperm for artificial insemination is routinely cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen (LN, -196°C) tanks to maintain semen quality for extended periods. Bacterial contamination impairs sperm quality; however, hygienic conditions of LN tanks are monitored insufficiently. This study aimed to assess the hygienic situation in routinely used LN tanks under field conditions. For this purpose, 141 LN tanks from 19 AI centres were sampled to provide an overview of bacterial contamination prevalence. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed for 13 commonly used antibiotics on all bacterial species isolated from three or more LN tanks. Out of 141 LN tanks, 81.7% were contaminated with one (44.3%), two (26.7%), three (9.2%), or four (1.5%) bacterial species, respectively. Overall, 25 bacterial genera were found, which yielded 49 different species. Results emphasise that contamination of LN tanks used in bull AI is common. Systematic monitoring and the introduction of hygiene guidelines are, therefore, recommended.
Beneficial Effects of the Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant MitoQ on Bull Semen Post Cryopreservation Quality Characteristics.
Nazari SA, Bahnamiri HZ, Yazdanshenas P … +6 more , Jahandideh-Golroodbari P, Sharma M, Tvrda E, Dodaran HV, Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh A, Sharafi M
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40905291 · Publisher ↗
This experiment evaluated the effects of increasing MitoQ concentrations in semen extender on post-thaw quality of Holstein bull sperm, including motility, membrane integrity, antioxidant status and viability. Semen samp...
This experiment evaluated the effects of increasing MitoQ concentrations in semen extender on post-thaw quality of Holstein bull sperm, including motility, membrane integrity, antioxidant status and viability. Semen samples were collected, pooled and diluted with extender containing 0 (control), 5, 50, 500 and 1000 nM of MitoQ and frozen through the standard procedure. An increase in MitoQ supplementation positively influenced total and progressive motility, as well as average path velocity; however, these effects were not statistically significant until the concentration reached 50 nM. The highest MitoQ level (1000 nM) showed no difference from the control group. Supplementation of semen extender with 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ significantly increased sperm membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity. Sperm viability improved significantly in concentrations of 5, 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ compared to control, whereas 1000 nM of MitoQ did not show any difference from the control group. Moreover, MitoQ significantly reduced MDA level regardless of its concentration. The concentrations of 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ significantly reduced ROS concentration. It can be concluded that 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ in extender can improve sperm quality parameters in bull semen.
Protective Role of Curcumin in Ram Sperm Cryopreservation: Evaluation of Spermatological Parameters and PRDX5 Gene Expression.
Kaya C, Esin B, Akar M … +3 more , Can C, Dünder E, Çevik M
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40905281 · Publisher ↗
Cryopreservation of ram sperm is a cornerstone in reproductive biotechnology but is often accompanied by oxidative damage that compromises post-thaw sperm quality. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant p...
Cryopreservation of ram sperm is a cornerstone in reproductive biotechnology but is often accompanied by oxidative damage that compromises post-thaw sperm quality. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties, may offer protection against cryo-induced injuries. This study evaluated the effects of curcumin supplementation at two concentrations (10% and 20%) in semen extenders on the functional and molecular characteristics of ram spermatozoa. A total of 14 ejaculates were collected from healthy adult rams and randomly allocated into three groups: control (no curcumin), C1 (10% curcumin) and C2 (20% curcumin). Semen samples were cryopreserved using a Tris-based extender, and post-thaw evaluations included total motility, viability (eosin-nigrosin), morphology (head, midpiece, tail abnormalities), membrane integrity (HOST), chromatin integrity (toluidine blue) and PRDX5 gene expression via qPCR. Curcumin supplementation, particularly in the C2 group, significantly improved total motility and viability (p < 0.01), while reducing head and tail morphological abnormalities and chromatin damage (p < 0.05), compared to the control. No significant difference was observed in PRDX5 gene expression among groups (p > 0.05). These improvements are likely attributed to curcumin's antioxidant activity, including ROS scavenging and membrane stabilisation. Curcumin supplementation in semen extenders enhances post-thaw sperm quality in rams by improving functional parameters and maintaining chromatin integrity, without modulating PRDX5 gene expression. These findings support the potential of curcumin as a safe and effective cryoprotective additive in ovine artificial insemination and genetic conservation protocols. Further research combining transcriptomic and proteomic analyses (or approaches), along with validation of post-thaw sperm fertility, is needed to clarify curcumin's effects and its potential in livestock breeding.
Extracellular Vesicles in Reproduction: Biology, Production, and Potential Applications in Livestock Breeding.
Fazeli A, Godakumara K, Kodithuwakku S … +1 more , Muhandiram S
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40899146 · Full text
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-bound particles released by cells into biological fluids, where they function as mediators of intercellular communication. These vesicles transport a diverse array of bioa...
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-bound particles released by cells into biological fluids, where they function as mediators of intercellular communication. These vesicles transport a diverse array of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and play essential roles in regulating physiological and pathological processes. Recent research has revealed the significance of EVs in reproductive biology, particularly in the areas of spermatozoa maturation, oocyte development, embryo implantation, and maternal-fetal interactions. Given their widespread distribution and biological importance, EVs have been increasingly studied for their potential applications in both human and livestock reproductive medicine. Understanding the mechanisms by which EVs contribute to reproductive processes is crucial, as they offer novel opportunities for improving reproductive health, diagnosing fertility disorders, and enhancing assisted reproductive technologies. In males, EVs derived from seminal plasma and the epididymis influence sperm motility, capacitation, and fertilisation potential. In females, vesicles secreted within follicular, oviductal, and uterine fluids mediate communication between the oocyte, embryo, and maternal reproductive tract. Furthermore, placental-derived EVs regulate immune tolerance, vascular remodelling, and fetal development throughout pregnancy. EVs are emerging as promising tools for fertility assessment and reproductive diagnostics. Their molecular cargo reflects the physiological state of the reproductive system, enabling their use as non-invasive biomarkers for evaluating gamete quality, embryo viability, and pregnancy health. Despite their immense potential, challenges remain in optimising EV isolation, improving characterisation techniques, and deciphering the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their function. Standardisation of methodologies, development of targeted vesicle-based therapeutics, and validation of their efficacy in reproductive medicine are necessary to fully realise their clinical utility. The field of EV research in reproductive biology continues to evolve rapidly, and ongoing studies will undoubtedly lead to new insights into their role in fertility, embryo development, and pregnancy maintenance.
Editorial.
Hristov K, Kistanova E
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40899139 · Publisher ↗
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Advancing and Historical Reversible Contraceptive Solutions for Feline Reproductive Control.
Dolcet LF
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40899136 · Publisher ↗
Medical approaches to reproduction control have traditionally relied on progestins, but these drugs are associated with significant adverse effects in both males and females, including an increased risk of uterine infect...
Medical approaches to reproduction control have traditionally relied on progestins, but these drugs are associated with significant adverse effects in both males and females, including an increased risk of uterine infections, mammary tumours, and metabolic complications. As a result, veterinarians often advocate for strategies such as postponing estrus in females to balance reproductive health and manage population control. In recent decades, advancements in pharmacological interventions have opened new doors. GnRH agonists, which can reversibly suppress reproductive function, have emerged as a safer and more flexible alternative to surgical sterilisation. Similarly, the use of melatonin in female cats has shown promising results in regulating estrus cycles. Other innovative solutions, such as non-surgical sterilisation techniques using immunocontraceptive vaccines, are under active development, offering hope for scalable, humane population control measures. These emerging technologies provide veterinarians with an expanding toolkit to address both clinical and ethical challenges in reproductive management.
An Overview of Developmental Disorders Leading to Dystocia in Cattle.
Agerholm JS, Drögemüller C, Steffen DJ … +1 more , Jacinto JGP
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40899133 · Full text
Dystocia due to developmental disorders causing foetal malformation is a significant challenge in bovine obstetrics, often resulting in severe birth complications. This narrative review provides an updated overview of th...
Dystocia due to developmental disorders causing foetal malformation is a significant challenge in bovine obstetrics, often resulting in severe birth complications. This narrative review provides an updated overview of the most common congenital syndromes associated with dystocia in cattle, emphasising both their clinical implications and underlying causes. Congenital disorders such as schistosoma reflexum, perosomus elumbis, arthrogryposis, hydrocephalus, anasarca and embryonic duplication are reviewed in detail, along with their impact on the course of calving. While the management of dystocia due to foetal malformations has remained relatively constant over time-mainly involving assisted delivery, foetotomy or caesarean section-our understanding of their aetiologies has advanced considerably. In addition to environmental factors, such as viral infections during gestation, genetic causes may also be implicated. Genetic aetiologies, including dominant de novo mutations and recessively inherited alleles, such as single nucleotide variants, larger structural variants or aneuploidies, have been identified as the cause of some of these congenital defects. This review provides a comprehensive resource on dystocia due to developmental disorders, offering veterinarians updated knowledge to guide clinical decision making and improve outcomes for both the dam and the calf.
Special Issue: Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the European Society for Domestic Animal Reproduction (ESDAR) and 3rd European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR) symposium, 11-13 September 2025, Albena Resort, Bulgaria.
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Sep · PMID 40899128 · Publisher ↗
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Enhancing Rahmani Ram Semen Cryosurvival Through Oral Moringa Oil and Microencapsulation: In Vivo and In Silico Mechanistic Insights.
Khalil WA, Gad AMA, Ismail AA … +4 more , Grawish SI, Elkashef AA, Ismail RFSA, Abdelnour SA
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40864156 · Publisher ↗
Cryopreservation of ram semen is challenged by the high polyunsaturated fatty acid content in spermatozoa, which leads to increased oxidative stress and cellular damage. This study explored the potential of orally admini...
Cryopreservation of ram semen is challenged by the high polyunsaturated fatty acid content in spermatozoa, which leads to increased oxidative stress and cellular damage. This study explored the potential of orally administered moringa oil (MO) or its microencapsulated form (MON) to protect ram spermatozoa during cryopreservation by assessing their effects on semen quality, antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, seminal metabolic enzyme activity, as well as molecular docking study. Fifteen Rahmani rams were randomly split into three groups (n = 5 per group) and fed a basal diet. The control group (CON) received 1 mL of distilled water orally, while the second and third groups received 2 mL of MO or 1 mL of MON, respectively, daily for 4 months. Semen samples were collected bi-weekly using an artificial vagina, pooled, extended and cryopreserved following standard protocols. Results demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) post-thaw sperm viability, progressive motility and membrane integrity in the MO group compared to other groups after equilibration (at 5°C for 4 h), post-thawed ram semen (at 37°C for 30 s) or incubated at 37°C and 5% CO for 2 h. Regarding apoptotic sperm, the orally administered MO group had a significantly greater number of viable spermatozoa (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Although all treated groups had a lower percentage of early apoptosis than the control, MON administration resulted in a significant increase in the percentages of necrotic sperm compared to the MO group (p < 0.05). The TAC was highest and MDA was lowest (p < 0.05) in the MO group. Molecular docking analysis revealed the binding energies (kcal/mol) of bioactive compounds from MO including apigenin, ferulic acid and naringenin with three target proteins: ADAM17 (-4.47, -4.49 and -4.88, respectively), DNase1 (-4.42, -3.47 and -4.46, respectively) and SHBG (-6.38, -4.70 and -6.43, respectively). These findings indicate that orally administering MO has a more pronounced positive effect on Rahmani ram semen quality, apoptosis, and antioxidant status following cryopreservation compared to its microencapsulated form.
The Effect of Sodium Phytate on the Liquid Preservation of Porcine Semen.
Li Y, Gaxihamu, Zhang M … +5 more , Zhang Y, Li W, Du J, Qiu R, Chen H
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40857208 · Publisher ↗
Semen quality plays a critical role in artificial insemination; however, the accumulation of oxidised substances during semen storage impairs sperm viability and function, ultimately reducing fertility. Sodium phytate is...
Semen quality plays a critical role in artificial insemination; however, the accumulation of oxidised substances during semen storage impairs sperm viability and function, ultimately reducing fertility. Sodium phytate is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, known for its potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium phytate on the preservation of porcine semen at various storage temperatures (17°C and 4°C). The study employed a variety of methods, including the assessment of sperm quality parameters (sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were determined. The experiment was divided into a control group and different concentrations of sodium phytate. Sperm quality parameters were evaluated in the control group (0 μg/mL) and in the sodium phytate group (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg/mL) on Days 2, 4, and 6 of sperm storage at various storage temperatures (17°C and 4°C). Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of porcine sperm was evaluated on Days 2 and 4. The results indicated that the addition of sodium phytate to porcine semen dilutions significantly enhanced sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.05), while simultaneously reducing MDA levels produced during semen preservation (p < 0.05). The optimal concentration of sodium phytate was found to be 1-10 μg/mL under ambient storage conditions and 100 μg/mL under low-temperature storage conditions. These findings suggest that sodium phytate has potential effects on porcine semen during preservation under various storage conditions, providing a theoretical foundation for improving artificial insemination fertility rates.
Detection of Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Humanin in Semen and Reproductive Tract of Caprine Along With Its Relation to Seasonality.
Chouksey S, Shukla SN, Dubey A … +3 more , Soni Y, Mandal S, Chourasia A
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40838645 · Publisher ↗
Humanin is the first short peptide in a speculated group of peptides produced by mitochondria that possess potent cytoprotective properties against various forms of stress. Despite being a prevalent peptide in testes and...
Humanin is the first short peptide in a speculated group of peptides produced by mitochondria that possess potent cytoprotective properties against various forms of stress. Despite being a prevalent peptide in testes and spermatozoa, there has been no report on the identification or quantification of humanin in buck sperm cells or the reproductive tract. This study aimed to establish the presence of humanin in the epididymis, testes and semen of Sirohi and Barbari bucks, whereas also assessing its seasonal expression, as goats are reported to be seasonal breeders in India. A total of 12 bucks were selected, and an indirect immunofluorescence test was conducted to detect humanin using a commercially available anti-humanin antibody. Immunofluorescence examination of the male reproductive tract revealed the presence of green fluorescence, indicating humanin, in the elongated spermatids of the caput epididymis and the interstitial space of the testicles. In ejaculated spermatozoa, humanin was localised in the neck and acrosomal regions. Humanin was also observed in the upper middle region of ejaculated spermatozoa. However, during the rainy season, humanin expression was stronger or brighter, and throughout the summer and winter, there was little fluorescence. The rainy season was also markedly associated with increased levels of sperm concentration, progressive motility and mitochondrial membrane potential in semen. However, superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation levels also exhibited substantial seasonal variation.
Evaluation of Semen Characteristics of Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix).
Kanwal K, Rakha BA, Mehmood S … +5 more , Zuha S, Khan M, Shakeel K, Akhter A, Akhter S
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40827488 · Publisher ↗
Semen banking and artificial insemination play an indispensable role in the propagation and preservation of germplasm. Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) is a small-sized game bird and facing threats in its natural habitat...
Semen banking and artificial insemination play an indispensable role in the propagation and preservation of germplasm. Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) is a small-sized game bird and facing threats in its natural habitat and can be conserved by employing assisted reproductive technologies like semen banking. For successful semen banking, it is necessary to have knowledge of the reproductive potential (semen volume, sperm motility, total sperm per ejaculation, sperm concentration, semen quality and sperm abnormalities) of the species. The present study was designed to investigate the reproductive potential of common quail. Common quail were kept individually in a 4 × 4 ft enclosure while a group of 5 females, which were utilised for male excitement, were kept in a 3 × 3 ft enclosure. Semen was collected from 10 mature males (Selection was made based on the size of proctodeal foam gland, ejaculation time and stimulation response to teaser female) collected individually after excitation by a teaser female on a daily basis. After collection, semen was evaluated for semen volume, sperm motility, total sperm per ejaculation, sperm concentration, semen quality (motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosomal integrity) and sperm abnormalities of individual males. Mean semen volume (7.75 ± 0.59 μL), sperm concentration (20.105 ± 0.81) and total sperm per ejaculation (0.316 ± 0.175 10/mL) were recorded. Sperm motility (74.1% ± 2.24%), viability (76.88% ± 2.155%), intact acrosome (78.69% ± 2.13%) and integrity of the plasma membrane (75.5% ± 2.261%) and semen quality factor (121.06 ± 14.23) were recorded. Semen quality factor SQF was positively correlated with volume (r = 0.824), motility (r = 0.583), plasma membrane integrity (r = 0.592), viability (r = 0.593) and acrosomal integrity (r = 0.610) (p < 0.05) while negatively correlated with total sperm per ejaculation (r = -0.208). The total percentage of abnormal sperm was (12.125% ± 6.161%) recorded. It is concluded that common quail exhibit excellent reproductive potential in terms of semen quality with a low percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. The results of semen characteristics can now be used for artificial propagation and conservation programs.
The Addition of Osteopontin for Freezing Epididymal Bovine Sperm Improves Post-Thaw Motility, Morphology and Membrane Functionality.
Ramírez CM, Úsuga A, Betancur GR … +2 more , Cruz LJJ, Lobo MEA
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40827122 · Publisher ↗
Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm is an important tool for preserving the germplasm of animals with high genetic value after death or due to clinical conditions. Nonetheless, its implementation remains challenging, as...
Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm is an important tool for preserving the germplasm of animals with high genetic value after death or due to clinical conditions. Nonetheless, its implementation remains challenging, as sperm are more susceptible to freezing and thawing. Osteopontin is a protein that has been linked to high fertilisation rates and antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding osteopontin to the freezing extender on the post-thaw quality of bovine epididymal sperm. Sperm was collected from the epididymis cauda from 13 bovine testis-epididymal complexes from Bos indicus bulls. Each sample was supplemented with osteopontin at 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μg/mL, and a control treatment without osteopontin. The spermatozoa were extended and frozen in nitrogen vapour, then evaluated after thawing for motility, kinematics, morphology and plasma membrane integrity. Compared to the control treatment, the addition of osteopontin at 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μg/mL increased the total and progressive motility of frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa, with no differences among these three treatments. The use of osteopontin at 10 μg/mL increased the beat cross frequency (BCF) of spermatozoa; however, no other differences were found in the other kinematic parameters of thawed epididymal semen. An increase in the proportion of morphologically normal sperm was observed when the three concentrations of osteopontin were added to the freezing extender (0.1, 1.0 and 10 μg/mL). Similarly, all three concentrations of osteopontin improved the functional integrity of the plasma membrane of thawed epididymal sperm, regardless of the concentration used. It is concluded that adding 0.1 μM osteopontin to the freezing medium is enough to improve the quality of the frozen-thawed bovine epididymal spermatozoa, in an equivalent manner to the use of higher concentrations of this protein.
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