Reproduction In Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Chemical Form of Trace Minerals (Copper, Zinc and Manganese) Fed to Rams Affects Plasma Testosterone Concentrations and Semen Characteristics.
Zargari S, Towhidi A, Rezayazdi K … +1 more , Kastelic J
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40827113 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the impacts of dietary trace mineral supplementation (copper, zinc and manganese) on plasma testosterone concentrations and semen characteristics in Afshari × Booroola merino rams. Twenty rams wer...
This study investigated the impacts of dietary trace mineral supplementation (copper, zinc and manganese) on plasma testosterone concentrations and semen characteristics in Afshari × Booroola merino rams. Twenty rams were equally allocated into four groups and fed for 70 days, as follows: Control (no supplemental minerals); Sulphate (sulphate forms); Hydroxychloride (30% hydroxychloride, 70% sulphate) and Amino chelate (30% chelate, 70% sulphate). Plasma testosterone concentrations, seminal plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, alkaline phosphatase and total antioxidant capacity were assessed on Days 0 and 70. On Day 70, all these end points were higher (p < 0.05) in the Hydroxychloride and Amino chelate groups compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the Sulphate group had no significant change from Day 0, whereas the Control group decreased (p < 0.05). Ejaculate volume and sperm concentration were measured in fresh semen. Sperm quality was evaluated in fresh and frozen-thawed samples, including motility, morphology, viability and membrane functionality every 14 days. From Day 42, sperm motility, viability and membrane functionality improved (p < 0.05) in the Hydroxychloride and Amino chelate groups. These parameters remained stable in the Sulphate group but declined in the Control group (p < 0.05). Notably, the Control group had the highest percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm at 70 days (p < 0.05). Additionally, the Hydroxychloride and Amino chelate groups had fewer apoptotic sperm and lower malondialdehyde concentrations compared to the Control and Sulphate groups. In conclusion, supplementation with hydroxychloride or amino chelate forms of trace minerals optimised reproductive performance in rams, with higher plasma testosterone concentrations and superior sperm quality compared to sulphate or control diets.
Improved Pregnancy Outcomes in Beef Heifers Through Delayed Insemination of Sexed Semen.
Kasimanickam R, Ratzburg K, Madsen K … +1 more , Keckler R
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40823703 · Full text
This study evaluated the effect of the timing of Y-sorted sexed semen (SS) insemination after the onset of estrus on reproductive outcomes in beef heifers and examined the influence of AI sires and their sperm DNA fragme...
This study evaluated the effect of the timing of Y-sorted sexed semen (SS) insemination after the onset of estrus on reproductive outcomes in beef heifers and examined the influence of AI sires and their sperm DNA fragmentation (%SDF) over time. Angus heifers (n = 718) from two locations were synchronised using a CIDR + Select-Synch protocol and blocked by age, body condition score, and reproductive tract score. Heifers expressing estrus were randomly assigned to AI at 12, 20, or 28 h post-estrus onset using SexedULTRA 4 M semen from one of three bulls. Post-thaw %SDF at 0, 12, and 24 h was assessed by acridine orange staining. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) differed by timing: 12 h (45.4%), 20 h (48.1%), and 28 h (56.5%) (p < 0.05), with the 28 h group achieving significantly higher P/AI than the 12 h group. Stillbirth incidence and gender ratio (bull: heifer) did not differ significantly among groups. No overall difference in P/AI among sires was observed; however, a significant sire × time of AI interaction existed (p = 0.05), with Bull 2 showing the greatest improvement in P/AI at 28 h (up to 15.2 percentage points higher than earlier times). For Bulls 1 and 2, %SDF increased significantly from 0 to 24 h post-thaw, while Bull 3 showed no change. These findings indicate that delaying insemination to 28 h post-estrus enhances P/AI when using Y-sorted SS, potentially due to improved synchrony with ovulation and reduced exposure to sperm with increasing DNA damage.
Histological and Colour Doppler-Based Vascularity Analysis of Ovarian Follicles at Different Developmental Stages in Cattle.
Mebarki M, Besbaci M
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40787695 · Publisher ↗
Follicular dynamics represent the fundamental aspect of bovine reproduction, which relies on complex physiological and hormonal processes. To investigate the haemodynamics and characteristics of ovarian follicles at diff...
Follicular dynamics represent the fundamental aspect of bovine reproduction, which relies on complex physiological and hormonal processes. To investigate the haemodynamics and characteristics of ovarian follicles at different stages of development in Atlas Brown cattle, 31 cycling non-lactating cows were submitted to the Ovsynch oestrous synchronisation protocol to standardise follicular development. Follicular growth and vascularisation were monitored using 2D and Doppler ultrasonography. Moreover, follicles were classified into dominant, largest subordinate and third-largest follicle. Also, 28 ovary samples were collected for histological examination focusing on the theca interna capillary density. The follicular deviation was identified between Days 1 and 3 after GnRH injection. Statistical analysis revealed that before the deviation, no differences were found between the two parameters in all types of follicles studied (p > 0.05); furthermore, after follicular deviation, the dominant follicles maintained capillary density (p < 0.05) and maintained detectable blood flow. However, the largest subordinate and third-largest follicles marked a reduction of both parameters (p < 0.05). Histological findings confirmed ultrasonographic data, demonstrating maintained angiogenesis in dominant follicles and reduced vascularisation in atretic follicles. These results demonstrate the critical role of vascularisation for follicular dominance and selection, providing helpful information for optimising reproductive management practices in cattle. Also, this study advances knowledge of bovine reproductive physiology and suggests potential improvements in synchronisation and ovulation stimulation protocols. As a result, increasing the outcome of artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
Plasma Estradiol and Endometrial Edema Profile in Acyclic Mares After Single Administration of 17-β Estradiol, Estradiol Benzoate and Estradiol Cypionate.
Barbosa LA, Maran AP, de Almeida MER … +5 more , Guimarães EC, Bringel B, Douglas RH, Lima TFG, da Silva ESM
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40760876 · Full text
A longer endometrial exposure to estradiol before progesterone has been shown to be beneficial in cyclic and acyclic recipient mares. Therefore, the selection of an estradiol ester that promotes longer endometrial exposu...
A longer endometrial exposure to estradiol before progesterone has been shown to be beneficial in cyclic and acyclic recipient mares. Therefore, the selection of an estradiol ester that promotes longer endometrial exposure to estradiol using a single administration would be advantageous when preparing acyclic mares as embryo recipients. This study investigated plasma estradiol profiles in acyclic mares after a single administration of 17-β estradiol (17-β), estradiol benzoate (EB) and estradiol cypionate (EC), and the correlation between plasma concentrations and endometrial edema. Fifteen non-cyclic mares were divided into groups 17-β (n = 5), EB (n = 5) or EC (n = 5), receiving a single dose of 10 mg of the respective hormone. Blood sample collections and transrectal ultrasonography were performed every 6 h from hour 0 to 12, every 12 h from 12 to 48 h, and every 24 h from 48 to 120 h after hormone administration. Five of the acyclic mares were used during the breeding season as a cyclic control. Greater median concentrations were detected using EB (38.6 pg/mL; p < 0.05). For 17-β, peak concentration was observed at 6 h (29.7 pg/mL) and decreased 24 h after administration (5.9 pg/mL; p < 0.05). In the EC group, there was a modest peak starting from 12 h (11.7 pg/mL; p < 0.05), remaining relatively constant until 120 h. A more rapid increase of edema to moderate and high scores was found when using 17β estradiol, although edema scores and persistence until Day 5 were similar among the oestrogens used. A correlation between estradiol concentration and endometrial edema was only seen when using EC, and this hormone also produced the most similar concentration values to those found in natural cycling mares. Therefore, it is likely that EC would be a suitable hormone for preparing acyclic mares as embryo recipients.
Optimising Filtered Egg Yolk Extenders for Long-Term Cold Preservation of Ram Sperm: Effects of Osmolarity and Egg Yolk Concentration.
Ahmadi MHN, Mirzaei A, Divar MR … +1 more , Derafshani F
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40745942 · Publisher ↗
Cold storage is a preferred method for short-term preservation of ram spermatozoa due to its superior fertility rates compared to cryopreservation. This study aimed to optimise the conditions for ram sperm preservation b...
Cold storage is a preferred method for short-term preservation of ram spermatozoa due to its superior fertility rates compared to cryopreservation. This study aimed to optimise the conditions for ram sperm preservation by evaluating the effects of osmolarity and egg yolk (EY) concentration in a syringe-filtered extender. In part A, semen samples were extended with solutions of varying osmolarities (330, 360, 390 and 420 mOsm/kg water). The 390 mOsm/kg solution demonstrated the best preservation of sperm viability, functional integrity and motility over 96 h of storage. In part B, different EY concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) were assessed at the optimal osmolarity (390 mOsm/kg). A 20% EY concentration provided the most effective protection of sperm DNA, acrosome integrity and membrane functionality. Excessive EY levels (> 20%) negatively impacted sperm viability and induced higher lipid peroxidation. These findings emphasise the importance of balancing osmolarity and EY concentration for efficient cold storage of ram spermatozoa, enhancing the potential success of artificial insemination programs in sheep breeding.
Canine Sperm Concentration: Comparison Between Neubauer Cell Counting, Photometers and a CASA System.
Belala R, Kebbal S, Medjkoune M … +4 more , Tahlout M, Haffad Y, Slamani L, Mimoune N
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40726158 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to compare three methods used in evaluating canine sperm concentration in translucent and opaque media. These techniques were counting chamber; spectrophotometry using two commercial photometers calibrat...
This study aimed to compare three methods used in evaluating canine sperm concentration in translucent and opaque media. These techniques were counting chamber; spectrophotometry using two commercial photometers calibrated for canine semen (Accuread and SDM1); and CASA analyzer (Hamilton Thorne IVOS II [HT-IVOS II]), for motile and non-motile spermatozoa (spz). Eight ejaculates were collected, then the sperm-rich fraction of each sample was divided into two aliquots: one was mixed with a translucent commercial buffered solution (Easy Buffer-B) and the other with an opaque egg yolk-based diluent. Each of the two aliquots was separated into five fractions evaluated respectively by the different tools. The results showed that the HT-IVOS II analyzer with immobilised spermatozoa was in good agreement with the reference method (counting chamber), whereas the Accuread photometer showed a reasonable difference, but with poor statistical agreement, while the SDM1 photometer and HT-IVOS II analyzer (with immobilised spz) were in bad agreement with the reference method in assessing translucent media-diluted canine sperm concentration. In the context of semen diluted in an opaque egg yolk-based medium, none of the studied techniques was in agreement with the reference method. The comparison between translucent media-diluted and opaque media-diluted semen revealed that except for the reference method, all evaluation techniques (SDM1, Accuread and HT-IVOS II analyzer) were unreliable (p > 0.05) in assessing sperm concentration across both situations. The authors propose to conduct further studies with an expanded sample size and to incorporate flow cytometry (FCM) into the comparative evaluation techniques.
Multiple Estradiol Benzoate Treatment Enhances Milk Production on Induction of Artificial Lactation in Pseudopregnant Pigs.
Noguchi M, Takamori Y, Asano M … +2 more , Sasaki Y, Yoshioka K
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40719002 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the effects of multiple treatments of estradiol benzoate (EB) prior to the induction of luteal regression on the efficiency of artificial lactation induction and milk yield in pseudopregnant sows....
This study investigated the effects of multiple treatments of estradiol benzoate (EB) prior to the induction of luteal regression on the efficiency of artificial lactation induction and milk yield in pseudopregnant sows. Pseudopregnant females induced by treatment with 30 mg estradiol dipropionate (EDP) were administered 2 mg (Group EB 2 mg, n = 5) or 3 mg (Group EB 3 mg, n = 6) EB on Days-10, -7, and -4 (Day 0 = the day of prostaglandin F [PGF] treatment). Six pseudopregnant sows (Group EDP) received 5 mg EDP on Day -10.5 ± 1.6. The induction efficiency of artificial lactation, collected milk volume and immunoglobulin concentrations in the milk obtained from sows after PGF treatment were analysed. The dosage of EB treatment before PGF administration had no significant effect on either the induction rate of artificial lactation or the milk yield during the experimental period. Harvested milk volumes from EB-treated pseudopregnant sows were higher than those in Group EDP. The immunoglobulin levels in harvested milk from artificial lactating sows did not differ between the EB-treated groups. In conclusion, multiple EB treatments prior to PGF administration increased milk production in pseudopregnant sows but did not affect the efficiency of artificial lactation induction.
Arbutin Preserves Boar Sperm During Storage at 17°C by Enhancing the Antioxidant Capacity via the NRF2/GPX4 Signalling.
Liu W, Li W, Lin R … +5 more , Wang Y, Zhou P, Pang W, Li R, Zheng Y
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Aug · PMID 40718990 · Publisher ↗
Arbutin is a naturally present antioxidant derived from plants. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of arbutin on boar sperm during storage at 17°C and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that...
Arbutin is a naturally present antioxidant derived from plants. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of arbutin on boar sperm during storage at 17°C and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that the addition of arbutin to extenders markedly enhanced the sperm (progressive) motility and plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity on Days 9 and 13 of preservation (p < 0.05), with the most pronounced effect of arbutin at the concentration of 100 μmol/L. The addition of 100 μmol/L arbutin also reduced the level of ROS and elevated the levels of ATP and MMP in boar sperm on Days 9 and 13 of preservation (p < 0.05). The subsequent sperm oxidative damage experiment showed that the addition of 100 μmol/L arbutin significantly alleviated the decrease in sperm (progressive) motility and in plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity caused by HO (p < 0.05), whereas increased the T-AOC content and the activities of CAT and GPx antioxidant enzymes after 2 h of incubation at 37°C (p < 0.05). Further, the metabolomic analysis revealed that the addition of arbutin principally influenced lipid metabolism, and the Western blot analysis demonstrated that arbutin increased the sperm quality and the antioxidant capacity via the NRF2/GPX4 signalling. Together, arbutin preserves boar sperm during storage at 17°C by enhancing the antioxidant capacity via the NRF2/GPX4 signalling, laying the theoretical foundation for optimisation of the boar semen preservation diluent therefore facilitating the dissemination of superior porcine germplasm resources and improving the economic value.
hCG Effects Are Related to the Day of Administration After Mating in Synchronous Estrus Induced Torki-Ghashghaei Sheep.
Habibizad J, Meamar M, Towhidi M … +2 more , Muhaghegh-Dolatabady M, da Fonseca JF
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jul · PMID 40704839 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the effects of hCG administration during different times after mating on the reproductive parameters of Torki-Ghashghaei sheep. In the first experiment, 75 Torki-Ghashghaei ewes and 56 ewe lambs w...
This study investigated the effects of hCG administration during different times after mating on the reproductive parameters of Torki-Ghashghaei sheep. In the first experiment, 75 Torki-Ghashghaei ewes and 56 ewe lambs were synchronised for 14 days. One day before withdrawing the sponges, 400 and 350 IU of eCG were injected into ewes and ewe lambs, respectively. Then the ewes and ewe lambs were divided into five and four groups, respectively, based on not receiving (control) or receiving hCG in ewes on 1.5, 2, 4 and 6 days and in ewe lambs on 1.5, 2 and 6 days after mating. The results of the first experiment showed that the rate of multiple twinning, the number of lambs born, fecundity, prolificacy and progesterone concentration in ewes and ewe lambs receiving hCG on days 1.5 and two were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). In the second experiment, 316 ewes and 304 ewe lambs were synchronised and received 400 and 300 IU of hCG, respectively, and were divided into two groups based on receiving hCG one day and a half (hCG-1.5) and two days (hCG-2) after mating. The results showed that multiple births in ewes were significantly higher in the hCG-1.5 group compared to the hCG-2 group. The results of this study generally showed that the use of hCG on all different days after mating increased the concentration of serum progesterone. Ewes and ewe lambs receiving hCG on days 1.5 and two had the best reproductive performance compared to the other groups. In conclusion, the application of hCG on 1.5 days after mating in Torki-Ghashghaei ewes and ewe lambs during the out-breeding season could be recommended for improving twinning rate, the number of lambs born and prolificacy rate.
Ram Semen Response to Cryopreservation With Extender Subjected to Ultrasonic Vibration and Myo-Inositol Enrichment.
Niroomand MJ, Farahavar A, Aliarabi H … +1 more , Yavari M
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jul · PMID 40686472 · Publisher ↗
Ultrasonic vibration (USV) of semen extender can be a novel method to modify the physico-chemical properties of semen extenders and improve their cryoprotective quality. This property may be further improved by combining...
Ultrasonic vibration (USV) of semen extender can be a novel method to modify the physico-chemical properties of semen extenders and improve their cryoprotective quality. This property may be further improved by combining with antioxidants. Therefore, this study examined the impact of a USV-treated extender enriched with Myo-inositol (MYO) on frozen ram sperm quality in a completely randomised block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The main factors were USV (without and with) and MYO (0 and 7.5 mM) arranged in four treatments. Ultrasonic groups' diluents vibrated at 50% power for 15 min. In the breeding season, semen was collected from four Mehraban rams once a week, over five consecutive weeks. Ejaculates were mixed and divided equally into four parts and diluted up to the concentration of 200 × 10 spermatozoa/ml. The samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen. At least 72 h after freezing, samples were thawed and subjected to evaluation. Eosin stain, hypo-osmotic swelling test, computer-assisted sperm analysis, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and thiobarbituric acid assay were methods for evaluation of viability, functional integrity of plasma membrane, sperm motility, total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation respectively. Intracellular ROS level and mitochondrial membrane integrity were detected using 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and Rhodamine 123 coupled with propidium iodide (PI) stain by flow cytometry. The interaction effects of USV × MYO for none of the studied parameters were significant. Ultrasonic vibration increased viability, total and progressive motility and several kinematic factors; however, sperm antioxidant capacity was reduced and intracellular HO level increased slightly (p < 0.05) without impaired lipid peroxidation or mitochondrial membrane integrity. Total and progressive motility was improved with MYO (p < 0.05). The values of VCL and VAP tended (p < 0.1) to increase with MYO treatment. The highest values of total motile and progressively motile spermatozoa and VCL were observed in the USV group enriched with MYO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, optimal ram sperm function can be preserved in the USV-treated or MYO-supplemented extenders. However, MYO enrichment of the USV-treated extender has no additional effect.
Genomic Exploration of Selection Signatures Linked to Reproductive Traits in Locally Adapted Indicine, Taurine and Crossbred Cattle of India.
Nayak SS, Rajawat D, Sharma A … +3 more , Parida S, Dutt T, Panigrahi M
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jul · PMID 40631534 · Publisher ↗
This study aims to comprehensively explore genome-wide selective processes influencing reproductive traits across six cattle breeds by employing different statistical methods. Reproductive efficiency is crucial for lives...
This study aims to comprehensively explore genome-wide selective processes influencing reproductive traits across six cattle breeds by employing different statistical methods. Reproductive efficiency is crucial for livestock productivity, as it directly influences the number of offspring and, consequently, the availability of animals for production. Early reproductive development and high fertility in herds boost selection intensity, driving faster genetic gains. This efficiency underpins the sustainability and profitability of livestock systems. To identify genomic signatures related to these traits, this study utilises genotyping technologies, including the Illumina BovineSNP50 Bead Chip and GGP Bos indicus 70k array. For this work, we used four summary statistics, including two intra-population statistics (Tajima's D and iHS), and two inter-population statistics (Rsb and XP-EHH). After identifying the key locations for selection, the NCBI database and the Cattle QTL database were utilised for annotation. The genes CACNA1H, KCNIP4, GDF9, SLC4A4, DHX57, EIF2AK3 and ME3 have been demonstrated to be under positive selection in Gir cattle. These are associated with characteristics such as udder cleft, age at puberty, sperm counts, sperm motility, sperm acrosome integrity rate, sperm motility per conception, sperm counts, conception rate, etc. Two genes, ENTHD1 and PRDM16 found on chromosomes 5 and 16, respectively, have been shared by Tharparkar and Gir which were undergoing positive selection. The ENTHD1 gene is linked to reproductive traits such as calving ease and stillbirth. Meanwhile, the PRDM16 gene is associated with characteristics like udder cleft, udder attachment, udder depth and udder height. The genes RXFP2, FRY, ENTHD1, SREBF2, RNF10, NYAP2, VWF, PPP1R8, EYA3, BBX, and TRPM3 were consistently identified across multiple selection signature methods, highlighting them as strong candidates under intense selection pressure. This approach offers valuable insights into the genetic basis of variations in reproductive traits, facilitating informed selection processes and enhancing our understanding of evolutionary and domestication in diverse cattle breeds.
Direct Warming of Vitrified In Vivo Equine Embryos.
Couto G, Grippo A, Ismer A … +5 more , Hoogewijs M, Pedro B, Vasconcelos L, Santos G, Wilsher S
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jul · PMID 40598845 · Publisher ↗
Vitrified in vitro-produced embryos can be successfully warmed in isotonic media at room temperature (RT; 22°C). However, this protocol has not been reported for in vivo embryos, which are more challenging to vitrify and...
Vitrified in vitro-produced embryos can be successfully warmed in isotonic media at room temperature (RT; 22°C). However, this protocol has not been reported for in vivo embryos, which are more challenging to vitrify and warm. Study objectives were to see if vitrified in vivo embryos warmed in RT isotonic medium gave equivalent pregnancy rates to stepwise serial dilution warming, and if embryo size influenced the results. One hundred and seventeen embryos were divided into groups by size (G1:≤ 300 μm, n = 59; G2:> 300-400 μm, n = 33; G3:> 400-500 μm, n = 24) and vitrified using a commercial vitrification kit. Embryos were placed in an equilibration solution for 10 (embryos ≤ 300 μm) or 15 min (embryos > 300 μm) before being moved to a vitrification solution (≤ 90 s) and loaded onto a Cryolock prior to plunging into LN2. Warming was undertaken by placing the tip of the uncapped Cryolock into RT isotonic medium (n = 77; comprised of G1:n = 45; G2:n = 22; G3:n = 10) or by stepwise serial dilution (n = 40) with the initial 1 M sucrose solution at 42°C (G1:n = 14; G2:n = 12; G3:n = 14). Warmed embryos were transferred to Day 6 recipient mares and pregnancy rates compared between warming protocols. Ignoring embryo size, there was no difference in Day 14 pregnancy rates for vitrified embryos warmed in RT isotonic medium versus stepwise serial dilution (70.1%, 54/77 vs. 82.5%, 33/40, respectively). No statistical difference existed in pregnancy rates between warming protocols for G1 or G2 embryos (p = 1.0, p = 0.439, respectively), but for G3 embryos, the stepwise protocol results in significantly more pregnancies (p < 0.001). The largest embryo successfully warmed in RT isotonic medium was 390 μm. Whereas for the stepwise protocol, the largest embryo was 480 μm. Direct warming in RT isotonic medium is a suitable protocol for warming vitrified embryos ≤ 390 μm, although the decline in pregnancies at the upper limit of G2 would suggest that clinically this methodology is suitable for embryos ≤ 360 μm.
Case Report: Contralateral Pregnancies Are Carried to Term in Heifers but Not in Lactating Holstein Cows.
Gonzalez TD, Umaña-Sedo SG, Casaro S … +4 more , Hernandez ME, Bisinotto RS, Monteiro PLJ, Galvão KN
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jul · PMID 40590607 · Publisher ↗
The following case report describes two pregnancies contralateral to the side of the corpus luteum (CL) that were carried to term after artificial insemination (AI) in Holstein heifers. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed...
The following case report describes two pregnancies contralateral to the side of the corpus luteum (CL) that were carried to term after artificial insemination (AI) in Holstein heifers. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography at 32, 46 and 74 days after timed AI. Both heifers had the pregnancy located within the right uterine horn and only one CL on the left ovary. Another eight lactating cows with contralateral pregnancies were followed around the same time; however, all lost the pregnancies between 32 days after AI and 74 days after AI. Pregnancies contralateral to the side of the CL have been described after embryo transfer in heifers, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of contralateral pregnancies after AI that were carried to term in heifers. In previous reports, all seven cows with contralateral pregnancies lost the pregnancies by 49 days of gestation. It is not clear why contralateral pregnancies can be successful in heifers but not in lactating Holstein cows. In summary, we confirmed that contralateral pregnancies were not viable in lactating Holstein cows but that successful contralateral pregnancies after AI are possible in Holstein heifers. The mechanism for this finding deserves further investigation.
Special Issue: Proceedings of the 26th European Veterinary Society for Small Animal Reproduction (EVSSAR) Congress, 3-5 July 2025, Porto, Portugal.
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jul · PMID 40590416 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Biopsy of Porcine Blastocysts for Sex Identification and Transcriptome Sequencing Based on Laser-Assisted Microdissection.
Liu Y, Li Y, Li W … +5 more , Ji M, Zhang Y, Ma X, Liu Z, Weng X
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jun · PMID 40495623 · Publisher ↗
Pre-implantation embryo biopsy is a well-established technique in large livestock like cattle. However, its application in porcine embryos remains relatively limited. In this study, we successfully obtained trophectoderm...
Pre-implantation embryo biopsy is a well-established technique in large livestock like cattle. However, its application in porcine embryos remains relatively limited. In this study, we successfully obtained trophectoderm cells from porcine IVP blastocysts using laser-assisted microdissection. First, we obtained trophectoderm cells of varying cell numbers (Group 1: less than three cells; Group 2: more than five cells) using laser-assisted microdissection and then evaluated the impact of this dissection procedure on embryo morphology. The morphological observation confirmed the complete normal post-biopsy recovery of blastocysts in the two groups. Furthermore, the expression of proteins associated with cell junction and structural integrity remained unaffected. Comparative analysis of blastocyst cell numbers and apoptotic rates among Group 1, Group 2 and the control group further validated the minimalinvasiveness of the laser-assisted microdissection when cutting less than three cells. The quality and utility of the biopsied trophectoderm cells were confirmed through successful sex identification and transcriptome sequencing. In conclusion, this study successfully established a minimal invasive laser-assisted microdissection technique for porcine blastocysts, enabling pre-implantation sex identification and blastocyst quality assessment.
The Negative Effects of Subclinical Pregnancy Toxaemia on Fetal Skeletal Muscle Development and Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Dietary l-Carnitine Supplementation in Sheep.
Turgut AO, Kandil B, Bilen EK … +9 more , Koca D, Ünver A, İşbilir F, Özöner Ö, Doğan R, Önen MF, Eroğlu M, Şendağ S, Wehrend A
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jun · PMID 40485431 · Full text
This study evaluated the effects of subclinical pregnancy toxaemia (SPT) on fetal skeletal muscle development and assessed the potential protective role of L-carnitine supplementation during gestation. A total of 18 cros...
This study evaluated the effects of subclinical pregnancy toxaemia (SPT) on fetal skeletal muscle development and assessed the potential protective role of L-carnitine supplementation during gestation. A total of 18 crossbred Hamdani ewes underwent oestrous synchronisation, natural mating and pregnancy confirmation via ultrasonography on day 45 post-mating. The ewes were managed according to NRC (2007) dietary guidelines until day 100 of gestation, after which they were assigned to three experimental groups: subclinical PT group (group 1; G1, n = 6), treatment group (subclinical PT + L-carnitine, group 2; G2, n = 6) and control group (group 3; G3, n = 6). Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA) concentrations were measured on day 100 and 138 of the gestation. Then, all ewes were slaughtered for fetal muscle sampling from the Musculus Longissimus Dorsi (MLD) and Vastus Lateralis (VL). Results indicated a significant reduction in muscle fibre number and fibre diameter in both MLD and VL in the SPT group (G1) compared to the control (G3) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 or between G2 and G3 for these parameters (p > 0.05). On the other hand, large effect sizes for group and pairwise comparisons imply that SPT may negatively affect prenatal muscle development and L-carnitine supports muscle development during the prepartum period. These findings highlight the negative effects of SPT and protective effects of L-carnitine supplementation on fetal skeletal muscle development in ewes with SPT. The observed deficits may negatively impact postnatal growth, survival rates and meat quality. Further investigations are warranted to optimise maternal nutrition strategies and evaluate therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of SPT on fetal muscle development in ruminants. Furthermore, L-carnitine supplementation may be a useful in compensating for the negative effects of SPT.
Clinical Prevalence of Equine Coital Exanthema in a Thoroughbred Covering Station in Türkiye (2021-2024).
Atay YE, Ekinci G, Öztürk AE … +6 more , Timur MC, Mete A, Altınbay K, Derelli FM, Akar Y, Keleş İ
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jun · PMID 40485269 · Full text
Equine Coital Exanthema (ECE) is an endemic herpesvirus disease primarily affecting the external genitalia and impairing mating activities in horses. Its extremely contagious nature, latency and subclinical features can...
Equine Coital Exanthema (ECE) is an endemic herpesvirus disease primarily affecting the external genitalia and impairing mating activities in horses. Its extremely contagious nature, latency and subclinical features can result in outbreaks and significant economic losses. Transmission occurs primarily through mating activities; therefore, robust biosecurity measures are crucial in breeding facilities. This study aims to determine the clinical prevalence of ECE among horses in a covering station in Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. It also aims to assess the efficacy of routine PCR implementation within ECE's control strategies. A cross-sectional study design has been employed. Genital swab samples were collected from clinically suspected horses, which were tested for EHV-3 using real-time PCR. Animal records, clinical examination data and PCR test results were obtained from horses at the covering station between 2021 and 2024. During the 4 years (2021-2024), 9231 mating activities were carried out, and a total of 228 clinically suspected horses were tested for EHV-3 using real-time PCR. Among these 228 horses, 6 horses (2.6%) were confirmed positive for EHV-3. The primary weakness of this study is the failure to detect subclinical cases with PCR. The absence of follow-up PCR testing in two clinically infected horses represents a limitation of this study. The molecular diagnosis of ECE was reported for the first time in Türkiye. Clinical ECE cases infrequently transpired over the four-year period at the covering station. No outbreak transpired during this interval. PCR testing plays a crucial role in disease control when implemented with suitable management methods. Additional global epidemiological investigations on ECE are required.
Mangiferin Reduces Degeneration in Swine Preantral Follicles Enclosed in Ovarian Tissue Cultured In Vitro in the Presence of Doxorubicin.
Moreira DRES, Palomino GJQ, Queiroz ISM … +8 more , da Silva AFB, Ferreira ACA, Alves BG, de Morais SM, de Oliveira AC, Rodrigues APR, de Lima LF, de Figueiredo JR
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jun · PMID 40445093 · Publisher ↗
This study assessed the potential protective effects of Mangiferin (MANGI) at various concentrations (10, 50 and 100 μM) on follicular survival and activation, enzyme activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (...
This study assessed the potential protective effects of Mangiferin (MANGI) at various concentrations (10, 50 and 100 μM) on follicular survival and activation, enzyme activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the relative mRNA expression for BAX, BCL2 and SOD in porcine ovarian tissue cultured in vitro for 48 h with and without chemical stress induced by 0.3 μg/mL doxorubicin (DOX). The results indicated that when MANGI was associated with DOX, regardless of the tested concentration, MANGI increased (p < 0.05) follicle survival when compared to DOX alone, with only MANGI 10 + DOX and MANGI 50 + DOX treatments reducing follicular degeneration to levels comparable with the culture control. Regarding antioxidant enzymes, all treated groups decreased (p < 0.05) SOD activity compared to cultured control, while MANGI 10 treatment showed lower (p < 0.05) CAT activity compared to DOX treatment. Compared to cultured control, the mRNA levels of SOD were reduced (p < 0.05) in the MANGI 100, MANGI 10 + DOX and MANGI 100 + DOX treatments. In conclusion, supplementing the culture medium with MANGI attenuated the toxicity induced by DOX during the in vitro culture of pig preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue.
Evaluation of Different Cryoprotectant Combinations in Testicular Vitrification in Dogs.
Noronha JA, de Souza Fernandes J, Gomes FDR … +4 more , Colares JC, Guimarães GKS, Silva HVR, da Silva LDM
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jun · PMID 40445065 · Full text
Testicular vitrification requires the use of high concentrations of cryoprotectants, which can cause damage to samples due to their toxicity. The combination of these substances comes up as a way to mitigate this problem...
Testicular vitrification requires the use of high concentrations of cryoprotectants, which can cause damage to samples due to their toxicity. The combination of these substances comes up as a way to mitigate this problem. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate three cryoprotectant combinations in the testicular vitrification of dogs. Ten testicular pairs from adult dogs were used, from which 12 fragments of each pair were obtained, distributed among the fresh control group (CTR) and the experimental groups according to the cryoprotectant combinations tested: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/ethylene glycol (EG), DMSO/glycerol (GLY), and EG/GLY. The fragments were vitrified using the solid surface vitrification method (SSV), at a final concentration of 5.6 mol/L of the combined cryoprotectants. Subsequently, they were warmed up and processed for histomorphological morphometric evaluations and determination of mitochondrial activity with Rhodamine 123. Considering the morphological evaluation, the DMSO/EG group showed results similar to CTR, with good scores for nuclear integrity and cell organisation in the seminiferous tubules (p > 0.05). In contrast, the EG/GLY group presented greater nuclear condensation. It was difficult to visualise and distinguish between spermatogonia and Sertoli cells (p < 0.05). The DMSO/GLY group also showed distinct levels between spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, as well as nuclear condensation, which statistically differed from CTR (p < 0.05). Also, it was observed a random distribution of the remaining cells in the seminiferous tubules of the EG/GLY and DMSO/GLY groups. The three tested groups showed basement membrane retraction and a reduction of approximately 11.6% in the average diameter of the seminiferous tubules (p < 0.05). Vitrification did not influence the mitochondrial activity of the samples, regardless of the combination of cryoprotectants used (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the DMSO/EG combination best contributed to the maintenance of the testicular histomorphological structure of dogs after vitrification.
Exploration of Genetic Variability in Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1) Gene and Association of Its Variants With Production and Reproduction Traits in Murrah Buffaloes.
Sheoran NK, Ratwan P, Kumar M … +2 more , Rathi V, Dahiya S
Reprod Domest Anim · 2025 Jun · PMID 40432321 · Publisher ↗
The objective of this study was to explore the genetic variability in the SCD1 gene and its association with performance traits in 100 Murrah buffaloes. Two regions of the gene, i.e., 400 and 752 bp fragments of exon 5 a...
The objective of this study was to explore the genetic variability in the SCD1 gene and its association with performance traits in 100 Murrah buffaloes. Two regions of the gene, i.e., 400 and 752 bp fragments of exon 5 and exon 1, respectively, were amplified via PCR, and genotyping was done using the RFLP technique. The fragments of the SCD1 gene were digested with Nco1 and Taq1 enzymes, respectively. In the present study, monomorphic patterns were revealed for the exon 5 region, and polymorphic patterns were revealed for the exon 1 region of the SCD1 gene. The exon 1 region of the SCD1 gene revealed two types of genotypes, i.e., AA (752 bp) and AC (752, 620 and 132 bp) after digestion with the Taq1 restriction enzyme. The frequencies of 'A' and 'C' alleles were found to be 0.95 and 0.05, and genotypic frequencies for AA and AC were 0.89 and 0.11, respectively, in Murrah buffaloes. Results of the Chi-square test showed that the population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with respect to the targeted loci. The association analysis revealed that individuals having the AA genotype had better production performance, while individuals with the AC genotype had comparatively better reproduction performance; however, there was no statistically significant association among the genotypes and performance traits. Further, a total of 10 samples of the exon 1 region of the SCD1 gene were Sanger sequenced. Multiple alignments of the sequenced samples were done using BioEdit software. On comparison of sequencing results with the reference sequence of the Italian Mediterranean river buffalo (EMBL-FM876222), polymorphism was noticed at one position, i.e., g.300 C>T in two samples out of the total 10 samples. Sequenced samples were also compared with the reference sequence of Bos taurus (AY241932.1). A total of 13 nucleotide changes were observed, out of which seven were transversions and six were transitions. An insertion of nucleotide 'G' was also observed at position 1400, and two novel SNPs were observed, i.e., g.1581 C>T and g.1992 G>C. It was concluded that nucleotide changes at different locations in Murrah buffaloes as compared to Bos taurus can be used as selection signatures in Murrah buffaloes.
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