Reproduction in Domestic Animals最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of Oocyte Collection Yield Between Conventional Follicle Scraping and Ultrasound-Guided Follicle Aspiration in Postmortem Excised Horse Ovaries.","authors":"Camille Thomé, Adrián Márquez-Moya, Laura Sala-Ayala, Nerea Carreras-Vico, Juan Cuervo-Arango","doi":"10.1111/rda.70133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Post-mortem oocyte collection serves to preserve the genetic material of valuable mares and to obtain recipient oocytes for cloning purposes. Therefore, the number of oocytes retrieved per ovary is a critical factor in increasing the likelihood of obtaining a viable embryo. This study evaluated the efficiency of two post-mortem oocyte retrieval techniques: follicular scraping (Scraping) and ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration (OPU). The comparison was based on several parameters, including the number of follicles aspirated per ovary, oocyte recovery rate (ORR), number of oocytes obtained per ovary, processing time, oocyte searching time, and the volume of medium used. A total of 22 replicates were performed (11 for each group), processing 28 ovaries in the Scraping group and 22 ovaries in the OPU group. Oocytes were searched by the same operator, who was blinded to the treatment group. The results demonstrated that the OPU technique was significantly more efficient than Scraping in most evaluated parameters: number of follicles aspirated per ovary (13.6 ± 3.8 vs. 9.5 ± 3.5), oocytes recovered per ovary (9.1 ± 3.0 vs. 4.7 ± 2.1), processing time per oocyte (1.8 ± 0.8 min vs. 4.1 ± 1.6 min), and ORR (66.7% vs. 50%) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the volume of medium used (19.6 ± 10.4 vs. 21.6 ± 11.0 mL). However, the OPU technique resulted in more denuded oocytes (37.5%) than the Scraping technique (18.6%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration yielded a higher number of oocytes per ovary compared to the standard scraping technique.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 10","pages":"e70133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction Values for the Influence of Fetal Sex on Plasma Progesterone Concentration in Crioulo Breed Mares: A Preliminary Investigation.","authors":"Natália Santana Siqueira de Lara, Romildo Romualdo Weiss, Eunice Oba, Luiz Ernandes Kozicki, Fernando Andrade Souza, Tacia Gomes Bergstein-Galan, Eloisa Muehlbauer, Mayara Silvestri, Pedro Henrique Lomba de Lima, Eduarda Stankiwich Vaz","doi":"10.1111/rda.70131","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In equine reproduction, determining foetal sex is of economic and strategic importance, but currently available methods are often invasive, costly, or require specialised expertise. This study aimed to assess whether plasma progesterone concentrations could serve as a predictive tool for foetal sex determination in Criollo mares between the 4th and 8th months of gestation and to determine whether these measurements could identify foetal sex. Blood samples were collected at 30-day intervals from 17 Crioula mares between 114 days and 240 days of gestation. Maternal plasma progesterone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay and the sex of the foals was confirmed at birth. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was made to verify the variation in maternal progesterone concentrations according to foetal sex and month of gestation. In mares carrying male foetuses (n = 7), there was a significant difference in progesterone concentrations between months 4 and 8, as well as between months 7 and 8. In mares carrying male foetuses (n = 7), progesterone concentrations were higher (p = 0.028) during the 4th month of gestation and lower at the 8th month (p = 0.020), compared to the values in mares with female foetuses (n = 10). In the 8th month of pregnancy, the sensitivity and specificity of progesterone concentrations for the predicted sex were 80% and 100%, respectively. A limit value of progesterone (12.45 ng/mL) was established through the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) Curve. Prediction values were 78.8% and 100% for males and females, respectively. Detection rates were 100% and 80% for males and females, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy for both sexes was 88.2%. It is concluded that foetal sex influences plasma concentrations of progesterone in pregnant mares.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 10","pages":"e70131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12502008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145239391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pregnancy Length, Offspring Weight and Birth Outcomes in Alpaca (Vicugna pacos): An International Survey.","authors":"Jérôme Ponthier, Marc Lambert, Sophie Egyptien, Alexandra Salciccia, Joy Ledeck, Stéfan Deleuze, Vincent Frisée, Geoffroy de la Rebière","doi":"10.1111/rda.70130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alpaca gestation lasts approximately 11.5 months, but significant variation exists, and contributing factors are poorly described. This study aimed to conduct an international survey to assess pregnancy length (PL), based on geographical location. When available, the survey collected data on embryo transfer, dam and sire identity, maternal age, offspring sex, and time of birth. These variables were analyzed for their potential effects on PL, cria weight (CW), and parturition complications such as dystocia. Data from 7049 worldwide pregnancies were analyzed. The global median PL was 346 days (range: 270-428; coefficient of variation: 3.37%), with 50% of pregnancies between 339 and 353 days. Median birth time was 11:30 AM (range 0:30 AM-11:30PM). Northern hemisphere had longer PL (p < 0.0001, 345.9-346.7 vs 344.3-345.1 days, n = 7049), that depended on the country (p < 0.0001). Fetal sex had no impact, but embryo transfer slightly tended to increase PL (p = 0.0918). While effect of the dam had no influence, the sire and the maternal age did (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0039). No correlation was found between PL and CW, though season and maternal age influenced both in the northern hemisphere (p < 0.0001 for both). Maternal age also affected CW (p < 0.0001). Dystocia rates were not affected by CW, but longer PL slightly tended to increase dystocia risk (p = 0.0798). This survey confirms the median pregnancy length of 346 days and suggests explanations for the wide variability in PL and CW, as sire, dam age, season, and location.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 10","pages":"e70130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145239345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of CRISPR/Cas9 for GDF9 Gene Editing in Caprine Granulosa Cells: Effects on Receptor Signalling and FGF2 Response.","authors":"Anjali, Meeti Punetha, Amit Kumar, Manoj Kumar Tripathi, D G Kishor Kumar, Shivani Khanna, Rishi Nanda, Poonam Yadav, Shweta Sharma, V P Maurya, Gyanendra Singh, V S Chouhan","doi":"10.1111/rda.70128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fecundity-related genes, such as GDF9, play a critical role in regulating ovulation, fertilisation and early embryonic development. This study aimed to elucidate the functional role of GDF9 in caprine granulosa cells by employing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, incorporating single guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 endonuclease, was used to specifically disrupt the GDF9 gene. Successful GDF9 knockout was confirmed via the T7 Endonuclease I (T7E1) cleavage assay. Subsequent analyses assessed the impact of GDF9 disruption on the expression of GDF9 and its associated receptors-BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B and BMPR-II. Additionally, the study examined the modulatory effects of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on receptor expression. FGF2 treatment led to increased mRNA expression of BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B and BMPR-II in wild-type granulosa cells. Furthermore, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) levels were significantly upregulated, whereas luteinising hormone receptor (LHR) expression decreased following FGF2 stimulation in wild-type cells. In contrast, GDF9-knockout cells showed elevated expression of both FSHR and LHR. The study also investigated the impact of GDF9 deletion on the expression of key steroidogenic genes, particularly StAR. The combined presence of GDF9 and FGF2 synergistically enhanced StAR expression. Cellular responses to FGF2 included a downregulation of CASPASE 3, indicating reduced apoptosis and an upregulation of PCNA, suggesting increased cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the regulatory role of GDF9 in ovarian granulosa cell function and highlights the utility of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for functional genomics in caprine species. The findings have significant implications for enhancing reproductive performance through targeted gene modulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 10","pages":"e70128"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fertility Outcomes in Lohi Sheep: A Comparative Study of Laparoscopic Versus Trans-Cervical AI With Frozen-Thawed Semen Under Subtropical Conditions.","authors":"Muhammad Tayyab Khan, Ejaz Ahmad, Muhammad Irfan-Ur-Rehman Khan","doi":"10.1111/rda.70129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Efficient use of frozen-thawed semen in sheep is limited by low fertility following cervical insemination (CAI), whereas laparoscopic insemination (LAI) offers higher success but requires specialised skills and equipment. The current study aimed to evaluate the fertility outcomes of two artificial insemination techniques, laparoscopic and transcervical, in Lohi sheep using frozen-thawed semen. Lohi ewes (n = 44) were synchronised through progestin-sponges (day 0-day 11), administering PGF2_α (d-cloprostenol 75 μg/mL; i.m @ 75 μg/ewe) on day 09 and eCG (i.m @ 300 IU/ewe) on day 11. Synchronised ewes (n = 44) were divided into two groups for artificial insemination (AI) procedures: cervical (CAI; n = 24; sperm concentration = 200 million/dose) and laparoscopic (LAI; n = 20; sperm concentration = 50 million/dose). All ewes were inseminated at 54 h post-sponge removal. Results of the experiment revealed that LAI demonstrated higher pregnancy rates (65%) than CAI (33.3%) (p = 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in prolificacy or twinning rates between the two techniques (p = 0.11). In conclusion, LAI as compared to CAI is a superior method of insemination for achieving optimum pregnancy rates in estrous synchronised Lohi ewes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 10","pages":"e70129"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145192426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of AFP III-Conjugated Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles on Bull Sperm Cryopreservation.","authors":"Ali Erdem Ozturk, Seyma Dadi, Mustafa Bodu, Oya Korkmaz, Yunus Emre Atay, Serpil Sariozkan, Ramazan Uzen, Halil Aydin Simsek, Ismail Ocsoy","doi":"10.1111/rda.70132","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antifreeze proteins are naturally occurring proteins that are known for their ability to inhibit ice formation. Although effective in nature, they have failed to produce the expected results in cryobiological studies. However, the lack of a significant effect when used alone has raised the following question: Could conjugation with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs), which are frequently used in drug delivery studies, enable closer interaction with spermatozoa and provide cumulative protection? To address this question, bull spermatozoa were used. First, Fe₃O₄ NPs (~6 nm) and AFP III-conjugated Fe₃O₄ NPs (AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs) were synthesised and characterised by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy to confirm the conjugation. Then, sperm samples collected from five different Holstein bulls for five replications were diluted with AndroMed extender and divided into five groups: control, Fe₃O₄ NPs only, AFP III only (0.1 and 0.5 μg/mL), and AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs (0.042 and 0.075 μg/mL). After cryopreservation, spermatological parameters and DNA condensation were analysed. The AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs (0.075 μg/mL) exhibited significantly higher motility and DNA integrity compared to the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane, and acrosomal integrity. Analyses of motility and DNA damage supported the protective effect of the AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs 0.075 μg/mL formulation. Thus, we have demonstrated the applicability of AFP III@Fe₃O₄ NPs, for the first time, in bull sperm cryopreservation and have introduced a novel nano-biotechnological approach for improving the success of assisted reproductive technologies in livestock.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 10","pages":"e70132"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Body and Testicular Biometry and Epididymal Sperm Characteristics in Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor (Kerr, 1792)).","authors":"Isabella de Matos Brandão Carneiro, Rodrigo Freitas Bittencourt, Gleice Mendes Xavier, Eduardo Oliveira Costa, Amanda Íris Dos Santos Correia, Miguel Ferreira Bomfim Baptista, Rodrigo Ribeiro Machado Mendes, Luiza Figueiredo Barbosa, Mateus Martins Rodrigues Dos Santos, Luciano Cardoso Santos","doi":"10.1111/rda.70122","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 9","pages":"e70122"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12413589/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145006582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bacterial Contamination of Liquid Nitrogen Tanks Used to Store Bull AI Doses: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Britta Hensel, Yesica Schulze, Maria Kasten, Markus Jung, Martin Schulze","doi":"10.1111/rda.70120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extended bull sperm for artificial insemination is routinely cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen (LN₂, -196°C) tanks to maintain semen quality for extended periods. Bacterial contamination impairs sperm quality; however, hygienic conditions of LN₂ tanks are monitored insufficiently. This study aimed to assess the hygienic situation in routinely used LN₂ tanks under field conditions. For this purpose, 141 LN₂ 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 LN₂ tanks. Out of 141 LN₂ 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 LN₂ tanks used in bull AI is common. Systematic monitoring and the introduction of hygiene guidelines are, therefore, recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 9","pages":"e70120"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144993474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Extracellular Vesicles in Reproduction: Biology, Production, and Potential Applications in Livestock Breeding.","authors":"Alireza Fazeli, Kasun Godakumara, Suranga Kodithuwakku, Subhashini Muhandiram","doi":"10.1111/rda.70112","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 Suppl 3 ","pages":"e70112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12406096/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144966739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing and Historical Reversible Contraceptive Solutions for Feline Reproductive Control.","authors":"Lluis Ferré Dolcet","doi":"10.1111/rda.70107","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 Suppl 3 ","pages":"e70107"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144966680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}