Cendy Lutz Ccasa Ccahuana, Pedro Walter Bravo Matheus, Ying Liu, Guiulfo Duriel Mamani-Mango
{"title":"Effect of Time-Lapse Incubation System on In Vitro Development of Alpaca Embryos.","authors":"Cendy Lutz Ccasa Ccahuana, Pedro Walter Bravo Matheus, Ying Liu, Guiulfo Duriel Mamani-Mango","doi":"10.1111/rda.70008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Currently, incubators with a time-lapse system are widely used for in vitro embryo production in several species, however, their effect on alpaca embryo development compared to conventional incubators remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare early in vitro embryo development in alpacas using a time-lapse incubator system versus a conventional incubator. Ovaries were obtained from a slaughterhouse and 1048 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected and in vitro matured for 26 h in either a time-lapse system (n = 542) or a conventional incubator (n = 542). All the matured COCs were fertilised for 24 h with fresh spermatozoa recovered from epididymis obtained from the slaughterhouse. The presumptive zygotes in both systems were cultured in a commercial one-step culture medium, and the embryo development was evaluated at 48, 120 and 168 h after fertilisation. Our results showed no differences in maturation rates between the time-lapse system and the conventional incubator (79.9% vs. 55.0%, p = 0.080). Cleavage rates at 48 h were also similar between the time-lapse and conventional systems: 20.5% vs. 20.8% for embryos at the two- to four-cell stage, and 6.0% vs. 7.0% for embryos above the four-cell stage (p > 0.05). At 120 h after fertilisation, the percentage of embryos were more evenly distributed across all stages (below eight-cell, eight-cell and above eight-cell stages) in both systems (p > 0.05). At 168 h, no differences in the blastocyst rates and blastocyst quality were observed between the time-lapse and conventional systems. In conclusion, in vitro embryo production in alpacas can be successfully carried out using the time-lapse incubation system or a conventional incubator with comparable results. Further study would focus on the correlation between the developmental patterns and the quality of alpaca embryos, as well as the comparison of in vivo embryo development between the two incubation systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 2","pages":"e70008"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143059735","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}
Simona Attard, Alice Andolfatto, Marco Di Giuseppe, Maria Carmela Pisu
{"title":"Semen Collection by Urethral Catheterization After Pharmacological Induction With Dexmedetomidine and Methadone in Ferrets.","authors":"Simona Attard, Alice Andolfatto, Marco Di Giuseppe, Maria Carmela Pisu","doi":"10.1111/rda.70009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The evaluation of fertility in stud animals is crucial across all species. Various semen collection techniques have been described in the literature, depending on the practitioner's expertise, available equipment and the species being examined. These techniques include the use of an artificial vagina, electroejaculation, urethral catheterization and the administration of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists to induce penile erection and ejaculation. Since 1965, several studies have explored semen collection methods in ferrets. Chang et al. initially performed post-mortem collection from the epididymis and vas deferens, while in 1970, Shump et al. successfully utilised electroejaculation. More recently, reproductive specialists have reported improved semen collection results through urethral catheterization following the administration of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. The first successful application of this technique in felids was documented in 2008 by Zambelli et al. using medetomidine. In 2017, Pisu et al. employed a similar protocol, combining dexmedetomidine and methadone. In ferrets, urethral catheterization was first described in 2020, using a combination of ketamine, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine. The goal of this study was to present an alternative protocol for semen collection in ferrets, utilising dexmedetomidine and methadone to induce ejaculation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 2","pages":"e70009"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143075335","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":"Molecular Mechanism of N-Acetylcysteine Regulating Proliferation and Hormone Secretion of Granulosa Cells in Sheep.","authors":"Jine Wang, Yahua Yang, Junyuan Ma, Pinshen Li, Yang Li, Chongfa Yang, Binzhu Zhao, Zhijie Zhao, Xiaona Ding, Hao Chen, Shengdong Huo, Yanmei Yang, Wenxue Luo","doi":"10.1111/rda.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Granulosa cells (GCs) are pivotal in the development of ovarian follicles, serving not only as supportive cells but also as the primary producers of steroid hormones. The proliferation of these cells and the synthesis of steroid hormones are crucial for follicular development and atresia. In our study, GCs were isolated using follicular fluid aspiration and subsequently identified through immunofluorescence. We investigated the impact of varying concentrations of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at 50, 100, 500, and 1000 μmol/L on sheep GCs, focusing on antioxidant levels, proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone secretion. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor LY294002 was used to explore the molecular mechanism of NAC on GCs proliferation and steroid hormone secretion in sheep. Our findings indicate that all concentrations of NAC tested promoted GC proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in sheep GCs. Notably, 100 μmol/L NAC exhibited the most pronounced effect on GC proliferation after 48 h. The expression levels of CCND1, CDK4, and Bcl-2 were significantly elevated in all NAC concentration groups, whereas Bax expression was notably reduced. Furthermore, all NAC concentrations led to a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and an increase in the expression of CAT and SOD1. NAC also significantly enhanced the expression of CYP19A1 and 3β-HSD, as well as the secretion of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) by GCs. In summary, NAC activates the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, thereby promoting the proliferation of GCs and the secretion of E2 and P4 by sheep GCs in vitro.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 1","pages":"e70006"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143010427","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":"Correction to \"Spectral Doppler Ultrasound in Selecting an Equine Embryo Receiver\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/rda.70002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 1","pages":"e70002"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143009966","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":"Equol Alleviates the In Vitro Aging-Induced Disruption of Porcine Oocytes.","authors":"Rui Chen, Runtian Wan, Ke Peng, Xinxin Liu, Benliang Zhou, Rijing He, Yujun Yan, Yanan Zhao, Ye-Shi Yin, Huiyan Xu, Xiaogan Yang, Xingwei Liang","doi":"10.1111/rda.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oocyte quality is crucial for determining the subsequent embryo developmental capacity and reproductive outcomes. However, aging is detrimental to oocyte quality. Previous studies have demonstrated that soy isoflavones have positive effects on the reproductive performance of female pigs. Equol, the primary metabolite of soy isoflavones, is renowned for its antioxidant properties and its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the potential role of equol in reversing aging-mediated oocyte decline has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we treated the porcine oocytes with different concentrations of equol (2.5, 5 and 10 μM) during prolonged in vitro culture. Our findings showed that aging led to decreased embryonic developmental capacity, indicating the decline of oocyte quality. We further found that aging disrupted spindle assembly and chromosome arrangement, impaired actin polymerisation and reduced mitochondrial activity and function. Moreover, aging increased ROS levels; thereafter, DNA damage and apoptosis was induced in the porcine oocytes. Interestingly, treatment with 2.5 μM equol during the aging process significantly mitigated the above-mentioned defective parameters in porcine oocytes and finally improved embryo development rates. Collectively, these results imply that equol has potential benefits in attenuating the aging-mediated defects on porcine oocytes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 1","pages":"e70007"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143010039","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":"Asynchronous Embryo Transfer in Ewes.","authors":"Nana Yang, Yiyong Liu, Jing Zhang, Shuyuan Sun, Xinglong Wu, Xiangyun Li","doi":"10.1111/rda.70004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of spatially and/or temporally asynchronous transfer of in vivo embryos at different stages in ewes during the breeding season. Four experiments were carried out. In Experiment 1, 207 blastocysts that had been frozen and thawed were transferred into the oviducts of 43 day two recipients, the oviducts of 23 day six recipients, and the uteri of 141 day six recipients, respectively. In Experiment 2, 287 fresh blastocysts were transferred into the oviducts of 26 day six recipients and the uteri of 261 day six recipients, respectively. In Experiment 3, 104 2-cell stage embryos were transferred into the oviducts of 80 day two recipients and the uteri of 24 day two recipients, respectively. In Experiment 4, 175 8-cell stage embryos were transferred into the oviducts of 160 day three recipients and the uteri of 15 day three recipients, respectively. The results showed that spatially asynchronous but temporally synchronous uterine transfers of fresh cleavage-stage embryos or oviductal transfers of fresh blastocysts did not compromise pregnancy and lambing. Furthermore, the oviductal transfers of frozen blastocysts significantly increased the pregnancy rate compared with uterine transfers of frozen blastocysts. Additionally, it is worth noting that the oviduct may be the most suitable microenvironment for frozen embryos in ewes. More studies should be conducted to assess the effects of asynchronous embryo transfer in ewes in a large sample size.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 1","pages":"e70004"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142954136","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":"Enzymatic Antioxidants and Their Differential Response to Cryopreservation in Japanese Quail Semen.","authors":"Sumiyyah Zuha, Bushra Allah Rakha, Shamim Akhter","doi":"10.1111/rda.70005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A triad of enzymatic antioxidants viz., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) constitutes a first line of defence against any redox imbalances in the semen. Cryopreservation enabling long term storage of semen also prompts generation of surplus reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells with waned antioxidants, hampering the full exploitation of this process. With Japanese quail having all the potential to satisfy the steeply growing poultry demand, there is a need for its propagation via sperm preservation and assisted reproduction. Therefore, current study aimed at investigating enzymatic antioxidants in the Japanese quail semen, level of decline in their activity during cryopreservation and any intra-species variation in their levels. Moreover, malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in fresh and cryopreserved semen of individual birds were taken into account. Semen was collected separately from seven mature males, diluted with NaCl extender (1:15) and cryopreserved. Analysis of sperm and seminal plasma was done at fresh collection, post-dilution, post-cooling, post-equilibration and post-thaw stages of freezing. The results confirmed the presence of CAT, SOD and GPx in fresh sperm and seminal plasma, their decline (p < 0.05) at all stages of cryopreservation and intra-species variation (p < 0.05) with respect to freeze-tolerance. Furthermore, significant increase was recorded in MDA levels at varying rates among individual quails during semen cryopreservation. In conclusion, Japanese quail sperm and seminal plasma exhibit enzymatic antioxidant activities to monitor ROS generation and performance of these antioxidants is severely affected by freezing process with intra-species variation and rise (p < 0.05) of lipid peroxidation (LPO).</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"60 1","pages":"e70005"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143034102","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":"MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Reveals the Effect of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on the Lipid Profile of Buffalo Oocytes and Cumulus Cells During In Vitro Maturation.","authors":"Li-Ping Pu, Jia-Wen Chen, Hai-Long Yang, Hui-Yan Xu","doi":"10.1111/rda.14752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14752","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lipids in cumulus-oocyte complexes are important actors in molecular signalling pathways and are influenced by maturation conditions. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a carrier involved in fatty acid transport and is a promoter of β-oxidation. Although the embryonic development potential of oocytes can be improved when ALC is added to the maturation medium, the effects of ALC on the lipid content and composition of oocytes and cumulus cells remain unknown. In this study, the effect of ALC supplementation on the lipid profiles of buffalo oocytes and cumulus cells after in vitro maturation was evaluated using positive-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis was used to analyse the data. The lipid profiles of oocytes and cumulus cells differed following ALC treatment. Four lipids were significantly different in oocytes and eight in granulosa cells. ALC treatment significantly reduced the cellular content of these lipids, with the exception of phosphatidylcholine [PC(36:3) + H] + in oocytes and triacylglycerol [TAG(58:8) + NH4] + in granulosa cells. Further staining experiments confirmed that ALC treatment reduced the total lipid content in oocytes. Therefore, ALC treatment alters lipid metabolism in oocytes and cumulus cells during their maturation and accelerates lipid metabolism in oocytes. The findings of this study demonstrate that ALC enhances the rate of oocyte maturation by altering lipid metabolism in oocytes, providing both a clear direction for further research into regulatory mechanisms as well as a foundation for further improving oocyte maturation rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"59 12","pages":"e14752"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829751","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":"Association of CXCR1 Gene Polymorphism With Clinical Mastitis and Performance Traits in Murrah Buffalo.","authors":"Vikrant Dalal, Dhundwal Kamaldeep, Ankit Magotra, Dipin Chander Yadav, Sindhu Pushpa, Asha Rani Garg","doi":"10.1111/rda.14749","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14749","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study revealed the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CXCR1 gene and their association with performance traits and mastitis incidence in Murrah buffalo. The targeted SNP rs211042414 (T > C) at the g.106216468 locus in partial exon 2 of the CXCR1 gene was genotyped using PCR amplification and restriction enzyme digestion by Alu I, Bsa I, Dde I, Ava I, Hind III, EcoRV, Hae III, and Hae II restriction enzymes. The genotypic frequencies revealed three genotypes: CC, CT, and TT, with the C allele being the most prevalent (0.79) compared to the T allele (0.21). Targeted SNP showed significant association with the incidence of clinical mastitis incidence, and the study revealed that the TT genotyped animals showed a higher incidence of clinical mastitis compared to the TT and CT genotyped animals in the targeted population. Furthermore, least squares analysis revealed that targeted performance traits, viz. 305 days milk yield, total milk yield, and lactation length, were significantly associated with the genetic variants of the CXCR1 gene. TT genotyped animals exhibited higher milk yield than CT and CC genotyped animals, indicating a positive association between the T allele and increased milk production. These findings revealed that there is a scope for the genetic improvement of Murrah buffalo. Incorporating the identified CXCR1 gene polymorphisms into existing selection criteria can help to improve disease resistance and milk production traits in Murrah buffalo. However, further validation with a larger sample size is necessary to strengthen the observed associations and ensure their practical applicability.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"59 12","pages":"e14749"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142786936","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":"Integrated Quantitative Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics Analysis Reveals the Dynamic Process of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatogenesis.","authors":"Pengfei Zhang, Chenyang Wang, Xuyang Liu, Ming Zhang, Qiang Fu, Limei Pan, Yulin Huang","doi":"10.1111/rda.14753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spermatogenesis is a highly complex and tightly regulated cellular differentiation process closely related to the productive performance of male livestock. We do not yet have a clear understanding of the spermatogenesis mechanism of buffalo. In this study, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids were analysed by flow cytometry. Quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic studies were performed on different spermatogenic cells using tandem mass tagging technology and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 219 differentially expressed proteins (involved in focal adhesions and actin cytoskeleton pathways) and 71 phosphoproteins (involved in RNA transport and adhesion junction pathways) were obtained. Through trend analysis, a dynamic profile of protein expression was obtained, enriched to the main biological processes at different stages of spermatogenesis. By immunohistochemical localisation analysis, it was found that MACROH2A2, TOP2A, LMNA, LMNA (pS392), VIM and VIM (pS56) had specific localisation in testis cells. Network analysis of kinase-substrate phosphorylation sites showed that AKT1 is the most active kinase, LMNA is regulated by most kinases and AKT1 can catalyse the phosphorylation of LMNA. This study provides a reference for studying the molecular mechanism of buffalo spermatogenesis and helps clarify the regulatory mechanism of protein translation and post-translational modification during mammalian spermatogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"59 12","pages":"e14753"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142855225","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}