Reproduction in Domestic Animals最新文献

{"title":"Expressions of Kisspeptin System and Ki-67 in the Reproductive Tissues of Cyclic Bitches.","authors":"Özgecan Korkmaz Ağaoğlu, Ali Reha Ağaoğlu, Özlem Özmen, Gökhan Bozkurt, Şerife Taşan","doi":"10.1111/rda.70205","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kisspeptin is a peptide that plays a pivotal role in the central regulation of gonadotropins. It is regarded as a key regulator of reproductive processes, including follicular and luteal development and endometrial remodelling. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of KISS1, its receptor KISS1R and the proliferation marker Ki-67 in the uterus, oviduct and ovary of bitches at different stages of the oestrous cycle using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Thirty-five healthy female dogs were divided into five groups based on reproductive stage as follows: anestrus, proestrus, estrus, diestrus and prepubertal. Each group consisted of an equal number of animals (n = 7). KISS1 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in estrus, while KISS1R mRNA expression remained consistently low across all tissues. Ki-67 mRNA expression increased significantly in the uterus during estrus, whereas the highest levels in the oviduct and ovary were observed in anestrus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a marked increase in KISS1 expression in the endometrium during estrus, accompanied by elevated Ki-67 positivity in the uterus, oviduct and ovary, particularly in glandular epithelial and luteal cells. Conversely, KISS1R protein showed strong localisation during estrus despite low transcript levels, suggesting possible post-transcriptional regulation. The synchronised upregulation of KISS1 and Ki-67 in the endometrium during estrus supports their coordinated roles in endometrial proliferation and remodelling. These findings emphasise the significance of local kisspeptin signalling in canine reproductive tissues and suggest its contribution to tissue adaptations during the estrous cycle. The results provide new insights into the peripheral functions of the kisspeptin system and highlight its potential as a target for improving reproductive management in bitches.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 4","pages":"e70205"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13082194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147692118","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":"Fetal Sex Determination in Dromedary Camels in the First Trimester Using Trans-Rectal Ultrasonography.","authors":"Mostafa Nasef","doi":"10.1111/rda.70193","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the efficacy of transrectal ultrasonography for early fetal sex determination in dromedary camels by identifying the location of the genital tubercle (GT) relative to the tail head and the abdominal insertion of the umbilical cord. A total of 473 examinations were performed between 55 and 85 days of gestation on 159 female dromedary camels. Overall feasibility of visualising the GT was 86.5%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 90% for feasible cases. Gestational age was the most significant factor affecting accuracy, with significantly lower accuracy before 65 days. The optimal window for reliable determination was between 65 and 80 days, with accuracy peaking at 96.9% between 70 and 74 days of gestation. Dam parity and breed had no significant effect on accuracy. The findings confirm that transrectal ultrasonography is a highly accurate and practical tool for fetal sexing in camels in the first trimester, offering valuable information for commercial herd management when performed within the defined optimal timeframe.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 4","pages":"e70193"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147639841","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":"Constraints on Artificial Insemination Efficiency and Dairy Cattle Productivity in Smallholder Systems in Selected Districts of South Wollo, Ethiopia.","authors":"Zemedkun Diffe","doi":"10.1111/rda.70203","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ethiopia has one of the largest livestock populations in Africa; however, its dairy productivity remains critically low. Artificial insemination (AI) is a key technology for genetic improvement, but its efficiency and constraints within the smallholder systems of specific regions like South Wollo are not well documented. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to evaluate AI efficiency and reproductive outcomes, combining cross-sectional surveys of 384 smallholder farms with a five-year retrospective analysis (2019-2023) of AI and reproductive records from three districts: Legambo, Tenta, and Mekdela. The mean conception rate was 58.7%, with significant district-level variation. Crossbred cattle performed better than local Zebu, showing earlier age at first calving (40.7 vs. 52.3 months) and shorter calving intervals (13.8 vs. 16.5 months). Reproductive performance was superior in highland agro-ecology compared to midland areas, evidenced by higher conception rates (52.4% vs. 42.9%) and shorter calving intervals, which were attributed to longer green feed availability. Logistic regression identified body condition score (OR = 2.34) as the strongest positive predictor of conception, while concurrent disease (OR = 0.31) and poor semen storage (OR = 0.38) were key negative predictors. The major constraints identified were technician skill gaps, geographical inaccessibility (> 72% of farmers lived > 5 km from an AI centre), and poor farmer knowledge of oestrus detection. In conclusion, while crossbreeding through AI holds great promise, its success is fundamentally constrained by managerial and infrastructural limitations. Therefore, a holistic strategy that integrates improved nutrition, reliable AI service delivery, and comprehensive farmer training is imperative to unlock the full genetic potential and enhance dairy productivity in smallholder systems of Ethiopia.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 4","pages":"e70203"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729805","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":"A Reversal of Heat Stress-Induced Impairments in Boar Endocrine and Reproductive Function by Complex Liposomal Vitamin, Zinc Gluconate, and Betaine Supplementation.","authors":"Ivan Ivanickij, Mykola Sharan, Jakub Bartlewski, Pawel M Bartlewski","doi":"10.1111/rda.70209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70209","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rising global temperatures are increasing the risk of heat stress (HS), with breeding boars being particularly vulnerable due to the high sensitivity of testicular function to elevated temperatures and oxidative stress. This pilot study evaluated whether a complex liposomal preparation containing vitamins A, D₃, E, and C, zinc gluconate, and betaine could mitigate HS-induced impairments in boar endocrine function and semen quality. Nine clinically healthy boars (Landrace, Piétrain, and Maxter; n = 3 each; 2-4 years old) were studied across three consecutive stages: euthermic conditions (17°C-23°C), experimentally induced HS (25°C-30°C; 75%-85% relative humidity), and HS with dietary supplementation (20 mL/day of liposomal emulsion). At the end of each stage, cortisol and thyroxine (plasma), testosterone (circulating and seminal), sperm kinematics, and antioxidant enzyme activity in ejaculates were evaluated. Heat stress significantly increased circulating cortisol (+45.9%) and thyroxine (+15.5%), while reducing testosterone concentrations in blood (-21.7%) and seminal plasma (-52.2%). It also decreased total sperm number (-26.8%), progressive motility (-14.2%), and most kinematic parameters (p < 0.05). Supplementation restored testosterone levels in blood and seminal plasma, and reduced blood cortisol and thyroxine concentrations (p < 0.05). Ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count increased by +18.0%, +26.8%, and + 53.4%, respectively (p < 0.05), while motility and kinematic parameters improved significantly. Antioxidant defences also rebounded, with glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities increasing by 61.4% and 29.8%, respectively (p < 0.05). Most parameters analysed returned to baseline ranges, with several exceeding the values observed under euthermic conditions. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with a complex liposomal preparation containing vitamins (A, D₃, E, and C), zinc gluconate, and betaine effectively reversed the adverse effects of induced moderate HS on endocrine and reproductive function in boars, underscoring its potential as a valid strategy for maintaining or even boosting male fertility under thermal stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 4","pages":"e70209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723564","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":"Decoding Bull Fertility Under Tropical Conditions: Multivariate Predictive Modelling From 25,512 Field Spermiograms.","authors":"Clovis Juk Fassano, Pedro Henrique Lomba de Lima, Fernando Andrade Souza, Natalia Siqueira de Lara, Tácia Gomes Bergstein-Galan, Eriklis Nogueira, Luiz Ernandes Kozicki","doi":"10.1111/rda.70190","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70190","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This large-scale study evaluated 25,512 Nellore bulls raised under tropical field conditions to elucidate multivariate determinants of breeding soundness and to derive a data-driven risk stratification framework based on BSE outcomes. Macro- and microscopic semen traits (e.g., progressive motility, sperm morphology including major defects, scrotal circumference, vigour and mass activity), recorded clinical alterations and epidemiological factors (age and seasonality) were integrated using multivariable modelling and internal validation. Logistic regression identified progressive motility, proportion of major defects and scrotal circumference as independent predictors of BSE-based unfitness, with a cross-validated ROC AUC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.83-0.85), indicating high discriminative performance. Principal component and clustering analyses revealed three reproducible phenotypic profiles (optimal, intermediate and critical) combining functional, morphological and anatomical attributes. These components were synthesised into a Breeding Soundness Risk Index (BSRI) showing consistent calibration and stability under five-fold cross-validation, enabling objective stratification of bulls by probability of BSE-based unfitness. Advancing age and seasonal heat load were associated with increased odds of BSE-based unfitness, consistent with cumulative thermal and physiological stress under tropical management. Collectively, these results support progressive motility, major sperm defects and scrotal circumference as cornerstone indicators of breeding soundness in large-scale field settings, and the BSRI provides an objective, field-applicable score to support sire selection and management decisions under tropical conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 3","pages":"e70190"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147366431","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":"Does the Reproductive Technique Affect Neonatal Health Parameters in Foals?","authors":"Maria Augusta Alonso, Giovana Rodrigues Dos Santos, Juliana Schleich Fonte, Pamella Costa Marques, Daniel Dantas Pereira, Fabio Luiz Buranelo Toral, Vilceu Bordignon, Jose Buratini Junior, Edward Squires, Claudia Barbosa Fernandes","doi":"10.1111/rda.70192","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This retrospective study evaluated whether different reproductive biotechnologies influence neonatal behaviour parameters in foals. Data from 102 foalings in two commercial breeding farms were analysed, including foals conceived by artificial insemination (AI), conventional embryo transfer (ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Neonatal parameters recorded were birth weight, time to achieve sternal recumbency, time to stand, time to nurse and time to meconium elimination. Mixed statistical models were applied to assess the influence of reproductive technique, breed, sex and farm. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between farms for time to sternal recumbency and time to nurse, and among breeds for birth height and time to meconium elimination. However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between sexes or among reproductive techniques for any of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, these results indicate that reproductive techniques, including advanced biotechnologies, such as ICSI, do not adversely affect neonatal health parameters in foals. On the other hand, the present findings highlight the importance of considering environmental and genetic factors, such as farm management and breed, when evaluating neonatal outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 3","pages":"e70192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12972244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390759","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":"Progesterone Induces Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in a Bovine Granulosa Cell Line.","authors":"Antonela Florencia Stassi, María Lucía Cattaneo Moreyra, Sofía Cainelli, María Sol Renna, Juan Alberto Chiaraviglio, Fernanda Mariel Rodriguez, María Eugenia Baravalle, Hugo Héctor Ortega, Natalia Raquel Salvetti, Florencia Rey","doi":"10.1111/rda.70194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In cattle, low progesterone (P4) concentrations have been linked to anovulation. To study the local effects of P4 on granulosa cells, in the present study we aimed: (a) to characterise the expression of receptors (progesterone receptor (PR), oestrogen receptors α and β (ERα and β), FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHR)), as well as the co-expression of PR and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and a cytochrome P450 aromatase A1 (CYP19A1), in a bovine granulosa cell line (BGC-1) sensitive to P4 stimuli; and (b) to evaluate the effects of P4 on cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in BGC-1 cells after 12, 24 and 48 h of stimulation. BGC-1 cells expressed CYP19A1, as well as ERα and β, PR, FSHR and LHR. The mean fluorescence intensity of STAT5 and PR and the percentage of simple and double-positive cells (STAT5/PR) were lower in control cells than in P4-stimulated cells after 12, 24, and 48 h of stimulation. Regarding the effects of P4 on cell viability, after 12, 24, and 48 h of stimulation, the percentage of living cells was high and the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells was low. Finally, BGC-1 cells responded to P4 stimulation by stimulating ROS production, without inducing damage. These results support the potential use of P4-stimulated BCG-1 cells to study the mechanisms underlying follicular persistence in cows.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 3","pages":"e70194"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147435006","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":"Anti-Müllerian Hormone as a Marker for Castration Status and Fertility in Bulls and Oxen.","authors":"Doreena Gilg, Christiane Otzdorff, Yury Zablotski, Holm Zerbe, Beate Walter","doi":"10.1111/rda.70196","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been established as an indicator of castration status and fertility in several species. However, its applicability in postpubertal bulls and oxen has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study examined 73 bulls aged between 12 and 107 months and 37 oxen older than 12 months. Blood serum samples were collected from all animals for AMH measurement using a commercial chemiluminescent immunoassay. Additionally, testosterone concentrations were assessed in 32 oxen and 71 bulls using mass spectrometry. In bulls, correlations between AMH levels and sperm concentration, motility and morphology were analysed. The AMH concentration in oxen (median: 0.01 ng/mL) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in bulls (median: 4.69 ng/mL). While reduced sperm motility had a significant impact on the AMH concentration (p = 0.02), this was not the case for sperm morphology (p = 0.31). In addition, in bulls with normal semen parameters, AMH concentration showed a negative correlation with age (p = 0.01). In conclusion, AMH (≤ 0.01 ng/mL) serves as a reliable marker for distinguishing oxen from bulls, even in older animals. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating AMH as a fertility-associated biomarker in postpubertal bulls.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 3","pages":"e70196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12994311/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147475143","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":"Probiotic Supplementation as an Alternative to Antibiotics in Bovine Sperm Cryopreservation: Effects on Motility, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis.","authors":"Ali Doğan Ömür, Demet Çelebi, Serkan Ali Akarsu, Betül Apaydin Yildirim, Gamze Uçak, Tutku Can Acisu, Mehmet Akif Aydin, Sümeyye Başer, Özgür Çelebi, Recep Hakkı Koca, Gözde Arkali, Tarique Hussain","doi":"10.1111/rda.70197","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on bovine sperm cryopreservation by assessing post-thaw spermatological and biochemical parameters. Twenty-four ejaculations were collected from four Simmental bulls using the artificial vagina method. Ejaculates exhibiting over 70% motility were pooled to eliminate individual variations and allocated into five experimental groups: antibiotic-free control group, antibiotic group, LA, BL and LR groups, respectively. Three probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) and Bifidobacterium longum (BL), were incorporated into a Tris egg yolk-based semen extender at a concentration of 10⁹ CFU/mL. Following dilution, samples were equilibrated and subsequently stored in liquid nitrogen. Post-thaw evaluations were conducted for sperm motility and kinematic parameters using CASA, hypo-osmotic swelling test, fluorescent staining for chromatin integrity, acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers. Additionally, apoptosis and metabolism related proteins were quantified by ELISA. The results exhibited that probiotic treated groups had significantly higher total and progressive motility as compared with controls (p < 0.001). In comparison with the control group, BL supplementation showed significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities, along with lowered TGF-β and Caspase-3 levels, indicating attenuated oxidative stress and apoptotic signalling (p < 0.001). In contrast with the control group, LR supplementation resulted in elevated MDA and apoptosis-related markers, suggesting strain specific pro-oxidative effects (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences observed in STAR or ATP synthase levels across the treatments. Altogether, the results exhibited that strains of probiotics, particularly BL, have the potential to serve as an alternative to antibiotics in bovine semen cryopreservation. Nevertheless, strain-dependent responses and limitations, especially with respect to DNA integrity, require further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 3","pages":"e70197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13000876/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147481523","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":"Bull Fertility and Epigenetics: Exploring Influences Beyond Genetics.","authors":"Manisha Sethi, Tushar Kumar Mohanty, Nadeem Shah, Mukesh Bhakat, Nishant Kumar, Rubina Kumari Baithalu, Dilip Swain","doi":"10.1111/rda.70188","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infertility has been a concern throughout the ages and is still a significant problem in several species, including human beings and farm animals. Many research projects have focused on exploring the genetic basis of male infertility, but thus far, they have been able to explain not more than 15% of infertile cases. Therefore, much remains to be understood, and we need to involve several other approaches to fully understand the aetiology of male infertility. One such promising approach is epigenetics, which has the potential to explain the aetiology of numerous disorders partially. Epigenetics is a discipline that studies heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve altering the DNA sequence. The main epigenetic mechanisms include the well-understood phenomenon of DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by non-coding RNAs, a mode of regulation identified relatively recently and an area of intensive ongoing investigation. In cattle and especially dairy breeds, where bull semen is widely used for artificial insemination (AI), several selection and breeding practices may interfere with the proper establishment of the sperm epigenome. The future bull progeny's sperm epigenome may be influenced by the mother's nutrition, potentially affecting future fertility. The bull calf's postnatal diet and environment, including stress, housing conditions and temperature, affect the sperm epigenome. These epigenetic modifications have a transgenerational effect, meaning they affect the fertility of subsequent generations. It has been observed that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, differ between high- and low-fertility bulls. Prediction of these epigenetic biomarkers may therefore provide a new method for differentiating between high- and low-fertility bulls.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 3","pages":"e70188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147309644","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}