Reproduction in Domestic Animals最新文献

{"title":"Red LED Treatment Confers Superior Early Post-Thaw Sperm Kinetic Resilience and Identifies Progressive Motility as the Most Informative Functional Marker in Dogs.","authors":"Romulo Silva de Oliveira, Natália Santana Siqueira de Lara, Mayara Silvestri, Soraia Figueiredo de Souza, Luiz Ernandes Kozicki, Danilo Demeterco, Eduarda Stankiwich Vaz, Francielli Saczuk Rodrigues de Oliveira, Vivian Rotuno Moure, Glaucio Valdameri, Fernando Andrade Souza","doi":"10.1111/rda.70313","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>LED-based photobiomodulation has attracted increasing interest as a potential strategy to improve post-thaw sperm performance, but its biological relevance in canine semen remains poorly defined. This study investigated whether blue and red LED exposure influences baseline sperm quality and the dynamic pattern of post-thaw sperm deterioration in dogs. Semen from six healthy adult dogs was collected, diluted, allocated to control (no LED), blue LED, or red LED groups, and cryopreserved under standardized conditions. After thawing, sperm quality was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), eosin-nigrosin staining, and a rapid thermoresistance test. Relative motility retention at 10 min post-thaw was calculated as a synthetic indicator of short-term kinetic resilience. No significant baseline differences were detected among LED conditions for any seminal or CASA-derived parameter. In contrast, post-thaw sperm kinetics were clearly time-dependent and treatment-sensitive. Total motility showed a strong temporal decline and a significant treatment-dependent decay pattern, whereas progressive motility exhibited significant effects of treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction, indicating greater sensitivity for detecting functional differences among LED conditions. The red LED condition preserved a substantially greater fraction of both total and progressive motility during the first 10 min after thawing, demonstrating superior short-term post-thaw kinetic resilience. In conclusion, red LED was the most effective condition for preserving early post-thaw sperm kinetic resilience in canine semen, and progressive motility proved to be the most sensitive functional marker for detecting treatment-related differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70313"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13501180/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148808995","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":"Evaluation of Oxidative Profiling in Semen Fractions and Its Relationship With Sperm Function in Kangal Akkaraman Rams.","authors":"Abdulkadir Kaya, Omer Varisli, Ali Senol, Haceli Ocal, Hamide Taskin, Bora Ozarslan","doi":"10.1111/rda.70295","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The determination of sperm oxidative stress provides significant information related to semen quality. Most studies investigate oxidative stress markers only at the level of seminal plasma, but this approach may provide an incomplete overview of the oxidative status of semen. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between protein-normalized oxidative stress markers and spermatological parameters in ram semen fractions. A total of 38 ejaculates obtained from 24 rams were fractionated into seminal plasma, whole semen (non-centrifuged), and pellet at different concentrations. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured and normalized to total protein content using the Lowry method. Fraction-wise differences in oxidative stress parameters were analysed using linear mixed-effects models accounting for ram identity, while relationships between spermatological and oxidative parameters were evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were performed as exploratory multivariate visualization tools. Motility and viability were positively correlated (ρ = 0.856, p < 0.001), while both parameters were negatively correlated with abnormal sperm rate (p < 0.05). In addition, TOS and MDA levels were significantly lower in seminal plasma than in sperm pellet fractions, supporting the presence of fraction-dependent oxidative profiles (p < 0.05). Exploratory PCA suggested that overall multivariate variation was mainly associated with spermatological parameters, whereas oxidative markers had a more limited contribution. These findings provide insight into the relationship between oxidative status and different semen fractions. Additionally, fraction-specific oxidative profiling may provide complementary information beyond seminal plasma measurements alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70295"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13470144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148721884","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":"Characterization of the Genital Microbiota in Portuguese Native Goats.","authors":"Nellia Felicity Nyoni, Sofia Duarte-Coimbra, Giovanni Forcina, Lucía Pérez-Pardal, Albano Beja-Pereira","doi":"10.1111/rda.70297","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evaluating the reproductive microbiome in small ruminant livestock, such as goats and sheep, is crucial for improving breeding performance, promoting animal health, and optimizing pregnancy outcomes. A healthy microbiome in the reproductive tract inhibits infections, regulates immune activity, and reduces the risk of microbial imbalances that negatively affect pregnancy. Understanding this microbiome also supports better disease control, informs advanced animal husbandry practices for goats and sheep, and contributes to global food security. This study aimed to characterize the genital microbiome of three local Portuguese goat breeds-Preta de Montesinho, Serrana, and Serpentina-using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Samples were collected from 39 goats and, for comparison, seven sheep from a local breed-Serra da Estrela. Microbiome differences were obtained when integrating breed and sex factors in goats. The predominant genera in both vaginal and preputial samples included Fusobacterium, Aerococcus, Corynebacterium, Sediminibacterium, Campylobacter, and Ralstonia. Significant compositional differences were observed across breed, sex, and species as indicated by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. By characterizing the caprine reproductive microbiota through metabarcoding, this study fills an important knowledge gap and establishes a baseline for future research on disease-associated changes in the male and female urogenital tract microbiota of small ruminants.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70297"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13430981/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148664534","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":"Subclinical Endometritis-Associated Suprabasal Progesterone and Reproductive Dysfunction in Repeat Breeder Crossbred Cows.","authors":"Vijender Negi, Pankaj Sood, Ankit Ahuja, Rohit Mankotia, Aarushi Sharma, Nishant Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Aanchal Bakshi","doi":"10.1111/rda.70309","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Subclinical endometritis (SCE) is common in repeat-breeder cows. This study investigated 99 spontaneous consecutive oestrous cycles (pretreatment [C-1], culture-sensitive antibiotic treatment [C-2], and post-treatment [C-3]) in 33 SCE-positive repeat breeders Jersey crossbred cows (out of 43 screened). Clinico-gynaecological (uterine tone, genital discharge, preovulatory follicle, and corpus luteum [CL]), oestrus, and endocrine determinants were compared between C-1 and C-3. Cows were inseminated up to thrice from C-3. A considerable proportion of SCE cows manifested suprabasal P4 concentrations at C-1 oestrus. Therefore, apart from overall C-1 versus C-3 comparisons, the normal (NP4, n = 15) and suprabasal (SBP4, n = 18) groups were also compared within and between cycles. The prevalence of SCE was 76.74%, with 96.97% of these bacteria-positive at C-1 oestrus. The overall comparisons indicated significantly increased discharge consistency and uterine tone, decreased bacterial load, oestrus onset to ovulation interval, and oestrus duration, and increased preovulatory follicle size, oestradiol (E2), and luteinizing hormone (LH), in C-3. Also, P4 concentrations in the SBP4 group at C-1 oestrus (0.81 ± 0.07 ng/mL) declined significantly at C-3 oestrus (0.44 ± 0.07 ng/mL). Nonetheless, compared with NP4, SBP4 had significantly lesser uterine tone (C-3), E2, and LH (C-1 and C-3), and greater bacterial load (C-1) (within-cycle effects), as well as a decreased oestrus onset-to-ovulation interval and oestrus duration and increased E2 at C-3 (between-cycle effects). The overall pregnancy rate was 75.8%, which had no relation with bacterial presence or load at C-3. In conclusion, suprabasal P4 largely accompanied SCE, intriguingly exhibited more reproductive derangements, and resolved after antibiotic therapy targeted against SCE.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70309"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13498986/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148797631","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":"Insights Into Boar Semen Under Tropical Conditions in Smallholder Production Systems: Semen Quality, Potential Microbiota Contamination and Antimicrobial Susceptibility.","authors":"Yosua Kristian Adi, Vinsa Cantya Prakasita, Agnesia Endang Tri Hastuti Wahyuni","doi":"10.1111/rda.70311","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated boar semen quality, seminal microbiome composition, and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from seminal plasma in a tropical smallholder pig production system in Indonesia. A total of 10 ejaculates were collected from eight sexually mature boars using the gloved-hand technique from two herds located in East Nusa Tenggara (Herd A) and East Java (Herd B). Semen quality was evaluated using conventional methods in Herd A (five ejaculates from three boars) and a mobile semen analysis unit in Herd B (five ejaculates from five boars). Seminal microbiome composition (three ejaculates from three boars in Herd A and five ejaculates from five boars in Herd B) was assessed using next-generation sequencing, and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates recovered from seminal plasma (five ejaculates from three boars in Herd A and five ejaculates from five boars in Herd B) was determined using the disk diffusion method. Boar semen quality from Herd A was assessed only for gross motility using subjective observation, yielding a score of 2 out of 3. In Herd B, semen quality was generally high, with a mean ejaculate volume of 232.0 ± 28.6 mL and sperm concentration of 436.9 ± 109.3 × 10⁶/mL. Total and progressive motility were 89.5% ± 6.9% and 84.2% ± 9.5%, respectively, while the proportion of immotile spermatozoa was 10.5% ± 6.9%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Chryseobacterium showed the highest relative abundance in semen samples from Herd A, whereas Streptococcus predominated in Herd B. Principal coordinates analysis based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity demonstrated clear separation of seminal microbiota between herds, with Herd A samples forming a more compact cluster. LEfSe analysis further identified bacterial taxa differentially enriched between herds. Bacterial culture revealed that all semen samples were contaminated with either single or multiple bacterial species, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. were the most frequently detected isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that Herd B exhibited a higher proportion of non-susceptible outcomes (58.3%) compared to Herd A (24.3%). In addition, the proportion of multidrug resistance in Herd A and Herd B were 42.9% and 83.3%, respectively. In conclusion, bacterial contamination in boar semen is unavoidable and may originate from the animal itself or the surrounding environment. Its impact on semen quality may vary depending on the bacterial load and the specific types of microorganisms present. In addition, variations in AMR and seminal microbiota between herds suggest that farm management practices may influence the microbial ecology and resistance patterns in boar semen.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70311"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13487352/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148797545","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":"Methodological Determinants of Grayscale Pixel Intensity in Ram Testicular Ultrasonography: Effects of ROI Placement and Imaging Plane Across Age Groups and Two Reproductive Periods.","authors":"Bülent Bülbül, Şükrü Doğan, Mustafa Yiğit Nizam, Necdet Akay","doi":"10.1111/rda.70302","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Testicular ultrasonography is increasingly used in ram breeding soundness evaluations, yet methodological standardization of quantitative grayscale image analysis remains limited. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of region-of-interest (ROI) placement and imaging plane on testicular parenchymal numerical pixel values (NPVs) under a fixed ultrasonographic acquisition protocol, in Güney Karaman rams. A secondary objective was to compare NPV among age groups and between two predefined reproductive-period sampling points, August and March. Twenty-nine healthy, fertility-proven rams were assigned to three age groups: 1.5 (n = 8), 3.1 (n = 12), and 4.6 years (n = 9). B-mode ultrasonography was performed with a 7.5-MHz linear transducer during the breeding (August) and non-breeding season (March). From each testis, 10 standardized regions of interest were analysed (six longitudinal and four transversal, with five above and five below the mediastinum testis). ImageJ analysis yielded 1160 spot measurements. A linear mixed model with random intercepts for animal and testis ID accounted for the hierarchical repeated-measures structure. NPVs increased with age, were higher in August than in March (71.65 ± 1.75 vs. 60.89 ± 1.75, p < 0.001), and were markedly higher below than above the mediastinum testis (89.50 ± 1.75 vs. 43.03 ± 1.75, p < 0.001). Transversal images yielded higher NPVs than longitudinal images (68.61 ± 1.77 vs. 63.93 ± 1.74, p < 0.001). Random-effects analysis showed that 31%, 7%, and 62% of total variance were attributable to between-animal, between-testis, and spot-level variation, respectively. These findings demonstrate that ram testicular echogenicity is influenced by biological and methodological factors, highlighting the need for standardized multi-site sampling protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70302"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13435824/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670618","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":"The Effect of Different Extenders and Testicular Anaesthesia During Orchiectomy on Post-Thawed Spermatological Parameters of Stallion Epididymal Spermatozoa.","authors":"Harun Cinar, Mine Herdogan, Feyzanur Mart, Hasan Ali Cay, Ibrahim Taha Danisman, Muhammed Enes Inanc, Burcu Menekse Balkan, Sukru Gungor, Ayhan Ata","doi":"10.1111/rda.70307","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cryopreservation of epididymal stallion spermatozoa is a valuable tool for fertility preservation, particularly after orchiectomy. However, the potential interactions between local anaesthesia and extender composition on post-thaw spermatozoal quality remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of intratesticular lidocaine injection and the efficacy of various extender (egg yolk [EY] vs. lecithin [LC]) and cryoprotectant (glycerol [GLY] vs. dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) combinations on stallion epididymal spermatological parameters. Using a paired <math><mrow><mn>2</mn> <mo>×</mo> <mn>2</mn> <mo>×</mo> <mn>2</mn></mrow> </math> factorial design, epididymal spermatozoa were collected from both lidocaine-injected (right) and non-injected (left) testes of eight stallions. Samples were cryopreserved in Tris-based extenders supplemented with EY + GLY, EY + DMSO, LC + GLY or LC + DMSO. Spermatozoal motility (fresh, post-equilibration and post-thaw), viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI), mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (MROS), spermatozoa malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated. Intratesticular lidocaine administration had no significant effect on spermatozoal motility at any evaluation stage, and no differences were detected in any biochemical or spermatologic parameters assessed post-thaw (p > 0.05). Regarding cryopreservation media, a significant main effect of extender type was observed for spermatozoal viability (p < 0.05) and MROS levels (p < 0.001), with EY-based extenders providing superior protection compared to LC-based formulations. A significant Extender × Cryoprotectant interaction was detected for GSH levels (p < 0.05), with the EY + GLY combination yielding the highest antioxidant capacity. No significant differences were observed in MDA levels among treatment groups (p > 0.05). Intratesticular lidocaine administration during orchiectomy does not compromise epididymal spermatozoal quality after cryopreservation. Among the evaluated cryopreservation strategies, the combination of egg yolk and glycerol in a Tris-based extender provides the most effective protection against oxidative stress and membrane damage in stallion epididymal spermatozoa.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70307"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148725239","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":"Nutritional Level and Type of Feed on the Reproductive Performance of Ewe and Its Effects on Offspring.","authors":"Fernanda Ferreira Dos Santos, Maria Fernanda Soares Queiroz, Mônica Márcia da Silva, Amanda de Carvalho, Luciano Brochine, Mariluce Cardoso Oliveira, Sarita Bonagurio Gallo","doi":"10.1111/rda.70287","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The amount and source of nutrition are important factors that influence an ewe's reproductive ability, but the effects of diet on the reproductive performance of its offspring are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of maternal nutrition (level of nutrition and source) on the reproductive performance of ewes and their female lamb offspring. Seventy-two Dorper × Santa Inês ewes were allocated in a completely randomized block design, in five treatments: CTL (n = 14) with 100% of requirement, and the energy source was corn; RES (n = 14) with 90% of predicted requirement, and the energy source was corn; SUPP (n = 15) with 110% of requirement, and the energy source was corn; CR (n = 15) treatment SUPP plus chromium propionate; and FAT (n = 14) treatment SUPP plus calcium salts of palm oil. Non-parametric data were evaluated using the Fisher exact test, and parametric data were evaluated using the Tukey test, both at a 5% significance level. There was no difference in pregnancy rate (p = 0.1944) or prolificacy (p = 0.5729) among the treatments; however, the CR diet resulted in a faster return to estrus after lambing (p < 0.001). The RES diet decreased lamb survival (p < 0.005) and reduced offspring reproductive potential. Using chromium positively affected the reproductive parameters of female offspring, whereas FAT adversely affected them. In conclusion, the source and level of dietary energy influence fetal programming in ewes. The restriction negatively affected the reproductive performance of the offspring, and supplementation with chromium propionate improved it.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70287"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13430668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663276","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":"Comparative Investigation of GnRH-Immunocastration and a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Reproductive Parameters, Testicular Echogenicity and Behavioural Activity in Young Holstein Bulls.","authors":"Nurdan Coşkun, Oğuz Kaan Yalçin, Murat Yüksel, Cafer Tayyar Ateş, Hasan Basri Dingil, Fikret Karaca","doi":"10.1111/rda.70305","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Managing aggressive behaviour in bulls often involves a trade-off between handling ease and the anabolic benefits associated with endogenous testosterone production. This study compared the effects of GnRH-immunocastration and a phytogenic feed additive on reproductive parameters, testicular echotexture and behavioural activity in young Holstein bulls aged 12-15 months. Bulls were allocated to either an immunocastration group (IC, n = 6) or a phytogenic feed additive group (PFA, n = 7). The IC group received two subcutaneous injections of 1 mL Bopriva (400 μg GnRH-protein conjugate) at a three-week interval, whereas the PFA group received 50 g/day of a phytogenic feed additive throughout the 90-day experimental period. Evaluations included scrotal circumference (SC), serum testosterone concentrations, ultrasonographic testicular echotexture assessed by mean grey value (MGV) and behavioural observations. Repeated measurements obtained throughout the study were analysed using linear mixed models. Significant group × time interactions (p < 0.001) were observed for SC, testosterone concentrations and MGV. In the IC group, testosterone concentrations and SC progressively decreased beginning on Day 15, while MGV values declined from Day 30 onward. In contrast, the PFA group maintained relatively stable testosterone concentrations and ultrasonographic echotexture throughout the observation period. Qualitative behavioural observations indicated reduced mounting attempts and restlessness in both groups during the follow-up period. Immunocastration induced marked suppression of reproductive parameters and alterations in testicular echotexture in young bulls. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation with the phytogenic feed additive was associated with relatively stable reproductive parameters, while qualitative reductions in behavioural activity were also observed. Further studies including untreated control groups and quantitative behavioural scoring systems are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70305"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148727576","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":"The Influence of Sperm Origin on Function, Preservation and Embryo Development in South American Camelids.","authors":"Susana María Giuliano, María Ignacia Carretero, Cyntia Medina Escalante, Carlo Sanz Ludeña, Ximena Barriga Marcapura, Silvana Apichela, Juan Reategui-Ordoñez","doi":"10.1111/rda.70304","DOIUrl":"10.1111/rda.70304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>South American camelids (SAC), including llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos), exhibit distinctive reproductive features, such as induced ovulation and highly viscous seminal plasma (SP), that complicate conventional semen collection and objective sperm evaluation. Consequently, spermatozoa recovered from the cauda epididymis or through surgical vas deferens deviation (VDD) have become valuable alternatives for research and germplasm preservation. These sperm sources also provide a unique opportunity to investigate sperm physiology in the absence of SP. This review critically compares the functional characteristics of ejaculated, epididymal and VDD-derived spermatozoa and examines how methodological variables, including collection procedures, post-mortem interval, tissue handling and surgical protocols, contribute to variability among studies. Current evidence indicates that many functional differences observed among sperm sources, particularly in motility and plasma membrane functionality, are largely associated with the presence or absence of SP rather than intrinsic differences in sperm quality. These findings support a reinterpretation of SP as a physiological regulator of sperm quiescence, membrane stability and functional competence rather than merely a technical obstacle. We also review advanced analytical approaches, including flow cytometry and imaging flow cytometry, highlighting their potential to improve the evaluation of camelid sperm physiology and cryobiology, while summarizing current evidence on the developmental competence of sperm from different anatomical sources for in vitro embryo production. Overall, this review provides an updated synthesis of the literature, identifies major methodological limitations and highlights priorities for future research to advance reproductive biotechnologies in SAC.</p>","PeriodicalId":21035,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction in Domestic Animals","volume":"61 8","pages":"e70304"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13451786/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148689887","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}