Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Results of the “test-freeze” approach in a commercial program of stallion sperm cryopreservation and the relationship between pre-freeze sperm quality and “freezability.”","authors":"Camilo Hernández-Avilés,&nbsp;Dickson D. Varner,&nbsp;Luisa Ramírez-Agámez,&nbsp;Juan C. Samper ,&nbsp;Charles C. Love","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117373","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117373","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the current study, we report the effect of different commercially available semen freezing extenders utilized for the “test-freeze” procedure for 13 years (2010–2023) as part of a commercial program of stallion sperm cryopreservation. Ejaculates obtained from sexually active and healthy stallions (n = 124) were cryopreserved using up to five commercially available semen freezing extenders (Lactose-EDTA [LE], MFR5, CryoMax LE [CMLE], CryoMax MFR5 [CMMFR5] or BotuCrio [BC]). Post-thaw sperm motility (total motility – TM [%]; progressive motility – PM [%]; and curvilinear velocity – VCL [μm/s]), sperm viability (VIAB [%]), and sperm DNA damage (COMP_ɑt [%]) were compared among semen freezing extenders. Overall, TM, PM, and VIAB were similar for extenders LE, CMLE, and BC (P &gt; 0.05) while higher than for extenders MFR5 or CMMFR5 (P &lt; 0.05). Mean VCL was lower for extender LE than for extender BC (P &lt; 0.05). An effect of semen extenders on mean COMP_αt was not observed (P &gt; 0.05). The proportion of ejaculates that yielded four different post-thaw sperm “freezability” indices, based on the average value between post-thaw TM and VIAB (MV; MV ≤ 41 % [LOW]; MV 42–54 % [AVERAGE]; or MV ≥ 55 % [HIGH]), or post-thaw PM: ≥30 %, was calculated. Extenders MFR5 and CMMFR5 yielded a higher proportion of stallions in the LOW category (36 and 37 %, respectively) compared to extenders LE (22 %), CMLE (20 %), or BC (21 %; P &lt; 0.05). For the HIGH and PM ≥ 30 % categories, extenders LE (16 and 65 %), CMLE (15 and 66 %), and BC (15 and 61 %) yielded a higher proportion of stallions than extenders MFR5 (4 and 40 %) or CMMFR5 (2 and 45 %), respectively (P &lt; 0.05). For the AVERAGE category, an effect of semen extenders was not observed (60–63 %; P &gt; 0.05). The relationship between pre-freeze sperm quality parameters (i.e., sperm motility, morphology [Normal], viability, and COMP_ɑt) and the indices of post-thaw “freezability” (LOW, AVERAGE, HIGH, PM ≥ 30 %) was also determined. The percentages of TMOT and Normal in fresh semen yielded the highest ROC values related to “freezability,” irrespective of the index used: 1) LOW = % Normal – AUC 0.8328 (P &lt; 0.0001); 2) AVERAGE = TMOT – AUC 0.5875 (P = 0.055); 3) HIGH = % TMOT – AUC: 0.8015 (P &lt; 0.0001); 4) PM ≥ 30 % = % Normal – AUC 0.8392 (P &lt; 0.0001). This study provides clinically relevant data regarding the effect of different semen freezing extenders on post-thaw stallion sperm quality and the potential relationship between some sperm quality parameters commonly assessed in practice and post-thaw sperm “freezability” in stallions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117373"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Reduced NET1 adversely affects early embryonic development in mice” [Theriogenology 231 (2025) 73–80/1]","authors":"Shiwei Wang,&nbsp;Yajun Guo,&nbsp;Xuan Wu,&nbsp;Mengmeng Zhang,&nbsp;Shuang Song,&nbsp;Shenming Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.021","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 153-155"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143511371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Transcriptomic analysis of heifers according to antral follicle count","authors":"Janaina Menegazzo Gheller ,&nbsp;Wilian Aparecido Leite da Silva ,&nbsp;Mirela Brochado Souza-Cáceres ,&nbsp;Aldair Félix da Silva ,&nbsp;Mariane Gabriela Cesar Ribeiro Ferreira ,&nbsp;Taynara dos Santos Santana ,&nbsp;Angélica Camargo dos Santos ,&nbsp;Sérgio Antonio Pereira-Junior ,&nbsp;Érkilis Nogueira ,&nbsp;Sérgio Amorim de Alencar ,&nbsp;Gustavo Guerino Macedo ,&nbsp;Marcelo Marcondes Seneda ,&nbsp;Marcos Roberto Chiaratti ,&nbsp;Fabiana de Andrade Melo-Sterza","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While antral follicle count (AFC) has been associated with higher pregnancy rates, at present, our understanding of it as a reproductive parameter remains incomplete. This study aimed to characterize gene expression profile of oocytes from <em>crossbred</em> Bos taurus x <em>Bos indicus</em> heifers with high and low AFCs. Crossbred Nelore-Angus heifers (n = 50) with a mean (SD) age of 9.6 ± 0.55 months, a weight of 295.4 ± 32.6 kg, and a BCS of 3.44 ± 0.41 were studied in a feedlot system. The heifers received a hormonal protocol based on injectable progesterone and estradiol cypionate administered 12 days apart, and ovarian ultrasonography (US) was performed 12 days after to assess the AFC. Based on AFC, heifers were divided into low (≤14 follicles) and high (≥31 follicles) AFC, groups.Forty-five days after US, 14 heifers were slaughtered, and their ovaries were collected for morphological analysis and follicle aspiration. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from the high and low AFC groups were graded according to their quality. Only best-quality COCs were stored for RNA-seq analysis. No differences were found in the presence or diameter of the dominant follicle and corpus luteum in the US, nor in the volume of the dominant follicle postmortem. The quantity of COCs recovered from high-AFC heifers was higher than that from low-AFC heifers (P &lt; 0.05), and a tendency (P = 0.07) toward a higher amount of grade II COCs was observed. Thirty-two genes were differentially expressed between the groups, of which 30 were up-regulated and two down-regulated in the low AFC group. Among these, 22 % (7/32) were associated with fertility (CAB39, SLC2A6, CITED2, FDX1, HSD11B2, CD81, and PLA2G12B). Moreover, 9 and 2 exclusive genes were identified in the high and low AFC groups, respectively. Enrichment analyses showed that genes exclusive to oocytes from low-AFC heifers were associated with fundamental cellular processes, such as biosynthesis/biogenesis of ribosomes, peptides, amides, and nucleotides, and also with autophagy, mitophagy and mTOR signalling pathways.On the other hand, only one pathway was enriched in the high AFC group, but this cannot be related to the events studied No differences were observed in the ovarian structures after pre-synchronization of the estrus cycle of young Crossbred Nelore-Angus heifers. However, a tendency of a higher amount of grade II COCs was observed in heifers with high AFC than in those with low AFC. RNA sequencing results indicated that the main differences between high and low AFC heifers were not reflected in the genes directly related to fertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 178-187"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of phoenixin-14 on angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in porcine corpus luteum: Role of GPR173 and ERK1/2, AKT, and AMPK signal pathway","authors":"Ewa Mlyczyńska ,&nbsp;Karolina Pich ,&nbsp;Joelle Dupont ,&nbsp;Agnieszka Rak","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117366","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117366","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Our previous studies have identified phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) and its receptor GPR173 in the porcine corpus luteum (CL) during the estrous cycle and their role in the endocrine function. This study explored PNX-14's impact on luteal angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. Luteal cells were cultured with PNX-14 at doses 1–1000 nM for 24–72 h. Then, the transcript level and secretion of angiogenic factors (VEGFA, bFGF2, ANG-1) and protein expression of their receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, FGFR1, FGFR2, TIE2) were analysed. Cell proliferation was assessed using the alamarBlue assay, whereas DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity through Cell Death Detection ELISA and CaspaseGlo 3/7 assay, respectively. We also examined mRNA and protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclins, and apoptotic factors. Using pharmacological inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), protein kinase B (AKT), 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and silencing of GPR173 by siRNA we checked their involvement in PNX-14 action in CL. The results showed that PNX-14 increased levels of bFGF2 and ANG-1, and protein expression of VEGFR2, FGFR1, and TIE2, while it decreased FGFR2. It enhanced luteal cell proliferation and PCNA expression, with variable effects on transcript and protein levels of cyclins. Moreover, PNX-14 decreased DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity, expression of caspases 3, 8, 9, and BAX, and increased BCL2. Additionally, GPR173 receptor and ERK1/2, AKT, and AMPK are involved in PNX-14 action on luteal function. In conclusion, PNX-14 acts as a luteotropic factor in the porcine CL by promoting angiogenesis, proliferation, and protection against apoptosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117366"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Deciphering immune tolerance in allogeneic pig pregnancy","authors":"Josep M. Cambra ,&nbsp;Cristina A. Martinez-Serrano ,&nbsp;Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez ,&nbsp;Juan M. Vazquez ,&nbsp;Cristina Cuello ,&nbsp;Maria A. Gil ,&nbsp;Emilio A. Martinez ,&nbsp;Inmaculada Parrilla","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117363","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117363","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Embryo transfer (ET) has transformed swine biotechnology, enabling genetic advancements and disease control. However, its success remains inconsistent, partly due to immune-mediated challenges at the maternal-fetal interface. This study explores the immunological environment of hemi-allogeneic pregnancies (via artificial insemination, AI) versus allogeneic pregnancies (via ET) in pigs during the critical implantation phase. Sows were categorized into groups based on pregnancy type and fetal counts, reflecting varying outcomes. Endometrial immune cell populations, including T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (T_regs), natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Notably, allogeneic pregnancies with poor outcomes displayed elevated NK cell and macrophage infiltration alongside reduced T_reg presence, contributing to a pro-inflammatory environment. In contrast, allogeneic pregnancies with favorable outcomes exhibited immune profiles resembling hemi-allogeneic pregnancies, suggesting enhanced maternal-fetal tolerance. These findings underscore the immunological variability driving embryo survival rates in ET pregnancies and highlight key cellular targets for improving reproductive efficiency. Further research on immunomodulatory strategies is vital to optimize ET success in swine and other species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117363"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Proline improves the developmental competence of in vitro matured porcine oocytes by enhancing mitochondrial function","authors":"Yazhuo Cheng ,&nbsp;Jiyong Shang ,&nbsp;Xilong Jia ,&nbsp;Yongda Zhao ,&nbsp;Jing Liu ,&nbsp;Yanjun Huan ,&nbsp;Jinghe Tan ,&nbsp;Mingju Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117362","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117362","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The in vitro maturation of oocytes is essential to embryo engineering. Mitochondrial function is essential for both oocyte maturation and the acquisition of developmental potential. In this study, we focused on proline, a natural antioxidant with permeability-protective properties; we hypothesized that proline could enhance porcine oocytes maturation in vitro by improving mitochondrial function. To test this hypothesis, we explored the effects of proline on mitochondrial function and the developmental competence of porcine oocytes. Treatment with 0.4 mM proline significantly increased the maturation rate, development rate, and the ratio of normal spindle morphology in porcine oocytes. The results indicated that proline supplementation enhanced both the quantity and function of mitochondria; specifically, the content of mitochondria and their mtDNA increased, with a more uniform distribution observed. Additionally, the mRNA expression of genes associated with mitochondrial division, fusion, and function showed marked increased following the addition of 0.4 mM proline. The mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels were significantly elevated, and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I and IV were also markedly enhanced after proline treatment. Moreover, proline supplementation not only reduced reactive oxygen species levels but also improved glutathione levels. These results suggested that proline enhances oocyte maturation quality by improving mitochondrial content and function during IVM in porcine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117362"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of zinc supplementation on bovine luteal function: In vivo and in vitro findings","authors":"Alejandro Maruri ,&nbsp;Juan Patricio Anchordoquy ,&nbsp;Nicolás Agustín Farnetano ,&nbsp;Ana Laura Flaherti ,&nbsp;Diana Esther Rosa ,&nbsp;Marianela Balbi ,&nbsp;Daniel Lombardo ,&nbsp;Cecilia Cristina Furnus ,&nbsp;Juan Mateo Anchordoquy","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for cellular processes such as oxidative stress regulation. Research on the relationship between Zn and the corpus luteum (CL) is limited, showing contradictory findings. Zinc supplementation before artificial insemination (AI) increases bovine CL size and progesterone (P₄) levels. In mice, <em>in vitro</em> experiments suggest that Zn may reduce P₄ production. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Zn in bovine luteal cell function by assessing 1) the effect of parenteral Zn supplementation (400 mg) 7 days after AI on CL size and plasma P₄ levels <em>in vivo</em>, and 2) the impact of Zn supplementation (0, 0.8 and 1.2 μg/ml) on P₄ production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and luteal cell viability <em>in vitro</em>. <em>In vivo</em>, Zn supplementation increased CL size but reduced plasma P₄ levels. <em>In vitro</em>, 0.8 μg/ml Zn decreased P₄ synthesis and ROS levels while enhancing cell viability, whereas 1.2 μg/ml Zn had no significant effect compared to the control. These findings indicate that Zn modulates luteal function in a dose-dependent manner, reducing oxidative stress while impairing P₄ production. Further studies are needed to optimize Zn supplementation strategies during assisted reproductive technologies and clarify Zn mechanisms of action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117365"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"miR-107 suppresses porcine granulosa cell proliferation and estradiol synthesis while promoting apoptosis via targeting PTGS2","authors":"Shuhan Liu ,&nbsp;Jiahao Chen ,&nbsp;Mingzheng Liu ,&nbsp;Chunlei Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaohuan Chao ,&nbsp;Huan Yang ,&nbsp;Tianshuo Wang ,&nbsp;Hongwei Bi ,&nbsp;Yuan Ding ,&nbsp;Ziming Wang ,&nbsp;Asim Muhammad ,&nbsp;Mubashir Muhammad ,&nbsp;Bo Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117367","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117367","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The proliferation, steroid metabolism, and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are critical for follicular development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and modulate signaling networks involved in various cellular processes. In this study, we identify miR-107, a conserved miRNA, as a key regulator of porcine follicle development through its effects on GCs proliferation, steroid metabolism, and apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate that miR-107 suppresses GCs proliferation and estradiol synthesis while promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, miR-107 exerts its regulatory effects by targeting Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2), binding to the 3ʹ untranslated region (3ʹ-UTR) of its mRNA. Overexpression of PTGS2 positively regulates porcine GCs function, significantly enhancing cell proliferation and steroid synthesis, reducing apoptosis, and increasing the protein levels of HSD3B1 and CYP19A1, which are key members of the ovarian steroidogenesis signaling pathway. These findings highlight the role of miR-107 in regulating porcine follicular development and underscore its potential as a molecular marker for influencing follicle growth and reproductive efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117367"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In vivo ovarian temperature promotes the in vitro growth and developmental competence of oocytes derived from bovine early antral follicles","authors":"Kohei Kawano ,&nbsp;Kenichiro Sakaguchi ,&nbsp;Yojiro Yanagawa ,&nbsp;Seiji Katagiri","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In cattle, the culture temperature used for the <em>in vitro</em> growth (IVG) of immature oocytes is generally 38.5 or 39.0 °C, which is close to the normal temperature in the vagina or rectum. However, the temperature in the <em>in vivo</em> ovarian tissue is approximately 1 °C lower (37.5 °C) than that in the vagina or rectum. Therefore, the generally accepted culture temperature may not be optimal for the IVG of bovine oocytes. Herein, we investigated the effects of culture temperature on the IVG of oocyte-cumulus granulosa complexes (OCGCs) derived from early antral follicles (0.5–1 mm in diameter). OCGCs were subjected to 12 days of IVG at temperatures of 37.5, 38.5, and 39.0 °C. OCGC viability and antrum formation were evaluated every 4 days. Estradiol-17β (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) production from OCGCs during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 4-day periods was evaluated by enzyme immunoassay. Viable OCGCs after IVG were subjected to <em>in vitro</em> maturation (IVM), <em>in vitro</em> fertilization, and embryo culture. Then, the nuclear status and diameter of oocytes after IVM, rates of cleavage and blastocysts, and cell number in blastocysts were evaluated. In addition, the mRNA expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the granulosa cells and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in oocytes after IVG were measured. The viability of OCGCs did not differ among the groups, whereas the rate of antrum formation on day 12 of IVG culture was highest in the 37.5 °C group (P &lt; 0.05). P₄ production did not differ among the groups; however, E₂ production during days 8–12 tended to be higher in the 37.5 °C group than in the other two groups combined (P &lt; 0.1). The mRNA expression of HSP70 and 90, and the GSH levels of oocytes, did not differ among the groups. The oocyte diameter after culture was larger in the 37.5 °C group than in the 39.0 °C group (P &lt; 0.05), and that in the 38.5 °C group was intermediate between the other two groups. The rates of nuclear maturation and cleavage did not differ among the groups. However, the blastocyst rate was higher in the 37.5 and 38.5 °C groups than in the 39.0 °C group (P &lt; 0.05). The cell number in the blastocysts in the 38.5 °C group was smaller than the <em>in vivo</em>-grown oocytes, while that in the 37.5 °C group and the <em>in vivo</em>-grown oocytes did not differ. In summary, OCGCs in the 37.5 °C group showed healthy morphology and steroidogenesis, as well as better growth and developmental competence of oocytes. Therefore, culture conditions close to the <em>in vivo</em> ovarian tissue temperature would be optimal for the IVG of immature bovine oocytes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seasonal effect on farrowing duration in sows within a temporarily confined farrowing system under tropical climates","authors":"Tip-apa Akkhaphan ,&nbsp;Rafa Boonprakob ,&nbsp;Alexander Grahofer ,&nbsp;Padet Tummaruk","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global warming negatively impacts sow reproduction, leading to health and welfare challenges and economic losses in the swine industry. The present study was a retrospective observational study that examined the effects of season, temperature, and humidity during parturition on farrowing duration and piglet birth intervals in sows housed in a temporarily confined system under a tropical climate. Data from 10039 farrowings of Landrace × Yorkshire sows (January–December 2023) included parity, farrowing date, parturition onset, total number of piglets born per litter (TB), number of piglets born alive per litter (BA), percentage of stillbirths (SB) and mummified fetuses (MF), and farrowing house temperature and humidity. The temperature-humidity index (THI) and averages for the 7 days before and on the day of farrowing were also calculated. The association between these parameters and the farrowing duration of sows was analyzed. Additionally, the proportion of sows experiencing prolonged farrowing (i.e., &gt;300 min) associated with different factors were evaluated. On average, TB, BA, SB, and MF were 13.9 ± 3.6, 12.4 ± 3.9, 5.7 %, and 5.8 %, respectively. The average farrowing duration was 228.9 ± 194.8 min, with 21.1 % of sows experiencing prolonged farrowing (≥300 min). Dystocia occurred in 5.1 % of farrowings, and the average birth interval for each piglet was 18.7 ± 26.7 min. During the 7-day period before parturition, sows were exposed to an average barn temperature of 26.7 ± 1.9 °C, with daily minimum and maximum temperatures of 25.1 ± 2.2 °C and 29.9 ± 1.0 °C, respectively. The average barn humidity during the 7-day period before parturition was 80.2 ± 5.8 %, with values ranging from 62.1 % to 90.1 %. The farrowing duration of sows was positively correlated with average temperature (r = 0.044, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), maximum temperature (r = 0.051, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and minimum temperature (r = 0.057, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) during the 7-day period before farrowing. Moreover, every 10 % increase in relative humidity during the 7-day period before parturition caused an increase in the farrowing duration of 21 min (farrowing duration = 61.0 + (2.1 × humidity), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Every 1 °C increase in the average temperature during the 7-day period before parturition caused an increase in the farrowing duration of 4.3 min (farrowing duration = 113.49 + (4.3 × temperature), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, 21.1 % of sows in tropical climates experience prolonged farrowing durations. Elevated temperatures, humidity, and THI during the 7 days prior to farrowing or on the day of farrowing significantly extended farrowing durations and birth intervals in sows. These findings highlight the critical importance of maintaining temperature and humidity levels as close as possible to the optimal range for lactating sows (i.e., 12–22 °C), particularly in tropical regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}