Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Effects of GnRH administration on pregnancy rate and litter size in ewes subjected to a fixed time insemination program during the breeding season","authors":"Baoyue Cui ,&nbsp;Aibibaimu Hapaer ,&nbsp;Xinglong Wu ,&nbsp;Yiyong Liu ,&nbsp;Xiangyun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to compare the effects of GnRH administration at sponge insertion, insemination, and day 7 post-insemination on pregnancy rate and litter size in ewes subjected to a fixed time insemination program during the breeding season. Estrus was synchronized in 2740 adult ewes at four experimental sites. An intravaginal sponge impregnated with flurogestone acetate was left in the vagina for 12 days followed by an injection of 330 IU of eCG at sponge removal. Each ewe was in seminated twice at 52 h and 64 h after sponge removal. In the Insertion group, the Insemination group, and the Post-insemination group, ewes were given an intramuscular administration of 25 μg of the GnRH agonist triptorelin at sponge insertion, insemination, and day 7 post-insemination, respectively. No GnRH administration was given in the Control group. Pregnancy rates and litter size were calculated after all deliveries were completed. The results showed that the pregnancy rates in the Insertion group were significantly higher compared to those in the Control group, the Insemination group, and the Post-insemination group. The litter size in the Insertion group and the Insemination group were not significantly different and were significantly higher compared to those in the Control group and the Post-insemination group. In conclusion, the fixed time artificial insemination program, in combination with GnRH administration at sponge insertion, is a simple and potentially effective strategy for increasing fertility in estrus-synchronized ewes during the breeding season.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108010"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145211432","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":"Broodstock age and diet as determinants of gamete quality and early development in hatchery-reared grayling (Thymallus thymallus)","authors":"Tjaša Kodela ,&nbsp;Alenka Levart ,&nbsp;Ákos Horváth ,&nbsp;Ida Djurdjevič ,&nbsp;Simona Sušnik Bajec","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Grayling (<em>Thymallus thymallus</em>) populations have declined significantly in European waters over past few decades. One of key conservation strategies involves stocking rivers with hatchery-reared fish. To improve the grayling rearing processes in hatcheries, this two-year study investigates the effects of broodstock age (3+ and 4+) and different commercial feeds on gamete quality, measured through egg biochemical composition, fertile egg proportion, sperm concentration and mobility, and early embryonic development in grayling. Broodstock age emerged as the dominant factor influencing reproductive success, with older females demonstrating higher fecundity and larger eggs. In addition, eggs of first-time spawners exhibited higher DHA/EPA ratios, which may be linked to early mortality syndromes; however, no differences in embryo survival were observed between age groups. Age also affected sperm quality, with higher progressive motility and velocity, but lower concentration in older males. Feed had a moderate effect on gamete quality, influencing the biochemical composition of eggs, including fatty acid profiles, and sperm concentration. Combined with reproductive performance, it was concluded that none of the tested feeds fully met the species' nutritional requirements for optimal reproduction. The average fertile egg proportion was 70 %, survival to the eyed egg stage was 25 %, and the hatching rate of larvae was below 10 %. Growth differences were observed, with males responding positively to carbohydrate-rich diets. Eggs from females fed high-carbohydrate diets exhibited altered n-3/n-6 PUFA ratios and reduced essential fatty acid levels. The findings underscore the necessity for tailored broodstock feed for grayling, which supports both growth and reproduction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108008"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218329","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":"Seminal extracellular vesicles influence porcine spermatozoa physiology by modulating key functional parameters","authors":"Ana Parra ,&nbsp;Francisco E. Martín-Cano ,&nbsp;Pablo Martínez-Díaz ,&nbsp;Patricia Panales ,&nbsp;Xiomara Lucas ,&nbsp;Jordi Roca ,&nbsp;Fernando J. Peña ,&nbsp;Isabel Barranco","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seminal plasma (SP) contains a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (EVs) recognized as key modulators of sperm function. However, the specific functional roles of each seminal EV (sEV) subset remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of two sized sEV subsets (small [S-sEVs] and large [L-sEVs]) with pig liquid-stored spermatozoa under different pH conditions and their effect on specific sperm functional parameters. Seminal EV subsets were isolated from SP samples using size exclusion chromatography and characterized following the MISEV2023 guidelines. Semen samples were incubated with each sEV subset or without sEVs (control) for 6 h at 37 ºC, 100 % humidity and 5 % CO₂ under different pH conditions (6.5, 7.0, or 7.5). Sperm functional parameters were assessed by flow cytometry (Cytoflex®S and LX, Beckman Coulter), under capacitating and non-capacitating conditions. Confocal microscopy revealed that both sEV subsets bound to and were internalized by spermatozoa as early as 30 min after incubation, regardless of pH. Flow cytometry revealed that both sEVs decreased reactive oxygen species production (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.0001), mitochondrial membrane potential (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.0001) and mitochondrial O₂^•⁻ levels (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.01) and increased apoptosis (active caspase-3) in viable spermatozoa (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.0001). However, the influence of sEV on acrosome integrity in viable sperm was time- and condition-dependent (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.05). This study showed that both S- and L-sEVs interact with porcine spermatozoa across a range of physiological pH conditions. This interaction is reflected by decreased oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity, as well as increased apoptosis in spermatozoa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108009"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145211401","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":"Spermidine supplementation protects porcine oocytes against triclosan-induced defects during maturation in vitro","authors":"Yang Gao ,&nbsp;Dandan Zhang ,&nbsp;Kaixiang Tan ,&nbsp;Mengting Wu ,&nbsp;Qixiang Tai ,&nbsp;Guilan Zhu ,&nbsp;Jinwu Chen ,&nbsp;Changyin Zhou ,&nbsp;Yong Zhu ,&nbsp;Yunhai Zhang ,&nbsp;Mianqun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oocytes are highly susceptible to environmental pollutants, with triclosan (TCS)-a pervasive antimicrobial-known to bioaccumulate and impair reproductive function. Yet, the mechanisms of TCS-induced oocyte degeneration and effective protective strategies remain unclear. This study explored the protective role of spermidine (SPD) against TCS-induced meiotic disruption and fertilization defects in porcine oocytes, focusing on its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. We found that TCS exposure disrupted meiotic progression by inducing spindle defects, chromosome misalignment, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis, ultimately impairing maturation and fertilization. SPD supplementation significantly alleviated these effects by stabilizing the cytoskeleton, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing apoptosis, thereby restoring oocyte quality and developmental competence. These findings highlight SPD as a promising intervention to counteract pollutant-induced oocyte damage and safeguard female fertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 107999"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156796","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":"The cryoprotective effect of virgin coconut oil on boar sperm: Enhancing sperm quality and reproductive performance","authors":"Shu Ma ,&nbsp;QianXi Liang ,&nbsp;Zhili Li ,&nbsp;Feng He ,&nbsp;Ye Wang ,&nbsp;Zhanwei Zhuang ,&nbsp;Jian Zhou ,&nbsp;Yunxiang Zhao ,&nbsp;Fumei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a natural cryoprotectant for boar sperm preservation. Duroc boar semen was cryopreserved with varying VCO concentrations (0.00 %, 0.01 %, 0.05 %, 0.10 %, 0.50 %, and 1.00 %). Comprehensive analysis revealed 0.1 % VCO optimally maintained post-thaw sperm quality, significantly improving motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial potential compared to controls. It also enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The optimal concentration was then used in artificial insemination (AI) trials to assess in vivo fertility. Metabolomic analysis identified significant alterations in lipid and energy metabolism pathways, with particular changes in N-acetylneuraminic acid and lysophosphatidylcholines that correlated with sperm quality improvements. These findings demonstrate VCO's effectiveness in protecting boar sperm during cryopreservation through multiple mechanisms including membrane stabilization, oxidative protection, and metabolic regulation. The 0.1 % VCO supplementation presents a practical solution for swine artificial insemination programs, offering both cryoprotective benefits and potential cost advantages over conventional additives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 107998"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156795","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":"Bovine β-defensin 129 (BBD129) polymorphisms associated with differential posttranslational O-glycosylation and phosphorylation modifications perturb the sperm functions and their fertilizing potential","authors":"Subhash Solanki ,&nbsp;Abhishek Kumar,&nbsp;Poonam Kashyap,&nbsp;Rakesh Kumar,&nbsp;Tirtha Kumar Datta","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In our earlier finding <em>BBD129</em> polymorphisms were differentially distributed in the distinct fertility cattle bulls and associated with altered post-translational modifications (PTMs), and sperm function. This study investigated the relationship between in-silico analysis of <em>BBD129</em> polymorphism and previously used high-fertility (HF) and low-fertility (LF) cattle bulls’ sperm. Using CFDA-PI staining, it depicted similar frozen viable, moribund, and non-viable sperm population profiles between the HF and LF cattle bulls. Phosphorylation quantification via microscopy and flow cytometry revealed significantly higher serine and threonine phosphorylation in LF sperm, particularly in the tail and head regions, aligning with in-silico predictions and suggesting a link to LF bulls. Glycan localization was assessed using a panel of seven lectins, revealing distinct surface glycan patterns between HF and LF sperm. Lectins targeting O-linked glycans (MAL-II, Jacalin, SNA) showed significantly higher binding on HF sperm surface, whereas LCA and PNA were more abundant on LF sperm. These findings were consistently confirmed by both microscopy and flow cytometry. Notably, HF sperm exhibited a greater abundance of surface glycans, correlating with enhanced cervical mucus penetration ability in the cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT); HF sperm traveled an average of 52.77 mm versus 42.30 mm for LF sperm. This study demonstrates that <em>BBD129</em> polymorphism influences critical PTMs, particularly glycosylation and phosphorylation, which in turn affect sperm membrane integrity, surface glycan composition, and functional competence in traversing the female reproductive tract. These molecular markers may serve as valuable indicators of bull fertility, providing insights for improving reproductive performance in cattle breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 107996"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108598","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":"Automated color Doppler ultrasound analysis of bull reproductive tissues using a machine learning-based image processing algorithm","authors":"Joedson Dantas Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Edilson Guimarães ,&nbsp;Rubens Paes Arruda ,&nbsp;Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira ,&nbsp;Leonardo Machestropa Arikawa ,&nbsp;Alexandre Rossetto Garcia","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107997","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Color Doppler ultrasound is effective for studying tissue perfusion of various organs, but current analysis methods are subjective and time-consuming. This study aims to develop and validate an algorithm for analyzing color Doppler images of the bull's testis and pampiniform plexus. For the study, we selected 2304 color Doppler images (1152 for both the testicular parenchyma and the pampiniform plexus) that were analyzed by a conventional method (CON Group), by pixel separation and counting using Adobe Fireworks® and ImageJ®, or by an algorithm developed in Python version 3.10 (ALGO Group) that can be set to analyze up to 35 variables simultaneously. The processing speed for the ALGO Group was 270 images/0.14 sec. The coefficients of determination (R²) for the variables analyzed by the conventional method and the algorithm were found to be considerably high (0.84–0.97, p &lt; 0.001 for testicular parenchyma images; 0.97–0.99, p &lt; 0.001 for pampiniform plexus). The high correlations indicate that the algorithm produces results consistent with the conventional method, demonstrating its reliability. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the conventional analyses and the algorithm were significant (0.92–0.98, p &lt; 0.001 for testicular parenchyma images; 0.98–0.99, p &lt; 0.001 for pampiniform plexus). In addition, Bland-Altman concordance analyses showed that most points fell within the 95 % confidence interval for both techniques in the organs evaluated. Given the strong correlations demonstrated, the reduced processing time, and the reliability of the results, it can be concluded that this algorithmic approach can effectively replace conventional methods for assessing vascular function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 107997"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096029","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":"Effects of Zinc oxide nanoparticles on llama sperm cryopreservation","authors":"Andrea Romina di Fonzo ,&nbsp;Mariana Lucía Bertuzzi ,&nbsp;María Victoria Amusquibar ,&nbsp;María Ignacia Carretero","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been reported to enhance sperm cryopreservation in several species, but their effect on frozen llama semen remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ZnO-NPs on sperm parameters in frozen/thawed llama semen. Fourteen ejaculates, obtained from seven male llamas, were each divided into three equal aliquots. Each aliquot was diluted with 1. AndroMed® with 20 % egg yolk and no ZnO-NPs (AM-EY0, Control); 2. AM-EY supplemented with 50 μg/ml of ZnO-NPs (AM-EY50) and 3. AM-EY supplemented with 100 μg/ml of ZnO-NPs (AM-EY100). Freezing was performed using an automatic machine. Evaluations were carried out on raw semen, immediately after dilution (0 h), and following the freezing/thawing process. Additionally, frozen/thawed samples were incubated at 37 °C and assessed at 15, 90, and 180 min. Data were analysed using Friedman tests, conventional ANOVA, or split-plot design models. The results showed no significant differences in sperm motility patterns, live sperm with intact acrosomes, membrane function, lipid peroxidation, sperm morphology, or DNA integrity among frozen/thawed groups (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). A trend toward higher sperm vigour was detected in frozen/thawed samples cryopreserved with 50 and 100 μg/ml of ZnO-NPs (<em>P</em> = 0.08). Moreover, ZnO-NPs did not enhance sperm survival during post-thaw incubation at 37 °C for up to 180 min. In conclusion, supplementation of the AM-EY extender with 50 or 100 μg/ml ZnO-NPs did not provide broad protection against cryodamage in llama sperm. Further studies testing a wider range of concentrations are needed to assess their potential benefits for sperm cryopreservation in this species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 107994"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145091101","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":"Recombinant bovine somatotropin alters embryonic gene expression in superovulated ewes","authors":"Ana Paula Pereira Schmidt ,&nbsp;Pedro Henrique Nicolau Pinto ,&nbsp;Juan Pedro Bottino González ,&nbsp;Pedro Henrique de Mello Cotta Maia ,&nbsp;Maria Paula da Costa Plaza ,&nbsp;Brenda Barbosa Martins ,&nbsp;Ribrio Ivan Tavares Pereira Batista ,&nbsp;Joanna Maria G. Souza-Fabjan ,&nbsp;Mário Felipe Alvarez Balaro ,&nbsp;Jeferson Ferreira da Fonseca ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Ungerfeld ,&nbsp;Felipe Zandonadi Brandão","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to determine if recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) administration before a superovulatory protocol increases the ovulation rate and embryo quality, including gene expression, in sheep. Forty multiparous Santa Inês ewes were superovulated using 133 IU of FSH in six decreasing doses. Ewes from the treatment group (GST; n = 20), received a subcutaneous injection of 50 mg rbST 3 days before beginning the superovulatory treatment, while the control group (GCON; n = 20) remained as controls receiving saline solution. The ovaries were scanned with ultrasound to evaluate the follicular population, ovulation rate, and corpora lutea. Blood samples were collected to determine insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations. Embryos were recovered and analyzed for gene expression. The administration of rbST significantly increased serum IGF-1 levels while downregulating the expression of BCL2 and PRDX1 in embryos. Additionally, the expression of SIRT2 and CDH1 was upregulated in embryos collected from GST ewes, suggesting enhanced metabolic regulation and cell adhesion processes within embryonic cells. However, no significant differences were observed between GST and GCON in corpora lutea count, viable embryos. The treatment did not modify the follicular populations, the incidence of estrus, or the ovulation rate. In summary, administering a single dose of rbST before beginning the superovulation (SOV) treatment modulated the expression of genes related to embryo development. These findings provide novel insights into the non-ovarian effects of rbST in sheep and suggest a potential strategy to improve embryo developmental competence in assisted reproduction protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 107995"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145091067","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":"Herbicide exposure impairs the morphofunctional parameters of bovine sperm","authors":"Diogo Ferreira Bicca ,&nbsp;Rafaela Dalmolin Menezes ,&nbsp;Luiza Gazeta Passos ,&nbsp;Clara de Carvalho Silva ,&nbsp;Mariana Gimenez dos Santos ,&nbsp;Laura Rohde Brondani ,&nbsp;Rogério Ferreira ,&nbsp;Fábio Gallas Leivas ,&nbsp;Daniela dos Santos Brum ,&nbsp;Francielli Weber Santos Cibin","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glyphosate (GLP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and atrazine (ATZ) are the most commercialized herbicides in Brazil. Despite the damage to male fertility caused by pesticides, information on cattle remains limited. We evaluated the effects of exposing bovine sperm to concentrations of GLP, 2, 4-D, and ATZ. A semen pool from four bulls was incubated at 37°C for 1 and 3 h in TALP-Fert medium, and treated as follows: Control group (vehicle dimethyl sulfoxide); GLP at 5 (G5), 36 (G36), and 50 (G50) µg/mL; 2,4-D, at 0.5 (D05), 1 (D1), and 5 (D5) µM; and ATZ, at 0.05 (A005), 0.1 (A01), and 1 (A1) µM. Herbicide groups affected various kinematic parameters. Total motility was reduced by ATZ, while progressive motility decreased in all treatments compared to the control. Velocity-related kinematic parameters were significantly impaired by GLP treatment, and hyperactivity was negatively influenced by all three herbicide groups. Sperm morphology was altered in the G50, D5, and ATZ groups, with a higher incidence of major defects compared to the control. The hypo-osmotic swelling test revealed that plasma membrane integrity was compromised only in the A005 and A01 treatment groups. Regarding oxidative stress markers, although no differences were observed in reactive oxygen species generation or lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity was significantly reduced by the 2,4-D treatment. Moreover, fertilization rates declined in the D05 group, which corresponded to the lowest 2,4-D concentration. These findings demonstrate that herbicide concentrations can adversely affect bovine spermatozoa by impairing critical quality parameters, ultimately compromising sperm function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 107993"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145079464","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}