Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Transcriptome analysis of the ovary and testis of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata: Identification of genes and pathways involved in gonadal development","authors":"Ying Guo ,&nbsp;Pei Wang ,&nbsp;Ruolin Zhu ,&nbsp;Tangrongjun Guo ,&nbsp;Weiwei Chen ,&nbsp;Xiuxiu Sang ,&nbsp;Lirong Bai ,&nbsp;Xianwei Fan ,&nbsp;Dahui Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107832","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pinctada fucata</em> is a commercially vital species in global pearl aquaculture, producing high-quality pearls. To investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms of gonadal development in <em>P. fucata</em>, transcriptome analysis was employed to compare expression profiles between testis and ovary across four key developmental stages. A total of 56.86 Gb of clean data was generated, including 392,510 circular consensus sequencing reads, among which 292,295 full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) sequences were identified. A transcript clustering analysis of FLNC reads revealed 89,645 high-quality consensus sequences. 17,646 gene loci were identified, including 8588 novel loci and 28,121 newly discovered transcripts, of which 17,350 were successfully annotated. The boundaries of 12,040 genes on the chromosomes were corrected, and 10,761 complete open reading frame sequences. 281 genes related to gonadal development were identified, including 186 genes with full-length cDNAs in the PacBio library. The study found that <em>HUS1-like</em>, <em>MAD2A-X1</em>, and <em>BLM</em> were stage-specifically upregulated during ovarian maturation, ensuring the accuracy of meiosis. Meanwhile, <em>NR0B1</em>, <em>ETV7L-X5</em>, and <em>CAPRIN1-X2</em> promoted testicular maturation by regulating somatic cell differentiation and the germ cell microenvironment. KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways involved in gonadal development, including the ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, DNA replication, and lysosome. Fatty acid metabolism was linked to ovarian maturation, while the FoxO and ErbB signaling pathways were associated with testicular maturation. These findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating gonadal development in <em>P. fucata</em> and enhance genomic resources for this economically important species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 107832"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739977","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":"AMPKα alleviates the inhibitory effect of NEFA on the function of bovine follicular granulosa cells cultured in vitro","authors":"Chang Zhao ,&nbsp;Ruru Xu ,&nbsp;Shuzhen Xin ,&nbsp;Benzheng Jiang ,&nbsp;Shibin Feng ,&nbsp;Xichun Wang ,&nbsp;Cheng Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in cows with subclinical ketosis (SCK) impair postpartum follicular development and disrupt estrus. The precise mechanism through which NEFA impacts the functionality of bovine follicular cells remains elusive. An in vivo experiment was conducted to compare SCK cows without estrus (SCK-E, n = 6) with healthy cows in estrus (C-E, n = 6). In the vitro test, bovine granulosa cells (GCs) were exposed to 0.4 mM NEFA. Notably, the SCK-E group exhibited an elevated ratio of phosphorylated adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) to total AMPKα in both liver and ovarian tissues, compared to the C-E group. NEFA treatment of GCs adversely affected steroid hormone synthesis, suppressed the expression of cyclin and proteins crucial for steroid synthesis, and triggered cell apoptosis, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation. Furthermore, it led to a decline in cell mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in reactive oxygen species production, ultimately causing cellular damage. Subsequently, GCs were co-cultured with adenovirus (ad-AMPKα-siRNA) and NEFA (0.4 mM). Inhibiting AMPKα further exacerbated the detrimental effects of NEFA on steroid hormone synthesis, cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and mitochondrial function in GCs. Furthermore, upon inhibiting AMPKα, a reduction was observed in both mRNA and protein levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, accompanied by an elevation in the levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. These findings suggest that AMPKα becomes activated in SCK cows experiencing elevated NEFA levels, and that AMPKα has the potential to mitigate the detrimental effects of NEFA on GCs function in vitro.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 107831"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143734525","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":"Successive seminal collections from Piaractus mesopotamicus in biofloc technology during the reproductive period","authors":"Louise Nex Spica ,&nbsp;Ruy Alberto Caetano Corrêa Filho ,&nbsp;Maurício Gustavo Coelho Emerenciano ,&nbsp;Diógenes Henrique de Siqueira Silva ,&nbsp;Lucas de Oliveira Brasileiro ,&nbsp;Rebeca Maria Sousa ,&nbsp;Giovanna Rodrigues Stringhetta ,&nbsp;Jany Bernardino Santos Gomes ,&nbsp;Adryadine Almeida da Costa ,&nbsp;Lais Santos Roque ,&nbsp;Sara Ferreira Pedrosa ,&nbsp;Jayme Aparecido Povh","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107821","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107821","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the sperm characteristics of pacu (<em>Piaractus mesopotamicus</em>) maintained in biofloc technology (BFT) in comparison partial water renewal system (PWR). Twenty-five males in two production systems were used: 12 in BFT and 13 in PWR. The fish were induced to reproduce in two moments: before the distribution in the experimental units of both systems; and after maintenance of the breeders for 42 days in the systems. After 42 days, only 23 % of PWR fish released semen, compared to 75 % of those kept in BFT. This improvement in the reproduction of pacu broodstock kept in BFT can be corroborated by the higher (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) gonadosomatic index of broodstock kept in BFT (0.387) compared to those kept in PWR (0.135), and also due to more advanced germ cell stages (spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa) in broodstock testes maintained in BFT at 42 days. Despite a decrease in sperm concentration in BFT from the first to the second collection, the total number of spermatozoa did not differ significantly. Plasma membrane integrity associated with mitochondrial potential was worse for broodstock kept in PWR compared to those kept in BFT. The total amount of spermatozoa produced per liter of water used in BFT was 46,406, surpassing 304 of PWR's system. Maintaining pacu breeders in BFT for 42 days is more efficient for induced reproduction in situations of successive semen collections compared to the PWR system, with improved water optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 107821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683362","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":"Relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide promotes gamete maturation and spawning in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus","authors":"Jiaze Wang ,&nbsp;Zhaoming Gao ,&nbsp;Shuai Liu ,&nbsp;Yongchao Hu ,&nbsp;Libin Zhang ,&nbsp;Beini Deng ,&nbsp;Zhenxia Sha ,&nbsp;Xiaoshang Ru","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Apostichopus japonicus</em> is a crucial aquaculture species in Asia, and seedling production is fundamental to its cultivation. Nevertheless, the reproductive behavior of this species remains difficult to regulate artificially. Although the spawning mode of sea cucumbers is well documented, the endocrine mechanisms that regulate the synchronized processes of oocyte maturation and spawning behavior remain poorly understood. In this study, the effects of a recombinant relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) on oocyte maturation and parental spawning behavior were investigated. The recombinant RGP derived from <em>A. japonicus</em> was effectively expressed using the <em>Pichia pastoris</em> system, and its biological activity was validated through mass spectrometry analysis. Results indicated that the RGP promoted oocyte maturation by inducing the rupture of germinal vesicles. Behavioral studies revealed that the RGP enhanced gamete release. Furthermore, the gametes induced by the RGP did not differ significantly from those released spontaneously in terms of progeny quality and quantity. These findings suggested that the recombinant RGP could be utilized in the breeding of <em>A. japonicus</em> seedlings. They also had substantial implications for elucidating the reproductive behavior of this species and for the artificial induction of seedling production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 107820"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143591694","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 hCG administered 5 or 7 days after the onset of induced estrus on luteal morphology and function in seasonally anovular dairy goats","authors":"Juliana Nascimento Duarte Rodrigues ,&nbsp;José Domingos Guimarães ,&nbsp;Paulo Sergio Cerqueira Rangel ,&nbsp;Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira ,&nbsp;Felipe Zandonadi Brandão ,&nbsp;Pawel Mieczyslaw Bartlewski ,&nbsp;Jeferson Ferreira Fonseca","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107818","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107818","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (i.m.) human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administered on day 5 (D5) or day 7 (D7) after estrus (D0) on luteal structures (number, area, vascularization, and progesterone secretion) and pregnancy rates in estrus-induced dairy goats during the non-breeding season. Thirty-four Alpine goats received intravaginal sponges containing medroxyprogesterone acetate for 6 days and a single i.m. injection of 200 international units (IU) of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) plus 37.5 micrograms (µg) of d-cloprostenol 24 hours before sponge removal. All exhibited estrus and were mated by fertile bucks. Goats were randomly assigned to hCG-5 (300 IU on D5; n = 12), hCG-7 (300 IU on D7; n = 11), or controls (n = 11). Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and blood sampling were performed on D5, D7, D10, D13, D17, and D21, with pregnancy diagnosis on D60. hCG treatment did not affect pregnancy rates. Accessory corpora lutea (aCL) appeared in 66.6 % (hCG-5) and 90.9 % (hCG-7) (P &gt; 0.05). Total luteal area in hCG-7 was greater (P &lt; 0.05) than in controls from D10 to D21. The mean original corpora lutea (oCL) area in hCG-7 was largest (P &lt; 0.05) on D10. High-velocity Doppler area (HVDA) of aCL was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in hCG-5 compared with hCG-7 on D13. Plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in hCG-7 than in controls from D10 to D21. Although hCG administered on D5 or D7 transiently enhanced luteal function and vascularization, it did not improve pregnancy outcomes in seasonally anovular dairy goats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 107818"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143580083","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":"Antioxidant enzyme dynamics suggest the absence of oxidative stress in the canine endometrium across the estrous cycle","authors":"R. Payan-Carreira ,&nbsp;C. Santos ,&nbsp;D. Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxidative stress plays a vital role in female fertility, yet the mechanisms regulating oxidative balance in the canine endometrium remain poorly understood. This study investigates the dynamics of the antioxidant enzyme system in the canine endometrium, focusing on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GSR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), along with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total cellular thiols. Enzyme activities were revealed in five different phases of oestrus cycle in 25 dogs, using a spectrophotometric method: anestrus, proestrus, estrus, early diestrus and diestrus (n = 5 per group). Notably, a distinctive pattern in SOD and CAT activity was observed, with the former being characterised by a decrease from anestrus to estrus, and the later showed an opposite increase from anestrus to diestrus. In contrast, the activities of the glutathione-dependent enzymes GPX, GSR, and GST remained remarkably stable, although showing some fluctuations in different stages. TBARS analysis indicated an evident increase in oxidative stress-related lipid peroxidation in the canine endometrium only between anestrus and proestrus. Conversely, the thiol cell content remained consistent within the cycle stages. Our examination of enzyme ratios underscores a delicate balance in the normal canine uterus, effectively controlling oxidative stress without causing damage to lipids or proteins due to excessive reactive oxygen species. These findings contribute to our understanding of the unique physiological dynamics of the canine endometrium, offering valuable insights into the intricate regulation of oxidative stress in this context and its potential implications for female fertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 107819"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143552836","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":"Comparison of the reproductive cycles of two cryptic soles in the Adriatic Sea","authors":"Laura Sabatini ,&nbsp;Fortunata Donato ,&nbsp;Mario La Mesa ,&nbsp;Emanuela Fanelli ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Scarcella","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the Adriatic Sea, two congeneric and cryptic soles coexist and share the same habitats. They are the common sole, <em>Solea solea</em>, one of the main Mediterranean fishery resources, and the Egyptian sole, <em>Solea aegyptiaca</em>. The present study investigated and compared their reproductive biology to obtain updated and original information useful for explaining their coexistence as distinct and reproductively isolated species and supporting stock assessment and management measures. The comparison of the reproductive cycle and strategy revealed similar and distinctive traits. Histological analysis indicated that both species had asynchronous ovaries and were batch-spawners. On the other hand, spawning activities occurred in late autumn or late winter-early spring in <em>S. solea</em> and <em>S. aegyptiaca</em>, respectively. Such a different reproductive timing may contribute to their sexual isolation and genetic distinction. Other pre-zygotic isolating processes have been hypothesized to act by preventing mating, such as the involvement of olfactory sense for intraspecific recognition. Fecundity estimates were similar between the two species (mean potential fecundity: 323,122 for <em>S. aegyptiaca</em> and 210,752 for <em>S. solea</em>, <em>P</em> &gt; 0.05), but the oocytes produced by <em>S. aegyptiaca</em> were significantly smaller than those of <em>S. solea</em>. This study contributed to shedding light on the reproductive traits that may support the coexistence of these congeneric species and encouraged future investigations to understand their fitness in the Adriatic Sea.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 107817"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644451","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":"Gelatin capsules for post mortem vitrification of Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) ovarian tissue as an accessible solution for emergency genetic preservation","authors":"Thaiza Rodrigues de Freitas ,&nbsp;Lis Santos Marques ,&nbsp;Raquel Santos dos Santos ,&nbsp;Renata Villar Dantas ,&nbsp;Thales Souza França ,&nbsp;Rômulo Batista Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Karel Gelina Torres-Lozano ,&nbsp;Eduardo Albuquerque ,&nbsp;Diógenes Henrique Siqueira-Silva ,&nbsp;Tiantian Zhang ,&nbsp;Danilo Pedro Streit Jr","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107816","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107816","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental disasters have caused significant losses in fish populations, threatening the genetic diversity of many species. Cryopreservation of genetic material post-mortem has emerged as a potential solution to safeguard biodiversity. However, a fast, accessible method for cryopreserving such material in emergencies is needed. This study aims to evaluate gelatin capsules as a practical, rapid alternative to cryovials for the vitrification of fish ovarian tissue <em>post mortem</em>, providing an emergency method for genetic preservation. Experiments were conducted during a real-life incident where fish were found deceased. Gelatin capsules demonstrated performance comparable to cryovials in terms of oocyte viability (capsules: 68.3 ± 10.3 %; cryovials: 64 ± 5.7 %) and mitochondrial activity (capsules: 10.3 ± 4.5 AU/g; cryovials: 8.7 ± 2.7 AU/g) immediately after warming. Viability decreased after 24 h of incubation, but no significant differences were observed between treatments or containers. Histological analysis revealed minor morphological damage in capsule-vitrified oocytes immediately after warming; however, damage was equally present in both containers after 24 h. The addition of LH and FSH to the medium reduced oocyte damage, while cryovial samples without hormones showed larger cell areas (0.077 ± 0.023 mm) and perimeters (3.31 ± 0.98 mm). Gelatin capsules are a viable, accessible option for emergency cryopreservation, serving as a useful tool for preserving maternal fish genetic material under urgent circumstances. Additionally, viable primary growth oocytes were successfully obtained <em>post mortem</em> and remained viable after 24 h of incubation, highlighting the potential of this method for emergency genetic preservation applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 107816"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143552835","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":"A metabolomic study uncovering key amino acids and amines in Duroc boar semen as biomarkers of sexual maturity","authors":"Asmita Shrestha ,&nbsp;Ann Helen Gaustad ,&nbsp;Janne Beate Øiaas ,&nbsp;Elisabeth Kommisrud ,&nbsp;Maren van Son ,&nbsp;Anna Nordborg ,&nbsp;Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolomic analysis of boar semen associated with sexual maturation is essential for improving fertility management and breeding, with amino acids and amines playing key roles in the reproductive process. This study aimed to explore changes in amino acids and amines in boar spermatozoa and seminal plasma during puberty to sexual maturity and identify potential biomarkers of sexual maturity. Semen was collected from the same 15 Duroc boars over time at approximately 7 months (Age 1), 8.5 months (Age 2), and 10 months (Age 3). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyse amino acids and amines in spermatozoa and seminal plasma separately. Multivariate analysis (PLS-DA) revealed pronounced age-dependent changes in amino acids and amines in spermatozoa between Age 1 and Age 3, and more subtle shifts in seminal plasma. Univariate analysis (Repeated measure ANOVA/Friedman) revealed that glutamate and taurine had significant pairwise differences in seminal plasma (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In sperm, 15 amino acids (glutamate, alanine, aspartate, choline, taurine, histidine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, cystine, tyrosine, arginine, lysine, valine and glycine) exhibited significant pairwise differences (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). VIP scoring (&gt;1.5) prioritised glutamate, alanine, aspartate, and choline as key contributors to the variations and pathway analysis implicated alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and histidine metabolism linked to sexual maturity. Our study highlights metabolic changes during sexual maturation, identifying potential biomarkers for assessing reproductive maturity. These findings are initial steps toward optimising younger boars' usage in breeding, enhancing genetic gain, and reducing costs associated with their non-productive days at AI centres.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 107800"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474586","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":"The use of wheat grass juice as a promising functional feed additive for enhancing reproductive performance and larvae quality of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)","authors":"C.-A. Barbacariu ,&nbsp;G. Dumitru ,&nbsp;L. Dîrvariu ,&nbsp;D.A. Şerban ,&nbsp;I. Dincheva ,&nbsp;E. Todirascu-Ciornea ,&nbsp;M. Burducea","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107796","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107796","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The optimization of broodstock nutrition remains a critical challenge in sturgeon aquaculture. This study investigated the effects of wheatgrass juice (WGJ) supplementation of sterlet (<em>Acipenser ruthenus</em>) broodstock on reproductive performance, larval quality, hematological profile and oxidative status. Female sterlets were randomly assigned to three groups: control diet (V1), WGJ-supplemented diet (V2, 4 % inclusion), both (V1 and V2) hormonally stimulated and saline solution (V3) without hormonal stimulation. WGJ's chemical composition revealed substantial levels of bioactive compounds, including chlorophyll (a: 0.936 ± 0.01, b: 0.329 ± 0.01 mg/mL fw), carotenoids (0.167 ± 0.01 mg/mL fw), proteins (1.205 ± 0.04 mg PSB/mL fw), flavonoids (7.381 ± 0.31 mg/mL fw), and polyphenols (2.963 ± 0.05 mg/mL fw). WGJ supplementation significantly enhanced reproductive parameters, with V2 showing higher egg production (0.23 ± 0.03 kg vs. 0.13 ± 0.01 kg) and gonadosomatic index (14.48 ± 1.73 vs. 8.05 ± 0.51) compared to V1. Larvae from WGJ-supplemented females exhibited significantly improved length (10.9 ± 0.3 cm vs. 9.8 ± 0.14 cm, p &lt; 0.001) and weight parameters. Analysis of oxidative stress markers revealed tissue-specific modulation of antioxidant systems, with WGJ supplementation reducing malondialdehyde levels across tissues (muscle: 1.061 ± 0.075 vs. 1.888 ± 0.105 nM/mg protein, p &lt; 0.0001) and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. Hematological parameters remained within physiological ranges, with reduced neutrophil counts in the WGJ group suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects. These findings establish WGJ as a promising functional feed additive for enhancing reproductive performance in sterlet aquaculture, while maintaining optimal physiological status through improved antioxidant defense mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"274 ","pages":"Article 107796"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143429542","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}