Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Retrospective evaluation of semen quality in bulls in Spain, managed in extensive grazing systems over a 10-year period","authors":"C.C. Pérez-Marín ,&nbsp;L. Quevedo ,&nbsp;M. Salas ,&nbsp;L.A. Quintela","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extensively managed beef herds often lack systematic reproductive monitoring, which can lead to reduced fertility rates and economic losses. Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE) is a critical tool for identifying sires with suboptimal reproductive performance. This study aimed to assess semen quality and reproductive soundness in beef bulls raised under extensive systems, to determine the prevalence of unsatisfactory breeders and identify factors affecting reproductive performance. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1541 evaluations for breeding soundness in 549 bulls (checked in different years or re-checked after an unsatisfactory result) across 45 farms in southern Spain between 2014 and 2024. Bulls underwent physical examination, scrotal circumference (SC) measurement, and semen collection (by electroejaculation). Sperm motility was assessed using computer-assisted analysis. Bulls were classified as suitable, questionable or unsatisfactory based on BBSE criteria. Overall, 83.1 % of bulls passed BBSE: 68.9 % were classified as suitable and 14.2 % as questionable. A total of 16.9 % were unsatisfactory due to low progressive motility, anatomical defects, or clinical conditions. Morphological sperm assessment was not performed in all the samples. A total of 230 bulls classified as unsatisfactory in a first evaluation were reevaluated (63.5 %), showing that 52.9 % of them exhibited acceptable semen quality later, highlighting the importance of follow-up testing. Limousin bulls had the highest probability of passing BBSE (82.5 %), while older bulls (&gt;85 months) had reduced odds. Seminal parameters varied significantly among breeds, and age affected SC but not sperm motility or other semen parameters. BBSE is an essential tool in extensive systems to ensure optimal bull fertility and prevent economic losses. Repeated evaluations improve accuracy, particularly for bulls initially deemed unsatisfactory. Breed, age, and farm management practices significantly influence reproductive outcomes and should be considered in breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108120"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146117708","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":"MSI2 expression in single vs. double dominant follicles and its role in Mongolian sheep fecundity","authors":"Hao Qinqin ,&nbsp;Li Penghui ,&nbsp;Zhou Xin ,&nbsp;He Yang ,&nbsp;Liu Haodong ,&nbsp;Li Xiaolong ,&nbsp;Yu Mingyang ,&nbsp;Zhang Zelin ,&nbsp;Fan Jiaxin ,&nbsp;Yang Wenchao ,&nbsp;Yin Junzhe ,&nbsp;Cao Guifang ,&nbsp;Li Haijun ,&nbsp;Cao Xiaojuan ,&nbsp;Ge Haiyan ,&nbsp;Li Yongqiang ,&nbsp;Ren Junguang ,&nbsp;Du Chenguang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Musashi 2 (MSI2), a conserved RNA-binding protein, is important in mammalian sperm and follicle development. Its function in Mongolian sheep, however, remains unclear. We investigated the differential expression of MSI2 in single and double dominant follicles of Mongolian sheep and its role in prolificacy. Sixty 7-month-old Mongolian ewes in estrus were studied. The results showed that MSI2 was expressed in Mongolian sheep ovarian granulosa cells, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of MSI2 were significantly higher in single dominant follicles than in double dominant follicles. There were 3400 DEGs in the single and double dominant follicles of Mongolian sheep, which were mainly enriched in steroidogenesis, TGF-β, and estrogen signaling pathways; based on PPI analysis, further studies were conducted on CYP17A1, ERβ, StAR, and 3β-HSD that interact with MSI2. It has been confirmed that they are coexpressed in Mongolian sheep ovarian granulosa cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MSI2 and CYP17A1 in double dominant follicles were significantly lower than those in single dominant follicles, with a significant positive correlation. In contrast, 3β-HSD, StAR, and ERβ were more highly expressed in double follicles, correlating negatively with MSI2. It is speculated that reduced expression of MSI2 and CYP17A1 in double dominant follicles promotes the expression of StAR, 3β-HSD, and ERβ, thereby facilitating the formation of double dominant follicles in Mongolian sheep. This study confirms that MSI2 may serve as an essential regulatory factor for Mongolian sheep multiparity trait, providing a theoretical basis for further research on the trait.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"287 ","pages":"Article 108112"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146016935","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":"Temporal trends in porcine and bovine semen characteristics: A retrospective long-term analysis of semen production data","authors":"Britta Hensel ,&nbsp;Sophie Henneberg ,&nbsp;Filip Schröter ,&nbsp;Maren Hürland ,&nbsp;Jan-Hendrik Osmers ,&nbsp;Stefan Geissendörfer ,&nbsp;Matthias Lautner ,&nbsp;Markus Jung ,&nbsp;Martin Schulze","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial insemination (AI) is frequently used in cattle and pig production, and semen quality is crucial to both genetic advancement and successful reproduction. While several studies have documented deteriorating semen quality in humans, dogs, and horses, knowledge about long-term trends of bull and boar semen quality is insufficient despite its biological and economic significance. The present study aimed to assess temporal trends in semen quality parameters in bulls and boars over a period of 18 and 22 years, respectively, using production data collected at a single German AI center for each species. A retrospective analysis of semen characteristics, including ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, and sperm output, was performed on 47,757 bull ejaculates collected between 1997 and 2019 and 619,368 boar ejaculates collected between 2005 and 2023. Temporal trends were evaluated using linear regressions. The analysis revealed a significant increase in sperm concentration and total sperm motility for both bulls and boars. The decrease in ejaculate volume in both species did not negatively affect overall sperm output, which showed an increasing trend in line with sperm concentration and total sperm motility for bulls as well as boars. All observed trends were highly significant (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Results contrast findings in other species and highlight the efficiency of breeding strategies in the cattle and pig industry, improving not only production traits but also reproductive performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108093"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145838937","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":"Reproductive responses of Synodontis eupterus to different dietary melatonin levels under blue light conditions","authors":"Agus Oman Sudrajat ,&nbsp;Shofihar Sinansari ,&nbsp;Harton Arfah ,&nbsp;Eni Kusrini ,&nbsp;Bastiar Nur ,&nbsp;Darmawan Setia Budi ,&nbsp;Odang Carman ,&nbsp;Alimuddin Alimuddin","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated <em>Synodontis eupterus</em> (squeaker catfish) reproductive responses maintained under blue light exposure and different melatonin dietary levels for 56 days, with dosage: 0 mg/kg (M0), 0.5 mg/kg (M0.5), and 1 mg/kg (M1). Each treatment consisted of 12 individually maintained broodstock (6 individuals of each sex), with 90.15 ± 16.66 g (males) and 89.51 ± 16.65 g (females) initial body weights. Fish were reared individually in 75 × 60 × 60 cm tanks under continuous aeration and blue LED light (550 lux; 465–467 nm). Assessments were conducted using defined subsamples: GSI, HSI, and gonadal histology from 3 fish/sex/treatment; hormone profiles from 4 fish/sex/treatment; and gamete quality, fertilization, and hatching rates from 3 spawning pairs/treatment. Dietary melatonin influenced several reproductive parameters, with the M0.5 treatment showing higher female and male GSI (10.99 ± 4.05 % and 0.51 ± 0.03 %), egg diameter (0.49 ± 0.02 mm), and fecundity (8.73 ± 2.64 eggs/g). Sperm concentration, viability, and motility were also higher in M0.5. Broodstock receiving 0.5 mg/kg melatonin exhibited earlier peaks of estradiol-17β and testosterone. Fertilization, hatching, and early larval survival and growth were highest in M0.5. Responses in the M1 group were generally lower than those in M0.5 across several parameters; however, these differences were not consistently significant, and therefore no definitive inhibitory effect is inferred. Overall, the findings suggest that a moderate melatonin dose (0.5 mg/kg) under blue light supports improvements in gonadal maturation, gamete quality, and early larval performance in <em>S. eupterus</em>, warranting further validation with larger experimental replication.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108089"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145801625","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":"MicroRNA-150 deficiency promotes progesterone synthesis and apoptosis in goat luteal cells by targeting nuclear receptor NR4A1","authors":"Hao Yu,&nbsp;Xiaotong Li,&nbsp;Xianyi Zhou,&nbsp;Jie Zhao,&nbsp;Wei Wang,&nbsp;Dagan Mao","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the effects of microRNA-150 (miR-150) on progesterone (P4) synthesis and apoptosis in goat luteal cells. Corpus luteum (CL) tissues were collected from non-pregnant goats. qPCR and in situ hybridization showed that miR-150 was highly expressed in the early CL but decreased in mid and late CL, and miR-150 was positively localized in luteal cells. Luteal cells from mid-cycle CL were then transfected with Agomir-150 (mimics) or Antagomir-150 (inhibitor). Immunoassays and qPCR results showed that Agomir-150 suppressed P4 levels and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of hormone‑sensitive lipase (HSL), phosphorylated HSL (p-HSL), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and 3β‑hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B), whereas Antagomir-150 had the opposite effects. In addition, flow cytometry, qPCR, and Western blot results showed that Agomir-150 had no significant impact on cell apoptosis, while Antagomir-150 promoted apoptosis, up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-3, and down-regulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) expression. Bioinformatic analysis identified nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 1 (NR4A1) as a potential miR-150 target. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-150 directly binds to the NR4A1–3′UTR and represses its expression, which was further validated by qPCR and Western blot. A rescue experiment revealed that NR4A1 knockdown partially reversed the Antagomir-150–induced up-regulation of P4 synthesis and apoptosis. Overall, this study demonstrates that miR-150 contributes to P4 synthesis and apoptosis in goat luteal cells by targeting NR4A1.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108092"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145838938","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":"High glucose in the extender impacts the metabolic phosphoproteome and modifies the phosphorylation of AKAP4 in stallion spermatozoa","authors":"Laura Becerro-Rey ,&nbsp;Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano ,&nbsp;Antonio Silva-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola ,&nbsp;Eva da Silva-Álvarez ,&nbsp;Clara Zabalo-Palomo ,&nbsp;Cruz Gil ,&nbsp;Fernando J. Peña","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Commercial extenders for equine semen typically contain high glucose concentrations; however, recent research indicates that these supraphysiological concentrations of glucose may be detrimental. Spermatozoa lack translational activity and depend on post-translational protein modifications for their regulation. Supraphysiological glucose concentrations are known to modify cell regulation, and we hypothesize that post-translational modification deregulation associated with supraphysiological glucose concentrations occurs in spermatozoa extended in high glucose media; and increasing the concentration of pyruvate in the media, may prevent this deregulation. Stallion ejaculates were split into different media containing 67 mM glucose and 1 mM pyruvate or 67 mM glucose and 10 mM pyruvate. After three hours of incubation at 38ºC, aliquots were taken for proteomic and kinematic analysis. Spermatozoa incubated in the high glucose (67 mM), low pyruvate (1 mM) media showed an alteration of the phosphorylation of the AKAP4 (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), and modifications in gene ontology terms linked to sperm functionality. The incorporation of 10 mM pyruvate prevented all these changes, also kinematic efficiency was improved in the 67 mM glucose 10 mM pyruvate media. It is concluded that supraphysiological glucose concentrations alter the post-translational modifications of proteins essential for sperm function, and that this effect can be reduced in the presence of 10 mM pyruvate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108095"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882185","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":"Aquaporins in bovine sperm: Promising target for male reproductive strategy","authors":"Katarzyna Michałek ,&nbsp;Sławomir Zych ,&nbsp;Dariusz Gączarzewicz ,&nbsp;Marta Marynowska ,&nbsp;Patrycja Oberska-Łuszczewska ,&nbsp;Andrzej Syczewski ,&nbsp;Ernestats Mockus ,&nbsp;Elena Bartkiene","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The search for new indicators for assessing the quality of cryopreserved semen is necessary to reduce the number of ineffective insemination procedures in cattle. Aquaporins (AQPs) are small transmembrane proteins that facilitate the transport of water and other small solutes across the membrane. In this study we identified and localized AQP3, AQP7, AQP8 and AQP11 in frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa and investigated the relationship between their expression and specific semen quality parameters, as well as the concentrations of free amino acids (AA), biogenic amines (BA), and the composition of fatty acids (FA) in spermatozoa and seminal plasma. The collected cryopreserved semen samples were classified into two groups: high (H) and low (L) sperm motility. The analysis showed that the percentage of spermatozoa with intense AQP3 staining in the midpiece, and diffuse AQP7 staining in the post-acrosomal region and midpiece, was significantly higher in the H group. Furthermore, AQP3, AQP7 and AQP8 expression showed positive correlations with multiple semen quality parameters and concentrations of selected AA and FA. The results indicate that the analysis of aquaporin distribution in spermatozoa, particularly AQP3 and AQP7, may serve as a useful parameter for assessing the quality of cryopreserved semen in future studies. Detailed analysis of their location and expression allowed for the determination of the potential role of these proteins in the osmoadaptation process to the hypertonic environment of the uterus and fallopian tubes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108091"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882131","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":"Retrospective evaluation of the reproductive status of male grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany based on animals found dead: Influence of age, body weight and season","authors":"Karin Müller ,&nbsp;Ilka Reinhardt ,&nbsp;Alexandra Weber ,&nbsp;Gesa Kluth ,&nbsp;Guido Fritsch ,&nbsp;Claudia A. Szentiks","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108094","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108094","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since the return of the grey wolf (<em>Canis lupus</em>) to Germany in the late 1990s, the Federal Documentation and Consultation Centre on Wolves has been conducting nationwide population monitoring, with animals found dead representing an important source of information. In addition to the standardized necropsy at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 182 male wolves were examined for their reproductive status between 2020 and 2024. Testis mass was measured and spermatogenic activity was determined by flow cytometric ploidy analyses of dissociated testis tissue and the presence of epididymal sperm. These reproductive parameters were evaluated with regard to age class (juvenile, subadult, adult) and month of death (seasonality). Deciphering seasonality in subadult and adult males showed that haploid cells and epididymal sperm are not only present during the mating season (January to March) but also before (October to December), as meiotic activity already begins in late summer. Almost no spermatogenic activity was detected between May and August. While the body mass of (sub)adult males remained relatively constant throughout the year, testis/body mass ratio increased with spermatogenic activity. Spermatogenic activity already occurred in juvenile males, but it was delayed, and the average level of reproductive parameters increased from juvenile to subadult males, reaching their maximum in adult wolves. Sperm production varied greatly among juveniles and was related to their body and testis mass. Basic sexual maturity was only reached at a body mass of more than 25 kg and a testis mass of more than 5 g.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108094"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877421","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":"Combined pathway-based biomarker discovery and ESR2 gene, polymorphism analysis of litter size prediction in sheep using a, multi model bioinformatics toolbox","authors":"Arash Javanmard ,&nbsp;Mansour Yazdanyar ,&nbsp;Mahdi Ebrahimi ,&nbsp;Abbas Rafat ,&nbsp;Karim Hasanpur ,&nbsp;Babak Ghasemi Panahi ,&nbsp;Sadegh Alijani ,&nbsp;Habib Cheraghi ,&nbsp;Mohammadreza Sheikhlou ,&nbsp;Mohammadreza Mohammadabadi ,&nbsp;Ali Esmailizadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>By utilizing a comprehensive multi-modal approach that combined <em>in silico</em> modeling, in vitro molecular assays, in vivo microscopic observations, and on-farm phenotyping, we aimed to improve comprehension of the genetic architecture related to sheep litter size (LS). Our goal was to assess a T/C polymorphism (rs423810437) in the ovine Estrogen Receptor 2 (ESR2) gene and find potential LS biomarkers by applying network and circuit analysis. The sequencing of this polymorphism involved four populations, specifically the Romanov, Ghezel, Lori Bakhtiari, and their crossbreeds. With strong support for BMPR1B, GDF9, and ESR2, our analysis found more than ten candidate genes linked to LS. In purebred Romanov and Romanov-crossbred sheep, the ESR2 C allele was significantly correlated (p &lt; 0.01) with increased LS. As our research suggests, the ESR2 polymorphism, among the identified candidate genes, is a valuable biomarker for litter size, offering understanding of follicular development in prolific sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108090"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145826813","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":"Fertilization in farmed and wild maraena whitefish (Coregonus maraena, Bloch, 1779) in different activation solutions","authors":"Beata Irena Cejko ,&nbsp;Dorota Fopp-Bayat ,&nbsp;Roman Kujawa ,&nbsp;Agata Anna Cejko","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study compared the reproductive performance of farmed and wild maraena whitefish (<em>Coregonus maraena</em>) and fertilization rates of sperm activated with three activation solutions (AS): Billard solution (BS: 20 mM Tris containing 1 mM CaCl₂, 30 mM glycine, and 154 mM NaCl; pH 9.0; osmolality 330 mOsm·kg⁻¹), saline solution (SS: 20 mM Tris containing 30 mM NaCl; pH 8.5; 80 mOsm·kg⁻¹), and lake water (LW: pH 7.5; 20 mOsm·kg⁻¹). Although no significant differences were observed between farmed and wild fish in basic reproductive traits (egg weight, pseudogonado-somatic index, sperm volume, sperm production), notable contrasts emerged in sperm kinetics and fertilization success. Progressive motility (PRG), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), wobble (WOB), and beat cross frequency (BCF) changed significantly depending on the AS used for sperm activation in both farmed and wild whitefish. There were no significant differences in fertilization rate between farmed and wild fish after BS used. However, compared to farmed, in wild fish, fertilization rates were higher with SS and LW, despite lower sperm motility under these conditions. Linear regression analysis revealed significant negative correlations between high sperm velocity and fertilization success in wild males after LW activation, suggesting that excessive motility may deplete sperm energy reserves prematurely. These findings highlight that optimal, rather than maximal, motility may be more critical for successful fertilization in maraena whitefish particularly in wild stocks. However, this hypothesis requires further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108097"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145916723","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}