Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Mitoquinone mesylate promotes oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development by regulating oxidative stress in Tibetan sheep","authors":"Bozhen Ji ,&nbsp;Chengtu Zhang ,&nbsp;Ruolin Zhao ,&nbsp;Yifan Pan ,&nbsp;Hong Wu ,&nbsp;Yongzhong Chen ,&nbsp;Ying Wu ,&nbsp;Ru Meng ,&nbsp;Yingbing Zhang ,&nbsp;Yujie Tang ,&nbsp;Jianmin Su","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>In vitro</em> maturation (IVM) is a very important technology for the modernization of animal husbandry. Previous studies have demonstrated that the mitochondria-targeting antioxidant mitoquinone mesylate (MitoQ) was known for its protective role in a variety of tissues and cells; however, its function in Tibetan sheep oocytes is not fully understood. This study used a Tibetan sheep model to evaluate the effects of oocytes exposed to MitoQ on maturation and subsequent embryonic development. During IVM, cumulus-oocyte-complexes were exposed to 0–400 nM MitoQ to evaluate the viability of cumulus cells expansion and oocyte maturation, and determine the optimal concentration of 100 nM. Here, we discovered that 100 nM MitoQ addition to the medium improved the Tibetan sheep oocyte maturation rate (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) and cumulus cells expansion rate (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). In addition, immunostaining showed that decreased ROS levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), increased GSH levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). MitoQ-treated oocytes showed enhanced mitochondrial activity (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) and mitochondrial membrane potential (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). MitoQ increased Ca^2 + levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) and attenuated early apoptosis (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). No differences were observed for cleavage rate (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05), and improved number of blastocyst cells and the blastocyst rate (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) after <em>in vitro</em> fertilization. Moreover, various genes associated with oocyte oxidative stress (GCLC, SOD1) in mature oocytes were beneficially regulated in the MitoQ-treated oocytes. In conclusion, MitoQ can enhance the oocyte maturation rate, improve subsequent embryonic development in Tibetan sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 107856"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138601","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":"Leukemia inhibitory factor supplementation during in vitro maturation enhances bovine oocyte maturation and somatic cloned embryo development","authors":"Heqiang Li ,&nbsp;Baobao Zhao ,&nbsp;Yang Li ,&nbsp;Jingya Wang ,&nbsp;Tingting Deng ,&nbsp;Qi Zhou ,&nbsp;Jieyu Wang ,&nbsp;Xinrui Lan ,&nbsp;Han Zhang ,&nbsp;Suzhu Qing ,&nbsp;Yong Zhang ,&nbsp;Yongsheng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107855","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107855","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) plays a crucial role in animal reproduction and genetic engineering, especially in the breeding of high-yield dairy cows. However, the application of SCNT technology faces numerous challenges, particularly the low efficiency and high abortion rates during the in vitro maturation phase. These issues lead to reduced implantation rates of cloned embryos, affecting overall reproductive efficiency. Therefore, enhancing the quality of in vitro maturation media has become an essential approach to improve in vitro production efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on bovine oocyte maturation and cloned embryo implantation rates. We observed a significant increase in oocyte maturation rates by supplementing 25 ng/mL LIF into the maturation medium. Subsequently, we generated SCNT embryos using LIF-treated oocytes and conducted activation and culture experiments. The results indicated that LIF could enhance the differentiation capabilities of SCNT embryos and exert an anti-apoptotic effect during early embryonic development. Specifically, the supplementation of LIF not only improved the nuclear maturation rates of oocytes but also enhanced cytoplasmic maturation characteristics, such as mitochondrial membrane potential and endoplasmic reticulum distribution. Furthermore, LIF-treated oocytes exhibited higher cell numbers and lower apoptosis rates in SCNT embryos, indicating its crucial role in embryo quality control. Ultimately, we found that LIF significantly improved the implantation efficiency of cloned embryos, particularly during the early stages of pregnancy following embryo transfer. This finding provides new insights into improving the success rates of SCNT technology and lays the groundwork for future research, especially in exploring the effects of other growth factors and cytokines on oocyte maturation and embryo development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107855"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144069754","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":"Breeding soundness evaluation, a tool for improving the sustainability of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) breeding systems in arid and semi-arid lands","authors":"D. Monaco","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107854","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107854","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reduced fertility of dromedary camel (DC) bulls, whether temporary or permanent, poses a significant threat to the sustainability of camel breeding systems and, consequently, to food security in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, it is crucial to assess dromedary camel breeding bulls to ensure they can fulfill their reproductive potential. However, standardized clinical and andrological evaluation procedures, known as breeding soundness evaluations, as well as an efficient reporting system, are currently lacking for this species. In this narrative review, the most important aspects related to bull fertility and breeding soundness evaluation have been described and adapted to the dromedary camel bull in order to provide a standardized procedure for an efficient clinical and andrological evaluation in this species, taking into account its unique characteristics. Additionally, a herd and bull examination record form, divided into four main sections, has been provided, for the first time, to ensure efficient and consistent data collection and reporting. If implemented on a large scale, the clinical evaluation procedures and data collected by the recording forms provided in this study, would help to identify factors associated with the impairment of reproductive efficiency in dromedary herds and bulls worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107854"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143943038","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 short-term rumen-protected folic acid supplementation on pregnancy rate, one-carbon metabolism, and steroid hormone in Holstein dairy cows","authors":"Zhuo Yang ,&nbsp;Chenglei Song ,&nbsp;Yong Ma ,&nbsp;Tao Zhou ,&nbsp;Zhenlong Du ,&nbsp;Mingmao Yang ,&nbsp;Longgang Yan ,&nbsp;Wenjuan Shen ,&nbsp;An Shi ,&nbsp;Yu Fu ,&nbsp;Qiang Liu ,&nbsp;Yongsheng Wang ,&nbsp;Jinzhong Tao","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107852","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107852","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of rumen-protected folic acid (RPFA) supplementation on pregnancy rate at first artificial insemination (AI) and metabolic parameters in dairy cows. A total of 256 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were blocked by parity, average daily milk yield, days in milk, and body condition scores, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: cows were orally given 0, 3, 6, or 9 g RPFA per day. RPFA feeding was started from 50 ± 3 days in milk through 36 days post-timed AI. Pregnancy rate at first-AI was not significantly affected by RPFA supplementation. Comparisons of folic acid metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, and steroid hormone concentration in both blood plasma and follicular fluids were carried out between 3 g RPFA group and control. Cows supplemented with 3 g RPFA had greater plasma concentrations of folic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), S-adenosylmethionine, and leucovorin, while reduced homocysteine and p-aminobenzoylglutamate. One-carbon metabolic analysis showed 3 g RPFA supply increased folinic acid and 5-MTHF concentrations in follicular fluids. Meanwhile, cows in 3 g RPFA group had elevated plasma estradiol concentration, while decreased androstenedione in both plasma and follicular fluids. Enhanced <em>CYP19A1</em> gene expression in granulosa cells was examined when supplied with 50 μM folic acid <em>in vitro</em>. These findings indicated that the pregnancy rate at first-AI were not affected by short-term RPFA supplementation during the estrus synchronization period, it reduced plasma homocysteine levels without altering follicular fluid homocysteine concentrations. Additionally, RPFA supplementation was associated with changes in steroid hormone regulation, although further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107852"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143947029","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 components of ram seminal plasma are influenced by age, season, and the RsaI polymorphism of the MTNR1A gene","authors":"Victoria Peña-Delgado ,&nbsp;Melissa Carvajal-Serna ,&nbsp;Agustí Noya ,&nbsp;Francisco Canto ,&nbsp;Pelin Erden ,&nbsp;José Alfonso Abecia ,&nbsp;Rosaura Pérez-Pe ,&nbsp;Adriana Casao","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107853","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107853","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Melatonin regulates reproductive seasonality in sheep, and its concentration in the blood plasma is influenced by day length and age. It can act directly or by modulating antioxidant defense enzymes. The <em>Rsa</em>I polymorphism (g.17355458 C &gt; T) of the melatonin receptor MT1 gene (<em>MTNR1A</em>) has been associated with changes in ram semen and reproductive behavior. But it remains unknown how age and this polymorphism affect melatonin concentration and the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes in ram seminal plasma. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the effect of the <em>Rsa</em>I polymorphism on melatonin levels and the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GRD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the seminal plasma of young and adult rams carrying different <em>MTNR1A</em> genotypes. For this purpose, seminal plasma was obtained from 15 young (16-month-old) and 9 adult (5-year-old) genotyped rams, and melatonin levels and CAT, GRD, and GPx activities were assessed for a year. Adult rams had higher melatonin concentrations in their seminal plasma than young rams. Adult CC and CT rams had the highest melatonin levels during the reproductive season, whereas young rams showed no differences between seasons. Adult rams also showed higher levels of GRD and GPx activity during the reproductive season; however, young rams showed higher levels of GPx activity during the non-reproductive season than during the reproductive season. These findings highlight the importance of considering the animal age when analyzing ram seminal plasma and its components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107853"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143908270","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":"Salinity and pH affect common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) sperm viability","authors":"Jacquline Rich ,&nbsp;Jonathan R. Cowart ,&nbsp;Gisele Montano ,&nbsp;Guillermo J. Sánchez-Contreras ,&nbsp;Dara N. Orbach","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The female reproductive environment modulates sperm fertilization potential and may exert numerous selective forces on sperm during fertilization. Exploring cetacean (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) sperm responses to variable extracellular salinity and pH, either from seawater exposure or from the vaginal environment, offers insight into the selective pressures exerted on sperm in aquatically-mating mammals. This study examined common bottlenose dolphin (<em>Tursiops truncatus</em>) sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, morphology, and acrosome integrity upon semen exposure to biologically relevant extracellular salinities (0–40 ppt) and <em>in situ</em> measured dolphin vaginal pHs (5–7.4). Sperm motility and kinematics were assessed by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA). Sperm plasma membrane integrity, morphology, and acrosome integrity were assessed <em>post-hoc</em>. Dolphin sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity significantly decreased when exposed to solutions ≥ average oceanic salinity (35 ppt). Vaginal pHs were highly variable among individuals (pH 5.04–7.4). Sperm motility appeared optimal at pH 7 and sperm viability decreased significantly at pHs &lt; 6.5. There was more inter-individual variation in sperm motility and kinematics when exposed to pHs &lt; 7 compared to any salinity. Optimal extracellular salinity (8 – 15 ppt) and pH (pH 7) ranges that improve sperm motility and viability can inform dolphin semen processing methods for cryopreservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143902388","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":"Differential impact of the kinase inhibitors ruxolitinib and ceritinib on porcine sperm in vitro","authors":"Mohammad Bashawat ,&nbsp;Martin Schulze ,&nbsp;Peter Müller ,&nbsp;Karin Müller","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107850","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107850","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors are applied for the medical treatment of several diseases (Roskoski Jr, 2016). Given the increasing use of these molecules, particularly in cancer therapy, their influence on sperm is of great importance for a better understanding of the presumed effects on the reproductive potential and fertility of male patients. Therefore, we investigated the influence of the small-molecule kinase inhibitors ruxolitinib and ceritinib on porcine sperm <em>in vitro</em>. Porcine sperm were employed as a substitute for mammalian, especially human sperm, as they are available in large quantities in reproducible quality. Under all conditions, ceritinib at a molar drug/lipid ratio of 1:10 had adverse effects on sperm motility, viability and membrane integrity, while ruxolitinib at highest concentrations showed no or only weak effects on motility parameters. The massive merocyanine 540 binding in all dead and most viable ceritinib treated cells already after a short-term incubation at 38°C qualifies the disturbance of membrane lipid order as the most likely cause for the observed decrease in motility and viability. Therefore, possible damage to human sperm must be considered when administering ceritinib. The attempt to investigate a kinase-mediated influence of the inhibitors on capacitation and acrosome reaction failed because even the low concentration of the solvent DMSO interfered with this function. To test effects of small-molecule kinase inhibitor on selected properties of living cells, porcine sperm has proven to be a useful <em>in vitro</em> model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107850"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143896108","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":"Pharmacologically assisted semen collection and sperm morphology assessment methods in wild six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus)","authors":"Ana Carolina M. Lobo ,&nbsp;João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira ,&nbsp;Danilo Kluyber ,&nbsp;Mayara Grego Caiaffa ,&nbsp;Arnaud L.J. Desbiez ,&nbsp;Beatriz Lippe De Camilo ,&nbsp;Luan Sitó Da Silva ,&nbsp;Gabriel C. De Camargo ,&nbsp;Ramanathan Kasimanickam ,&nbsp;Eunice Oba","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107851","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107851","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Six-banded armadillos (<em>Euphractus sexcinctus</em>), a non-endangered species, serve as a valuable experimental model for developing assisted reproductive technologies aimed at conserving endangered species within the order Cingulata. However, limited knowledge of their reproductive biology presents a critical challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacological semen collection protocol and compare Karras-modified staining using brightfield microscopy (KA), phase contrast microscopy (PC), and differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC) for assessing sperm morphology. Twenty free-ranging male six-banded armadillos were captured and subjected to the following pharmacological sedation protocol: butorphanol tartrate, detomidine hydrochloride and midazolam hydrochloride (i.m., 0.1 mg/kg each). Ten minutes after administration, semen was extracted by applying gentle pressure along the penis, from its base to the tip. The expelled semen, which accumulated into the urethral fossa, was collected using a variable-volume micropipette and assessed for macro and microscopic characteristics. Ninety-five percent of the males exhibited a partial ejaculation, with no aversive behavior or signs of discomfort observed. Most semen samples (83 %) contained more than 30 % of morphologically abnormal sperm with considerable individual variability in sperm defect profiles. While all microscopy techniques allowed effective assessment of sperm morphology, KA was the most efficient in identifying acrosome integrity and head abnormalities. This method offers a practical and cost-effective solution, particularly suited for field conditions. This study reports the first successful pharmacological protocol for semen collection in six-banded armadillos, highlighting its potential use for reproductive assessments and contributing to developing conservation strategies for related species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107851"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891080","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 16h of rabbit sperm incubation on capacitation and heterologous in vitro fertilization","authors":"Sara Ruiz-Díaz ,&nbsp;María Maroto ,&nbsp;Raúl Fernández-Gonzalez ,&nbsp;Celia de Frutos ,&nbsp;Marta Lombó ,&nbsp;María Arias-Álvarez","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107841","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107841","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In vitro fertilization (IVF) in rabbits is an important biotechnology, but its success remains low due to inefficient sperm capacitation. This study examines relationships between motility parameters (MP), protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) and acrosomal exocytosis (AE) between sperm recovered after direct swim-up (DSU), and after 16 h of in vitro incubation under capacitating conditions, and heterologous IVF capacity. Variables were assessed in fresh ejaculates (ES), and after 2 h of DSU, and 16 h (T16) of incubation. PTP were grouped into four patterns in the different sperm structures according to their time-dependent appearance and AE. Throughout incubation, MP remained stable whereas AE increased after DSU and 16 h of incubation. Mid-piece PTP patterns increased after DSU and persisted until 16 h in reacted (R) and non-reacted spermatozoa (NR). In R and NR, annulus-ring PTP levels were also significantly higher in T16 versus DSU or ES. Flagellum PTP levels rose significantly during incubation such that highest levels were recorded in T16. In R sperm, levels of PTP patterns associated with the equatorial zone in T16 were significantly higher compared to NR and to DSU and ES. Cleavage rates were significantly higher at T16 than DSU and these were similar to rates recorded for homologous IVF used as positive control. Our capacitation protocol and PTP patterns at 16 h rendered the sperm competent to fertilize an oocyte in vitro. This time point matches the physiological timing of fertilization in vivo. We also describe a new annulus ring PTP pattern for this species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107841"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143881433","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":"Enhancing pregnancy rates in bovine embryo recipients: How equine (eCG) and human (hCG) chorionic gonadotropins affect corpus luteum development","authors":"Ana Clara Degan Mattos ,&nbsp;Danilo Zago Bisinotto ,&nbsp;Paulo Mielli Bonacim ,&nbsp;Isabella Rio Feltrin ,&nbsp;Blener Gandolfi Filho ,&nbsp;Karine Galhego Morelli ,&nbsp;Maurício Barros Fernandes ,&nbsp;Rogério Fonseca Guimarães Peres ,&nbsp;Guilherme Pugliesi","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We compared the effects of hCG and eCG treatment on CL development and pregnancy per embryo transfer (P/ET) in beef cows. In Exp.1, non-lactating Nelore cows received either no treatment (Control, n = 13) or 500, 1000, or 2000 IU hCG (n = 12–13/group) two days after ovulation. Luteal area (LA), blood perfusion (BP), and P4 levels were measured for 14 days. In Exp.2, primiparous crossbred cows (n = 889) subjected to a P4/E2 protocol on Day 0 (D0) were assigned to Control (300 IU eCG on D9), eCG/2x (150 IU eCG on D7 and D9), hCG (300 IU eCG on D9 +1000 IU hCG on D14), or eCG/2x+hCG groups. Dominant follicle (DF) size, LA, BP, and P4 were measured, and fresh blastocysts were transferred on D18. In Exp.1, accessory CL (aCL) rate differed (P &lt; 0.05) among treatment groups (C, 0 %^C; hCG-500, 8 %^BC; hCG-1000, 61.5 %^A; hCG-2000, 41.6 %^AB). Total LA was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in hCG-1000 and hCG-2000 than in Control. BP did not differ significantly (P &gt; 0.1). P4 concentration was higher (P = 0.04) from day 6–12 in the hCG-1000 and hCG-2000 groups. In Exp.2, eCG/2x increased DF size (P = 0.07), and combined hCG and eCG/2x treatments increased LA (P &lt; 0.01). Combining hCG with eCG/2x; however, reduced BP (P = 0.01). P/ET was higher (P = 0.01) in eCG/2x and hCG groups than in Control at 28- and 60–150-days post-ET. In conclusion, ≥ 1000 IU hCG improves LA, P4, and P/ET but not BP. Administering eCG twice enhances DF and P/ET but combining eCG and hCG is not suggested due to reduced BP without further improving P/ET.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 107840"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143869059","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}