Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Equine fetal-sex determination from mid-gestation to term using serum conjugated steroid profiling by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry","authors":"Joy Ledeck ,&nbsp;Thomas Dubrowski ,&nbsp;Matthieu Schoumacher ,&nbsp;Stéphanie Peeters ,&nbsp;Caroline Le Goff ,&nbsp;Sophie Egyptien ,&nbsp;Stéfan Deleuze ,&nbsp;Etienne Cavalier ,&nbsp;Jérôme Ponthier","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Refined profiling of conjugated estrogens and androgens during equine pregnancy using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) could provide accurate fetal-sex determination. Current methods for fetal-sex prediction remain limited by timing, accuracy, and operator expertise. This study investigated sex-specific differences in maternal conjugated steroid profiles to develop a reliable, non-invasive predictive method. Samples were collected from 141 mares of various breeds starting at sixteen weeks of pregnancy. The samples were pooled according to gestational stage, divided into 28-day blocks, and analysed using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Quantified analytes included estrone, estradiol, equilin sulfates, glucuronides, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Method validation encompassed linearity, trueness, precision, accuracy, uncertainty, quantification limits, recovery, matrix effects, carryover, sensitivity, and stability. The effects of fetal sex, breed, parity, and maternal age on steroid concentrations were investigated. Data were split into a Test group for model development and a Validation group for performance assessment. Fetal sex was the principal factor influencing conjugated estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone profiles (p = 0.01–0.0001). Female pregnancies exhibited higher classical conjugated steroid concentrations at block 5, whereas male pregnancies showed delayed elevations persisting until term. Equilin derivatives were consistently lower in males. Estrone sulfate (E1S) showed reliable univariate performance for fetal-sex prediction (area under the curve (AUC) 0.710–0.865, blocks 5–10). Multivariate models using all conjugated steroids achieved superior accuracy (AUC 0.747–0.912, blocks 5–11), providing an alternative method to univariate model and ultrasonography. The validated LC-MS/MS method improves understanding of equine feto-placental endocrinology and offers a non-invasive tool for practical fetal sexing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108098"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939724","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":"Maternal placental mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and autophagy by regulating ferroptosis in pregnant ewe model","authors":"Feiyang He ,&nbsp;Huisi Wu ,&nbsp;Gao Liu ,&nbsp;Jianing Wang ,&nbsp;Bei Zhang ,&nbsp;Xingyu Du ,&nbsp;Mabrouk Elsabagh ,&nbsp;Mengzhi Wang ,&nbsp;Hao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Elevated prenatal testosterone (T) induces placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in sheep, a process hypothesized to involve oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and ferroptosis. While ferroptosis is recognized as a significant contributor to placental pathophysiology, its specific role in T-mediated ovine placental dysfunction required further investigation. To address this, an in vivo study was conducted wherein pregnant Hu sheep received intramuscular injections of 100 mg T propionate or a control vehicle twice weekly from gestational day (GD) 60–130. Complementarily, in vitro experiments utilized dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-exposed ovine trophoblast cells (OTCs), which were further treated with the ferroptosis activator Erastin or inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) to directly probe the functional impact of ferroptosis. Our results demonstrated that T administration in vivo recapitulated the pathological phenotype, triggering placental OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, autophagy, and culminating in FGR. Consistent with these findings, DHT exposure in OTCs induced a similar suite of cellular stresses, including OS, mitochondrial impairment, ferroptosis, and autophagy. Crucially, the inhibition of ferroptosis with Fer-1 in DHT-treated OTCs was found to attenuate these detrimental effects, notably alleviating OS, iron overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagic activity. Conversely, the co-administration of the ferroptosis inducer Erastin effectively abolished the protective changes conferred by Fer-1, thereby substantiating a central role for ferroptosis in the cascade of T-induced placental dysfunction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"286 ","pages":"Article 108096"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882132","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":"Impact of genetic selection for postweaning weight on the reproductive development of young Nellore bulls","authors":"Marcelo Sant’Ana Borges ,&nbsp;Letícia Padovani da Silva ,&nbsp;Marina de Oliveira Silva ,&nbsp;Mariana Karla Francolino da Silva ,&nbsp;Victor Guidi Zardo ,&nbsp;Laura Fernanda Sechirolli Silva ,&nbsp;Ricardo Dutra Do Bem ,&nbsp;André Maciel Crespilho ,&nbsp;Maria Eugênia Zerlotti Mercadante ,&nbsp;Fabio Morato Monteiro","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of genetic selection for increased postweaning weight on the reproductive development of young Nellore bulls. Seventy-six young Nellore bulls from two distinct selection lines in two experimental years were used: 23 young Nellore Control (NeC) bulls (14.1 ± 0.9 months old), and 53 young Nellore Selection (NeS) bulls (13.9 ± 0.8 months old). The animals were evaluated from 14 to 24 months of age at a mean interval of 58.4 ± 8.5 days. In each assessment, testicular biometry, B-mode testicular ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound of pampiniform plexus, and seminal evaluation were performed. Ten young bulls from each selection line underwent testicular fine-needle aspiration and were subsequently castrated at 18 months old for histological analysis of testicular tissue. Young bulls from the NeS line exhibited greater mean scrotal circumference (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001), testicular volume (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001), and end diastolic velocity (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001) compared to the NeC line. The mean vascular resistance (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001) and pulsatility (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001) indices were greater in NeC animals than in NeS animals. Genetic selection of young Nellore bulls for increased postweaning weight resulted in greater scrotal circumference, testicular volume, and end diastolic velocity, indicating more pronounced testicular growth. No differences were observed in the seminal, cytological, or histological parameters between selection lines. These findings suggest that selection for increased postweaning weight gain did not compromise reproductive development, promoted an increase in biometric testicular parameters without negative effect on sperm quality or testicular tissue structure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108073"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145720036","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":"Pharmacological activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is essential for oocyte developmental competence and enhances in vitro embryo production in water buffalo","authors":"Xiaoya Ma ,&nbsp;Haiying Zheng ,&nbsp;Anqin Duan ,&nbsp;Yingxue Xie ,&nbsp;Jinchen Zhou ,&nbsp;Jianghua Shang ,&nbsp;Chunyan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108070","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108070","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is integral to follicular development, yet its precise role in buffalo folliculogenesis remains poorly defined. This study aimed to elucidate its involvement in follicular selection and underlying regulatory mechanisms. Buffalo follicles were classified as dominant or atretic based on the follicular fluid estradiol-to-progesterone (E₂: P₄) ratio. Quantitative PCR revealed significantly elevated expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway components in the granulosa cells of dominant follicles. Functional experiments demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling markedly suppressed both FSH-induced estradiol (E₂) production and oocyte maturation. Conversely, Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation enhanced oocyte maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates. Further investigation identified AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin cascade as a key mediator of Wnt's positive regulatory role in FSH-supported steroidogenesis. These findings clarify the pivotal role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in buffalo follicular selection and provide a foundational strategy for enhancing the efficiency of in vitro embryo production (IVP) in buffalo breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108070"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145697910","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 pilot study on anogenital distance in non-pregnant and pregnant Merino ewes and ewe hoggets measured by calipers and image analysis","authors":"Tianna R. Boyce,&nbsp;Lillian P. Carlyon,&nbsp;Kiro R. Petrovski,&nbsp;Leesa-Joy Dunstan,&nbsp;Bruno RC Alves,&nbsp;Gebremeskel Mamu Werid,&nbsp;Mariana Caetano","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reproductive traits are fundamental phenotypic traits selected to achieve optimal production efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of four measurements of anogenital distances (AGD; in mm) and compare them with ewe pregnancy status, measured via pregnancy scanning, using data collected from 80 Merino ewes and 80 ewe hoggets. Digital calipers were used to measure AGDs (AC – anus to clitoris, AVV – anus to ventral vulva commissure, AF – anus to fourchette and VV – vulva length) in each sheep twice by three assessors. High-resolution images were taken for each sheep to conduct further measurements of AGD using an image analysis software. The measurements conducted with the image analysis were correlated with the pregnancy status of ewe hoggets for AF (P &lt; 0.002), VV (P &lt; 0.001) and AVV (P &lt; 0.002), but no association was found for AC (P &gt; 0.05). The measurements performed with calipers by three assessors were more variable compared to image analysis, resulting in lower correlations between the first and second measurements taken on the same animal. The relationship found between three AGD measurements (AF, AVV and VV), and pregnancy status in the ewe hoggets, demonstrates the potential to use this trait as an inexpensive method to estimate pregnancy status. The association with pregnancy status, especially in ewe hoggets, could be easily adopted by producers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108072"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145735625","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":"Integrated microbiome and metabolome revealing new insight into the combination of lactic acid bacteria in preventing postpartum metritis of dairy cows","authors":"Xiaofeng Li ,&nbsp;Min Liu ,&nbsp;Hui Xiang ,&nbsp;Linsen Gui ,&nbsp;Yun Ma ,&nbsp;Xingang Dan","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108078","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108078","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Probiotics, particularly composite lactic acid bacteria (CLAB), are emerging as a potential alternative to antibiotics for managing bovine metritis. While prior studies have highlighted CLAB's anti-inflammatory effects, limited data exist on its impact on vaginal and uterine microbiomes and systemic metabolism. In this study, Holstein cows received deep vaginal infusions of CLAB (a blend of <em>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</em>, <em>Pediococcus acidilactici</em> and <em>Lactobacillus reuteri</em>; at a standardized 4.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/dose and a proportion of 25/25/2, respectively) at 20 and 10 days prepartum. We analyzed changes in vaginal and uterine microbiota, plasma metabolomes, and assessed the incidence of metritis, conception rate, and lactation performance postpartum. CLAB administration significantly altered the vaginal microbiota by reducing opportunistic pathogens (<em>Prevotella heparinolytica</em>, <em>Bacteroides</em> and <em>Fusobacteria</em>) and promoting beneficial taxa (<em>Akkermansia</em> and <em>Prevotellaceae</em>). In the uterus, CLAB enriched <em>Rikenellaceae</em>, <em>Christensenellaceae</em> and <em>Lachnospiraceae</em>, while suppressing pathogenic genera such as <em>Cutibacterium</em> and <em>Fournierella</em>. Metabolomic analysis identified pyruvic acid, <span>L</span>-glutamine and <span>L</span>-valine as hub metabolites, with KEGG enrichment revealing involvement in amino acid metabolism and immunomodulatory pathways. Although CLAB infusion did not significantly reduce metritis incidence (5.00 % vs. 5.52 %) or improve conception rate (47.50 % vs. 45.00 %), it showed promising trends without affecting milk production. These findings suggest that prepartum vaginal CLAB infusion modulates reproductive tract microbiota and systemic metabolism, potentially contributing to uterine health maintenance in dairy cows. A key limitation of this study was the absence of significant reductions in metritis incidence and improvements in conception rates, likely attributable to the small sample size and limited study period. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate its efficacy during high-risk seasons.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108078"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145772904","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":"Lycopene as a protective antioxidant in sperm preservation","authors":"Mohsen Shayestehyekta ,&nbsp;Azita Faramarzi ,&nbsp;Zahra Rashidi ,&nbsp;Mojtaba Moradi","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sperm preservation is a pivotal technique in reproductive science, facilitating the long-term preservation and utilization of valuable genetic material, particularly in animal breeding programs and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, the freezing-thawing process imposes significant physiological stress on sperm cells, primarily due to oxidative damage. This oxidative stress disrupts critical cellular functions, leading to reduced sperm motility, viability, DNA integrity, and membrane stability, thereby compromising overall reproductive potential. Among various antioxidant strategies, lycopene, a potent carotenoid, has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating cryoinjury. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lycopene’s role in sperm cryopreservation and cold storage, emphasizing its effect on post-thaw sperm quality. Experimental evidence from animal studies indicates that lycopene supplementation effectively neutralizes reactive oxygen species, reduces lipid peroxidation, and preserves structural integrity by integrating into cell membranes. These protective effects contribute to enhancing sperm functionality post-thaw, potentially improving fertilization outcomes. Yet, this review critically highlights that the efficacy of lycopene is a double-edged sword: its effects are highly dose- and species-dependent, with excessive concentrations paradoxically impairing sperm performance. We conclude that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach is ineffective, and future investigations must move beyond simple supplementation to focus on optimizing species-specific formulations and validating in vitro benefits with in vivo fertility trials to fully harness lycopene's potential in reproductive applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108075"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145754729","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":"Suboptimal responses to E2/P4-based timed AI protocols compromise pregnancy outcomes in fertile beef cattle: Roles of ovulation timing and semen viability","authors":"César Augusto Pinzón-Osorio ,&nbsp;Thomaz Kranen Cunha ,&nbsp;German Holguin-Sanabria ,&nbsp;Marco Alves Machado ,&nbsp;Favorino José de Freitas Collares ,&nbsp;Luís Henrique de Aguiar ,&nbsp;Paula Rodriguez-Villamil ,&nbsp;Felipe Ledur Ongaratto ,&nbsp;Eduardo Pradebom da Silva ,&nbsp;Eduardo de Oliveira Sanguinet ,&nbsp;Carolina Silveira da Silva ,&nbsp;Daiane Mentz ,&nbsp;Karine Campagnolo ,&nbsp;Paula Viero Marchioretto ,&nbsp;José Martin Klafke ,&nbsp;Luís Fernando Schutz ,&nbsp;Fernando Caetano de Oliveira ,&nbsp;José Luiz Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Marcelo Bertolini","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108077","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108077","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols based on estradiol and progesterone (E2/P4) typically yield pregnancy rates (PR) near 50 % in beef cattle, falling short of the 65–70 % expected in fertile females. This study investigated physiological and procedural limitations that may compromise TAI success due to suboptimal synchrony between insemination and ovulation. Three experiments involving 840 suckled crossbred females evaluated follicular responses, semen type, and alternative reproductive strategies to enhance fertility. In Experiment I (<em>n</em> = 28), daily ultrasonography revealed that 46.4 % of females exhibited suboptimal ovarian responses, defined as no emergence/atresia of the new follicular wave, and ovulation delay or failure. In Experiment II (<em>n</em> = 348), cows with small follicles (&lt;8.5 mm) at P4 removal had markedly higher PR when inseminated with cooled versus frozen semen (71.9 % <em>vs</em> 38.0 %), highlighting the relevance of sperm cell viability when ovulation is delayed. In Experiment III (<em>n</em> = 464), strategies combining TAI with estrus detection (ED), timed embryo transfer (TET), or both significantly increased PR compared to TAI alone (TAI: 53.6 %; TAI+TET: 67.9 %; ED-AI/TAI: 70.5 %; ED-AI/TAI+TET: 68.2 %), which was accompanied by increased twinning rates after TET, suggesting that many TAI failures were not due to uterine inadequacy or embryo mortality but to asynchrony in gamete encounter. Collectively, results suggest that most TAI failures stem from impaired synchrony between ovulation and sperm cell availability rather than uterine or embryonic limitations. Incorporating tools such as ultrasonography, semen selection, ED, or TET may enhance reproductive outcomes in commercial beef herds under E2/P4-based TAI protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108077"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145766934","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":"Older yet more attractive: Multiparous ewes are preferentially courted, and elicit more mountings and ejaculations than nulliparous ewes in group breeding","authors":"Gustavo Dias ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Ungerfeld ,&nbsp;Aline Freitas-de-Melo ,&nbsp;Adroaldo Zanella","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High ewe density in group breeding enhances ram selectivity and favors the most attractive ewes. This study aimed to compare the sexual attractiveness of multiparous and nulliparous ewes. We hypothesize that multiparous ewes will be ranked as more attractive. Forty-two ewes, 21 multiparous and 21 nulliparous, Santa Ines × Dorper in estrus were tested. Each ewe was observed for five minutes, and behaviour was recorded from live and video observations. After each 5-minute test, the ewe courted for the longest time was removed and ranked as most attractive (rank 1), and this procedure continued until all six ewes in a group were ranked (1 = most to 6 = least attractive). Ewe ranking, ram behavior, and the odds of mounting acceptance were analyzed using the Friedman test, generalized mixed-effects models, and mixed-effects logistic regression, respectively. Mean attractiveness ranks were higher for multiparous than nulliparous ewes (2 ± 0.17 vs. 5 ± 0.17, P = 0.008). Rams also exhibited longer mean mounting duration (2.46 ± 0.91 s vs. 1.59 ± 0.91 s, P = 0.045) and a higher number of ejaculations (0.90 ± 0.31 vs. 0.14 ± 0.31, P = 0.0015) with multiparous ewes. While odds of accepting mounts were similar between categories (odds ratio = 0.45; 95 % CI: 0.08–2.75; P = 0.369). All first-ranked ewes were multiparous, and last two ranks were nulliparous. These results indicate multiparous estrous ewes as more attractive to rams, suggesting separating breeding groups per parity may improve fertilization rates in nulliparous ewes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108047"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145697909","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":"Maturity determination and its potential application for fish captive breeding","authors":"Darmawan Setia Budi ,&nbsp;Agus Priyadi ,&nbsp;Asep Permana ,&nbsp;Ikhsan Khasani ,&nbsp;Tamás Müller ,&nbsp;Ahmad Shofy Mubarak ,&nbsp;Imam Mustofa","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108074","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108074","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habitat degradation, overfishing, pollution, and climate change threaten many fish species, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. Captive breeding is essential for fish species recovery and genetic diversity preservation, with maturity determination being crucial for broodstock management, breeding success, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Standardized, species-specific protocols and non-invasive methods for accurately determining fish maturity are currently lacking. This review synthesizes current methodologies and practical applications of maturity determination in fish captive breeding, emphasizing how established knowledge can be applied to improve broodstock management and conservation. Traditional methods, like morphological and gonadal assessments, remain foundational, while histological and molecular techniques offer enhanced precision but are resource-intensive. Non-invasive imaging methods, including ultrasound, provide innovative alternatives for evaluating gonadal development. Behavioral cues, such as aggression, shoaling, and nesting, complement physiological assessments, enhancing accuracy. A multi-method approach is essential to address the diverse reproductive strategies of fish species. Advances in camera-based technologies and diagnostic kits for hormone detection offer novel, non-invasive, and scalable maturity assessments, reducing stress on fish. The integration of maturity determination with aquaculture facilitates broodstock selection, stock enhancement, and conservation efforts, promoting the long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. This review highlights the need for standardized, species-specific protocols and technological advancements to support sustainable fish breeding. Future research should prioritize developing accessible tools and methodologies that integrate traditional and modern approaches, enhancing biodiversity conservation and promoting aquaculture growth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108074"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145735570","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}