Zhuo Yang , Yaochang Wei , Yu Fu , Xiaoyan Wang , Wenjuan Shen , An Shi , Han Zhang , Heqiang Li , Xuexiao Song , Jie Wang , Mengdong Jin , Hao Zheng , Jinzhong Tao , Yongsheng Wang
{"title":"Folic acids promote in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes by inhibition of ferroptosis via upregulated glutathione and downregulated Fe2+ accumulation","authors":"Zhuo Yang , Yaochang Wei , Yu Fu , Xiaoyan Wang , Wenjuan Shen , An Shi , Han Zhang , Heqiang Li , Xuexiao Song , Jie Wang , Mengdong Jin , Hao Zheng , Jinzhong Tao , Yongsheng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine embryos by <em>in vitro</em> fertilization have become the primary source of commercial embryo transfers globally. However, the developmental capacity of <em>in vitro</em> maturation (IVM) oocytes is considerably lower than that of <em>in vivo</em> maturation (IVO) oocytes, owing to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via mitochondrial metabolism, which was higher in IVM oocytes than in IVO oocytes. To avoid the negative effects of ROS on embryo quality, folic acid (FA) was supplemented directly into the IVM medium to antagonize ROS production, however, the mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, five levels of FA (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM) were supplemented into the bovine oocyte culture medium. The maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates increased by 8.95 %, 6.94 %, and 4.36 %, respectively, in the 50 µM group compared to the 0 µM group. Moreover, 7904 differential genes were identified between 0 µM and 50 µM groups by transcriptome sequencing, and they were mainly enriched in 8 pathways. The glutathione, ROS, and Fe<sup>2+</sup> levels in oocytes were found to be associated with ferroptosis. Our results revealed that 50 µM FA promoted the IVM of bovine oocytes and affected the expression of genes involved in the ferroptosis pathway. The downregulation of <em>TFR1</em> and <em>STEAP3</em> led to a decrease in intracellular Fe<sup>2+</sup> accumulation, and the upregulation of <em>GCL</em> increased oocyte GSH levels, thereby reducing the production of ROS in the ferroptosis pathway. Our study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanisms by which FA promotes bovine oocyte development <em>in vitro</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107605"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142370787","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}
ChanJin Park , Sandra Soto-Heras , Lindsey Reinacher , Katie Chai , Sherry Zhou , Po-Ching Lin , Ji-Eun Oh , Mary Bunnell , Rex A. Hess , Luiz Renato de França , CheMyong Ko
{"title":"Inhibition of testicular development by suppressing neonatal LH rise in male domestic pigs","authors":"ChanJin Park , Sandra Soto-Heras , Lindsey Reinacher , Katie Chai , Sherry Zhou , Po-Ching Lin , Ji-Eun Oh , Mary Bunnell , Rex A. Hess , Luiz Renato de França , CheMyong Ko","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The neonatal increase in circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) is crucial for testicular development. In male pigs, blood LH levels start to increase approximately 1 week after birth and return to basal level by 5–6 weeks of age. This study tested the hypothesis that neonatal treatment with a combination of estrogens and androgens suppresses LH secretion and thereby inhibits testicular development. On Day 1 after birth, piglets received a slow-release implant containing estradiol (E<sub>2</sub>, 8–40 mg) and trenbolone acetate (TBA, 40–200 mg) or remained intact. At 4 weeks of age, mean serum LH concentrations were ∼ 7 ng/mL in untreated males, whereas pigs with implants had serum LH concentrations < 1 ng/mL. Despite this reduction, LH was still detected in the pituitary glands of treated pigs. Interestingly, neonatal castration also lowered circulating LH, highlighting the importance of testis physiology in the early establishment of the reproductive axis. The higher dose (20 mg E2 + 100 mg TBA) inhibited testis function more effectively, as evidenced by lower circulating testosterone concentrations compared to intact pigs. Furthermore, E2 + TBA treatment had a lasting impact on testicular growth, resulting in smaller testes at 26 weeks of age and the presence of immature Leydig cells. Overall, neonatal E2 + TBA treatment suppressed the postnatal LH rise and testicular growth until market age, offering a potential non-surgical alternative to castration in male pigs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107606"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142493069","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":"Quality assurance applied to semen analysis","authors":"Leonardo F.C. Brito","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial insemination is an important biotechnology employed in livestock production. Production of semen products requires analysis of sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Although adequate analytical procedures are essential to ensure product quality, several multicenter studies have reported large variations in semen analysis results within and across laboratories. Differences in equipment and methodology, inconsistent training and performance testing, and lack of quality assurance programs are likely responsible for these observations. The somewhat pervasive perception that semen analysis is a trivial task must be challenged as it jeopardizes efficient semen production and germplasm utilization. This manuscript reviews the Quality Assurance (QA) procedures recommended to control results obtained during semen analysis. Reference, standard technical specifications for basic semen analysis are also described.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107615"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142374908","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}
Xiaoshu Zhan , Nanshan Qi , Derek Toms , Renee Freiburger , Lauren Fletcher , Bingyun Wang , Julang Li
{"title":"MiR-29b inhibits COC expansion and oocyte in vitro maturation via induction of ROS by targeting CYCS","authors":"Xiaoshu Zhan , Nanshan Qi , Derek Toms , Renee Freiburger , Lauren Fletcher , Bingyun Wang , Julang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107598","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107598","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) expansion and oocyte maturation are crucial processes for embryo development and fertility across species. Although miR-29b has been detected in porcine ovarian granulosa cells, its specific role in regulating oocyte maturation remains largely unknown. In this study, using the pig as a model, we report that over-expression of miR-29b lead to a decrease of COC expansion area and inhibits oocyte maturation (<em>P</em><0.05). This suppression correlated with a decrease expression of COC-expansion-associated genes, including <em>SHAS2</em>, <em>ADAMTS1</em>, <em>ADAMTS2</em>, <em>ADAMTS17</em> and <em>PTX 3</em> in both mural granulosa cells (mGCs) and cumulus granulosa cells (cGCs). Further investigation revealed that miR-29b over-expression induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in both mGCs and cGCs, conversely, knock-down of miR-29b reverses all these effects. Treatment with the antioxidant β-mercaptoethanol alleviates ROS accumulation, rescues COC expansion and restores oocyte polar body formation impaired by miR-29b mimics. Computational analysis predicted <em>CYCS</em>, the gene encoding cytochrome C, as a potential target of miR-29b. Subsequent examination demonstrated that miR-29b downregulates CYCS at both mRNA and protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assays further confirmed that miR-29b interacts with the 3’-untranslated region (3’UTR) of CYCS. Over-expression of CYCS decreases ROS accumulation and promotes COC expansion (<em>P</em><0.05). These results indicate that miR-29b regulates COC expansion and oocyte maturation <em>in vitro</em> by inducing ROS, likely through targeting of CYCS. This study sheds light on the role of miR-29b in oocyte maturation and provides insight into the regulatory function of miRNAs in ovarian physiology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107598"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142339537","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":"Impact of sperm sex sorting on sperm quality and in vitro embryo production in bovine","authors":"Ligiane de Oliveira Leme , José Oliveira Carvalho , Camilla Motta Mendes , Mayra Elena Ortiz D'Avila Assumpção , Alexandre Rodrigues Caetano , Maurício Machaim Franco , Margot Alves Nunes Dode","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increasing evidence suggests that environmental exposures can modify epigenetic marks in the germline, leading to the transmission of abnormal post-fertilization sperm epigenetic indicators and affecting embryonic development. Given the pivotal role of sperm cells in determining embryo quality, there is growing interest in understanding the potential effects of sperm sex sorting on embryo quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of bovine sperm sexing on <em>in vitro</em> embryo production (IVP) and to associate molecular aspects of embryos analysis. Frozen semen samples from five Nellore bulls were used, with each bull contributing unsexed sperm (conventional semen – CV treatment) and female and male sexed sperm pooled after thawing (SX treatment). First, semen quality was assessed, including motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, and chromatin integrity to denaturation. Then, IVP was carried out, focusing on embryonic production and developmental kinetics. In the third experiment, embryo quality was evaluated by examining the gene expression of key markers (<em>OCT4, NANOG, DNMT3A, TET1</em>, and <em>Fematrin-1</em>) and the methylation pattern of the <em>Satellite-1</em> and <em>α-Satellite</em> genes in blastocysts. Differences between CV and SX semen were only observed in motility, which was lower in SX compared with CV <em>(P</em> < 0.05). Although cleavage was similar, the SX groups showed lower blastocyst production than CV (<em>P < 0.05</em>). Of the genes evaluated, only <em>NANOG</em> showed high expression in the CV blastocysts compared with the SX blastocysts, but the methylation pattern revealed no differences. In conclusion, sex sorting markedly affects sperm motility and <em>in vitro</em> embryo production but showed no significant impact on embryo quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107604"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142322916","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}
Wojciech Barański , Arkadiusz Nowicki , Mark A. Crowe , Dawid Tobolski , Sławomir Zduńczyk
{"title":"Effect of repeated low doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and ovarian function in dairy cows suffering from anovulation type I","authors":"Wojciech Barański , Arkadiusz Nowicki , Mark A. Crowe , Dawid Tobolski , Sławomir Zduńczyk","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of repeated low doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist buserelin once a day for 5 days on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release, and ovarian function in dairy cows with anovulation type I. The study was conducted on 10 anovulatory Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Cows in Group 1 (n = 5) received 4 µg of buserelin intramuscularly. once a day for 5 days. Control cows from Group 2 (n = 5) received saline. Concentrations of progesterone, FSH, and LH in the blood were analysed using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Ovarian structures were monitored weekly after the end of treatment by ultrasound for 4 weeks. Injections of buserelin increased FSH and LH concentrations. Release of FSH and LH was largely variable, but there was significant (<em>P</em> < 0.001) interaction between time and treatment during all treatment days. The number of follicles in the treatment group was significantly greater (<em>P</em> = 0.029) than in the control group on day 5, the diameter of follicles on day 12 was also larger (<em>P</em> < 0.01) in treated than in control cows. Ovulation occurred in 4 of the 5 treated cows, but only in 1 of the control cows in the 40 days after treatment. In conclusion, repeated low doses of GnRH analogue buserelin once a day for 5 days may increase the concentration of FSH and LH in dairy cows with anovulation type I.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107602"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142242839","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}
Wenwen Xing , Binbin Wang , Mengxuan Li , Nannan Qi , Jiying Liu
{"title":"The dual role of ATG7: Regulation of autophagy and apoptosis in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells","authors":"Wenwen Xing , Binbin Wang , Mengxuan Li , Nannan Qi , Jiying Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The regulation of mammalian ovarian development involves the coordinated processes of autophagy and apoptosis. The autophagy-related gene ATG7 plays a pivotal role in mediating crosstalk between these pathways. Despite its recognized importance, the specific function of ATG7 in ovarian follicular granulosa cells remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the effects of ATG7 overexpression on apoptosis and autophagy in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells and thereby provide insights into the interplay between these fundamental cellular mechanisms. An ATG7 overexpression vector was introduced into cells, followed by assessment of cell proliferation using the CCK-8 assay, quantification of related gene expression via real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting, and evaluation of apoptosis using TUNEL staining. ATG7 exhibited a predominant cytoplasmic localization and additional nuclear expression in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells. The transfection efficiency of the vector was initially verified, indicating that its overexpression notably increased expression of ATG7 protein. Further investigations confirmed that overexpression of ATG7 inhibited cell proliferation, stimulated autophagy, and promoted apoptosis in these cells. In summary, overexpression of ATG7 influences the viability of porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells by regulating the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis. This study not only broadens the understanding of functional regulation of autophagy and apoptosis by ATG7, but also sheds light on the intricate mechanisms governing ovarian follicular atresia.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107601"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142274622","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}
S. Cainelli , M.B. Peralta , A.F. Stassi , E. Angeli , N.C. Gareis , L. Durante , H.H. Ortega , M.M.L. Velázquez
{"title":"Endometrial distribution of bovine immune cells in relation to days to conception after parturition","authors":"S. Cainelli , M.B. Peralta , A.F. Stassi , E. Angeli , N.C. Gareis , L. Durante , H.H. Ortega , M.M.L. Velázquez","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In dairy cows, the processes involved in the resolution of uterine inflammation during the postpartum are closely related to improved fertility during the subsequent lactation period. Little is known, however, about the role and distribution of endometrial immune cell populations during the pre-implantation period. This study was aimed to analyze the endometrial distribution of several mononuclear immune cells (T cells, γδ T cells, B cells and macrophages) in healthy dairy cows during the postpartum, beyond the transition period, looking for its possible association with the parturition-conception interval (PCI) and delayed conception. The quantification of immune cells was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the expression of hormone receptors in immune cells was evaluated by double IHC. Dairy cows were grouped according to their PCI: PCI shorter than or equal to 90 DIM (PCI<sub>≤90</sub>), PCI between 90 and 120 DIM (PCI<sub>90–120</sub>), and PCI greater than 150 DIM (PCI<sub>≥150</sub>). The distribution of endometrial mononuclear immune cells was analyzed by a Generalized Linear Model, and the association of the distribution of mononuclear immune cells with delayed conception was evaluated with a Kaplan-Meier test. The cows from the PCI<sub>90–120</sub> group showed the highest number of endometrial macrophages, and a lower number of B cells than the PCI<sub>≤90</sub> group. Results also showed an association between the lower number of B cells in the endometrium during the pre-implantation period and earlier conception. Also, the present findings indicates that ESR and PR are expressed in the endometrial MØ, T cells, γδ T cells and B cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107603"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318754","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}
Manuela Garcia-Canovas, Inmaculada Parrilla, Cristina Cuello, Maria A. Gil, Emilio A. Martinez
{"title":"Swine in vitro embryo production: Potential, challenges, and advances","authors":"Manuela Garcia-Canovas, Inmaculada Parrilla, Cristina Cuello, Maria A. Gil, Emilio A. Martinez","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Pig production, a vital sector of the meat industry, faces demands for improved quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Advancements in breeding, disease control, and artificial insemination have enhanced production, while biotechnologies such as in vitro embryo production (IVP) and genetic engineering offer further progress. In vitro embryo production could facilitate the global exchange of valuable genetic material, accelerate breeding programs, and improve productivity, and it is essential for generating genetically modified (GM) pigs. These GM pigs have two main applications: first, they allow for targeted modifications aimed at improving production traits relevant to pig production in agriculture, such as meat quality and disease resistance. Second, they serve as valuable biomedical models for human disease research, regenerative medicine, and organ transplantation. Yet, despite notable advancements in recent decades, the efficiency of the current IVP systems for porcine embryos remains a challenge. Compared to the in vivo environment, suboptimal culture conditions lead to issues such as elevated polyspermy, poor embryo development, and the production of low-quality blastocysts. This review provides an overview of the key steps and recent advancements in porcine IVP technology. We will emphasize the promising utilization of oocytes from live females of high genetic value through ovum pick-up and the incorporation of extracellular vesicles and cytokines into IVP media. These innovative strategies hold immense potential to significantly enhance embryo development and overall success rates in porcine IVP, and could open the door for significant progress in both agriculture and biomedicine applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107600"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037843202400191X/pdfft?md5=7484bc43fd3b7c866e76189b6ba9f1c2&pid=1-s2.0-S037843202400191X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142172389","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":"Determinants of ram sexual behavior and its impact on sheep breeding","authors":"Rodolfo Ungerfeld , Brenda M. Alexander","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107599","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107599","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In sheep, anatomical characteristics of the cervix and animal value limit application of reproductive technologies; therefore, most breeding is natural service. Rams are selected based on desired physical traits and semen capacity, but their contribution to flock genetics is constrained by expression of sexual behavior. In 1964, it was first reported that approximately one-third of rams expressed limited sexual interest toward ewes in estrus. Therefore, if rams were evaluated for expression of sexual behavior, it is estimated that as many rams would be culled for the lack of behavior as are currently culled for semen quality or physical deficiencies. Sexual behavior is complex, requiring sensory recognition and processing, integration of ram cohorts and social dominance, female mate choice, and a physical response. This review of the literature aims to provide insights into factors influencing expression of ram sexual behavior.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107599"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142242840","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}