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Veterinary Sciences
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Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals
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Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 39485

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Salvador Ruiz López

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Interests: physiology and biotechnology of reproduction in domestic mammal species; pig and bovine reproduction; development and validation of ARTs (OPU, IVP, cryopreservation); development of new activities in reproductive biotechnology for obtaining healthy animals through ARTs based on physiological conditions and in the generation of CRISPR-Cas9 transgenic animals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Juan Carlos Gardón Poggi

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary and Experimental Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
Interests: animal physiology; reproduction physiology; reproduction; gametes under in vitro conditions; ultrasound; applied biotechnologies.
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jordi Miró Roig

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain
Interests: assisted reproductive technology; semen evaluation; reproductive biology; semen analysis; cryopreservation; endometritis; endometriosis; horse, donkey; reproduction biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you publish your work in this Special Issue on “Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals” for the open access journal Veterinary Science (ISSN 2306-7381).

This Special Issue aims to publish papers on Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). ARTs is the term used to describe treatments and procedures which involve the manipulation of reproductive cycles, gametes or embryos. Several generations of such technologies have been developed for use in domestic animals.

The main impetus for the development of these technologies arose from their potential application in the refinement of breeding strategies for improved production and health in animal husbandry. As there are major differences in reproductive physiology between mammalian species, it is not surprising that reproductive technologies can be highly efficient in some animal group.

The goals of ARTs vary depending on the species or groups of animals to which they are applied. Initially, ARTs were employed more extensively in cattle than in other species, reflecting their economic importance in food production, so that the focus of ARTs in domestic species was concerned with genetic improvement or production aimed at allowing the livestock industry to respond to continually increasing demands for improved productivity and quality, as well as the conservation of rare or endangered breeds or species. Many techniques have been applied to other livestock and also to companion animal species. In recent years, biomedical applications of these technologies have been pursued in domestic mammals as possible models applicable to human clinical conditions or with potential application in therapeutic drug development.

Research areas in this Special Issue may include but are not limited to the following biotechnologies:

- Artificial insemination with timed fixed AI programs and studies on resynchronization estrus and ovulation;
- Biotechnologies for semen evaluation including staining methods of sperm morphology, CASA, cytometry flow, transcriptome, and proteomic analysis;
- In vivo embryo production (multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET));
- Ovum pick-up (OPU) and in vitro embryo production (IVEP), including in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro culture (IVC);
- Studies on cryopreservation of gametes and embryos;
- Sexing technologies of spermatozoa and embryos;
- In vitro culture of preantral follicles;
- Transgenesis and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT);
- Cloning, new gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR) and epigenetic modifications and their roles in animal reproduction.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Salvador Ruiz López
Prof. Dr. Juan Carlos Gardón Poggi
Prof. Dr. Jordi Miró Roig
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ARTs
  • biology
  • physiology
  • technology
  • reproduction
  • domestic
  • mammals
  • oocyte
  • sperm
  • embryo

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 199 KiB  
Editorial
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals
by Salvador Ruiz, Juan Carlos Gardón and Jordi Miró
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(4), 287; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci10040287 - 11 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1144
Abstract
As guest editors, we are pleased to present this Special Issue entitled “Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals”, comprising 10 articles of relevant interest in the field of animal reproduction [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

12 pages, 2066 KiB  
Article
Small Ruminant Farming in Tribal Areas of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
by Muhammad Ameen Jamal, Samiullah Khan, Yanhua Su, Chang Yang, Heng Zhao, Kaixiang Xu, Deling Jiao, Wenmin Cheng, Abdul Rauf, Mahboob Ali, Sohail Ahmad, Yubo Qing and Hong-Jiang Wei
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(6), 279; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci9060279 - 07 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2936
Abstract
Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) of Punjab-Pakistan are comprised of hilly mountains with small ruminants as a sole source of income. In this study, farming practices, productivity, health and the economic value of sheep were evaluated in PATA through a survey of farmers [...] Read more.
Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) of Punjab-Pakistan are comprised of hilly mountains with small ruminants as a sole source of income. In this study, farming practices, productivity, health and the economic value of sheep were evaluated in PATA through a survey of farmers (n = 138) holding 11,558 heads of sheep. Out of a total population, 87% were non-descriptive flocks, and 9% and 4% were purebred flocks belonging to the Kajli and Thali populations, respectively. Sheep flocks were mainly (86%) reared under the traditional production system and had a delayed onset of puberty. There was low influence of season on the reproduction, and the majority of flocks (78%) were bred throughout the year. The lack of proper vaccination and poor management exposed the flocks to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, which lead to high mortality in lambs (~22%) and adults (~32%). The share of sheep in farmers livelihood was 42%, and only 20% of producers’ living standard was improved with sheep farming, but the rise in rearing more sheep was quite low (20%). Although the livestock department arranged farmers’ training, the majority of farmers (83%) never participated in training and had no knowledge of modern technologies. Collectively, the traditional sheep production systems, poor management, lack of vaccination, marketing channels and farmers training hampered the sheep rearing and producers’ livelihood in the PATA of Punjab-Pakistan. However, developing model livestock farms, conducting farmer training, establishing a viable market for dairy products, and introducing subsidy policy interventions can improve the sheep farming in these areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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14 pages, 1746 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Uterine Blood Flow in Breeding Sows through the Estrus and Early Diestrus, and after Artificial Insemination
by Salvador Ruiz, Juan Carlos Gardón, Iván Hernández-Caravaca, Chiara Luongo and Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(6), 260; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci9060260 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1859
Abstract
This study aimed to determine uterine blood flow indices by transabdominal Doppler ultrasound in sows (n = 18) under different conditions: (i) sows after estrus detection (day 0, D0); (ii) sows 2 h after artificial insemination (AI), performed 24 h after detection [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine uterine blood flow indices by transabdominal Doppler ultrasound in sows (n = 18) under different conditions: (i) sows after estrus detection (day 0, D0); (ii) sows 2 h after artificial insemination (AI), performed 24 h after detection of estrus (day 1, D1); (iii) sows in early diestrus (day 5, D5). Moreover, three different types of seminal doses were used for AI depending on the ejaculate fraction included (F1: doses containing only the rich fraction of the ejaculate; F2: F1 + the transition fraction between rich and poor fractions; F3: F2 and poor fraction). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in some indices regarding the period of analysis (D0, D1, and D5). Diastolic velocity and mean velocity showed lower values at D5 in comparison with D0 and D1 (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the pulsatility index and the relationship systolic velocity/diastolic velocity indicated higher values at D5 in comparison with D0 and D1 (p < 0.01). No differences were observed regarding the type of seminal dose used in any of the time points analyzed (p > 0.05). Neither insemination per se nor the type of ejaculate fraction used immediately modified the uterine vascularity, but some indices are affected by the stage of the estrus cycle (estrus vs. early diestrus). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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11 pages, 1744 KiB  
Article
ProAKAP4 Semen Concentrations as a Valuable Marker Protein of Post-Thawed Semen Quality and Bull Fertility: A Retrospective Study
by Marta Dordas-Perpinyà, Nicolas Sergeant, Isabelle Ruelle, Jean-François Bruyas, Frédéric Charreaux, Sandrine Michaud, Sara Carracedo, Jaime Catalán, Jordi Miró, Maryse Delehedde and Lamia Briand-Amirat
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(5), 224; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci9050224 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3865
Abstract
Functional sperm quality markers to predict bull fertility have been actively investigated. Among them, proAKAP4, which is the precursor of AKAP4, the main structural protein in the fibrous sheath of spermatozoa; appears to be promising, especially since spermatozoa lacking AKAP4 expression were shown [...] Read more.
Functional sperm quality markers to predict bull fertility have been actively investigated. Among them, proAKAP4, which is the precursor of AKAP4, the main structural protein in the fibrous sheath of spermatozoa; appears to be promising, especially since spermatozoa lacking AKAP4 expression were shown to be immotile, abnormal, and infertile. In this study, the objective was to evaluate proAKAP4 concentration values with the classic sperm motility descriptors and fertility outcomes (NRR at 90 days) in post-thawed conditions of 10 bulls’ semen. ProAKAP4 expression was confirmed by Western blotting and proAKAP4 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Variations in proAKAP4 concentrations were observed independently of the motility sperm descriptors measured using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). A ProAKAP4 concentration of 38.67 ± 8.55 ng/10 million spermatozoa was obtained as a statistical mean of all samples. Threshold values of proAKAP4 were then determined between 19.96 to 96.95 ng/10 million spermatozoa. ProAKAP4 concentrations were positively correlated with progressive motility and the linearity coefficient. The sperm showing the lowest progressive motility were the samples exhibiting proAKAP4 concentrations below 20 ng/10 million spermatozoa. Furthermore, proAKAP4 concentrations were significantly higher in bulls with a higher NRR in the field. Our results demonstrate a correlation between the semen concentration of proAKAP4 and NRR-90d (p = 0.05) in post-thawed bull semen, highlighting the potential of proAKAP4 as a predictive marker of bull fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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13 pages, 284 KiB  
Article
Fertility Rate and Assessment of the Cytoprotective Capacity of Various Types of Holothuroidea Extracts on Spermatozoa
by Alicja Kowalczyk, Elżbieta Gałęska, Anna Szul, Katarzyna Łącka, Anna Bubel, Jose P. Araujo, Riaz Ullah and Marcjanna Wrzecińska
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(4), 189; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci9040189 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2469
Abstract
For years, compounds of natural origin have been the subject of extensive biomedical research due to very interesting, new ingredients potentially useful for various pharmaceutical, medical and industrial applications. The therapeutic properties and healing benefits of sea cucumbers may result from the presence [...] Read more.
For years, compounds of natural origin have been the subject of extensive biomedical research due to very interesting, new ingredients potentially useful for various pharmaceutical, medical and industrial applications. The therapeutic properties and healing benefits of sea cucumbers may result from the presence of numerous, biologically active ingredients. Sperm subjected to processing and subsequent storage at low temperatures experience a number of damage, including the loss of the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane, DNA and acrosome defragmentation. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to investigate the cytoprotective potential of sea cucumber extract against cryopreserved sperm and semen fertility rate. Commercially available sea cucumber extract was taken from the cellulose shell, then 790 mg of powder was weighed out and placed in 3 glass tubes containing, respectively: 10 mL of water-glycerin solution (WG), water-ethanol (EC), glycerin-ethanol (GE), glycerin-DMSO (DG). Tubes were mixed with vortex for 3 min, then placed in a water bath and incubated for 16 h at 40 °C. Six simmental bulls, 3 years old, of known health status were used for the experiment. Semen was collected from each male once a week (for 18 weeks) using an artificial vagina. After an initial assessment of semen quality, the ejaculates were pooled to eliminate individual differences between males, then diluted to a final concentration of 80 × 106 sperm/mL with a commercial extender (Optixcell, IMV, L’Aigle, France) and divided into 16 equal samples. Control (C) without additive, the test samples contained 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL WG, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL WE, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL GE, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µL DG. Semen was frozen/thawed and assessed for motility, viability, DNA defragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and acrosome integrity. It was shown a positive effect of water-glycerin (WG) and glycerine-ethanol (GE) extracts on the efficiency of sperm preservation at low temperatures. Established that, depending on the type of prepared extract, the sea cucumber can have both cytoprotective (WG, GE, WE) and cytotoxic (DG) effects. Moreover, too high concentrations of the extract can adversely affect the sperm in terms of parameters such as viability, motility, mitochondrial potential, and the integrity of the acrosome or DNA of cells. The present study, thanks to the use of model animals to study the cytoprotective potential of the sea cucumber extract, proves that it can be a potential candidate for use in semen cryopreservation technology to improve the efficiency of storage at low temperatures. Further research is needed to optimize the composition of individual types of extracts and their effect on sperm. The highest effectiveness of female fertilization was observed when doses from GE groups (2 and 4) were used for insemination. The results of this analysis prove that the addition of the tested extract may improve the fertilization efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
17 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Addition of Reduced Glutathione (GSH) to Freezing Medium Reduces Intracellular ROS Levels in Donkey Sperm
by Iván Yánez-Ortiz, Jaime Catalán, Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez, Augusto Carluccio, Jordi Miró and Marc Yeste
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(12), 302; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci8120302 - 02 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2986
Abstract
In donkeys, the use of frozen-thawed sperm for artificial insemination (AI) leads to low fertility rates. Furthermore, donkey sperm produce a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and post-AI inflammation induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis), which further generates many [...] Read more.
In donkeys, the use of frozen-thawed sperm for artificial insemination (AI) leads to low fertility rates. Furthermore, donkey sperm produce a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and post-AI inflammation induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis), which further generates many more ROS. These high ROS levels may induce lipid peroxidation in the sperm plasma membrane, thus affecting its integrity. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, mainly found in the seminal plasma (SP), are responsible for maintaining the redox balance. However, this fluid is removed prior to cryopreservation, thereby exposing sperm cells to further oxidative stress. The exogenous addition of antioxidants to the freezing medium can reduce the detrimental effects caused by ROS generation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate how the addition of different reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations (control, 2 mM, 4 mM, 6 mM, 8 mM, and 10 mM) to fresh sperm affect their cryotolerance. Total and progressive motility, kinematic parameters and motile sperm subpopulations were significantly (p < 0.05) different from the control in treatments containing 8 mM and 10 mM GSH, but not at lower concentrations. Plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular superoxide levels (O2−) were not affected (p > 0.05) by any GSH concentration. Interestingly, however, the addition of 8 mM or 10 mM GSH reduced (p < 0.05) the percentages of viable sperm with high overall ROS levels compared to the control. In conclusion, frozen-thawed donkey sperm are able to tolerate high GSH concentrations, which differs from what has been observed in other species. This antioxidant capacity suggests that ROS could be important during post-AI and that the impact of using exogenous antioxidants like GSH to improve the sperm resilience to freeze-thawing is limited in this species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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12 pages, 770 KiB  
Article
Relevance of the Ejaculate Fraction and Dilution Method on Boar Sperm Quality during Processing and Conservation of Seminal Doses
by Blanca Sebastián-Abad, Pedro José Llamas-López and Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(12), 292; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci8120292 - 27 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3559
Abstract
During boar semen processing and distribution, maximizing the work protocols in the laboratories becomes essential for the conservation of seminal doses. One of the recent implementations in the boar studs to improve efficiency has been semi-automatic semen collection systems, which do not allow [...] Read more.
During boar semen processing and distribution, maximizing the work protocols in the laboratories becomes essential for the conservation of seminal doses. One of the recent implementations in the boar studs to improve efficiency has been semi-automatic semen collection systems, which do not allow to discard fractions of the ejaculate. The objective of this work was to evaluate the dilution method and vibrations (simulating delivery transport) effect on sperm quality (motility, viability, morphology, thermo-resistance test) according to the fraction of ejaculate collected. Two different fractions of the ejaculate were obtained [rich fraction (RF); total fractions (TF)] from six boars, and two dilution methods applied [pouring the extender over the semen (control; ES); pouring the semen over the extender (reverse; SE)]. The seminal doses (2000 × 106 sperm/50 mL) were preserved for 5 days. The results showed that the fraction collected affects sperm quality (better total and progressive motility, and faster sperm in TF; p < 0.05) regardless of the dilution method applied. However, these differences diminished after submitting the semen to the thermo-resistance test, with only differences in sperm viability being observed (p < 0.05). When seminal doses were subjected to vibrations, the sperm viability was more affected in the TF than in the RF group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, using the TF ejaculate leads to comparable results to the RF in sperm quality during storage regardless of the dilution method applied. However, the vibrations of seminal doses are more affected in doses prepared with TF than with RF, although more factors should be included to approach the real conditions during transport. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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15 pages, 3025 KiB  
Article
Use of Intravaginal Progesterone-Releasing Device Results in Similar Pregnancy Rates and Losses to Long-Acting Progesterone to Synchronize Acyclic Embryo Recipient Mares
by Lorenzo G. T. M. Segabinazzi, Luiz R. P. Andrade, Jr., Marco A. Alvarenga, Jose A. Dell’Aqua, Jr. and Igor F. Canisso
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(9), 190; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci8090190 - 10 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5379
Abstract
The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess uterine features and serum progesterone concentrations of acyclic mares synchronized and resynchronized with intravaginal progesterone release device (IPRD), and (2) to compare pregnancy rates and losses of cyclic and acyclic embryo recipient mares treated [...] Read more.
The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess uterine features and serum progesterone concentrations of acyclic mares synchronized and resynchronized with intravaginal progesterone release device (IPRD), and (2) to compare pregnancy rates and losses of cyclic and acyclic embryo recipient mares treated with different synchronization protocols. In Experiment 1, mares (n = 12) received estradiol for 3 days (E2-3d), and then 24 h after the last injection, an IPRD was inserted and kept in place for 9 days. Three days after IPRD removal, mares were treated with E2-3d, and then a new IPRD was inserted and maintained for three days. Serum progesterone concentrations were assessed 2, 6, and 12 h after insertion and removal of IPRD, and then daily from the insertion of the first IPRD to one day after removal of the second IPRD. Experiment 2 was conducted with embryo recipient mares randomly assigned to four groups: (1) Cyclic: mares (n = 75) had ovulation confirmed after receiving a single dose of histrelin when a periovulatory follicle was first detected, (2) LAP4: acyclic mares (n = 92) were treated with E2-3d and then administered a single dose of LAP4 24 h after the last estradiol injection, (3) IPRD: acyclic mares (n = 130) were treated with E2-3d and an IPRD for 4–8 days, and (4) RE-IPRD: acyclic mares (n = 32) were synchronized as in the IPRD group but not used for embryo transfer (ET), then 8 to 15 days later, the mares were resynchronized with E2-3d and an IPRD for 4–8 days. In vivo-produced Day-8 embryos were collected and transferred 4–8 days after ovulation or progesterone treatments. Mares in IPRD and RE-IPRD groups had the intravaginal device removed immediately before ET, and then a new IPRD was inserted right after ET. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 5, 30, and 60 days after ET. Once pregnancy was confirmed, mares in the three acyclic groups received weekly injections of LAP4 (1.5 g) until 120 days of pregnancy. Mares in IPRD and RE-IPRD groups had the device removed three days after the first pregnancy diagnosis. In Experiment 1, progesterone concentrations increased rapidly starting 2 h after insertion of IPRD (p < 0.05); then, concentrations plateaued well above pregnancy maintenance until removal on days 9 and 3, respectively. Progesterone concentrations were reduced to baseline 24 h after IPRD removal (p < 0.05). For experiment 2, there was no difference in pregnancy rates across groups (65–74%) or pregnancy losses by 60 days of gestation (7–12%) (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the IPRD used herein resulted in a rapid increase and a sharp decline in progesterone concentrations upon its insertion and removal, respectively. Finally, our results demonstrated that IPRD could be a compatible alternative to LAP4 to synchronize and resynchronize acyclic embryo recipient mares. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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9 pages, 4525 KiB  
Article
New Sperm Morphology Analysis in Equids: Trumorph® Vs Eosin-Nigrosin Stain
by Sabrina Gacem, Jaime Catalán, Iván Yánez-Ortiz, Carles Soler and Jordi Miró
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(5), 79; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci8050079 - 06 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5039
Abstract
The evaluation of the male fertility potential is based on the analysis of the basic spermatic characteristics of concentration, motility and morphology. Thus, the study of sperm morphology is a fundamental element in the seminal analysis, but its real meaning has been biased [...] Read more.
The evaluation of the male fertility potential is based on the analysis of the basic spermatic characteristics of concentration, motility and morphology. Thus, the study of sperm morphology is a fundamental element in the seminal analysis, but its real meaning has been biased by the techniques used for its evaluation. These techniques involve dehydration phases and subsequent staining, which involves the production of artifacts. The aim of the study is to compare two methods for equid semen morphology evaluation, Trumorph® using living sperm vs. eosin-nigrosine stain. A total of 49 ejaculates from stallions and donkeys were used. After semen collection and dilution, an aliquot was placed on the slide and introduced in the Trumorph® device. Then observation was made with a 40x objective and negative phase-contrast microscope. Another aliquot was stained using eosin-nigrosine stain and viewed using 100× magnification. Well-formed sperm were observed, and different abnormalities were identified using Trumorph®. The use of eosin-nigrosin staining method and Trumorph® led to the same results and both techniques can be used for stallion and donkey sperm morphological analysis. However, considering the fact that Trumorph® uses living sperm helps prevent sperm cell alteration during sample preparation. Therefore, Trumorph® can be a good alternative to the conventional staining method, which provides a quick test on live sperm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

12 pages, 467 KiB  
Review
Candidate Genes in Bull Semen Production Traits: An Information Approach Review
by Mamokoma Cathrine Modiba, Khathutshelo Agree Nephawe, Khanyisile Hadebe Mdladla, Wenfa Lu and Bohani Mtileni
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(4), 155; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci9040155 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3027
Abstract
Semen quality plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of breeding programs, especially where artificial insemination (AI) is practiced. Bulls with good semen traits have good fertility and can produce a volume of high semen per ejaculation. The aim of this review [...] Read more.
Semen quality plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of breeding programs, especially where artificial insemination (AI) is practiced. Bulls with good semen traits have good fertility and can produce a volume of high semen per ejaculation. The aim of this review is to use an information approach to highlight candidate genes and their relation to bull semen production traits. The use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has been demonstrated to be successful in identifying genomic regions and individual variations associated with production traits. Studies have reported over 40 genes associated with semen traits using Illumina BeadChip single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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23 pages, 430 KiB  
Review
Towards Improving the Outcomes of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer in Sheep, with Particular Focus on Donor Superovulation
by Sami Ullah Khan, Muhammad Ameen Jamal, Yanhua Su, Hong-Jiang Wei, Yubo Qing and Wenmin Cheng
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(3), 117; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vetsci9030117 - 04 Mar 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5246
Abstract
Considerable improvements in sheep multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET)protocols have been made; however, unlike for cattle, MOET is poorly developed in sheep, and thus has not been broadly applicable as a routine procedure. The tightly folded nature of the ewe cervix, the [...] Read more.
Considerable improvements in sheep multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET)protocols have been made; however, unlike for cattle, MOET is poorly developed in sheep, and thus has not been broadly applicable as a routine procedure. The tightly folded nature of the ewe cervix, the inconsistent ovarian response to various superovulatory treatments, and the requirement of labor to handle animals, particularly during large-scale production, has limited the implementation of successful MOET in sheep. Moreover, several extrinsic factors (e.g., sources, the purity of gonadotrophins and their administration) and intrinsic factors (e.g., breed, age, nutrition, reproductive status) severely limit the practicability of MOET in sheep and other domestic animals. In this review, we summarize the effects of different superovulatory protocols, and their respective ovarian responses, in terms of ovulation rate, and embryo recovery and transfer. Furthermore, various strategies, such as inhibin immunization, conventional superovulation protocols, and melatonin implants for improving the ovarian response, are discussed in detail. Other reproductive techniques and their relative advantages and disadvantages, such as artificial insemination (AI), and donor embryo recovery and transfer to the recipient through different procedures, which must be taken into consideration for achieving satisfactory results during any MOET program in sheep, are also summarized in this article. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals)
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