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Mahmood K, Ali Channa A, Ghafoor A, Riaz A. Factors affecting the efficiency of equine embryo transfer (EET) in polo mares under subtropical conditions of Pakistan. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298066. [PMID: 38346056 PMCID: PMC10861068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine embryo transfer (EET) is a prominent technology in the equine breeding industry, and its efficacy is affected by a number of factors. The current study aimed to determine the effects of the breed of donor/recipient mares, estrus/ovulation induction treatment, cooled transportation of embryos, and synchrony between donor and recipient mares on the efficiency of the EET under subtropical conditions of Pakistan. A total of eighty-four (n = 84) Polo-playing donor mares (Argentino-polo = 41 and Anglo-Arab = 43) and seventy (n = 70) recipient mares (light breed = 26 and heavy breed = 44) were used for EET. The donor mares exhibiting natural estrus (n = 28) were detected by teaser a stallion, and corpus luteum (CL) having mares (n = 56) were treated with prostaglandin (150 μg of Cloprostenol) for estrus induction. The mares' follicular growth was monitored through ultrasonography until the dominant follicle's size reached 35 mm or more with a moderate to obvious uterine edema score. Afterward, the mares were treated either with GnRH, i.e., 50 μg of Lecirelin acetate (n = 41) or Ovusyn, i.e., 1500 IU hCG (n = 43). Insemination with chilled semen was performed 24 hours later. The embryos were collected non-surgically, 7 or 8 days after ovulation, from the donor mares. The collected embryos were transferred into the well-synchronized recipient mares as fresh (n = 44) or chilled (n = 26) embryos. The pregnancy after ET was checked through ultrasonography. Statistical analysis revealed that the embryo recovery rate (ERR) remained significantly higher (P<0.05) for the Prostaglandin (PG) treated group of donors as compared to the natural heat group of donors. The breed of donor mares, type of ovulatory treatment given, and day of embryo collection did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the ERR. There was no significant effect of the type (fresh vs chilled), classification, and stage of development of embryo on pregnancy outcomes (P>0.05). ET pregnancy rate was significantly affected by the breed of recipient mares and ovulation synchrony between donor and recipient mares (P<0.05). In conclusion, under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan, PG-based estrus induction of donor mares, breed of recipient mares, and ovulation synchrony between the donor and recipient mares had a substantial effect on the efficiency of EET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Mahmood
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aijaz Ali Channa
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Ghafoor
- University Diagnostic Lab (UDL) at Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Riaz
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Ren W, Wang J, Zeng Y, Wang T, Meng J, Yao X. Differential age-related transcriptomic analysis of ovarian granulosa cells in Kazakh horses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1346260. [PMID: 38352714 PMCID: PMC10863452 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1346260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Kazakh horse, renowned for its excellence as a breed, exhibits distinctive reproductive traits characterized by early maturity and seasonal estrus. While normal reproductive function is crucial for ensuring the breeding and expansion of the Kazakh horse population, a noteworthy decline in reproductive capabilities is observed after reaching 14 years of age. Methods In this study, ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were meticulously collected from Kazakh horses aged 1, 2, 7, and above 15 years old (excluding 15 years old) for whole transcriptome sequencing. Results The analysis identified and selected differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs for each age group, followed by a thorough examination through GO enrichment analysis. The study uncovered significant variations in the expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs within GCs at different stages of maturity. Notably, eca-miR-486-3p and miR-486-y exhibited the highest degree of connectivity. Subsequent GO, KEGG, PPI, and ceRNA network analyses elucidated that the differentially expressed target genes actively participate in signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and hormonal regulation. These pathways include but are not limited to the MAPK signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway, Aldosterone synthesis and secretion, Cellular senescence, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway-essentially encompassing signal transduction pathways crucial to reproductive processes. Discussion This research significantly contributes to unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing follicular development in Kazakh horses. It establishes and preliminarily validates a differential regulatory network involving lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA, intricately associated with processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis and integral to the developmental intricacies of stromal follicles. The findings of this study provide a solid theoretical foundation for delving deeper into the realm of reproductive aging in Kazakh mares, presenting itself as a pivotal regulatory pathway in the context of horse ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlu Ren
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jianwen Wang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China
| | - Yaqi Zeng
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Tongliang Wang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Meng
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China
| | - Xinkui Yao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China
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Blanco M, Foss R, Tönißen A, Rohn K, Burger D, Sieme H. Age and treatment on the day of embryo transfer in recipient mares affect likelihood of pregnancy. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2023; 51:358-366. [PMID: 38056470 DOI: 10.1055/a-2186-2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This retrospective evaluation of data from a large commercial embryo transfer facility aimed to determine the extent to which age and treatment on the day of embryo transfer in recipient mares influence the likelihood of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Embryo recovery was carried out on days 8-10 post-ovulation using transcervical uterine flushing. Recipient mares grouped according to their age were treated once on the day of embryo transfer (Day 3-8 post ovulation) and were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: Mares in Group A (n=101) received antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Mares in Group B (n=100) received gentamicin and flunixin meglumine. Group C (control) (n=103) did not receive any treatment. Detomidine (0.008 mg/kg bwt i.v.) was administered to all recipients before transfer of the embryo. The influence of treatment and recipient´s age was calculated using binary logistic regression. RESULTS Day 16 post-transfer pregnancy rates were highest in Group A (74/101, 73.3a%), when compared to Group B (60/100, 60%), and Group C (57/103, 55.3b%) (a vs b, p<0.05). Pregnancy loss rates at D45 were not different between groups, A (8/74, 10.8%), B (5/60, 8.3%), and C (6/57, 10.5%), respectively (p>0.05). Pregnancy losses were increased in recipient mares 17-22 years (33.3a%) compared to younger recipient mares (2-6 years 7b%, 7-11 years 10%, 12-16 years 8b%) (a:b p<0.05). The regression model showed that the predicted probability for pregnancy after embryo transfer decreased as the age of the recipient mare increased for treated recipients in Group A (p=0.012), there was no effect of treatment and recipient´s age in Group B, and a decreased likelihood of pregnancy in recipients of advanced age (≥12 years of age) in untreated recipients (group C). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Likelihood of pregnancy increased following single administration of antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory drugs at the time of embryo transfer in recipients 2-12 years of age. Likelihood of pregnancy in recipients decreased in recipients≥12 years of age. These results, obtained under the conditions of a large commercial embryo transfer program, offer an opportunity to improve pregnancy rates in recipient mares≤12 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Blanco
- Studfarm Lewitz - PS Pferdehaltung, Neustadt-Glewe, Germany
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Rob Foss
- Equine Medical Services, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Anna Tönißen
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Germany
| | - Dominik Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, University of Berne, and Agroscope, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - Harald Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
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Donato GG, Necchi D, Vandaele H, Vita ME, Bertero A, Vincenti L, Nervo T. Influence of Intrauterine Fluid Detection, Number of Transfers and Age of the Recipient on Pregnancy Rate and Early Embryonic Loss in a Commercial Embryo Transfer Program. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1799. [PMID: 37889745 PMCID: PMC10251961 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of the recipient mare is one of the most important factors involved in the success of equine embryo transfer. The aim of this study was to determine whether the age of the recipient, the number of transfers and the detection of intrauterine fluid during the follicular phase or after ovulation can affect pregnancy rate at 14 and 45 days (PR 14 and PR 45) or early embryonic loss (EEL). A total of 1222 ETs were included in the study. Mares receiving the first embryo of the year had a higher PR 14 and 45 days compared to mares at the third transfer (78.8% and 70.1% vs. 65.6% and 54.1%, respectively). The detection of intrauterine fluid post ovulation negatively affected PR 14 (60.5% vs. 77.6%) and should therefore be considered an abnormal finding, probably being a sign of uterine inflammation or delayed uterine clearance. On the contrary, the age of the recipient mare and detection of fluid during follicular phase did not affect PR 14. Only the age of the recipient mare influenced the EEL, since mares aged 10-13 years had a higher EEL compared to mares aged 3-5 years (15.6% vs. 6.4%). Embryo size and grade affected PR 14 and 45.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Guido Donato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.B.); (L.V.); (T.N.)
- Keros Embryo Transfer Centre, Westrozebekestraat 23A, 8980 Passendale, Belgium
| | - Denis Necchi
- Keros Embryo Transfer Centre, Westrozebekestraat 23A, 8980 Passendale, Belgium
| | - Hilde Vandaele
- Keros Embryo Transfer Centre, Westrozebekestraat 23A, 8980 Passendale, Belgium
| | | | - Alessia Bertero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.B.); (L.V.); (T.N.)
| | - Leila Vincenti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.B.); (L.V.); (T.N.)
| | - Tiziana Nervo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.B.); (L.V.); (T.N.)
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Mixed-Effects Modelling of the Risk Factors Associated with Multiple Pregnancies in Thoroughbred Mares. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141841. [PMID: 35883388 PMCID: PMC9312083 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Multiple pregnancies (MPs), or twins/triplets, are commonly diagnosed in pregnant mares. Whilst some studies have identified factors associated with an increased risk of MPs, they have only looked at each factor individually and not accounted for the effects of factors when they occur together. This study used statistical modelling to identify risk factors for MPs, looking at 27 factors as well as the contribution of the mare, stallion (both proxies for genetics), farm, and veterinarian. We found that multiple ovulations and the use of a drug that mimics prostaglandin F2α to induce oestrus, both increased the risk of a mare having an MP. Mares that had a foal that same year, had a uterine cyst, or who did not get pregnant on the first cycle they were bred on were at a decreased risk of having an MP. Factors that impact the early embryonic environment are more important influences of multiple pregnancies when compared to the genetics of the mare. The increased incidence of MP but not MOs over the previous decades may well reflect improved management of the endometrium as opposed to selection of mares with increased risk for MPs. A limitation of the study is the reliance on clinical records being completed accurately. Abstract Multiple pregnancies (MPs) are commonly diagnosed during breeding management of mares. Whilst some studies have reported on factors associated with the risk of MPs, few have utilised multivariable data analysis to control for confounding variables. A prospective cohort study of Thoroughbred broodmares was conducted with information collected on 27 factors. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for MPs. Mare, stallion, stud, and veterinarian were evaluated as random effects. The prevalence of MPs in 1754 mares and 2245 pregnancies was 16.06% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.54, 17.58). Multiple ovulations (OR = 15.57, 95% CI = 11.88, 20.53) and treatment with cloprostenol (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.015, 1.80) were associated with increased odds of MPs following multivariable analysis. Mares that foaled at the start of the breeding season (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47, 0.94), conceived at the second or more oestrus cycles (OR = 0.60, 95% CI= 0.43, 0.84), or identified with a uterine cyst (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.97) were at reduced odds of conceiving MPs. Mare, stallion, stud, and veterinarian were not associated with MPs. These findings provide possible explanations as to why the prevalence of MPs but not MOs have increased over the last decade.
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Derisoud E, Jouneau L, Dubois C, Archilla C, Jaszczyszyn Y, Legendre R, Daniel N, Peynot N, Dahirel M, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Wimel L, Duranthon V, Chavatte-Palmer P. Maternal age affects equine day 8 embryo gene expression both in trophoblast and inner cell mass. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:443. [PMID: 35705916 PMCID: PMC9199136 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08593-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breeding a mare until she is not fertile or even until her death is common in equine industry but the fertility decreases as the mare age increases. Embryo loss due to reduced embryo quality is partly accountable for this observation. Here, the effect of mare's age on blastocysts' gene expression was explored. Day 8 post-ovulation embryos were collected from multiparous young (YM, 6-year-old, N = 5) and older (OM, > 10-year-old, N = 6) non-nursing Saddlebred mares, inseminated with the semen of one stallion. Pure or inner cell mass (ICM) enriched trophoblast, obtained by embryo bisection, were RNA sequenced. Deconvolution algorithm was used to discriminate gene expression in the ICM from that in the trophoblast. Differential expression was analyzed with embryo sex and diameter as cofactors. Functional annotation and classification of differentially expressed genes and gene set enrichment analysis were also performed. RESULTS Maternal aging did not affect embryo recovery rate, embryo diameter nor total RNA quantity. In both compartments, the expression of genes involved in mitochondria and protein metabolism were disturbed by maternal age, although more genes were affected in the ICM. Mitosis, signaling and adhesion pathways and embryo development were decreased in the ICM of embryos from old mares. In trophoblast, ion movement pathways were affected. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing that maternal age affects gene expression in the equine blastocyst, demonstrating significant effects as early as 10 years of age. These perturbations may affect further embryo development and contribute to decreased fertility due to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cédric Dubois
- IFCE, Plateau technique de Chamberet, 19370, Chamberet, France
| | - Catherine Archilla
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Yan Jaszczyszyn
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), UMR 9198 CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University F-91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-Department of Computational Biology, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Daniel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nathalie Peynot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Michèle Dahirel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Laurence Wimel
- IFCE, Plateau technique de Chamberet, 19370, Chamberet, France
| | - Véronique Duranthon
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Spencer KM, Podico G, Megahed AA, Jones KL, Bittar JH, Canisso IF. Ovulatory response to GnRH agonist during early and late fall in mares. Theriogenology 2022; 185:140-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Diana F, Tesi M, Ingallinesi M, Camillo F, Panzani D. Recipients' pregnancy rate was affected by season but not by the temperature humidity index (THI) in an equine commercial ET program in Southern Europe. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:343-348. [PMID: 34953153 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study retrospectively analysed the effects of different environmental factors such as the photoperiod, temperature/humidity index o 19 years of a commercial embryo transfer program performed in central Italy. From 340 donors of different breeds and aged between 2 and 25 years, 576 embryos of an excellent or good quality were obtained by uterine flushing on day 7-8 after ovulation. The embryos were transferred to 259 recipients, aged between 2 and 16 years, and belonging to different breeds. Both the donors and the recipients were employed for several cycles/years. At the time of transfer, the recipients were in diestrus, from day 4 to day 8 after ovulation, and were classified as excellent or good based on clinical examination findings. Out of the total number of embryos transferred, 437 pregnancies were obtained at 14 days (75.9%), with 48/437 (10.1%) embryonic losses at 40 days; with no significant differences among years. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between 14-day pregnancy rates for transfers performed during the spring transition and breeding seasons (77.1%) compared to those performed during the autumn transitional season (57.9%). No effect of temperature/humidity index was found on pregnancy rates or pregnancy losses after the transfer to the recipients (P>0.05). Embryo transfer during autumn was less successful than the transfers performed during the spring transition and the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanelli Diana
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, Via Livornese 1289, 56122, Pisa (PI), Italy
| | - Matteo Tesi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, Via Livornese 1289, 56122, Pisa (PI), Italy
| | - Martina Ingallinesi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, Via Livornese 1289, 56122, Pisa (PI), Italy
| | - Francesco Camillo
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, Via Livornese 1289, 56122, Pisa (PI), Italy
| | - Duccio Panzani
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, Via Livornese 1289, 56122, Pisa (PI), Italy
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Derisoud E, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Palmer E, Robles M, Chavatte-Palmer P. Female age and parity in horses: how and why does it matter? Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:52-116. [PMID: 35231230 DOI: 10.1071/rd21267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although puberty can occur as early as 14-15months of age, depending on breed and use, the reproductive career of mares may continue to advanced ages. Once mares are used as broodmares, they will usually produce foals once a year until they become unfertile, and their productivity can be enhanced and/or prolonged through embryo technologies. There is a general consensus that old mares are less fertile, but maternal age and parity are confounding factors because nulliparous mares are usually younger and older mares are multiparous in most studies. This review shows that age critically affects cyclicity, folliculogenesis, oocyte and embryo quality as well as presence of oviductal masses and uterine tract function. Maternal parity has a non-linear effect. Primiparity has a major influence on placental and foal development, with smaller foals at the first gestation that remain smaller postnatally. After the first gestation, endometrial quality and uterine clearance capacities decline progressively with increasing parity and age, whilst placental and foal birthweight and milk production increase. These combined effects should be carefully balanced when breeding mares, in particular when choosing and caring for recipients and their foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d'Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Morgane Robles
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; and INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, H7V 1B7 Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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10
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Stout TAE. Mare and stallion effects on blastocyst production in a commercial equine ovum pick-up-intracytoplasmic sperm injection program. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1894-1903. [PMID: 31634435 DOI: 10.1071/rd19201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study retrospectively examined the degree to which success within a commercial ovum pick-up (OPU)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) program varied between individual mares and stallions. Over 2 years, 552 OPU sessions were performed on 323 privately owned warmblood mares. For mares that yielded at least one blastocyst during the first OPU-ICSI cycle, there was a 77% likelihood of success during subsequent attempts; conversely, when the first cycle yielded no blastocyst, the likelihood of failure (no embryo) in subsequent cycles was 62%. In mares subjected to four or more OPU sessions, the mean percentage of blastocysts per injected oocyte was 20.5% (range 1.4-46.7%), whereas the mean number of blastocysts per OPU-ICSI session was 1.67 (0.2-4.2). Age did not differ significantly between mares that yielded good or poor results. The number of recovered oocytes per OPU was positively associated with the likelihood of success (P<0.001). Although there were considerable between-stallion differences, most stallions (14/16) clustered between 15.6% and 26.8% blastocysts per injected oocyte, and the number of blastocysts per OPU (mean 1.4; range 0.2-2.2) was less variable than among mares. In conclusion, although both mare and stallion affect the success of OPU-ICSI, mare identity and the number of oocytes recovered appear to be the most reliable predictors of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Corresponding author.
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
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Ferreira L, Wischral A, Bartolomeu C, Costa L, Soares A. Influência da somatotropina recombinante bovina no desenvolvimento folicular e na coleta de embriões em éguas. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Dez éguas, sem raça definida, foram submetidas a avaliações ultrassonográficas durante o intervalo interovulatório, avaliando-se folículos ≥ 5mm. Cinco éguas foram tratadas com 500mg de r-bST no primeiro e no 14º dia pós-ovulação (grupo GT), e as demais com soro fisiológico (grupo GC). Quando o folículo dominante atingiu diâmetro ≥ 40mm, foram induzidas com hCG e inseminadas 24 horas após, sendo submetidas à coleta de embrião seis dias após a ovulação. Os dados foram agrupados de acordo com o diâmetro do folículo dominante nas fases de emergência, divergência, dominância, pré-ovulatória, indução, inseminação e ovulação. Todas as éguas foram usadas duas vezes, no mesmo grupo. O GT apresentou crescimento folicular precoce para as fases de emergência, divergência, dominância e pré-ovulatória, assim como para o seu maior folículo subordinado, que cresceu mais cedo. As taxas de recuperação foram de 90% (GC) e 70% (GT), em 16 estruturas coletadas, obtendo-se uma não fecundada e um blastocisto inicial para o grupo GC; os demais, no estágio de mórula, apresentaram comportamento semelhante entre os grupos. Conclui-se que a r-bST influencia a dinâmica folicular de éguas, levando a uma antecipação do desenvolvimento folicular, que pode ser utilizada para encurtar o ciclo estral.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.E.P.A. Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação ˗ Ciência e tecnologia de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - A. Wischral
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - C.C. Bartolomeu
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - A.F. Soares
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
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Clinical Application of in Vitro Embryo Production in the Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103011. [PMID: 32563449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first reports of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) by conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in horses date respectively from approximately 30 and 25 years ago. However, IVEP has only become established in clinical practice during the last decade. The initial slow uptake of IVEP was largely because the likelihood of success was too low to make it an economically viable means of breeding horses. During the last decade, the balance has shifted, primarily because of significant improvements in the efficiency of recovering immature oocytes from live donor mares (historically <25%; now >50%) and in the successful culture of zygotes to the blastocyst stage in vitro (historically <10%; now >20%). It has also been established that immature oocytes can be "held" at room temperature for at least 24 hours, allowing overnight transport to a laboratory with expertise in IVEP. Moreover, because in vitro-produced embryos can be cryopreserved with no appreciable reduction in viability, they can be shipped and stored until a suitable recipient mare is available for transfer. Most importantly, in an established equine ovum pick-up intracytoplasmic sperm injection (OPU-ICSI) program, blastocyst production rates now exceed 1 per procedure, and posttransfer foaling rates exceed 50%, such that overall efficiency betters that of either embryo flushing or oocyte transfer. Moreover, OPU-ICSI can be performed year round and allows embryo production from mares with severe acquired subfertility and extremely efficient use of scarce or expensive frozen semen. Cumulatively, these factors have stimulated rapid growth in demand for IVEP among sport horse breeders.
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Azcona F, Valera M, Molina A, Trigo P, Peral-García P, Solé M, Demyda-Peyrás S. Impact of reproductive biotechnologies on genetic variability of Argentine Polo horses. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Pietrani M, Losinno L, Cuervo Arango J. Effect of the Interval From Prostaglandin F2alpha Treatment to Ovulation on Reproductive Efficiency Rates in a Commercial Equine Embryo Transfer Program. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 78:123-126. [PMID: 31203975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, 2.228 cycles of 180 Polo Argentino donor mares from an embryo transfer program in Argentina were examined to evaluate the effects of: (1) Interval from Prostaglandin F2alpha analog treatment to ovulation (ITO) on embryo recovery rate (ERR); (2) ITO on number of embryos per flushing (EPF); (3) ITO on multiple ovulation (MO) rate; (4) ITO from donor mare on pregnancy rate (PR) in recipient mares. Mares were inseminated with fresh semen from 31 fertile stallions in the induced estrus. Embryo flushing was performed 7-8 days postovulation. Following embryo flushing, donor mares were treated with prostaglandin F2alpha analog (cloprostenol 250 μg). The ERR increased along with the ITO (P = .01), with the lowest ERR (30.7%) for mares with an ITO of <4 days, and the highest (78.3%) in mares with an ITO of 10 days. The ITO from the donor mare in which the embryo was recovered did not have a significant effect on PR: ITO <6, 6 to 10, and >10 days were 74.6, 81.4, and 77.3%, respectively. The number of EPF and MO rate increased gradually along with the ITO (P < .05). In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that the ITO is positively correlated with the embryo recovery and the multiple ovulation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Pietrani
- Cátedra de producción Equina, Universidad Nacional de La Rioja, Argentina, Chamical, La Rioja.
| | - Luis Losinno
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Cuervo Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Stout TA. A retrospective comparison of the efficiency of different assisted reproductive techniques in the horse, emphasizing the impact of maternal age. Theriogenology 2019; 132:36-44. [PMID: 30986613 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Advancing maternal age is known to negatively affect fertility in the horse. This age-related decrease in fertility has been linked primarily to reduced oocyte quality rather than to impaired uterine function. In the past decade, the use of ovum pick-up (OPU) and ICSI to produce foals has rapidly gaining popularity amongst sport horse breeders. However, it is not yet known how maternal age influences the efficiency of a commercial OPU-ICSI program and whether the age effect is similar to that observed for other ART in the horse. To answer this question, reproductive records of 289 mares bred by natural mating (NM), 328 mares bred by AI, 205 embryo donor mares (AI-EF-ET), and 473 mares submitted for OPU-ICSI and ET were analyzed retrospectively using a regression model to investigate the effects of maternal age and breeding technique on the likelihood of producing a viable pregnancy. The reproductive efficiency (quantified as the proportion of mares that yielded at least one Day 45 pregnancy) of the different breeding techniques NM, AI, AI-EF-ET and OPU-ICSI-ET was 63.3, 43.9, 45.8 and 37.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). However, the frequent production of multiple embryos per ICSI session (up to 10 embryos in one attempt), makes OPU-ICSI-ET as effective as AI-EF-ET when measured in terms of the mean number of Day 45 pregnant recipients per donor mare. Increasing maternal age was associated with a reduction (P < 0.05) in the reproductive efficiency of all breeding techniques (NM, AI, AI-EF-ET) except OPU-ICSI-ET (P > 0.05). In the OPU-ICSI-ET group, increasing maternal age was associated with a lower number of follicles aspirated and oocytes recovered per mare. Nevertheless, the percentage of blastocysts per injected oocyte, and post-ET likelihoods of pregnancy and pregnancy loss were not influenced by the age of the oocyte donor mare (P > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Tom A Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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Rose B, Firth M, Morris B, Roach J, Wathes D, Verheyen K, de Mestre A. Descriptive study of current therapeutic practices, clinical reproductive findings and incidence of pregnancy loss in intensively managed thoroughbred mares. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 188:74-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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The period of the follicular phase during which the uterus of mares shows estrus-like echotexture influences the subsequent pregnancy rate. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1506-1515. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Panzani D, Vannozzi I, Marmorini P, Rota A, Camillo F. Factors Affecting Recipients' Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, and Foaling Rates in a Commercial Equine Embryo Transfer Program. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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