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Brown ME, Pukazhenthi B, Olsen GH, Crowe C, Lynch W, Wildt DE, Songsasen N. Low estradiol production of non-laying whooping cranes (Grus americana) is associated with the failure of small follicles to enter follicular hierarchy. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 338:114280. [PMID: 37011766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
For endangered species managed ex situ, production of offspring is a key factor to ensure healthy and self-sustaining populations. However, current breeding goals for the whooping crane (Grus americana) are impeded by poor reproduction. Our study sought to better understand mechanisms regulating ovarian function in ex situ managed whooping cranes and the regulatory function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in relation to follicle formation and egg laying. To characterize hormonal regulation of follicular development and ovulation, we collected weekly blood samples from six female whooping cranes during two breeding seasons, for a total of 11 reproductive cycles. The plasma samples were assessed for follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone and the yolk precursors vitellogenin and very low-density lipoprotein. Ultrasonographic examination of the ovary was conducted at the time of blood collection. Preovulatory follicles (>12 mm) were present in laying cycles (n = 6) but absent in non-laying cycles (n = 5). The patterns of plasma hormone and yolk precursor concentrations corresponded to the stage of follicle development. Specifically, gonadotropin and yolk precursors concentrations increased as follicles transitioned from the non-yolky to yolky stage but did not increase further as the follicle advanced to preovulatory and ovulatory stages. Estrogen and progesterone concentrations increased as follicle size increased and reached peak concentrations (P < 0.05) when follicles developed to ovulatory and preovulatory stages, respectively. While overall mean circulating gonadotropin, progesterone, and yolk precursor concentrations did not differ for laying versus non-laying cycles, mean plasma estradiol in laying cycles was significantly higher than that in non-laying cycles. In summary, the findings suggested that disruption of mechanisms regulating follicle recruitment is likely responsible for the oviposition failure of the captive female whooping crane.
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Extreme temperatures compromise male and female fertility in a large desert bird. Nat Commun 2021; 12:666. [PMID: 33531493 PMCID: PMC7854745 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-20937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature has a crucial influence on the places where species can survive and reproduce. Past research has primarily focused on survival, making it unclear if temperature fluctuations constrain reproductive success, and if so whether populations harbour the potential to respond to climatic shifts. Here, using two decades of data from a large experimental breeding programme of the iconic ostrich (Struthio camelus) in South Africa, we show that the number of eggs females laid and the number of sperm males produced were highly sensitive to natural temperature extremes (ranging from -5 °C to 45 °C). This resulted in reductions in reproductive success of up to 44% with 5 °C deviations from their thermal optimum. In contrast, gamete quality was largely unaffected by temperature. Extreme temperatures also did not expose trade-offs between gametic traits. Instead, some females appeared to invest more in reproducing at high temperatures, which may facilitate responses to climate change. These results show that the robustness of fertility to temperature fluctuations, and not just temperature increases, is a critical aspect of species persistence in regions predicted to undergo the greatest change in climate volatility.
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Zhang C, Xiong M, Rajput SA, Liu Y, Qi D. The differences of gonadal hormones and uterine transcriptome during shell calcification of hens laying hard or weak-shelled eggs. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:707. [PMID: 31510913 PMCID: PMC6737649 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eggshell breaking strength is critical to reduce egg breaking rate and avoid economic loss. The process of eggshell calcification initiates with the egg entering the uterus and lasts about 18 h. It follows a temporal sequence corresponding to the initiation, growth and termination periods of shell calcification. During each period of shell calcification, our study investigated the differences of gonadal hormones and uterine transcriptome in laying hens producing a high or low breaking strength shell. Results 60 Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and divided into two groups according to eggshell breaking strength. Eggshell breaking strength of 44.57 ± 0.91 N and 26.68 ± 0.38 N were considered to be the high strength group (HS) and low strength group (LS), respectively. The results showed that mammillary thickness and mammillary knob width of eggshells were significantly lower in the HS. Serum progesterone (P4) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] were significantly higher in the HS compared to the LS during the initiation period of calcification. Serum estradiol (E2) and calcium did not change significantly. All factors mentioned above had no significant differences in the growth and termination periods of calcification. The relative expression of CaBP-D28k and PMCA 1b were not significantly different between HS and LS. The relative expression of NCX1 was significantly higher in HS compared to LS. Moreover, 1777 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the initiation period of calcification. However, few DEGs were identified in the growth or termination periods of calcification. 30 DEGs were selected as candidate genes involved in eggshell calcification during the initiation period of calcification by the analysis of GO terms and KEGG pathways. Conclusions Our study concluded that mammillary thickness and mammillary knob width of the HS were significantly lower than LS. P4 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 were significantly higher in the initiation period of HS. They may impact initial calcification when the mammillary layer is formed. The initiation period of calcification determined eggshell strength rather than the growth or termination periods. We inferred P4 or 1,25-(OH)2D3 may effect the ultrastructure of the mammillary layer by regulating the expression of uterine genes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6017-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacai Zhang
- College of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- College of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- College of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Mingxin Xiong
- College of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Shahid Ali Rajput
- College of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yun Liu
- College of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Desheng Qi
- College of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Pereira RJG, Christofoletti MD, Blank MH, Duarte JMB. Urofecal steroid profiles of captive Blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva) with different reproductive outcomes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 260:1-8. [PMID: 29427631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite Psitaciformes (parrots) being the third largest nonpasserine order (398 species), it currently ranks second in number of threatened species (28%) according to the Internatinal Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. Since most of the literature concerning reproductive endocrinology in avian species derives from domestic and song birds, it is puzzling that advances in reproductive science for the Psitaciformes order lags far behind, in spite of the growing threats against them. In order to expand our knowledge of Neotropical parrots (Psittacidae), we examined annual changes in urofecal sex steroid metabolites of Blue-fronted amazon pairs (Amazona aestiva) exhibiting successful (nestlings) and unsuccessful breeding (infertile or no eggs). Urofecal samples were collected over a year from eight breeding pairs housed under the same environmental and management conditions. Fecal androgen and progestagen concentrations were determined in males and females, respectively, by enzyme immunoassays previously validated for this species. All eggs were registered between late winter and mid-spring, and egg-laying intervals varied between females (range: 1-8 days; average 3.60 ± 0.51 days). Similar profiles of urofecal progestagens were observed in reproductively successful females and females producing infertile eggs, with progestagen peaks preceding egg laying events (1.77 ± 0.50 days). In contrast, non-laying females had no rises in progestagens during the year. Successful and unsuccessful males did not displayed distinct annual patterns of androgen production, and apart from the peaks during the breeding season, more than half of the individuals intriguingly presented significant increases from late summer to early autumn, a period without reproductive activity. Finally, we noticed that samples with progestagen levels exceeding 40 ng/g had very high probability (>97.5%) to be from females in pre-laying or laying phases, suggesting a feasible application of this characteristic to noninvasively discriminate the reproductive status in amazon females with an accuracy and sensitivity of 94.55% and 58.13%, respectively. Our findings confirmed that urofecal progestagens and androgens are good indicators of the gonadal condition in Blue-fronted amazons, but there is still much to be done for their extensive use in artificial insemination or selection of the most suitable breeding birds for the season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo J G Pereira
- Grupo de Estudos para Multiplicação de Aves (GEMA), Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mauricio D Christofoletti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em MedicinaVeterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcel H Blank
- Grupo de Estudos para Multiplicação de Aves (GEMA), Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Mauricio B Duarte
- Núcleo de Pesquisa e Conservação de Cervídeos (NUPECCE), Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
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Pezoa Poblete P, Moustacas V, Oliveira C, Xavier P, Lanna L, Marques Júnior A. Atividade folicular ovariana em avestruz (Struthio camelus) avaliada por ultrassonografia e sua relação com fotoperíodo e postura. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352013000500040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - L.L. Lanna
- Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais
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Endo H, Akishinonomiya F, Yonezawa T, Hasegawa M, Rakotondraparany F, Sasaki M, Taru H, Yoshida A, Yamasaki T, Itou T, Koie H, Sakai T. Coxa Morphologically Adapted to Large Egg in Aepyornithid Species Compared with Various Palaeognaths. Anat Histol Embryol 2011; 41:31-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2011.01100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bronneberg RGG, Vernooij JCM, Stegeman JA, Taverne MAM. Follicle dynamics and its relation with plasma concentrations of progesterone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol during the egg-laying cycle in ostriches. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:705-13. [PMID: 19144023 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.01057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were (i) to describe the changes in the volume of large ovarian follicles (diameter >3 cm) during the 48 h egg laying cycle in farmed ostriches, and (ii) to quantify factors affecting the volume of the largest measured follicle and the plasma concentrations of progesterone (P(4)) and estradiol-17beta (E(2)beta). In eight egg-producing birds, which all ovulated during the study period, transcutaneous ultrasound scanning and blood sampling was performed at 3 h intervals. The average volume of the total number of visualized large follicles (V(total)), the largest measured follicle (V(F1)), the second largest follicle (V(F2)) and of all follicles smaller than F2 (V(F3-Fn)) were each higher before than after oviposition. V(total), V(F2) and V(F3-Fn) nearly doubled in the 24-h period before oviposition, while V(F1) remained at an equal, rather high level until oviposition. Immediately after oviposition V(total), as well as the volume of the other follicle categories, decreased within 6 h, i.e. around the moment of ovulation. By performing statistical analysis on the basis of linear mixed-effects modelling, we quantified that: (i) V(F1) was 13.2% higher before than after oviposition and increased with 6.5% when LH increased with 1 ng/ml; (ii) P(4) levels were 93.2% higher before than after oviposition and increased with 43.1% for every 3 h closer to oviposition; when LH and E(2)beta levels and V(F1) increased with 1 ng/ml, 10 pg/ml and 10 ml, respectively, P(4) increased with 116.6%, 50% and 6.1%; and (iii) E(2)beta levels were 35.6% higher before than after oviposition, increased with 2.7% for every 3 h closer to oviposition and increased with 14.6% when LH increased with 1 ng/ml. It is concluded that during the egg-laying cycle in ostriches: (i) follicular mass, as estimated by the volume of visualized follicles larger than 3 cm, increases before and decreases after ovulation, and (ii) follicular dynamics and its accompanying endocrine plasma hormone profiles during the egg-laying cycle in ostriches follow a pattern similar to that in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G G Bronneberg
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Parizzi RC, Santos JM, Oliveira MF, Maia MO, Sousa JA, Miglino MA, Santos TC. Macroscopic and Microscopic Anatomy of the Oviduct in the Sexually Mature Rhea (Rhea americana). Anat Histol Embryol 2008; 37:169-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2007.00822.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bronneberg RGG, Stegeman JA, Vernooij JCM, Dieleman SJ, Decuypere E, Bruggeman V, Taverne MAM. Changes in numbers of large ovarian follicles, plasma luteinizing hormone and estradiol-17β concentrations and egg production figures in farmed ostriches throughout the year. Theriogenology 2007; 67:1492-502. [PMID: 17452050 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2006] [Revised: 02/28/2007] [Accepted: 03/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study we described and analysed changes in the numbers of large ovarian follicles (diameter 6.1-9.0 cm) and in the plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol-17beta (E(2)beta) in relation to individual egg production figures of farmed ostriches (Struthio camelus spp.) throughout one year. Ultrasound scanning and blood sampling for plasma hormone analysis were performed in 9 hens on a monthly basis during the breeding season and in two periods of the non-breeding season. Our data demonstrated that: (1) large follicles were detected and LH concentrations were elevated already 1 month before first ovipositions of the egg production season took place; (2) E(2)beta concentrations increased as soon as the egg production season started; (3) numbers of large follicles, LH and E(2)beta concentrations were elevated during the entire egg production season; and that (4) numbers of large follicles, LH and E(2)beta concentrations decreased simultaneous with or following the last ovipositions of the egg production season. By comparing these parameters during the egg production season with their pre-and post-seasonal values, significant differences were found in the numbers of large follicles and E(2)beta concentrations between the pre-seasonal, seasonal and post-seasonal period; while LH concentrations were significantly different between the seasonal and post-seasonal period. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that changes in numbers of large follicles and in concentrations of LH and E(2)beta closely parallel individual egg production figures and provide some new cues that egg production in ostriches is confined to a marked reproductive season. Moreover, our data provide indications that mechanism, initiating, maintaining and terminating the egg production season in farmed breeding ostriches are quite similar to those already known for other seasonal breeding bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G G Bronneberg
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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