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Araya-Zúñiga I, Sevilla F, Molina-Montero R, Roldan ERS, Barrientos-Morales M, Silvestre MA, Valverde A. Kinematic and Morphometric Assessment of Fresh Semen, before, during and after Mating Period in Brahman Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 38200863 PMCID: PMC10778289 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of Brahman bulls evaluated with a commercial CASA system. The experiment was carried out at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology from March to August 2021. A total of eight Brahman bulls were used. A total of 28 ejaculates were collected in the pre-mating period (PMP), during it (DMP), and after it (AMP) using an electroejaculator. The sperm concentration was measured with the Accuread photometer. The motility was measured using a Spermtrack® counting chamber. The analyses were performed with the CASA-Mot ISAS®v1 system. The morphology was analyzed using a microscope with a negative phase contrast objective. Morphometry was evaluated with the CASA-Morph. The sperm concentration did not present differences between the PMP and AMP; however, it was significantly higher than DMP (p > 0.05). Regarding the progressiveness variables, linearity on forward progression (LIN), straightness (STR), and wobble (WOB) were higher (p < 0.05) DMP. A kinematic principal component analysis grouped all the variables into three factors and an effect on the reproductive period was found (p < 0.05) in the parameters of the head and middle part of the sperm, such as width and perimeter, which were greater in the PMP. The length of the sperm head in the PMP and DMP did not show differences; however, both were larger (p < 0.05) than AMP. The insertion distance of the middle piece of the sperm was significantly greater than DMP. Finally, the PMP contained cells with a larger insertion angle (p < 0.05) than AMP. These findings are important to understand the implications of reproductive status on sperm quality and to consider them in andrological evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Araya-Zúñiga
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Francisco Sevilla
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
- Natural Sciences for Development (DOCINADE), Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica
| | - Rafael Molina-Montero
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Manuel Barrientos-Morales
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz CP 91710, Mexico;
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Campus Burjassot, University of Valencia, C/Dr Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
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Torres-Aburto VF, Barrientos-Morales M, Hernández-Flores H, Rodríguez-Andrade A, Cervantes-Acosta P, Landi V, Beltran AH, Domínguez-Mancera B. Breeding soundness examination and herd proficiency of local genetic groups of bulls in tropical environment conditions in Veracruz, Mexico. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1803773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Fernando Torres-Aburto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Manuel Barrientos-Morales
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Herminio Hernández-Flores
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
- Embryo-Espermex de Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | | | - Patricia Cervantes-Acosta
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Vincenzo Landi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Hernández Beltran
- Laboratory of Functional Alterations, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Belisario Domínguez-Mancera
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
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Monday JD, Larson RL, Theurer ME, White BJ, Tucker S. Factors associated with yearling bulls passing subsequent breeding soundness evaluations after failing an initial evaluation. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2018; 253:1617-1622. [PMID: 30668252 DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.12.1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of yearling beef bulls classified as satisfactory potential breeders when reevaluated after failing an initial breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) and identify any factors at initial BSE that predicted satisfactory performance at reevaluation. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. ANIMALS 2,064 beef bulls between 11 and 14 months of age at first BSE, evaluated from 2006 to 2014. PROCEDURES For each bull, data on age (categorized by month), breed, and BSE findings were extracted from the medical records. Bulls were classified as satisfactory potential breeders if they met Society for Theriogenology standards at the initial BSE or up to 2 subsequent reevaluations. Generalized linear mixed models were generated to assess potential associations between certain variables at initial BSE and passing that evaluation or passing subsequent BSEs after initial failure. RESULTS 1,921 of 2,064 (93.1%) yearling bulls passed 1 of up to 3 BSEs. The proportion of yearling bulls that were not classified as satisfactory during initial BSE but were later classified as satisfactory was 143 of 287 (49.8%). A significant interaction was identified between bull age and breed in the probability of passing the initial evaluation. No variable, including breed, age, scrotal circumference per day of age, and spermatozoa morphology at initial BSE, significantly predicted passing subsequent reevaluations after failing an initial BSE. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Age and breed information should be considered when deciding the age at which initial BSE should be scheduled for a yearling bull cohort.
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Hancock A, Younis P, Beggs D, Mansell P, Stevenson M, Pyman M. An assessment of dairy herd bulls in southern Australia: 1. Management practices and bull breeding soundness evaluations. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9983-9997. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Hancock AS, Younis PJ, Beggs DS, Mansell PD, Stevenson MA, Pyman MF. An assessment of dairy herd bulls in southern Australia: 2. Analysis of bull- and herd-level risk factors and their associations with pre- and postmating breeding soundness results. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9998-10008. [PMID: 27743659 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In pasture-based, seasonally calving dairy herds of southern Australia, the mating period usually consists of an initial artificial insemination period followed by a period of natural service using herd bulls. The primary objective of this study was to identify associations between individual bull- and herd-level management factors and bull fertility as measured by a pre- and postmating bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE). Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with bulls being classified as high risk of reduced fertility at the premating and postmating BBSE. Bulls older than 4 yr of age at the premating BBSE were more likely to be classified high risk compared with bulls less than 4 yr of age. Bulls that were in herds in which concentrates were fed before mating were more likely to be classified as high risk at the postmating BBSE compared with bulls that were in herds where concentrates were not fed. Univariable analyses also identified areas in need of further research, including breed differences between dairy bulls, leg conformation and joint abnormalities, preventative hoof blocking for bulls, and mating ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Hancock
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia; The Vet Group, Timboon, Victoria 3268, Australia.
| | - P J Younis
- The Vet Group, Timboon, Victoria 3268, Australia
| | - D S Beggs
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - P D Mansell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - M A Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - M F Pyman
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
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Schrag N, Larson RL. Yearling Bull Breeding Soundness Examination: Special Considerations. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2016; 32:465-78. [PMID: 27324452 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate assessment of yearling bulls is important for the bottom line of all interested parties: the buyer, the seller, and the veterinarian performing the BSE. Special considerations and current research are highlighted and their application to the evaluation of yearling bulls is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Schrag
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA.
| | - Robert L Larson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
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Chenoweth PJ, McPherson FJ. Bull breeding soundness, semen evaluation and cattle productivity. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 169:32-6. [PMID: 27091815 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) has evolved as a cost-effective veterinary procedure which provides benefits such as risk-reduction and improvements in strategic bull usage, herd fertility and economics. Semen evaluation is an important component of the BBSE when performed appropriately; a consideration that is increasingly addressed by third party andrology laboratories. The combination of competent physical/reproductive exams (including scrotal circumference measurements) and semen evaluations can contribute greatly to the fertility and economics of individual herds as well as adding to understanding of those factors which affect cattle fertility. Despite such advantages, there remain challenges in achieving full acceptance of BBSEs, particularly by the dairy industry and in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Chenoweth
- Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas 4814, Australia.
| | - F J McPherson
- ChenoVet Pty. Ltd., 5 Sladen St., Henty, 2658, Australia.
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Brauner CC, Menezes LM, Lemes JS, Pimentel MA. Differences between reproductive traits in beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas-2014-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Brauner, C. C., Menezes, L. M., Lemes, J. S. and Pimentel, M. A. 2014. Differences between reproductive traits in beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 647–652. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive traits (scrotal circumference and semen quality) of different breeds of beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions, as well as to verify the relation between four sperm concentration scores and the reproductive traits of beef bulls. Two hundred and one bulls of three different breeds (Angus, Nelore and Brangus) and three different age groups (18, 24 and 36 mo old) were evaluated. Angus showed better (P>0.05) reproductive traits than Brangus and Nelore bulls, in which scrotal circumference, mass motility spermatozoa, motility spermatozoa, as well as spermatic vigor were greater than those of other breeds. Two-year-old bulls demonstrated better reproductive traits as compared with the other age groups. The sperm concentration score had a linear effect (P<0.01) on all reproductive traits evaluated, and the same evidence was also detected for body weight. It was concluded that genetic groups should be considered differently for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions, especially because Bos taurus and Bos indicus have significant reproductive trait differences. Moreover, the sperm concentration score can be used as an auxiliary method of semen quality in beef bulls, having a positive relation with other breeding soundness evaluation traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. C. Brauner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - L. M. Menezes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - J. S. Lemes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - M. A. Pimentel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Vencato J, Cestaro L, Vazzana I, Carrer G, Carlo E, Dara S, Stelletta C. Integrated evaluation of scrotal temperature and testosteronemia after GnRH administration in young bulls with low semen production. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:481-6. [PMID: 24750418 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of thermographic monitoring of scrotal surface temperature (SST) as a method to monitor testicular function. Yearling bulls (n = 23) with low semen production were selected. Scrotal surface temperature and serum testosterone (T) concentrations were evaluated before and after administration of 10.5 μg buserelin acetate IV. Thermographic images of scrotum were recorded at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min post-GnRH, while blood sampling was only performed at 60 min post-GnRH. Bulls were divided in two groups: LowTemp bulls (n = 10) had a decreased SST at 60 min; HighTemp bulls (n = 13) had an increased SST. After 60 min, LowTemp bulls had higher T concentrations compared to HighTemp bulls: 14.32 ng/ml ± 0.53 vs 10.30 ± 1.37 ng/ml (mean ± SEM; p < 0.05), respectively. Reproductive performances in both groups improved after GnRH administration, resulting in an increased number of inseminating doses from each collection, which was higher in LowTemp bulls. Pearson correlation test showed a negative relationship between T and SST (r = -0.554). In conclusion, a decreased scrotal surface temperature 60 min after GnRH treatment was associated with improved semen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Vencato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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van Marle-Köster E, Webb EC. A perspective on the impact of reproductive technologies on food production in Africa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 752:199-211. [PMID: 24170361 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8887-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Africa for the largest part is still regarded as part of the developing world and has a history of political instability, natural disasters, floods and droughts that all had an effect on the development of livestock production systems and the potential application of biotechnologies. It is expected that the human population in sub Saharan Africa will experience a growth of 1.2 % per year over the next 30 years. There is therefore pressure to increase sustainable productivity of livestock. Reproductive technologies such as Artificial Insemination in Africa were driven primarily by the need to control or prevent venereal diseases like Trichomoniases and Campylobacter fetus in cattle. Reproductive biotechnology had a limited impact in Africa due to several factors including a lack of infrastructure and animal recording systems, clear breeding objectives and continuously changing production systems and markets. Africa has a large variety of genetic resources adapted to the diverse environment and production systems and biotechnology should be applied within this context for an increase in food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esté van Marle-Köster
- Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa,
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