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Velazquez MA. Nutritional Strategies to Promote Bovine Oocyte Quality for In Vitro Embryo Production: Do They Really Work? Vet Sci 2023; 10:604. [PMID: 37888556 PMCID: PMC10611302 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100604] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of bovine oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage (i.e., embryo with around 150 cells in cattle) in vitro can be affected by technical (e.g., culture medium used) and physiological factors in oocyte donors (e.g., age, breed). As such, the nutritional status of oocyte donors plays a significant role in the efficiency of in vitro embryo production (IVEP), and several nutritional strategies have been investigated in cattle subjected to ovum pick-up (OPU). However, there is no clear consensus on the reliability of nutritional schemes to improve IVEP in cattle. Available evidence suggests that a moderate body condition score (i.e., 3 in a 1-5 scale) in cattle is compatible with a metabolic microenvironment in ovarian follicles that will promote embryo formation in vitro. The usefulness of fatty acid and micronutrient supplementation to improve IVEP in cattle is debatable with the current information available. Overall, the supply of maintenance nutritional requirements according to developmental and productive stage seems to be enough to provide bovine oocyte donors with a good chance of producing embryos in vitro. Future nutrition research in cattle using OPU-IVEP models needs to consider animal well-being aspects (i.e., stress caused by handling and sampling), which could affect the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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Insights into Transcriptomic Differences in Ovaries between Lambs and Adult Sheep after Superovulation Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040665. [PMID: 36830452 PMCID: PMC9951745 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Superovulation technology shows a great potential for shortening breeding time. Using the juvenile superovulation technology, juvenile animals can generate more follicles than adult animals. By sequencing using high-throughput methods, we studied and described differentially expressed (DE) long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the ovaries of young and adult sheep. Herein, 242 DE lncRNAs and 3150 DE mRNAs were screened. Through GO and KEGG analyses, we obtained genes related to ovarian/follicle development and ovulation in DE mRNAs, including OaFSHR, OaLHCGR, OaLDLR, OaZP3, OaSCARB1, and OaPDGFRA; through lncRNA-mRNA correlation analysis, we found that genes associated with ovarian/follicle development or ovulation include: XR_003585520.1, MSTRG.15652.1, XR_003588840.1, and their paired genes PDGFC, LRP5, and LRP1. We observed a synergistic effect between PDGFR and LRP1. PDGFR may play a leading role compared with LRP1. The induced LHCGR in lambs is higher than in adult sheep, showing more sensitivity to LH. The release of the oocytes was stimulated. Among the three lncRNAs, we found that XR_003588840.1 was significantly different and might perform a regulatory role in ovarian/follicle growth or ovulation.
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Towards Improving the Outcomes of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer in Sheep, with Particular Focus on Donor Superovulation. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030117. [PMID: 35324845 PMCID: PMC8953989 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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 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.
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Rocha MS, Maia ALR, Rangel PSC, Oliveira MEF, Fonseca JF, Oliveira CA, Souza-Fabjan JM. Occurrence of premature regression of corpus luteum in MOET programs in Dorper ewes under subtropical climate. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Hu WP, Liu MQ, Tian ZL, Liu QY, Zhang ZB, Tang JS, He XY, Zhu YY, Wang YY, Chu MX. Polymorphism, expression and structure analysis of key genes in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in sheep (Ovis aries). Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1303-1315. [PMID: 33780162 PMCID: PMC8294399 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Litter size is an important factor that significantly affects the development of the sheep industry. Our previous TMT proteomics analysis found that three key proteins in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, STAR, HSD3B1, and CYP11A1, may affect the litter size trait of Small Tail Han sheep. Objective The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationship between polymorphisms of these three genes and litter size. Material and Method Sequenom MassARRAY detected genetic variance of the three genes in 768 sheep. Real‐time qPCR of the three genes was used to compare their expression in monotocous and polytocous sheep in relevant tissues. Finally, bioinformatics analysis predicted the protein sequences of the different SNP variants. Result Association analysis showed that there was a significant difference in litter size among the genotypes at two loci of the CYP11A1 gene (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in litter size among all genotypes at all loci of the STAR and HSD3B1 genes (p > 0.05). However, STAR expression was significantly different in polytocous and monotocous sheep in the pituitary (p < 0.01). Tissue‐specific expression in the ovary was observed for HSD3B1 (p < 0.05), but its expression was not different between polytocous and monotocous sheep. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the g.33217408C > T mutation of CYP11A1 resulted in major changes to the secondary and tertiary structures. In contrast, gene polymorphisms in STAR and HSD3B1 had minimal impacts on their protein structures. Discussion This may explain why the CYP11A1 variant impacted litter size while the others did not. The single nucleotide polymorphism of the CYP11A1 gene would serve as a good molecular marker when breeding to increase litter size in sheep. Our study provides a basis for further revealing the function of the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in sheep reproduction and sheep breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Qiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Biology Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhi-Long Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuang-Biao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Shun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Yun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- Department of Biology Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Biology Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Ming-Xing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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de Brun V, Loor JJ, Naya H, Graña-Baumgartner A, Vailati-Riboni M, Bulgari O, Shahzad K, Abecia JA, Sosa C, Meikle A. The presence of an embryo affects day 14 uterine transcriptome depending on the nutritional status in sheep. b. Immune system and uterine remodeling. Theriogenology 2020; 161:210-218. [PMID: 33340754 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.008] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomics and bioinformatics were used to investigate the potential interactions of undernutrition and the presence of the conceptus at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy on uterine immune system and remodeling. Adult Rasa Aragonesa ewes were allocated to one of two planes of nutrition for 28 days: maintenance energy intake (control; 5 cyclic, 6 pregnant ewes) providing 7.8 MJ of metabolisable energy and 0.5 maintenance intake (undernourished; 6 cyclic, 7 pregnant ewes) providing 3.9 MJ of metabolisable energy per ewe. Uterine gene expression was measured using Agilent 15 K Sheep Microarray chip on day 14 of estrus or pregnancy. Functional bioinformatics analyses were performed using PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) Classification System. Pregnancy affected the expression of 18 genes in both control and undernourished ewes, underscoring the relevance for embryo-maternal interactions. Immune system evidenced by classical interferon stimulated genes were activated in control and -in a lesser extent-in undernourished pregnant vs cyclic ewes. Genes involved in uterine remodeling such as protein metabolism were also upregulated with the presence of an embryo in control and undernourished ewes. However, relevant genes for the adaptation of the uterus to the embryo were differentially expressed between pregnant vs cyclic ewes both in control and undernourished groups. Undernutrition alone led to an overall weak activation of immune system pathways both in cyclic and pregnant ewes. Data revealed that cellular and immune adaptations of the uterus to pregnancy are dependent on the nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria de Brun
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Juan J Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Hugo Naya
- Departamento de Bioinformática, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrea Graña-Baumgartner
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mario Vailati-Riboni
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Omar Bulgari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - José Alfonso Abecia
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cecilia Sosa
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Medicina Legal, Forense y Toxicología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Meikle
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Estienne A, Brossaud A, Reverchon M, Ramé C, Froment P, Dupont J. Adipokines Expression and Effects in Oocyte Maturation, Fertilization and Early Embryo Development: Lessons from Mammals and Birds. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3581. [PMID: 32438614 PMCID: PMC7279299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Some evidence shows that body mass index in humans and extreme weights in animal models, including avian species, are associated with low in vitro fertilization, bad oocyte quality, and embryo development failures. Adipokines are hormones mainly produced and released by white adipose tissue. They play a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, they are also involved in many other physiological processes including reproductive functions. Indeed, leptin and adiponectin, the most studied adipokines, but also novel adipokines including visfatin and chemerin, are expressed within the reproductive tract and modulate female fertility. Much of the literature has focused on the physiological and pathological roles of these adipokines in ovary, placenta, and uterine functions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and chemerin in the oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in both mammals and birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Estienne
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Adeline Brossaud
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Maxime Reverchon
- SYSAAF-Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Christelle Ramé
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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Santos JDR, Ungerfeld R, Balaro MFA, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Cosentino IO, Brair VL, Souza CVD, Pinto PHN, Bade ALC, Fonseca JFD, Brandão FZ. Transcervical vs. laparotomy embryo collection in ewes: The effectiveness and welfare implications of each technique. Theriogenology 2020; 153:112-121. [PMID: 32450469 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed animal welfare in ewes subjected to transcervical (TC) or laparotomy (LP) embryo collection, and the efficiency of these two techniques. Santa Inês ewes (n = 57) received a protocol for estrus synchronization and superovulation. Cervical dilation protocol was initiated 12 h before embryo collection in all ewes. Depending on the success of cervical passage, the embryos were collected from ewes by either TC or LP. Records were made of physiological (rectal temperature (RT) and heart rate (HR)), endocrine (cortisol concentration), biochemical (glycaemia, total proteins, globulin and albumin concentrations), and behavioral variables. Data were recorded before fasting (BF) and sedation (BS), during (DC) and immediately after embryo collection (IAC), and 1 h (1hAC), 3 h (3hAC), 6 h (6hAC), 12 h (12hAC), 24 h (24hAC), and 48 h (48hAC) after embryo collection. The LP and TC procedures were applied to 22 and 35 ewes (with 100.0% and 94.3% of procedures being successful, respectively). The use of LP took longer than TC (P = 0.007) but was less effective in the recovery of uterine fluid and structures (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0180, respectively), with no difference in the number of viable embryos recovered per animal. The TC procedure induced a greater RT at DC (P = 0.002) and IAC moments (P < 0.0001). The heart rate was greater in TC than LP in IAC (P = 0.036). On the other hand, HR was greater with LP at 12hAC (P = 0.033) and 24hAC (P = 0.002). There was no interaction between the procedures and time on total proteins, albumin, or globulin concentrations. The TC procedure induced greater glycaemia than LP in IAC (P < 0.0001). LP induced greater serum cortisol concentration than TC at DC, IAC, 1hAC (P = 0.0004; P = 0.0006; P = 0.036, respectively), even though it was greater in the TC than the LP procedure at 3hAC (P = 0.008). In conclusion, the TC embryo collection was more effective than the traditional LP procedure. Although both embryo collection procedures affected ewes' welfare, the TC procedure is probably less stressor than the LP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Dantas Rodrigues Santos
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil.
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 11 1550, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - Mário Felipe Alvarez Balaro
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil
| | | | - Isabel Oliveira Cosentino
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Viviane Lopes Brair
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Clara Vieira de Souza
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Nicolau Pinto
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Cunha Bade
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Zandonadi Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24230-340, Brazil.
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Macías A, Ferrer LM, Ramos JJ, Lidón I, Rebollar R, Lacasta D, Tejedor MT. Technical Note: A new device for cervical insemination of sheep - design and field test. J Anim Sci 2018; 95:5263-5269. [PMID: 29293790 DOI: 10.2527/jas2017.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep semen deposition, avoiding retrograde flow, lesions and stress, has proved to be very important in the success of sheep AI. The objective of the present study was to develop a new, suitable anti-retrograde flow device for sheep cervical AI (DARIO) that enables deep deposition of semen into the cervix without any modifications to the procedures currently used, and to compare the fertility, fecundity, and prolificacy rates between DARIO and a traditional catheter. Field tests were performed on 16 farms actively participating in the non-profit National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Breeders´ genetic selection scheme and where sheep management was similar. A total of 242 AI lots were considered, including 1,299 ewes; 126 lots (662 ewes) were inseminated using DARIO, and 116 lots (637 ewes) using a traditional commercially-available catheter (control group). Several factors affecting AI results were included in the model for mean comparison between DARIO and control groups (farm and ram as random factors; catheter, year and photoperiod as fixed effects; catheter × photoperiod interaction). The type of catheter had a significant effect on fertility ( < 0.01) and fecundity rates ( < 0.01) but no significant effect was detected on the prolificacy rate ( = 0.45). For fertility rate (percentage of ewes lambing after AI), means ± SE for DARIO and control groups were 59.44 ± 2.13% and 49.60 ± 2.48%, respectively; for fecundity rates, means ± SE for DARIO and control groups were 0.99 ± 0.04 and 0.82 ± 0.05 lambs/inseminated ewe, respectively, and, for prolificacy rates, means ± SE for DARIO and control groups were 1.68 ± 0.04 and 1.63 ± 0.04 lambs/ewe lambing, respectively. Fertility rate was greater in the decreasing photoperiod ( = 0.01). Significant effects were found for both year ( < 0.05) and farm ( < 0.01) on fertility, fecundity, and prolificacy rates. Neither ram nor catheter × photoperiod showed any significant effects on the variables investigated ( > 0.05). Overall, the use of DARIO instead of the traditional commercially-available catheter increased both fertility and fecundity rates; the marginal mean differences were 9.05 pregnant ewes per 100 inseminated and 0.15 lambs per inseminated ewe, respectively.
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Blastocyst-Derived Stem Cell Populations under Stress: Impact of Nutrition and Metabolism on Stem Cell Potency Loss and Miscarriage. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 13:454-464. [PMID: 28425063 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Data from in vitro and in vivo models suggest that malnutrition and stress trigger adaptive responses, leading to small for gestational age (SGA) blastocysts with fewer cell numbers. These stress responses are initially adaptive, but become maladaptive with increasing stress exposures. The common stress responses of the blastocyst-derived stem cells, pluripotent embryonic and multipotent placental trophoblast stem cells (ESCs and TSCs), are decreased growth and potency, and increased, imbalanced and irreversible differentiation. SGA embryos may fail to produce sufficient antiluteolytic placental hormone to maintain corpus luteum progesterone secretion that provides nutrition at the implantation site. Myriad stress inputs for the stem cells in the embryo can occur in vitro during in vitro fertilization/assisted reproductive technology (IVF/ART) or in vivo. Paradoxically, stresses that diminish stem cell growth lead to a higher level of differentiation simultaneously which further decreases ESC or TSC numbers in an attempt to functionally compensate for fewer cells. In addition, prolonged or strong stress can cause irreversible differentiation. Resultant stem cell depletion is proposed as a cause of miscarriage via a "quiet" death of an ostensibly adaptive response of stem cells instead of a reactive, violent loss of stem cells or their differentiated progenies.
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Rickard JP, Ryan G, Hall E, de Graaf SP, Hermes R. Using transrectal ultrasound to examine the effect of exogenous progesterone on early embryonic loss in sheep. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183659. [PMID: 28841708 PMCID: PMC5571956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The financial impact of early embryonic loss in Australia may be as high as $137 million AUD/year. Embryos may be lost due to environmental conditions, or maternal factors such as nutrition or progesterone (P4) profiles. However, studies on the supplementation of P4 during early pregnancy have returned contradictory results, partly as a reliable method of detecting embryos in the early stages of gestation (<day 20) has yet be established. As such, Merino ewes (n = 62) were either not supplemented (control) or were given exogenous P4 at the time of insemination (day 0) or 3 days later (day 3). Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) was performed on day 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 29 following laparoscopic artificial insemination. Transcutaneous ultrasound (TCUS) was performed on day 54 to confirm pregnancy and peripheral blood was collected for hormone analysis on day 19 to compare the accuracy of all three pregnancy diagnosis methods. Data were then analysed in developmental periods. The percentage of ewes detected as pregnant by TRUS during pre-, peri- and post implantation was 66% (41/62; day 12 and 14), 61% (38/62; day 17 and 19) and 58% (36/62; day 29), respectively. TCUS during established gestation recorded a pregnancy rate of 60% (37/62). The sensitivity of TRUS to correctly diagnose ewes as pregnant during pre-, peri- and post implantation was 68% (25/37), 89% (33/37) and 100% (36/36), respectively, while the sensitivity to correctly identify multiples was 49% (16/33), 60% (21/35) and 97% (34/35), respectively (P<0.05). The majority of embryonic loss occurred between pre- and peri- implantation (0.9±0.15 per ewe; P<0.001). No further loss was recorded after this point. Ewes that were given P4 at day 0 had significantly higher embryonic loss (77%) compared to the control (52%) and day 3-ewes (56%; P<0.05). These results show TRUS is a viable tool for investigating early embryonic loss and that the variability noted in previous P4 supplementation studies may be due to variation in time and length of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Paige Rickard
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Gabrielle Ryan
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Evelyn Hall
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Simon Paul de Graaf
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert Hermes
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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12
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de Brun V, Meikle A, Fernández-Foren A, Forcada F, Palacín I, Menchaca A, Sosa C, Abecia JA. Failure to establish and maintain a pregnancy in undernourished recipient ewes is associated with a poor endocrine milieu in the early luteal phase. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 173:80-6. [PMID: 27596262 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Embryos from undernourished and control donor ewes were transferred to undernourished and control recipient ewes. Progesterone and metabolic hormones were investigated in recipient ewes to determine their association with pregnancy success. Forty-five donor and 52 recipient Rasa Aragonesa ewes were fed 1.5 (control group; donor n=20; recipient n=25) or 0.5 (low group; donor n=25; recipient n=27) times the daily requirements for maintenance from the onset of estrous synchronization treatment to embryo collection and transfer. The embryos were collected 7days after the onset of estrus (day 0), and two good-quality embryos were transferred into each recipient ewe. The percentage of pregnant ewes on day 18 and 40 did not differ between the two groups, although the recipient undernourished ewes tended to have greater late embryonic mortality (from days 18-40) than the control recipient ewes (P=0.11). No effect of the nutrition of the donor was found. Recipients that became pregnant had a higher ovulation rate than non-pregnant ewes (P=0.02). Undernourished ewes had lower plasma insulin concentrations than control ewes (P=0.03), and those that suffered late embryo mortality (from days 18-40) tended to have lower insulin and progesterone concentrations than their counterparts that remained pregnant (P=0.06 and P=0.07, respectively). In this study, pregnancy in control and undernourished recipient ewes was not associated with the origin of the embryo (undernourished and control donors). In conclusion, failure to establish and maintain a pregnancy was associated with lower progesterone and insulin levels one week after estrus in recipient ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria de Brun
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Nucleares, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
| | - Ana Meikle
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Nucleares, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | | | - Fernando Forcada
- Instituto Universitario de investigación en Ciencias Ambientales (IUCA). Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Palacín
- Instituto Universitario de investigación en Ciencias Ambientales (IUCA). Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alejo Menchaca
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay (IRAUy). Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Sosa
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Medicina Legal y Forense y Toxicología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José-Alfonso Abecia
- Instituto Universitario de investigación en Ciencias Ambientales (IUCA). Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
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13
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The effect of periconceptional undernutrition of sheep on the cognitive/emotional response and oocyte quality of offspring at 30 days of age. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2015; 5:79-87. [PMID: 24847694 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174414000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Maternal periconceptional undernutrition is associated with altered development and increased risks of adverse outcomes in the offspring. This circumstance is normal in flocks under extensive farming systems, which depend on natural forage resources. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of periconceptional undernutrition in sheep on behavioral and reproductive aspects of the offspring. Eighty ewes were synchronized in estrus and allocated to two groups (n=40) to be fed diets that provided 1.5 (C) or 0.5 (L) times the requirements for maintenance. Ewes were mated and 7 days later fed the control diet until lambing. One month after lambing, 32 lambs were exposed to tests to determine their cognitive and emotional responses. Six ewe lambs were euthanized and in vitro maturation and fertilization procedures were performed. L ewes presented a significant reduction in prolificacy and fecundity (P<0.05) in comparison with C ewes. Mean LW at lambing of L lambs was significantly higher than C lambs (C: 3.80 ± 0.11; L: 4.24 ± 0.15 kg, P<0.05). Lambs born from C ewes spent more time walking than L lambs (P<0.05) in the isolation test, revealing a decrease in the locomotor activity of lambs born from undernourished ewes around conception. Ewe lambs from the undernourished ewes presented a total population of oocytes 2.3 times higher than ovaries from control ewe lambs (60.0 ± 7.8 v. 140.0 ± 18.5 oocytes; P<0.05). In conclusion, periconceptional undernutrition is able to produce an increment in the body weight and the oocyte population, and an alteration of the locomotor activity of the offspring.
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14
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Abecia JA, Casao A, Pascual-Alonso M, Lobón S, Aguayo-Ulloa LA, Forcada F, Meikle A, Sosa C, Marín RH, Silva MA, Maria GA. Periconceptional undernutrition increases quantity and quality of oocyte population, but not cognitive or emotional response of 60-day-old lambs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2014; 99:501-10. [DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Abecia
- Dept de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
| | - A. Casao
- Dept de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
| | - M. Pascual-Alonso
- Dept de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
| | - S. Lobón
- Dept de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
| | - L. A. Aguayo-Ulloa
- Dept de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
| | - F. Forcada
- Dept de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
| | - A. Meikle
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Nucleares; Universidad de la República; Montevideo Uruguay
| | - C. Sosa
- Dept de Anatomía Patológica, Medicina Legal y Forense y Toxicología; Facultad de Veterinaria; Universidad de Zaragoza; Zaragoza Spain
| | - R. H. Marín
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET-UNC) and Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Córdoba Argentina
| | - M. A. Silva
- Dept de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
| | - G. A. Maria
- Dept de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; Facultad de Veterinaria; Zaragoza Spain
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