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Raza MRA, Rajput AS, Sasidharan JK, Tomar AKS, Pandey HO, Singh M, Patra MK. Effect of prostaglandin treatment on the estrus behaviour, follicular and luteal morphometry and serum hormone profile in sub-estrus buffaloes during non-breeding season. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14617. [PMID: 38837282 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Sub-estrus buffaloes do not exhibit estrus signs despite being cyclic contributing to extended service periods and inter-calving intervals causing significant economic loss. The present study described the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF2α) on estrus behaviour, follicular and luteal morphometry, and serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) profile in sub-estrus buffaloes during the non-breeding season. The incidence of sub-estrus was 38.4% during the non-breeding season. The sub-estrus buffaloes (n = 33) were divided into two groups, viz., Control (n = 16) and PGF2α treatment (Inj. Cloprostenol 500 μg, i.m., n = 17). Estrus induction response was significantly greater in the treatment (100 vs. 18.75%, p < .001), and a relatively greater proportion of animals conceived in the treatment group (29.41 vs. 6.25%, p = .08). The time elapsed to induction of estrus and insemination following treatment was significantly lower in the treatment group than control. A significant increment in the follicle diameter (9.72 ± 0.45 vs. 13.00 ± 0.45 mm, P < .0001) and serum estradiol (E2) concentration (66.01 ± 11.92 vs. 104.9 ± 13.21 pg/mL, p = .003) observed at the post-treatment period in the PGF2α treatment group. At the same time, CL diameter was reduced significantly at a higher regression rate in the PGF2α treated buffaloes than those of control. Of the responded buffaloes, only 30% showed high-intensity estrus attributed to the expulsion of cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM), uterine tonicity, micturition, and mounting response by a teaser bull. From this study, it can be concluded that the administration of PGF2α could induce estrus in the sub-estrus buffaloes during the non-breeding season. Behavioural changes, along with sonographic observation of POF, regressing CL, and serum E2 and P4 concentration would be useful to determine the right time of insemination in sub-estrus buffaloes during non-breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rehan Ahmed Raza
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Atul Singh Rajput
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | | | - Atul Kumar Singh Tomar
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Hari Om Pandey
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Mukesh Singh
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Manas Kumar Patra
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
- Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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Ahuja K, Batra V, Kumar R, Datta TK. Transient suppression of Wnt signaling in poor-quality buffalo oocytes improves their developmental competence. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1324647. [PMID: 38274663 PMCID: PMC10808588 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1324647] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the most evolutionary conserved communication systems, the Wnt signaling pathway is a major gene regulatory pathway that affects the developmental competence of oocytes and regulates most embryonic developmental processes. The present study was undertaken to modulate the canonical Wnt (Wingless/integration) signaling pathway in the poor-quality (colorless cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB-) buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to improve their in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryo production (IVEP) rates. Methods The expression of key Wnt pathway genes was initially assessed in the good (blue cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB+) and poor quality (BCB-) buffalo COCs to establish a differential activity of the Wnt pathway. The BCB- COCs were supplemented with the Wnt pathway inhibitor, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and later subjected to IVM and IVEP along with the BCB+ and BCB- controls. The cumulus expansion index (CEI), rate of nuclear maturation (mean percentage of oocytes in the MII stage) and embryo production, and the expression of developmentally important genes were evaluated to assess the effect of Wnt pathway inhibition on the development competence of these poor-quality oocytes. Results The Wnt pathway genes exhibited a significantly higher expression (p < 0.05) in the poor-quality BCB- oocytes compared to the good-quality BCB+ oocytes during the early maturation stages. The supplementation of BCB- COCs with 100 ng/mL DKK1 effectively inhibited the expression of the key mediators of the Wnt pathway (β-catenin and dishevelled homolog 1, DVL1). DKK1 supplemented BCB- COCs exhibited significantly improved cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation indices, development rates and significantly elevated expression (p < 0.05) of genes implicated in germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and embryonic genome activation (EGA) vis-à-vis BCB- control COCs. Conclusion These data indicate that inhibition of the Wnt pathway during the initial course of oocyte maturation can improve the development competence of poor-quality buffalo oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Ahuja
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, India
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Andrei CR, Posastiuc FP, Constantin NT, Mitrea IL. New insights into semen separation techniques in buffaloes. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1347482. [PMID: 38269362 PMCID: PMC10806153 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1347482] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is frequently caused by idiopathic or unexplained reasons, resulting in an increase in demand for assisted reproductive technologies. In buffaloes, more than in other animals due to reproductive hardiness, successful fertilization needs spermatozoa to effectively transit the female reproductive system to reach the oocyte. This mechanism naturally picks high-quality sperm cells for conception, but when artificial reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or intrauterine insemination are utilized, alternative techniques of sperm selection are necessary. Currently, technology allows for sperm sorting based on motility, maturity, the lack of apoptotic components, proper morphology, and even sex. This study provides current knowledge on all known techniques of sperm cell sorting in buffaloes, evaluates their efficiency, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crina Raluca Andrei
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Petrișor Posastiuc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nicolae Tiberiu Constantin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotești, Balotești, Romania
| | - Ioan Liviu Mitrea
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
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Khalil WA, Hassan MAE, El-Harairy MA, Abdelnour SA. Supplementation of Thymoquinone Nanoparticles to Semen Extender Boosts Cryotolerance and Fertilizing Ability of Buffalo Bull Spermatozoa. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2973. [PMID: 37760374 PMCID: PMC10525674 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182973] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone nanoparticles (TQNPs) are broadly utilized in numerous pharmaceutical applications. In the present study, we tested the effects of TQNP supplementation on sperm quality and kinematics, acrosome exocytosis, oxidative biomarkers, apoptosis-like and morphological changes of frozen-thawed buffalo sperm, as well as the fertilizing capacity. Semen was collected from buffalo bulls, diluted (1:10; semen/extender), and divided into five aliquots comprising various concentrations of TQNP 0 (CON), 12.5 (TQNP12.5), 25 (TQNP25), 37.5 (TQNP37.5), and 50 (TQNP50) µg/mL, and then cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). The results revealed that TQNPs (25 to 50 µg/mL) provided the most optimal results in terms of membrane integrity (p < 0.001) and progressive motility (p < 0.01). In contrast, TQNP50 resulted in a greater post-thawed sperm viability (p = 0.02) compared with other groups. The addition of TQNPs to the extender had no discernible effects on sperm morphology measures. Sperm kinematic motion was significantly improved in the TQNP50 group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). TQNPs effectively reduced the content of H2O2 and MDA levels and improved the total antioxidant capacity of post-thawed extended semen (p < 0.01). The addition of TQNP significantly increased the number of intact acrosomes (p < 0.0001) and decreased the number of exocytosed acrosomes (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in apoptosis-like changes was observed in TQNP groups. The non-return rates of buffalo cows inseminated with TQNP50-treated spermatozoa were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05; 88% vs. 72%). These findings suggested that the freezing extender supplemented with TQNPs could effectively enhance the cryotolerance and fertility of buffalo sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael A. Khalil
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A. E. Hassan
- Animal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza 12619, Egypt;
| | - Mostafa A. El-Harairy
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Sameh A. Abdelnour
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
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Khan I, Mesalam A, Heo YS, Lee SH, Nabi G, Kong IK. Heat Stress as a Barrier to Successful Reproduction and Potential Alleviation Strategies in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2359. [PMID: 37508136 PMCID: PMC10376617 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the adverse effects of global warming on all living beings have been unanimously recognized across the world. A high environmental temperature that increases the respiration and rectal temperature of cattle is called heat stress (HS), and it can affect both male and female reproductive functions. For successful reproduction and fertilization, mature and healthy oocytes are crucial; however, HS reduces the developmental competence of oocytes, which compromises reproduction. HS disturbs the hormonal balance that plays a crucial role in successful reproduction, particularly in reducing the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, which leads to severe problems such as poor follicle development with a poor-quality oocyte and problems related to maturity, silent estrus, abnormal or weak embryo development, and pregnancy loss, resulting in a declining reproduction rate and losses for the cattle industry. Lactating cattle are particularly susceptible to HS and, hence, their reproduction rate is substantially reduced. Additionally, bulls are also affected by HS; during summer, semen quality and sperm motility decline, leading to compromised reproduction. In summer, the conception rate is reduced by 20-30% worldwide. Although various techniques, such as the provision of water sprinklers, shade, and air conditioning, are used during summer, these methods are insufficient to recover the normal reproduction rate and, therefore, special attention is needed to improve reproductive efficiency and minimize the detrimental effect of HS on cattle during summer. The application of advanced reproductive technologies such as the production of embryos in vitro, cryopreservation during the hot season, embryo transfer, and timed artificial insemination may minimize the detrimental effects of HS on livestock reproduction and recover the losses in the cattle industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayman Mesalam
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Yun Seok Heo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
- Department of Premedicine, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Hyun Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- The King Kong Corp., Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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Wang J, Wang L, Wang Z, Lv M, Fu J, Zhang Y, Qiu P, Shi D, Luo C. Vitamin C down-regulates the H3K9me3-dependent heterochromatin in buffalo fibroblasts via PI3K/PDK1/SGK1/KDM4A signal axis. Theriogenology 2023; 200:114-124. [PMID: 36805248 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.001] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The success of reprogramming is dependent on the reprogramming factors enriched in the cytoplasm of recipient oocytes and the potential of donor nucleus to be reprogrammed. Histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) was identified as a major epigenetic barrier impeding complete reprogramming. Treating donor cell with vitamin C (Vc) can enhance the developmental potential of cloned embryos, but the underlying mechanisms still need to be elucidated. In this study, we found that 20μg/mL Vc could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of BFFs, as well as down-regulate the H3K9me3-dependent heterochromatin and increase chromatin accessibility. Inhibited the expression of KDM4A resulted in increasing apoptosis rate and the H3K9me3-dependent heterochromatin, which can be restored by Vc. Moreover, Vc up-regulated the expression of KDM4A through PI3K/PDK1/SGK1 pathway. Inhibiting any factor in the signal axis of this PI3K pathway not only suppressed the activity of KDM4A but also substantially increased the level of H3K9me3 modification and the expression of the HP1α protein. Finally, Vc can rescue those negative effects induced by the blocking the PI3K/PDK1/SGK1 pathway. Collectively, Vc can down-regulate the H3K9me3-dependent heterochromatin in BFFs via PI3K/PDK1/SGK1/KDM4A signal axis, suggesting that Vc can turn the chromatin status of donor cells to be reprogrammed more easily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Meiyun Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Jiayuan Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Yunchuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Peng Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China.
| | - Chan Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China.
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Presicce GA, Vistocco D, Capuano M, Navas L, Salzano A, Bifulco G, Campanile G, Neglia G. Pregnancies following Protocols for Repetitive Synchronization of Ovulation in Primiparous Buffaloes in Different Seasons. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9110616. [PMID: 36356093 PMCID: PMC9693142 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110616] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Artificial Insemination (AI) is mainly used after estrus synchronization in buffalo, and consecutive synchronization protocols are used to enhance reproductive efficiency. In this study, two different synchronization protocols have been used: Ovsynch vs. a P4-administration, and their efficiency in primiparous animals has been evaluated in different seasons for up to four cycles of re-synchronization protocols. Results show that the pregnancy rate upon the initial AI tends to be higher in P4 treated buffaloes, and that AI efficiency after re-synchronization through P4 is higher than the Ovsynch protocol. In conclusion, synchronization treatments must be selected according to the season of the year. The results derived from this study could be useful for buffalo breeders who want to improve the reproductive efficiency in primiparous animals in commercially managed buffalo herds. Abstract Primiparous buffaloes were tested in two periods of the year characterized, by either low or high reproductive efficiency. They were subjected to two protocols for synchronization of ovulation: (i) Ovsynch (OV) and (ii) progesterone based (P4) treatment. After calving, the animals underwent a series of four cycles of re-synchronization protocols. The season did not affect pregnancy rates when the results of the two treatments were pooled together with regard to the first synchronization protocol, followed by AI. Pregnancy rates were similar during the low breeding season (50.3% vs. 57.4% in OV and P4, respectively), but different during the high breeding season (50.4% vs. 67.7% in OV and P4, respectively; p = 0.000). Logistic regression confirmed a significant effect of treatment and season interaction on pregnancy (p = 0.003). Following re-synchronization, a treatment by season interaction was detected during the low breeding season (odds ratio = 2.233), in favor of P4. Finally, a survival analysis showed a better response of animals subjected to P4 treatment from the second AI onward. In conclusion, the pooled data of pregnancy rates from both treatments between seasons are not different following AIs. Better results, though, were obtained from the implementation of P4 treatment, and are recorded in a season-fashioned mode when the comparison is made following first or cumulative AIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio A. Presicce
- Agenzia Regionale per lo Sviluppo e l’Innovazione dell’Agricoltura del Lazio (ARSIAL), 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Vistocco
- Department of Political Science, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Navas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-81-2536047
| | - Angela Salzano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bifulco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
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