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da Silva WC, da Silva JAR, Camargo-Júnior RNC, da Silva ÉBR, dos Santos MRP, Viana RB, Silva AGME, da Silva CMG, Lourenço-Júnior JDB. Animal welfare and effects of per-female stress on male and cattle reproduction—A review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1083469. [PMID: 37065229 PMCID: PMC10102491 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1083469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal stress causes severe effects on the wellbeing and reproduction of cattle, including changes in oogenesis and spermatogenesis, generating great concerns, which last for decades. In cattle, the occurrence of thermal stress is associated with a reduction in the production of spermatozoids and ovarian follicles, in addition to the increase of major and minor defects in gametes or in their intermediate stages. In bovine females able to reproduce, a reduction in the rate of estrus manifestation and an increase in embryonic mortality has been observed. Therefore, keeping animals on good welfare conditions, with water supply and in shaded areas can favor the improvement of different reproductive parameters. For all this, the present study aimed to gather, synthesize and argue recent studies related to animal welfare, focusing on the effects of thermal stress on the reproduction of cattle, aiming to support possible strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of thermal stress in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Welligton Conceição da Silva
| | | | - Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rinaldo Batista Viana
- Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Institute of Animal Health and Production, Belém, Brazil
| | - André Guimarães Maciel e Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Cleidson Manoel Gomes da Silva
- Federal University of the South and Southeast of Pará (UNIFESSPA), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinguara, Pará, Brazil
| | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
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Hürland M, Kuhlgatz DA, Kuhlgatz C, Osmers JH, Jung M, Schulze M. The use of machine learning methods to predict sperm quality in Holstein bulls. Theriogenology 2023; 197:16-25. [PMID: 36462332 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop prediction models for total sperm motility, morphological abnormalities and sperm output based on 1,551 ejaculate records of 58 Holstein bulls. The data was collected from September 2019 to November 2020 in a single artificial insemination (AI) center located in Eastern Germany. Factors considered for the prediction models include barn climate conditions, semen collector, number of false mounts, libido, semen collection frequency, breed and age (10-74 months). In this study, the prediction models Lasso, Group Lasso and Gradient Boosting were evaluated. The best model for each sperm quality parameter was chosen using cross validation. The models were estimated with five algorithms for sperm motility and sperm morphology and three algorithms for the number of total sperm per ejaculate (sperm output). For sperm motility and morphology a binary classification algorithm was applied, reaching an accuracy of over 80% for all models. For sperm output, no such classification was used and the only variable selected by all three algorithms was age. Furthermore, for sperm morphology, climate variables were frequently selected. Additionally, network diagrams from Group Lasso show the interdependencies between the major variable groups influencing sperm motility and morphology. In conclusion, the implementation of such prediction tools could help AI centers to optimize management factors and stabilize bull semen production in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hürland
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany; Rinderproduktion Berlin - Brandenburg, Besamungsstation Schmergow, Ketziner Siedlung 12, D-14550, Germany
| | - D A Kuhlgatz
- Federal Office for Agriculture, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, CH-3003, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Kuhlgatz
- Federal Office for Agriculture, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, CH-3003, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J H Osmers
- Rinderproduktion Berlin - Brandenburg, Besamungsstation Schmergow, Ketziner Siedlung 12, D-14550, Germany
| | - M Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany
| | - M Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany.
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3
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Hurri E, Lima-Verde I, Johannisson A, Stålhammar H, Ntallaris T, Morrell JM. Post-thaw semen quality in young bull ejaculates before being accepted for commercial semen doses. Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1386. [PMID: 35137420 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic selection enables bulls with desirable characteristics to be identified at a young age, but sperm quality can be poor in the ejaculates of young bulls. Few studies have been done on post-thaw sperm quality in bulls less than 10 months old. The objective of this study was to determine the age at which post-thaw sperm quality was acceptable for artificial insemination. METHODS Semen was collected by artificial vagina; samples containing 100-500 million spermatozoa/ml were frozen for this study. Post-thaw analyses of membrane integrity (MI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), chromatin integrity, morphology, production of reactive oxygen species and sperm kinematics were made. RESULTS The age at which ejaculates exceeded the breeding company's thresholds of acceptance varied considerably among individuals, with 285 days being the earliest. Morphology (p < 0.003), MI (p = 0.0096), high MMP (p = 0.043) and superoxide production (p = 0.0084) increased between the first and last ejaculates but reached acceptable levels at different ages for individual bulls. CONCLUSIONS It was possible to obtain acceptable post-thaw sperm quality from samples even though sperm concentration was lower than the breeding company's threshold. Therefore, it might be feasible to use ejaculates earlier than is currently considered possible, by modifying semen handling protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hurri
- Research & Development, VikingGenetics, Skara, Sweden
| | - Isabel Lima-Verde
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Stålhammar
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Theodoros Ntallaris
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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4
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Toledo I, Dahl G, De Vries A. Dairy cattle management and housing for warm environments. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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5
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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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6
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Seifi-Jamadi A, Zhandi M, Kohram H, Luceño NL, Leemans B, Henrotte E, Latour C, Demeyere K, Meyer E, Van Soom A. Influence of seasonal differences on semen quality and subsequent embryo development of Belgian Blue bulls. Theriogenology 2020; 158:8-17. [PMID: 32916520 PMCID: PMC7462895 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Belgian Blue bulls are more susceptible to high temperature and humidity index (THI) than most other cattle breeds. Here, we investigated whether high ambient temperature during summer affected semen quality and subsequent embryo development in Belgian Blue cattle. For this purpose, semen samples were collected from six healthy mature Belgian Blue bulls in March (Low THI group; THI between 30.6 and 56.4) and August 2016 (High THI group; maximum THI of 83.7 during meiotic and spermiogenic stages of spermatogenesis; 14–28 days prior to semen collection) respectively. Motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, chromatin condensation, viability, and reactive oxygen species production were assessed for frozen-thawed semen. Moreover, the efficiency of blastocyst production from the frozen-thawed semen samples of the two groups was determined in vitro. Blastocyst quality was determined by assessing inner cell mass ratio and apoptotic cell ratio. Fresh ejaculates showed a higher sperm concentration in low THI when compared to the high THI group (P ≤ 0.05), whereas semen volume, subjective motility, and total sperm output were not affected (P > 0.05). In frozen-thawed semen, total and progressive motility, viability, and straight-line velocity were lower in high THI compared to the low THI group (P < 0.05), while H2O2 concentration, aberrant chromatin condensation, and abnormal spermatozoa were higher in the high THI group (P < 0.05). Blastocyst rates were significantly higher when low THI samples were used (P < 0.05). Moreover, the total cell number and trophectoderm cells were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in blastocysts derived from low THI samples, whereas the apoptotic cell ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in blastocysts derived from high THI spermatozoa. In summary, our data show that elevated ambient temperature and humidity during summer can decrease the quality of frozen-thawed spermatozoa in Belgian Blue bulls and also affect subsequent embryo development. Belgian Blue bulls are more susceptible to heat stress than most other cattle breeds. Heat stress negatively affected the quality of Belgian Blue bulls’ spermatozoa. Summer high ambient temperature increased H2O2 production in thawed spermatozoa. Summer heat exposure increased morphological abnormalities of bull spermatozoa. Embryo development was decreased after the bulls were exposed to summer heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Seifi-Jamadi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77871, Iran; Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mahdi Zhandi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77871, Iran.
| | - Hamid Kohram
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77871, Iran
| | - Núria Llamas Luceño
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Emilie Henrotte
- AWE Group, Production and Distribution Direction- Inovéo, Chemin Du Tersoit 32, 5590 Ciney, Belgium
| | - Catherine Latour
- AWE Group, Production and Distribution Direction- Inovéo, Chemin Du Tersoit 32, 5590 Ciney, Belgium
| | - Kristel Demeyere
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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7
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Morgan HL, Eid N, Khoshkerdar A, Watkins AJ. Defining the male contribution to embryo quality and offspring health in assisted reproduction in farm animals. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200018. [PMID: 33029211 PMCID: PMC7534566 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination have delivered significant benefits for farm animal reproduction. However, as with humans, assisted reproduction in livestock requires the manipulation of the gametes and preimplantation embryo. The significance of this ‘periconception’ period is that it represents the transition from parental genome regulation to that of the newly formed embryo. Environmental perturbations during these early developmental stages can result in persistent changes in embryonic gene expression, fetal organ development and ultimately the long-term health of the offspring. While associations between maternal health and offspring wellbeing are well-defined, the significance of paternal health for the quality of his semen and the post-conception development of his offspring have largely been overlooked. Human and animal model studies have identified sperm epigenetic status (DNA methylation levels, histone modifications and RNA profiles) and seminal plasma-mediated maternal uterine immunological, inflammatory and vascular responses as the two central mechanisms capable of linking paternal health and post-fertilisation development. However, there is a significant knowledge gap about the father’s contribution to the long-term health of his offspring, especially with regard to farm animals. Such insights are essential to ensure the safety of widely used assisted reproductive practices and to gain better understanding of the role of paternal health for the well-being of his offspring. In this article, we will outline the impact of male health on semen quality (both sperm and seminal plasma), reproductive fitness and post-fertilisation offspring development and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health in farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Louise Morgan
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nader Eid
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Afsaneh Khoshkerdar
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Adam John Watkins
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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8
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Sabés-Alsina M, Wallgren M, Sjunnesson YCB, Ntallaris T, Lundeheim N, López-Béjar M, Morrell JM. Effect of season on the in vitro fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed Spanish bovine spermatozoa. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9525-9533. [PMID: 32747095 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of season on the in vitro fertilizing ability of bovine spermatozoa and subsequent embryo development. Bovine oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro with Holstein dairy bull sperm cells collected and frozen in different seasons (winter, spring, and summer). On d 2 and 8 postinsemination, cleavage and blastocyst rates, respectively, were recorded; the blastocysts were graded for morphology. The number of sperm cells binding to the zona pellucida of oocytes, together with the number of nuclei in the developing blastocysts, were assessed after staining with Hoechst. No significant differences were observed among seasons in cleavage and embryo development rate. However, the proportion of "advanced blastocysts" was significantly higher in spring compared with winter and summer, with a corresponding decrease in the proportion of early blastocysts in spring compared with winter and summer. The number of sperm cells binding per oocyte was significantly lower in the oocytes inseminated with sperm samples collected in summer compared with winter or spring. Moreover, a significant interaction was observed in the number of sperm cells binding per oocyte between bull and season. Although no significant differences were observed among seasons in the number of nuclei per blastocyst, a significant interaction was observed between bull and season for this variable. Embryo development rate in in vitro fertilization appeared to be affected by season of semen collection, with sperm samples collected in spring being associated with a higher proportion of advanced blastocysts and better morphology than those collected at other times of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sabés-Alsina
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M Wallgren
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Y C B Sjunnesson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - T Ntallaris
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; Ambulatory Clinic, University Animal Hospital (UDS), SLU, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - N Lundeheim
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, SLU, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766
| | - J M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Llamas-Luceño N, Hostens M, Mullaart E, Broekhuijse M, Lonergan P, Van Soom A. High temperature-humidity index compromises sperm quality and fertility of Holstein bulls in temperate climates. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9502-9514. [PMID: 32713696 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rising temperatures caused by climate change have adverse effects on cattle physiology, welfare, health, and reproduction. Heat stress in cows affects the oocyte and embryo directly through heat shock on cellular function. Fewer data are available on the effect of high temperatures on male fertility. Temperature-humidity index (THI) is a measure for assessing the risk of heat stress that combines the effects of temperature and humidity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between THI and fresh or frozen-thawed sperm quality of Holstein bulls kept in temperate climates. Bull sperm data of 29,170 ejaculates from 933 bulls collected at 3 Dutch artificial insemination centers between 2015 and 2018 were evaluated. The assessed variables included total sperm motility and morphology of fresh semen, and total sperm motility, morphology, and progressive motility of frozen semen 0 and 3 h after thawing. In addition, 56-d nonreturn rates were analyzed. The assessed effects were season and THI on the day of semen collection and during spermatogenesis (30 d before collection), bull, age of bull, year, and location. Bulls were divided into 2 categories according to their age: young (<36 mo) and older (>36 mo). Overall sperm quality of young bulls improved as age increased. No effect of THI on fresh sperm variables was observed in either young or older bulls. However, high THI at spermatogenesis negatively affected the cryotolerance of sperm cells. Sperm cells from young and older bulls showed a pronounced decrease (14-18%) of the assessed variables 3 h after thawing after the increase of THI during spermatogenesis in autumn. Remarkably, older bulls were more sensitive to THI at spermatogenesis compared with semen collection, showing up to a 3.8 times higher negative effect on frozen sperm quality. However, an elevated THI at semen collection produced a tendency toward decreased 56-d nonreturn rates as the age of the bull increased. Although this decrease was up to 4%, rising temperatures may still cause important economic losses in the future. For the first time, the present study confirmed that climate compromises not only sperm quality, but also dairy bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Llamas-Luceño
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Miel Hostens
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Dublin D04 N2E5, Ireland
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Abstract
Since bull fertility may be adversely affected by hot humid conditions, the current increase in global temperature is of concern for future livestock production. Heat stress occurs when the body's normal physiological mechanisms to regulate body temperature cannot cope with external conditions. The testes and scrotum have their own complex regulatory mechanisms to protect developing sperm during their most vulnerable stages, but even these may be overwhelmed by unfavourable external conditions. The effects of mild, moderate and severe heat stress are somewhat different, with cattle exposed to mild and moderate heat stress apparently showing an adverse effect on fertility, whereas cattle in very hot, humid climates almost continuously may not exhibit any difference in sperm quality throughout the year. This apparent paradox may be due to differences in the cattle populations being studied, since they could differ in breed, age, purpose (beef versus dairy), or even in the methods used to assess sperm quality. The adverse effects on fertility may occur through the effects of reactive oxygen species on sperm DNA, or through perturbation of the production of antioxidants that usually protect sperm from oxidative attack. These effects can be mitigated to some extent by choosing breed and age of bulls with care, and adopting breeding strategies that avoid semen collection or ejaculation at the most adverse times of year. Husbandry measures such as controlled ventilation, misting, provision of shade or cool surfaces for lying down, could aid temperature regulation. Avoiding heat stress during late pregnancy aids calf growth in early life; careful feeding regimens for young bull calves create good conditions for sperm quality after puberty. Bull fertility is too important to be left to chance. Breeds should be chosen according to climate conditions and the purpose of livestock production.
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Lima Verde I, Nongbua T, Karkehabadi S, Johannisson A, Morrell JM. Effect of season on bovine seminal plasma proteins in Thailand. J Therm Biol 2020; 90:102576. [PMID: 32479382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Although season has been shown to affect bull sperm quality and fertility in some studies, the effect of season on seminal plasma proteins has not been examined. In the present study, seminal plasma proteins were analysed by Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC), to separate the phosphorylcholine-binding proteins and heparin-binding proteins from the other proteins. Semen samples were collected from bulls in three seasons: winter, summer and the rainy season. Sperm quality was analysed by flow cytometry and computer assisted sperm analysis, and further aliquots of semen were used to prepare the seminal plasma for FPLC. Meteorological data were available from a location close to the bull station. There were slight differences in sperm kinematics between seasons, but other parameters of sperm quality were not different. Minor differences in the phosphorylcholine-binding proteins were detected according to season, being lower in summer than in winter or in the rainy season, although there were no changes in the heparin-binding proteins. Temperature, humidity and rainfall differed between winter and the rainy season, but no differences were observed between summer and the rainy season except in the temperature humidity index (THI). However, the THI was above the threshold indicative of heat stress in all seasons, which could explain why few seasonal differences in protein composition were detected in this study. Alternatively, the bulls could have been well-adapted to heat stress. In conclusion, there were only slight differences in bull sperm quality and seminal plasma proteins between seasons during this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Lima Verde
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Box 7054, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| | - T Nongbua
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Box 7054, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden; Mahasarakham University, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - S Karkehabadi
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Molecular Sciences, Box 7015, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| | - A Johannisson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Box 7054, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| | - J M Morrell
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Box 7054, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden.
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12
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Nongbua T, Utta A, Am-In N, Suwimonteerabutr J, Johannisson A, Morrell JM. Effects of season and single layer centrifugation on bull sperm quality in Thailand. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 33:1411-1420. [PMID: 32054188 PMCID: PMC7468166 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.19.0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of study was to investigate the effects of season and single layer centrifugation (SLC) before cryopreservation on post-thaw bull sperm quality in Thailand. Methods Semen was collected from 6 bulls (Bos indicus) in summer, rainy season and winter 2014 through 2016. Semen characteristics, sperm morphology, sperm kinematics, viability, chromatin structure and mitochondrial membrane were evaluated. Meteorological data were available from the local meteorological station; Results Season had an effect on semen characteristics in the raw ejaculate, with higher proportions of normal spermatozoa and lower abnormalities in winter than in the other two seasons. Sperm kinematics, viability, DNA fragmentation index, and mitochondrial membrane potential were not different between seasons. Sperm samples selected by SLC had greater normal morphology and a lower proportion with bent tails than controls and higher values of progressive motility (PRO), beat cross frequency, linearity, straightness, wobble (WOB), and lower values of slow motility, velocity average path (VAP), velocity curved line, and amplitude of lateral head displacement than controls. In addition, SLC-selection had a favorable effect on PRO, VAP, and WOB that differed among seasons. Conclusion Our results suggested that these bulls were well adapted to their location, with season having an effect on sperm morphology. Moreover, SLC could be used prior to cryopreservation, regardless of season, to enhance normal morphology and kinematics of bull sperm samples without adversely affecting other parameters of sperm quality. However, there was considerable variation among bulls in DNA fragmentation index, mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm viability. In addition, SLC had a positive effect on sperm morphology and sperm kinematics, which could be expected to influence fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanapol Nongbua
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala 75007, Sweden.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Apirak Utta
- North-Eastern Bull Center, Bureau of Biotechnology in Livestock Production, DLD, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand
| | - Nutthee Am-In
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Junpen Suwimonteerabutr
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
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13
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Negrón-Pérez VM, Fausnacht DW, Rhoads ML. Invited review: Management strategies capable of improving the reproductive performance of heat-stressed dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10695-10710. [PMID: 31521355 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Impaired fertility during periods of heat stress is the culmination of numerous physiological responses to heat stress, ranging from reduced estrus expression and altered follicular function to early embryonic death. Furthermore, heat-stressed dairy cattle exhibit a unique metabolic status that likely contributes to the observed reduction in fertility. An understanding of this unique physiological response can be used as a basis for improving cow management strategies, thereby reducing the negative effects of heat stress on reproduction. Potential opportunities for improving the management of dairy cattle during heat stress vary greatly and include feed additives, targeted cooling, genetic selection, embryo transfer and, potentially, crossbreeding. Previous studies indicate that dietary interventions such as melatonin and chromium supplementation could alleviate some of the detrimental effects of heat stress on fertility, and that factors involved in the methionine cycle would likely do the same. These supplements, particularly chromium, may improve reproductive performance during heat stress by alleviating insulin-mediated damage to the follicle and its enclosed cumulus-oocyte complex. Beyond feed additives, some of the simplest, yet most effective strategies involve altering the timing of feeding and cooling to take advantage of comparatively low nighttime temperatures. Likewise, expansion of cooling systems to include breeding-age heifers and dry cows has significant benefits for dams and their offspring. More complicated but promising strategies involve the calculation of breeding values for thermotolerance, the identification of genomic markers for heat tolerance, and the development of bedding-based conductive cooling systems. Unfortunately, no single approach can completely rescue the fertility of lactating dairy cows during heat stress. That said, region-appropriate combinations of strategies can improve reproductive measures to reasonable levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Negrón-Pérez
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061
| | - D W Fausnacht
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061
| | - M L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
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14
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Llamas Luceño N, de Souza Ramos Angrimani D, de Cássia Bicudo L, Szymańska KJ, Van Poucke M, Demeyere K, Meyer E, Peelman L, Mullaart E, Broekhuijse MLWJ, Van Soom A. Exposing dairy bulls to high temperature-humidity index during spermatogenesis compromises subsequent embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 2019; 141:16-25. [PMID: 31494458 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The possible impact of natural heat stress on animal fertility is currently a major concern for breeding companies. Here, we aimed to address this concern by determining the effects of natural heat stress on the fertility of Holstein bulls located in the Netherlands. Semen samples were collected from six bulls at two locations in March 2016 (low temperature-humidity index (THI) group; maximum THI of 51.8 and 55 at their respective locations) or August (high THI group; maximum THI of 77.9 and 80.5 during meiotic and spermiogenic stages of spermatogenesis, 42 to 14 days prior to semen collection). The effect of heat stress on semen quality was assessed by sperm morphology, motility, reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, viability, and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, we evaluated the development of embryos generated in vitro by low and high THI semen, and determined inner cell mass/trophectoderm ratio, apoptotic cell ratio, and embryonic gene expression in day-8 blastocysts. An increase in cell death (propidium iodide-positive cells; P = 0.039) was observed in the high THI group (31.5%) compared to the low THI group (27.6%). Moreover, a decrease (P < 0.001) was observed in the total blastocyst rates at day 7 post-insemination (15.3 vs 20.9%) and day 8 (23.2 vs 29.6%) in the high THI compared to the low THI group, respectively. There were no differences in the relative abundance of candidate transcripts examined. In conclusion, sperm samples from dairy bulls obtained during a period with higher THI had reduced viability and led to a decrease in blastocyst development and delayed hatching, compared to semen collected during a period with low THI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Llamas Luceño
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Daniel de Souza Ramos Angrimani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Cássia Bicudo
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katarzyna J Szymańska
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mario Van Poucke
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kristel Demeyere
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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15
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Ugur MR, Saber Abdelrahman A, Evans HC, Gilmore AA, Hitit M, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B, Kaya A, Memili E. Advances in Cryopreservation of Bull Sperm. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:268. [PMID: 31552277 PMCID: PMC6736622 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of semen and artificial insemination have an important, positive impact on cattle production, and product quality. Through the use of cryopreserved semen and artificial insemination, sperm from the best breeding bulls can be used to inseminate thousands of cows around the world. Although cryopreservation of bull sperm has advanced beyond that of other species, there are still major gaps in the knowledge and technology bases. Post-thaw viability of sperm is still low and differs significantly among the breeding bulls. These weaknesses are important because they are preventing advances both in fundamental science of mammalian gametes and reproductive biotechnology. Various extenders have been developed and supplemented with chemicals to reduce cryodamage or oxidative stress with varying levels of success. More detailed insights on sperm morphology and function have been uncovered through application of advanced tools in modern molecular and cell biology. This article provides a concise review of progress in the cryopreservation of bull sperm, advances in extender development, and frontiers using diverse techniques of the study of sperm viability. This scientific resource is important in animal biotechnology because with the advances in discovery of sperm fertility markers, there is an urgent need to improve post-thaw viability and fertility of sperm through enhanced cryopreservation for precision agriculture to produce food animals to ensure food security on the global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Rasit Ugur
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Amal Saber Abdelrahman
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Holly C. Evans
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Alicia A. Gilmore
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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16
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Sabés-Alsina M, Lundeheim N, Johannisson A, López-Béjar M, Morrell J. Relationships between climate and sperm quality in dairy bull semen: A retrospective analysis. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5623-5633. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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