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Pinto-Pinho P, Ferreira AF, Pinto-Leite R, Fardilha M, Colaço B. The History and Prospects of Rabbit Sperm Sexing. Vet Sci 2023; 10:509. [PMID: 37624296 PMCID: PMC10459625 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm sex selection is a longstanding challenge in the field of animal reproduction. The cuniculture industry, in particular producers of males or females for breeding purposes, would greatly benefit from the pre-selection of the offspring's sex. This review article overviews the current and future developments in rabbit sperm sexing technologies, as well as the implications of implementing these methodologies in cuniculture. The first attempts of sperm sexing were performed in rabbits; however, a both efficient and cost-effective methodology was not yet developed for this species. Those included sperm sexing according to differences in sperm density, surface electric charge, pH susceptibility, antisera reaction, and flow cytometry. Separation by flow cytometry has proven to be efficient in rabbits, yielding fractions with approximately 81% and 86% purity for X- and Y-sperm, respectively. However, it is not cost-effective for cuniculture and decreases sperm quality. The advantages, limitations, and practical considerations of each method are presented, highlighting their applicability and efficiency. Furthermore, herein we explore the potential of immunological-based techniques that overcome some of the limitations of earlier methods, as well as recent advancements in sperm sexing technologies in other animal models, which could be applied to rabbits. Finally, the challenges associated with the development and widespread implementation of rabbit sperm sexing technologies are addressed. By understanding the advantages and limitations of existing and emerging methods, researchers can direct their efforts towards the most promising directions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable cuniculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pinto-Pinho
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Laboratory of Genetics and Andrology, Hospital Center of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, E.P.E, 5000-508 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Experimental Pathology and Terapeutics Group, IPO Porto Research Center, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana F. Ferreira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Rosário Pinto-Leite
- Laboratory of Genetics and Andrology, Hospital Center of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, E.P.E, 5000-508 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Experimental Pathology and Terapeutics Group, IPO Porto Research Center, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Bruno Colaço
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
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Lugarà R, Grześkowiak Ł, Zentek J, Meese S, Kreuzer M, Giller K. A High-Energy Diet and Spirulina Supplementation during Pre-Gestation, Gestation, and Lactation do Not Affect the Reproductive and Lactational Performance of Primiparous Sows. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091171. [PMID: 35565597 PMCID: PMC9105899 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-energy or high-fat diets are often fed to pregnant and lactating sows to overcome problems resulting from insufficient energy intake. However, their long-term consumption has the potential to impair the reproductive and lactational traits in sows. The microalga spirulina has been previously described to exert beneficial health effects, and it may potentially reverse the detrimental effects induced by a high-energy diet. In the present study, both a high-energy diet and the spirulina did not affect the reproduction and lactational traits in sows, though they both influenced the colostrum fatty acids profile in a way that may impact offspring growth and health. Moreover, sows fed a high-energy diet tended to have less piglets weaned than sows fed a control diet. The spirulina was not able to reverse these effects but tended to affect the proportion of males and females per litter in a diet-specific manner. Abstract Feeding high-energy (HED) or high-fat diets during gestation and lactation to pigs may help cover the energy requirements of high-prolific sows but may also adversely affect their reproductive performance. The microalga Arthrospira plantensis (Sp), rich in bioactive compounds, has been described to exert beneficial health effects. The present study investigated the effects of HED and Sp intake during gestation and lactation in pigs. Twenty-four primiparous crossbred sows were fed either a HED or a control diet. Half of the sows per group were supplemented with 20 g/day of Sp. Despite a higher gross energy intake, consuming the HED did not affect the sows’ reproductive and lactational performance but significantly modified the colostrum fatty acid (FA) composition and tended to decrease the number of weaned piglets. The Sp supplementation did not affect the reproduction and lactation traits, but slightly affected the colostrum FA composition. A trend was observed for an interaction of diet and Sp in terms of offspring sex ratio with a 50% lower male-to-female ratio in the HED group compared to all other animals. These findings suggest that an HED and Sp intake hardly influence reproduction in sows. However, the HED modified the colostrum FA composition, whereas the Sp had only fewer effects, which may potentially affect offspring performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lugarà
- Animal Nutrition, ETH Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland; (R.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Łukasz Grześkowiak
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Strasse 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (Ł.G.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Strasse 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (Ł.G.); (J.Z.)
| | - Susanne Meese
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland;
| | - Michael Kreuzer
- Animal Nutrition, ETH Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland; (R.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Katrin Giller
- Animal Nutrition, ETH Zurich, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland; (R.L.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-52-354-92-09
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Naidu SJ, Arangasamy A, Selvaraju S, Binsila BK, Reddy IJ, Ravindra JP, Bhatta R. Maternal influence on the skewing of offspring sex ratio: a review. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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4
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Heikkinen RK, Kartano L, Leikola N, Aalto J, Aapala K, Kuusela S, Virkkala R. High-latitude EU Habitats Directive species at risk due to climate change and land use. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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5
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Effects of body condition score at initiation of the breeding season on reproductive performance and overall productivity of Bos taurus and B. indicus beef cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 232:106820. [PMID: 34364040 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to evaluate reproductive and productive responses of Bos indicus and B. taurus beef cows according to body condition score (BCS) at initiation of the annual breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckling multiparous cows were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination treatment regimen followed by natural service. Cows were classified as having a BCS < 5.0 (B. taurus, n = 158; B. indicus, n = 248) or BCS ≥ 5.0 (B. taurus, n = 173; B. indicus, n = 122). Calving rate was greater (P < 0.03) in cows with a BCS ≥ 5.0 (93.7 % and 85.1 % in B. taurus, 83.6 % and 73.3 % in B. indicus), which also calved earlier (P < 0.01) compared with cows with a BCS < 5.0. Cows with a BCS ≥ 5.0 weaned more (P ≤ 0.05) calves compared with those with a BCS < 5.0, which were older (P ≤ 0.04) and weighed more (P ≤ 0.09) at weaning (258 and 252 kg in B. taurus, 213 and 203 kg in B. indicus). Kilograms of calf weaned/cow in the breeding herd were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in cows with a BCS ≥ 5.0 compared with those with a BCS < 5.0 (221 and 200 kg in B. taurus, 159 and 129 d in B. indicus). Collectively, cows with a BCS ≥ 5.0 at initiation of the breeding season had greater reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle, and these outcomes were observed in B. taurus and B. indicus cowherds.
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Akerele OA, Manning SJ, Dixon SE, Lacey AE, Cheema SK. Maternal omega-3 fatty acids maintained positive maternal lipids and cytokines profile, and improved pregnancy outcomes of C57BL/6 mice. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 98:108813. [PMID: 34242722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108813] [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: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to regulate lipid metabolism and inflammation; however, the regulation of maternal lipid metabolism and cytokines profile by n-3 PUFA during different gestation stages, and its impact on fetal sustainability is not known. We investigated the effects of maternal diet varying in n-3 PUFA prior to, and during gestation, on maternal metabolic profile, placental inflammatory cytokines, and fetal outcomes. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed either a high, low or very low (9, 3 or 1% w/w n-3 PUFA) diet, containing n-6:n-3 PUFA of 5:1, 20:1 and 40:1, respectively for two weeks before mating, and throughout pregnancy. Animals were sacrificed prior to mating (NP), and during pregnancy at gestation days 6.5, 12.5 and 18.5. Maternal metabolic profile, placental cytokines and fetal outcomes were determined. Our results show for the first time that a maternal diet high in n-3 PUFA prevented dyslipidemia in NP mice, and maintained the expected lipid profile during pregnancy. However, females fed the very low n-3 PUFA diet became hyperlipidemic prior to pregnancy, and carried this profile into pregnancy. Maternal diet high in n-3 PUFA maintained maternal plasma progesterone and placental pro-inflammatory cytokines profile, and sustained fetal numbers throughout pregnancy, while females fed the low and very-low n-3 PUFA diet had fewer fetuses. Our findings demonstrate the importance of maternal diet before, and during pregnancy, to maintain maternal metabolic profile and fetus sustainability. These findings are important when designing dietary strategies to optimize maternal metabolism during pregnancy for successful pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunji Anthony Akerele
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Sarah Jane Manning
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Sarah Emily Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Amelia Estelle Lacey
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Sukhinder Kaur Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
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7
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Martinat M, Rossitto M, Di Miceli M, Layé S. Perinatal Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Brain Development, Role in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Nutrients 2021; 13:1185. [PMID: 33918517 PMCID: PMC8065891 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids that are provided by dietary intake. Growing evidence suggests that n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are paramount for brain functions. They constitute crucial elements of cellular membranes, especially in the brain. They are the precursors of several metabolites with different effects on inflammation and neuron outgrowth. Overall, long-chain PUFAs accumulate in the offspring brain during the embryonic and post-natal periods. In this review, we discuss how they accumulate in the developing brain, considering the maternal dietary supply, the polymorphisms of genes involved in their metabolism, and the differences linked to gender. We also report the mechanisms linking their bioavailability in the developing brain, their transfer from the mother to the embryo through the placenta, and their role in brain development. In addition, data on the potential role of altered bioavailability of long-chain n-3 PUFAs in the etiologies of neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia, are reviewed.
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8
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Abouhamzeh B, Youssefi R, Akbarinejad V, Mirsadeghi E. Effect of feeding male mice with palm, fish, and sunflower oils on sperm characteristics and sex ratio of offspring. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2020; 11:319-323. [PMID: 33643583 PMCID: PMC7904121 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2018.92060.2227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have indicated that feeding female animal with fatty acids could result in alteration of offspring sex ratio; however, there is little information available regarding the effect of feeding male animal with fatty acids on sex ratio of offspring. The aim of current study was to investigate the effect of paternal feeding with n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on sperm characteristics and sex ratio of offspring in mice. Male mice received 2.50% of palm oil (control), fish oil (n-3 PUFAs) or sunflower oil (n-6 PUFAs) for two months. Sperm kinematics and viability were assessed using computer-assisted sperm analyzer and eosin-Y staining, respectively. Additionally, female mice were randomly introduced to males of three experimental groups to determine reproductive parameters including litter size, conception rate and sex ratio. Fish oil enhanced sperm concentration, motility and viability, whereas sunflower oil decreased sperm concentration. Nevertheless, progressive motility, velocity, linearity and straightness of sperms were not affected by source of fatty acids. Although supplementation with fish oil resulted in male-biased sex ratio, palm and sunflower oils did not impact sex ratio. Besides, source of fatty acids failed to influence conception rate and litter size. In conclusion, the present study provided evidence for the impact of paternal fish oil consumption on sex ratio of offspring for the first time. Moreover, it showed beneficial effect of n-3 PUFAs and adverse effects of n-6 PUFAs on seminal parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beheshteh Abouhamzeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Youssefi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mirsadeghi
- Animal Core Facility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute For Biotechnology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
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9
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Sex preselection of sٍheep embryo by altering the minerals of maternal nutrition. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 28:680-684. [PMID: 33424355 PMCID: PMC7783835 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Several methods have been conducted for embryo sex preselection, which includes X- and Y- sperm separation, changing the pH of the female reproductive tract, time of mating before or after ovulation, and feeding formula, such as altering the presence of minerals in diet content before breeding may affect the embryo sex preselection ratio. In this study, three food formulas to feed female sheep were created with the cooperation of the Arabian Agricultural Services Company (Arasco). Ewes were fed with modified food formulas for one month before mating with males. The first group (A) (30 ewes), modified for male embryo gender preselection, were fed a diet with an increased percentage of the minerals Na+, K+, and P-. The second group (B) (30 ewes), modified for female sex preselection, were fed a diet with an increased percentage of the minerals Ca++ and Mg++. The third (control) group (C) (30 ewes) were fed the regular (Wafi) food formula. Our results showed no significant differences were in mean body weights between the three groups at the end of the feeding period. The results of different feeding formulas on mineral serum blood samples of ewes showed an increase in Na+, K+, and Cl- ions in the serum of group (A) compared to the other groups (B and C). The concentration of Na+ in the serum of group (A) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than group (C). The concentration of Cl- ions in serum samples of ewes in group (A) was significantly higher than group (C) and group (B) (P < 0.05). The role of maternal feeding on embryo sex preselection shows that the pregnancy rate of animals in group (A) was 73.33%. Group (A) birthed 17 males and 5 females (77.27% and 22.72%, respectively). The pregnancy rate in group (B) was 70%. Group (B) birthed 6 males (27.27%) and 16 females (72.72%). Finally, the control group (C) had a pregnancy rate of 76.66%. They birthed 13 males (54.41%) and 11 females (44.83%). The results of our study confirm that altering the percentage of minerals in the maternal diet plays a role in sex preselection in sheep, which agree with other mammalian studies in rats and mice. Thus, the result of this study can help farmers to manage their breeding. We recommend that more studies on the relationship between minerals in the diet should be conducted for other spices and human sex preselection.
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10
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Shrestha N, Sleep SL, Cuffe JSM, Holland OJ, Perkins AV, Yau SY, McAinch AJ, Hryciw DH. Role of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in fetal programming. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:907-915. [PMID: 31883131 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutrition plays a critical role in fetal development and can influence adult onset of disease. Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are major omega-6 (n-6) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), respectively, that are essential in our diet. LA and ALA are critical for the development of the fetal neurological and immune systems. However, in recent years, the consumption of n-6 PUFA has increased gradually worldwide, and elevated n-6 PUFA consumption may be harmful to human health. Consumption of diets with high levels of n-6 PUFA before or during pregnancy may have detrimental effects on fetal development and may influence overall health of offspring in adulthood. This review discusses the role of n-6 PUFA in fetal programming, the importance of a balance between n-6 and n-3 PUFAs in the maternal diet, and the need of further animal models and human studies that critically evaluate both n-6 and n-3 PUFA contents in diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirajan Shrestha
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia
| | - Simone L Sleep
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia
| | - Suk Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,University Research Facility in Behavioural and Systems Neuroscience, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Andrew J McAinch
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, St. Albans, Vic., Australia
| | - Deanne H Hryciw
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia
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Mirzaei-Alamouti H, Mohammadi Z, Shahir M, Vazirigohar M, Mansouryar M. Effects of short-term feeding of different sources of fatty acids in pre-mating diets on reproductive performance and blood metabolites of fat-tailed Iranian Afshari ewes. Theriogenology 2018; 113:85-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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12
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Marei WFA, Khalil WA, Pushpakumara APG, El-Harairy MA, Abo El-Atta AMA, Wathes DC, Fouladi-Nashta A. Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence offspring sex ratio in cows. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6:S36-S40. [PMID: 30761319 PMCID: PMC6161865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can influence fertility in farm animals. Some evidence in mice and sheep have suggested that PUFAs may influence offspring sex ratio, which may have significant value for cattle production. To test this hypothesis, three groups of Holstein cows were supplemented with either 0%, 3% or 5% protected fat (PF) in the form of calcium salt of fatty acids (rich in omega-6) from 14–21 days pre-partum until conception. Proven-fertile frozen semen from the same ejaculate was used for insemination. Calf sex recorded at birth was 8/19 (42.1%) male offspring in the control group, increasing to 14/20 (70%, P > 0.05) and 17/20 (85%, P < 0.05) in 3% and 5% PF, respectively. To test if this effect was caused by a direct influence on the oocyte, we supplemented bovine cumulus oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation with either omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) or trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Sex ratio of the produced transferable embryos was determined using PCR of SRY gene. Similar to the in vivo results, sex ratio was skewed to the male side in the embryos derived from LA- and CLA-treated oocytes (79% and 71%) compared to control and ALA-treated oocytes (44% and 54%, respectively). These results indicate that both dietary and in vitro supplementation of omega-6 PUFAs can skew the sex ratio towards the male side in cattle. Further experiments are required to confirm this effect on a larger scale and to study the mechanisms of action that might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed F A Marei
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Wael A Khalil
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Anil P G Pushpakumara
- Department of Farm Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Mostafa A El-Harairy
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M A Abo El-Atta
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Ali Fouladi-Nashta
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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13
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Groeger J, Opler M, Kleinhaus K, Perrin MC, Calderon-Margalit R, Manor O, Paltiel O, Conley D, Harlap S, Malaspina D. Live birth sex ratios and father's geographic origins in Jerusalem, 1964-1976. Am J Hum Biol 2017; 29. [PMID: 27901293 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22945] [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: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether ancestry influenced sex ratios of offspring in a birth cohort before parental antenatal sex selection influenced offspring sex. METHODS We measured the sex ratio as the percent of males according to countries of birth of paternal and maternal grandfathers in 91,459 live births from 1964 to 1976 in the Jerusalem Perinatal Study. Confidence limits (CI) were computed based on an expected sex ratio of 1.05, which is 51.4% male. RESULTS Of all live births recorded, 51.4% were male. Relative to Jewish ancestry (51.4% males), significantly more males (1,761) were born to Muslim ancestry (54.5, 95% CI = 52.1-56.8, P = 0.01). Among the former, sex ratios were not significantly associated with paternal or maternal age, education, or offspring's birth order. Consistent with a preference for male offspring, the sex ratio decreased despite increasing numbers of births over the 13-year period. Sex ratios were not affected by maternal or paternal origins in North Africa or Europe. However, the offspring whose paternal grandfathers were born in Western Asia included fewer males than expected (50.7, 50.1-51.3, P = 0.02), whether the father was born abroad (50.7) or in Israel (50.8). This was observed for descendents of paternal grandfathers born in Lebanon (47.6), Turkey (49.9), Yemen & Aden (50.2), Iraq (50.5), Afghanistan (50.5), Syria (50.6), and Cyprus (50.7); but not for those from India (51.5) or Iran (51.9). The West Asian group showed the strongest decline in sex ratios with increasing paternal family size. CONCLUSIONS A decreased sex ratio associated with ancestry in Western Asia is consistent with reduced ability to bear sons by a subset of Jewish men in the Jerusalem cohort. Lower sex ratios may be because of pregnancy stress, which may be higher in this subgroup. Alternatively, a degrading Y chromosome haplogroup or other genetic or epigenetic differences on male germ lines could affect birth ratios, such as differential exposure to an environmental agent, dietary differences, or stress. Differential stopping behaviors that favor additional pregnancies following the birth of a daughter might exacerbate these lower sex ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Groeger
- College of Medicine, SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, New York, 11203
| | - M Opler
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, Floor 8, New York, New York, 10016, USA.,Prophase, 3 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10016
| | - K Kleinhaus
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, Floor 8, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - M C Perrin
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, Floor 8, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - R Calderon-Margalit
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.,Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544
| | - O Manor
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.,Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544
| | - O Paltiel
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.,Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544
| | - D Conley
- Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544
| | - S Harlap
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, Floor 8, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - D Malaspina
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, Floor 8, New York, New York, 10016, USA
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Abd El-Hamid I, Nour El-Din A, Zaghloul A, El-Bahrawy K, Elshahawy I, Allam A, EL-Zarkouny S, Hassan G. Effects of calcium salts of fatty acids rich in palmitic and oleic fatty acids on reproduction and serum biochemistry in Barki ewes. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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15
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Oliveira JDSK, Fonseca JFD, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Esteves LV, Feres LFR, Rodrigues CAF, Torres Filho RDA, de Oliveira J, Brandão FZ. Protected fatty acid supplementation during estrus synchronization treatment on reproductive parameters of dairy goats. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:254-258. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Juliana de Oliveira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói RJ Brazil
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16
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Impaired imprinted X chromosome inactivation is responsible for the skewed sex ratio following in vitro fertilization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3197-202. [PMID: 26951653 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1523538113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic epigenetic reprogramming occurs during normal embryonic development at the preimplantation stage. Erroneous epigenetic modifications due to environmental perturbations such as manipulation and culture of embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF) are linked to various short- or long-term consequences. Among these, the skewed sex ratio, an indicator of reproductive hazards, was reported in bovine and porcine embryos and even human IVF newborns. However, since the first case of sex skewing reported in 1991, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We reported herein that sex ratio is skewed in mouse IVF offspring, and this was a result of female-biased peri-implantation developmental defects that were originated from impaired imprinted X chromosome inactivation (iXCI) through reduced ring finger protein 12 (Rnf12)/X-inactive specific transcript (Xist) expression. Compensation of impaired iXCI by overexpression of Rnf12 to up-regulate Xist significantly rescued female-biased developmental defects and corrected sex ratio in IVF offspring. Moreover, supplementation of an epigenetic modulator retinoic acid in embryo culture medium up-regulated Rnf12/Xist expression, improved iXCI, and successfully redeemed the skewed sex ratio to nearly 50% in mouse IVF offspring. Thus, our data show that iXCI is one of the major epigenetic barriers for the developmental competence of female embryos during preimplantation stage, and targeting erroneous epigenetic modifications may provide a potential approach for preventing IVF-associated complications.
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Clayton EH, Wilkins JF, Friend MA. Increased proportion of female lambs by feeding Border Leicester × Merino ewes a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids around mating. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/an14714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The proportion of female lambs was previously higher when ewes were offered a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids (n-6) based on oats and cottonseed meal (oats/CSM) around joining. The effect of the length of time of feeding the high n-6 diet on the sex ratio of lambs has not previously been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the proportion of female lambs was higher when Border Leicester × Merino ewes were fed a diet high in n-6 either pre-conception only or both pre- and post-conception. Ewes were fed a low n-6 diet based on silage or a high n-6 diet based on oats/CSM for 40 days pre-mating until the end of mating (pre-mating) or 40 days pre-mating and 17 days post-mating. Liveweight, fat score, plasma fatty acid status and lamb sex was determined. Plasma n-6 concentration was higher (P < 0.001) and the time to oestrus shorter (P < 0.001) when ewes received oats/CSM compared with silage. The proportion of female lambs was higher when ewes were fed a high n-6 compared with low n-6 diet pre-mating only (54.1% vs 44.4%, P = 0.049) and both pre- and post-mating (57.2% vs 43.4%, P = 0.018). The interaction between diet and length of time of feeding was not significant (P = 0.537). The mechanism resulting in the diet high in omega-6 influencing the sex ratio of lambs appears to operate before or around conception but is yet to be determined.
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Effects of diets supplemented by fish oil on sex ratio of pups in bitch. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2016; 7:105-10. [PMID: 27482354 PMCID: PMC4959337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish oil supplementation prior to mating on secondary sex ratio of pups (the proportion of males at birth) in bitches. Sixty five bitches (German Shepherd, n = 35; Husky, n = 30) were enrolled in the study. Bitches (140-150 days post-estrus) were given 2% per dry matter intake palm oil and fish oil in the control (n = 33) and treatment (n = 32) groups, respectively. To induce estrus, bitches were received equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) administration (50 IU kg(-1)) 30 days after nutritional supplementation followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (500 IU per dog) seven days later. Bitches were introduced to dogs of the same breed after hCG administration. The weight of bitches was increased over time (p < 0.05), but their weight change was not different between two groups (p > 0.05). The mating rate, pregnancy rate and litter size were not influenced by treatment and breed. Secondary sex ratio was higher in the treatment (105/164; 64.00%) than in the control (68/147; 46.30%) group (p < 0.05; adjusted odds ratio = 2.068). Moreover, secondary sex ratio was higher in Husky bitches (88/141; 62.40%) compared to German Shepherd (85/170; 50.00%; p < 0.05; adjusted odds ratio = 1.661). In conclusion, the present study showed that inclusion of fish oil in the diet of bitches prior to mating could increase the proportion of male pups at birth. In addition, it appears that there might be variation among dog breeds with regard to the sex ratio of offspring.
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Kim TB, Oh JK, Kim KT, Yoon SJ, Kim SW. Does the Mother or Father Determine the Offspring Sex Ratio? Investigating the Relationship between Maternal Digit Ratio and Offspring Sex Ratio. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143054. [PMID: 26575995 PMCID: PMC4648576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In mammals, high parental testosterone levels present around the time of conception are thought to skew offspring sex ratio toward sons. The second to fourth digit ratio (digit ratio) is now widely accepted as a negative correlate of prenatal testosterone. Thus, we investigated the association between digit ratio and offspring sex ratio. METHODS A total of 508 Korean patients (257 males and 251 females) less than 60 years old who had one or more offspring were prospectively enrolled. The lengths of the 2nd and 4th digits of the right hand were measured by a single investigator using a digital vernier calliper. Next, the patients' lifetime offspring birth sex ratios were investigated. RESULTS Maternal (rather than paternal) digit ratio was significantly associated with the number of sons (r = -0.153, p = 0.015), number of daughters (r = 0.130, p = 0.039), and offspring sex ratio (r = -0.171, p = 0.007). And, the maternal digit ratio was a significant factor for predicting offspring sex ratio (B = -1.620, p = 0.008) on multiple linear regression analysis. The female patients with a lower digit ratio (< 0.95) were found to have a higher offspring sex ratio (0.609 versus 0.521, p = 0.046) compared to those with a higher digit ratio (≥ 0.95). Furthermore, females in the low digit ratio group have a probability 1.138 greater of having sons than females in the high digit ratio group. CONCLUSIONS Maternal digit ratio was negatively associated with offspring sex ratio. Females with a lower digit ratio were more likely to have more male offspring compared to those with a higher digit ratio. Thus, our results suggest that the sex of offspring might be more influenced by maternal rather than paternal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Beom Kim
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyu Oh
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Taek Kim
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jin Yoon
- Department of Urology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Green MP, Harvey AJ, Spate LD, Kimura K, Thompson JG, Roberts RM. The effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol and d
-glucose concentration on the development, sex ratio, and interferon-tau (IFNT) production of bovine blastocysts. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 83:50-60. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P. Green
- Division of Animal Sciences; University of Missouri, Columbia; Missouri
| | - Alexandra J. Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville; Melbourne Australia
| | - Lee D. Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences; University of Missouri, Columbia; Missouri
| | - Koji Kimura
- Division of Animal Sciences; University of Missouri, Columbia; Missouri
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science; 768 Senbonmatsu Nishinasuno Tochigi Japan
| | - Jeremy G. Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide and ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics; Adelaide Australia
| | - R. Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences; University of Missouri, Columbia; Missouri
- 240b Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia; Missouri
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21
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Rezagholizadeh A, Gharagozlou F, Akbarinejad V, Youssefi R. Left-Sided Ovulation Favors More Male Foals Than Right-Sided Ovulation in Thoroughbred Mares. J Equine Vet Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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22
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Emadi SR, Rezaei A, Bolourchi M, Hovareshti P, Akbarinejad V. Administration of estradiol benzoate before insemination could skew secondary sex ratio toward males in Holstein dairy cows. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2014; 48:110-8. [PMID: 24906936 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of estradiol benzoate administration before insemination on secondary sex ratio (proportion of male calves at birth) in Holstein dairy cows. Cows (n = 1,647) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups by parity over a 1-yr period. Cows in the control group (n = 827; 232 primiparous and 595 multiparous cows) received 2 administrations of PGF2α (500 μg) 14 d apart, started at 30 to 35 d postpartum. Twelve d after the second PGF2α injection, cows received GnRH (100 μg), followed by administration of PGF2α 7 d later. Cows in the treatment group (n = 820; 238 primiparous and 582 multiparous cows) received the same hormonal administrations as the cows in the control group. Additionally, cows in the treatment group received estradiol benzoate (1 mg) 1 d after the third PGF2α injection. Estrus detection by visual observation was started 1 d after the third PGF2α injection and after estradiol administration in the control (for 6 d) and treatment (for 36 h) groups, respectively. Artificial insemination was carried out 12 h after observation of standing estrus. Exposure of cows to heat stress at conception was determined based on temperature-humidity index. Estrus detection rate was lower in primiparous than in multiparous cows (P < 0.05), but conception rate was higher in primiparous vs multiparous cows (P < 0.05). Estradiol administration improved estrus detection rate and fertility (P < 0.05); moreover, it increased secondary sex ratio (adjusted odds ratio: 1.645; P = 0.017). Exposure to heat stress diminished heat detection rate and fertility (P < 0.05), and altered secondary sex ratio toward males (adjusted odds ratio: 2.863; P = 0.012). In conclusion, the present study revealed that estradiol administration before insemination could improve fertility and increase the probability of calves being male in Holstein dairy cows. Moreover, the results showed that cows exposed to heat stress around conception had diminished fertility and increased secondary sex ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Emadi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Theriogenology Association, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Rezaei
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Bolourchi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - P Hovareshti
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - V Akbarinejad
- Young Researchers and Elites Club, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Guardieiro MM, Machado GM, Bastos MR, Mourão GB, Carrijo LHD, Dode MAN, Leroy JLMR, Sartori R. A diet enriched in linoleic acid compromises the cryotolerance of embryos from superovulated beef heifers. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:511-20. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary rumen-protected fat rich in linoleic acid may affect the superovulatory response and embryo yield; however, its effects on in vivo embryo cryotolerance are unknown in zebu cattle. The present study evaluated the production and cryotolerance after freezing or vitrification of embryos from Nelore heifers supplemented with rumen-protected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Forty heifers kept in pasture were randomly distributed into two groups according to the type of feed supplement (F, supplement with rumen-protected PUFA, predominantly linoleic; C, control fat-free supplement with additional corn). Supplements were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Each heifer underwent both treatments in a crossover design with 70 days between replicates. After 50 days feeding, heifers were superovulated. Embryos were evaluated morphologically and vitrified or frozen. After thawing or warming, embryo development was evaluated in vitro. There was no difference between the F and C groups (P > 0.10) in terms of embryo production. Regardless of the cryopreservation method used, Group C embryos had a greater hatching rate after 72 h in vitro culture than Group F embryos (44.3 ± 4.2% (n = 148) vs 30.9 ± 4.0% (n = 137), respectively; P = 0.04). Moreover, vitrified and frozen embryos had similar hatching rates (P > 0.10). In conclusion, dietary rumen-protected PUFA rich in linoleic acid did not improve embryo production and compromised the cryotolerance of conventionally frozen or vitrified embryos from Nelore heifers.
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Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Akbarinejad V, Niasari-Naslaji A, Hemmati M, Youssefi R. Parallel distribution of sexes within left and right uterine horns in Holstein dairy cows: Evidence that the effect of side of pregnancy on sex ratio could be breed-specific in cattle. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 142:101-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Gulliver CE, Friend MA, King BJ, Wilkins JF, Clayton EH. A higher proportion of female lambs when ewes were fed oats and cottonseed meal prior to and following conception. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2013. [DOI: 10.1071/an12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Diets high in omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids in mice have been associated with a higher proportion of female offspring, however, the specific effects of dietary fatty acids on the sex ratio of sheep has not previously been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine whether feeding ewes a diet differing in n-6 for 6 weeks before and 3 weeks following conception would increase the proportion of female lambs born. Merino × Border Leicester ewes (n = 296) were allocated to receive either a diet high in n-6 (70% oat grain, 8% cottonseed meal, High n-6 diet) or, a control diet low in n-6 (88% legume silage, Low n-6 diet), for 42 or 53 days before and 17 days after conception, using a stratified block randomisation procedure based on body condition score and liveweight. Following synchronisation, oestrus was detected daily during natural mating with rams. After mating, all ewes grazed improved pastures as one group until lambing. Plasma n-6 concentrations were greater (P < 0.001), the time to parturition was shorter (P < 0.001) and the proportion of female offspring was higher (58.2 vs 43.5%, P = 0.010) when ewes were fed the High n-6 diet compared with the Low n-6 diet. Further research is required to determine whether the observed differences in sex ratio were due to specific alterations in n-6 fatty acids, or other differences in the diets not specifically related to n-6 such as saturated fat or energy density.
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Rosenfeld CS. Periconceptional influences on offspring sex ratio and placental responses. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:45-58. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal diet and secondary factors can strikingly influence fetal outcomes, including biasing offspring sex ratio and altering the molecular biological responses of the conceptus, namely within the placenta. Alterations in the in utero environment might also lead to profound developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) outcomes into adulthood, including increased risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer, with males in general being at greater risk for these diseases. Female mice maintained on a very high fat (VHF) diet birth more sons than those on a chow-based and low fat (LF), high carbohydrate diet, with the latter group producing more daughters. However, neither the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this shift in offspring sex ratio nor when they occur during pregnancy have been resolved. In this review, we consider the evidence that maternal diet and other factors influence secondary sex ratio in a variety of species, including humans, and discuss when this skewing might occur. Additionally, we examine how fetal sex and maternal diet influences gene expression patterns in the mouse placenta, which serves as the primary nutrient acquisition and communication organ between the mother and her developing pups. These adaptations to diet observed as changes in gene expression are likely to provide insight into how the placenta buffers the fetus proper from environmental shifts in nutrient availability during pregnancy and whether male and female conceptuses respond differently to such challenges.
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Demmers KJ, Smaill B, Davis GH, Dodds KG, Juengel JL. Heterozygous Inverdale ewes show increased ovulation rate sensitivity to pre-mating nutrition. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:866-75. [DOI: 10.1071/rd10344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether ewes heterozygous (I+) for the Inverdale mutation of the bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) gene with high natural ovulation rate (OR) show similar sensitivity to nutritional manipulation as non-carriers (++). Increasing pre-mating nutrition results in OR increases in sheep, but whether this effect occurs in ewes with naturally high OR is unknown. Over 2 years, I+ or ++ ewes were given high (ad libitum) or control (maintenance) pasture allowances for 6 weeks prior to mating at a synchronised oestrus, with OR measured 8 days later. The high group increased in weight compared with controls (+5.84 kg; P < 0.01), accompanied by increased OR (+19%; P < 0.01). As well as having higher OR (+45%; P < 0.01), I+ ewes responded to increased feed with a larger proportional increase in OR (+27%; P < 0.01) compared with the response in ++ ewes (+11%; P < 0.05), suggesting an interaction between BMP15 levels and nutritional signals in the follicle to control OR. Although litter size increases only tended to significance (+12%; P = 0.06), extra feed resulted in over 50% of I+ ewes giving birth to more than three lambs, compared with 20–31% of I+ ewes on maintenance rations. This information can guide feed management of prolific Inverdale ewes prior to breeding.
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THE CATEGORIES OF EVIDENCE RELATING TO THE HYPOTHESIS THAT MAMMALIAN SEX RATIOS AT BIRTH ARE CAUSALLY RELATED TO THE HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS OF BOTH PARENTS AROUND THE TIME OF CONCEPTION. J Biosoc Sci 2010; 43:167-84. [DOI: 10.1017/s0021932010000660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThis note categorizes the evidence for the hypothesis that mammalian offspring sex ratios (proportions male) are causally related to the hormone levels of both parents around the time of conception. Most of the evidence may be acknowledged to be correlational and observational. As such it might be suspected of having been selected; or of having been subject to other forms of bias or confounding; or, at any rate, of being inadequate as a firm basis for causal inference. However, there are other types of evidence that are not vulnerable to these types of criticism. These are from the following sources: (1) previously neglected data from Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia; (2) fulfilled predictions; (3) genetics; and (4) a network of logically (mathematically) related propositions, for some of which there is overwhelming empirical evidence. It is suggested that this variety of evidence confers greater overall credibility on the hypothesis than would be the case if all the evidence were of the same observational/correlational status. This observational/correlational evidence is tabulated to illustrate its consistency.
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Lampl M, Gotsch F, Kusanovic JP, Gomez R, Nien JK, Frongillo EA, Romero R. Sex differences in fetal growth responses to maternal height and weight. Am J Hum Biol 2010; 22:431-43. [PMID: 19950190 PMCID: PMC3437780 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.21014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in fetal growth have been reported, but how this happens remains to be described. It is unknown if fetal growth rates, a reflection of genetic and environmental factors, express sexually dimorphic sensitivity to the mother herself. This analysis investigated homogeneity of male and female growth responses to maternal height and weight. The study sample included 3,495 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies followed longitudinally. Analytic models regressed fetal and neonatal weight on tertiles of maternal height and weight, and modification by sex was investigated (n = 1,814 males, n = 1,681 females) with birth gestational age, maternal parity, and smoking as covariates. Sex modified the effects of maternal height and weight on fetal growth rates and birth weight. Among boys, tallest maternal height influenced fetal weight growth before 18 gestational weeks of age (P = 0.006), and prepregnancy maternal weight and body mass index subsequently had influence (P < 0.001); this was not found among girls. Additionally, interaction terms between sex, maternal height, and maternal weight identified that males were more sensitive to maternal weight among shorter mothers (P = 0.003) and more responsive to maternal height among lighter mothers (P < or = 0.03), compared to females. Likewise, neonatal birth weight dimorphism varied by maternal phenotype. A male advantage of 60 g occurred among neonates of the shortest and lightest mothers (P = 0.08), compared to 150 and 191 g among short and heavy mothers, and tall and light-weight mothers, respectively (P = 0.01). Sex differences in response to maternal size are under-appreciated sources of variation in fetal growth studies and may reflect differential growth strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lampl
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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Grant VJ, Chamley LW. Can mammalian mothers influence the sex of their offspring peri-conceptually? Reproduction 2010; 140:425-33. [PMID: 20591970 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although controversial, growing evidence from evolutionary biology suggests that the mammalian mother may have a role in influencing the sex of her offspring. However, there is competing information on the molecular mechanisms by which such influence could be manifested. The new initiatives are based on hypotheses from evolutionary biology: the 'good condition' hypothesis, which suggests that post conception, higher levels of maternal glucose may differentially promote the development of male embryos; and the 'maternal dominance' hypothesis, which proposes that before conception, higher follicular testosterone may influence the development of the ovum so that it emerges already adapted to receive an X- or a Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoon. Now, it seems these hypothesised mechanisms could be operating in synchrony, each complementing and reinforcing the other. On the other hand, there are continuing problems in identifying a precise sequence of mechanisms as evidenced from research in sperm-sorting. Research on high-fat diets and the sex ratio in polytocous species may indicate important differences in proximate mechanisms for sex allocation between polytocous and monotocous mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie J Grant
- Department of Psychological Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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Gardner DK, Larman MG, Thouas GA. Sex-related physiology of the preimplantation embryo. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:539-47. [PMID: 20501630 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male and female preimplantation mammalian embryos differ not only in their chromosomal complement, but in their proteome and subsequent metabolome. This phenomenon is due to a finite period during preimplantation development when both X chromosomes are active, between embryonic genome activation and X chromosome inactivation, around the blastocyst stage. Consequently, prior to implantation male and female embryos exhibit differences in their cellular phenotype. Manifestations of such differences include altered total activity of specific X-linked enzymes and the metabolic pathways they regulate. Subsequently, one would expect to be able to determine differences in the rate of consumption and utilization of specific nutrients between male and female embryos. Data to date on animal models support this, with sex-specific differences in glucose and amino acid utilization being reported for the mouse and cow blastocysts. Such differences in metabolic phenotype may logically be involved in the reported differences in growth rates between preimplantation embryos of different sex. As the fields of proteomics and metabolomics are being increasingly applied to human assisted conception it is prudent to consider how such technologies may be applied to identify sex differences in the human embryo. Such data would have implications far beyond current invasive technologies used to identify the sex of an embryo conceived in vitro for the diagnosis of X-linked diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Gardner
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Ashworth CJ, Toma LM, Hunter MG. Nutritional effects on oocyte and embryo development in mammals: implications for reproductive efficiency and environmental sustainability. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 364:3351-61. [PMID: 19833647 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The environment in which a breeding female lives prior to conception and during the early stages of her pregnancy has striking effects on oocytes developing in the ovarian follicle and on early embryos in the reproductive tract. Of the various environmental factors known to affect oocyte and embryo development, altered nutrition during this critical period has been particularly well studied. Alterations in the quantity of food consumed or the composition of the diet imposed solely during the pre-mating period affect oocyte maturity, blastocyst yield, prenatal survival and the number of offspring born alive. Importantly, nutrition at this time also affects the quality of embryos and resultant offspring, with increasing evidence from a variety of species showing that peri-conception nutrition can alter behaviour, cardiovascular function and reproductive function throughout post-natal life. In livestock species, it is important to devise nutritional strategies that improve reproductive efficiency and the quality of offspring but that do not add to the environmental footprint of the production system and which recognize likely changes in feedstuff availability arising from predicted changes in climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl J Ashworth
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PS, UK.
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IDETA A, HAYAMA K, KAWASHIMA C, URAKAWA M, MIYAMOTO A, AOYAGI Y. Subjecting Holstein Heifers to Stress During the Follicular Phase Following Superovulatory Treatment May Increase the Female Sex Ratio of Embryos. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:529-33. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chiho KAWASHIMA
- Field Centre of Animal Science and Agriculture, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | | | - Akio MIYAMOTO
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
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