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Perea MF, Fernández EA, Garzón JP, Rosales CA, Hernández-Fonseca H, Perdomo DA, Perea FP. The moon cycle influences reproductive and productive traits in guinea pigs ( Cavia porcellus) from a tropical Andean area. Chronobiol Int 2024; 41:127-136. [PMID: 38093623 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2023.2294044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
There is currently innumerable evidence showing that the lunar cycle affects various reproductive aspects in farm animals. However, there is very little information on the effect of the lunar cycle on productive traits in these species. A retrospective study was conducted (2015-2018) to evaluate the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive and productive traits in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) production system in the southern Andean region of Ecuador. A total of 7352 productive and reproductive records of guinea pig females housed in 3 m2 cages with a breeding male were analyzed. The following variables were considered: offspring sex ratio, litter size per cage, number of weaned guinea pigs, mortality, individual and litter weaning weight of guinea pigs, and calving frequency. The lunar cycle was split into eight periods of ~3.7-d length each. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and general linear model, and means were compared by the least mean squares method of the SAS. The offspring sex ratio was not correlated to the lunar cycle. The lunar cycle at mating and calving influenced the litter size per cage, number of weaned, and mortality of guinea pigs. The individual and litter-weaning weights were influenced by the lunar cycle at calving. The frequency of calving was greater around the new and full moon than in the remaining periods of the lunar cycle. In conclusion, the lunar cycle influenced several productive and reproductive traits in guinea pigs, such as litter size, mortality, number of pups weaned, and individual and litter weaning weights. This valuable information may have practical applications in management of guinea pig production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Perea
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Escuela de Biología, Ecología y Gestión, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Estefanía A Fernández
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan P Garzón
- Estación Experimental del Austro, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP), Azuay, Ecuador
| | - Cornelio A Rosales
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Hugo Hernández-Fonseca
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, West Indies
| | - Daniel A Perdomo
- Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Los Andes, Trujillo, Venezuela
| | - Fernando P Perea
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Los Andes, Trujillo, Venezuela
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Iglesias Pastrana C, Navas González FJ, Delgado Bermejo JV, Ciani E. Lunar Cycle, Climate, and Onset of Parturition in Domestic Dromedary Camels: Implications of Species-Specific Metabolic Economy and Social Ecology. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:biology12040607. [PMID: 37106807 PMCID: PMC10136027 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Given energy costs for gestating and caring for male offspring are higher than those of female newborns, external environmental conditions might be regarded as likely to affect the timing of delivery processes differentially depending on the sex of the newborn calf to be delivered. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the association between environmental stressors such as the moon phase and weather-related factors and the onset of labor in female dromedaries. A binary logistic regression model was developed to find the most parsimonious set of variables that are most effective in predicting the probability for a gravid female dromedary to give birth to a male or a female calf, assuming that higher gestational costs and longer labor times are ascribed to the production of a male offspring. Although the differences in the quantitative distribution of spontaneous onset of labor across lunar phases and the mean climate per onset event along the whole study period were deemed nonsignificant (p > 0.05), a non-negligible prediction effect of a new moon, mean wind speed and maximum wind gust was present. At slightly brighter nights and lower mean wind speeds, a calf is more likely to be male. This microevolutionary response to the external environment may have been driven by physiological and behavioral adaptation of metabolic economy and social ecology to give birth to cooperative groups with the best possible reduction of thermoregulatory demands. Model performance indexes then highlighted the heterothermic character of camels to greatly minimize the impact of the external environment. The overall results will also enrich the general knowledge of the interplay between homeostasis and arid and semi-arid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Iglesias Pastrana
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | | | - Elena Ciani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', 70125 Bari, Italy
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Abstract
The effect of seasonal variation and lunar cycles on reproductive parameters in dogs is unknown. Lunar cycles have important effects on several biological events. Controversy exists about the influence of lunar cycles on offspring sex ratio. This study examined the sex offspring distribution of 973 puppies (48% females and 52% males) from 150 bitches in Italy between 2015 and 2020. A two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc t-test (Bonferroni correction) was used to analyze the influence of season and lunar phase on offspring sex ratio at conception. Sex offspring distribution was not affected by season, whereas lunar phase had a significant effect (p< .05). During the new moon, the proportion of male puppies born was significantly lower than during the full moon phase (p < .05). We conclude that season had no effect on sex offspring distribution. The new moon phase at conception appeared to be related to a lower male sex ratio at birth. Further studies assessing additional factors will help provide a better understanding of the lunar cycle differences observed in the sex ratio distribution of dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Alberghina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mauro Gioè
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Sistema Nervoso e del Comportamento, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Quartuccio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
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El-Tarabany MS, El-Darawany AHA, El-Tarabany AA, Al-Marakby KM. Impact of lunar phase at birth on testicular morphology, semen characteristics and blood chemistry of male goats. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1607214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud S. El-Tarabany
- Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | | | - Akram A. El-Tarabany
- Biological Applications Department, Radioisotopes Applications Division, NRC, Atomic Energy Authority, Inshas, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled M. Al-Marakby
- Department of Animal production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
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Aguirre AA, Palomares RA, De Ondiz AD, Soto ER, Perea MS, Hernández-Fonseca HJ, Perea FP. Lunar Cycle Influences Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Brahman Cows Under Tropical Conditions. J Biol Rhythms 2021; 36:160-168. [PMID: 33446001 DOI: 10.1177/0748730420983638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has accumulated over the years indicating that the moon influences some aspects of the reproductive activity in animals and humans. However, little is known about the influence of the lunar cycle on the reproductive performance of cows under tropical conditions, where the environment strongly affects reproduction. This retrospective study was conducted with the aim of assessing the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive traits of tropical crossbred cows managed in a pasture-based system. Data from 5869 reproductive records from two commercial farms localized in the Maracaibo Lake Basin of Zulia State, Venezuela, were analyzed. Variables studied were first service conception rate, calving frequency, first postpartum estrous frequency, and pregnancy frequency. In addition to the lunar cycle, the effects of farm, season, and predominant breed were also considered. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear model from SAS. First service conception was affected by lunar phases and predominant breed, but not by farm or season. For frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy, there was no main effect of farm, season, and predominant breed, whereas the effect of lunar phases was highly significant. First service conception was significantly greater in waning than in crescent phase of the lunar cycle. Frequencies of calving, first estrus, and pregnancy were highly correlated and showed greater figures around full moon and new moon. In conclusion, lunar cycle influenced first service conception, attaining greater values in the waning phase of the moon cycle. Frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy in crossbred cows showed a clear bimodal rhythm, whose greatest values coincided with new moon and full moon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto A Palomares
- Group for Reproduction in Animals, Vaccinology and Infectious Diseases (GRAVID), Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Aitor D De Ondiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Eleazar R Soto
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | | | - Hugo J Hernández-Fonseca
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint George's University, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Fernando P Perea
- Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Los Andes, Trujillo, Venezuela
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Singh M, Talimoa Mollier R, Sharma PR, Kadirvel G, Doley S, Sanjukta RK, Rajkhowa DJ, Kandpal BK, Kumar D, Khan MH, Mitra A. Dietary flaxseed oil improve boar semen quality, antioxidant status and in-vivo fertility in humid sub-tropical region of North East India. Theriogenology 2020; 159:123-131. [PMID: 33137633 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Environmental stress in the form of high temperature humidity index (THI) in tropical and sub-tropical region negatively affects semen quality and fertility of boar. Therefore, the present study was done to evaluate the effect of supplementing flaxseed oil (FLO) to boar's diet on its semen quality, antioxidant status, fatty acid composition of seminal plasma and fertility under sub-tropical climate. For this purpose, six Hampshire crossbreed (50% Hampshire and 50% Gunghroo) boars were divided into two groups i.e control (CON) and treatment (FLO). In FLO and CON group, flaxseed and vegetable oil, respectively, was top dressed at the rate of 3% in basal diets for each boar on daily basis for 16 weeks during monsoon season. A total of 60 ejaculates, comprising 30 ejaculates from each group (ten ejaculates from each boar) were collected. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm quality parameters (SQPs: motility, viability, abnormality, acrosomal integrity and Hypo-osmotic swelling test) and velocity attributes by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) at fresh and after 72 h of preservation at 17 °C. Antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC and malondialdehyde; MDA) were analyzed in seminal plasma and serum. Fatty acid compositions of seminal plasma were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In-vivo fertility study was also conducted. Reaction time and false mounts were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in FLO group as compared to CON group. Semen quality parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) improved at fresh stage and after 72 h of liquid storage in FLO group as compared to CON group. Velocity attributes (VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, BCF and LIN) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in FLO group. Flaxseed oil supplementation significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced serum GPx and CAT concentration. Serum and seminal plasma MDA concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in FLO group. Similarly, GPx, TAC and CAT were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated in seminal plasma of FLO group. The study revealed that feeding of flaxseed oil altered the fatty acid composition of seminal plasma and significantly (p < 0.05) improved the farrowing rate. In summary, flaxseed oil supplementation improved the semen quality parameters and fertility of boars in sub-tropical climate by improving the antioxidant capacity and altering the fatty acid composition of seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahak Singh
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland, 797106, India.
| | - R Talimoa Mollier
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland, 797106, India
| | - Ph Romen Sharma
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland, 797106, India
| | - G Kadirvel
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
| | - S Doley
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
| | - R K Sanjukta
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
| | - D J Rajkhowa
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland, 797106, India
| | - B K Kandpal
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Animal Science, (Animal Nutrition), College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Tikamgarh, M.P, 472001, India
| | - M H Khan
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland, 797106, India
| | - A Mitra
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland, 797106, India
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Drimaj J, Kamler J, Hošek M, Zeman J, Plhal R, Mikulka O, Kudláček T. Reproductive characteristics of wild boar males (Sus scrofa) under different environmental conditions. ACTA VET BRNO 2019; 88:401-12. [DOI: 10.2754/avb201988040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The wild boar population has been on a permanent increase over the last decades, causing conflicts with the requirements of modern human society. Existing effort to stabilize wild boar numbers generally fails with one of the causes being the high reproductive potential of wild boar. The aim of this study was to assess the onset of sexual maturity in wild boar males with regard to age, physical frame and environmental conditions on the basis of testicle development and sperm production. This study assessed the dimensions of gonads and the occurrence of sperm in boars caught during common hunts. Environmental conditions were found as an important factor for growth and sexual maturity of wild boar males. The body weight was a more important factor for sperm production than the age of young wild boar males. The weight threshold for sperm production in the testes was 29 kg of live weight, which corresponds to 6 months of age on average. This study has proven that environmental conditions are a significant factor affecting the physical development of male wild boars, more specifically the growth rate of their body frames and the onset of sexual maturity. In a better quality environment boars grow faster and enter puberty at an earlier age. Poor food supply and/or high hunting pressure result in slower body and testicular growth, as well as the production of sperm at a later age (approx. 2-3 months later).
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Maia KM, Souza ALP, Silva AM, Souza-Jr JBF, Costa LLM, Brandão FZ, Oliveira MF, Comizzoli P, Silva AR. Environmental effects on collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) serum testosterone, testicular morphology, and semen quality in the Caatinga biome. Theriogenology 2018; 126:286-294. [PMID: 30597387 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to understand the influence of climatic variations in a semiarid environment on serum testosterone, testicular morphology and semen quality in collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu). Reproductive metrics (semen quality, testicular morphometry and testosterone serum profiles) of 10 mature males were measured monthly for 18 months. Meteorological data (rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and radiant heat load) also were recorded during the same period. Rainfall regimes were classified in different classes (Class 1: months with no rain; Class 2: months with up to 50 mm of rain; and Class 3: months with >50 mm of rain). Among rainfall classes, average air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were different. Climatic changes between rainfall classes did not lead to overall variations of testicular size, testosterone production, and semen metrics. However, relative humidity recorded before semen collection (one day, one week, or over 51-55 days) was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with semen motility metrics (total motility, beat cross frequency and straightness) and sperm subpopulations (medium and static sperm), as well as with volume. Negative correlations (P < 0.05) were revealed between air temperature and the same semen motility patterns and volume. Additionally, radiant head load measured on the day of semen collection negatively influenced (P < 0.05) sperm straightness. This study demonstrates for the first time that no seasonal changes could be detected overt the 18-month period on the serum testosterone, testicular morphology and semen quality of collared peccaries raised in the Caatinga biome; however, it is expected that long term environmental changes will influence the reproductive physiology of species leaving in that habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Maia
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - A L P Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Sobral, Brazil
| | - A M Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - J B F Souza-Jr
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia, Biofísica Ambiental e Bem-Estar Animal (LABBEA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - L L M Costa
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia, Biofísica Ambiental e Bem-Estar Animal (LABBEA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, 24320-340, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - M F Oliveira
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - P Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 5502, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - A R Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil.
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