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Koziol JH. Field Morphology and Interpretation. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:29-40. [PMID: 37451926 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.06.001] [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] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen morphology evaluation in the field should always be performed at 1000× with oil immersion. The development of a spermiogram will aid the practitioner to interpret potential fertility of semen at the time of sampling as well as determine potential causes of an abnormal spermiogram. Bulls, which experience stress or impairment of thermoregulation of the testes for any reason, often experience a transitory decrease in the quality of sperm morphology. This can be recognized by a sequence of appearances of morphologic defects coupled with a thorough patient history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Koziol
- Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine, 7671 Evans Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
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Araya-Zúñiga I, Sevilla F, Molina-Montero R, Roldan ERS, Barrientos-Morales M, Silvestre MA, Valverde A. Kinematic and Morphometric Assessment of Fresh Semen, before, during and after Mating Period in Brahman Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 38200863 PMCID: PMC10778289 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of Brahman bulls evaluated with a commercial CASA system. The experiment was carried out at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology from March to August 2021. A total of eight Brahman bulls were used. A total of 28 ejaculates were collected in the pre-mating period (PMP), during it (DMP), and after it (AMP) using an electroejaculator. The sperm concentration was measured with the Accuread photometer. The motility was measured using a Spermtrack® counting chamber. The analyses were performed with the CASA-Mot ISAS®v1 system. The morphology was analyzed using a microscope with a negative phase contrast objective. Morphometry was evaluated with the CASA-Morph. The sperm concentration did not present differences between the PMP and AMP; however, it was significantly higher than DMP (p > 0.05). Regarding the progressiveness variables, linearity on forward progression (LIN), straightness (STR), and wobble (WOB) were higher (p < 0.05) DMP. A kinematic principal component analysis grouped all the variables into three factors and an effect on the reproductive period was found (p < 0.05) in the parameters of the head and middle part of the sperm, such as width and perimeter, which were greater in the PMP. The length of the sperm head in the PMP and DMP did not show differences; however, both were larger (p < 0.05) than AMP. The insertion distance of the middle piece of the sperm was significantly greater than DMP. Finally, the PMP contained cells with a larger insertion angle (p < 0.05) than AMP. These findings are important to understand the implications of reproductive status on sperm quality and to consider them in andrological evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Araya-Zúñiga
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Francisco Sevilla
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
- Natural Sciences for Development (DOCINADE), Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica
| | - Rafael Molina-Montero
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Manuel Barrientos-Morales
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz CP 91710, Mexico;
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Campus Burjassot, University of Valencia, C/Dr Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
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Moura FH, Macias-Franco A, Pena-Bello CA, Archilia EC, Batalha IM, Silva AEM, Moreira GM, Norris AB, Schütz LF, Fonseca MA. Sperm DNA 5-methyl cytosine and RNA N6-methyladenosine methylation are differently affected during periods of body weight losses and body weight gain of young and mature breeding bulls. J Anim Sci 2021; 100:6460477. [PMID: 34902028 PMCID: PMC8849232 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aiming to characterize the effects of nutritional status on epigenetic markers, such as DNA 5-methyl cytosine (mC) methylation and RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, of bovine sperm, 12 Angus × Hereford crossbred breeding bulls were submitted to nutritional changes for a period of 180 d: no change in body weight (BW) (phase 1 = 12 d), BW loss (phase 2 = 78 d), and BW gain (phase 3 = 90 d) in a repeated measures design. Animals were fed Beardless wheat (Triticum aestivum) hay and mineral mix. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Higher levels of RNA m6A (P = 0.004) and DNA methylation (P = 0.007) of spermatic cells were observed at phase 2 compared with phase 1. In phase 3, sperm RNA m6A methylation levels continued to be higher (P = 0.004), whereas the DNA of sperm cells was similar (P = 0.426) compared with phase 1. Growing bulls had a tendency (P = 0.109) of higher RNA m6A methylation levels than mature bulls. Phase 2 altered scrotal circumference (P < 0.001), sperm volume (P = 0.007), sperm total motility (P = 0.004), sperm progressive motility (P = 0.004), total sperm count (P = 0.049), normal sperm (P < 0.001), abnormal sperm (P < 0.001), primary sperm defects (P = 0.039), and secondary sperm defects (P < 0.001). In phase 3, bulls had scrotal circumference, sperm volume, sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, total sperm count, normal and abnormal spermatozoa, and primary and secondary spermatozoa defects similar to phase 1 (P > 0.05). Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin decreased during phase 2 (P = 0.010), while no differences (P > 0.05) were detected between phases 3 and 1; growing bulls tended (P = 0.102) to present higher leptin levels than mature bulls. Specific for mature bulls, DNA methylation was positively correlated with leptin concentration (0.569, P = 0.021), whereas for young bulls, DNA methylation was positively correlated with abnormal spermatozoa (0.824, P = 0.006), primary spermatozoa defect (0.711, P = 0.032), and secondary spermatozoa defect (0.661, P = 0.052) and negatively correlated with normal spermatozoa (-0.824, P = 0.006), total sperm count (-0.702, P = 0.035), and sperm concentration (-0.846, P = 0.004). There was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between RNA m6A and hormones and semen traits. In conclusion, the nutritional status of breeding bulls alters epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation and RNA m6A methylation, in sperm, and the impact of change seems to be age dependent. These markers may serve as biomarkers of sperm quality and fertility of bulls in the future. Detrimental effects on sperm production and seminal quality are observed at periods and places when and where environmental and nutritional limitations are a year-round reality and may carry hidden players that may influence a lifetime of underperformance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe H Moura
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Arturo Macias-Franco
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Camilo A Pena-Bello
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Evandro C Archilia
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Isadora M Batalha
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Aghata E M Silva
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Gabriel M Moreira
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Aaron B Norris
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA,Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Luis F Schütz
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Mozart A Fonseca
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA,Corresponding author:
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Alexander BM. Reproductive performance of rams that failed breeding soundness evaluation: The need to reconsider the evaluation. Res Vet Sci 2021; 140:190-2. [PMID: 34517163 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Breeding soundness evaluations for sires closely followed the introduction of electro-ejaculation as a tool for the measurement of bull fertility in 1950. Quickly following the establishment of bull breeding soundness evaluations, similar criteria were established for rams. It is intuitive that structural soundness, body condition, testes size and palpable consistency, as well as semen parameters are important for fertility. The value of a breeding soundness evaluation as evidenced by ram fertility is lacking. Rams (n = 55) were subjected to an industry standard breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). Regardless of the BSE outcome rams were placed in a competitive breeding environment (approximately 1:30 ram:ewe). Genomic DNA was extracted from rams and approximately one-third of the lambs (n = 468) and their dams (n = 379). Microsatellite markers were used to determine parentage. Rams that passed the BSE (n = 37) did not (P = 0.86) sire more lambs (8.7 ± 1.7) than rams that failed BSE (n = 18; 8.2 ± 2.3). Both rams that passed or failed the BSE had zero identified offspring (32.4% of rams with passed; 22.2% of rams with failed) and did not differ (P = 0.54) by BSE status. Notably, the ram with the greatest number of identified offspring had a failed BSE siring more than three times the 99% confidence interval for expected number of lambs. While this small study does not warrant wholesale dismissal of BSE, it does give pause to the ram BSE and perhaps what constitutes a satisfactory breeder should be reconsidered.
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Kumaresan A, Elango K, Datta TK, Morrell JM. Cellular and Molecular Insights Into the Etiology of Subfertility/Infertility in Crossbred Bulls ( Bos taurus × Bos indicus): A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696637. [PMID: 34307374 PMCID: PMC8297507 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Crossbreeding of indigenous cattle (Bos indicus) with improved (Bos taurus) breeds gained momentum and economic relevance in several countries to increase milk production. While production performance of the crossbred offspring is high due to hybrid vigor, they suffer from a high incidence of reproductive problems. Specifically, the crossbred males suffer from serious forms of subfertility/infertility, which can have a significant effect because semen from a single male is used to breed several thousand females. During the last two decades, attempts have been made to understand the probable reasons for infertility in crossbred bulls. Published evidence indicates that testicular cytology indices, hormonal concentrations, sperm phenotypic characteristics and seminal plasma composition were altered in crossbred compared to purebred males. A few recent studies compared crossbred bull semen with purebred bull semen using genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics; molecules potentially associated with subfertility/infertility in crossbred bulls were identified. Nevertheless, the precise reason behind the poor quality of semen and high incidence of sub-fertility/infertility in crossbred bulls are not yet well defined. To identify the underlying etiology for infertility in crossbred bulls, a thorough understanding of the magnitude of the problem and an overview of the prior art is needed; however, such systematically reviewed information is not available. Therefore, the primary focus of this review is to compile and analyze earlier findings on crossbred bull fertility/infertility. In addition, the differences between purebred and crossbred males in terms of testicular composition, sperm phenotypic characteristics, molecular composition, environmental influence and other details are described; future prospects for research on crossbred males are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kamaraj Elango
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Meligy AMA, Waheed MM, El-Bahr SM. Effect of heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, and lead on the semen variables of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 208:106115. [PMID: 31405477 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, there was investigation of the effect of heavy metals on the fertility of dromedary camels. Fourteen camels at the Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, and 41 infertile dromedaries admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were used for semen evaluation during the breeding season. Seminal plasma and blood serum were collected from all males until analysis. Concentrations of three heavy metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)] were determined in the seminal plasma and serum using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicate there are differences (P < 0.05 - P < 0.01) in pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and sperm abnormalities between the fertile and infertile male camels. In seminal plasma, there were marked differences (P < 0.01- P < 0.0001) between the control and infertile male camels in As, Cd, and Pb concentrations. In serum, there were differences (P < 0.01 - P < 0.001) between the fertile and infertile camels in serum As, Cd, and Pb concentrations. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.05; r = 0.77 and r = 0.94, respectively) between serum and seminal plasma concentrations of both As and Cd in the infertile dromedaries. In the control group, there was a positive correlation (P < 0.05; r = 0.70) between seminal plasma concentrations of Cd and percent sperm abnormalities. In conclusion, relatively greater seminal plasma and serum concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb are associated with lesser values for semen quality variables and infertility in dromedary camels.
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Monday JD, Larson RL, Theurer ME, White BJ, Tucker S. Factors associated with yearling bulls passing subsequent breeding soundness evaluations after failing an initial evaluation. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2018; 253:1617-1622. [PMID: 30668252 DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.12.1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of yearling beef bulls classified as satisfactory potential breeders when reevaluated after failing an initial breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) and identify any factors at initial BSE that predicted satisfactory performance at reevaluation. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. ANIMALS 2,064 beef bulls between 11 and 14 months of age at first BSE, evaluated from 2006 to 2014. PROCEDURES For each bull, data on age (categorized by month), breed, and BSE findings were extracted from the medical records. Bulls were classified as satisfactory potential breeders if they met Society for Theriogenology standards at the initial BSE or up to 2 subsequent reevaluations. Generalized linear mixed models were generated to assess potential associations between certain variables at initial BSE and passing that evaluation or passing subsequent BSEs after initial failure. RESULTS 1,921 of 2,064 (93.1%) yearling bulls passed 1 of up to 3 BSEs. The proportion of yearling bulls that were not classified as satisfactory during initial BSE but were later classified as satisfactory was 143 of 287 (49.8%). A significant interaction was identified between bull age and breed in the probability of passing the initial evaluation. No variable, including breed, age, scrotal circumference per day of age, and spermatozoa morphology at initial BSE, significantly predicted passing subsequent reevaluations after failing an initial BSE. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Age and breed information should be considered when deciding the age at which initial BSE should be scheduled for a yearling bull cohort.
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Abstract
The advent of genomic selection has led to increased interest within the cattle breeding industry to market semen from young bulls as early as possible. However, both the quantity and quality of such semen is dictated by the age at which these animals reach puberty. Enhancing early life plane of nutrition of the bull stimulates a complex biochemical interplay involving metabolic and neuroendocrine signalling and culminating in enhanced testicular growth and development and earlier onset of sexual maturation. Recent evidence suggests that an enhanced plane of nutrition leads to an advancement of testicular development in bulls at 18 weeks of age. However, as of yet, much of the neuronal mechanisms regulating these developmental processes remain to be elucidated in the bull. While early life nutrition clearly affects the sexual maturation process in bulls, there is little evidence for latent effects on semen traits post-puberty. Equally the influence of prevailing nutritional status on the fertility of mature bulls is unclear though management practices that result in clinical or even subclinical metabolic disease can undoubtedly impact upon normal sexual function. Dietary supplements enriched with various polyunsaturated fatty acids or fortified with trace elements do not consistently affect reproductive function in the bull, certainly where animals are already adequately nourished. Further insight on how nutrition mediates the biochemical interaction between neuroendocrine and testicular processes will facilitate optimisation of nutritional regimens to optimise sexual maturation and subsequent semen production in bulls.
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Lockwood S, Kattesh H, Rhinehart J, Strickland L, Krawczel P, Wilkerson J, Kirkpatrick F, Saxton A. Relationships among temperament, acute and chronic cortisol and testosterone concentrations, and breeding soundness during performance testing of Angus bulls. Theriogenology 2017; 89:140-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Freneau GE, Puoli JR, Arnhold E. EVOLUÇÃO APÓS QUATRO ANOS DE APLICAÇÃO DA CAPACIDADE ANDROLÓGICA POR PONTOS (CAP) EM TOUROS NELORE E ESTUDO DA RELAÇÃO COM A PRENHEZ EM ESTAÇÃO DE ACASALAMENTO. Ciênc anim bras 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1089-6891v18e-31274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Estudou-se a evolução da capacidade andrológica por pontos (CAP) de 1092 touros Nelore, mantidos a pasto, durante quatro anos, e sua relação com a porcentagem de prenhez após uma estação reprodutiva. A cada ano, realizaram-se avaliações clínico-andrológicas em que mediu-se o perímetro escrotal (PE) e se coleou sêmen por eletroejaculação, para avaliação dos aspectos físicos e morfológicos dos ejaculados. A partir dos pontos obtidos pelo PE (PEP), motilidade progressiva (MOT) e morfologia espermática (MORF), computaram-se os CAP. Na estação de monta foram utilizadas 4319 fêmeas e 256 touros Nelore, em regime de pasto, para avaliação da fertilidade do rebanho. Após a escolha de 157 touros dentro das faixas A-C do CAP, foram estabelecidos, aleatoriamente, 15 grupos de touros para diferentes categorias e quantidade de fêmeas. Nos quatro anos de estudo houve aumento significativo do CAP, de 59,5 a 79,0. A PEP, MOT e MORF aumentaram no mesmo período de 17,5, 12,7 e 29,3 para 30,1, 14,8 e 34,4, respectivamente (P<0,05). Foram observadas correlações entre o CAP com os seus componentes, o ano e as características reprodutivas estudadas. Houve aumento significativo de touros enquadrados nas categorias A e B do CAP de 9,0% e 46,9% vs. 43,5% e 44,8%, respectivamente. O CAP e a porcentagem de prenhez das fêmeas foram de 82,0 ± 13,2 pontos e 83,1 ± 8,4 %, respectivamente. Houve correlação (P<0,001) entre o CAP e a taxa de prenhez (r=0,25). A utilização de grupos de touros das faixas A e B do CAP favoreceu o aumento da percentagem de prenhez no rebanho. A relação touro:fêmea observada sub-utiliza o potencial reprodutivo dos touros. A técnica empregada foi importante para avaliar a fertilidade potencial e modificar as características reprodutivas da população de touros estudada.
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Hancock A, Younis P, Beggs D, Mansell P, Stevenson M, Pyman M. An assessment of dairy herd bulls in southern Australia: 1. Management practices and bull breeding soundness evaluations. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9983-9997. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Accurate assessment of yearling bulls is important for the bottom line of all interested parties: the buyer, the seller, and the veterinarian performing the BSE. Special considerations and current research are highlighted and their application to the evaluation of yearling bulls is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Schrag
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA.
| | - Robert L Larson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
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Brauner CC, Menezes LM, Lemes JS, Pimentel MA. Differences between reproductive traits in beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions. Can J Anim Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas-2014-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Brauner, C. C., Menezes, L. M., Lemes, J. S. and Pimentel, M. A. 2014. Differences between reproductive traits in beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 647–652. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive traits (scrotal circumference and semen quality) of different breeds of beef bulls used for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions, as well as to verify the relation between four sperm concentration scores and the reproductive traits of beef bulls. Two hundred and one bulls of three different breeds (Angus, Nelore and Brangus) and three different age groups (18, 24 and 36 mo old) were evaluated. Angus showed better (P>0.05) reproductive traits than Brangus and Nelore bulls, in which scrotal circumference, mass motility spermatozoa, motility spermatozoa, as well as spermatic vigor were greater than those of other breeds. Two-year-old bulls demonstrated better reproductive traits as compared with the other age groups. The sperm concentration score had a linear effect (P<0.01) on all reproductive traits evaluated, and the same evidence was also detected for body weight. It was concluded that genetic groups should be considered differently for multiple-sire breeding under range conditions, especially because Bos taurus and Bos indicus have significant reproductive trait differences. Moreover, the sperm concentration score can be used as an auxiliary method of semen quality in beef bulls, having a positive relation with other breeding soundness evaluation traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. C. Brauner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - L. M. Menezes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - J. S. Lemes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - M. A. Pimentel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Ali A, Derar R, Al-sobayil F, Mehana S, Al-hawas A. Impotentia generandi in male dromedary camels: Clinical findings, semen characteristics, and testicular histopathology. Theriogenology 2014; 82:890-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Singh AK, Brar PS, Cheema RS. Relationships among frozen-thawed semen fertility, physical parameters, certain routine sperm characteristics and testosterone in breeding Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls. Vet World 2014. [DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.644-651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Zart AL, Jurgielewicz VCL, Fernandes CE. Seminal Leucocytary Profile in Beef Bulls. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:719-24. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AL Zart
- Laboratório de Patologia; Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul; Campo Grande Brasil
| | - VCL Jurgielewicz
- Laboratório de Patologia; Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul; Campo Grande Brasil
| | - CE Fernandes
- Laboratório de Patologia; Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul; Campo Grande Brasil
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Miller NA, Fike KE. Exposure of prepubertal beef bulls to cycling females does not enhance sexual development. Theriogenology 2014; 82:447-54. [PMID: 24888685 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether continuous, long-term, fenceline exposure of prepubertal beef bulls to cycling beef females reduced age at puberty and influenced the percentage of bulls that passed an initial breeding soundness examination (BSE). Bulls (Angus, n = 37; Simmental, n = 22; Hereford, n = 10; Simmental × Angus, n = 8) at an average age of 202 ± 21.5 days were given either continuous fenceline and visual exposure to cycling females (exposed, n = 41) or no exposure (control, n = 36). Estrus was induced in cycling beef females so at least three females were in standing estrus each week during the 182 days of exposure to bulls. Scrotal circumference (SC), body weight, and blood samples were collected every 28 days. When bulls had SC of 26 cm or more, semen samples were obtained monthly via electroejaculation until puberty was achieved (≥50 × 10(6) sperm/mL with at least 10% progressive motility). Behavioral observations were conducted twice monthly: once when females were in estrus and once during diestrus. Homosexual mounting, flehmen responses, and number of times near penned females were recorded for each observation period. Breeding soundness examinations were conducted when the average age of bulls was 364 ± 21.5 days. Normal sperm morphology of at least 70% and sperm motility of at least 30% were required to pass the BSE. Age, body weight, and SC at puberty did not differ between exposed and control bulls (320 ± 28 and 311 ± 29 days; 466.2 ± 12.2 and 437.7 ± 13.5 kg; and 34.4 ± 2.5 and 34.9 ± 2.5 cm, respectively). Percentage of bulls passing their initial BSE did not differ between treatments (exposed, 87.8%; control, 75.0%). Treatment, month, and female estrous stage interacted (P = 0.05) to affect the number of mount attempts and flehmen responses. Exposed bulls entered the cow area more times (P < 0.001) during estrus than diestrus in Months 1, 2, and 3. We concluded that bulls given continuous, long-term, fenceline exposure to cycling beef females do not have enhanced sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Miller
- Department of Animal Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - K E Fike
- Department of Animal Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
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Abstract
A reproductively efficient beef cow herd is fundamental to meeting the protein and specifically, red meat demand of an ever increasing global population. However, attaining a high level of reproductive efficiency is underpinned by producers being cognisant of and achieving many key targets throughout the production cycle and requires significant technical competency. The lifetime productivity of the beef bred female commences from the onset of puberty and will be dictated by subsequent critical events including age at first calving, duration of the postpartum interval for each successive calving, conception and pregnancy rate and ultimately manifested as length of intercalving intervals and number of calves weaned over her lifetime. Puberty in heifers is a consequence of the interactive effects of genetics and both pre- and post-weaning nutrition. Early onset of puberty is essential to achieving the first main reproductive target for beef cow herds; first calving at 2 years of age. In calved heifers and mature cows, the onset of ovarian activity, postpartum is a key event dictating the calving interval. Again, this will be the product mainly of prepartum nutrition, manifested through body condition and the strength of the maternal bond between cow and calf, though there is increasing evidence of a modest genetic influence on this trait. Following the initiation of postpartum ovarian cyclicity, conception and subsequent pregnancy rate is generally a function of bull fertility in natural service herds and heat detection and timing of insemination in herds bred through artificial insemination. Cows and heifers should be maintained on a steady plane of nutrition during the breeding season, but the contribution of significant excesses or deficiencies of nutrients including protein and trace elements is likely to be minor where adequate pasture is available. While, increased efforts are being made internationally to genetically identify and select for more reproductively efficient beef cows, this is a more long-term strategy and will not replace the need for a high level of technical efficiency and management practice at farm level.
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Fortes MR, DeAtley KL, Lehnert SA, Burns BM, Reverter A, Hawken RJ, Boe-Hansen G, Moore SS, Thomas MG. Genomic regions associated with fertility traits in male and female cattle: Advances from microsatellites to high-density chips and beyond. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 141:1-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
Current industry estimates of reproductive performance for cattle, sheep, and swine operations indicate that males contribute significantly to fertility failures. This appears to be due to the use of subfertile individuals and emphasizes the need for additional research in identifying characteristics of sperm that compromise fertilization. In theory, sperm characteristics, such as motility or the percentage of normal sperm, form a positive relationship with fertility that reaches a certain maximal fertility (i.e., an asymptotic relationship). It is clear that variation exists among males in terms of how fertility responds to increasing sperm dosage or numbers of normal sperm, both in the slope of the curve and the point at which the fertility reaches a maximum. Variations along the linear portion of fertility curves are due to compensable traits that are involved with the ability of sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida. It appears that most fertility curves reach their plateau when 70% of sperm possess a given compensable trait. The level of fertility at which the plateau occurs is determined by noncompensable traits that are associated with binding of sperm to the oolemma, syngamy, and subsequent development of the zygote. Several studies have shown differences in fertility among males that have similar levels of compensable traits but differed in their noncompensable characteristics. Compensable and noncompensable traits can estimate either individual or functional characteristics of sperm. Intuitively, functional traits such as in vitro penetration should provide a better indication of fertilization than individual ones such as motility. However, correlations of both types with fertility are very similar. Reasons for this may be related to how characteristics of sperm cells are influenced by the female reproductive tract after insemination. Sperm capacitation is a functional trait in boars that is quite different in vitro versus in vivo. If this relationship holds true for other traits, then development of tests that account for this variation are critical for further elucidation of sperm characteristics that limit fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Flowers
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA.
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23
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Awda BJ, Miller SP, Montanholi YR, Voort GV, Caldwell T, Buhr MM, Swanson KC. The relationship between feed efficiency traits and fertility in young beef bulls. Can J Anim Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas2012-092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Awda, B. J., Miller, S. P., Montanholi, Y. R., Vander Voort, G., Caldwell, T., Buhr, M. M. and Swanson, K. C. 2013. The relationship between feed efficiency traits and fertility in young beef bulls. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 185–192. Great efforts have been taken in recent years for improving feed efficiency in beef cattle. Despite there being several studies on biological factors associated with this trait, little is known about the potential relationships between fertility and feed efficiency in beef cattle. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between feed efficiency traits and bull fertility traits [sperm motility, viability and scrotal circumference (SC)]. From a total of 328 crossbred beef bulls that were subjected to a performance test (112 d in each of 6 yr), SC was measured and semen collected from 110 bulls using the electroejaculation method (average age±SE=417±2.5 d). Sperm were extended, cooled, and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Two residual feed intake (RFI) measures were considered with different prediction models for dry matter intake (DMI), RFIKoch included size and growth rate and RFIbkft included the additional adjustment for backfat thickness (BKFT). Sperm viability, motility and progressive motility of the 10 bulls with the greatest RFIKoch (Hi-RFIKoch) were greater than those of the 10 bulls with the lowest RFIKoch (Lo-RFIKoch; P<0.05, 0.01, and 0.05, respectively). Sperm motility (P<0.01), progressive motility and SC (P<0.05) of the 10 bulls with the greatest RFIbkft (Hi-RFIbkft) were greater than those of the 10 bulls with the lowest RFIbkft (Lo-RFIbkft). In summary, these data indicate that young beef bulls with greater feed efficiency have decreased sperm motility, sperm viability and SC, which is an undesirable effect of selection for improved feed efficiency that needs to be addressed through multiple trait selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. J. Awda
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - S. P. Miller
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Y. R. Montanholi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - G. Vander Voort
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - T. Caldwell
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - M. M. Buhr
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5A8
| | - K. C. Swanson
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, 58108-6050, USA
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Malama E, Kiossis E, Theodosiou T, Boscos C, Bollwein H. Lag effect of microclimatic conditions on DNA integrity of frozen–thawed bovine sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 136:33-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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25
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Cruz F, Lohn L, Marinho L, Mezzalira J, Neto SG, Martins L, Vieira A, Barth A, Mezzalira A. Internal artificial vagina (IAV) to assess breeding behavior of young Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 126:157-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Waldner CL, Kennedy RI, Palmer CW. A description of the findings from bull breeding soundness evaluations and their association with pregnancy outcomes in a study of western Canadian beef herds. Theriogenology 2010; 74:871-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2010] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kealey CG, MacNeil MD, Tess MW, Geary TW, Bellows RA. Genetic parameter estimates for scrotal circumference and semen characteristics of Line 1 Hereford bulls. J Anim Sci 2008; 84:283-90. [PMID: 16424254 DOI: 10.2527/2006.842283x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate heritability for scrotal circumference (SC) and semen traits and their genetic correlations (rg) with birth weight (BRW). Semen traits were recorded for Line 1 Hereford bulls (n = 841), born in 1963 or from 1967 to 2000, that were selected for use at Fort Keogh (Miles City, MT) or for sale. Semen was collected by electroejaculation when bulls were a mean age of 446 d. Phenotypes were BRW, SC, ejaculate volume, subjective scores for ejaculate color, swirl, sperm concentration and motility, and percentages of sperm classified as normal and live or having abnormal heads, abnormal midpieces, proximal cytoplasmic droplets (primary abnormalities), bent tails, coiled tails, or distal cytoplasmic droplets (secondary abnormalities). Percentages of primary and secondary also were calculated. Data were analyzed using multiple-trait derivative-free REML. Models included fixed effects for contemporary group, age of dam, age of bull, inbreeding of the bull and his dam, and random animal and residual effects. Random maternal and permanent maternal environmental effects were also included in the model for BRW. Estimates of heritability for BRW, SC, semen color, volume, concentration, swirl, motility, and percentages of normal, live, abnormal heads, abnormal midpieces, proximal cytoplasmic droplets, bent tails, coiled tails, distal cytoplasmic droplets, and primary and secondary abnormalities were 0.34, 0.57, 0.15, 0.09, 0.16, 0.21, 0.22, 0.35, 0.22, 0.00 0.16, 0.37, 0.00 0.34 0.00, 0.30, and 0.33, respectively. Estimates of rg for SC with color, volume, concentration, swirl, motility, and percentages of live, normal, and primary and secondary abnormalities were 0.73, 0.20, 0.77, 0.40, 0.34, 0.63, 0.33, -0.36, and -0.45, respectively. Estimates of rg for BRW with SC, color, volume, concentration, swirl, motility, and percentages live, normal, and primary and secondary abnormalities were 0.28, 0.60, 0.08, 0.58, 0.44, 0.21, 0.34, 0.20, -0.02, and -0.16, respectively. If selection pressure was applied to increase SC, all of the phenotypes evaluated would be expected to improve. Predicted correlated responses in semen characteristics per genetic SD of selection applied to SC were 0.87 genetic SD or less. If selection pressure was applied to reduce BRW, the correlated responses would generally be smaller but antagonistic to improving all of the phenotypes evaluated. Predicted correlated responses in SC and semen characteristics per genetic SD of selection applied to BRW were less than 0.35 genetic SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Kealey
- Montana State University, Bozeman, 59717, USA
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30
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Swanepoel FJC, Taylor GJ, Webb EC, Stroebel A. Effect of nutrition on testicular traits of tropically adapted yearling beef bulls. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1071/ea08059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of different management practices on testicular development of young Bonsmara bulls fed a high energy (HE), medium energy (ME) and low energy (LE) diet after weaning were determined. Testicular histology and seminal traits were examined together with scrotal circumference (SC) development over an 84-day performance test trial period. The SC differed significantly (P < 0.001) between HE-, ME- and LE-fed bulls. Seminal traits, such as semen concentration were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in bulls fed the HE diet (1.3 ± 0.134) compared with those fed the ME diet (2.4 ± 0.18) and LE diet (2.6 ± 0.16). Similarly, linear movement of sperm was also affected by diet and movement was slower (P < 0.05) in bulls fed the HE diet (1.7 ± 0.30) compared with bulls fed the ME diet (2.2 ± 0.31) and LE diet (3.1 ± 0.23). The percentage total major (P < 0.001) and total minor (P < 0.05) sperm defects were also greater in the HE-fed bulls (27.1 ± 6.82 and 7.4 ± 0.91) compared with the ME-fed bulls (9.7 ± 1.45 and 5.5 ± 0.87) and for the LE-fed bulls (5.4 ± 1.26 and 3.9 ± 0.58). Dietary energy level (P < 0.05) influenced the percentage inactive seminiferous tubuli, with bulls fed the HE diet having 35% more seminiferous tubules classified as inactive compared with those bulls fed ME and LE diets. Scrotal fat deposits were higher (P < 0.05) in bulls fed the HE diet (243.4 ± 21.59 g) compared with those fed the ME (110.0 ± 12.1 g) and LE (88.4 ± 9.65 g) diets. Feeding HE diets to young bulls probably reduces their reproductive potential.
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Sylla L, Stradaioli G, Borgami S, Monaci M. Breeding soundness examination of Chianina, Marchigiana, and Romagnola yearling bulls in performance tests over a 10-year period. Theriogenology 2007; 67:1351-8. [PMID: 17368738 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2006] [Revised: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 02/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were (i) to establish the mean value of scrotal circumference (SC), sperm motility, concentration and morphology at 13+/-1 months of age for Chianina, Marchigiana, and Romagnola breeds and (ii) to assign Italian beef bulls at the end of a growth performance test to a potential breeder category by applying the guidelines of the Society for Theriogenology in 1993 (SFT93). Of 1,315 bulls, 869 were not given the breeding soundness examination for the following reasons: not passing the growth performance test (n=445), no training for semen collection (n=404), and presence of genital abnormalities (n=20). Testicular length and diameter and SC exhibited a logarithmic trend over time, with an R(2) value of 0.963, 0.979, and 0.978 (P<0.001), respectively. The SC of Romagnola (33.82+/-2.47 cm) was higher than those of Chianina (33.28+/-2.65 cm, P<0.001) and Marchigiana (33.05+/-2.20 cm, P<0.001). Sperm concentration in Romagnola (875.89+/-416.13x10(6)cells/mL) was higher than those in Chianina (751.63+/-444.45 x 10(6)cells/mL, P<0.05) and Marchigiana (862.57+/-421.87 x 10(6) cells/mL). Progressive sperm motility was 61.30+/-11.24%, 62.18+/-11.17%, and 58.48+/-14.40% in Romagnola, Marchigiana, and Chianina, respectively. Total spermatozoal abnormalities were higher in Chianina (23.35+/-15.41%). Sperm concentration was positively related to testicular length (P<0.01), diameter (P<0.001), and SC (P<0.001). Satisfactory breeders presented high sperm motility compared with deferred and unsatisfactory ones, whereas unsatisfactory breeders had a higher number of abnormal spermatozoa. By applying the SFT93 guidelines, we showed that 74.72%, 78.01%, and 80.16% of Chianina, Marchigiana, and Romagnola bulls, respectively, have been classified as satisfactory potential breeders.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sylla
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Veterinary Clinics, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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Hoflack G, Opsomer G, Van Soom A, Maes D, de Kruif A, Duchateau L. Comparison of sperm quality of Belgian Blue and Holstein Friesian bulls. Theriogenology 2006; 66:1834-46. [PMID: 16815541 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Revised: 03/30/2006] [Accepted: 05/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Few data are currently available on sperm quality of Belgian Blue (BB) bulls. The present study compared sperm quality of BB to Holstein Friesian (HF) bulls of several age categories, by means of a classical semen evaluation. Volume and concentration, and consequently total sperm output depended largely on age. Gross, total, and progressive motility, % live and % normal spermatozoa were significantly lower in the BB breed. Primary sperm abnormalities, such as nuclear vacuoles, midpiece defects and cytoplasmic droplets which were noticed most frequently, occurred far more in the BB breed. Hence, disturbances in spermiogenesis are deemed to be the cause of the poorer BB sperm quality. Since these sperm abnormalities occur significantly more in the BB breed than in the HF breed, it seems as if the BB breed is genetically predisposed to a higher susceptibility to environmental stresses which are known to interfere with normal spermiogenesis. The small scrota typical of the inbred BB breed might in part be responsible for this, and therefore selection for larger scrota in the BB breed is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hoflack
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Abstract
Determinaram-se as características andrológicas de touros da raça Gir, classificando-os quanto ao seu potencial reprodutivo, utilizando-se o sistema de classificação andrológica por pontos (CAP). Os animais foram separados em três grupos: G1= animais de 18-24 meses (n=33), G2 = 25-31 meses (n=24) e G3 = 32-38 meses (n=12). A média da circunferência escrotal no G1 foi menor (P<0,05) do que nos G2 e G3. A motilidade (%) e o vigor não diferiram entre os grupos. As taxas (%) de defeitos maiores e totais foram maiores (P<0,05) no G1 do que nos G2 e G3. Para as características andrológicas não houve diferenças entre G2 e G3. Com relação ao CAP, G1, G2 e G3 apresentaram, respectivamente, 25,7%, 58,3% e 61,5% de animais aptos à reprodução; 11,4%, 20,8% e 15,4% questionáveis e 57,1%, 12,5% e 15,4% inaptos ou imaturos. A idade dos touros Gir influenciou a circunferência escrotal e os defeitos maiores e totais, mas não a motilidade e o vigor. Maior proporção de animais aptos à reprodução ocorreu após 24 meses de idade.
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Affiliation(s)
- I.M. Folhadella
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Embrapa Gado de Leite
| | | | | | | | | | - A.A. Ramos
- Embrapa Gado de Leite; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
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Abstract
Crossbred (Bos taurus) yearling beef bulls were assessed for breeding soundness and physical traits prior to multi-sire natural mating at pasture. Bulls (n = 60) were assigned to six groups of nine or 10 bulls and two bull-groups were rotated on 14-day intervals during a 63-day mating season in each breeding herd (n = 3) of 191-196 cows. The remaining bulls (n = 14) were maintained under similar environmental conditions without mating exposure. Bulls were observed during mating and assessed for breeding soundness and changes following mating. Bulls used for breeding (UFB) lost 77 kg of body weight and declined from body condition scores of 6 to 4.5, whereas bulls not used for breeding (NUB) maintained body condition scores of 6 and gained 27 kg. The UFB bulls incurred a 75% total injury rate with 63% incidence of lameness and 12% incidence of reproductive injuries, resulting in a 22% attrition rate. Only 45% were physically sound at the end of mating. Scrotal circumference declined in UFB bulls (-4.58%) and increased in NUB bulls (2.49%). From the 98% BSE-satisfactory rate (UFB) prior to breeding, only 61% were BSE-satisfactory post-breeding. The NUB bulls declined from 57 to 36% satisfactory. The BSE classification was influenced by significant increases in abnormal spermatozoa (primary and secondary), which was significantly associated with injuries incurred during mating. Group and breed differences in injury rates and BSE-status following mating were evident. Environmental conditions and mating activity influenced bull seminal quality and physical condition. Pregnancy rates in all three breeding herds (91-96%) were similar, with insignificant differences between bull-groups; the effects of physical and reproductive changes on individual bull fertility were immeasurable.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Ellis
- Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center--University of Nebraska, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA.
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35
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Abstract
The breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) was used to evaluate Senepol (Bos taurus) bulls (n = 495) on St. Croix over a 7-year period. Young, unproven bulls (10-26 months of age) and breeding bulls (16 months to 8.5 years) were tested prior to sale or use in breeding. Inbreeding coefficients were determined for a subset of bulls (n = 290). The percentage of bulls passing the BSE increased (P < 0.0001) with age. Bulls that passed had a higher percentage (P < 0.0001) of normal and motile sperm as well as a larger (P < 0.0001) scrotal circumference than bulls that failed. No bulls failed the BSE for physical soundness traits or other health reasons. The incidence of testicular hypoplasia was 2.5 and 3.3% and the incidence of cryptorchidism was 1.4 and 0.9% in 12- and 16-month-old bulls, respectively, with no occurrence in bulls >20 months. The proportion of all bulls that failed the BSE and received an Unsatisfactory rating for scrotal circumference or sperm motility decreased (P < 0.0001) from >90 to <25% with age. The proportion of all bulls that failed the BSE and received an Unsatisfactory rating for sperm morphology decreased (P < 0.0001) from 99 to 83.3% with age. The inbreeding coefficient was higher (P < 0.03) in bulls that failed the BSE than in those that passed (2.24 +/- 0.19% versus 1.40 +/- 0.32%, respectively). There was a tendency for bulls with testicular hypoplasia or cryptorchidism to have a higher (P = 0.09) inbreeding coefficient than bulls with normal testes (2.90 +/- 0.46% versus 2.13 +/- 0.11%, respectively). In conclusion, Senepol bulls raised under tropical conditions had a low probability of passing the BSE at young ages, but the passing rate increased with age. Older Senepol bulls were more likely to fail the BSE due to abnormal sperm morphology than due to inadequate testicular size or sperm motility. To prevent unnecessary culling, a BSE should not be performed on Senepol bulls <16 months old.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Godfrey
- Agricultural Experiment Station, University of the Virgin Islands, RR 2, Box 10,000, Kingshill, St. Croix, VI 00850, USA.
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36
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Brito LFC, Silva AEDF, Unanian MM, Dode MAN, Barbosa RT, Kastelic JP. Sexual development in early- and late-maturing Bos indicus and Bos indicus × Bos taurus crossbred bulls in Brazil. Theriogenology 2004; 62:1198-217. [PMID: 15325547 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2003] [Revised: 10/22/2003] [Accepted: 01/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate sexual development in early- and late-maturing Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (3/8 Bos indicus x 5/8 Bos taurus crossbred) bulls and to determine predictors of sexual precocity, and pubertal and maturity status. In Experiment 1, 12 Nelore bulls where examined from 300 to 900 days of age. Puberty was characterized by an ejaculate containing > or =50 million sperm with > or =10% motile sperm, and maturity by an ejaculate containing > or =70% morphologically normal sperm. In Experiment 2, 28 Canchim bulls where examined from 295 to 488 days of age and puberty was characterized by an ejaculate containing > or =30% motile sperm. In both experiments, bulls were classified as early- or late-maturing based on age at puberty. Early-maturing bulls were younger (P < 0.05) than late-maturing bulls at puberty (527 days versus 673 days in Experiment 1 and 360 days versus 461 days in Experiment 2) and at maturity (660 days versus 768 days in Experiment 1). In general, early-maturing bulls were heavier and had greater scrotal circumference (SC), testes, and testicular vascular cone diameter than late-maturing bulls during the experimental period. Scrotal circumference adjusted for 365 days of age was a good predictor of sexual precocity; minimum yearling SC of 19 and 24 cm for Nelore and Canchim bulls, respectively, had the best predictive values. Early-maturing bulls were lighter and had smaller SC at puberty than late-maturing bulls; therefore, sexual precocity was not related to the attainment of a threshold body weight or testicular size earlier, but to lower thresholds in early-maturing bulls. When predictors of pubertal status were evaluated, SC had the best sensitivity/specificity relationship in Nelore bulls, and high sensitivity and specificity in Canchim bulls. When predictors of sexual maturity were evaluated in Nelore bulls, age, weight, and SC had similar sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. At puberty, approximately 60% of the sperm present in the ejaculate were morphologically defective. Changes in semen quality after puberty in Nelore bulls were characterized by increased motility and proportion of morphologically normal sperm, with a decrease in the proportion of major sperm defects. In conclusion, early-maturing bulls were more developed in the pre-pubertal period and attained puberty at earlier stages of body and testicular development than late-maturing bulls. Yearling SC could be used to select bulls for sexual precocity and SC was the best predictor of pubertal status. Age, weight, and SC were equally good predictors of sexual maturity in B. indicus bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo F C Brito
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask., S7N 5B4, Canada.
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