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Exogenous Melatonin Improves the Reproductive Outcomes of Yearling Iberian Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus hispanicus) Hinds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010224. [PMID: 33477633 PMCID: PMC7831485 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Increasing the reproductive performance of hinds is considered to be a key factor of overall farm deer productivity. In the case of yearling hinds, this aspect becomes more important, as a delay in the pubertal onset will compromise the reproductive performance of the entire herd (decreased fertility), and these yearling hinds will carry this ‘late’ condition throughout their reproductive life. The aim of this study was to explore the use of melatonin implants on yearling Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) hinds to improve their fertility outcomes, advance the calving date and the calves’ weight, and to prevent the negative impact of yearling hinds’ low liveweight on their reproductive outcomes. Melatonin implants (18 mg), administered three-fold (two implants each time) every 30 days before the breeding season, rendered significantly higher fertility rates (regardless of the yearling hind’s weight) and heavier calves, and advanced the calving date in the yearling hinds by 15 days compared to non-treated hinds. In addition, halving the number of yearling hinds that received melatonin provided a similar benefit to a large-scale treatment of the whole herd, which indicates female-to-female stimulation of the ovarian activity. Taken together, this protocol for melatonin treatment simplifies its administration, reduces its costs, and assures the enhancement of the reproductive productivity of the entire farm. Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the effect of melatonin implants on the reproductive performance of yearling Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) hinds. It also explored exogenous melatonin administration as a tool to minimize the negative effect of a low yearling hind’s liveweight on their reproductive efficiency. In addition, the effect of melatonin-treated yearling hinds on non-treated hinds was studied in order to provide a practical and economical protocol to improve farms’ productivity. A total of 4520 Iberian red deer hinds belonging to the same farm were included in this study. Melatonin (108 mg/hind) implants were administered three-fold every 30 days before the breeding season. Fertility rates, calves’ weights and calving dates were registered for each hind. The results showed that exogenous melatonin increased significantly (p < 0.05) the calves’ weight (32.39 ± 1.07 kg vs. 27.65 ± 1.11 kg for Weight 1calf (July) and 46.59 ± 1.50 kg vs. 41.79 ± 1.54 kg for Weight 2calf (August, at weaning)) and advanced the calving date by 15 days in yearling hinds compared to the non-treated group. In addition, the administration of melatonin implants before the breeding season was able to minimize the negative effect of low yearling hinds’ liveweight (Weight 1hind) on their future reproductive outcomes, as the fertility rates increased by 46% and the calves’ weight increased by 7 kg after the melatonin treatment, regardless of the yearlings’ weight. Finally, when both experimental groups (melatonin and non-treated) were kept separate, higher fertility rates (76.73 ± 7.18% vs. 66.94 ± 7.41%) were observed for the melatonin-treated hinds compared to the non-treated hinds. However, when both groups of yearling hinds were maintained together, no significant differences were observed in their fertility outcomes (78.13 ± 21.26% vs. 78.12 ± 23.32%). Therefore, melatonin implants may be used in yearling Iberian red deer hinds as a management tool to improve their reproductive productivity.
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Antioxidative Potential of Red Deer Embryos Depends on Reproductive Stage of Hind as A Oocyte Donor. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071190. [PMID: 32674333 PMCID: PMC7401599 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Deer breeding tends to select animals for obtain the high meat quality and in case of males preferred shape and weight of antlers. Fertilization in vitro (IVF) using high-indexing parents results favorable features. Moreover, evaluation of effective method of IVF on Cervus elaphus as a model, will be useful for application on Cervids in danger of extinction. The effectivity of IVF depends on quality of gametes and proper development of embryo. The aim was to compare the blastocyst stages of red deer embryos in respect of IVF efficiency, morphology, apoptotic and proliferative abilities, and antioxidative potential according to the reproductive status of hinds. We used three experimental groups, including the ovaries collected post mortem on the 4th and 13th days of the estrous cycle (farmed animals) and during pregnancy (wild animals). Frozen-thawed epididymal semen was used for IVF. Blastocyst quality, apoptotic, and antioxidative potential of blastocysts were evaluated. Results indicate that red deer embryos on blastocyst stage received in vitro collected from hinds on 4th day of the estrous cycle as an oocyte donor are characterized by better antioxidative potential and qualities to those developed from oocytes collected from hinds on 13th day of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Abstract The aim was to compare the blastocyst stages of red deer embryos in respect of in vitro fertilization (IVF) efficiency, morphology, apoptotic and proliferative abilities, and antioxidative potential according to the reproductive status of hinds. We used three experimental groups, including the ovaries collected post mortem on the 4th and 13th days of the estrous cycle and during pregnancy (n = 18). After oocyte maturation, frozen-thawed epididymal semen was used for IVF. Blastocyst quality, apoptotic potential by determining the mRNA expression of BAX, BCL-2, OCT4, SOX2, and placenta-specific 8 gene (PLAC8), and antioxidative potential of blastocysts were evaluated by determining the mRNA expression of CuSOD, MnSOD, and GPX as well as the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. The highest development rate of expanded blastocyst, mRNA expression of BCL-2, OCT4, SOX2, and PLAC8 and mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of the antioxidative factors increased (p < 0.05) in blastocysts developed from the oocytes collected on the 4th day, compared to those developed from the oocytes collected on the 13th day of the cycle and during pregnancy. Our study indicates that the 4th day of the estrous cycle is the most effective period for oocyte collection for IVF and embryo development in hinds, considering quality parameters and antioxidative potential of the blastocysts.
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Wang DH, Liu YL, Cai ZG, An JH, Lan JC, Chen JS, Li Y, He L, Zhang Y, He P, Zhang ZH, Yie SM, Hou R. Effects of extender type on the quality of post-thaw giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) semen. Cryobiology 2020; 94:95-99. [PMID: 32304703 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is an essential approach for assisted reproduction and genetic resources conservation in captive giant pandas. Cryopreservation, however, leads to a significant decrease in sperm quality and, consequently, a low fertilization rate. Therefore, it is mandatory to disclose more suitable and efficient freezing strategies for sperm cryopreservation. In the present study, we compared for the first time the performance of two commercial freeze extender (INRA96 versus TEST) freezing methods on post-thawed semen quality. Semen cryopreserved with the INRA96 showed better total motility (73.00 ± 4.84% vs 57.56 ± 3.60%, P < 0.001), membrane integrity (60.92 ± 2.27% vs 40.53 ± 2.97%, P < 0.001) and acrosome integrity (90.39 ± 2.74% vs 84.26 ± 4.27%, P < 0.05) than stored with TEST. There was no significant difference in DNA integrity after thawing between the two extenders (95.69 ± 3.60% vs 94.26 ± 4.84%). In conclusion, the INRA96 method showed to be better for giant panda sperm cryopreservation and should therefore be recommended for use in order to increase success of artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hui Wang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu-Liang Liu
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Zhi-Gang Cai
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jun-Hui An
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing-Chao Lan
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jia-Song Chen
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ling He
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ping He
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhi-He Zhang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Shang-Mian Yie
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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Mahre MB, Wahid H, Rosnina Y, Jesse FFA, Azlan CA, Yap KC. Plasma progesterone changes and length of oestrous cycle in Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis). Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 141:148-53. [PMID: 24012278 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to profile the plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations and establish the length of oestrous cycle in the Rusa timorensis during the breeding season. Five healthy hinds were selected for peripheral blood sampling twice weekly to gauge the P4 levels by radioimmunoassay, at the start of the breeding season indicated by rutting behaviours of sexually active males. The hinds were polyestrous as proven by the cyclic trend of P4 levels. After the presumptive oestrus indicated by the lowest P4 concentrations (0.20±0.09ng/ml), this ovarian hormone was markedly elevated on day 7 of the cycle (0.78±0.20ng/ml), reached its peak (2.61±0.23ng/ml, P<0.05) on day 14, and then declined to the basal level in the subsequent oestrus. The mean oestrous cycle length in R. timorensis during the breeding season was 19.2 days with a range of 18-21 days, and the pattern of circulating progesterone during the oestrous cycle of the R. timorensis is similar to those of other deer species. It was also observed that the length of oestrous cycle of R. timorensis determined by gauging the progesterone levels and observation of the oestrous behaviours as well as changes in the cellular pattern of vaginal epithelial cells are highly consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Mahre
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
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Garde JJ, Martínez-Pastor F, Gomendio M, Malo AF, Soler AJ, Fernández-Santos MR, Esteso MC, García AJ, Anel L, Roldán ERS. The Application of Reproductive Technologies to Natural Populations of Red Deer. Reprod Domest Anim 2006; 41 Suppl 2:93-102. [PMID: 16984473 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00773.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the application of reproductive technology to the conservation and management of natural populations of deer. The application of assisted reproduction technologies within natural population of deer is in its infancy. However, its future potential is enormous, particularly in relation to genetic management or conservation. This paper reviews the present state of such technologies for a wild subspecies of red deer, the Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus), by discussing the major components of oestrous synchronization, semen collection/cryopreservation and insemination techniques. In addition, findings made during the course of studies on natural populations have enormous potential for the understanding of novel reproductive mechanism that may not be uncovered by livestock or human studies. A summary of these results are also reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Garde
- Reproductive Biology Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Campus Universitario, Albacete, Spain.
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García AJ, Landete-Castillejos T, Carrión D, Gaspar-López E, Gallego L. Compensatory extension of gestation length with advance of conception in red deer (Cervus elaphus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 305:55-61. [PMID: 16358278 DOI: 10.1002/jez.a.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Calving date in many mammals is matched to the time of greatest food availability. Out of season calving results in heavy penalties in terms of own and offspring survival or body condition. This study examined whether gestation length is affected by advancing fertilisation. Thirty-six red deer hinds (of the Iberian and Scottish subspecies) were subjected to a synchronisation treatment of oestrus, ovulation, and artificial insemination on three dates, with remaining non-pregnant females mated with an intact male in a last group. Gestation was longer the more the fertilisation was advanced; gestation lasted 241.5+/-1.3 days (d) in the first group, 237.4+/-1.2 d in the second, 235.1+/-1.3 d in the third, and 231.2+/-1.6 d in the last. Mean gestation lasted 234.2+/-0.7 d. Hinds gained less weight during gestation the more the fertilisation was advanced. The difference was due at least in part to net body weight of the hind after calving compared to that at mating, and calves did not differ in birth weight. As early born calves suffer greater mortality in the field, this enlargening of gestation might be a compensatory response of the hinds to match calving with food availability. Under natural conditions, similar small modifications of gestation length may help hinds to overcome short-term adverse conditions for calving. Because calf mortality is correlated with birth weight, hinds may have kept calf birth weight constant at the expense of greater body weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés José García
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC, CSIC, UCLM, JCCM, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
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