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Romanello N, Barreto ADN, de Carvalho Balieiro JC, Brandão FZ, de Andrade AFC, Zappaterra M, Garcia AR. Effect of access to natural shade on scrotal thermoregulatory capacity, integrity of the testicular parenchyma and sperm morphology of Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) bulls. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00484-024-02759-6. [PMID: 39167210 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of using naturally shaded pastures on scrotal thermoregulatory capacity, testicular echotexture, and sperm morphology of Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) bulls in a tropical climate region. Sixty-four adult Nelore and Canchim bulls were used, equally allocated in Full Sun (FS, n = 32) or Crop-Livestock-Forestry (CLF, n = 32) pasture systems. During five consecutive climate seasons, the bulls underwent monthly breeding soundness evaluations and the biometeorological variables in the systems were continuously monitored. Microclimate was significantly different between systems. CLF system had lower BGHI than FS throughout the experimental period. No triple interaction (Season x Breed x Treatment, P > 0.05) was observed for any of the variables. Animals in CLF showed lower body temperature in Summer (FS:39.41 ± 0.05 vs. CLF:39.30 ± 0.05 °C; P = 0.005) and in Autumn (FS:39.54 ± 0.05 vs. CLF:39.35 ± 0.05 °C; P = 0.005). Access to shading did not determine differences in the evolution of scrotal biometry, temperatures, and scrotal thermal gradients (P > 0.05). Regardless of breed, animals in CLF showed greater right testicular volume (FS:247.5 ± 5.7 vs. CLF:259.0 ± 5.7 cm³; P < 0.05), more suitable parenchyma echotexture, and fewer microlithiasis spots in the Spring and Summer. Testosterone concentration was higher in FS (FS:2.6 ± 0.2 vs. CLF:2.1 ± 0.2 ng/mL; P = 0.035). Canchim bulls presented higher total sperm defects during the Autumn and Winter (P = 0.010), but the total defects levels for Canchim and Nelore bulls were in normal range for adult bulls. Thus, the natural shade in CLF system was effective in improving the microclimate of pastures and minimizing adverse environmental effects on some reproductive features of interest in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narian Romanello
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 255, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Andréa do Nascimento Barreto
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Av. dos Universitários, s/n, Castanhal, PA, 68746-360, Brazil
| | - Júlio Cesar de Carvalho Balieiro
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 255, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe Zandonadi Brandão
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Rua Vital Brazil, 64, Niterói, RJ, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 255, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Martina Zappaterra
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Technology, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 46, Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Southeast Livestock, Rod. Washington Luiz, km 234, São Carlos, SP, 13560-970, Brazil.
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Ben Moula A, Moussafir Z, Hamidallah N, El Amiri B. Heat stress and ram semen production and preservation: Exploring impacts and effective strategies. J Therm Biol 2024; 119:103794. [PMID: 38330855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
As global warming persists, heat stress (HS) continues to affect animals, particularly those raised in extensive systems such as sheep. As a result, there is a growing body of research investigating the physiological and biological consequences of HS on these animals. Recent studies have specifically examined the effects of climate change, global warming, and HS on gametes. Heat stress has been shown to affect ram semen production, resulting in decreased sperm quality and volume in both fresh and stored samples. This is attributed to the effect of heat on hormone production in the testicles, which is critical for successful spermatogenesis. Such effects can have significant consequences on the fertility of female sheep, which could affect the farmers' revenue. Therefore, farmers and researchers are utilizing various strategies and laboratory techniques to mitigate these negative effects. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the impact of HS on ram semen production and conservation and analyze the different mitigation strategies at various levels, including management and nutritional interventions. The findings of this review will serve as a critical foundation for the development of targeted interventions and sustainable practices in sheep farming, ensuring resilient and profitable operations in the face of ongoing global climate challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anass Ben Moula
- Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004, Larache, Morocco.
| | - Zineb Moussafir
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Naima Hamidallah
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Hassan 1 University, BP 577, 26000, Settat, Morocco
| | - Bouchra El Amiri
- INRA-Regional Center for Agronomic Research of Settat, BP589, Settat, Morocco; African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 70000, Laayoune, Morocco
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Barragán AL, Avendaño-Reyes L, Mellado-Bosque M, Meza-Herrera CA, Vicente-Pérez R, Castañeda VJ, Díaz-Molina R, Macías-Cruz U. Seasonal heat stress compromises testicular thermoregulation and semen quality of Dorper rams raised in a desert climate. J Therm Biol 2023; 118:103737. [PMID: 37944301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Dorper rams are widely distributed throughout the world under different climatic conditions, however, little is known about their reproductive performance in desert regions. Ten Dorper rams were individually housed and exposed to thermoneutrality for 35 d in spring (23.6 ± 5.6 °C, mean ± SD) and outdoor heat stress (HS) for 35 d in summer (33.6 ± 2.0 °C) to evaluate the effect of seasonal HS on physiological responses, testicular biometry, and seminal quality under desert climatic conditions. Rectal temperature, respiration rate and coat surface temperatures in different body regions were measured every 7 d (0600, 1200, and 1800 h); also, testicular biometry was registered at 0600 h. Semen was collected via an artificial vagina 3 d after physiological variables were measured and seminal traits were evaluated. Rectal temperature, respiration rate and coat surface temperatures were higher (P < 0.01) at each hour of measurement in summer compared to spring. Overall, scrotal length and circumference, as well as testicular volume were higher (P < 0.01) in summer than in spring. Compared to spring conditions, summer HS caused lower (P ≤ 0.05) sperm concentration and viability combined with a higher percentage of sperm abnormalities without affecting ejaculate volume. Both mass and sperm motility were similar between seasons in the first two sampling weeks, and then decreased (P ≤ 0.03) due to summer HS. In conclusion, Dorper rams developed testicle hyperthermia and, consequently, showed poor semen quality due to the high environmental temperatures prevailing in desert regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra L Barragán
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, Mexicali, Baja California, 21705, Mexico
| | - Leonel Avendaño-Reyes
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, Mexicali, Baja California, 21705, Mexico
| | - Miguel Mellado-Bosque
- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Departamento de Nutrición Animal, Saltillo, Coahuila, 25315, Mexico
| | - César A Meza-Herrera
- Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Unidad Regional Universitaria de Zonas Áridas, Bermejillo, Durango, 35230, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Vicente-Pérez
- Universidad de Guadalajara-CUCSUR, Departamento de Producción Agrícola, Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, 48900, Mexico
| | - Vielka J Castañeda
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, Mexicali, Baja California, 21705, Mexico
| | - Raúl Díaz-Molina
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Facultad de Medicina, Mexicali, Baja California, 21100, Mexico
| | - Ulises Macías-Cruz
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, Mexicali, Baja California, 21705, Mexico.
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Rodrigues JND, Guimarães JD, Fonseca JF, Penitente-Filho JM, Rangel PSC, López CJR, Freitas RS, Castilho EFD, Rodrigues LFDS, Oliveira MEF, Garcia AR. Climatic seasons and time of the day influence thermoregulation and testicular hemodynamics in Santa Inês rams raised under humid tropical conditions. J Therm Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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Major differences between single or twin hair lambs in the immediate postpartum period: Metabolic and thermodynamic patterns detected by infrared thermography. J Therm Biol 2022; 107:103258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Bernardino T, Carvalho CPT, Batissaco L, Celeghini ECC, Zanella AJ. Poor welfare compromises testicle physiology in breeding boars. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268944. [PMID: 35617350 PMCID: PMC9135237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In commercial pig breeding farms, boars are often exposed to stressful situations, such as confined housing conditions, inadequate environmental temperature, food restriction, lameness, diseases, among other challenges. Confined housing conditions, such as crates, are reported as a major source of stress for pregnant sows, and were banned in the UK and in Europe, however there is limited information about the impact of this housing system for boars. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of three different housing conditions for boars and the consequence on the testicles. We studied 27 crossbred boars (F1 large white and landrace), housed in crates (n = 9), pens (n = 9), or enriched pens (n = 9), during 10 weeks. We collected data of scrotal superficies mean temperature (SSMT) with a thermal camera; we measured testicular parenchyma perfusion (ultrasound evaluation); and we measured sperm characteristics. We found that boars housed in crates had a higher SSMT (p < 0.05) and higher testicular parenchyma perfusion than boars housed in pens and enriched pens (p = 0.01). Regarding the semen features, we found that boars housed in crates showed more agglutinated semen, and higher values of linear curved linear velocity (VCL) than boars housed in pens and enriched pens, both indicators of reduced fertility. These results indicates that boars housed in pens and in enriched pens showed better indicators of testicular health, better sperm motility features (VCL, p = 0.046), and less agglutinated sperm (p < 0;05) than that observed in boars kept in crates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Bernardino
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Mestrado em Medicina Veterinária e Doutorado em Saúde Única, Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Carla Patricia Teodoro Carvalho
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology–Center of Biotechnology in Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Batissaco
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Pathology of Reproduction, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Eneiva Carla Carvalho Celeghini
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Pathology of Reproduction, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
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Vilela RA, Lourenço Junior JDB, Jacintho MAC, Barbosa AVC, Pantoja MHDA, Oliveira CMC, Garcia AR. Dynamics of Thermolysis and Skin Microstructure in Water Buffaloes Reared in Humid Tropical Climate-A Microscopic and Thermographic Study. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:871206. [PMID: 35692298 PMCID: PMC9175032 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.871206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The thermolytic capacity test is used to assess the adaptability of animals to existing environmental conditions. However, there is insufficient information on the relationship between histomorphometry and adaptability of buffaloes. Thus, this study aimed to assess the use of thermolysis pathways by buffaloes reared in a hot and humid environment so as to understand the relationships between environment, skin morphological characteristics, and heat storage, as well as the intensity and proportionality of use of its ways of dissipating heat to maintain homeothermy. The heat tolerance test, associated with the evaluations via infrared thermography, was applied to 10 female Murrah buffaloes and tegument histomorphometry was carried out. The animals exhibited very high heat tolerance with an average of 9.66 ± 0.21 and used thermal polypnea as the main heat dissipation pathway. Their mean skin thickness was 6.03 ± 1.16 mm and the active sweat and sebaceous gland tissue were 1.57 ± 0.38% and 1.08 ± 0.39%, respectively. The buffaloes exhibited a positive correlation between eyeball temperature and internal body temperature (r = 0.84523, p < 0.0001) and a negative correlation between respiratory rate and skin thickness (r = -0.73371, p = 0.0157). The high thermolytic capacity in shade conditions confirms the importance of access to shade in buffalo rearing systems in tropical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reíssa Alves Vilela
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | - Manuel Antonio Chagas Jacintho
- Laboratory of Skin and Leather Quality Assessment, Embrapa Southeast Livestock, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Southeast Livestock, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, São Carlos, Brazil
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Wallage AL, Lees AM, Lisle AT, Lees JC, Johnston SD, Gaughan JB. Thermoregulation of the bovine scrotum 2: simulated acute and chronic heat waves reduces the scrotal thermoregulatory capability of Wagyu bulls. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:251-262. [PMID: 33733303 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of acute and chronic heat load events on scrotal temperature (ST), body temperature (BT) and bull behaviour, and to examine the interrelationship between these parameters; the underlying hypothesis was that adverse heat treatments delivered in a temperature controlled environment will lead to thermoregulatory dysfunction of the bull scrotum. Six sexually mature Wagyu bulls were used in this study with data loggers surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity and scrotum. Body temperate and ST were recorded at 30-min intervals for the duration of the study. There were two housing locations used throughout the study, outdoor pens and climate control rooms. The study was designed as a four-phase crossover design with two heat treatments: (1) a 5-day acute challenge, and (2) a 14-day chronic challenge. The study was also blocked by phase to control for systematic change between phases with a thermoneutral (TN) phase in outdoor pens between each heat challenge. Observations within the climate rooms were conducted at 1-h intervals and data on panting scores (PS), respiration rate (RR), posture (standing or lying) and general behaviours (feeding, drinking, ruminating) recorded. Ambient temperature (AT, °C) and relative humidity (RH, %) were obtained at 10-min intervals and used to calculate the temperature humidity index (THI). Multiple models were conducted using a linear mixed effects model that contained different permutations of date and time factors and interactions as well as inclusion of an autoregressive parameter. The strongest model based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC) was selected and further analysed. Ambient conditions during heat treatments were consistent with heat load and bulls showed typical physiological symptoms of the same. Maximum ST for acute and chronic treatments occurred once AT had exceeded 34 °C for at least 3 h (acute 35.59 °C at 1500 h; chronic 35.18 °C at 1400 h), whereas during TN conditions, maximum ST was at 2100 h. All phases showed variation in ST throughout the day. There were strong cross correlations between ST and RR during the heat treatments (acute r = 0.918, P < 0.0001; chronic r = 0.916, P < 0.0001), but not during TN (r = 0.411, P < 0.05). Our results confirmed that the ST of the bulls used in this study was not held at a constant temperature and that there was a possible connection between ST and RR. We have shown that during a period of heat load, the thermoregulatory mechanisms thought responsible for maintaining bovine ST appear to breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wallage
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
| | - A M Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - A T Lisle
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - J C Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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Silvopastoral system is an alternative to improve animal welfare and productive performance in meat production systems. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14092. [PMID: 34238990 PMCID: PMC8266897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93609-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is a reality and global surface temperature is projected to rise substantially in the next 80 years. Agriculture practices will have to adapt to climate change, and also help to mitigate this effect using, among other strategies, forest conservation and management. Silvopastoral systems have been adopted in tropical climate livestock areas but their benefits on thermal comfort and reproductive performance of beef cows are not completely known. Therefore, our aims were to compare the microclimate of silvopastoral and intensive rotational unshaded grazing systems in different months and to evaluate physiological variables (Exp. 1 and 2), metabolism, and in vitro embryo production (Exp. 2) in crossbred beef females. Our hypothesis is that the silvopastoral system can improve the thermal comfort of beef heifers and cows and, consequently, also improve dry matter intake, body weight gain, and in vitro embryo production when compared to the unshaded rotational grazing system. In Exp 1, the silvopastoral system decreased body temperature and increased welfare and performance of heifers. In Exp. 2, the silvopastoral system enhanced the body weight but did not affect metabolism and the general reproductive performance, but increased the recovery rate of oocytes in primiparous cows.
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Gonçalves AA, Garcia AR, Rolim Filho ST, Silva JARD, Melo DND, Guimarães TC, Tavares HR, Silva TVG, Souza EBD, Santos SDSD, Ohashi OM. Scrotal thermoregulation and sequential sperm abnormalities in buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) under short-term heat stress. J Therm Biol 2021; 96:102842. [PMID: 33627280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress reduces the reproductive capacity of bulls raised in tropical climate. However, the reestablishment of scrotal thermoregulation and the dynamics of sperm defects emergence after stress are not completely known in buffaloes. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term heat stress over scrotal thermoregulation and sperm attributes, relating them to spermatogenesis stages. Five buffalo bulls went through scrotal insulation during 48 h (from day 0 to day 2). Semen samples were collected every 7 days (from day -7 to day 49) and analyzed about the progressive motility, viability, and sperm morphology. Heat stress significantly destabilized scrotal thermoregulation (P < 0.001). Scrotal temperature was from 4.2 to 6.3 °C lower than the core body temperature, except on insulation days (P < 0.001), and returned to the basal condition five days after the removal of the stressing stimulus. More significant deleterious effects were observed in sperm morphology than in cell concentration, motility, and viability. The chronology of morphologic defects expression demonstrated tail defects (days 7-14), cytoplasmic droplets (days 14-28), and head defects (day 28), returning to pre-insulation condition 35 days after the thermal challenge. Thus, hyperthermia harmed more intensely spermatozoa in epididymal transit, elongated spermatids, and secondary spermatocytes. It is concluded that water buffalo bulls present a peculiar manifestation of sperm morphology after short-term stress, indicating an important difference related to the bovine species. Therefore, during the andrological evaluation of buffalo bulls, it is necessary to avoid the allometric extrapolation between these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaldo Algaranhar Gonçalves
- Laboratory of in Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Southeast Livestock, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Dayana Neves de Melo
- Institute of Health and Animal Production, Federal Rural University of Amazonia, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Thiago Castro Guimarães
- Laboratory of in Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Héliton Ribeiro Tavares
- Laboratory of in Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Baia de Souza
- Laboratory of in Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Otávio Mitio Ohashi
- Laboratory of in Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Productive performance and reproductive characteristics of Morada Nova male lambs fed with high-energy diet. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 51:2481-2491. [PMID: 31197722 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-01969-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Morada Nova breed sheep are without wool, tropicalized, small-sized animals, known for their high-quality meat and skin. Their body development naturally depends on the genetic potential and adequate nutritional support, which suggests that the offer of high-energy density diets positively influences their productive indicators. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of a high-energy diet for the Morada Nova lambs on body development and testicular function, considering their histomorphometric characteristics and seminal quality. Forty-two males (19.2 weeks, 20.7 ± 3.5 kg) were equally divided into two groups and fed with 2.05 Mcal (G7, n = 21) or 2.37 Mcal (G24, n = 21) of metabolizable energy/day, equivalent to 7% and 24% above the minimum for growing lambs. The animals were confined for 23 weeks (W0 to W23). Weight and body score differed significantly from the W1 (P < 0.05). From the W5, thoracic perimeter, body length, wither height, and rump attributes were higher in G24 (P < 0.05). The scrotal circumference and testicular volume were higher in G24 from the W3 (P < 0.05). Although testosterone levels were not affected (P = 0.05), the highest energy intake increased the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the development of the epididymal epithelium (P < 0.05). This positively influenced the seminal quality and reduced the minor defects (21.87% vs. 17.13%) and the total spermatic defects (26.34% vs. 21.78%, P < 0.05). Thus, it is possible to employ higher levels of dietary energy for Morada Nova young males to express higher productive efficiency and earlier reproductive attributes of interest.
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Moura ABB, Brandão FZ, Esteves SN, Nunes de Souza G, Fonseca JFD, Pantoja MHA, Romanello N, Botta D, Giro A, Garcia AR. Differences in the thermal sensitivity and seminal quality of distinct ovine genotypes raised in tropical conditions. Theriogenology 2019; 123:123-131. [PMID: 30292856 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
For different ovine breeds to maximize their reproductive capacity in countries with tropical climate, it is important to evaluate their potential for thermal resilience and consequences on their reproductive traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal environment temperatures of climate seasons in a tropical climate region on the surface temperatures of the scrotum, testicular biometric characteristics, seminal quality and serum testosterone concentration of rams of different genotypes. Breeders of four different genotypes (Dorper, n = 8, Texel, n = 8, Santa Inês, n = 9 and Morada Nova, n = 8) were used throughout the four climate seasons. Higher thermal challenge was recorded in the spring and summer. In the summer increase in scrotal surface temperature was detected by infrared thermography (P < 0.05), mainly in the regions of the distal testicular pole and tail of the epididymis. The animals of the Texel genotype had higher rectal temperature in the summer. In spring, this genotype also had the highest testicular pole (32.2 ± 0.5 °C; P < 0.05) and distal (29.9 ± 0.4 °C; P < 0.05) temperatures and a higher mean testicular temperature (31.7 ± 0.4 °C; P < 0.05). The Morada Nova genotype showed a higher surface temperature gradient between testicular poles (2.96 ± 0.1 °C; P < 0.05), especially in spring. Genotype-dependent thermal sensitivity was detected for the thermal gradient between the testicular poles, reflecting the seminal quality. There was a positive correlation of the thermal gradient between testicular poles with sperm membrane integrity and negative correlation with total sperm defects. The Texel genotype showed less progressive motility and higher percentage of sperm defects. There was no difference in testosterone concentration between genotypes and in the different seasons (P > 0.05). Thus, the indigenous genotypes showed a greater capability to maintain the scrotum-testicular thermoregulation. Dorper animals resembled the indigenous sheep genotypes, in terms of seminal characteristics, unlike Texel animals, which showed lower adaptability and lower seminal quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sérgio Novita Esteves
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Southeast Livestock (CPPSE/Embrapa), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Narian Romanello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Botta
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, PA, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Giro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, PA, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Southeast Livestock (CPPSE/Embrapa), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Romanello N, de Brito Lourenço Junior J, Barioni Junior W, Brandão FZ, Marcondes CR, Pezzopane JRM, de Andrade Pantoja MH, Botta D, Giro A, Moura ABB, do Nascimento Barreto A, Garcia AR. Thermoregulatory responses and reproductive traits in composite beef bulls raised in a tropical climate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:1575-1586. [PMID: 29732473 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-018-1557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It is believed that increased livestock production is limited by tropical climate. Thermal imbalance in bulls can lead to hyperthermia and alter testicular metabolism, causing subfertility or infertility. Therefore, the thermoregulation of composite Canchim bulls (5/8 Charolais × 3/8 Zebu) raised in tropical climate as well as their consequences in the physiological, hematological, hormonal, and andrological parameters were evaluated monthly. The bulls (n = 18; 30.0 ± 1.5 months; 503.8 ± 23.0 kg) were kept on pasture, in a single group, from August 2015 to March 2016, comprising the winter, spring, and summer seasons. Biometeorological variables were continuously monitored, and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) was calculated. A greater thermal challenge occurred in spring and summer (THI ≥ 72.0). Nevertheless, the bulls exhibited normothermia (38.6 to 38.9 °C) in these seasons. The cortisol did not vary between seasons (7.0 vs. 8.7 vs. 6.8 ng/mL; P > 0.05) and remained within the physiological patterns. Independent of the seasons, stress leukogram was also not observed, refuting the incidence of acute or chronic thermal stress. It is noteworthy that T3 and testosterone increased (P < 0.0001, P < 0.05) in spring and summer, the time that coincides with the breeding season, when there is increased metabolic requirement from the bulls. The progressive thermal challenge increase did not affect the scrotal thermoregulatory capacity, and in general, scrotal temperature remained at 5.2 °C below the internal body temperature. In summer, there was a 5% reduction in the minor sperm defects (P < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation in 2.4% of spermatozoa, a compatible value for high fertility bulls. The results show that the studied composite bulls can be considered as climatically adapted and constitute a viable alternative to be used in production systems in a tropical climate, even if the breeding seasons occur during the most critical thermal condition periods of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narian Romanello
- Federal University of Pará, Av. dos Universitários, s/n, Castanhal, 68746-360, Brazil
| | | | - Waldomiro Barioni Junior
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Livestock Southeast, Rod. Washington Luiz, km 234, São Carlos, 13560-970, Brazil
| | | | - Cintia Righetti Marcondes
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Livestock Southeast, Rod. Washington Luiz, km 234, São Carlos, 13560-970, Brazil
| | - José Ricardo Macedo Pezzopane
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Livestock Southeast, Rod. Washington Luiz, km 234, São Carlos, 13560-970, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Botta
- Federal University of Pará, Av. dos Universitários, s/n, Castanhal, 68746-360, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Giro
- Federal University of Pará, Av. dos Universitários, s/n, Castanhal, 68746-360, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Livestock Southeast, Rod. Washington Luiz, km 234, São Carlos, 13560-970, Brazil.
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14
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Thermoregulation of male sheep of indigenous or exotic breeds in a tropical environment. J Therm Biol 2017; 69:302-310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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