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Bülbül B, Dayanıklı C, Şengül E, Turan A, Aksoy M, Nur Z. Failure of isoxsuprine HCl to increase sheep fertility after cervical versus laparoscopic AI using chilled semen at different durations. Anim Sci J 2024; 95:e13973. [PMID: 39087276 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
To improve the fertility of cervical artificial insemination (AI) in sheep, we investigated isoxsuprine HCl usage on the cervical passage during cervical AI. We also compared cervical and laparoscopic AI fertility results of using chilled semen at different durations. Semen was collected from rams and diluted as 20 × 106 or 400 × 106 spermatozoa/straw for laparoscopic and cervical AI, respectively, and chilled to 4°C within 2 h. Sheep were inseminated with chilled semen for 8 or 24 h via the laparoscopic or cervical AI method. Moreover, some of the cervical inseminated sheep were injected intramuscularly with 0.5 mg/kg of isoxsuprine HCl 15 min before AI. As a result, the use of isoxsuprine HCl did not affect cervical transit and fertility. In addition, fertility was affected by the storage duration of the semen; laparoscopic AI was more successful than cervical AI in terms of fertility; if cervical AI is performed, the duration between semen collection and AI should be less than 8 h after chilling the semen at 4°C, and if laparoscopic AI is performed, the time between semen collection and insemination can be up to 24 h after chilling the semen at 4°C. Longer storage periods should be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bülent Bülbül
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Dayanıklı
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Ebru Şengül
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Aydın Turan
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Aksoy
- Department of Breeding Techniques, Sheep Breeding Research Institute, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Zekariya Nur
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
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Towards Improving the Outcomes of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer in Sheep, with Particular Focus on Donor Superovulation. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030117. [PMID: 35324845 PMCID: PMC8953989 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Considerable improvements in sheep multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET)protocols have been made; however, unlike for cattle, MOET is poorly developed in sheep, and thus has not been broadly applicable as a routine procedure. The tightly folded nature of the ewe cervix, the inconsistent ovarian response to various superovulatory treatments, and the requirement of labor to handle animals, particularly during large-scale production, has limited the implementation of successful MOET in sheep. Moreover, several extrinsic factors (e.g., sources, the purity of gonadotrophins and their administration) and intrinsic factors (e.g., breed, age, nutrition, reproductive status) severely limit the practicability of MOET in sheep and other domestic animals. In this review, we summarize the effects of different superovulatory protocols, and their respective ovarian responses, in terms of ovulation rate, and embryo recovery and transfer. Furthermore, various strategies, such as inhibin immunization, conventional superovulation protocols, and melatonin implants for improving the ovarian response, are discussed in detail. Other reproductive techniques and their relative advantages and disadvantages, such as artificial insemination (AI), and donor embryo recovery and transfer to the recipient through different procedures, which must be taken into consideration for achieving satisfactory results during any MOET program in sheep, are also summarized in this article.
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The Design of a New Catheter for Transcervical Artificial Insemination in Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123348. [PMID: 34944124 PMCID: PMC8698084 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In ovine species, transcervical artificial insemination (TCAI) is limited by the poor quality of frozen-thawed semen and by the convoluted cervical lumen hampering the passage of inseminating devices. The aim of the study was to test the efficiency of three newly designed catheters with bent tips of 3.5 mm, 5.0 mm or 8.0 mm in terms of reproductive performances (experiment 1) and to compare the results of TCAI with the best performing catheter of experiment 1 to those obtained in ewes submitted to surgical incision of cervical folds (SICF) prior to insemination (experiment 2). The following parameters were assessed: time to pass the cervix; depth of cervical penetration; site of deposition of semen; pregnancy (PR); and lambing rates (LR). The results of experiment 1 indicated that the 5.0 mm tip catheter resulted in deeper and faster TCAI and higher PR and LR compared to 3.5 mm and 8.0 mm tip catheters (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, TCAI with the 5.0 mm catheter did not differ from TCAI after SICF in terms of depth of semen deposition, time to pass the cervix, PR and LR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of a catheter that allowed transcervical uterine deposition of semen without excessive manipulation led to satisfactory pregnancy rates.
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Leethongdee S, Thuangsanthia A, Khalid M. Topical application of cervix with hyaluronan improves fertility in goats inseminated with frozen-thawed semen. Anim Biosci 2020; 34:985-992. [PMID: 32898956 PMCID: PMC8100488 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.20.0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Artificial insemination plays an important role in genetic improvement in the goat farming system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cervical application of hyaluronan (HA) on the fertility in goats after cervical artificial insemination using frozen-thawed (F-T) semen. Methods After oestrous synchronisation with progesterone sponges and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin injection, both nulli- and multi-parous goats, were randomly allocated to 2 groups, and were inseminated with 0.25 mL of F-T semen (150×106 spermatozoa) twice at 52 h and 56 h after sponge removal. Prior to the insemination, goats in Group 1 only were given topical cervical HA application at 48 h after sponge removal. Site of insemination was recorded as os-cervix or intra-cervix or intra-uterus. Pregnancy was tested ultrasonographically 42 days after insemination. The data on pregnancy rates and percentage of animals according to the site of semen deposition were compared by Chi-square analysis. Results The overall pregnancy rate was significantly (p<0.004) higher in goats with prior application to the cervix with HA (63.3%) than without (36.0%). Same pattern was observed in the pregnancy rates of nulli- and multi-parous goats in both the groups. Percentage of nulliparous goats according to the site of insemination in the HA group did not differ between first and the second insemination. However, in multiparous goats the percentage of animals inseminated intra-cervically was significantly increased (p≤0.05) between the first and the second inseminations. Conclusion The results suggest that significantly higher fertility rate in the “HA goats” compared to the “without HA” group was because of deeper insemination facilitated by topical cervical application of HA. The deeper insemination into the cervical canal increase the rate of fertilisation when the cervical artificial insemination is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Leethongdee
- The Reproduction in Domestic Animal Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Anone Thuangsanthia
- Embryo Transfer Technology Development and Reproductive Cell Research Center, Department of Livestock Development, Nakorn Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
| | - Muhammad Khalid
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
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Macías A, Martín E, Laviña A, Ferrer LM, Lidón I, Rebollar R, Tejedor MT. Cervical artificial insemination in sheep: sperm volume and concentration using an antiretrograde flow device. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106551. [PMID: 32861113 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There has been development of an antiretrograde flow device (DARIO), for sheep cervical artificial insemination (CAI). There, however, needs to be optimization of sperm volume and concentration of insemination doses when the DARIO is used for CAI. Objectives were to compare fertility rates (proportion of ewes lambing as a result of CAI) when there was use of the DARIO for CAI: two sperm volumes containing equal numbers of spermatozoa: 0.25 mL of 1,600 × 106 spermatozoa/mL and 0.50 mL of 800 × 106 spermatozoa/mL (Test 1 group), and two sperm volumes with a different number of spermatozoa/AI dose: 0.25 mL and 0.50 mL of 1,600 × 106 spermatozoa/mL (Test 2 group). There were 335 ewes from seven farms assigned to 60 batches (equally divided into a Control and Test 1 group). For the Test 2 group, 462 ewes from nine farms were assigned to 88 batches (equally proportioned into Control group and Test 2 groups). For the Test 1 group, proportion of ewes lambing as a result of CAI were 0.701 ± 0.2679 and 0.595 ± 0.2393 for the Control and Test 1 groups, respectively (P = 0.163). For the Test 2 group, proportions of ewes lambing were 0.550 ± 0.2598 and 0.658 ± 0.2412 for the Control and Test 2 group, respectively (P = 0.041). An inclusion of a larger number of spermatozoa per insemination in a 0.50 mL dose volume resulted improved proportion of ewes lambing as a result of CAI when there was used of the DARIO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Macías
- National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Breeders (ANGRA), Zuera, 50800, Spain
| | - Elena Martín
- National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Breeders (ANGRA), Zuera, 50800, Spain
| | - Adolfo Laviña
- National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Breeders (ANGRA), Zuera, 50800, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ferrer
- Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Iván Lidón
- Department of Engineering Design and Manufacturing, EINA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Rubén Rebollar
- Department of Engineering Design and Manufacturing, EINA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, CIBERCV, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.
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Alvarez M, Anel-Lopez L, Boixo JC, Chamorro C, Neila-Montero M, Montes-Garrido R, de Paz P, Anel L. Current challenges in sheep artificial insemination: A particular insight. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 4:32-40. [PMID: 31625241 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Ovine artificial insemination (OAI) is not commonly performed because of specific problems related to semen application techniques, leading to highly variable results. The ideal methodology (frozen-thawed semen/vaginal route) is unfeasible under field conditions due to the cervix morphology of the ewe, which prevents the process of intrauterine insemination necessary to obtain acceptable results. Currently, OAI commercial programmes use superficial cervical insemination, CAI (vaginal), with chilled semen (15°C) and intrauterine insemination, LAI (laparoscopic), with frozen-thawed semen. The ability to improve upon these contrasting techniques may be derived from examining certain poorly studied factors such as insemination time, productive state of females and alternatives of seminal preservation, some of which we reviewed in this work. This interim solution will remain in use until AI by the vaginal route with frozen-thawed semen is developed, but it poses new challenges in optimizing the freezing of the sperm and adapting the cervical (CAI) and/or transcervical intrauterine AI (TCAI). In this review, we address the current problems and evaluate their methodological (mechanical) and chemical (dilation) alternatives. Currently, TCAI is a methodologically complex technique with poor fertility results, so further studies are needed to improve the logistics of this procedure and the results of its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Alvarez
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | | | - Cesar Chamorro
- Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
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ALVARES CTG, CRUZ JF, ROMANO CC, BRANDÃO FZ. Reproductive performance and luteal function of Santa Ines ewes inseminated by cervical retraction with fresh or frozen semen. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE E PRODUÇÃO ANIMAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-99402121032020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY The artificial insemination (AI) by cervical retraction using fresh or commercially available frozen semen was evaluated. Santa Inês ewes (n=151) were assigned in five groups. Natural mating (NM) composed the control group. Four groups were submitted to hormonal treatment and timed insemination by cervical retraction (CRI) or laparoscopy (LAI), using fresh or frozen semen. To perform CRI, the ewes were kept in standing position. The time required to penetrate the cervical canal and to perform CRI were recorded; local deposition of semen and the reaction intensity of the ewe (weak, moderate or strong) were measured. Blood samples were collected to perform the progesterone dosage at days 0, 3, 5, 12 and 17 (day 0 = AI/NM). Non-return to estrus rate (NRE), pregnancy (at D35) and fertility (birth / mated ewes) were evaluated. Mean time for cervical penetration and CRI were 52.8 ± 21.2s and 3:26min ± 47s, respectively. Reaction intensity to CRI was weak or moderate in 92.3% of the ewes. Serum levels of progesterone after CRI, LAI or NM were similar. NRE of the inseminated ewes were similar, except for CRI with frozen semen, which was lower (P<0.05). Fertility rates were similar between CRI and LAI (35.4% and 42.2%, respectively). Artificial insemination by cervical retraction with ewes in a standing position is practical, and does not change the progesterone profile, providing reproductive rates similar to laparoscopy. However, the use of this technique along with commercial frozen semen presents low fertility rate.
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Gavin-Plagne L, Commin L, Bruyère P, Buff S, Joly T. Comparison Between an Animal-Derived Product Medium and a Chemically Defined Medium for Ram Sperm Cryopreservation. Biopreserv Biobank 2018; 17:11-17. [PMID: 30325650 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2018.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-derived products are widely used in sperm cryopreservation for their cryoprotective properties. These components, however, tend to be replaced because of sanitary risks. STEMALPHA.CRYO3 (Ref. 5617; Stem Alpha, Saint-Genis-l'Argentière, France), called "CRYO3," is a chemically defined preservation medium currently used for freezing human tissue and adult stem cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a CRYO3-based medium on ram sperm freezing regarding in vitro parameters and in vivo fertility. Semen from nine Charolais rams was collected using an artificial vagina, then split and frozen using two media: a CRYO3-based medium or a control medium containing egg yolk (10%) and milk (45%). Sperm membrane integrity (propidium iodide [PI]/SYBR-14 and calcein AM/ethidium homodimer-1), acrosome integrity (FITC-PNA/PI), and mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1) were assessed using flow cytometry, while functional membrane integrity was assessed using a hypo-osmotic swelling test and motility parameters, evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Pregnancy rates, prolificacy, and the average daily weight gain (DWG) of lambs were evaluated after performing 195 laparoscopic inseminations. The control medium showed significantly higher results than CRYO-based medium for all in vitro parameters, except for linearity and straightness (motions parameters). Conversely, field trials showed no significant difference between the control medium and the CRYO3-based medium for pregnancy rates (72.2% and 67.9%, respectively), prolificacy (1.8 and 1.6, respectively), and the DWG (0.34 and 0.35 kg/d, respectively). This preliminary study showed that CRYO3 cannot replace egg yolk and milk in freezing extenders for commercial purposes. However, as laparoscopic inseminations allowed a 67% pregnancy rate, CRYO3-based medium remains an option for international transport or long-term storage of genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Gavin-Plagne
- 1 UPSP ICE 2016.A104, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Loris Commin
- 1 UPSP ICE 2016.A104, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Pierre Bruyère
- 1 UPSP ICE 2016.A104, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Samuel Buff
- 1 UPSP ICE 2016.A104, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Thierry Joly
- 2 UPSP ICE 2016.A104, ISARA-Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Effect of time and depth of insemination on fertility of Bharat Merino sheep inseminated trans-cervical with frozen-thawed semen. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2014; 56:8. [PMID: 26290697 PMCID: PMC4540290 DOI: 10.1186/2055-0391-56-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Artificial insemination (AI) can serve as a powerful tool to the sheep owners for making rapid genetic progress of their flock. The AI in sheep is mostly performed using fresh semen with two reasons i) lambing rate following trans-cervical AI with frozen semen is limited by the inability of frozen-thawed sperm to transit the cervix and ii) the need of circumventing the cervical barrier through laparoscope aided intrauterine AI. Therefore, AI with frozen-thawed semen is not as widespread in sheep as it is in other domestic species. However, to get maximum benefits through the use of AI, frozen-thawed semen is a prerequisite because instead of high fertility, the short shelf life of fresh semen coupled with a limitation on the number of insemination doses achievable per unit time restricts the widespread use of individual sires. Therefore, in order to enhance lambing rate, a total of 240 trans-cervical artificial inseminations with frozen-thawed semen were performed in Bharat Merino ewes during autumn season either once in the evening (G-I, 10 h after onset of estrus, n = 100) or twice (G-II, 14 h and 22 h after onset of estrus, n = 140) i.e. once in the morning and again in the evening. Results The pregnancy rate (proportion of pregnant ewes confirmed by ultrasonography at day 40) and lambing rate (proportion of ewes lambed) were higher in G-II as compared to G-I (26.4 vs 20% and 19.3 vs 10%, respectively). The difference in lambing rates was statistically (P < 0.05) significant. The depth of insemination within cervico-uterine tract had no significant effect on pregnancy and lambing rates. Conclusions The results indicate that lambing rate in sheep following TCAI with frozen-thawed semen was significantly influenced by time of inseminations. Two inseminations after 14 and 22 h of onset of estrus enhanced the lambing rates of Bharat Merino sheep as compare to single insemination after 10 h of onset of estrus. The TCAI technique with frozen-thawed ram semen is promising and may serve as a valuable tool for genetic improvement of sheep breeds. Research efforts are going on worldwide to overcome the poor fertility following TCAI with frozen-thawed semen.
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