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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] [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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Hurley LL, Ton R, Rowe M, Buchanan KL, Griffith SC, Crino OL. Longitudinal covariation of testosterone and sperm quality across reproductive stages in the zebra finch. Horm Behav 2023; 153:105388. [PMID: 37276837 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Birds that breed opportunistically maintain partial activation of reproductive systems to rapidly exploit environmental conditions when they become suitable for breeding. Maintaining reproductive systems outside of a breeding context is costly. For males, these costs are thought to include continual exposure to testosterone. Males of seasonally breeding birds minimise these costs by downregulating testosterone production outside of a breeding context. Opportunistically breeding birds trade off the need to rapidly initiate reproduction with the costs of elevated testosterone production. One way opportunistically breeding males could minimise these costs is through fine scale changes in testosterone production across discrete reproductive stages which have a greater or lesser requirement for active sperm production. Although spermatogenesis broadly depends on testosterone production, whether changes in testosterone levels across the reproductive stages affect sperm quality and production is unknown. Here, we measured testosterone, sperm quality, and body condition in male zebra finches at discrete stages within reproductive bouts (egg laying, incubation, nestling provisioning, and fledging) and across two consecutive reproductive events in captive male zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis). We also examined associations between male testosterone, sperm quality/production, body condition, and nestling body condition. We found that testosterone levels varied across discrete reproductive stages with the lowest levels during incubation and the highest following chick fledging. Testosterone levels were positively associated with sperm velocity and the proportion of motile sperm but were not associated with male body condition. We found no associations between paternal body condition, testosterone levels, or sperm traits with nestling body condition (a proxy for the reproductive quality of a male and his partner). This study is the first to show that opportunistically breeding males vary testosterone synthesis and sperm traits at discrete stages within a reproductive event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Hurley
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Riccardo Ton
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Melissah Rowe
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6700 AB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Katherine L Buchanan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Simon C Griffith
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ondi L Crino
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia; Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
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Gumułka M, Hrabia A, Rozenboim I. Alterations in gonadotropin, prolactin, androgen and estrogen receptor and steroidogenesis-associated gene expression in gander testes in relation to the annual period. Theriogenology 2023; 205:94-105. [PMID: 37105092 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Physiological mechanisms of seasonal changes in testicular function in birds are not fully elucidated. The balance between androgens and estrogens and testis sensitivity for gonadotropin and gonadal steroids are still unclear. The aim of the study was to examine: (1) the changes in circulating and intra-testicular steroid hormone levels and their relationship; (2) the mRNA expression of testicular gonadotropin, prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), androgen, and estrogen receptors, and (3) key steroidogenesis processes-related genes with immunofluorescent localization of aromatase in gander testes during the annual period. Testes from ganders (n = 25) in the first reproduction season were obtained at five breeding stages, i.e., prebreeding (PrB), peak of reproduction (PR), postbreeding (PoB), nonbreeding (NB), and onset of reproduction (OR). Males were kept under breeding conditions. It was found that plasma P4 levels decreased at the PoB and NB stages, whereas intra-testicular P4 was the highest in the NB stage. Intra-testicular estradiol (E2) levels were higher at the PoB and NB stages than the other stages, whereas testosterone (T) levels showed a nearly opposite pattern. The plasma estradiol-to-testosterone ratios were higher at the PrB, PoB and NB stages compared to other stages. The transcript abundances for luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), PRL receptor (PRLR), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) also change in testicular tissue during the annual period. Moreover, StAR mRNA expression was upregulated at the PoB and NB stages, and CYP11A1 transcript level was the highest at the PoB stage. Stage-dependent changes in the CYP19A1 mRNA and aromatase protein levels with higher abundances of transcript at PoB and NB stages and protein at the NB stage were observed. Localization and immunofluorescent signal intensity for aromatase also differed in relation to the examined stages. It may be suggested that differential E2 levels, as well as aromatase expression and localization across annual stages are responsible for the seasonal activation/inactivation stages of testis spermatogenesis in domestic ganders. These data strongly suggest a role of aromatase in the control of gander steroidogenesis as changes in this enzyme level are associated with alternation in gonadal steroid hormones. In addition, joint action with others hormones, like PRL and LH, seems to be important in the final effect of seasonal reproduction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Gumułka
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Anna Hrabia
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Israel Rozenboim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Sperm mobility is predictive of the relative genetic contribution among competing mating geese, as determined by microsatellite genotype identification of potential sires. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102626. [PMID: 37004290 PMCID: PMC10090699 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The low reproductive efficiency (RE) of geese limits their production in the poultry industry. To select ganders with high breeding potential, the effect of 3 sperm mobility ranks (SMRs; high-, medium-, and low-SMR) on the RE of naturally mating geese was determined. To exclude the confounding effect of social rank (SR) on RE in naturally mating flocks, a 2-factor nested experimental design was used to differentiate the effects of SMR and SR on RE. Twenty-seven ganders and 135 geese (Zi geese, Anser cygnoides L.) at approximately 1 yr of age were divided into 3 flocks, each of which included the 3 SMR groups. Each SMR group included 3 ganders and 15 female geese. Relative genetic contribution (RGC) is defined as the number of offspring sired by 1 male as a percentage of the entire goslings in each flock, and it was used to compare the differences in RE among ganders. The frequency of agonistic behavioral interactions (ABIs) among the ganders was video recorded in each SMR group, and the SR of each gander was determined. In total, 1,026 eggs were incubated, and 609 goslings hatched. Parent-offspring relationships among 771 individuals from the 2 generations were identified using 20 microsatellite markers, and the RGC was calculated. Results showed that the SMR and SR had significant effects on RGC in naturally mating geese (P = 0.001 and P = 0.000, respectively). Significant differences in RGC were observed among the high- and medium- and low-SMR groups, with average RGCs of 14.3, 10.6, and 8.4%, respectively. The high-SMR group had the highest RGCs in each flock, and the ganders with high SR had the highest RGCs among the 3 SMRs. The study showed that in a naturally mating geese population, selecting for the sperm mobility traits of a gander can effectively improve the RE.
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Łukaszewicz E, Jerysz A, Kowalczyk A. Semen characteristics of ganders kept as genetic resources conservation program. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:815-828. [PMID: 35411590 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The creation of genetic reserves of domesticated animal species and breeds almost become a necessity in the recent years, but there is a question what is the value of semen of males kept ex situ in vivo as gene conservation flocks. Presented studies assessed the response to semen collection by dorso-abdominal massage and the quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics of six goose breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa, Kuban, Landes, Roman and Slovakia) covered by the genetic resources' protection program. Fourteen semen collection attempts were performed per male. In each breed there were ganders with low and high sensitivity to massage. The most positive reactions were stated in Pomorska ganders (67.9%), and the least in Kuban breed (52.60%). Individual male evaluation showed that only in three breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa and Kuban) there were individuals showing 100% susceptibility to semen collection, in some breeds only 1-4 positive reactions (ending with ejaculation) were noted. Results obtained indicated breed and male effect on analyzed semen traits, with the exception of sperm motility. The highest number of live normal sperm (44.2% on average), sperm concentration (530 x106 mL-1 ), the highest Semen Quality Factor (92.9) and sperm motility (50.30%) were found in semen of Kuban ganders, while the lowest values of these traits (28.7%; 230 x106 mL-1 ; 11.4, respectively) in Slovakia ganders. The lowest sperm motility (38.3%) was observed in ganders of Roman breed, but comparing to the other breeds existing differences were not significant. Significant differences in sperm morphology between individual ganders were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Łukaszewicz
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38c, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Jerysz
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38c, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Artur Kowalczyk
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38c, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland
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Gumułka M, Hrabia A, Rozenboim I. Annual changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis and expression of connexin 43 in the testes of domestic seasonal breeding ganders. Theriogenology 2022; 186:27-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Akhtar MF, Shafiq M, Ali I. Improving Gander Reproductive Efficacy in the Context of Globally Sustainable Goose Production. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:44. [PMID: 35011150 PMCID: PMC8749758 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The goose is a popular poultry species, and in the past two decades the goose industry has become highly profitable across the globe. Ganders low reproductive performance remains a barrier to achieving high fertility and hatchability in subsequent flocks. To address the global demand for cheaper animal protein, various methodologies for improving avian (re)production should be explored. A large amount of literature is available on reproduction traits and techniques for commercial chicken breeder flocks, while research on improved reproduction in ganders has been carried out to a lesser extent. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive literature overview focusing on recent advancements/techniques used in improving gander reproductive efficacy in the context of ensuring a globally sustainable goose industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faheem Akhtar
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, College of Agronomy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515063, China;
| | - Ilyas Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
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Beltran-Frutos E, Casarini L, Santi D, Brigante G. Seasonal reproduction and gonadal function: A focus on humans starting from animal studies. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:47-57. [PMID: 34718419 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoperiod impacts reproduction in many species of mammals. Mating occurs at specific seasons to achieve reproductive advantages, such as optimization of offspring survival. Light is the main regulator of these changes during the photoperiod. Seasonally breeding mammals detect and transduce light signals through extraocular photoreceptor, regulating downstream melatonin-dependent peripheral circadian events. In rodents, hormonal reduction and gonadal atrophy occur quickly, and consensually with short-day periods. It remains unclear whether photoperiod influences human reproduction. Seasonal fluctuations of sex hormones have been described in humans, although they seem to not imply adaptative seasonal pattern in human gonads. This review discusses current knowledge about seasonal changes in the gonadal function of vertebrates, including humans. The photoperiod-dependent regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, as well as morphological and functional changes of the gonads are evaluated herein. Endocrine and morphological variations of reproductive functions, in response to photoperiod, are of interest as they may reflect the nature of past population selection for adaptative mechanisms that occurred during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Beltran-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB-Arrixaca. School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia. Spain
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
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The association of social rank with paternity efficiency in competitive mating flocks of Zi goose ganders (Anser cygnoides L.). Poult Sci 2021; 100:101415. [PMID: 34534850 PMCID: PMC8450244 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101415] [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: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social rank (SR) on paternity efficiency (PE) in competitive mating flocks of geese. Thirty ganders and 150 geese (Zi geese, Anser cygnoides L.) aged approximately one, were divided into 3 groups. Flock 1 included 10 ganders and 50 female geese, flock 2 included 11 ganders and 55 female geese, and flock 3 included 9 ganders and 45 female geese. The frequency of the agonistic behavioral interactions (ABI) of the ganders and mating activity (MA) were video recorded in each flock. The SR of each gander was determined by the frequency of ABI with a score of 1 to 3 (1 being the dominant and 3 the most subordinate). To clarify the difference between being dominant and submissive, we collapsed rank 2 and rank 3 into a “subordinate” category. In total, 280 eggs were collected, and 219 goslings were hatched. Parent–offspring relationships among 399 individuals from the 2 generations were identified via 20 microsatellite markers, and the PE of each gander was calculated. There was no significant difference in individual body weight and semen quality factor among the different SR groups (dominant and subordinate), and the SR of the ganders was significantly correlated to PE for the 3 flocks. Goslings of high-ranking ganders contributed 48.68% in flock 1, 37.50% in flock 2, and 47.62% in flock 3. Approximately 45% of all goslings were sired by the 7 dominant ganders of the 30 total ganders across the 3 flocks. As SR has been shown to be heritable in geese, the selection of high-ranking ganders might be an effective way to improve reproductive efficiency in commercial geese flocks.
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Determination of Annual Plasma Hormone Levels Associated with Reproduction in Long-Day Breeding Domestic Geese. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082363. [PMID: 34438820 PMCID: PMC8388741 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082363] [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: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In domestic birds, breeding practices and optimisation of the microenviroment and nutrition ensure egg production throughout the entire year. However, domestic geese experience an annual cycle of reproductive quiescence and recrudescence. Thus, patterns of reproductive hormones related to the initiation and termination of the breeding–laying period between the sexes seems to be especially important. This paper presents annual patterns of prolactin (PRL), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone (T), progesterone (P4), and estradiol (E2) in ganders and female geese. Long-day breeding Zatorska geese kept in controlled commercial conditions experienced periods with elevated plasma PRL levels in both sexes post-breeding and during the second half of the breeding–laying period. Increased plasma PRL levels by the end of the breeding–laying period were detected earlier in ganders than in female geese. Annual patterns of thyroid hormones (THs) were partially in agreement with existing theories on the specific role of THs in termination of breeding, which is permissive rather than causal. It may be suggested that ganders terminate their breeding–laying period one month earlier than female geese. These results may be useful in the manipulation of the endocrine axis to extend the duration of seasonal hatching egg production. Abstract This paper examines the dynamics of circulating hormone changes connected with reproduction in geese during the annual period related to gonad morphometry. One hundred geese were examined. The levels of prolactin (PRL), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone (T), progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were estimated. In both sexes, PRL level patterns fit a quadratic trend with elevations in the post-breeding and the second half of the breeding–laying periods. During these periods, differences in the PRL level between sexes were noted. In ganders, increased PRL levels during the laying period occurred earlier compared to in female geese. Cubic trends for T and E2 in ganders and quadratic for T, P4, and E2 in female geese were observed. PRL was negatively correlated with T in both sexes and with P4 and E2 in female geese. A higher level of T3 and variation in T4 in ganders with a quartic trend in ganders vs. a quadratic in female geese were noted. Patterns of PRL, T, and E2 suggested that the breeding–laying period in ganders may be shorter than in female geese. These findings will be used to explore experimental manipulations of the endocrine axis to increase synchronisation of both sexes.
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Łukaszewicz E, Kowalczyk A, Jerysz A. Characteristics of semen collected from gander included in the genetic resources conservation program. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101314. [PMID: 34352409 PMCID: PMC8350414 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservative breeding ex situ in vivo is one of the most popular methods of creating genetic reserves. Unfortunately, keeping animals in small closed populations leads to inbreeding which reduces their reproductive capacity. The aim of the study was to characterize the sperm quality of 6 genetic groups of geese (northern and southern breeds) kept in Poland for many generations as genetic reserve flocks. Each breed was represented by 10 randomly selected 1-yr-old ganders, semen was collected 14 times, individually from each male, and the number of positive reactions (ended with ejaculation), semen volume, sperm concentration, and morphology were assessed. The obtained results showed a significant difference between breeds and individuals of the same group, both in males’ reaction and semen quantitative and qualitative traits. From the northern breeds 193 ejaculates were obtained in total (i.e., 45.9% of all attempts), from the southern breeds 242 ejaculates (57.6%). The volume of single ejaculate varied from 0.01 mL (one drop allowing only histological smear and sperm morphology evaluation) to 0.65 mL; sperm concentration varied from 23.0 × 106mL−1 to 2376.0 × 106mL−1; the amount of total live sperm was at a similar level in all breeds (89.6%–97.7%), while live normal cells ranged between 15.2% and 67.9% depending on breed and individuals. When keeping the genetic reserves ex situ in vivo, attention should be paid to the quality of semen and males that are poor in this respect should be eliminated, in order not to lead to an excessive weakening of the reproductive capacity of the flocks covered by the genetic resources protection program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Łukaszewicz
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38c, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Artur Kowalczyk
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38c, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Jerysz
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38c, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
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Boz MA, Baş H, Sarica M, Erensoy K. The effects of natural mating and artificial insemination on reproductive traits of 1-and 2-year-old domestic Turkish geese. Vet Res Commun 2021; 45:211-221. [PMID: 34089129 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-021-09802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the sperm quality traits of 1- and 2-year-old ganders and the reproduction traits of 2-year-old domestic Turkish geese in natural mating (NM) and artificial insemination (AI) conditions. The study comprised 72 two-year-old females, 12 one-year-old, and 12 two-year-old ganders. Thirty-six female geese were mated naturally (18 with 1-year-old ganders, 18 with 2-year-old ganders); the remaining thirty-six were inseminated artificially (18 with 1-year-old ganders, 18 with 2-year-old ganders). Twenty-four ganders were separated into groups (12 for NM; 12 for AI). The male:female ratio was 1:3 for NM and AI groups. Egg production, broodiness, fertility and hatching traits were determined in female geese, sperm quality traits such as semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm quality factor (eSQF: ejaculated semen SQF; dSQF: diluted semen SQF), sperm motility, and sperm morphological traits in ganders. The insemination method and gander's age did not affect egg production, AI geese showed significantly more broodiness than NM groups as the breeding months progresses (p < 0.05). Fertility was higher in the groups containing 2-year-old ganders than in those 1-year-old ganders, and NM groups compared to AI (p < 0.05). The insemination method significantly affected semen volume, sperm concentration, eSQF, sperm motility, total live sperm, normal sperm, macro-cephalic sperm, and dead sperm percentages in ganders (p < 0.05).Managing females in the NM system with ganders was able to partially suppress the broodiness behavior, possibly due to synchronization of pair-bond behaviors. Greater fertility was achieved with 2-years-old AI ganders, which had lower dSQF compared to 1-year-old NM ganders. This is a good indication that only SQF is not sufficient to achieve sustainable-desired fertility, and sexual experience is also an important factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akif Boz
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Yozgat Bozok University, 66900, Yozgat, Turkey.
| | - Hatice Baş
- Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology, Yozgat Bozok University, 66900, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Musa Sarica
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Kadir Erensoy
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
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13
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Farghly MFA, Mahrose KM, Rehman ZU, Yu S, Abdelfattah MG, El-Garhy OH. Intermittent lighting regime as a tool to enhance egg production and eggshell thickness in Rhode Island Red laying hens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:2459-2465. [PMID: 30715501 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Influences of intermittent light regime as a tool to enhance egg production, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens were investigated. A total of 270 hens of Rhode Island Red (during 20 to 36 wk of age) were used to investigate the effects of intermittent light regime in completely randomized design. The birds were divided into 3 equal groups (6 replicates of 15 birds each) and housed in floor pens. The first group was served as non-treated control (C) and was exposed to continuous and constant light for 16 h light/day throughout the experimental period. Whereas, birds of the other groups were exposed to intermittent lights for 20 min/h + 40 min of constant light (T1; FLASH20) and 40 min/h + 20 min of constant light (T2; FLASH40) during the 16 h of light period. Hens of T1 group showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest concentration of total antioxidant capacity and the lowest one of malondialdehyde in comparison with the other groups. Hens of T1 group had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the greatest egg laying rate and egg mass in comparison with the other counterparts. Feed consumption was similar in the groups under study. Hens exposed to FLASH20 had the lowest (P ≤ 0.05) FCR when compared with the other treatments. Eggs produced from hens exposed to FLASH20 had the highest value of shell thickness followed by the control and then that of those exposed to FLASH40. There were insignificant differences among the treatments in body weight of hens and all of other egg quality and egg problem traits. In conclusion, intermittent light regime of 20 min/h was the most efficient in comparison with the other ones. Finally, intermittent light regime of 20 min/h during laying period (during 20 to 36 wk of age) is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed F A Farghly
- Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Khalid M Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Zaib Ur Rehman
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute (SHVRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai 200241, China.,Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
| | - Shengqing Yu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute (SHVRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mostafa G Abdelfattah
- Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Osama H El-Garhy
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Qalubia, Egypt
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14
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Chen R, Guo RH, Zhu HX, Shi ZD. Development of a sandwich ELISA for determining plasma prolactin concentration in domestic birds. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 67:21-27. [PMID: 30660024 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to establish a sandwich ELISA for the determination of prolactin (PRL) concentrations in the plasma of domestic fowls. The assay uses a recombinant goose PRL as the reference standard, expressed in a eukaryotic system, and as the antigen for raising a polyclonal antibody in rabbit. This rabbit anti-goose PRL polyclonal antibody was used for coating the wells of the ELISA plate, and its biotinylated form served as the detection antibody. An avidin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase was used to bind the detection antibody and to catalyze the chromogenic reaction using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as the substrate. The assay showed a linear relationship between the optical density and concentration of the standard PRL in the 0 to 12.5 ng/mL range, and the assay was sensitive to a concentration as low as 0.39 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay CVs were <7% and 11%, respectively. The response curves of the serially diluted plasma samples from goose, duck, and chicken exhibited similar parallel relationships to that observed for the reference standards. Consistent with previous findings, the assay effectively detected differences in PRL concentration in plasma samples from chicken, duck, and goose at various reproductive stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - R H Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - H X Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Z D Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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The role of active immunization against inhibin α-subunit on testicular development, testosterone concentration and relevant genes expressions in testis, hypothalamus and pituitary glands in Yangzhou goose ganders. Theriogenology 2019; 128:122-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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16
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Zhuang ZX, Chang SC, Chen CJ, Chan HL, Lin MJ, Liao HY, Cheng CY, Lin TY, Jea YS, Huang SY. Effect of Seasonal Change on Testicular Protein Expression in White Roman Geese. Anim Biotechnol 2018; 30:43-56. [PMID: 29426259 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2018.1432488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in protein expression in the testes of ganders at various breeding stages. A total of nine 3-year-old male White Roman ganders were used. The blood and testis samples were collected at the nonbreeding, sexual reactivation, and breeding stages for sex hormone analysis and proteomic analysis, respectively. The testicular weight and serum testosterone observed for ganders at the breeding stage were higher than those for ganders at nonbreeding and sexual reactivation stages (P < 0.05). There were 124 protein spots differentially expressed in the testes of ganders at various reproductive stages. A total of 107 protein spots of 74 proteins was identified through mass spectrometry. Most of the differentially expressed proteins were responsible for the molecular functions of protein binding (24%) and catalytic activity (16%). A functional pathway analysis suggested that proteins involved in steroidogenesis, metabolism, and spermatogenesis pathways changed in the White Roman geese at various reproductive stages. In conclusion, ganders at various reproductive stages exhibited different levels of testosterone and protein expression in the testes. The varied levels of the proteins might be essential and unique key factors in seasonal reproduction in ganders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xuan Zhuang
- a Department of Animal Science , National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Shen-Chang Chang
- b Kaohsiung Animal Propagation Station , Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture , Pingtung , Taiwan
| | - Chao-Jung Chen
- c Department of Medical Research, Proteomics Core Laboratory , China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan.,d Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine , China Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Hong-Lin Chan
- e Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology , National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu , Taiwan.,f Department of Medical Sciences , National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu , Taiwan
| | - Min-Jung Lin
- g Changhua Animal Propagation Station , Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture , Changhua , Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Liao
- c Department of Medical Research, Proteomics Core Laboratory , China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Yu Cheng
- a Department of Animal Science , National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yi Lin
- g Changhua Animal Propagation Station , Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture , Changhua , Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shine Jea
- g Changhua Animal Propagation Station , Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture , Changhua , Taiwan
| | - San-Yuan Huang
- a Department of Animal Science , National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan.,h Agricultural Biotechnology Center , National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan.,i Center for the Integrative and Evolutionary Galliformes Genomics, iEGG Center , National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan.,j Research Center for Sustainable Energy and Nanotechnology , National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
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17
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Effects of monochromatic light sources on sex hormone levels in serum and on semen quality of ganders. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 167:96-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Gumułka M, Rozenboim I. Mating activity and sperm penetration assay in prediction of the reproduction potential of domestic goose ganders in a harem system. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 161:138-45. [PMID: 26381080 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a natural mating system, the sexual behavior of birds has an important role in fertility success. Non-competitive mating system provides special conditions to study gander-goose interactions. Behavioral and physiological data from a domestic geese breeding flock was used to determine interrelationships between mating activity (MA) parameters, sperm penetration assay (SPA), plasma testosterone (T) concentration, and fertility (F). Moreover, variation in the frequency of gander-goose interactions during the intensive breeding period and the diurnal rhythm (short day - 10L:14D) were evaluated. The 2-/3-year-old ganders (n=15) and 1-/3-year-old geese (1♂:4♀) were observed. On the basis of successful copulation (SCop), groups of ganders with low (33.3%), intermediate (40%), and high (26.7%) frequency were categorized. Frequency of SCop was greater in the morning than in the afternoon. For the entire breeding period, SPA results obtained for the low frequency group were less than for the intermediate group. Fertility success for ganders from both low and intermediate groups was similar. There was a lack of association between MA, plasma T concentration, and SPA results. However, SCop was positively correlated with fertility. It is recommended that SCop be considered as a prognostic parameter for monitoring of ganders' reproductive potential. It is recommended that the sexual behavior of ganders be evaluated before the 1200h of the day. The SCop with an average frequency of 0.4-0.8 times during the day light hours appears to be associated with fertility results that are satisfactory for geese husbandry. Additionally, the SPA may be considered for identification of ganders with poor reproductive potential to facilitate the decision of changes in harem social structure during the first half of the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Gumułka
- Department of Swine and Small Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Israel Rozenboim
- Department of Animal Science, Robert H. Smith, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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19
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Gumułka M, Rozenboim I. Effect of breeding stage and photoperiod on gonadal and serotonergic axes in domestic ganders. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1332-41. [PMID: 26318228 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Reduction in reproductive potential of ganders with progress in seasonal breeding is a known problem in commercial geese production. The role of changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-gondal axis and testis functions in this process is not clear. This article presents studies on the hypothalamic (GnRH-I, vasoactive intestinal peptide), pituitary (LHβ, prolactin [PRL], PRL receptor [PRLR]), testis (PRLR) axis messenger RNA (mRNA) expression during different stages of the breeding period and photoperiodic conditions. Testis mass; histologic and functional (testosterone [T]) parameters; and plasma concentrations of T, LH, and PRL were evaluated. We collected (six times) samples from 2-year-old ganders (n = 48) maintained in short day (10L:14D) during the period from November to July. Moreover, in the peak of sexual activity (March), an additional group was on exposure (6 weeks) to long day (LD; 16L:8D). During the first half of reproduction (January, March; photosensitive period), GnRH-I (1.9 vs. 0.3 relative quantity [RQ]) and LHβ (3.0 vs. 0.7 RQ) mRNA transcript expression and concentrations of T (1.9-2.9 vs. 0.3 ng/mL), LH (13.6-7.4 vs. 0.7 ng/mL) were found to be higher (P < 0.05) than at the end of breeding (July). With progress in breeding, marked elevation (P < 0.05) in PRL (22.0-387.1 ng/mL) concentration related to similar changes in vasoactive intestinal peptide (0.9-3.0 RQ) and PRL mRNA abundance (1.3-11.5 RQ; May, July) was observed. However, testis PRLR mRNA increased (P < 0.05) only at the end of reproduction (1.2 RQ) compared to the peak of sexual activity (0.4 RQ; March). Furthermore, changes in mRNA transcript expression of the lactotrophic axis were accompanied with reduction of testis weight (left: 11.1-5.8 g), spermatogenesis (spermatogenic index: 5.4-3.0), and steroidogenesis (T: 24.8-1.3 ng/g testis), which may suggest their pivotal inhibitory modulation role in the regression of seasonal reproductive activity in ganders. The LD conditions (similar to spring-summer) resulted in earlier peripheral changes in T (0.9 vs. 1.8 ng/mL), LH (1.1 vs. 3.8 ng/mL), and PRL (296.1 vs. 161.2 ng/mL) concentrations than in short day, and this may be related to the advance in the timing of the sexual activity failure observed under natural light regimes. The lack of differences in gonadal and lactotrophic axis mRNA expression after LD treatment suggested a regulation based on the posttranslational mechanisms or modification of transcript or protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Gumułka
- Department of Swine and Small Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Israel Rozenboim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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