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Rosales-Nieto CA, Daigneault BW, Roberts JN, Sánchez-López R, Makela B, Pu Y, Ehrhardt R, Jabur Bittar JH, Veiga-Lopez A. Birth weight, growth indices, and seminal parameters in male offspring are resilient features to maternal pre-conceptional dietary manipulation in sheep. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2024; 88:106849. [PMID: 38608396 PMCID: PMC11156533 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2024.106849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Gestational diet manipulation can lead to inadequate fetal nutrient supply resulting in low birth weight, limited postnatal growth, and consequently, reduced reproductive performance in the progeny. However, effects of short-term maternal pre-conceptional dietary manipulation on postnatal growth and reproductive parameters of male offspring in large animals remains unexplored. To determine these consequences, female crossbred (Polypay x Dorset) sheep were allocated to three groups (n = 33/group) of dietary manipulation for 21 days prior to mating under the following conditions: (1) control at 100 % of maintenance energy requirements (40 Kcal of metabolizable energy/kg body weight [BW]), (2) undernutrition (UN) at 50 % of Control intake, and (3) overnutrition (ON) at 200 % of maintenance energy. Singleton ram lambs (UN:9; C:12; ON:6) were monitored from birth until 8 months of age, including birth weight, weekly weights, weight gain, body mass index (BMI), and circulating testosterone. After weaning, monthly scrotal circumference and subcutaneous fat depth were measured. Semen morphology and motility were evaluated at 7 and 8 months of age. Birth weight, weight gain, and BMI at birth and weaning were not significantly different among nutritional treatments. None of the pre-conceptional diets affected body weight change from weaning until 36 weeks of age, BMI, fat depth, or scrotal circumference across the experiment. A sustained rise in plasma testosterone concentrations was detected when ram lambs were, on average, 82 days old and 37 kg. Both testosterone concentrations and scrotal circumference were positively correlated to body weight regardless of treatment group. In addition, seminal parameters did not differ among treatments, but a transient increase in plasma testosterone at 18 weeks of age was observed in ON ram lambs compared to control rams. In conclusion, birth weight, growth indices, and seminal parameters in singleton rams are resilient features in the progeny upon maternal pre-conceptional dietary manipulation in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A Rosales-Nieto
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, 78321, México
| | - Bradford W Daigneault
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jennifer N Roberts
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Rodrigo Sánchez-López
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Barbara Makela
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yong Pu
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Richard Ehrhardt
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - João H Jabur Bittar
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Ahmed O, Lehloenya K, Mphaphathi M, Hassen A. Effect of Acacia mearnsii Tannin Extract Supplementation on Reproductive Performance and Oxidative Status of South African Mutton Merino Rams. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113266. [PMID: 34827997 PMCID: PMC8614374 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113266] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nutrition and the seasons are two of the better-known variables that affect the reproductive performance of farm animals. In recent years, many antioxidants have been proposed as a tool to improve male reproductive performance. Although such antioxidants, in most cases, are expensive and artificial, tannin extract presents a cheap and natural source of antioxidants. This research evaluated the supplementation effects of tannin extract (TE) and encapsulated tannin extract (ETE) on testicular measurements, semen quality, hormonal status, and oxidative status, as well as the seasonal effect on the testicular measurements of South African Mutton Merino rams. The results suggest that the encapsulation may afford the maximum benefit of TE on sperm concentration and motility. Treatments did not affect the hormonal and oxidative status. The testicular measurements were significantly higher in autumn compared to winter. The plasma level of cortisol correlates negatively with sperm mass motility, progressive motility, viability, and acrosome integrity. Abstract We investigated the supplementation effects of Acacia mearnsii tannin extract (TE) and encapsulated tannin extract (ETE) on reproductive performance and oxidative status of South African Mutton Merino rams. We also observed the season effect on the testicular measurements. Thirty rams were divided into five groups: 0.0 g TE (control), 1.5 g TE, 3 g TE, 1.5 g ETE, and 3 g ETE supplemented daily for 16 weeks transiting from autumn to winter. Bodyweight and testicular measurements were recorded biweekly. Semen and blood samples were collected weekly during the last five weeks of supplementation. Results showed that the increase in the ETE from 1.5 to 3 g increased the testicular length and sperm concentration, as well as decreased the percentages of low and non-progressive spermatozoa (p<0.05). Simultaneously, the increase in the TE from 1.5 to 3 g decreased semen volume and elevated the percentage of abnormal sperm (p<0.05). The results suggest that the encapsulation of TE affords the maximum benefit of the TE on the sperm quality. Treatments did not affect the hormonal and oxidative status. Testicular measurements were significantly higher in autumn compared to winter. The plasma level of cortisol significantly correlates negatively with sperm motility, viability, and acrosome integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Ahmed
- Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
- Department of Dairy Production, Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 321, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Khoboso Lehloenya
- Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa; or
| | - Masindi Mphaphathi
- Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production, Germplasm Conservation and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Private Bag X2, Pretoria 0062, South Africa;
| | - Abubeker Hassen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
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Li J, Zhang S, Shen C, Niu Z, Yang H, Zhang K, Liu Z, Wang Y, Lan X. Indel mutations within the bovine HSD17B3 gene are significantly associated with ovary morphological traits and mature follicle number. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 209:105833. [PMID: 33524543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Given the intensive selection for increased milk production, it is imperative that the problem of declining fertility in dairy cows be reversed. In female mammals their reproductive traits and functioning is controlled by a finely tuned process balancing estrogens and androgens, in which androgens (e.g., testosterone) as a precursor substance can participate in estrogen synthesis by activating 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17betaHSD). Being a key catalyst for testosterone synthesis, we hypothesized HSD17B3 gene is involved in the ovary's development and thereby capable of influencing cows' fecundity. Herein, to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of the HSD17B3 gene and cow fertility, we characterized three insertion/deletion (indels) polymorphisms of this gene in 1110 healthy bovine ovaries. Their respective minimum allelic frequency (MAF) ranged from 0.180 to 0.482. For the ovary morphological traits, correlations revealed that both P1-D15-bp and P4-D19-bp demonstrated significant associations with ovarian height (P = 0.007 and 0.004, respectively), while P5-I5-bp was found to be significantly associated with the ovarian weight (P = 0.024). For ovarian volume, a significant correlation was uncovered between it and both polymorphisms of P4-D19-bp (P = 0.036) and P5-I5-bp (P = 0.045). Cows with either the DD genotype of P4-D19-bp or P5-I5-bp tended to have greater ovarian volume, a result consistent with their relationship to ovarian weight (P5-I5-bp) or height (P4-D19-bp). For the mature follicle traits, polymorphisms of P4-D19-bp were found significantly associated with the number of mature follicles (P = 0.045). Furthermore, expression levels of HSD17B3 differed significantly between the maximal and minimum groups of ovarian weight or volume, and the transcription factors GATA-1 and USF were predicted to bind P1-D15-bp and P4-D19-bp, respectively. This suggested the detected intron mutations could affect HSD17B3's transcription by regulating the binding of transcription factors, thereby affecting ovarian weight and other reproductive traits. As a potential effective molecular marker loci significantly related to traits of ovary and follicle, these three indels could be used in practical molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding programs, to optimize female fertility and enhance economic efficiency in the dairy cow industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Animal Genome and Gene Function Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Shaoli Zhang
- Animal Genome and Gene Function Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Chenglong Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Zhihan Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Han Yang
- Animal Genome and Gene Function Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Kaijuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Zhengqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Animal Genome and Gene Function Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
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Friesen CR, Shine R. At the invasion front, male cane toads (Rhinella marina) have smaller testes. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190339. [PMID: 31337295 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a colonizing species expands its range, individuals at the invasion front experience different evolutionary pressures than do those at the range-core. For example, low densities at the edge of the range mean that males should rarely experience intense sperm competition from rivals; and investment into reproduction may trade-off with adaptations for more rapid dispersal. Both of these processes are predicted to favour a reduction in testis size at the invasion front. To explore effects of invasion stage in Australian cane toads (Rhinella marina), we collected and dissected 214 adult males from three regions: one in the species' range-core (northeastern Australia), and two from invasion fronts (one in northwestern Australia and one in southeastern Australia). Despite the brief duration of separation between toads in these areas (approx. 85 years), testis masses averaged greater than 30% higher (as a proportion of body mass) in range-core males than in conspecifics sampled from either vanguard of the invasion. Previous work has documented low reproductive frequencies in female cane toads at the invasion front also, consistent with the hypothesis that evolutionary and ecological pressures unleashed by an invasion can favour relatively low resource allocation to reproduction in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Friesen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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5
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Zhou T, Wei H, Li D, Yang W, Cui Y, Gao J, Yu T, Lv X, Pan C. A novel missense mutation within the domain of lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D) gene is strongly associated with testis morphology traits in pigs. Anim Biotechnol 2019; 31:52-58. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2018.1531880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Hancheng Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
- National Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Dairui Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Yang Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Jiayang Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Ting Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Lv
- National Swine Foundation Seed Farm of Ankang Yangchen Modern Agriculture Group Co. Ltd, Ankang, P.R. China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
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Moulla F, El-Bouyahiaoui R, Nazih R, Abdelaziz N, Zerrouki N, Iguer-Ouada M. Characterization of the onset of puberty in Tazegzawt lambs, an endangered Algerian sheep: Body weight, thoracic perimeter, testicular growth, and seminal parameters. Vet World 2018; 11:889-894. [PMID: 30147255 PMCID: PMC6097556 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.889-894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to define the onset of puberty in Tazegzawt ram lambs, an Algerian sheep breed in endangered status with a small population in its local area. Materials and Methods: Body growth (body weight and thoracic perimeter), scrotal circumference (SC), penis development stages, and seminal parameters (volume, concentration, and motility) were measured. Data were recorded at fortnightly intervals in 10 animals from 9 to 49 weeks of age. Results: On the basis of seminal analyses, puberty occurred between 29 and 45 weeks of age. At 29 weeks of age, 30% of lambs reached puberty, and at 45 weeks of age, puberty was observed in 100% of the analyzed animals. Body weight appeared as the most determinant factor, and the onset of puberty was observed when animals reached 43.2±6.4 kg body weight with 25.8±3.7 cm of SC. Seminal analyses revealed that all parameters increased regularly from puberty onset except for sperm concentration. The mean semen volume during the study period was 0.48±0.33 mL with 0.84±0.6 mL at 37 weeks of age. Sperm concentration evolved similarly as semen volume; at 29 and 43 weeks of age, the sperm concentration was 942×106 and 1904×106 spermatozoa/mL, respectively. Kinematic parameters including the percentage of motility, the percentage of progressive motility, and gametes velocities as determined by Computer-Aided Sperm Analyzer showed the highest values at 49 weeks of age. Conclusion: The current results revealed that, in Tazegzawt ram lambs, puberty occurs between 29 and 45 weeks when animals reach 43.2±4.6 kg body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Moulla
- National Institute for Agronomic Research of Algeria (INRAA), 02, Av. Frères Ouaddek, BP, 200, El Harrach, Alger, Algeria.,Department of Agronomic, Faculty of Biologic and Agronomic Sciences, University Mouloud Mammeri of Tizi-ouzou, Tizi-ouzou, Algeria
| | - Rachid El-Bouyahiaoui
- National Institute for Agronomic Research of Algeria (INRAA), 02, Av. Frères Ouaddek, BP, 200, El Harrach, Alger, Algeria
| | - Rebouh Nazih
- Agrarian and Technological Institute, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Russia
| | - Norezzine Abdelaziz
- Agrarian and Technological Institute, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Russia
| | - Nacera Zerrouki
- Department of Agronomic, Faculty of Biologic and Agronomic Sciences, University Mouloud Mammeri of Tizi-ouzou, Tizi-ouzou, Algeria
| | - Mokrane Iguer-Ouada
- Laboratoire Associé en Ecosystèmes Marins et Aquacoles, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Béjaia, Algérie
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7
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Allaoui A, Safsaf B, Tlidjane M, Djaalab I, Mansour HD. Effect of increasing levels of wasted date palm in concentrate diet on reproductive performance of Ouled Djellal breeding rams during flushing period. Vet World 2018; 11:712-719. [PMID: 29915513 PMCID: PMC5993764 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.712-719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of the study was to assess the effect of two levels of wasted date (WD) by replacing commercial concentrate on the reproductive performance of Ouled Djellal (OD) rams. Materials and Methods Eighteen mature (2-year-old) OD rams were equally allocated to three groups and fed during 11 weeks with one of three different experimental diets, that contained 0% (0 WD), 50% (50 WD), or 75% (75 WD) of WDs in concentrate diet. Live body weight (LBW), body condition scoring (BCS), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular weight (TW), sperm production and quality, plasma testosterone concentration (T), and sexual behavior (reaction time and number of mounts with ejaculation) were regularly recorded from every ram. Results LBW, SC, and TW changed significantly among diet groups and during the experimental period (p<0.001), the highest averages were recorded in (0 WD) group. LBW, BCS, SC, TW, semen volume, and percentage of the positive hypo-osmotic swelling test were (p<0.001) positively influenced by flushing period. Nevertheless, sperm concentration showed a significant (p<0.001) decrease at day 30, followed by a return to the initial values afterward. There were no differences (p>0.05) between diet groups for plasma testosterone concentration and semen attributes, except that (50 WD) group expressed the lowest overall value of semen concentration. Furthermore, neither time nor diet affected (p>0.05) sperm motility and reproductive behavior parameters. Conclusions It is possible to introduce WD as unconventional local feeding resources in flushing diet of breeding rams without disturbing their reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Allaoui
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Laboratory ESPA, Hadj Lakhdar Batna-1 University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - B Safsaf
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Laboratory ESPA, Hadj Lakhdar Batna-1 University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - M Tlidjane
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Laboratory ESPA, Hadj Lakhdar Batna-1 University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - I Djaalab
- Department of Animal Productions, Veterinary Sciences Institute, Laboratory GSPA, Mentouri University, Constantine -25000, Algeria
| | - H Djaalab Mansour
- Department of Animal Productions, Veterinary Sciences Institute, Laboratory GSPA, Mentouri University, Constantine -25000, Algeria
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8
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Cui Y, Zhang Y, Wei Z, Gao J, Yu T, Chen R, Lv X, Pan C. Pig KDM5B: mRNA expression profiles of different tissues and testicular cells and association analyses with testicular morphology traits. Gene 2018; 650:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.01.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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9
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Belkadi S, Safsaf B, Heleili N, Tlidjane M, Belkacem L, Oucheriah Y. Seasonal influence on sperm parameters, scrotal measurements, and serum testosterone in Ouled Djellal breed rams in Algeria. Vet World 2017; 10:1486-1492. [PMID: 29391691 PMCID: PMC5771175 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.1486-1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of seasonal variations on testosterone serum concentration, body weight, scrotal circumference, and some sperm parameters in rams living in a semi-arid region of eastern part of Algeria. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken monthly from eight Ouled Djellal rams, aged between 3 and 4 years, in the Technical Institute of Breeding “ITELV” located at Ain M’lila City. Sperm were collected by an electro-ejaculator once a month for 1 year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter: 3 times/season). Results: Mean values of volume, mass motility, live sperm, and scrotal circumference were higher during spring (p<0.05) with 1.23±0.26 mL, 3.39±1.07, 79.16±15.82%, and 36.29±1.91 cm, respectively; whereas, the sperm concentration was higher during autumn with 1.19±0.56×109 spz/ml compared to 0.46±0.13×109 spz/mL to spring. The season influenced significantly the percentage of abnormal sperm (p<0.05), especially during winter (6.47±2.12%), but had no influence on the weight of rams. Seasonal hormonal activity was high with 4.89±2.06 ng/mL and 3.09±1.35 ng/mL of testosterone in mating seasons (spring and autumn, respectively), knowing that the sexual season is not marked too much in these latitude. Conclusion: We can conclude that testosterone concentration is strongly correlated with the scrotal circumference and that the season has a significant influence on spermatic parameters, and that despite the large variations in sperm production, the rams can be used throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Belkadi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Laboratory ESPA, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Hadj Lakhdar University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - B Safsaf
- Department of Veterinary Science, Laboratory ESPA, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Hadj Lakhdar University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - N Heleili
- Department of Veterinary Science, Laboratory ESPA, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Hadj Lakhdar University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - M Tlidjane
- Department of Veterinary Science, Laboratory ESPA, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Hadj Lakhdar University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - L Belkacem
- Department of Veterinary Science, Laboratory ESPA, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Hadj Lakhdar University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
| | - Y Oucheriah
- Department of Veterinary Science, Laboratory ESPA, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute, Hadj Lakhdar University, Batna - 05000, Algeria
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10
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Liu L, Yu S, Chen R, Lv X, Pan C. A novel synonymous SNP (A47A) of the <i>TMEM95</i> gene is significantly associated with the reproductive traits related to testis in male piglets. Arch Anim Breed 2017. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-60-235-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. Transmembrane protein 95 (TMEM95) is located on the acrosomal membrane of the sperm head involved in the acrosome reaction; thus, it is regarded as affecting spermatogenesis and reproduction traits. The aim of this study was to explore the novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the pig TMEM95 gene as well as to evaluate their associations with the testicular sizes in male Landrace (LD) and Large White (LW) breeds. After pool sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, only one novel coding SNP was found in exon 1, namely NC_010454.3: g.341T > C, resulting in a synonymous mutation (A47A). This SNP could be genotyped using the StuI polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. The minor allelic frequencies (MAFs) were 0.259 and 0.480 in the LD and LW breeds. Their polymorphism information content (PIC) values were 0.310 and 0.375. The LW population was at the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) (p > 0.05), whereas the LD population was not (p < 0.05). Association analyses demonstrated that a significant relationship was found between this A47A polymorphism and testis weight at 40 days of age in the LW population (p = 0.047), and the heterozygote individuals showed lower testis weight than those with other genotypes. Moreover, this SNP was significantly associated with three testis measurement traits at 15 days of age in the LW population (p < 0.05); the individuals with genotypes TT and TC showed consistently superior testis measurement traits than those with genotype CC. These findings demonstrate that the A47A polymorphism had a significant effect on testis measurement traits, suggesting that the TMEM95 gene could be a candidate gene associated with reproductive traits. These results could contribute to breeding and genetics programs in the pig industry via DNA marker-assisted selection (MAS).
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11
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Swelum AAA, Ayadi M, Alhidary I, Alowaimer A, Abouheif M. The relationships between body fatness, leptin, testosterone, and reproductive performance in ram lambs as affected by level and frequency of feeding. Theriogenology 2016; 89:79-85. [PMID: 28043374 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out using 24 Najdi ram lambs of approximately 6.5 months old to evaluate the effects of feed restriction and frequency of feeding on hormone concentrations of leptin and testosterone, sexual behavior, and semen traits. Ram lambs were allotted equally into three feeding groups. The first group was used as a control and fed ad libitum. The second and third groups were restricted fed at 0.85 ad libitum and fed either once (R1M) or twice daily (R2M). Sexual behavior and semen evaluation were assessed during the sixth, seventh, and eighth weeks of the study. Blood samples were drawn at 1-hour pre-feeding on days 41, 48, and 55 of the study for the determination of serum leptin and testosterone concentrations. All lambs were slaughtered after 8 weeks of experimentation. Results showed that the restricted-fed groups had lower (P < 0.01) values for slaughter body weight, average daily gain, dry matter intake, internal fat, tail fat, body fat thickness, body wall thickness, and testes weight than the ad libitum group; these corresponding traits did not differ between both restricted-fed treatments. Leptin and testosterone concentrations in restricted-fed rams were (P < 0.01) lower and higher, respectively, than in the ad libitum rams; there were no differences between R1M and R2M groups. The restricted-fed rams had lower (P < 0.01) ejaculation latency time compared with control, whereas the percentage of sexually active rams and sexual desire score were not affected by feeding restriction or frequency of feeding. Sperm motility, progressive motility, and percentage of sperm moving at rapid speed were higher (P < 0.01) in feed-restricted rams than in the ad libitum rams. R1M rams had higher (P < 0.01) value for straightness and lower (P < 0.01) value for curvilinear velocity in comparison with the ad libitum group. Testosterone was correlated positively (P < 0.05) with sperm motility and progressive motility and negatively (P < 0.04) with fat measurements, leptin, and ejaculation latency time. In conclusion, moderate intake restriction can optimize body fatness and testosterone concentrations in rams, which helped to improve some reproductive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt.
| | - Moez Ayadi
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Département de Biotechnologie Animale, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Beja, Université de Jendouba, Beja, Tunisia
| | - Ibrahim Alhidary
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alowaimer
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abouheif
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Chen R, Yu S, Ren F, Lv XY, Pan CY. Detection of one large insertion/deletion (indel) and two novel SNPs within the <i>SPEF2</i> gene and their associations with male piglet reproduction traits. Arch Anim Breed 2016. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-59-275-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The sperm flagella 2 (SPEF2) gene is essential for normal sperm tail development and male fertility. To fully characterize the structure of the mutation and to further study the function of the pig SPEF2 gene, we explored the insertion/deletion (indel) and novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the pig SPEF2 gene, and tested their associations with the testicular sizes in male Large White (LW) and Landrace (LD) pigs from China. Herein, a large insertion located at the SPEF2 gene in chromosome 16 was found, and two alleles of "I" (insertion) and "D" (deletion) were designated. Allele "D" was dominant in all analyzed pigs. Two novel SNPs (namely (NC_010458) g.19642G > A, resulting in AfaI aCRS PCR–PFLP, and g.19886C > G, resulting in EcoRI aCRS PCR–PFLP) were found in LW and LD pigs. Association testing revealed that g.19886C > G was significantly associated with the testis long circumference (TLC) in LW pigs (P < 0.05), suggesting that this SNP would be the DNA marker for the marker-assisted selection (MAS) in reproduction traits. This preliminary result indicates that the pig SPEF2 gene had significant effects on male reproduction traits. These findings could not only extend the spectrum of genetic variations in the pig SPEF2 gene but also contribute to implementing MAS in genetics and breeding in pigs.
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