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Leiter I, Mittmann V, Schaper MK, Schulze M, Schmicke M. Evaluation of hormones as candidate early biomarkers of Holstein bull performance around the first semen collection at artificial insemination centres. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14646. [PMID: 38923114 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14646] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) centres select bulls as calves according to their genetic breeding values and raise them until the first semen collection; yet, a high dropout rate of reared bulls is a problem for AI centres. Potential hormonal indicators of bull sexual maturation (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, oestradiol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)) were observed and evaluated in relation to the performance parameters to perhaps identify candidate biomarkers allowing an early selection of bulls as suitable sires. Blood samples from 102 German Holstein calves at 4 ± 1, 8 ± 1 and 12 ± 2 months of age from six AI centres were analysed using validated immunoassays for cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, oestradiol and IGF-1. Semen analyses included native and thawed diluted semen. Bulls were classified at the first semen collection into groups with good versus poor performance (GP vs. LP). After 2 years, the subsequent differentiation was done in high (HPP), medium (MPP) and low performance persistency (LPP). Age at first semen collection was an important factor for sperm quality. Cortisol concentrations decreased with age, but the cortisol/DHEA ratio decreased with age only in GP bulls (p < .05). Oestradiol and testosterone concentrations both correlated with libido behaviour (p < .05). Testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations were higher at the time of first semen collection in GP bulls and increased with age (p < .05). In conclusion, testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations at first semen collection are associated with performance at first semen collection and future performance persistency, and might be useful early biomarkers for consistent sperm producing bulls on AI centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Leiter
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Victoria Mittmann
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin Schaper
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Marion Schmicke
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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2
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Pasquariello R, Bogliolo L, Di Filippo F, Leoni GG, Nieddu S, Podda A, Brevini TAL, Gandolfi F. Use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to shorten the generational interval in ruminants: current status and perspectives. Theriogenology 2024; 225:16-32. [PMID: 38788626 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.026] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The challenges posed by climate change and increasing world population are stimulating renewed efforts for improving the sustainability of animal production. To meet such challenges, the contribution of genomic selection approaches, in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), to spreading and preserving animal genetics is essential. The largest increase in genetic gain can be achieved by shortening the generation interval. This review provides an overview of the current status and progress of advanced ARTs that could be applied to reduce the generation time in both female and male of domestic ruminants. In females, the use of juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET) enables to generate offspring after the transfer of in vitro produced embryos derived from oocytes of prepubertal genetically superior donors reducing the generational interval and acceleration genetic gain. The current challenge is increasing in vitro embryo production (IVEP) from prepubertal derived oocytes which is still low and variable. The two main factors limiting IVEP success are the intrinsic quality of prepubertal oocytes and the culture systems for in vitro maturation (IVM). In males, advancements in ARTs are providing new strategies to in vitro propagate spermatogonia and differentiate them into mature sperm or even to recapitulate the whole process of spermatogenesis from embryonic stem cells. Moreover, the successful use of immature cells, such as round spermatids, for intracytoplasmic injection (ROSI) and IVEP could allow to complete the entire process in few months. However, these approaches have been successfully applied to human and mouse whereas only a few studies have been published in ruminants and results are still controversial. This is also dependent on the efficiency of ROSI that is limited by the current isolation and selection protocols of round spermatids. In conclusion, the current efforts for improving these reproductive methodologies could lead toward a significant reduction of the generational interval in livestock animals that could have a considerable impact on agriculture sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Pasquariello
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Filippo
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Nieddu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Podda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.
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3
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Brito LFC. Nutrition and Sexual Development in Bulls. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:1-10. [PMID: 37684108 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript provides an overview of the effects of nutrition during different stages of bull sexual development. Nutrition during the prepubertal period can modulate the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator. Increased nutrition results in greater LH secretion, earlier puberty, and greater testicular mass in yearling bulls, whereas low nutrition has opposite effects. Targeting average daily gain from birth to 24 weeks of age to > 1.2 kg/d and limiting gain after 24 weeks of age to < 1.6 kg/d is recommended to optimize bull sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo F C Brito
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
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4
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Coen S, Keogh K, Lonergan P, Fair S, Kenny DA. Early life nutrition affects the molecular ontogeny of testicular development in the young bull calf. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6748. [PMID: 37185277 PMCID: PMC10130005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23743-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced early life nutrition accelerates sexual development in the bull calf through neuroendocrine-signalling mediated via the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Our aim was to assess the impact of contrasting feeding regimes in bull calves during the first 12 weeks of life on the testes transcriptome and proteome. Holstein-Friesian bull calves were offered either a high (HI) or moderate (MOD) plane of nutrition, designed to support target growth rates of 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. At 12 weeks of age all calves were euthanized, testicular parenchyma sampled, and global transcriptome (miRNAseq and mRNAseq) and proteome analyses undertaken. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 7 differentially expressed (DE) miRNA and 20 DE mRNA. There were no differentially abundant proteins between the two dietary groups. Integration of omics results highlighted a potential role for the cadherin gene, CDH13, in earlier reproductive development. Furthermore, co-regulatory network analysis of the proteomic data revealed CDH13 as a hub protein within a network enriched for processes related to insulin, IGF-1, androgen and Sertoli cell junction signalling pathways as well as cholesterol biosynthesis. Overall, results highlight a potential role for CDH13 in mediating earlier reproductive development as a consequence of enhanced early life nutrition in the bull calf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Coen
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kate Keogh
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - David A Kenny
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland.
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5
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Ono M, Ando H, Daikoku T, Fujiwara T, Mieda M, Mizumoto Y, Iizuka T, Kagami K, Hosono T, Nomura S, Toyoda N, Sekizuka-Kagami N, Maida Y, Kuji N, Nishi H, Fujiwara H. The Circadian Clock, Nutritional Signals and Reproduction: A Close Relationship. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021545. [PMID: 36675058 PMCID: PMC9865912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian rhythm, which is necessary for reproduction, is controlled by clock genes. In the mouse uterus, the oscillation of the circadian clock gene has been observed. The transcription of the core clock gene period (Per) and cryptochrome (Cry) is activated by the heterodimer of the transcription factor circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) and brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (Bmal1). By binding to E-box sequences in the promoters of Per1/2 and Cry1/2 genes, the CLOCK-BMAL1 heterodimer promotes the transcription of these genes. Per1/2 and Cry1/2 form a complex with the Clock/Bmal1 heterodimer and inactivate its transcriptional activities. Endometrial BMAL1 expression levels are lower in human recurrent-miscarriage sufferers. Additionally, it was shown that the presence of BMAL1-depleted decidual cells prevents trophoblast invasion, highlighting the importance of the endometrial clock throughout pregnancy. It is widely known that hormone synthesis is disturbed and sterility develops in Bmal1-deficient mice. Recently, we discovered that animals with uterus-specific Bmal1 loss also had poor placental development, and these mice also had intrauterine fetal death. Furthermore, it was shown that time-restricted feeding controlled the uterine clock's circadian rhythm. The uterine clock system may be a possibility for pregnancy complications, according to these results. We summarize the most recent research on the close connection between the circadian clock and reproduction in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3342-6111
| | - Hitoshi Ando
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Function Analysis, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Tomoko Fujiwara
- Department of Social Work and Life Design, Kyoto Notre Dame University, Kyoto 606-0848, Japan
| | - Michihiro Mieda
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yasunari Mizumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Hosono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nomura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Natsumi Toyoda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Naomi Sekizuka-Kagami
- Department of Nursing, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Maida
- Department of Nursing, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Naoaki Kuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Nishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
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Sethi M, Shah N, Mohanty TK, Bhakat M, Baithalu RK. New dimensions on maternal and prepubertal nutritional disruption on bull fertility: A review. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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7
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Coen SP, Keogh K, Byrne CJ, Lonergan P, Fair S, Crowe MA, Kenny DA. Effect of plane of nutrition during the first 12 weeks of life on growth, metabolic and reproductive hormone concentrations, and testicular relative mRNA abundance in preweaned Holstein Friesian bull calves. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6310164. [PMID: 34175920 PMCID: PMC8355607 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of nutrition during the first 12 wk of life on aspects of the physiological and transcriptional regulation of testicular and overall sexual development in the bull calf. Holstein Friesian bull calves with a mean (SD) age and bodyweight of 17.5 (2.85) d and 48.8 (5.30) kg, respectively, were assigned to either a high (HI; n = 15) or moderate (MOD; n = 15) plane of nutrition and were individually fed milk replacer and concentrate to achieve overall target growth rates of at least 1.0 and 0.5 kg/d, respectively. Throughout the trial, animal growth performance, feed intake, and systemic concentrations of metabolites, metabolic hormones, and reproductive hormones were assessed. Additionally, pulsatility of reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone) was recorded at 15-min intervals during a 10-h period at 10 wk of age. At 87 ± 2.14 d of age, all calves were euthanized, testes were weighed, and testicular tissue was harvested. Differential expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) candidate genes involved in testicular development was examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in Statistical Analysis Software using terms for treatment as well as time for repeated measures. Blood metabolites and metabolic hormones generally reflected the improved metabolic status of the calves on the HI plane of nutrition though the concentrations of reproductive hormones were not affected by diet. Calves on the HI diet had greater mean (SED) slaughter weight (112.4 vs. 87.70 [2.98] kg; P < 0.0001) and testicular tissue weight (29.2 vs. 20.1 [2.21] g; P = 0.0003) than those on the MOD diet. Relative mRNA abundance data indicated advanced testicular development through upregulation of genes involved in cellular metabolism (SIRT1; P = 0.0282), cholesterol biosynthesis (EBP; P = 0.007), testicular function (INSL3; P = 0.0077), and Sertoli cell development (CLDN11; P = 0.0054) in HI compared with MOD calves. In conclusion, results demonstrate that offering dairy-bred male calves a high plane of nutrition during the first 3 mo of life not only improves growth performance and metabolic status but also advances testicular development consistent with more precocious sexual maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Coen
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kate Keogh
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland
| | - Colin J Byrne
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Mark A Crowe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David A Kenny
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland
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8
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Almeida D, Pinto S, Alves M, Galiza Y, Celeghini E, Laskoski L, Osorio J, Souza F. Glutathione and IGF-1 in bovine seminal cryopreservation: oxidative stress response and pregnancy rate. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of conception, metabolic, and structural conditions of cryopreserved bovine sperm cells, plus extender with IGF-1 and glutathione (GSH). 12 ejaculations of Nelore bulls were used, submitted to treatments: control, gSH (2mM/mL), IGF-1 (100ng/mL) and gSH (1mM/mL) + IGF-1 (50ng/mL). After cryopreservation and thawing the semen passed the fast thermo resistance test (TTR), plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity (PIAI), mitochondrial membrane potential (AP), oxidative stress, and conception rate. Tukey test was used for the statistical analysis of the parametric variables and the Friedman test for nonparametric. The gestation percentage was compared by the Chi-square test. There was no statistical difference (P<0.05) between treatments for the TTRr variable. Otherwise in the oxidative stress evaluated with the CellROX probe was noted that the IGF-1 showed the highest number of reactive cells (P<0.05). The PIAI, AP and gestation rate showed no difference among treatments (P>0.05), with an average of conceptions of 36.58%. It is concluded that IGF-1, gSH and their association did not cause changes in sperm motility, mitochondrial potential, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity. IGF-1 increased oxidative stress, however, there was no difference in the gestation rate among the treatments.
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9
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Kelly AK, Byrne C, McGee M, Perry GA, Crowe MA, Sauerwein H, Kenny DA. Effect of calfhood nutrition on metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, and estradiol concentrations and on reproductive organ development in beef heifer calves. J Anim Sci 2021; 98:5909279. [PMID: 32954407 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effect of plane of nutrition on the endocrinological regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis in beef heifer calves during a critical sexual developmental window early in calf hood. Forty Holstein-Friesian × Angus heifers (mean age 19 d, SEM = 0.63) were assigned to a high (HI; ADG 1.2 kg) or moderate (MOD; ADG 0.50 kg) nutritional level from 3 to 21 wk of life. Intake was recorded using an electronic calf feeding system, BW was recorded weekly, and blood samples were collected on the week of age 5, 10, 15, and 20 for metabolite, reproductive, and metabolic hormone determination. At 19 wk of age, on sequential days, an 8-h window bleed was carried out for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol analysis. To characterize anterior pituitary gland function, an intravenous GnRH challenge was conducted (19 wk of age). Blood was collected via a jugular catheter every 15 min for 135 min for the analysis of LH, FSH, and estradiol. Calves were subsequently euthanized at 21 wk of age; the anterior pituitary, metabolic organs, and reproductive tract were weighed, and ovarian surface follicular numbers and oocytes recovered were recorded. Mean ADG was 1.18 and 0.50 kg for HI and MOD, respectively, resulting in a 76.6-kg difference in BW (P < 0.001). Blood insulin, glucose, and IGF-1 concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) for HI compared with MOD. There was a diet × time interaction for leptin (P < 0.01); concentrations were greater in HI compared with MOD at 20 wk of age with no difference between treatments before this. Dietary treatment did not alter the concentrations of adiponectin or anti-mullerian hormone. There was a diet × time interaction for FSH, whereby MOD had greater concentrations than HI at 10, 15, and 20, but not at 5 wk of age. Over the duration of an 8-h window bleed (19 wk of age), serum concentrations of LH, LH pulse frequency, and LH pulse amplitude were unaffected by treatment, whereas FSH (0.23 vs. 0.43 ng/mL) and estradiol (0.53 vs. 0.38 ng/mL) concentrations were less than and greater, respectively, for HI than MOD (P < 0.05). Likewise, following a GnRH challenge, the area under the curve analysis revealed greater (P < 0.01) estradiol and lesser (P < 0.01) FSH concentrations in calves on the HI relative to MOD diet, whereas concentrations of LH were unaffected (P = 0.26) between treatments. Ovarian surface follicle numbers were greater (P < 0.05) in HI compared with MOD. Total reproductive tract, uterus, and ovarian tissue expressed relative to BW were greater (P < 0.05) for HI compared with MOD. In conclusion, enhanced nutrition in early calfhood advances the ontogeny development of the HPO axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan K Kelly
- College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colin Byrne
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Mark McGee
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | | | - Mark A Crowe
- College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Helga Sauerwein
- Institute for Animal Science, Physiology and Hygiene Unit, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
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10
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Effects of feeding bulls dried corn distiller's grains plus solubles or CaSO 4 on mineral and metabolite concentrations in serum and seminal plasma. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 226:106703. [PMID: 33549887 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106703] [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: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Yearling Angus bulls (n = 36) were assigned one of three diets: 1) 60 % concentrate as corn (CON, 0.2 % S, 13.4 % CP; n = 12); 2) 60 % dried corn distiller's grains plus solubles (60DDGS 0.5 % S, 22.0 % CP; n = 12); 3) CON diet + equivalent sulfur of 60DDGS as CaSO4 (SULF, 0.5 % S, 13.9 % CP; n = 12) to evaluate effects of feeding 60 % DDGS or sulfur as CaSO4 on mineral and metabolite concentrations in serum and seminal plasma. Treatment × day interactions (P < 0.03) were observed for serum Cu, Se, and Mo. For Cu at d 112, lesser (P < 0.01) concentrations were observed in bulls fed the 60DDGS compared to SULF and CON diets. There were greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of Se at d 112 in bulls fed 60DDGS than CON and SULF diets. Concentrations of Mo were greater at d 56 and 112 (P < 0.01) in bulls fed CON compared to SULF and 60DDGS diets. In seminal plasma, there were treatment × day interactions (P < 0.02) for Cu and Mo. For Cu, at d 112, there was a lesser (P < 0.01) concentration in the bulls fed SULF compared to CON and 60DDGS diets. For Mo, there was a greater (P < 0.01) concentration in bulls fed the CON than 60DDGS and SULF diets at d 56 and 112. Changes in mineral and metabolite concentrations may have effects on bull reproductive performance when there is a relatively greater dietary sulfur content.
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11
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Prolonged Detection of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Infection in the Semen of Bulls. Viruses 2020; 12:v12060674. [PMID: 32580423 PMCID: PMC7354483 DOI: 10.3390/v12060674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection of bulls with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) can result in the development of virus persistence, confined to the reproductive tract. These bulls develop a normal immune response with high neutralizing antibody titres. However, BVDV can be excreted in the semen for a prolonged period. Although relatively rare, in this study we describe six separate cases in bulls being prepared for admission to artificial breeding centres. Semen samples were tested in a pan-Pestivirus-reactive real-time PCR assay and viral RNA was detected in semen from five of the bulls for three to eight months after infection. In one bull, virus was detected at low levels for more than five years. This bull was found to have one small testis. When slaughtered, virus was only detected in the abnormal testis. The low levels of BVDV in the semen of these bulls were only intermittently detected by virus isolation in cell culture. This virus-contaminated semen presents a biosecurity risk and confirms the need to screen all batches of semen from bulls that have been previously infected with BVDV. The use of real-time PCR is recommended as the preferred laboratory assay for this purpose.
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12
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Callaghan MJ, Rodgers RJ, Perry VEA. Supplementation of rangeland primiparous Bos indicus x Bos taurus beef heifers during lactation. 2. Effects upon the reproductive development of bull calf progeny. Theriogenology 2020; 152:83-93. [PMID: 32380278 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This experiment evaluated the effect of pre-weaning plane of nutrition of dams upon reproductive development in Bos indicus x Bos taurus bull offspring reared under extensively managed conditions in the northern Australia rangelands. Following artificial insemination (AI cohort; n = 26), or natural mating (NM cohort; n = 36), grazing primiparous heifers received either nil supplement (Control; CON), thereby experiencing a moderate nutritional restriction, or were provided a protein supplement (SUPP) between parturition and weaning at mean age 199 ± (SD) 26 d. Bull progeny grazed rangeland pastures without supplementation from weaning until the experiment concluded at 675 d. At 120 ± 3 d and 140 d ± 10 d age, within the AI and NM cohort, respectively, bull calves were subjected to a GnRH challenge (1.5 μg/kg of body weight i.m.). Jugular blood samples collected immediately before and at 60 min after administration of GnRH were analysed for LH, FSH, testosterone and inhibin concentrations. Overall mean concentrations of testosterone in SUPP bulls were greater in both the AI cohort (P = 0.05) and the NM cohort (P = 0.06). At 60 d intervals during the post-weaning period, scrotal circumference (SC) was measured and semen collected to assess concentration, progressive motility and morphology of sperm. Bulls reared by SUPP heifers had greater (P = 0.05) SC at 375 d and tended to have greater (P = 0.09) mean percentage of morphologically normal sperm (PNS). Within the NM cohort, NMSUPP bulls had greater (P = 0.04) overall mean SC and tended (P = 0.07) to demonstrate both greater progressive motility and PNS. A greater incidence of sperm morphological abnormalities, associated with sexual immaturity, were observed in CON bulls. Consequently, NMCON bulls demonstrated delayed (P = 0.03) age of sexual maturity as compared to NMSUPP bulls. In summary, improving the plane of nutrition supplied to Bos indicus x Bos taurus bulls between parturition and weaning via moderate supplementation of grazing dams reduces age at sexual maturity with consequent economic advantages to the producer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Callaghan
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - R J Rodgers
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - V E A Perry
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; Queensland Sperm Morphology Laboratory, Goondiwindi, Queensland, 4390, Australia.
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Abdelnour SA, Abd El-Hack ME, Noreldin AE, Batiha GE, Beshbishy AM, Ohran H, Khafaga AF, Othman SI, Allam AA, Swelum AA. High Salt Diet Affects the Reproductive Health in Animals: An Overview. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040590. [PMID: 32244412 PMCID: PMC7222834 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple summary Halophytic plants are a promising animal feed source. However, the extreme NaCl2 salt content constraints their use. Excess diet salt adversely affects growth performance and animal’s reproduction worldwide. This review focuses on the impact of high salt intake on growth performance and reproduction ability in animals. Abstract Salinity is a reliable issue of crop productivity loss in the world and in certain tropical and subtropical zones. However, tremendous progress in the genetic improvement of plants for salinity tolerance has been made over several decades. In light of this, halophytic plants can be used as animal feeds and have promising features because they are a good feed resource. However, the main constraint of saline pasture systems is the extreme concentration of NaCl salt in drinking water and forage plants for grazing animals. Ecological reports revealed that excess diet salt causes mortality and morbidity worldwide. Animal fed halophytic forages may have adverse effects on growth performance and reproductive function in males and females due to inducing reductions in hormone regulation, such as testosterone, FSH, LH, and leptin. It was indicated that high salt intake promotes circulating inflammatory factors in the placenta and is associated with adversative effects on pregnancy. This review focuses on the scientific evidence related to the effect of high salt intake on growth performance, spermatogenesis, sperm function, and testicular morphology changes in male animals. In addition, the review will also focus on its effect on some female reproductive features (e.g., ovarian follicle developments, placental indices, and granulosa cell function).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh A. Abdelnour
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack
- Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Ahmed E. Noreldin
- Histology and Cytology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt;
| | - Gaber Elsaber Batiha
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Nishi 2-13, Inada-cho, 080-8555, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; (G.E.B.); (A.M.B.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Amani Magdy Beshbishy
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Nishi 2-13, Inada-cho, 080-8555, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; (G.E.B.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Husein Ohran
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Asmaa F. Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt;
| | - Sarah I. Othman
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 84428, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed A. Allam
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-suef University, Beni-suef, 65211 Egypt;
| | - Ayman A. Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (AAS);
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
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14
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Plasma estradiol-17β, cortisol, and insulin concentrations and serum biochemical parameters surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls with normal and abnormal semen. Theriogenology 2020; 148:18-26. [PMID: 32126392 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The associations of semen abnormalities with circulating hormones (estrogens, glucocorticoid, insulin) and common biochemical parameters are unclear in beef bulls. We compared plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β, cortisol, and insulin and serum biochemical parameters surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls (n = 96) with normal post-thaw or abnormal semen (fresh and frozen). Blood samples were collected monthly from 4 to 24 months of age (n = 50) for the assays of plasma estradiol, cortisol, and insulin and every 3 months from 6 to 21 months of age (n = 92) for the serum biochemical analyses. Semen was collected weekly from 12 months until at least 18 months of age. Fresh semen was evaluated for semen volume, sperm progressive motility, concentrations, and morphological defects. The normal fresh semen was frozen by a standard method and examined for post-thaw sperm motility and fertility, which were evaluated for rates of transferable embryos. Bulls were classified as having either normal fresh semen or abnormal fresh semen (when at least one of the above test items was abnormal for 6 months). The normal fresh semen was categorized as having either normal post-thaw semen or low fertility post-thaw semen. The abnormal fresh semen was categorized as having sperm morphological defects, low motility, or morphological defects plus low motility. Plasma cortisol concentrations in the abnormal fresh semen group were higher than those of the normal fresh semen group (p < 0.0001). Plasma estradiol-17β and insulin concentrations in the low-fertility post-thaw semen group were lower than those of the normal post-thaw semen group (p < 0.0001). Serum aspartate aminotransferase and magnesium concentrations were greater for the abnormal fresh semen group vs. the normal fresh semen group (p < 0.005). These results suggest that fresh semen abnormality in pubertal beef bulls might be associated with increased circulating aspartate aminotransferase, magnesium and cortisol. Low-fertility post-thaw semen could have been involved with the lower peripheral estradiol and insulin levels in beef bulls.
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15
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Yadav SK, Singh P, Kumar P, Singh SV, Singh A, Kumar S. Scrotal infrared thermography and testicular biometry: Indicator of semen quality in Murrah buffalo bulls. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 209:106145. [PMID: 31514922 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This aim of this study was to assess the relationship, if any, of scrotal surface temperature gradient (SSTG), scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular covering thickness (TCT) with semen quality in Murrah buffalo breeding bulls. For this, buffalo breeding bulls (n = 130) were selected from four different semen centres. The ejaculates of each bull were evaluated for ejaculate volume (EV), mass motility (MM); concentration (SPC), motility (SM), viability and abnormalities (SA). The SSTG, SC and TCT of individual bulls were quantified using digital infrared thermography, measuring tape and ultrasonography, respectively. The bulls were divided into three groups on the basis of SSTG (≤ 4 °C, 4.1 to 6.4 °C and ≥ 6.5 °C), and SC (<31, 31 to 35 and> 35 cm) and into two groups on the basis of TCT (5 to 7.2 and 7.4 to 10.4 mm). Results indicated the bulls with a larger temperature gradient and larger SC produced greater quality semen than those with a lesser temperature gradient. The MM (P < 0.01) and SPC (P < 0.05) varied among the groups along with SSTG. Among the SC groups the EV, MM, SPC and SM (P < 0.01), and viability (P < 0.05) varied as did the SC. The bulls with a lesser TCT had a lesser SA (P < 0.05) as compared to the group with the greater TCT. Buffalo bulls having a greater SSTG, SC and lesser TCT produced semen of greater quality and these variables may be used as criteria for breeding soundness evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satendra Kumar Yadav
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Pawan Singh
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India.
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India.
| | - S V Singh
- Division of Animal Physiology, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Ajeet Singh
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
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16
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Ros-Santaella JL, Kotrba R, Pintus E. High-energy diet enhances spermatogenic function and increases sperm midpiece length in fallow deer ( Dama dama) yearlings. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:181972. [PMID: 31312478 PMCID: PMC6599764 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition is a major factor involved in the sexual development of livestock ruminants. In the male, a high-energy diet enhances the reproductive function, but its effects on the underlying processes such as spermatogenic efficiency are not yet defined. Moreover, the possible changes in sperm size due to a supplemented diet remain poorly investigated. The main goal of this study was to evaluate whether a high-energy diet affects the spermatogenic activity, epididymal sperm parameters (concentration, morphology, morphometry and acrosome integrity) and blood testosterone levels in fallow deer yearlings. For this purpose, 32 fallow deer were allocated into two groups according to their diet: control (pasture) and experimental (pasture and barley grain) groups. Fallow deer from the experimental group showed a significant increase in the Sertoli cell function and sperm midpiece length, together with a higher testicular mass, sperm concentration and percentage of normal spermatozoa than the control group (p < 0.05). We also found a tendency for higher blood testosterone levels in the animals fed with barley grain (p = 0.116). The better sperm quality found in the experimental group may be related to their higher efficiency of Sertoli cells and to an earlier onset of puberty. The results of the present work elucidate the mechanisms by which dietary supplementation enhances the male sexual development and might be useful for better practices of livestock management in seasonal breeders.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Kotrba
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815, 10400 Prague 10-Uhříněves, Czech Republic
| | - Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic
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17
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English AM, Byrne CJ, Cormican P, Waters SM, Fair S, Kenny DA. Effect of Early Calf-Hood Nutrition on the Transcriptional Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular axis in Holstein-Friesian Bull Calves. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16577. [PMID: 30409985 PMCID: PMC6224434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early calf-hood nutrition on the transcriptomic profile of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary and testes in Holstein-Friesian bulls. Holstein-Friesian bull calves with a mean (±S.D.) age and bodyweight of 19 (±8.2) days and 47.5 (±5.3) kg, respectively, were offered a high (n = 10) or low (n = 10) plane of nutrition in order to achieve an overall growth rate of 1.2 and 0.5 kg/day. At 126 (±3) days of age, calves were euthanized, hypothalamus (arcuate region), anterior pituitary and testicular parenchyma samples were harvested and RNAseq analysis was performed. There were 0, 49 and 1,346 genes differentially expressed in the arcuate nucleus, anterior pituitary and testicular tissue of bull calves on the low relative to the high plane of nutrition, respectively (P < 0.05; False Discovery Rate <0.05). Cell cycle processes in the anterior pituitary were down regulated in the low relative to the high plane of nutrition; there was no differential expression of genes related to reproductive processes. Gene expression involved in cholesterol and androgen biosynthesis in the testes were down regulated in animals on the low plane of nutrition. This study provides insight into the effect of early life plane of nutrition on the regulation of the HPT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M English
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, C15 PW93, Co. Meath, Ireland.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - C J Byrne
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, C15 PW93, Co. Meath, Ireland.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 N2E5, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P Cormican
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, C15 PW93, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - S M Waters
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, C15 PW93, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - D A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, C15 PW93, Co. Meath, Ireland. .,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 N2E5, Dublin, Ireland.
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18
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Fonseca PADS, Id-Lahoucine S, Reverter A, Medrano JF, Fortes MS, Casellas J, Miglior F, Brito L, Carvalho MRS, Schenkel FS, Nguyen LT, Porto-Neto LR, Thomas MG, Cánovas A. Combining multi-OMICs information to identify key-regulator genes for pleiotropic effect on fertility and production traits in beef cattle. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205295. [PMID: 30335783 PMCID: PMC6193631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of biological processes related to the regulation of complex traits is a difficult task. Commonly, complex traits are regulated through a multitude of genes contributing each to a small part of the total genetic variance. Additionally, some loci can simultaneously regulate several complex traits, a phenomenon defined as pleiotropy. The lack of understanding on the biological processes responsible for the regulation of these traits results in the decrease of selection efficiency and the selection of undesirable hitchhiking effects. The identification of pleiotropic key-regulator genes can assist in developing important tools for investigating biological processes underlying complex traits. A multi-breed and multi-OMICs approach was applied to study the pleiotropic effects of key-regulator genes using three independent beef cattle populations evaluated for fertility traits. A pleiotropic map for 32 traits related to growth, feed efficiency, carcass and meat quality, and reproduction was used to identify genes shared among the different populations and breeds in pleiotropic regions. Furthermore, data-mining analyses were performed using the Cattle QTL database (CattleQTLdb) to identify the QTL category annotated in the regions around the genes shared among breeds. This approach allowed the identification of a main gene network (composed of 38 genes) shared among breeds. This gene network was significantly associated with thyroid activity, among other biological processes, and displayed a high regulatory potential. In addition, it was possible to identify genes with pleiotropic effects related to crucial biological processes that regulate economically relevant traits associated with fertility, production and health, such as MYC, PPARG, GSK3B, TG and IYD genes. These genes will be further investigated to better understand the biological processes involved in the expression of complex traits and assist in the identification of functional variants associated with undesirable phenotypes, such as decreased fertility, poor feed efficiency and negative energetic balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Augusto de Souza Fonseca
- University of Guelph, Department of Animal Biosciences, Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samir Id-Lahoucine
- University of Guelph, Department of Animal Biosciences, Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonio Reverter
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juan F. Medrano
- University of California-Davis, Department of Animal Science, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Marina S. Fortes
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joaquim Casellas
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Filippo Miglior
- University of Guelph, Department of Animal Biosciences, Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Dairy Network, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luiz Brito
- University of Guelph, Department of Animal Biosciences, Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Raquel S. Carvalho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávio S. Schenkel
- University of Guelph, Department of Animal Biosciences, Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Loan T. Nguyen
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laercio R. Porto-Neto
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Milton G. Thomas
- Colorado State University, Department of Animal Science, Fort-Colins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Angela Cánovas
- University of Guelph, Department of Animal Biosciences, Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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19
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Sakase M, Kitagawa K, Kibushi M, Kawate N, Weerakoon WWPN, Hannan MA, Kohama N, Tamada H. Relationships of plasma insulin-like peptide 3, testosterone, inhibin, and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations with scrotal circumference and testicular weight in Japanese Black beef bull calves. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:401-407. [PMID: 29984734 PMCID: PMC6189565 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to clarify the relationships of plasma concentrations of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), testosterone, inhibin, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) with scrotal circumference and testicular weight in Japanese Black beef bull calves (n = 20), from birth to pre-puberty. Monthly blood sampling (0 to 7 months) and scrotal circumference measurements (0 to 7 months) were performed. Testicular weight was recorded immediately after castration at 7 months. Plasma INSL3, testosterone, inhibin, and IGF-I concentrations were measured either by enzyme immunoassay or time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay. The correlation coefficients of these hormonal concentrations with scrotal circumference were significant (P < 0.0001) and it was higher for INSL3 (r = 0.647) than for testosterone (r = 0.597), IGF-I (r = 0.400), and inhibin (r = –0.453). Calves with heavier testes (> 60 g) at castration (7 months) had higher (P < 0.05) plasma INSL3 (from 3 to 7 months) and inhibin (from 1 to 4 months) concentrations than those with lighter testes (< 60 g). The calves with heavier testes at castration had larger (P < 0.05) scrotal circumference than those with lighter testes from 3 to 7 months. In conclusion, blood INSL3 concentrations may be the best functional indicator among the hormones analyzed for determining total testicular volume during pre-puberty in bull calves. In addition, inhibin and INSL3 concentrations in early calfhood may be functional predictors for testicular weight at pre-puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hyogo 669-5254, Japan
| | - Keita Kitagawa
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kibushi
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan.,Asago Animal Hygiene Institute of Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo 669-5243, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - W W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Namiko Kohama
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hyogo 669-5254, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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20
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Byrne C, Fair S, English A, Urh C, Sauerwein H, Crowe M, Lonergan P, Kenny D. Plane of nutrition before and after 6 months of age in Holstein-Friesian bulls: II. Effects on metabolic and reproductive endocrinology and identification of physiological markers of puberty and sexual maturation. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:3460-3475. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Byrne C, Fair S, English A, Cirot M, Staub C, Lonergan P, Kenny D. Plane of nutrition before and after 6 months of age in Holstein-Friesian bulls: I. Effects on performance, body composition, age at puberty, and postpubertal semen production. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:3447-3459. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Review: The effect of nutrition on timing of pubertal onset and subsequent fertility in the bull. Animal 2018; 12:s36-s44. [PMID: 29554994 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of genomic selection has led to increased interest within the cattle breeding industry to market semen from young bulls as early as possible. However, both the quantity and quality of such semen is dictated by the age at which these animals reach puberty. Enhancing early life plane of nutrition of the bull stimulates a complex biochemical interplay involving metabolic and neuroendocrine signalling and culminating in enhanced testicular growth and development and earlier onset of sexual maturation. Recent evidence suggests that an enhanced plane of nutrition leads to an advancement of testicular development in bulls at 18 weeks of age. However, as of yet, much of the neuronal mechanisms regulating these developmental processes remain to be elucidated in the bull. While early life nutrition clearly affects the sexual maturation process in bulls, there is little evidence for latent effects on semen traits post-puberty. Equally the influence of prevailing nutritional status on the fertility of mature bulls is unclear though management practices that result in clinical or even subclinical metabolic disease can undoubtedly impact upon normal sexual function. Dietary supplements enriched with various polyunsaturated fatty acids or fortified with trace elements do not consistently affect reproductive function in the bull, certainly where animals are already adequately nourished. Further insight on how nutrition mediates the biochemical interaction between neuroendocrine and testicular processes will facilitate optimisation of nutritional regimens to optimise sexual maturation and subsequent semen production in bulls.
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23
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Review: Ontology and endocrinology of the reproductive system of bulls from fetus to maturity. Animal 2018; 12:s19-s26. [PMID: 29551096 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on current understanding of prenatal, prepubertal and post-pubertal development of the male reproductive system of cattle. The critical developmental events occur during the first 3 to 4 months of gestation and the first ~6 to 9 months after birth. The Wilms Tumor-1 and SRY proteins play critical roles in early development and differentiation of the fetal testis, which in turn drives gestational development of the entire male reproductive system. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis matures earlier in the bovine fetus than other domestic species with descent of the testes into the scrotum occurring around the 4th month of gestation. An array of congenital abnormalities affecting the reproductive system of bulls has been reported and most are considered to be heritable, although the mode of inheritance in most cases has not been fully defined. Early postnatal detection of most of these abnormalities is problematic as clinical signs are generally not expressed until after puberty. Development of genomic markers for these abnormalities would enable early culling of affected calves in seedstock herds. The postnatal early sustained increase in lutenising hormone secretion cues the rapid growth of the testes in the bull calf leading to the onset of puberty. There is good evidence that both genetic and environmental factors, in particular postnatal nutrition, control or influence development and maturation of the reproductive system. For example, in Bos taurus genotypes which have had sustained genetic selection pressure applied for fertility, and where young bulls are managed on a moderate to high plane of nutrition puberty typically occurs at 8 to 12 months of age. However, in many Bos indicus genotypes where there has been little selection pressure for fertility and where young bulls are reared on a low plane of nutrition, puberty typically occurs between 15 to 17 months. Our understanding of the control and expression of sexual behavior in bulls is limited, particularly in B. indicus genotypes.
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Weerakoon WWPN, Sakase M, Kawate N, Hannan MA, Kohama N, Tamada H. Plasma IGF-I, INSL3, testosterone, inhibin concentrations and scrotal circumferences surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls with normal and abnormal semen. Theriogenology 2018; 114:54-62. [PMID: 29597124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The relationships between semen abnormalities and peripheral concentrations of testicular and metabolic hormones in beef bulls are unclear. Here we compared plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), testosterone, inhibin concentrations, and scrotal circumferences surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls (n = 66) with normal or abnormal semen. We collected blood samples and measured scrotal circumferences monthly from 4 to 24 months of age. Semen was collected weekly from 12 months until at least 18 months of age. Fresh semen was evaluated for semen volume, sperm motility, concentrations, and morphological defects. The normal fresh semen was frozen by a standard method and examined for post-thaw sperm motility and fertility. Bulls were classified as having either normal post-thaw semen (n = 45) or abnormal semen (n = 21, when at least one of the above test items was abnormal for 6 months). Abnormal semen was classified into abnormal fresh or low-fertility post-thaw which evaluated for rates of transferable embryos. The abnormal fresh was categorized as having sperm morphological defects, low motility, and morphological defects plus low motility. Scrotal circumferences were smaller for the abnormal-semen group vs. the normal-semen group at 20 and 24 months (p < 0.05). Plasma IGF-I, INSL3, and inhibin concentrations in the abnormal-semen group were lower than those of the normal-semen group (p < 0.05) surrounding puberty (4-6, 8, 18-22, and 24 months for IGF-I; 6, 9, 11-14, 17, and 20-21 months for INSL3; 5, 8-13, 16, 17, 19, and 20 months for inhibin). The plasma testosterone concentrations were lower in the abnormal-semen bulls vs. normal-semen bulls only at 22 months (p < 0.05). Analyses of the classified abnormal semen showed lower plasma INSL3 concentrations for morphological defects plus low motility in fresh semen (p < 0.05) and lower IGF-I and inhibin concentrations for low-fertility post-thaw semen (p < 0.05) compared to the normal semen. Our results suggest that reduced secretions of IGF-I, INSL3, and inhibin surrounding puberty may be associated with semen aberration in beef bulls. Notably, the combined sperm abnormality of morphological defects and low motility in fresh semen could involve lowered INSL3, whereas the low-fertility post-thaw semen might be related to decreases of IGF-I and/or inhibin. Pre-puberty blood IGF-I, INSL3 and inhibin concentrations could be used as indicators to predict aberrant semen in beef bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - M Sakase
- Northern Center of Agriculture Technology, General Technological Center of Hyogo Prefecture for Agriculture, Forest and Fishery, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - N Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan.
| | - M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Kohama
- Northern Center of Agriculture Technology, General Technological Center of Hyogo Prefecture for Agriculture, Forest and Fishery, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - H Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
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High salt diet decreases reproductive performance in rams and down-regulates gene expression of some components of the renin-angiotensin system in the testis. Theriogenology 2018; 107:127-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Harstine BR, Cruppe LH, Abreu FM, Rodrigues AD, DeJarnette JM, Day ML. Impact of a timed-release FSH treatment from 2 to 6 months of age in bulls II: Endocrinology, puberty attainment, and mature sperm production in Holstein bulls. Theriogenology 2018; 105:135-141. [PMID: 28965025 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.09.019] [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: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of genomic testing in the cattle industries has renewed an interest in hastening bull puberty. In prepubertal males, FSH facilitates Sertoli cell proliferation and testis maturation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prepubertal administration of a timed-release FSH (delivered in a hyaluronan solution) on hormone secretion, puberty attainment, and mature sperm production in Holstein bulls in an AI center. Bulls (n = 29) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups based on birth date and pedigree. Beginning at 62 days of age (Day 62), bulls were injected im every 3.5 days with either 30 mg FSH (Folltropin-V; NIH-FSH-P1 units) in a 2% hyaluronan solution (FSH-HA, n = 17) or saline (control, n = 12) until Day 170.5. Blood samples to assess FSH, activin A, and testosterone were collected prior to each treatment. Scrotal circumference (SC) and BW were measured monthly. Puberty assessment (ability to ejaculate 5 × 107 sperm, 10% motile) was initiated at Day 244. Average mature daily sperm production (3× wk collection, combined 2 ejaculates) was assessed from Day 571-627. In blood collected every 3.5 days, FSH concentrations within FSH-HA bulls were increased (P < 0.05) over initial Day 62 concentration from Day 93.5-170.5. Concentrations of FSH did not differ between treatments from Day 62-93.5, but were greater (P < 0.05) in FSH-HA than control bulls from Day 97-170.5. Concentrations of activin A assessed for Day 62, 86.5, 107.5, 139, and 170.5 were greater (P < 0.05) in FSH-HA than control bulls on Day 86.5 and 107.5. Treatments did not differ (P > 0.1) in testosterone, BW, or SC. FSH-HA bulls attained puberty at a younger age than control bulls (278 ± 7.7 vs. 303 ± 9.1 days of age, P < 0.05), but mature daily sperm production was not different when measured from Day 571-627 (average 5.84 ± 0.11 billion cells/day, P = 0.5). In summary, FSH administration every 3.5 days from Day 62-170.5 resulted in an increase in FSH concentration beginning at 97 days of age and a hastened age of puberty. We propose this exogenous FSH delivered in hyaluronan initiates a positive feedback loop that includes an increase in activin A production observed on Day 86.5 and 107.5. However, differences in mature sperm production were not realized in this experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Harstine
- The Ohio State University, Department of Animal Science, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH 43064, USA
| | - L H Cruppe
- The Ohio State University, Department of Animal Science, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, OH 43064, USA
| | - F M Abreu
- The Ohio State University, Department of Animal Science, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - A D Rodrigues
- The Ohio State University, Department of Animal Science, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - M L Day
- The Ohio State University, Department of Animal Science, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; University of Wyoming, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
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Rabassa V, Feijó J, Perazzoli D, Pereira C, Schild A, Lucia Júnior T, Corcini C, Schmitt E, Schneider A, Pino F, Bianchi I, Corrêa M. Effect of porcine somatotropin on metabolism, testicular size and sperm characteristics in young boars. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pST injections on metabolism, testicular size, and sperm characteristics in young boars. Sixty 22-day old piglets were divided into two groups: pST (n=30) and Control (n=30). The pST group was submitted to pST injections (90µg/kg body weight) every three days up to 330 days of age. Blood collections were performed weekly. Testicular weight was measures at 22, 82, 142, 202 and 365 days of age. Libido and fresh semen characteristics were evaluated between 150 and 210 days of age. Semen characteristics were also evaluated during a 72h storage period (15ºC). Testosterone, albumin, and phosphorus blood concentrations were higher in the pST group (P<0.05). The pST group had a higher IGF-I concentration in seminal plasma (P=0.05) and higher testicular weight (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. The pST group had higher ejaculate volume (P<0.001), total sperm count (P=0.047) and number of inseminating doses/ejaculate (P=0.047). During the 72h storage period, the pST group had a lower number of morphological alterations (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. In sum, pST injection in young boars increased testosterone concentration, testicular size, and sperm quality.
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Copping KJ, Ruiz-Diaz MD, Rutland CS, Mongan NP, Callaghan MJ, McMillen IC, Rodgers RJ, Perry VEA. Peri-conception and first trimester diet modifies reproductive development in bulls. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:703-720. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional perturbation during gestation alters male reproductive development in rodents and sheep. In cattle both the developmental trajectory of the feto–placental unit and its response to dietary perturbations is dissimilar to that of these species. This study examined the effects of dietary protein perturbation during the peri-conception and first trimester periods upon reproductive development in bulls. Nulliparous heifers (n = 360) were individually fed a high- or low-protein diet (HPeri and LPeri) from 60 days before conception. From 24 until 98 days post conception, half of each treatment group changed to the alternative post-conception high- or low-protein diet (HPost and LPost) yielding four treatment groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design. A subset of male fetuses (n = 25) was excised at 98 days post conception and fetal testis development was assessed. Reproductive development of singleton male progeny (n = 40) was assessed until slaughter at 598 days of age, when adult testicular cytology was evaluated. Low peri-conception diet delayed reproductive development: sperm quality was lowered during pubertal development with a concomitant delay in reaching puberty. These effects were subsequent to lower FSH concentrations at 330 and 438 days of age. In the fetus, the low peri-conception diet increased the proportion of seminiferous tubules and decreased blood vessel area in the testis, whereas low first trimester diet increased blood vessel number in the adult testis. We conclude that maternal dietary protein perturbation during conception and early gestation may alter male testis development and delay puberty in bulls.
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Perumal P, Savino N, Sangma C, Chang S, Sangtam T, Khan M, Singh G, Kumar B, Yadav D, Srivastava N. Effect of season and age on scrotal circumference, testicular parameters and endocrinological profiles in mithun bulls. Theriogenology 2017; 98:23-29. [PMID: 28601151 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Byrne C, Fair S, English A, Urh C, Sauerwein H, Crowe M, Lonergan P, Kenny D. Effect of breed, plane of nutrition and age on growth, scrotal development, metabolite concentrations and on systemic gonadotropin and testosterone concentrations following a GnRH challenge in young dairy bulls. Theriogenology 2017; 96:58-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Kowalski LH, Fernandes SR, DiLorenzo N, Moletta JL, Rossi P, de Freitas JA. Residual feed intake and reproductive traits of growing Purunã bulls. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:930-938. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.0888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bollwein H, Janett F, Kaske M. Impact of nutritional programming on the growth, health, and sexual development of bull calves. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 56 Suppl:S180-90. [PMID: 27345315 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The growth, health, and reproductive performance of bull calves are important prerequisites for a successful cattle breeding program. Therefore, several attempts have been made to improve these parameters via nutritional programming. Although an increase in energy uptake during the postweaning period (7-8 mo of age) of the calves leads to a faster growing rate, it has no positive effects on sexual development. In contrast, a high-nutrition diet during the prepubertal period (8-20 wk of age) reduced the age at puberty of the bulls and increased the size and/or weight of the testis and the epididymal sperm reserves. This faster sexual development is associated with an increased transient LH peak, which seems to be mediated by an increase in serum IGF-I concentrations. However, the exact mechanisms responsible for the interaction between nutrition and the subsequent development of the calves are not clear. The sexual development of bull calves depends not only on the nutrition of the calves after birth but also on the feed intake of their mothers during pregnancy. In contrast to the effects of the feed intake of the bull calves, a high-nutrition diet fed to the mother during the first trimester has negative effects on the reproductive performance of their offspring. In conclusion, it has been clearly demonstrated that growth, health, and reproductive performance can be improved by nutritional programming, but further studies are necessary to obtain a better understanding about the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich.
| | - F Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich
| | - M Kaske
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich
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Insulinlike growth factor I improves yak (Bos grunniens) spermatozoa motility and the oocyte cleavage rate by modulating the expression of Bax and Bcl-2. Theriogenology 2015; 84:756-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Dance A, Thundathil J, Wilde R, Blondin P, Kastelic J. Enhanced early-life nutrition promotes hormone production and reproductive development in Holstein bulls. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:987-98. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Guggeri D, Meikle A, Carriquiry M, Montossi F, De Barbieri I, Viñoles C. Effect of different management systems on growth, endocrine parameters and puberty in Hereford female calves grazing Campos grassland. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Butler MW, Karanfilian B, Homsher M, McGraw KJ. Carotenoid supplementation during adulthood, but not development, decreases testis size in mallards. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2013; 166:465-9. [PMID: 23911982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2013.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Nutritional constraints on reproduction are well-characterized in female animals, but rarely have particular nutrients been linked to male reproductive investments. Carotenoid pigments promote egg-laying and fertility in several animals, and are displayed externally within secondary sex traits by males of many colorful species to attract mates, but it is unclear if or how carotenoids affect male primary sex traits. We manipulated carotenoid availability in the diet of male mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) during both development and adulthood to determine effects on size and carotenoid content of the testes. We found that developmental carotenoid manipulations did not affect testis size or carotenoid concentration, but that increased carotenoid dietary levels at adulthood resulted in more carotenoid-rich, but smaller, testes. This latter result was surprising, given positive correlations in mammals between testicle size and carotenoid concentration. We also found negative correlations between testis size and carotenoid concentration for individual ducks, regardless of dietary treatment. These results suggest that carotenoid deposition into testis tissue can reduce investment in gonad size (and thus overall sperm count), although the functional consequences of this relationship remain to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Butler
- Lafayette College, Department of Biology, Easton, PA, 18042-1778, USA; Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501, USA.
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Intermittent fasting dietary restriction regimen negatively influences reproduction in young rats: a study of hypothalamo-hypophysial-gonadal axis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e52416. [PMID: 23382817 PMCID: PMC3558496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional infertility is very common in societies where women fail to eat enough to match their energy expenditure and such females often present as clinical cases of anorexia nervosa. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that link energy balance and central regulation of reproduction are still not well understood. Peripheral hormones such as estradiol, testosterone and leptin, as well as neuropeptides like kisspeptin and neuropeptides Y (NPY) play a potential role in regulation of reproduction and energy balance with their primary target converging on the hypothalamic median eminence-arcuate region. The present study was aimed to explore the effects of negative energy state resulting from intermittent fasting dietary restriction (IF-DR) regimen on complete hypothalamo-hypophysial-gonadal axis in Wistar strain young female and male rats. Significant changes in body weight, blood glucose, estrous cyclicity and serum estradiol, testosterone and LH level indicated the negative role of IF-DR regimen on reproduction in these young animals. Further, it was elucidated whether serum level of metabolic hormone, leptin plays a mechanistic role in suppressing hypothalamo-hypophysial-gonadal (HPG) axis via energy regulators, kisspeptin and NPY in rats on IF-DR regimen. We also studied the effect of IF-DR regimen on structural remodeling of GnRH axon terminals in median eminence region of hypothalamus along with the glial cell marker, GFAP and neuronal plasticity marker, PSA-NCAM using immunostaining, Western blotting and RT-PCR. Together these data suggest that IF-DR regimen negatively influences reproduction in young animals due to its adverse effects on complete hypothalamus-hypophysial-gonadal axis and may explain underlying mechanism(s) to understand the clinical basis of nutritional infertility.
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Abstract
The average dairy cow survives only three lactations, reducing the availability of replacement heifers. Prenatal losses occur due to early embryonic mortality (about 40%), later embryo loss (up to 20% in high-yielding herds) or abortion (about 5%). A recent survey of 19 UK herds showed that 7.9% of calves were born dead and 3.4% died within 1 month. During the rearing phase, 6.7% of animals were lost before reaching first service at 15 months due to disease or accident and another 2.3% failed to conceive. Many potential replacements therefore never enter the milking herd. This severely limits opportunities for on-farm selection of breeding cows in addition to presenting a welfare issue and causing economic loss. The most profitable animals once lactation is reached combine good milk production with a regular calving pattern. Some aspects of performance are related to age at first calving (AFC), which in turn is influenced by heifer growth rates. Poorly growing animals required more services to conceive, calved later and subsequently performed badly. Optimum fertility and maximum yield in the first lactation were associated with an AFC of 24 to 25 months. However, heifers calving at 22 to 23 months performed best in terms of total milk yield and survival over the first 5 years, partly because good heifer fertility was associated with better fertility later. We have investigated some possible juvenile predictors of future performance. Low-birth-weight calves were more likely to come from either primiparous mothers or older dams (3+ lactations) with higher peak milk yields, suggesting that the uterine environment may limit prenatal calf growth due to competition for nutrients with maternal growth or milk production. Linear trait classification scores for frame size show genetic correlations with longevity. The skeletal measures of height and crown rump length in 1-month-old calves was correlated to subsequent stature, and frame size was correlated to weight at 15 months. It may thus be possible to predict performance from simple size measurements as juveniles. Neither endogenous nor stimulated growth hormone (GH) release in 6-month-old calves were related to milk yield in the first three lactations, but size of a stimulated GH peak was positively related to milk energy values in the first lactation. Cows with delayed ovulation (>45 days) in the first lactation had a higher GH pulse amplitude and lower IGF-I as a juvenile. Cows that partition excess energy into milk in their first lactation may suffer reduced longevity.
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Brito L, Barth A, Wilde R, Kastelic J. Effect of growth rate from 6 to 16 months of age on sexual development and reproductive function in beef bulls. Theriogenology 2012; 77:1398-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2011] [Revised: 10/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Viñoles C, De Barbieri I, Gil J, Olivera J, Fierro S, Bialade F, Montossi F. Long-term effect of nutrition on the metabolic status and reproductive potential of Merino rams under grazing conditions. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.1071/an11365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the impact of feeding rams for 14 weeks with legumes and supplement on their clinical, behavioural and endocrine responses, 32 Merino rams, 17 months old, were allocated to four groups (n = 8). The 2 × 2 factorial arrangement evaluated the pasture type (IP, improved pasture; NP, native pasture) and the effect of feeding (+S) or not (–S) feeding a supplement. Every 2 weeks liveweight, scrotal circumference and serving capacity were evaluated and blood samples taken to measure the concentrations of metabolites and metabolic hormones. Grazing behaviour was evaluated every 4 weeks. Rams grazing IP (61.8 ± 0.7 kg) were heavier than those grazing NP (59.6 ± 0.7 kg; P < 0.05), and +S rams (61.8 ± 0.7 kg) heavier than –S rams (59.3 ± 0.6 kg; P < 0.05). Compared with rams from the IP+S, IP–S and NP+S, rams grazing NP–S lost weight (P < 0.001) during the experiment. The scrotal circumference was larger in IP+S (30 ± 0.4 cm), IP–S (30 ± 0.4 cm) and NP+S (31 ± 04 cm) than in NP–S (29 ± 0.4 cm; P < 0.001). Only in rams from the group NP+S was a significant increase in scrotal circumference observed during the trial (P < 0.05). The supplement tended to maintain the mating potential elevated towards the end of the experiment (+S: 74.3 ± 5.4 and –S: 61.7 ± 6.3 ewes/ram; P = 0.07). Supplemented rams were less frequently seen grazing (47 ± 3%) than non-supplemented rams (57 ± 4%; P = 0.09). Rams grazing IP ruminated more frequently (13 ± 2%) than those grazing NP (9 ± 2%; P < 0.001). Events such as lying down, playing, self-grooming and drinking water were more frequent in supplemented (36 ± 2%) than non-supplemented rams (30 ± 2%; P = 0.09). The supplement increased the concentrations of insulin and glucose and decreased the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, albumin and urea (P < 0.05). IP increased the concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, protein, albumin and urea and tended to increase the concentrations of insulin. We conclude that feeding Merino rams a high plane of nutrition reduced the frequency of grazing events and stimulated a long-term improvement of the metabolic status, evidenced by an increase in liveweight and scrotal circumference, with relevant implications for their mating potential.
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Silva DM, Zangeronimo MG, Murgas LDS, Rocha LGP, Chaves BR, Pereira BA, Cunha ECP. Addition of IGF-I to storage-cooled boar semen and its effect on sperm quality. Growth Horm IGF Res 2011; 21:325-330. [PMID: 21967820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 08/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate in vitro IGF-I treatment during warming of storage-cooled boar semen and its effect on seminal quality parameters and metabolism in spermatic cells. DESIGN Semen samples (n=7) warmed after stored at 15°C for 24 or 72h were divided into four equal parts. Different IGF-I concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150ng/mL) were added to the semen samples. The samples were incubated at 37°C, and assessments were made after 0 and 120min of incubation. RESULTS For semen samples that were stored for 24h, the addition of IGF-I had no effect (p>0.05) on the total motility and intensity of movements by spermatic cells, osmotic resistance, live:dead cell ratio or total spermatic abnormalities. However, incubation with 150ng/mL IGF-I did decrease glutathione peroxidase activity (p<0.05) and reduce lipid peroxidation after 120min of incubation. For semen samples stored for 72h and incubated with IGF-I for 120min, there was a linear relationship between the IGF-I concentration and the live:dead ratio (p<0.05). There was a quadratic relationship between the IGF-I concentration and both the osmotic resistance (peak results at IGF-I=62.4ng/mL) and glutathione peroxidase activity (peak results at IGF-I=77.8ng/mL). There was no effect on lipid peroxidation (p>0.05) after 120min of incubation. Addition of IGF-I also decreased fructose utilization by spermatic cells regardless of semen storage time (p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study suggests that IGF-I may be beneficial to semen stored for longer periods of time. Adding 150ng/mL IGF-I improved the quality of semen stored for 24h, and adding 78ng/mL IGF-I improved the quality of semen stored for 72h.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Sullivan T, Micke G, Greer R, Perry V. Dietary manipulation of Bos indicus×heifers during gestation affects the prepubertal reproductive development of their bull calves. Anim Reprod Sci 2010; 118:131-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Selvaraju S, Reddy I, Nandi S, Rao S, Ravindra J. Influence of IGF-I on buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa motility, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and fructose uptake in vitro. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 113:60-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Revised: 06/28/2008] [Accepted: 08/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Bagu ET, Gordon JR, Rawlings NC. Postnatal changes in testicular concentrations of transforming growth factors-alpha and-beta 1, 2 and 3 and serum concentrations of insulin like growth factor I in bulls. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 45:348-53. [PMID: 19210668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01326.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Based on work largely in laboratory animals, transforming growth factors (TGF) and insulin like growth factors (IGF) could be regulators of testicular development. The aim of this study was to see if TGF-alpha and -beta 1, 2 and 3 are present in the bovine testis and to monitor concentrations of these factors in the testis and IGF-I in serum during reproductive development. Separate groups of Hereford x Charolais calves (n = 6) were castrated every 4 weeks from 5 to 33 weeks of age and at 56 weeks of age. A week prior to castration, from 5 to 33 weeks of age, blood was collected every 15 min for 10 h. Serum IGF-I concentrations increased from 8 to 12 weeks of age, decreased from 24 to 28 weeks and increased to 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF-alpha concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 33 to 56 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 1 concentrations decreased from 17 to 21 weeks of age, increased to 25 weeks and decreased from 25 to 33 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 2 concentrations increased from 5 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks and decreased at 29 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 3 concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 25 to 29 weeks of age (p < 0.05). We concluded that TGF-alpha and TGF-beta 1, 2 and 3 are present in the testis of the bull calf, and changes in concentrations with age suggest a functional role in the development of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E T Bagu
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Swali A, Cheng Z, Bourne N, Wathes DC. Metabolic traits affecting growth rates of pre-pubertal calves and their relationship with subsequent survival. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2008; 35:300-13. [PMID: 18675527 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2008.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Revised: 05/23/2008] [Accepted: 06/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study related growth and metabolic traits in Holstein-Friesian calves (n=45) to subsequent performance and longevity. Animals were measured at birth, 3, 6 and 9 months (weight, crown rump length (CRL), heart girth and height). Endocrine and metabolic traits were assessed at 6 months of age. These traits were not influenced by sire (n=5). Milk production and mortality records were obtained through 3 lactations. Seven heifers failed to achieve a lactation, 6 were culled after one, 17 after two and 15 (33%) survived >/=3 lactations. Birth weight and girth but not skeletal measures were highly positively correlated with the repeated size measurements at 3-9 months. Calves with higher cortisol at 6 months were smaller in weight and girth at 3 months, with reduced 3-6 months skeletal growth. GH secretion was related to height, weight and growth, whereas urea was most strongly related to CRL. Calves not achieving a single lactation had lower IGF-I. Calves with higher glucose or BHB were more likely to be culled after 2 lactations, an effect which was independent of yield. Size and metabolic measurements of growing calves may therefore prove useful in predicting longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Swali
- Reproduction Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
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Brito LFC, Barth AD, Rawlings NC, Wilde RE, Crews DH, Mir PS, Kastelic JP. Effect of improved nutrition during calfhood on serum metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, and testosterone concentrations, and on testicular development in bulls. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2007; 33:460-9. [PMID: 17029677 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2006.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2006] [Revised: 09/13/2006] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of improved nutrition during calfhood on serum metabolic hormones, gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations, and on sexual development in bulls. Bulls received high (n=17) or control nutrition (n=16) diets from 10 to 30 week of age and the same control nutrition diet from 31 to 74 week of age. Improved nutrition during calfhood resulted in a more sustained period of elevated LH secretion (pulse frequency and total secretion in 10h) during the early gonadotropin rise. GnRH-stimulated LH secretion was not affected by diet, indicating that pituitary responsiveness was not altered; therefore, improved nutrition had direct effects on GnRH secretion by the hypothalamus. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations were greater during calfhood in bulls receiving high nutrition, indicating that these metabolic hormones might be involved in regulating GnRH and LH secretion. Improved nutrition also resulted in increased testosterone secretion that was associated with greater circulating IGF-I concentrations, suggesting a role for this metabolic hormone in regulating Leydig cell number and function. Furthermore, improved nutrition during calfhood resulted in greater testicular weight and sperm production in mature bulls, indicating that increased LH secretion during calfhood, and increased IGF-I and testosterone concentrations during calfhood and peripubertal period were associated with greater testicular cell proliferation and enhanced function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo F C Brito
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Dr. Saskatoon, Sask. S7H 4B5, Canada.
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Brito LFC, Barth AD, Rawlings NC, Wilde RE, Crews DH, Boisclair YR, Ehrhardt RA, Kastelic JP. Effect of feed restriction during calfhood on serum concentrations of metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, testosterone, and on sexual development in bulls. Reproduction 2007; 134:171-81. [PMID: 17641099 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects offeed restriction during calfhood on serum concentrations of metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, and testosterone, and on sexual development in bulls. Eight beef bull calves received a control diet from 10 to 70 weeks of age. An additional 16 calves had restricted feed (75% of control) from 10 to 26 weeks of age (calfhood), followed by either control or high nutrition (n=8/group) during the peripubertal period until 70 weeks of age. Restricted feed during calfhood inhibited the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator, reduced the pituitary response to GnRH, impaired testicular steroidogenesis, delayed puberty, and reduced testicular weight at 70 weeks of age, regardless of the nutrition during the peripubertal period. Restricted feed reduced serum IGF-I concentrations, but concentrations of leptin, insulin, and GH were not affected. In conclusion, restricted feed during calfhood impaired sexual development in bulls due to adverse effects on every level of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis and these effects were not overcome by supplemental feeding during the peripubertal period. Furthermore, based on temporal associations, the effects of restricted feed on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis might be mediated by serum IGF-I concentrations. These results supported the hypotheses that the pattern of LH secretion during the early gonadotropin rise during calfhood is the main determinant of age of puberty in bulls and that gonadotropin-independent mechanisms involved in testicular growth during the peripubertal period are affected by previous LH exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F C Brito
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5B4.
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