1
|
Novaes MAS, de Souza Netto DL, Almeida PP, Carvalho VHR, Lovatti JVR, Costa SLD, Neves MM, Veloso CM, Torres CAA. Can maintenance intake reduce production costs without compromising the reproductive performance in bucks? Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106331. [PMID: 32216927 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106331] [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: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Excessive intake of nutrients can result in decreases in the reproductive efficiency of goat bucks and increase production costs in goat e nterprises. In this study, the aim was to compare the reproductive features of young bucks fed diets for maintenance of growth or were fed ad libitum. Ten bucks were used (n = 5/group), with a completely randomized design. Blood and semen were collected from each animal every 2 weeks for nine collections. Semen was frozen and later analyzed using flow cytometry to compare reactive oxygen species, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and membrane lipid peroxidation. Body condition score, sexual behavior, testicular biometry and histomorphometry of the testis, as well as oxidative enzymes and carbonylated proteins, were also evaluated. Animals fed ad libitum had a greater body condition score (3.32 + 0.08 × 2.88 + 0.05), sperm volume (0.68 + 0.04 × 0.52 + 0.03 mL), and testis circumference (25.2 + 0.21 × 24.5 + 0.24 cm) and volume (121 + 5.83 × 107 + 4.38 cm³, left testicle; 116 + 5.26 × 100 + 3.75 cm³, right testicle). Ejaculates of the bucks fed diets to maintain growth rate had a larger number of minor and total sperm morphology defects. There were no differences in testosterone concentrations and sexual behavior. In conclusion, there can be feeding for growth rate maintenance instead of ad libitum feeding, for the reduction in production costs of young bucks without compromising semen quality and reproductive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Aurélio Schiavo Novaes
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Palloma Porto Almeida
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Immunochemistry and Glycobiology Laboratory, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Ribeiro Carvalho
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - João Vitor Ribeiro Lovatti
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Sanely Lourenço da Costa
- Latin American Institute of Life and Nature Sciences, Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-americana, 85866-000, Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado Neves
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Structural Biology Laboratory, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Cristina Mattos Veloso
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Ciro Alexandre Alves Torres
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abril-Sánchez S, Freitas-de-Melo A, Giriboni J, Santiago-Moreno J, Ungerfeld R. Sperm collection by electroejaculation in small ruminants: A review on welfare problems and alternative techniques. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 205:1-9. [PMID: 30962039 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There are different perspectives on whether there should be use of electroejaculation (EE) for semen collection because it can be stressful and painful for the males when this technique is imposed. In the present review it is examined 1) the effects of EE on animal welfare and semen quality in domestic and wild small ruminants, 2) benefits and limitations of administering anaesthetics and sedatives prior to EE, 3) advantages/disadvantages of transrectal ultrasonic-guided massage of the accessory sex glands (TUMASG) as an alternative to EE, and 4) benefits of administering hormones, such as oxytocin or PGF2α analogues (which stimulate the contractility of the male accessory sex glands), prior to EE and TUMASG. In general, the administration of anaesthetics, sedatives or hormones reduces the pain and stress caused by EE, and can improve sperm quality, but results may vary depending on the species. The use of anaesthetics is, however, not devoid of risks and pre-EE administration of sedatives, or oxytocin or PGF2α analogues, can aid sperm collection mitigate risks. The TUMASG is less stressful than EE, but its effectiveness varies greatly among species, and it can only be performed by trained personnel. Prior administration of the hormones may also result in a reduction in the period needed to induce ejaculation with use of TUMASG procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Abril-Sánchez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - Aline Freitas-de-Melo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - Julia Giriboni
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - Julián Santiago-Moreno
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lacuesta L, Giriboni J, Orihuela A, Ungerfeld R. Rearing bucks isolated from females affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:114-117. [PMID: 34122641 PMCID: PMC8186874 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2017-0047] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In some domestic ruminants, contact with females is necessary for normal development of sexual
behavior. The aims of this experiment were to determine if rearing bucks isolated from does
affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults, and if this negative effect is overcome
after four short contacts with females. Sixteen Saanen male kids were maintained during one
year in two groups: kids reared in permanent direct contact with four adult goats (FEM; n = 7),
and kids that remained isolated from females (ISO; n = 9). When bucks were 12 mo-old, females
were removed and both groups were joined in the FEM pen. Nine months later all bucks were individually
exposed four times to estrual females for 20 min every 10 days, recording courtship and mounting
behaviors. Bucks that were reared with females displayed more courtship behaviors, ejaculations
and total mounts (mount attempts, mounts with and without ejaculation; P < 0.0001 for all)
than ISO bucks. The combined effect of number of bucks that ejaculated and the time at which
they first ejaculated in the first and second tests favored FEM bucks (P < 0.03). It was concluded
that the lack of contact with females during the rearing period affects negatively adult bucks’
sexual performance, an effect that could not be overcome after repeated exposures to estural
does.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lacuesta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo11600, Uruguay
| | - Julia Giriboni
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo11600, Uruguay
| | - Agustín Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, México
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo11600, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bucks reared in close contact with adult does prefer to interact with females than with males. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
5
|
Ungerfeld R, Freitas-de-Melo A, Giriboni J, Lacuesta L, Toledano-Díaz A, Santiago-Moreno J. Influence of seasonality and stimulus of oestrous does in bucks' aggressiveness. Behav Processes 2016; 133:1-5. [PMID: 27744086 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Aggressiveness is directly related to testosterone concentration, which varies with seasons and in response to female stimulation. The aim was to determine if the frequency and pattern of agonistic interactions between bucks varies seasonally and in response to oestrous female stimulation. In the first study we characterized the pattern of agonistic interactions during feeding throughout a whole year in groups of Iberian ibex bucks; and in the second study, we determined the influence of oestrous does on the frequencies of agonistic behaviours between Gabon bucks in different seasons. In Iberian ibex bucks, the frequency of agonistic behaviours was maximum in summer and testosterone concentration in late autumn. In Gabon bucks, total agonistic interactions increased in bucks stimulated by females in late summer and autumn. In late autumn there were more interactions without physical contact in stimulated than in isolated bucks. Aggressiveness in bucks varied along the year, but the seasonal pattern was related to the context in which behaviours were recorded. Stimulation with oestrous females induced an increase of aggressiveness during the breeding season. At least in the conditions of these studies, testosterone concentrations seemed not to be the main influence on the frequency in which aggressive behaviour was displayed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Aline Freitas-de-Melo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Julia Giriboni
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lorena Lacuesta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adolfo Toledano-Díaz
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Santiago-Moreno
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Giriboni J, Lacuesta L, Ungerfeld R. Continuous contact with females in estrus throughout the year enhances testicular activity and improves seminal traits of male goats. Theriogenology 2016; 87:284-289. [PMID: 27707547 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The "female effect" consists in the stimulation of males' reproductive activity by different signals emitted by females. This stimulation leads to endocrine and behavioral changes that may modify the seasonal pattern of male ruminants. The aims of this experiment were (1) to describe the local reproductive seasonal pattern of Gabon bucks and (2) to determine if continuous chemical, auditory, and visual contact with does in estrus enhances bucks' testicular activity and improves seminal traits throughout the year and modify their seasonal pattern. We used 16 adult Gabon bucks assigned to two experimental groups: nine bucks remained continuously isolated from females (isolated bucks, group IB) and seven bucks were in continuous chemical, auditory, and visual contact through a fence line with does in estrus (stimulated bucks, group SB). During 13 months, scrotal circumference and testosterone concentration were measured weekly and testicular echogenicity was measured every 2 weeks. Also, sperm motility mass and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa were determined, and sperm concentration and total number of motile spermatozoa were calculated every 2 weeks. Testicular echogenicity was greater in IB than that in SB bucks (P < 0.0001), but there were no differences in scrotal circumference. Overall, testosterone concentration was greater in IB than that in SB bucks (P = 0.04), but from late winter to mid-summer, when testosterone concentration presented basal concentrations, SB bucks had greater values than IB bucks (P = 0.004). Sperm concentration (P = 0.05) and sperm mass motility (P = 0.01) were greater in SB than that in IB bucks, and the total number of progressive motile spermatozoa tended to be greater in SB than in that IB bucks (P = 0.1). The percentage of abnormal spermatozoa was lower in SB than in IB bucks in several time points (P < 0.0001). Testicular and seminal traits were better from the end of the spring until mid-autumn. We concluded that does in estrus stimulated bucks' testicular activity, including better seminal quality and a greater increase of testicular fluid content than bucks isolated from females. However, the general seasonal pattern was not modified by stimulation with does in estrus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Giriboni
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Lorena Lacuesta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bomfim GF, Merighe GKF, de Oliveira SA, Rodrigues AD, Augusto L, Teixeira IAMA, de Resende KT, Negrao JA. Effects of different supplemental soya bean oil levels on the performance of prepubertal Saanen goats: Oestrogen and progesterone release. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2016; 100:1097-1103. [PMID: 26898245 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of soya bean oil in the total diet on the growth rate, metabolic changes, and oestrogen and progesterone release in Saanen goats. After dietary adaptation, 21 prepubertal goats (weight of 29.12 ± 0.91 kg, 230 days old) were randomly distributed among three diets of D2: inclusion of 2% soya bean oil in the total diet; D3: basal diet - inclusion of 3% soya bean oil in the total diet; and D4: inclusion of 4% soya bean oil in the total diet. The basal diet (D3) was formulated to promote a daily gain of 0.140 kg. The goats were weighed, and their blood samples were collected weekly. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, urea, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, oestrogen and progesterone in the plasma were measured. Prepubertal goats that were fed D4 exhibited a significantly lower dry matter intake, urea and cholesterol levels compared with the goats that were fed D2 and D3. Indeed, goats that were fed D4 displayed a significantly lower final weight than goats that were fed D2 and D3. In contrast, the inclusion of soya bean oil in the diet increased the progesterone and oestrogen concentrations, and goats that were fed D4 released a significantly higher concentration of progesterone than those that were fed D2 and D3. Furthermore, the percentage of goats with a progesterone level greater than 1 ng/ml (functional Corpus luteum) was significantly higher among the goats that were fed D3 and D4 than among those that were fed D2. In this study, although the inclusion of 4% soya bean oil in the diet decreased dry matter intake and growth rate, it increased progesterone concentration and the percentage of goats with a functional Corpus luteum, suggesting that the inclusion of soya bean oil accelerated puberty in prepubertal goats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G F Bomfim
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - G K F Merighe
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - S A de Oliveira
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - A D Rodrigues
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - L Augusto
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - I A M A Teixeira
- Department of Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - K T de Resende
- Department of Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - J A Negrao
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|