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Fouladvandi R, Masoudi AA, Totonchi M, Hezavehei M, Sharafi M. Effects of different extenders on epigenetic patterns and functional parameters of bull sperm during cryopreservation process. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14570. [PMID: 38700367 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14570] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The cryopreservation process induces alterations in cellular parameters and epigenetic patterns in bull sperm, which can be prevented by adding cryoprotectants in the freezing extenders. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of two extenders based on soybean lecithin (SLE) and egg yolk (EYE) on epigenetic patterns and quality parameters of sperm such as motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, viability, and apoptotic-like changes of bull sperm after cryopreservation. Results demonstrated that cryopreservation significantly (p < .05) reduced the level of DNA global methylation, H3K9 histone acetylation, and H3K4 histone methylation in both frozen groups compared to the fresh sperm. Also, the level of H3K9 acetylation was lower in the frozen SLE group (21.2 ± 1.86) compared to EYE group (15.2 ± 1.86). In addition, the SLE frozen group had a higher percentage of viability, progressive motility, and linearity (LIN) in SLE frozen group compared to EYE frozen group. However, no difference was observed in mitochondrial membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation between SLE and EYE frozen groups. While soybean-lecithin-based extender showed some initial positive impacts of epigenetics and semen parameters, further investigations can provide useful information for better freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Fouladvandi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Masoudi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of Embryology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Reproduction and Fertility, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Montreal University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Semex Alliance, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Cinar B, Bollwein H, Siuda M, Lautner M, Leiding C, Malama E. Impact of bull age, sperm processing, and microclimatic conditions on the viability and DNA integrity of cryopreserved bovine sperm. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23219. [PMID: 38713807 DOI: 10.1071/rd23219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Seasonal microclimatic fluctuations can cause changes in sperm quality even in dairy bulls bred under temperate climate. These changes can vary between sires of different age and affect sperm freezability. Aims We aimed to evaluate the modulating effect of bull age and equilibration time before freezing on the seasonal pattern of sperm viability and DNA integrity post-thaw. Methods In the frame of systematic sperm quality control, we assessed the integrity of sperm plasma membrane and acrosome (PMAI) in 15,496 cryopreserved bovine batches, and the percentage of sperm with high DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) after 0h and 3h incubation at 38°C post-thaw (3h) in 3422 batches. Semen was equilibrated for 24h before freezing if collected on Monday or Wednesday and 72h if produced on Friday. We investigated the effect of season, bull age, equilibration, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on the day of semen collection on sperm traits using mixed-effects linear models. Key results PMAI and %DFI (0h and 3h) deteriorated with increasing THI. The effect of THI on %DFI was detected with a 30-day time lag. Seasonal fluctuations of sperm quality were similar between young, mature, and older sires. Prolonged equilibration did not affect PMAI but was linked to elevated %DFI (3h) in summer. Conclusions Extending equilibration from 24 to 72h is compatible with commercial standards of bovine sperm quality post-thaw; however, it could interfere with the seasonal pattern of the latter. Implications Systematic monitoring of bovine sperm quality enables the prompt detection of stress factors related to microclimate and semen processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Cinar
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Lautner
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Straße 17-27, Neustadt a.d. Aisch 91413, Germany
| | - Claus Leiding
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Straße 17-27, Neustadt a.d. Aisch 91413, Germany
| | - Eleni Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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Paitoon P, Sartsook A, Thongkham M, Sathanawongs A, Lumsangkul C, Pattanawong W, Hongsibsong S, Sringarm K. Sperm quality variables of sex-sorted bull semen produced by magnetic-activated cell sorting coupled with recombinant antibodies targeting Y-chromosome-bearing sperm. Theriogenology 2024; 219:11-21. [PMID: 38377714 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The immunological sexing method using antibodies offers cost-effective, high-volume production but faces challenges in terms of X-sperm purity in sexed semen. This research aimed to produce sexed bull semen using highly specific recombinant antibodies in magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), evaluate sperm quality and kinematic parameters, and verify the sex ratio of sperm, embryos, and live calves. Fresh semen from two Angus bulls was separated into two equal groups: conventional (CONV) semen and semen sexed using MACS with Y-scFv antibody conjugation to separate two fractions, i.e., the X-enriched and Y-enriched fractions. Then, computer assisted semen analysis and imaging flow cytometry were used to evaluate sperm motility and kinematic variables, acrosomal integrity, sperm viability, and sperm sex ratios. The results showed that sperm motility and quality did not differ between X-enriched and CONV semen. However, the Y-enriched fraction showed significantly lower sperm quality than the X-enriched fraction and CONV semen. The sperm ratio revealed that X-sperm accounted for up to 79.50% of the X-enriched fraction, while Y-sperm accounted for up to 78.56% of the Y-enriched fraction. The sex ratio of embryos was examined using in vitro fertilization. The cleavage rates using CONV and X-enriched semen were significantly higher than that using Y-enriched semen. Accordingly, 88.26% female blastocysts were obtained by using X-enriched semen, and 83.58% male blastocysts were obtained by using Y-enriched semen. In farm trials, 304 cows were subjected to AI using X-enriched and CONV semen. The pregnancy rate did not differ between the X-enriched and CONV semen groups. On the other hand, X-enriched semen generated significantly more live female calves (83.64%) than CONV semen (47.00%). The MACS sexing method significantly enhanced the X-sperm purity in sexed semen, producing high-quality sperm, a high percentage of female blastocytes, and a high percentage of live female calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phanuwit Paitoon
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Apinya Sartsook
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Marninphan Thongkham
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Anucha Sathanawongs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Chompunut Lumsangkul
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wiwat Pattanawong
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Korawan Sringarm
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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Akthar I, Kim Y, Umehara T, Kanno C, Sasaki M, Marey MA, Yousef MS, Haneda S, Shimada M, Miyamoto A. Activation of sperm Toll-like receptor 2 induces hyperactivation to enhance the penetration to mucus and uterine glands: a trigger for the uterine inflammatory cascade in cattle. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1319572. [PMID: 38179051 PMCID: PMC10766357 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1319572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
It is known that sperm and seminal plasma (SP) affect uterine immunity. In cattle, artificial insemination enables breeding by depositing frozen and largely diluted sperm with a negligible amount of SP into the uterus. Thus, the present study focused on the impact of frozen-thawed sperm on bovine uterine immunity. We have previously shown that in the bovine uterus, sperm swim smoothly over the luminal epithelium and some sperm interact with uterine glands to induce a weak inflammatory response mainly via the endometrial Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling. However, the process by which sperm is encountered in the uterine glands is not completely clear. The present study intended to evaluate the role of sperm-TLR2 in sperm-uterine mucus penetration for reaching the glandular epithelium to induce the uterine immune response. To activate and block sperm-TLR2, they were treated with TLR2 agonist and antagonist, respectively. TLR2 activation enhanced sperm hyperactivation and improved its capacity to penetrate the artificial viscoelastic fluid and estrous-uterine-mucus. In contrast, TLR2-blocked sperm showed completely opposite effects. It is noteworthy, that the TLR2-activated sperm that penetrated the uterine mucus exhibited increased motile activity with hyperactivation. In the sperm-endometrial ex-vivo model, a greater amount of TLR2-activated sperm entered the uterine glands with an immune response, which was seen as the upregulation of mRNA expression for TNFA, IL1B, IL8, PGES, and TLR2 similar to those in control sperm. On the other hand, a lesser amount of TLR2-blocked sperm entered the uterine glands and weakened the sperm-induced increase only in PGES, suggesting that penetration of a certain number of sperm in the uterine gland is necessary enough to trigger the inflammatory response. Altogether, the present findings indicate that activation of sperm-TLR2 promotes their hyperactivation and mucus penetration with greater motility, allowing them to enter into the uterine glands more. This further suggests that the hyperactivated sperm contributes to triggering the pro-inflammatory cascade partly via TLR2 in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihshan Akthar
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Yejin Kim
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Takashi Umehara
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Chihiro Kanno
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Motoki Sasaki
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Mohamed Ali Marey
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhur University, Behera, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Samy Yousef
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shingo Haneda
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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Das D, Mahbubul M, Ali MY, Kobir MS, Kabir MA, Hossain SMJ, Apu AS. Morphometric features, seminal profile and diluters effect on post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21967. [PMID: 38046160 PMCID: PMC10686865 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The study investigates morphometric features, seminal profile and post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle. Morphometric features were measured using measuring tape from 20 Munshiganj cattle while coat color was measured by observing in naked eye. Fresh and post thaw semen quality parameters were analyzed using Computer Assisted semen analyzer (CASA). Coat color of Munshiganj male cattle were creamy white to dull pinkish and female were white to creamy. The mean body weight, body length, hearth girth, height at wither, head length, head width, ear length, ear width, fore leg length, hind leg length, tail length, tail doc circumference, horn length, horn diameter and mouth circumference were 362.80 kg, 137.31 cm, 160.66 cm, 135.21 cm, 50.97 cm, 20.58 cm, 19.75 cm, 9.88 cm, 73.02 cm, 74.84 cm, 106.10 cm, 20.75 cm, 13.60 cm, 16.12 cm and 43.00 cm, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) between male and female in terms of body weight (418.00 vs 307.60 kg), heart girth (173.74 vs 147.57 cm), head width (22.50 vs 18.67 cm), horn diameter (18.58 vs 13.66 cm) and mouth circumference (46.60 vs 39.40 cm). Average scrotal length was 16.76 cm while scrotal circumference was 32.70 cm. Age had significant effect (p < 0.05) on morphometric characteristics of Munshiganj male and female cattle. On the other hand, season had no significant effect on semen quality. Mean semen volume, sperm concentration, total motile, progressive, static, slow and live spermatozoa were 5.83 ± 0.88 ml, 1510.27 ± 844.07 million/ml, 91.9 ± 2.17 %, 63.80 ± 12.53 %, 8.10 ± 2.17 %, 0.10 ± 0.10 %, 91.38 ± 0.25 %, respectively. On the other hand, sperm head length and width, sperm tail length of Munshiganj cattle were 10.39 ± 0.16 μm, 4.26 ± 0.07 μm, 21.5 ± 0.52 μm, respectively. Individual breeding bull had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on post-thawed motile sperm percentage. Four different diluters (Triladyl, Steridyl, Tris-egg yolk-Citrate and Andromed) were used to compare the effects of diluter on post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle and found that diluter had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on post thaw semen quality except slow motility and proximal droplet percentages. Munshiganj cattle had a distinctive phenotypic feature with standard quality semen and had no effect of egg yolk free and egg yolk based diluters on post thaw semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipa Das
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
- Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahbubul
- Haor and Char Development Institute, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Younus Ali
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Samim Kobir
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ahsanul Kabir
- Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
| | | | - Auvijit Saha Apu
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
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Moura AR, Santos AR, Losano JDA, Siqueira AFP, Hamilton TRS, Zanella R, Caires KC, Simões R. Evaluation of sperm and hormonal assessments in Wagyu, Nellore, and Angus bulls. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:507-516. [PMID: 37492001 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000278] [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: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Wagyu bulls are known to have a highly exacerbated libido, as shown by the intense sexual interest of young calves. Therefore we believe that Wagyu male animals have specialized Sertoli and Leydig cells that are directly involved with the sexual precocity in this breed as mature bulls have a small scrotal circumference. This study aimed to evaluate whether there were differences in the hormone and sperm characteristics of Wagyu bulls compared with the same characteristics of subspecies Bos indicus and Bos taurus sires. Frozen-thawed semen from Wagyu, Nellore, and Angus sires were analyzed for sperm kinetics (computer-assisted sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial activity, lipid peroxidation and hormone [luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone] serum concentration. The results showed that Wagyu had lower total motility and an increased number of sperm with no motility when compared with Nellore and Angus bulls. Wagyu breed did not differ from those breeds when considering plasma and acrosome membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, chromatin resistance, sperm lipid peroxidation or hormone (LH and testosterone) concentrations. We concluded that Wagyu sires had lower total motility when compared with Nellore and Angus bulls. Wagyu breed did not differ from these breeds when considering plasma and acrosome membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, chromatin resistance, sperm lipid peroxidation, or hormone (LH and testosterone) concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Moura
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A R Santos
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - J D A Losano
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, USA
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A F P Siqueira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - T R S Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - R Zanella
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias Inovação e Negócios, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em BioExperimentação, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - K C Caires
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Hawaii, USA
| | - R Simões
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Víquez L, Sevilla F, Araya-Zúñiga I, Soler C, Barquero V, Roldan ERS, Valverde A. Morphometric assessment of cryopreserved livestock bull spermatozoa in the tropics. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1439-1447. [PMID: 37603017 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The identification of different morphometric patterns of spermatozoa serves as a basis for improving our understanding of the diversity in an ejaculate and to relate them to the potential fertility of males. In this study, we aimed to examine the semen subpopulation structure, following dilution in semen of extenders, using a mathematical approach a possible application to fertility analyses. Ten sexually mature Bos taurus bulls were randomly allotted to one of three groups: (1) Tris-citric acid-egg yolk extender (Tris-EY); (2) commercial egg yolk extender OptiXcell® and (3) commercial egg yolk extender Triladyl®. The results showed significant differences (p < .05) between extenders in terms of values for head size and head shape variables of individual sperm, indicating an influence of extender composition. Sperm head width was found to significantly differ (p < .05) according to the extender, decreasing in the following order: OptiXcell® (4.836 ± 0.017 μm), Triladyl® (4.695 ± 0.012 μm) and Tris-EY (4.638 ± 0.010 μm). Principal component analysis allowed us to identify two subpopulations in OptiXcell®, and three subpopulations were each found in Triladyl® and Tris-EY. Overall, we observed significant differences between sperm subpopulations within each extender (p < .05), with differences in sperm head size and shape between bovine species that can be related to functionality and fertility capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Víquez
- School of Agronomy, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
| | - Francisco Sevilla
- School of Agronomy, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
| | - Ignacio Araya-Zúñiga
- School of Agronomy, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
| | - Carles Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Vinicio Barquero
- Faculty of Agri-Food Sciences, Alfredo Volio Mata Experimental Station, University of Costa Rica, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- School of Agronomy, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
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Gan M, Jing Y, Xie Z, Ma J, Chen L, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Niu L, Wang Y, Li X, Zhu L, Shen L. Potential Function of Testicular MicroRNAs in Heat-Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108809. [PMID: 37240155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is temperature-dependent, and the increase in testicular temperature seriously affects mammalian spermatogenesis and semen quality. In this study, the testicular heat stress model of mice was made with a 43 °C water bath for 25 min, and the effects of heat stress on semen quality and spermatogenesis-related regulators were analyzed. On the 7th day after heat stress, testis weight shrank to 68.45% and sperm density dropped to 33.20%. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that 98 microRNAs (miRNAs) and 369 mRNAs were down-regulated, while 77 miRNAs and 1424 mRNAs were up-regulated after heat stress. Through gene ontology (GO) analysis of differentially expressed genes and miRNA-mRNA co-expression networks, it was found that heat stress may be involved in the regulation of testicular atrophy and spermatogenesis disorders by affecting cell meiosis process and cell cycle. In addition, through functional enrichment analysis, co-expression regulatory network, correlation analysis and in vitro experiment, it was found that miR-143-3p may be a representative potential key regulatory factor affecting spermatogenesis under heat stress. In summary, our results enrich the understanding of miRNAs in testicular heat stress and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of heat-stress-induced spermatogenesis disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mailin Gan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yunhong Jing
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhongwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jianfeng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shunhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Pausch H, Mapel XM. Review: Genetic mutations affecting bull fertility. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100742. [PMID: 37567657 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle are a well-suited "model organism" to study the genetic underpinnings of variation in male reproductive performance. The adoption of artificial insemination and genomic prediction in many cattle breeds provide access to microarray-derived genotypes and repeated measurements for semen quality and insemination success in several thousand bulls. Similar-sized mapping cohorts with phenotypes for male fertility are not available for most other species precluding powerful association testing. The repeated measurements of the artificial insemination bulls' semen quality enable the differentiation between transient and biologically relevant trait fluctuations, and thus, are an ideal source of phenotypes for variance components estimation and genome-wide association testing. Genome-wide case-control association testing involving bulls with either aberrant sperm quality or low insemination success revealed several causal recessive loss-of-function alleles underpinning monogenic reproductive disorders. These variants are routinely monitored with customised genotyping arrays in the male selection candidates to avoid the use of subfertile or infertile bulls for artificial insemination and natural service. Genome-wide association studies with quantitative measurements of semen quality and insemination success revealed quantitative trait loci for male fertility, but the underlying causal variants remain largely unknown. Moreover, these loci explain only a small part of the heritability of male fertility. Integrating genome-wide association studies with gene expression and other omics data from male reproductive tissues is required for the fine-mapping of candidate causal variants underlying variation in male reproductive performance in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Pausch
- Animal Genomics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Xena Marie Mapel
- Animal Genomics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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da Silva WC, da Silva JAR, Camargo-Júnior RNC, da Silva ÉBR, dos Santos MRP, Viana RB, Silva AGME, da Silva CMG, Lourenço-Júnior JDB. Animal welfare and effects of per-female stress on male and cattle reproduction—A review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1083469. [PMID: 37065229 PMCID: PMC10102491 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1083469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal stress causes severe effects on the wellbeing and reproduction of cattle, including changes in oogenesis and spermatogenesis, generating great concerns, which last for decades. In cattle, the occurrence of thermal stress is associated with a reduction in the production of spermatozoids and ovarian follicles, in addition to the increase of major and minor defects in gametes or in their intermediate stages. In bovine females able to reproduce, a reduction in the rate of estrus manifestation and an increase in embryonic mortality has been observed. Therefore, keeping animals on good welfare conditions, with water supply and in shaded areas can favor the improvement of different reproductive parameters. For all this, the present study aimed to gather, synthesize and argue recent studies related to animal welfare, focusing on the effects of thermal stress on the reproduction of cattle, aiming to support possible strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of thermal stress in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Welligton Conceição da Silva
| | | | - Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rinaldo Batista Viana
- Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Institute of Animal Health and Production, Belém, Brazil
| | - André Guimarães Maciel e Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Cleidson Manoel Gomes da Silva
- Federal University of the South and Southeast of Pará (UNIFESSPA), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinguara, Pará, Brazil
| | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), UFRA, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
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Tripathi UK, Kumaresan A, Saraf KK, Golher DM, Chhillar S, Nayak S, Lathika S, Nag P, Mohanty TK. Seasonal and climatic factors have a significant influence on fertility associated sperm phenomic attributes in crossbred breeding bulls (Bos taurus × Bos indicus). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023; 67:311-320. [PMID: 36400976 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although seasonal variations in semen quality and fertility have been studied to a considerable extent in breeding bulls, the effect of climatic variables on sperm functional competency has not been understood in detail. The present study analyzed sperm functional parameters in breeding bulls, over a period of 1 year, and assessed the effect of climatic variables on fertility associated sperm parameters. Seasons were categorized into summer, rainy, autumn, and winter based on the meteorological data. Semen was collected from crossbred bulls (n = 7) across the seasons and evaluated for functional membrane integrity, acrosome reaction status, protamine deficiency, capacitation, and lipid peroxidation status using specific fluorescent probes. The results of the present study revealed that bulls produced higher (p < 0.05) viable and acrosome intact spermatozoa during the autumn. The proportion of uncapacitated spermatozoa was also higher (p < 0.05) during autumn. Further, correlation of sperm functional attributes with environmental variables revealed that sperm viability was significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with daylength and temperature; acrosomal integrity was significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with day length; and protamine deficiency had significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation with day length and average temperature, and negative correlation with relative humidity. It was concluded that semen produced during autumn was superior to the semen produced during other seasons in terms of sperm functional competencies required for fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utkarsh Kumar Tripathi
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India.
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, 560030, Karnataka, India.
| | - Kaustubh Kishor Saraf
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Durgesh Murhari Golher
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Shivani Chhillar
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Samiksha Nayak
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Sreela Lathika
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Tushar Kumar Mohanty
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
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Seasonal variation in bull semen quality demonstrates there are heat-sensitive and heat-tolerant bulls. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15322. [PMID: 36097009 PMCID: PMC9468146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Using semen data from 1271 ejaculates (79 different bulls, 11 different breeds) we have investigated the variability of semen quality in cattle living in sub-tropical conditions. Modelling shows definitive evidence of seasonal variation. Semen quality from the same bulls had a 90% "pass rate" for cryopreservation purposes in winter, dropping to less than 50% in summer. Notably, individual bulls could be classified as either "heat-tolerant" (produce good quality spermatozoa all year regardless of temperature) or "heat-sensitive" (only produce good quality sperm in summer). Nominal logistic regression demonstrated when temperatures reach 30.5 °C, 40% of heat-sensitive bulls fail a semen analysis 17 days later. At 34 °C, the proportion of bulls failing reached 63%. Ratifying this, the purposeful heating of bulls to 40 °C for 12 h showed that individual animals had different degrees of heat-sensitivity. Using historical temperature data, we then modelled how many days/decade bulls would be subject to heat-events. Beginning from 1939 to 1949, on average, the area in which bulls were kept recorded 19, 7 and 1 day over 38 °C, 39 °C and 40 °C respectively. This number steadily increases and of last decade (2010-2010), the numbers of days per decade over 38 °C, 39 °C and 40 °C jumped to a staggering 75, 39 and 15 respectively. These data show the urgent need to identify heat-tolerant bulls as future sires. Such variation likely explains why the veterinary bull breeding test often fails to accurately predict bull breeding potential.
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13
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High-Efficiency Bovine Sperm Sexing Used Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting by Coupling scFv Antibodies Specific to Y-Chromosome-Bearing Sperm on Magnetic Microbeads. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050715. [PMID: 35625442 PMCID: PMC9138659 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sperm sexing technique is favored in the dairy industry. This research focuses on the efficiency of bovine sperm sexing using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) by scFv antibody against Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (Y-scFv) coupled to magnetic microbeads and its effects on kinematic variables, sperm quality, and X/Y-sperm ratio. In this study, the optimal concentration of Y-scFv antibody coupling to the surface of magnetic microbeads was 2–4 mg/mL. PY-microbeads revealed significantly enriched Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (Y-sperm) in the eluted fraction (78.01–81.43%) and X-chromosome-bearing sperm (X-sperm) in the supernatant fraction (79.04–82.65%). The quality of frozen–thawed sexed sperm was analyzed by CASA and imaging flow cytometer, which showed that PY-microbeads did not have a negative effect on X-sperm motility, viability, or acrosome integrity. However, sexed Y-sperm had significantly decreased motility and viability. The X/Y-sperm ratio was determined using an imaging flow cytometer and real-time PCR. PY-microbeads produced sperm with up to 82.65% X-sperm in the X-enriched fraction and up to 81.43% Y-sperm in the Y-enriched fraction. Bovine sperm sexing by PY-microbeads showed high efficiency in separating Y-sperm from X-sperm and acceptable sperm quality. This initial technique is feasible for bovine sperm sexing, which increases the number of heifers in dairy herds while lowering production expenses.
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DEVELOPMENT OF A MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM STRUCTURED ON A MODIFIED POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE DEVICE FOR THE SELECTION OF BOVINE EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Yoon JW, Lee SE, Kim WJ, Kim DC, Hyun CH, Lee SJ, Park HJ, Kim SH, Oh SH, Lee DG, Pyeon DB, Kim EY, Park SP. Evaluation of Semen Quality of Jeju Black Cattle (JBC) to Select Bulls Optimal for Breeding and Establish Freezing Conditions Suitable for JBC Sperm. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050535. [PMID: 35268103 PMCID: PMC8908855 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Jeju black cattle, a type of native Korean cattle characterized by black fur covering the entire body, inhabit Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, a World Natural Heritage Site. Although this breed was state designated as a natural monument in 2013 due to its characteristics and genetic traits, it is on the verge of extinction and thus there is a need to preserve this breed and further improve its traits. Therefore, we evaluated sperm motility, vitality, and morphology, which have long been considered good predictors of fertility in the absence of female infertility factors. Our findings showed that the semen of the JBC-A bull was superior to the semen of four other JBC bulls. Due to the aging of the population of JBC breeding bulls, strategies should be devised to improve sperm production in vivo. Abstract To optimize the reproduction of Jeju black cattle (JBC), freezing conditions for sperm were established and sperm motility, vitality, morphology, and fertility were evaluated to select the optimal bull for breeding. Semen samples from five JBC bulls were individually mixed with freezing medium at a final concentration of 1 × 108 sperm/mL and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor at a height of 3 or 7 cm (referred to as 3 cm sperm and 7 cm sperm, respectively). When the freezing conditions were compared, the motility of 7 cm sperm was significantly higher than that of 3 cm sperm for the JBC-A bull. The motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, and average path velocity of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm were the highest for the JBC-A bull. The vitalities of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm were the highest for the JBC-A/E and JBC-A bulls, respectively. The percentage of normal cells in fresh sperm was the highest for the JBC-D bull. The rates of the normal formation of two pronuclei and total sperm penetration were the highest in zygotes fertilized with sperm from the JBC-A bull. The sperm from the JBC-A bull had superior qualities and are thus the most appropriate choice for the preservation and reproduction of these endangered cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Wook Yoon
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - Seung-Eun Lee
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - Won-Jae Kim
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - Dae-Cheol Kim
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Livestock Promotion Agency, 13 Sinbimaeul, Jeju-si 63078, Korea; (D.-C.K.); (C.-H.H.); (S.-J.L.)
| | - Cheol-Ho Hyun
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Livestock Promotion Agency, 13 Sinbimaeul, Jeju-si 63078, Korea; (D.-C.K.); (C.-H.H.); (S.-J.L.)
| | - Shin-Ji Lee
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Livestock Promotion Agency, 13 Sinbimaeul, Jeju-si 63078, Korea; (D.-C.K.); (C.-H.H.); (S.-J.L.)
| | - Hyo-Jin Park
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - So-Hee Kim
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Oh
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - Do-Geon Lee
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - Da-Bin Pyeon
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
- Mirae Cell Bio, 1502 ISBIZ Tower, 147 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04795, Korea
| | - Se-Pill Park
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea; (J.-W.Y.); (S.-E.L.); (W.-J.K.); (H.-J.P.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-H.O.); (D.-G.L.); (D.-B.P.); (E.-Y.K.)
- Stem Cell Research Center, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si 63243, Korea
- Mirae Cell Bio, 1502 ISBIZ Tower, 147 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04795, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-64-754-4650
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Toledo I, Dahl G, De Vries A. Dairy cattle management and housing for warm environments. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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17
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Gloria A, Candeloro L, Wegher L, Robbe D, Carluccio A, Contri A. Environmental temperature and relative humidity differently affect the sperm characteristics in Brown Swiss and Belgian Blue bulls. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2021; 65:2189-2199. [PMID: 34424410 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In a temperature-increasing scenario, due to global warming, the individual thermic resilience of the male assumes a crucial role in the reproductive efficiency of a male since the thermic stress, such as the inability of the male to reduce body or regional temperature on a physiological level, impairs testicular function. In this study, the effect of the environmental conditions on the fresh semen quality, in terms of volume, concentration, total sperm in the ejaculate, total motility, normal morphology, membrane integrity, and discarding rate, were compared longitudinally in Belgian Blue (BB) and Brown Swiss (BS) bulls. The environmental conditions, summarized in the mean temperature-humidity index (THI), were calculated on the day of collection, as well as 7 days (epididymal maturation), 35 days (late spermatogenesis), and 70 days (early spermatogenesis) before the collection, to reflect spermatogenesis time. Our findings showed that limited seasonal effects were present in the semen quality of BS bulls. On the other hand, in BB bulls lower semen quality was found between July and November, with a different timing depending on the seminal parameter. This effect of the season on BB semen parameters appears to be related to the THI. The data presented in this study shows that the temperature and humidity, summarized in THI, could affect the semen quality of the bull on breed basis, given that volume, concentration, total sperm in the ejaculate, total motility, membrane integrity, and sperm normal morphology were significantly reduced by an increasing THI in the Belgian Blue bulls, but not in Brown Swiss bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Luca Candeloro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise, Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Laura Wegher
- Provincial Breeders Federation of Trento, Via delle Bettine 40, 38121, Trento, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Contri
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technologies for Agriculture Food and Environment, via Balzarini 1, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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18
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Bastan I, Akcay E. Quality assessment of frozen bull semen with the precursor A-kinase anchor protein 4 biomarker. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14164. [PMID: 34212411 DOI: 10.1111/and.14164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the quality of frozen bull semen was evaluated with the proAKAP4 level test. Sixty straws of frozen bull semen from various batches (n = 30) belonging to six bulls were used in the current study. The frozen bull semen samples were analysed in terms of proAKAP4 levels, sperm morphology and sperm movement parameters at hour 0 and hour 3 after thawing. The semen samples were divided into three groups according to the proAKAP4 levels: low concentration (<25 ng/10x106 spermatozoa), moderate concentration (25 to 39 ng/10x106 spermatozoa) and high concentration (≥40 ng/10x106 spermatozoa). A positive correlation was found between the proAKAP4 level and total motility (TM3 ), progressive motility (PM3 ), VSL3 and VCL3 values obtained after the third-hour thermoresistance test (p < .05). There was a negative correlation between the percentage of sperm abnormal tail and the proAKAP4 level (p < .01). In addition, it was observed that the semen samples with proAKAP4 concentrations of 25 ng/106 spermatozoa and higher preserved the TM3 and PM3 motility characteristics. In conclusion, the proAKAP4 has the potential to become a biomarker protein to evaluate in the quality analysis of frozen-thawed semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilktan Bastan
- Genetics and Embryo Technologies Application and Research Center, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Ergun Akcay
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
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Thongkham M, Thaworn W, Pattanawong W, Teepatimakorn S, Mekchay S, Sringarm K. Spermatological parameters of immunologically sexed bull semen assessed by imaging flow cytometry, and dairy farm trial. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100486. [PMID: 33636584 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study compared the quality parameters of bull semen sexed using an immunological method with those of conventional semen by imaging flow cytometry and applied this semen in dairy farm trials. Semen samples were collected from ten ejaculates from five bulls. Each sample was divided into two treatments: conventional semen (CON) and semen sexed using monoclonal male-specific antibodies combined with the complement system for cytotoxicity reaction (IC-sexed). After obtaining frozen-thawed semen, we used imaging flow cytometry to assess acrosome integrity, sperm sex ratio and viability. Sperm morphology was evaluated using eosin-nigrosin staining. The percentage acrosome integrity did not differ between IC-sexed and CON semen (P = 0.313). The sperm sex ratio showed that the percentage of live X-chromosome-bearing sperm was higher than that of live Y-chromosome-bearing sperm in IC-sexed semen (P = 0.001). IC-sexed semen showed a higher percentage of head and tail defects than did CON semen (P = 0.019). In field trials, 585 cows were subjected randomly to AI with CON or IC-sexed semen. The pregnancy rate of the IC-sexed group did not differ from that of the CON group (P = 0.535). However, IC-sexed semen produced a significantly higher percentage of female calves than did CON semen (P = 0.031). Thus, immunological sexing did not adversely affect the acrosome integrity of sperm. Furthermore, a female calf birth rate of over 74 % can potentially be achieved using IC-sexed semen. These findings could help farmers to replace heifers in their herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marninphan Thongkham
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wannaluk Thaworn
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wiwat Pattanawong
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Sorn Teepatimakorn
- Livestock Semen Production Center, Inthanon Royal Project, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chiang Mai, 50360, Thailand
| | - Supamit Mekchay
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand; Cluster of Research and Development of Pharmaceutical and Natural Products Innovation for Human or Animal, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Korawan Sringarm
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand; Cluster of Research and Development of Pharmaceutical and Natural Products Innovation for Human or Animal, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, Thailand.
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20
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Hussain S, Alex R, Alyethodi RR, Sharma S, Verma N, Sirohi AS, Singh U, Kumar S, Chand N, Sengar GS, Sharma A, Tyagi R, Arya S, Tyagi S. Development of a RAPD marker-based classification criterion for quality semen production in Holstein crossbred bulls. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:736-743. [PMID: 33559234 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13912] [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: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In cattle production systems, an intense selection pressure for production traits has resulted in the decline of fertility traits. To optimize an efficient reproduction system, the inclusion of both male and female fertility traits in the selection process is very much essential. RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) was developed as a molecular biology tool and has been extensively used, to study intra- and interspecific genetic diversity. The present study was undertaken to utilize RAPD primers to investigate the association between DNA markers and semen quality traits viz. Sperm concentration, total sperm count ejaculate and initial sperm motility and thereby to identify good/poor semen producers. DNA isolated from the blood samples of healthy bulls was subjected to RAPD-PCR. The multiple regression analysis followed by independent t test was carried out to identify suitable markers. Based on the results, only 12 bands were identified as marker suitable for any of the quality trait. This includes, OPA2 ~ 760, OPA2 ~ 700, OPA6 ~ 1,200, OPA9 ~ 400, OPA9 ~ 380, OPA12 ~ 970, OPA14 ~ 715, OPA14 ~ 605, OPA16 ~ 485, OPA17 ~ 860 and OPA18 ~ 480. Multiple regression analysis selected, OPA2 ~ 760 and OPA2 ~ 1,750 for sperm concentration and OPA2 ~ 760, OPA2 ~ 700, OPA9 ~ 620, OPA4 ~ 670 and OPA18 ~ 1,015 for total sperm count/ejaculate. But the t test revealed a significant association between OPA2 ~ 760 and total sperm count. Further, discriminant function analysis also identified this marker in the first step itself. The results of the present study can be exploited as a low-cost alternative strategy for identification of good /poor semen producers in crossbred bulls at an early age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaziya Hussain
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, MIET, Meerut, India
| | - Rani Alex
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | | | - Shalini Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, MIET, Meerut, India
| | - Nitika Verma
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, MIET, Meerut, India
| | | | - Umesh Singh
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India
| | - Sushil Kumar
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India
| | - Naimi Chand
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India
| | | | - Ankur Sharma
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India
| | - Rachna Tyagi
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India
| | - Sarmesh Arya
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India
| | - Srikant Tyagi
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India
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21
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Wu H, Pan X, Li R, Song W, Hua S. Excessive rumen-protected choline in the daily diet compromises sperm quality of male dairy goats as a result of aberrant DNA methylation modification. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Choline is added to the diet of ruminants to improve animal growth, development and reproduction; however, little information is available regarding effects of dietary choline supplementation, in the form of rumen-protected choline (RPC), on fertility of male ruminants. Excess RPC in the diet might damage ram fertility through abnormal alteration of methylation patterns at the imprinting control region (ICR) of imprinted genes H19/IGF2.
Aims
The present study evaluated the influence of different levels of RPC supplementation on the sperm quality of male Saanen dairy goats.
Methods
Different proportions of RPC (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% of daily concentrate feed) were added to the diet of Saanen bucks. Sperm quality parameters, subsequent in vitro embryo development potential, and kidding rates post artificial insemination were examined. In addition, differences in methylation status of the global DNA, and at 20 CpG sites in the ICR of imprinted genes H19/IGF2, were compared.
Key results
Supplementation of the daily diet with 0.5% RPC significantly improved sperm quality, and increased subsequent embryo development and kidding rates. However, the two higher RPC-supplemented groups showed significantly reduced kidding rate. Moreover, methylation levels of both the ICR of H19/IGF2 and the global DNA increased significantly with increasing supplemental RPC, and the expression of IGF2 was significantly inhibited in sperm samples from the 1.0% and 2.0% RPC groups, whereas H19, which should had been silenced, showed high expression.
Conclusions
Adding excessive RPC (≥1%) to the daily diet of male goats might disturb the process of spermatogenesis and is associated with abnormal methylation modification caused by aberrant expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b in sperm.
Implications
This study determines the safe amount of choline to add to the diet during the breeding of male dairy goats. This provides a reference for improving the breeding efficiency and saving the breeding cost of dairy goats.
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22
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Magata F, Urakawa M, Matsuda F, Oono Y. Developmental kinetics and viability of bovine embryos produced in vitro with sex-sorted semen. Theriogenology 2020; 161:243-251. [PMID: 33340757 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to elucidate the developmental kinetics, growth potential, and viability of bovine embryos produced in vitro with sexed semen. Bovine oocytes were fertilized in vitro using unsorted and X-sorted semen from the same Holstein bulls, and the kinetics of in vitro development were continuously monitored for 10 d through time-lapse cinematography. The blastocyst formation rate was lower in the X-sorted group than in the unsorted group (P < 0.01), whereas the normal fertilization rate did not differ between groups. Morphokinetic evaluation revealed that the incidence of blastomere fusion during the first cleavage division, termed reverse cleavage, was higher in the X-sorted group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, embryos produced with X-sorted semen showed slower growth throughout the developmental period than embryos produced with unsorted semen (P < 0.01). The cell number of the trophectoderm and inner cell mass of blastocysts was reduced in the X-sorted group (P < 0.01). In embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage, the hatchability (P < 0.05), chromosomal normality (P < 0.01), and survivability after the conventional frozen-thawing process (P < 0.05) were reduced in the X-sorted group compared to that in the unsorted group, indicating a compromised viability of embryos derived from X-sorted semen. Taken together, the first cleavage dysmorphism, delayed embryo growth, and impaired viability of embryos developed to the blastocyst stage may explain the mechanism of reduced fertility in embryos derived from sexed semen. The kinetic evaluation of early embryo development and de-selection of embryos presenting the aberrant first cleavage would be valid for clinical application to produce sexed embryos with high implantation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Magata
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - M Urakawa
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - F Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Oono
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
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23
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Leite RF, de Agostini Losano JD, de Souza Ramos Angrimani D, Sousa RGB, de Miranda Alves Á, Cavallin MD, Kawai GKV, Cortada CNM, Zuge RM, Nichi M. Reproductive parameters of Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls during different seasons in tropical conditions: focus on an alternative approach to testicular assessments using ultrasonography. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 225:106668. [PMID: 33341529 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive status of Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls during different seasons when bulls were in a tropical environment focusing on systematic assessment of the testes using B-mode ultrasonography and ImageJ software to evaluate the testicular parenchymal tissues. The experimental design is a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with breed (Bos Taurus - Simmental; Bos indicus - Nellore) and season (summer; winter) as factors. Testicular ultrasonic evaluation and conventional semen analysis were performed. The Simmental bulls had more major sperm defects than Nellore bulls in the summer (P = 0.0001). Additionally, Simmental bulls had a greater percentage of major sperm defects during the summer than winter months P = 0.045). Furthermore, Nellore bulls had a greater testicular parenchyma echogenicity, with a greater grayscale, (caudal parenchyma, P = 0.0155; cranial parenchyma, P = 0.001) and mediastinum grayscale than Simmental bulls (Nellore = 52.32 ± 03.60; Simmental = 35.72 ± 03.67; P = 0.003). Simmental bulls also had a greater testicular lesion area (P = 0.0147). Results indicated there was susceptibility to heat stress when Simmental bulls were maintained in tropical regions. The results of the present study indicate there is an association between results when there was use of conventional andrological evaluation procedures and results from ultrasonic analysis using ImageJ software that allows for earlier identification of tissue aberrations that could lead to impaired semen quality and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ferreira Leite
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - João Diego de Agostini Losano
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Souza Ramos Angrimani
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Raphaela Gabrielle Brito Sousa
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Álvaro de Miranda Alves
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Mônica Degraf Cavallin
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Giulia Kiyomi Vechiato Kawai
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Carmen Neusa Martins Cortada
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Roberta Mara Zuge
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Marcilio Nichi
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n. 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-270, Brazil.
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24
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Seifi-Jamadi A, Zhandi M, Kohram H, Luceño NL, Leemans B, Henrotte E, Latour C, Demeyere K, Meyer E, Van Soom A. Influence of seasonal differences on semen quality and subsequent embryo development of Belgian Blue bulls. Theriogenology 2020; 158:8-17. [PMID: 32916520 PMCID: PMC7462895 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Belgian Blue bulls are more susceptible to high temperature and humidity index (THI) than most other cattle breeds. Here, we investigated whether high ambient temperature during summer affected semen quality and subsequent embryo development in Belgian Blue cattle. For this purpose, semen samples were collected from six healthy mature Belgian Blue bulls in March (Low THI group; THI between 30.6 and 56.4) and August 2016 (High THI group; maximum THI of 83.7 during meiotic and spermiogenic stages of spermatogenesis; 14–28 days prior to semen collection) respectively. Motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, chromatin condensation, viability, and reactive oxygen species production were assessed for frozen-thawed semen. Moreover, the efficiency of blastocyst production from the frozen-thawed semen samples of the two groups was determined in vitro. Blastocyst quality was determined by assessing inner cell mass ratio and apoptotic cell ratio. Fresh ejaculates showed a higher sperm concentration in low THI when compared to the high THI group (P ≤ 0.05), whereas semen volume, subjective motility, and total sperm output were not affected (P > 0.05). In frozen-thawed semen, total and progressive motility, viability, and straight-line velocity were lower in high THI compared to the low THI group (P < 0.05), while H2O2 concentration, aberrant chromatin condensation, and abnormal spermatozoa were higher in the high THI group (P < 0.05). Blastocyst rates were significantly higher when low THI samples were used (P < 0.05). Moreover, the total cell number and trophectoderm cells were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in blastocysts derived from low THI samples, whereas the apoptotic cell ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in blastocysts derived from high THI spermatozoa. In summary, our data show that elevated ambient temperature and humidity during summer can decrease the quality of frozen-thawed spermatozoa in Belgian Blue bulls and also affect subsequent embryo development. Belgian Blue bulls are more susceptible to heat stress than most other cattle breeds. Heat stress negatively affected the quality of Belgian Blue bulls’ spermatozoa. Summer high ambient temperature increased H2O2 production in thawed spermatozoa. Summer heat exposure increased morphological abnormalities of bull spermatozoa. Embryo development was decreased after the bulls were exposed to summer heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Seifi-Jamadi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77871, Iran; Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mahdi Zhandi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77871, Iran.
| | - Hamid Kohram
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77871, Iran
| | - Núria Llamas Luceño
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Emilie Henrotte
- AWE Group, Production and Distribution Direction- Inovéo, Chemin Du Tersoit 32, 5590 Ciney, Belgium
| | - Catherine Latour
- AWE Group, Production and Distribution Direction- Inovéo, Chemin Du Tersoit 32, 5590 Ciney, Belgium
| | - Kristel Demeyere
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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25
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Llamas-Luceño N, Hostens M, Mullaart E, Broekhuijse M, Lonergan P, Van Soom A. High temperature-humidity index compromises sperm quality and fertility of Holstein bulls in temperate climates. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9502-9514. [PMID: 32713696 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rising temperatures caused by climate change have adverse effects on cattle physiology, welfare, health, and reproduction. Heat stress in cows affects the oocyte and embryo directly through heat shock on cellular function. Fewer data are available on the effect of high temperatures on male fertility. Temperature-humidity index (THI) is a measure for assessing the risk of heat stress that combines the effects of temperature and humidity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between THI and fresh or frozen-thawed sperm quality of Holstein bulls kept in temperate climates. Bull sperm data of 29,170 ejaculates from 933 bulls collected at 3 Dutch artificial insemination centers between 2015 and 2018 were evaluated. The assessed variables included total sperm motility and morphology of fresh semen, and total sperm motility, morphology, and progressive motility of frozen semen 0 and 3 h after thawing. In addition, 56-d nonreturn rates were analyzed. The assessed effects were season and THI on the day of semen collection and during spermatogenesis (30 d before collection), bull, age of bull, year, and location. Bulls were divided into 2 categories according to their age: young (<36 mo) and older (>36 mo). Overall sperm quality of young bulls improved as age increased. No effect of THI on fresh sperm variables was observed in either young or older bulls. However, high THI at spermatogenesis negatively affected the cryotolerance of sperm cells. Sperm cells from young and older bulls showed a pronounced decrease (14-18%) of the assessed variables 3 h after thawing after the increase of THI during spermatogenesis in autumn. Remarkably, older bulls were more sensitive to THI at spermatogenesis compared with semen collection, showing up to a 3.8 times higher negative effect on frozen sperm quality. However, an elevated THI at semen collection produced a tendency toward decreased 56-d nonreturn rates as the age of the bull increased. Although this decrease was up to 4%, rising temperatures may still cause important economic losses in the future. For the first time, the present study confirmed that climate compromises not only sperm quality, but also dairy bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Llamas-Luceño
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Miel Hostens
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Dublin D04 N2E5, Ireland
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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26
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Roth Z. Reproductive physiology and endocrinology responses of cows exposed to environmental heat stress - Experiences from the past and lessons for the present. Theriogenology 2020; 155:150-156. [PMID: 32679440 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The effects of environmental heat-stress on production and reproduction in dairy cows have been intensively studied throughout the past few decades. In light of climate changes and global warming, this issue has gained attention worldwide. So far, most of the documentations are related to warmer-climate regions, however, environmental thermal stress has recently been reported in cooler regions, such as Europe. The review attempts to present the experiences from the past years and lessons for the present. The review highlights some of the environmental characterizations and provides some practical approaches to estimate the level of heat load on farms. For instance, the intensity of heat stress can be evaluated by the temperature humidity index (THI). Other environmental parameters, such as the increased number of consecutive hot days or the increased frequency of extremely hot days, can be also used to estimate the level of heat load on farms. Exposure of dairy cows to environmental thermal stress results in multiple behavioral changes, physiological responses and endocrinological alterations, which in sequence, lead to reduced reproductive performance. Multiple in-vitro studies have been performed for better understanding the mechanism by which heat stress impairs reproductive processes. However, the current review focuses mainly on animal reactions and on the limitations of physiological and behavioral responses in maintaining normothermia, without human intervention. The review provides evidence that thermal stress induces alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. For instance, impaired gonadotropin secretion, attenuation of follicular development, reduced steroid production and progesterone concentration in the plasma. These were found to be associated with impaired estrus behavior, reduced oocyte developmental competence and embryo survival. Heat stress also has direct and indirect effects on the preimplantation embryo. The review summarizes the thermo-sensitivity of the embryo and the acquisition of its thermotolerance through early developmental stages. Understanding the effects of environmentally elevated temperature on the reproductive physiology of lactating cows is extremely important for the development of new strategies in order to mitigate the effects of heat stress on farms. The review also provides various types of management and practical tools, in order to alleviate the effects of thermal stress. It introduces some approaches that have been developed during recent years, ones that have been practically used to alleviate the effect of the environmental heat load and suggested to be implanted. Cooling is the predominant strategy used nowadays in order to alleviate the effects of heat stress. It includes indirect cooling of the environment surrounding the animal, by providing shed and ventilation (with or without water) or direct evaporative cooling of the cow with water and fans. Using an efficient cooling system can improve milk production during the hot season, but it cannot eliminate the decline in reproduction. The review also discusses some additional approaches such as timed artificial insemination, hormonal treatment and embryo transfer, which have already been developed. These are suggested to be examined, adapted and implemented in dairy farms located in new regions that have recently suffered from environmental heat stress. The review also discusses unclear points and open questions some of which might lead new research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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27
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Abstract
The so-called global change refers to changes on a planetary scale. The term encompasses various issues like resource use, energy development, population growth, land use and land cover, carbon and nitrogen cycle, pollution and health, and climate change. The paper deals with challenges for dairy cattle production systems in Europe arising from climate change as one part of global changes. Global warming is increasing, and therefore ecosystems, plant and animal biodiversity, and food security and safety are at risk. It is already accepted knowledge that the direct and indirect effects of global warming in combination with an increasing frequency of weather extremes are a serious issue for livestock production, even in moderate climate zones like Central Europe. The potential and already-measurable effects of climate change (including increase in temperature, frequency of hot days and heat waves), in particular the challenges on grassland production, fodder quality, nutrition in general, cow welfare, health as well as performance of dairy production, will be reviewed. Indirect and direct effects on animals are correlated with their performance. There are clear indications that with selection for high-yielding animals the sensitivity to climate changes increases. Cumulative effects (e.g. higher temperature plus increased pathogen and their vectors loads) do strengthen these impacts. To cope with the consequences several possible adaptation and mitigation strategies must be established on different levels. This includes changes in the production systems (e.g. management, barn, feeding), breeding strategies and health management.
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28
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Ibanescu I, Siuda M, Bollwein H. Motile sperm subpopulations in bull semen using different clustering approaches - Associations with flow cytometric sperm characteristics and fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106329. [PMID: 32216932 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There are sperm subpopulations (SPs) with different kinematic characteristics in various species, however, biological relevance of these SPs is still uncertain. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations of motile sperm SPs with sperm characteristics determined by evaluations with flow cytometry and assessment of bull fertility, using multiple approaches for sperm clustering. Semen from 24 bulls was evaluated concomitantly using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry before freezing and after thawing. Motile SPs were determined utilizing two acknowledged clustering methods (TwoStep and K-Means) and one customized method. With the customized method, there was utilization of mean values of sperm velocity and linearity as thresholds for direct assignment of motile spermatozoa into four SPs. Regardless of approach for identifying SPs, sperm quality, as determined using flow cytometry, was correlated particularly with the subpopulation (SP) of fast and linear spermatozoa immediately after thawing and with the SP of fast and nonlinear spermatozoa before freezing and 3 h after thawing. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between proportion of spermatozoa with fast and nonlinear movements before freezing and bull non-return to estrous rates. These results indicate that with different sperm SPs, there are different biological implications which can be evaluated to gain useful information concerning semen quality as determined using flow cytometry and fertility. Furthermore, determining SPs by assigning motile spermatozoa into clusters based on a combination of "below and "above" threshold values for sperm velocity and linearity might be considered a practical alternative to otherwise intricate clustering procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulian Ibanescu
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Besamungsverein Neustadt a. d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Strasse 23, 91413, Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany.
| | - Mathias Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Boland MR, Fieder M, John LH, Rijnbeek PR, Huber S. Female Reproductive Performance and Maternal Birth Month: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Exploring Multiple Seasonal Mechanisms. Sci Rep 2020; 10:555. [PMID: 31953469 PMCID: PMC6969210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, maternal birth season affects fertility later in life. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to comprehensively investigate the birth season and female fertility relationship. Using PubMed, we identified a set of 282 relevant fertility/birth season papers published between 1972 and 2018. We screened all 282 studies and removed 131 non-mammalian species studies on fertility and 122 studies that were on non-human mammals. Our meta-analysis focused on the remaining 29 human studies, including twelve human datasets from around the world (USA, Europe, Asia). The main outcome was change in female fertility as observed by maternal birth month and whether this change was correlated with either temperature or rainfall. We found that temperature was either strongly correlated or anti-correlated in studies, indicating that another factor closely tied to temperature may be the culprit exposure. We found that rainfall only increases fertility in higher altitude locations (New Zealand, Romania, and Northern Vietnam). This suggests the possibility of a combined or multi-factorial mechanism underlying the female fertility - birth season relationship. We discuss other environmental and sociological factors on the birth season - female fertility relationship. Future research should focus on the role of birth season and female fertility adjusting for additional factors that modulate female fertility as discussed in this comprehensive review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Regina Boland
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Martin Fieder
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luis H John
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter R Rijnbeek
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne Huber
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Semen analysis and sperm characteristics of Karan Fries cattle. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 212:106250. [PMID: 31864497 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Karan Fries is an Indian composite breed of cattle with superior milk production with a greater disease resistance than many other cattle. Understanding of the basic sperm and semen characteristics is necessary to develop the artificial insemination and sperm sexing methods. This study was conducted to evaluate the morphological, rheological and biochemical characteristics of Karan Fries (Indian composite breed) bull semen. Semen analysis was conducted using Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) and rheological methods. Results from correlation assessments indicated there was a positive correlation among values for sperm velocity variables. Motility of bull sperm movements in a linear path were the important variables evaluated in this study. There was also characterization of the individual spermatozoa using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The sperm head length and width were 8.8 ± 0.8 and 3.9 ± 0.6 μm, respectively, and the approximate flagellum length was 59.4 ± 4.5 μm. There was a difference in the Raman intensity among the individual spermatozoa. Results of this study could be important in designing and developing methods of artificial insemination, cryopreservation of semen and semen sexing.
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31
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Lin Y, Li L, Li Y, Wang K, Wei D, Xu S, Feng B, Che L, Fang Z, Li J, Zhuo Y, Wu D. Interpretation of Fiber Supplementation on Offspring Testicular Development in a Pregnant Sow Model from a Proteomics Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184549. [PMID: 31540305 PMCID: PMC6770271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the effects of maternal fiber supplementation during pregnancy on the testicular development of male offspring and its possible mechanisms, 36 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were allocated to either a control diet (n = 18) or a fiber diet (the control diet supplemented with 22.60 g/kg inulin and 181.60 g/kg cellulosic; n = 18) during pregnancy. The body and testes weight of the offspring, 7-day-old piglets, was recorded. Testes were collected for further analyses. Results showed that the testicular organ index and the number of spermatogonia in single seminiferous tubule were higher in piglets from the fiber group than from the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in the concentration of glucose, lactate, and lipids in the testes was found in the fiber group (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis suggested that there were notable differences in glucolipid transport and metabolism, oxidation, and male reproduction-related proteins expression between the two groups (p < 0.05). Results revealed that the most enriched signaling pathways in the fiber group testes included starch and sucrose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and the renin-angiotensin system. mRNA expression analyzes further confirmed the importance of some signaling pathways in maternal fiber nutrition regulating offspring testicular development. Our results shed new light on the underlying molecular mechanisms of maternal fiber nutrition on offspring testicular development and provided a valuable insight for future explorations of the effect of maternal fiber nutrition on man reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (D.W.)
| | - Lujie Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Dongqin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (D.W.)
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Negrón-Pérez VM, Fausnacht DW, Rhoads ML. Invited review: Management strategies capable of improving the reproductive performance of heat-stressed dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10695-10710. [PMID: 31521355 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Impaired fertility during periods of heat stress is the culmination of numerous physiological responses to heat stress, ranging from reduced estrus expression and altered follicular function to early embryonic death. Furthermore, heat-stressed dairy cattle exhibit a unique metabolic status that likely contributes to the observed reduction in fertility. An understanding of this unique physiological response can be used as a basis for improving cow management strategies, thereby reducing the negative effects of heat stress on reproduction. Potential opportunities for improving the management of dairy cattle during heat stress vary greatly and include feed additives, targeted cooling, genetic selection, embryo transfer and, potentially, crossbreeding. Previous studies indicate that dietary interventions such as melatonin and chromium supplementation could alleviate some of the detrimental effects of heat stress on fertility, and that factors involved in the methionine cycle would likely do the same. These supplements, particularly chromium, may improve reproductive performance during heat stress by alleviating insulin-mediated damage to the follicle and its enclosed cumulus-oocyte complex. Beyond feed additives, some of the simplest, yet most effective strategies involve altering the timing of feeding and cooling to take advantage of comparatively low nighttime temperatures. Likewise, expansion of cooling systems to include breeding-age heifers and dry cows has significant benefits for dams and their offspring. More complicated but promising strategies involve the calculation of breeding values for thermotolerance, the identification of genomic markers for heat tolerance, and the development of bedding-based conductive cooling systems. Unfortunately, no single approach can completely rescue the fertility of lactating dairy cows during heat stress. That said, region-appropriate combinations of strategies can improve reproductive measures to reasonable levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Negrón-Pérez
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061
| | - D W Fausnacht
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061
| | - M L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
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van Dorland A, Janett F, Bruckmaier R, Wach-Gygax L, Jeannerat E, Bollwein H, Sieme H, Burger D. Herbal yeast product, Equi-Strath ®, alters the antioxidant status of stallion semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 208:106119. [PMID: 31405465 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Effects of a plasmolysed yeast product enriched with herbs, malt, honey and orange syrup on semen characteristics and oxidative status in stallions were evaluated. Twenty stallions (mean age ± standard deviation = 9.5 ± 4.5 years) were randomly divided into a treatment group (n = 10) receiving 0.06 mL/kg bodyweight of plasmolysed herbal yeast, and a control group (n = 10) receiving the same amount of placebo daily in the feed for 10 weeks. Ejaculates were collected weekly from all stallions starting at Week 0. Volume, sperm concentration, motility, and velocity were evaluated immediately, 24 and 48 h after cooled storage at 5 °C. At the two storage time points, membrane lipid peroxidation was determined using the BODIPY-C11. Additionally, blood samples were collected at Weeks 0, 1, 5 and 9, and analysed for antioxidant status, consisting of superoxide dismutase, cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and non-esterified fatty acids. Due to the nature of the data, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied as preliminary analysis. The BODIPY-C11 in the semen was less at 24 h and greater at 48 h after collections in Week 1 to 3 (P < 0.01) and Week 1 to 10 (P < 0.05) compared with Week 0 in the treatment compared to control group. There were no significant differences between groups for all values for other seminal and blood variables evaluated. In conclusion, feed supplementation with plasmolysed herbal yeast temporarily improved the antioxidant status of stallion semen, which might be of benefit for preservation of cooled semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette van Dorland
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Fredi Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rupert Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland
| | | | - Elise Jeannerat
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Berne, and Agroscope, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - Heiner Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Harald Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Dominik Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Berne, and Agroscope, Avenches, Switzerland.
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34
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Sabés-Alsina M, Lundeheim N, Johannisson A, López-Béjar M, Morrell J. Relationships between climate and sperm quality in dairy bull semen: A retrospective analysis. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5623-5633. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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35
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Westfalewicz B, Dietrich M, Słowińska M, Judycka S, Ciereszko A. Seasonal changes in the proteome of cryopreserved bull semen supernatant. Theriogenology 2019; 126:295-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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36
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Maia KM, Souza ALP, Silva AM, Souza-Jr JBF, Costa LLM, Brandão FZ, Oliveira MF, Comizzoli P, Silva AR. Environmental effects on collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) serum testosterone, testicular morphology, and semen quality in the Caatinga biome. Theriogenology 2018; 126:286-294. [PMID: 30597387 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to understand the influence of climatic variations in a semiarid environment on serum testosterone, testicular morphology and semen quality in collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu). Reproductive metrics (semen quality, testicular morphometry and testosterone serum profiles) of 10 mature males were measured monthly for 18 months. Meteorological data (rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and radiant heat load) also were recorded during the same period. Rainfall regimes were classified in different classes (Class 1: months with no rain; Class 2: months with up to 50 mm of rain; and Class 3: months with >50 mm of rain). Among rainfall classes, average air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were different. Climatic changes between rainfall classes did not lead to overall variations of testicular size, testosterone production, and semen metrics. However, relative humidity recorded before semen collection (one day, one week, or over 51-55 days) was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with semen motility metrics (total motility, beat cross frequency and straightness) and sperm subpopulations (medium and static sperm), as well as with volume. Negative correlations (P < 0.05) were revealed between air temperature and the same semen motility patterns and volume. Additionally, radiant head load measured on the day of semen collection negatively influenced (P < 0.05) sperm straightness. This study demonstrates for the first time that no seasonal changes could be detected overt the 18-month period on the serum testosterone, testicular morphology and semen quality of collared peccaries raised in the Caatinga biome; however, it is expected that long term environmental changes will influence the reproductive physiology of species leaving in that habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Maia
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - A L P Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Sobral, Brazil
| | - A M Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - J B F Souza-Jr
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia, Biofísica Ambiental e Bem-Estar Animal (LABBEA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - L L M Costa
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia, Biofísica Ambiental e Bem-Estar Animal (LABBEA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, 24320-340, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - M F Oliveira
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - P Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 5502, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - A R Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation (LCGA), Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), BR 110, Km 47, Costa e Silva, CEP: 59625-900, Mossoró, Brazil.
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Murphy EM, Kelly AK, O'Meara C, Eivers B, Lonergan P, Fair S. Influence of bull age, ejaculate number, and season of collection on semen production and sperm motility parameters in Holstein Friesian bulls in a commercial artificial insemination centre. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:2408-2418. [PMID: 29767722 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current era of genomic selection, there is an increased demand to collect semen from genomically selected sires at a young age. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of bull age, ejaculate number, and season of collection on semen production (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm number; TSN) and sperm motility (prefreeze and post-thaw total and gross motility) parameters in Holstein Friesian bulls in a commercial artificial insemination (AI) center. The study involved the interrogation of a large dataset collected over a 4-yr period, (n = 8,983 ejaculates; n = 176 Holstein Friesian bulls aged between 9 mo and 8 yr). Bulls aged less than 1 yr had the poorest semen production and sperm motility values for all parameters assessed compared with bulls older than 1 yr (P < 0.01). First ejaculates had greater semen production and greater prefreeze motility values than second consecutive ejaculates (P < 0.01), but despite this, there was no difference in post-thaw motility. When subsequent ejaculates were collected from bulls aged less than 1 yr, semen production and sperm motility did not differ compared with mature bulls. Semen collected in winter was poorest in terms of sperm concentration and TSN, but best in terms of post-thaw motility (P < 0.01). In conclusion, second ejaculates can be collected, particularly from bulls aged less than 1 yr, without a significant decrease in post-thaw sperm motility, thus may be a useful strategy to increase semen availability from young genomically selected AI bulls in high demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edel M Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,National Cattle Breeding Centre, Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland
| | - Alan K Kelly
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara O'Meara
- National Cattle Breeding Centre, Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland
| | - Bernard Eivers
- National Cattle Breeding Centre, Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Jeannerat E, Marti E, Berney C, Janett F, Bollwein H, Sieme H, Burger D, Wedekind C. Stallion semen quality depends on major histocompatibility complex matching to teaser mare. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:1025-1035. [PMID: 29334412 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has repeatedly been found to influence mate choice of vertebrates, with MHC-dissimilar mates typically being preferred over MHC-similar mates. We used horses (Equus caballus) to test whether MHC matching also affects male investment into ejaculates after short exposure to a female. Semen characteristics varied much among stallions. Controlling for this variance with a full-factorial within-subject experimental design, we found that a short exposure to an MHC-dissimilar mare enhanced male plasma testosterone and led to ejaculates with elevated sperm numbers as compared to exposure to an MHC-similar mare. Sperm velocity seemed not affected by the treatment. Overall genetic similarity between stallions and mares (determined from polymorphic microsatellites on 20 different chromosomes) played no significant role here. The MHC type of the teaser mare also affected characteristics of cold-stored sperm after 24 and 48 hr. As expected from ejaculate economics, sperm viability was elevated after exposure to an MHC-dissimilar mare. However, oxidative stress and the percentage of sperm with a high DNA fragmentation were mostly increased after exposure to an MHC-dissimilar mare, depending also on whether the teaser mare was in oestrous or not. We conclude that males can quickly adjust ejaculate quality relative to a female's MHC, and that this male reaction to the social environment can also affect important characteristics of cold-stored semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jeannerat
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, Agroscope and University of Berne, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - E Marti
- Department of Clinical Research, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - C Berney
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - F Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, Agroscope and University of Berne, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - C Wedekind
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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39
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Ibănescu I, Leiding C, Bollwein H. Cluster analysis reveals seasonal variation of sperm subpopulations in extended boar semen. J Reprod Dev 2017; 64:33-39. [PMID: 29081440 PMCID: PMC5830356 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify motile sperm subpopulations in extended boar semen and to observe the presumptive seasonal variation in their distribution. Data from 4837 boar ejaculates collected over a two-year period
were analyzed in terms of kinematic parameters by Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA). Individual sperm data were used to determine subgroups of motile sperm within the ejaculates using cluster analysis. Four motile
sperm subpopulations (SP) were identified, with distinct movement patterns: SP1 sperm with high velocity and high linearity; SP2 sperm with high velocity but low linearity; SP3 sperm with low velocity but high linearity;
and SP4 sperm with low velocity and low linearity. SP1 constituted the least overall proportion within the ejaculates (P < 0.05). Season of semen collection significantly influenced the different proportions of sperm
subpopulations. Spring was characterized by similar proportions of SP1 and SP4 (NS) and higher proportions of SP3. Summer brought a decrease in both subgroups containing fast sperm (SP1 and SP2) (P < 0.05). During
autumn, increases in SP2 and SP4 were recorded. Winter substantially affected the proportions of all sperm subpopulations (P < 0.05) and SP2 became the most represented subgroup, while SP1 (fast and linear) reached
its highest proportion compared to other seasons. In conclusion, extended boar semen is structured in distinct motile sperm subpopulations whose proportions vary according to the season of collection. Summer and autumn
seem to have a negative impact on the fast and linear subpopulation. Cluster analysis can be useful in revealing differences in semen quality that are not normally detected by classical evaluation based on mean
values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulian Ibănescu
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a. d. Aisch e.V., 91413 Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 700489 Iasi, Romania
| | - Claus Leiding
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a. d. Aisch e.V., 91413 Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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40
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Sabés-Alsina M, Johannisson A, Lundeheim N, Lopez-Bejar M, Morrell JM. Effects of season on bull sperm quality in thawed samples in northern Spain. Vet Rec 2017; 180:251. [PMID: 28100767 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible effects of climate factors on sperm quality of Holstein dairy bulls housed in northern Spain. Semen samples from 11 Holstein dairy bulls were collected and cryopreserved in winter, spring and summer. Sperm quality parameters such as motility, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation index and reactive oxygen species were assessed. Samples collected in spring showed higher mean values of total and progressive motility compared with samples collected in winter. Mean values of average path velocity and straight-line velocity were higher in spring than in summer. The proportion of viable spermatozoa was higher in spring than in winter as was the proportion of viable spermatozoa with non-reacted acrosome. The proportion of live cells that were not producing superoxide or hydrogen peroxide was higher in samples collected in spring than in winter. No differences were found in sperm morphology or the DNA fragmentation index among seasons. In conclusion, results suggest that sperm quality of bulls housed in northern Spain is affected by season. Samples collected in spring appear to have better sperm quality than samples collected in other seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sabés-Alsina
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - A Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - N Lundeheim
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, SLU, Sweden
| | - M Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - J M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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