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Oliveira MEF, Caldas TDB, Rodrigues JND, Vergani GB, Rangel PSC, Esteves LV, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Brandão FZ, Fonseca JF. Intravaginal progesterone device reinsertion during the early luteal phase affects luteal function and embryo yield in superovulated ewes. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 254:107273. [PMID: 37290343 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study checked the efficacy of progesterone (P4) device reinsertion during the early luteal phase on luteal function and embryo yield in superovulated crossbred ewes. Twenty multiparous ewes received an intravaginal P4 device for nine days (D0 to D9) followed by six decreasing doses (25, 25, 15, 15, 10, 10%) of 133 mg pFSH i.m. at 12 h intervals, starting 60 h before P4 device removal. Ewes were naturally mated at 12 h intervals while in estrus. On D13, ewes with viable corpora lutea (CL; n = 19) were equally allocated for receiving their P4 device reinsertion (G-P4; n = 10) or not (G-Control; n = 9). On D17, the P4 device was removed, and all females received the cervical relaxation protocol 16 h to 20 min before non-surgical embryo recovery. CL count and their functionality classification were performed on D13 and D17 by transrectal B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography (US). Plasma P4 concentrations (ng/mL) of G-P4 ewes increased (P < 0.05) over the days, being greater on D17 (9.2 ± 2.8) than on D9 (1.9 ± 0.7) and D13 (1.6 ± 0.4). The overall CL count per ewe tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in G-P4 compared with G-Control. The occurrence of premature regression of corpora lutea did not differ (P > 0.05) between G-P4 (30.0%) and G-Control (44.4%). The number of ova/embryos recovered was greater (P < 0.05) in G-P4 (11.6 ± 2.9) compared with G-Control (3.7 ± 2.0), respectively. Altogether, the reinsertion of the P4 device for four days after superovulation in ewes promotes greater P4 concentrations, resulting in greater ova/embryos recovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tarcilla Dutra Barbosa Caldas
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, CEP 36570-000, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Brun Vergani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sergio Cerqueira Rangel
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana Vieira Esteves
- Médica Veterinária Autônoma, Praça Maestro Cristiano Mendes, n.26, CEP 36255-000, Aracitaba, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Zandonadi Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Ferreira Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Estrada Sobral/Groaíras, km 04, CP 145, CEP 62010-970, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
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Souza-Fabjan JMG, Oliveira MEF, Guimarães MPP, Brandão FZ, Bartlewski PM, Fonseca JF. Review: Non-surgical artificial insemination and embryo recovery as safe tools for genetic preservation in small ruminants. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100787. [PMID: 37567658 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100787] [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] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) and in vivo embryo production (or multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, MOET) programs are both instrumental in accelerating the propagation of genetically and economically superior goats and sheep. The aim of this review was to present the current gestalt of non-surgical AI and embryo recovery (NSER) procedures in small ruminants. Small body size, precluding rectal palpation, and highly limited penetrability of the uterine cervix in ewes are the major reasons for the scarce use of non-surgical assisted reproduction techniques in this species. As a result, AI and embryo recovery techniques in sheep mainly involve laparoscopy or laparotomy (LAP). In does, however, the Embrapa method of AI allows for successful intrauterine deposition of semen, resulting in pregnancy rates from 50 to 80% under field conditions (>3 000 goats inseminated) when frozen-thawed semen is used. After the administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), non-surgical (transcervical) embryo recovery is also feasible in goats, with the cervical penetration rate approaching 100%. There is a paucity of information on the efficacy of non-surgical AI using frozen semen in sheep, but the results are satisfactory with fresh, cooled, or chilled ram semen. An application of the NSER technique in ewes has greatly improved over the last decade, and cervical penetration rates of ∼90% can be achieved when a hormonal cervical dilation protocol using PGF2α, oxytocin, and/or estradiol ester (e.g., estradiol benzoate) is applied. In some genotypes of sheep, sufficient cervical dilation can be induced without estradiol ester included in the protocol. Several studies indicated that recovery of transferable quality ovine embryos using NSER is comparable to that employing a ventral midline laparotomy, and NSER is evidently a method of choice when animal welfare is concerned. Considering both the number of retrievable embryos and animal well-being, the NSER is a viable alternative for surgical procedures. With further developments, it has the makings of a primary, if not exclusive, embryo recovery technique in small ruminants worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M G Souza-Fabjan
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - M E F Oliveira
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Cep 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M P P Guimarães
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - P M Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Rodovia MG 133, Km 42, Cep 36155000, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil
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Pinheiro JBS, Figueira LM, Correia LFL, Oliveira TA, Brair VL, Barros FFPC, Ascoli FO, Batista RITP, Brandão FZ, Souza-Fabjan JMG. The coasting time affects the quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes in superstimulated ewes. Theriogenology 2023; 196:236-243. [PMID: 36434845 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that the coasting time may be beneficial to the quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes recovered from live ewes, as reported in cattle. The present study assessed the effect of coasting times on the quantity and quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. All ewes were subjected to the "Day 0 protocol", followed by an ovarian stimulation (80 mg of pFSH in three decreasing doses), varying only the coasting time [12 (G12), 36 (G36), or 60 h (G60]. In Experiment 1, data regarding follicular population was assessed. In Experiment 2, the COC quality was checked by their morphology, brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test, evaluation of chromatin condensation pattern, and oocyte diameter. In Experiment 3, genes related to oocyte developmental competence were evaluated in BCB + COCs. The oocytes in the G60 group had more (P < 0.05) large follicles than the other groups and oocytes with a greater diameter than the G12. Oocyte morphology was similar (P > 0.05) among groups, as well as the BCB + COCs quantity. The G60-oocytes presented a better (P < 0.05) configuration of chromatin condensation compared with the other groups and a greater (P < 0.05) gene expression of BMP15, MATER, ZAR1, and PTGS2 compared with G12, and PTGS2 and HAS2 compared with G36 group. In conclusion, 60 h of coasting time positively affects the quality of COCs recovered after subjecting ewes to the "Day 0 protocol" and ovarian superstimulation. Implementing the appropriate coasting time to a given protocol can positively impact the in vitro embryo production outcomes in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine B S Pinheiro
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas M Figueira
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas F L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thais A Oliveira
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Viviane L Brair
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe F P C Barros
- Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabio O Ascoli
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
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Oliveira MEF, Arrais AM, de Mello MRB, Vergani GB, Machado Figueira L, Esteves SN, do Amaral Pereira VS, Garcia AR, Bartlewski PM, da Fonseca JF. A study of the factors affecting embryo yields and quality in superovulated Morada Nova ewes that underwent non-surgical uterine flushing. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:393-401. [PMID: 34967972 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14077] [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: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study compared the outcomes of in vivo embryo production in Morada Nova ewes subjected to either 9-day (G-9SOV , n=21) or 12-day (G-12SOV , n=21) progesterone (P4 )-based estrus synchronization protocol coupled with superovulatory treatment with decreasing doses of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (133 mg of pFSH given over 3 days). Non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) was performed 6-7 days after the onset of estrus. Total antral follicle count doubled from the 1st to the 6th pFSH dose in both groups (P < 0.05). Estrus responses did not vary between the two groups of animals (95.2%). Corpora lutea (CL) were detected in 85.0% and 60.0% of ewes that previously manifested estrus behavior in G-9SOV and G-12SOV , respectively. NSER was successfully completed in 86.2% of ewes that had CL (P > 0.05). The mean number of CL per ewe/successfully flushed donor ewe was greater (P < 0.05) in G-12SOV (12.3 ± 1.7/12.1 ± 1.9) than in G-9SOV (7.9 ± 1.4/8.2 ± 1.6). Mean numbers of retrieved blastocysts and viable embryos were greater (P > 0.05) in G-12SOV (5.8 ± 1.9 and 3.7 ± 1.7) than G-9SOV (3.5 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 0.3, respectively). The total follicle count (all follicles ≥ 2 mm in diameter) at the 6th pFSH dose (at P4 -device removal) was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the number of CL (r = 0.95) and viable embryos (r = 0.91) in G-12SOV . The ewes with ≥ 10 CL (48% of all flushed donors) yielded 80.5% of viable embryos. In summary: i. Morada Nova ewes from G-12SOV group had better superovulatory responses compared with G-9SOV group; ii. total follicle count at the last pFSH dose was a good predictor of superovulatory responses only in the ewes primed with P4 for 12 days; and iii. animals with ≥ 10 ovulations are main contributors to viable embryo production in Morada Nova ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.,Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Estrada Sobral/Groaíras, km 4, CEP 62011000, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Aline Matos Arrais
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, km7, s/n, CEP 23890-000, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marco Roberto Bourg de Mello
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, km7, s/n, CEP 23890-000, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Brun Vergani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Machado Figueira
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Novita Esteves
- Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, Rodovia Washington Luiz, km 234, Fazenda Canchim, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Rosseto Garcia
- Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, Rodovia Washington Luiz, km 234, Fazenda Canchim, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Pawel Mieczyslaw Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
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Springer C, Wolf E, Simmet K. A New Toolbox in Experimental Embryology-Alternative Model Organisms for Studying Preimplantation Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:15. [PMID: 33918361 PMCID: PMC8167745 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation development is well conserved across mammalian species, but major differences in developmental kinetics, regulation of early lineage differentiation and implantation require studies in different model organisms, especially to better understand human development. Large domestic species, such as cattle and pig, resemble human development in many different aspects, i.e., the timing of zygotic genome activation, mechanisms of early lineage differentiations and the period until blastocyst formation. In this article, we give an overview of different assisted reproductive technologies, which are well established in cattle and pig and make them easily accessible to study early embryonic development. We outline the available technologies to create genetically modified models and to modulate lineage differentiation as well as recent methodological developments in genome sequencing and imaging, which form an immense toolbox for research. Finally, we compare the most recent findings in regulation of the first lineage differentiations across species and show how alternative models enhance our understanding of preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Springer
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (E.W.)
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (E.W.)
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Kilian Simmet
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (E.W.)
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Souza-Fabjan JM, Correia LF, Batista RI, Locatelli Y, Freitas VJ, Mermillod P. Reproductive Seasonality Affects In Vitro Embryo Production Outcomes in Adult Goats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030873. [PMID: 33803854 PMCID: PMC8003252 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Reproductive seasonality is usually determined by photoperiod and may also be influenced by nutritional sources. Little is known about the effect of season on the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro embryo production in seasonal species. This study was conducted to generate an understanding of the seasonality influence on in vitro embryo production outcomes in goats. Overall, the breeding season improved oocyte developmental competence, with higher cleavage and blastocyst yield, while there was no difference in embryo quality throughout the years. Abstract Reproductive seasonality may have a considerable influence on the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies in seasonal species. This study evaluated the effect of season on cleavage, blastocyst rates and quality of in vitro produced (IVP) goat embryos. In total, 2348 cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries and subjected to the same IVP system throughout 1.5 years (49 replicates). The odds ratio (OR) among seasons was calculated from values of cleavage and blastocyst rates in each season. Cleavage rate was lower (p < 0.05) in spring (anestrus), in comparison with either autumn (peak of breeding season) or summer, while the winter had intermediate values. Furthermore, lower OR of cleavage was observed in spring. Blastocyst formation rate (from initial number of COCs) was higher (p < 0.05) in autumn (52 ± 2.5%) when compared with the other seasons (combined rates: 40 ± 1.9%). Moreover, its OR was higher (p < 0.05) in autumn compared to all other seasons and impaired in the spring compared to winter (OR: 0.54) and summer (OR: 0.48). Embryo hatchability and blastocyst cell number were similar (p > 0.05) among seasons. In conclusion, the breeding season leads to improved oocyte developmental competence, resulting in higher cleavage and blastocyst yield, whereas embryo quality remained similar throughout the years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M.G. Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil; (L.F.L.C.); (R.I.T.P.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lucas F.L. Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil; (L.F.L.C.); (R.I.T.P.B.)
| | - Ribrio I.T.P. Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil; (L.F.L.C.); (R.I.T.P.B.)
| | - Yann Locatelli
- Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Réserve Zoologique de la Haute Touche, 36290 Obterre, France;
| | - Vicente J.F. Freitas
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle da Reprodução, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60714-903, Brazil;
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de Recherche Pour L’agriculture, L’alimentation et L’environnement (INRAE), Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
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