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Leme LDO, Carvalho JO, Mendes CM, Assumpção MEOD, Caetano AR, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Impact of sperm sex sorting on sperm quality and in vitro embryo production in bovine. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 270:107604. [PMID: 39332062 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107604] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that environmental exposures can modify epigenetic marks in the germline, leading to the transmission of abnormal post-fertilization sperm epigenetic indicators and affecting embryonic development. Given the pivotal role of sperm cells in determining embryo quality, there is growing interest in understanding the potential effects of sperm sex sorting on embryo quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of bovine sperm sexing on in vitro embryo production (IVP) and to associate molecular aspects of embryos analysis. Frozen semen samples from five Nellore bulls were used, with each bull contributing unsexed sperm (conventional semen - CV treatment) and female and male sexed sperm pooled after thawing (SX treatment). First, semen quality was assessed, including motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, and chromatin integrity to denaturation. Then, IVP was carried out, focusing on embryonic production and developmental kinetics. In the third experiment, embryo quality was evaluated by examining the gene expression of key markers (OCT4, NANOG, DNMT3A, TET1, and Fematrin-1) and the methylation pattern of the Satellite-1 and α-Satellite genes in blastocysts. Differences between CV and SX semen were only observed in motility, which was lower in SX compared with CV (P < 0.05). Although cleavage was similar, the SX groups showed lower blastocyst production than CV (P < 0.05). Of the genes evaluated, only NANOG showed high expression in the CV blastocysts compared with the SX blastocysts, but the methylation pattern revealed no differences. In conclusion, sex sorting markedly affects sperm motility and in vitro embryo production but showed no significant impact on embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligiane de Oliveira Leme
- UFES, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Alto Universitario, S/N - Guararema, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil
| | - José Oliveira Carvalho
- UFES, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Alto Universitario, S/N - Guararema, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Camilla Motta Mendes
- USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 - Butantã, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Rodrigues Caetano
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia - Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB s/nº Av. W5 Norte (final) - PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia - Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB s/nº Av. W5 Norte (final) - PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia - Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB s/nº Av. W5 Norte (final) - PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil.
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Machado AF, Rocha RDFB, Dos Santos RM, Toral FLB, Netto DDSL, Guimarães JD, Gomez-Leon VE, Facioni Guimarães SE. Genetic parameters for oocytes and embryo production and their association with linear type traits in dairy Gyr Cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01037-3. [PMID: 39067753 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24926] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
In vitro embryo production is one of the main reproductive techniques used in dairy Gyr cattle. In addition, linear type measures are well characterized and have been used in dairy Gyr breed selection for the last 4 decades. The estimation of genetic parameters for the number of aspirated oocytes and in vitro-produced embryos associated with the linear type measures would support genetic progress for animal breeding programs toward embryo production. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for aspirated oocytes, embryo in vitro production, and linear type traits, exploring the association between them. The repeatability model was applied to 14,251 ovum pick-up events from 1,916 Gyr donors. A subset of 604 donors from the same group had their body measurements taken. Single- and 2-trait analyses were carried out using the BLUPF90 family programs. Heritability estimates of 0.38, 0.34, and 0.20 were obtained for total oocytes, viable oocytes, and embryos, respectively,-and the heritability of the linear type traits ranged from 0.22 to 0.40. High genetic correlations between total oocytes and viable oocytes (0.99), and between oocytes (total and viable) and embryos (0.83) were obtained. Low to high genetic (-0.07 to 0.92) and phenotypic (0.32 to 0.86) correlations were obtained between the linear type traits. Moreover, low phenotypic correlations (0.01 to 0.13) were observed for oocytes (total and viable) and embryos with the linear type traits, whereas low to moderate genetic correlations (0.07 to 0.42) were observed between the same traits, especially for ilium width (0.42), rump area (0.38), and hip height (0.33). Thus, selection for in vitro production is achievable in Gyr dairy cattle, and superior genetic progress is associated with the selection of oocytes (total and viable). Furthermore, the moderate genetic association between oocytes and embryos with linear type traits, especially ilium width suggests that progress on in vitro embryo production may be achieved by accessing these measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Ferreira Machado
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 36570-900; Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA, 66506
| | | | - Rafael Monteiro Dos Santos
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 31270-901
| | - Fabio Luiz Buranelo Toral
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 31270-901
| | | | - José Domingos Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 36570-900
| | - Victor E Gomez-Leon
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA, 66506
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Uhm SJ, Heo YT, Yu DM, Kim DK, Gupta MK. Pre-implantation development of cattle embryos produced from fresh bull semen enriched for X- chromosome-bearing spermatozoa using a monoclonal antibody. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2101-2109. [PMID: 37432602 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10160-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Immunological approaches are gaining attention as a convenient and economical method for sex-sorting mammalian spermatozoa. A monoclonal antibody (WholeMom™) has previously been reported to cause agglutination of Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in frozen-thawed semen for gender preselection. However, its usefulness for gender preselection in fresh semen and subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) after freeze-thawing has not been reported. This study investigated the in vitro development of cattle embryos produced from fresh bull semen pre-treated with WholeMom™ monoclonal antibody. Results showed that antibody-treated, non-agglutinated spermatozoa (presumably X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa) could fertilize cattle oocytes in vitro. However, embryos generated from non-agglutinated (enriched in X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa) had a lower (p < 0.05) ability to cleave (66.4 ± 2.5% vs. 75.1 ± 3.3%) than those of non-treated control sperm. Nevertheless, the percentage of blastocysts developed from cleaved embryos did not differ (p > 0.05) between the groups (34.8 ± 3.7% vs. 35.8 ± 3.4%). Duplex PCR of blastocysts, using a bovine-specific universal primer pair and a Y-chromosome-specific primer pair, showed a sex ratio of 95.8% females from sex-sorted spermatozoa, which was higher than those of non-treated control spermatozoa (46.4%). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that monoclonal antibody-based enrichment of X- chromosome-bearing spermatozoa can be applied to fresh bull semen without compromising their post-fertilization early embryonic development to the blastocyst stage. Future studies should investigate the term development and sex ratio of calves from antibody-treated spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Jun Uhm
- Department of Animal Science, Sangji University, Wonju, 26339, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Tae Heo
- Department of Companion Animal, Catholic Sangji College, Andong, 36686, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Min Yu
- Hoengseong Chukhyeop, 337, Hoengseong-Ro, Hoengseong, 25235, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ku Kim
- Nuri Science Inc, Hanam TechnoValley U1 Center, Hanam-daero, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do, D-1314947, 12982, Republic of Korea
| | - Mukesh Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India.
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Gimeno I, García-Manrique P, Carrocera S, López-Hidalgo C, Muñoz M, Valledor L, Martín-González D, Gómez E. Non-Invasive Identification of Sex in Cultured Bovine Embryos by UHPLC-MS/MS Metabolomics. Metabolomics 2022; 18:53. [PMID: 35842860 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Different gene expression between male and female bovine embryos leads to metabolic differences. OBJECTIVE We used UHPLC-MS/MS to identify sex metabolite biomarkers in embryo culture medium (CM). METHODS Embryos were produced in vitro under highly variable conditions, i.e., fertilized with 7 bulls, two breeds, and cultured with BSA or BSA + serum until Day-6. On Day-6, embryos were cultured individually for 24 h. CM of Day-7 embryos (86 female and 81 male) was collected, and Day-6 and Day-7 embryonic stages recorded. RESULTS A study by sample subsets with fixed factors (culture, bull breed, and Day-6 and Day-7 stages) tentatively identified 31 differentially accumulated metabolites through 182 subsets. Day-6 and Day-7 stage together affected 13 and 11 metabolites respectively, while 19 metabolites were affected by one or another stage and/or day. Culture supplements and individual bull changed 19 and 15 metabolites, respectively. Single bull exerted the highest influence (20 metabolites with the significantly highest p values). Lipid (93 subsets; 11 metabolites) and amino acid (55 subsets; 13 metabolites) were the most relevant classes for sex identification. CONCLUSIONS Single biomarker led to inefficient sex diagnosis, while metabolite combinations accurately identified sex. Our study is a first in non-invasive sex identification in cattle by overcoming factors that induce metabolic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta Muñoz
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain.
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He Q, Wu S, Huang M, Wang Y, Zhang K, Kang J, Zhang Y, Quan F. Effects of Diluent pH on Enrichment and Performance of Dairy Goat X/Y Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:747722. [PMID: 34660605 PMCID: PMC8517142 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.747722] [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: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, on the basis of the differences in the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the diluent dairy goat semen on X/Y sperm motility, an X/Y sperm enrichment study was conducted to establish a simple and effective method for gender control in dairy goats. Dairy goat semen was diluted using different pH dilutions and was incubated. Then, the X/Y sperm ratio in the isolated upper sperm was determined using the double TaqMan qPCR method. The internal pH change pattern of sperm cells at different pH dilutions was measured using BCECF-AM probe, and the functional parameters of the isolated sperm were tested with the corresponding kit. Next, an in vitro fertilization test was conducted using isolated spermatozoa and oocytes to determine their fertilization rates, the percentages of female embryos, and the expression of genes related to developing potentially fertilized embryos. Results showed that the percentages of the X sperm cells in the upper sperm layer were 67.24% ± 2.61% at sperm dilution pH of 6.2 and 30.45% ± 1.03% at sperm dilution pH of 7.4, which was significantly different from 52.35% ± 1.72% of the control group (pH 6.8) (P < 0.01). Results also showed that there is a relationship between the external pHo and internal pHi of sperm cells. Furthermore, the percentages of female embryos after the in vitro fertilization of the isolated upper sperm with mature oocytes at pH 6.2 and 7.4 were 66.67% ± 0.05 and 29.73% ± 0.04%, respectively, compared with 48.57% ± 0.02% in the control group (pH 6.8). Highly significant differences occurred between groups (P < 0.01). Additionally, no significant difference was observed during the expression of genes related to embryonic development between the blastocysts formed from sperm isolated by changing the pH of the diluent and the control sperm (P > 0.05). Therefore, this study successfully established a simple and effective method for enriched X/Y sperms from dairy goats, which is important for regulating the desired sex progeny during dairy goat breeding and for guiding dairy goat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifu He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Shenghui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Jian Kang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Fusheng Quan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
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6
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Reese S, Pirez MC, Steele H, Kölle S. The reproductive success of bovine sperm after sex-sorting: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17366. [PMID: 34462506 PMCID: PMC8405645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96834-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the three decades since its inception, the sex-sorting technology has progressed significantly. However, field studies report conflicting findings regarding reproductive outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis of all trials published between 1999 and 2021. Non-return rates after 24 or 60 d (NRR 24/60), pregnancy, calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates were compared after AI with sex-sorted vs non-sorted sperm. Additionally, the impact of recent developments in the sex-sorting technology was assessed. Of 860 studies found, 45 studies (72 trials) provided extractable data and were included. Overall, the results of this meta-analysis provided evidence that the NRR 24/60 was diminished by 13%, pregnancy rates were reduced by 23% (25% cows, 21% heifers) and calving rates were reduced by 24% when using sex-sorted sperm. Enhancing the dosage to 4 million sex-sorted sperm/straw (including recent improvements, high vs low dose) as well as using fresh sex-sorted sperm (sorted vs non-sorted) increased pregnancy rate ratios by 7 percentage points. The refinement of the sex-sorting technology after 2015 resulted in a lowered reduction of pregnancy and calving rate of 19% and 23%, respectively. Whereas abortion rates were similar, the stillbirth of male calves was increased by 6.3%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Reese
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Miguel Camara Pirez
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heather Steele
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sabine Kölle
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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Travnickova I, Hulinska P, Kubickova S, Hanzalova K, Kempisty B, Nemcova L, Machatkova M. Production of sexed bovine embryos in vitro can be improved by selection of sperm treatment and co-culture system. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:864-871. [PMID: 33715248 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13926] [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: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of sperm sorting, capacitation treatment and co-cultivation on sexed bovine in vitro embryo production. The effect of treatment and co-culture on production of embryos of the preferred sex from unsorted sperm was also studied. Sperm from five breeding bulls was used for fertilization of mature oocytes as follows: Experiment 1, sorted and unsorted sperm (bulls A-E) treated only with heparin in standard co-cultures; Experiment 2, sorted sperm (bulls A-E) treated with heparin-PHE (penicillamine, hypotaurine, and epinephrine) or heparin-caffeine in drop co-cultures; and Experiment 3, unsorted sperm (bull E) treated with either heparin-PHE or heparin-caffeine in both standard and drop co-cultures. In all bulls, treatment with heparin resulted in significantly (p < .05) reduced cleavage and blastocyst rates from sorted sperm, as compared with those from unsorted sperm. In bulls A, B, D and E, treatment of sorted sperm with heparin-PHE in drops significantly increased the blastocyst rate (p < .05). In unsorted sperm of bull E, heparin-PHE treatment in drops resulted in the XX/XY sex ratio inverse to that obtained by heparin-caffeine treatment in standard co-cultures (32.3%/67.7% and 66.7%/33.3%, respectively). In conclusion, the treatment of sorted sperm with heparin-PHE in modified drop co-cultures can be recommended for production of in vitro sexed embryos. The use of unsorted sperm for production of embryos of the preferred sex by selected capacitation treatment and co-culture can be the method of choice in bulls with low IVF yields from sorted sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Travnickova
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Hulinska
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Svatava Kubickova
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Hanzalova
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bartozs Kempisty
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Science, Poznan, Poland
| | - Lucie Nemcova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Machatkova
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
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Souza-Fabjan JMG, Batista RITP, Correia LFL, Paramio MT, Fonseca JF, Freitas VJF, Mermillod P. In vitro production of small ruminant embryos: latest improvements and further research. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:31-54. [PMID: 38769678 DOI: 10.1071/rd20206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This review presents the latest advances in and main obstacles to the application of invitro embryo production (IVEP) systems in small ruminants. This biotechnology is an extremely important tool for genetic improvement for livestock and is essential for the establishment of other biotechnologies, such as cloning and transgenesis. At present, the IVEP market is almost non-existent for small ruminants, in contrast with the trends observed in cattle. This is probably related to the lower added value of small ruminants, lower commercial demand and fewer qualified professionals interested in this area. Moreover, there are fewer research groups working on small ruminant IVEP than those working with cattle and pigs. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles in live females or from ovaries collected from abattoirs remains a challenge for IVEP dissemination in goats and sheep. Of note, although the logistics of oocyte collection from live small ruminant females are more complex than in the bovine, in general the IVEP outcomes, in terms of blastocyst production, are similar. We anticipate that after appropriate training and repeatable results, the commercial demand for small ruminant invitro -produced embryos may increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil; and Corresponding author
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Lucas F L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Paramio
- Departament de Ciencia Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Valles, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeferson F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Rodovia MG 133, km 42, Campo Experimental Coronel Pacheco, Coronel Pacheco-MG, CEP 36155-000, Brazil
| | - Vicente J F Freitas
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle da Reprodução, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, CEP 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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9
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Morgan HL, Eid N, Khoshkerdar A, Watkins AJ. Defining the male contribution to embryo quality and offspring health in assisted reproduction in farm animals. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200018. [PMID: 33029211 PMCID: PMC7534566 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination have delivered significant benefits for farm animal reproduction. However, as with humans, assisted reproduction in livestock requires the manipulation of the gametes and preimplantation embryo. The significance of this ‘periconception’ period is that it represents the transition from parental genome regulation to that of the newly formed embryo. Environmental perturbations during these early developmental stages can result in persistent changes in embryonic gene expression, fetal organ development and ultimately the long-term health of the offspring. While associations between maternal health and offspring wellbeing are well-defined, the significance of paternal health for the quality of his semen and the post-conception development of his offspring have largely been overlooked. Human and animal model studies have identified sperm epigenetic status (DNA methylation levels, histone modifications and RNA profiles) and seminal plasma-mediated maternal uterine immunological, inflammatory and vascular responses as the two central mechanisms capable of linking paternal health and post-fertilisation development. However, there is a significant knowledge gap about the father’s contribution to the long-term health of his offspring, especially with regard to farm animals. Such insights are essential to ensure the safety of widely used assisted reproductive practices and to gain better understanding of the role of paternal health for the well-being of his offspring. In this article, we will outline the impact of male health on semen quality (both sperm and seminal plasma), reproductive fitness and post-fertilisation offspring development and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health in farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Louise Morgan
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nader Eid
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Afsaneh Khoshkerdar
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Adam John Watkins
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Aherin DG, Bormann JM, Heier Stamm JL, MacNeil MD, Weaber RL. Decision-making tools: stochastic simulation model accounting for the impacts of biological variation on success of bovine embryo transfer programs. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 2:451-462. [PMID: 32704727 PMCID: PMC7200921 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the project was to create an economic risk analysis tool for user-defined embryo transfer (ET) programs as an aid in decision-making. Distributions defining the biological uncertainty for many reproductive outcomes are estimated through extensive literature review and limited industry sources. Applying the Latin hypercube variation of Monte Carlo simulation, a sample value from the descriptive distribution associated with each stochastic variable is included in each iteration of the simulation. Through large numbers of iterations with dynamic combinations of variable values, the process culminates in a distribution of possible values for the net present value, annuity equivalent net present value, and return on investment associated with the modeled embryo production scenario. Two options for embryo production, multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) from aspirated oocytes, are modeled. Within both MOET and IVP, the use of unsorted or sex-sorted semen is considered, as well as the exception or inclusion of follicular synchronization and/or stimulation before ovum pick-up in IVP procedures. Pretransfer embryo selection through embryo biopsy can also be accounted for when considering in vivo derived embryos. Ample opportunity exists for the commercial application of in-depth, alternative ET scenario assessment afforded through stochastic simulation methodology that the ET industry has not yet fully exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin G Aherin
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Jennifer M Bormann
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Jessica L Heier Stamm
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Michael D MacNeil
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Delta G, Miles City, MT.,Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Robert L Weaber
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
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Follistatin supplementation during in vitro embryo culture improves developmental competence of bovine embryos produced using sex-sorted semen. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:267-273. [PMID: 30196810 PMCID: PMC7747478 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Using sex-sorted semen to produce offspring of desired sex is associated with reduced developmental competence in vitro and lower fertility rates in vivo. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of exogenous follistatin supplementation on the developmental competence of bovine embryos produced with sex-sorted semen and possible link between TGF-β regulated pathways and embryotrophic actions of follistatin. Effects of follistatin on expression of cell lineage markers (CDX2 and Nanog) and downstream targets of SMAD signaling (CTGF, ID1, ID2 and ID3) and AKT phosphorylation were investigated. Follistatin was supplemented during the initial 72 h of embryo culture. Exogenous follistatin restored the in vitro developmental competence of embryos produced with sex-sorted semen to the levels of control embryos produced with unsorted semen, and comparable results were obtained using sorted semen from three different bulls. The mRNA abundance for SMAD signaling downstream target genes, CTGF (SMAD 2/3 pathway) and ID2 (SMAD 1/5 pathway), was lower in blastocysts produced using sex-sorted versus unsorted semen, but mRNA levels for CDX2, NANOG, ID1 and ID3 were similar in both groups. Follistatin supplementation restored CTGF and ID2 mRNA in blastocysts produced using sex-sorted semen to levels of control embryos. Moreover, levels of phosphorylated (p)AKT (Ser-473 and Thr-308) were similar in embryos derived from sex-sorted and unsorted semen, but follistatin treatment increased pAKT levels in both groups. Taken together, results demonstrated that follistatin improves in vitro development of embryos produced with sex-sorted semen and such effects are associated with enhanced indices of SMAD signaling.
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Inaba Y, Abe R, Geshi M, Matoba S, Nagai T, Somfai T. Sex-sorting of spermatozoa affects developmental competence of in vitro fertilized oocytes in a bull-dependent manner. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:451-456. [PMID: 27301424 PMCID: PMC5081731 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to clarify if flow-cytometric sex-sorting of bovine sperm affected in vitro blastocyst production in
different bulls, either in terms of its ability to fertilize the oocyte or by interfering with post-fertilization embryo development. We performed in
vitro fertilization (IVF) using both commercially available frozen-thawed X-sorted and non-sorted sperm of 4 Holstein bulls at 3 concentrations (1 ×
106, 2 × 106, and 5 × 106 sperm/ml). When fertilization rates were compared, a variation in fertilization rates among
different sperm concentrations was detected in 2 bulls, with similar results for X-sorted and non-sorted sperm. However, we found no evidence that the
fertilization rates were affected by the sorting process. To investigate effects on embryo development, we determined the optimum sperm concentration for IVF in
each bull, which resulted in similar fertilization rates among bulls. We next performed IVF using both X-sorted and non-sorted sperm of the 4 bulls at their
optimum sperm concentration and compared in vitro embryo development. Cleavage rates with X-sorted sperm were similar to their non-sorted
counterparts. However, significantly reduced blastocyst development was associated with the use of X-sorted sperm in one bull, whereas in the other three bulls,
blastocyst development after IVF with X-sorted and non-sorted sperm was similar. In conclusion, in our system, X-sorting affects in vitro
blastocyst production by reducing the developmental competence of fertilized oocytes rather than affecting the fertilization ability of the sperm. However, the
occurrence of this phenomenon varies among bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Inaba
- Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research Division, NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
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Gibb Z, Grupen CG, Maxwell WMC, Morris LHA. Field fertility of liquid stored and cryopreserved flow cytometrically sex-sorted stallion sperm. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:160-166. [PMID: 27060979 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY The fertility of sex-sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm must be improved for the sex-sorting technology to be applied commercially. OBJECTIVES To optimise the conditions used to liquid store stallion sperm prior to sex-sorting and assess the fertility of sperm following sex-sorting and cryopreservation. STUDY DESIGN Both in vitro experiment and randomised controlled trial in healthy, client-owned mares. METHODS Stallion ejaculates (n = 9) were diluted in either a skimmed milk (KMT) or BSA (I-BSA) based media to 25 × 106 sperm/ml directly (+SP25) or washed to remove seminal plasma and diluted to 25 or 111 × 106 sperm/ml (-SP25 and -SP111). Sperm were stored for 18 h at 10 to 15°C and -SP25 and +SP25 treatments were centrifuged and resuspended to 111 × 106 sperm/ml. Sperm were incubated under H33342 staining conditions and motility, viability and acrosome integrity assessed. Semen was collected from stallions (n = 4), liquid stored at 10-15°C for up to 5 h and sperm either cryopreserved directly, sex-sorted and cryopreserved, or sex-sorted and returned to liquid storage until insemination. Low-dose hysteroscopic insemination was performed in 23 mares randomly allocated to the semen preparation group and pregnancy determined following embryo flushing on Day 9 after ovulation, or via transrectal ultrasonography on Day 14 after ovulation. RESULTS Skimmed milk was superior to I-BSA in maintaining motility, viability and acrosome integrity. Seminal plasma removal did not affect the parameters measured at the concentrations examined. Conception rates did not differ significantly between the groups, although a high incidence of pregnancy loss was observed in both the cryopreserved groups. CONCLUSIONS While the conception rates achieved are among the highest yet reported for sex-sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm, the high incidence of pregnancy loss suggests that the development of the resulting embryos was significantly impaired by the sperm processing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Gibb
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C G Grupen
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - W M C Maxwell
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Presicce GA, Xu J, Gong G, Moreno JF, Chaubal S, Xue F, Bella A, Senatore EM, Yang X, Tian XC, Du F. Oocyte source and hormonal stimulation for in vitro fertilization using sexed spermatozoa in cattle. Vet Med Int 2010; 2011. [PMID: 20885928 PMCID: PMC2946594 DOI: 10.4061/2011/145626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Revised: 06/11/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of in vitro embryo production in cattle utilizing sexed sperm from two bulls and oocytes recovered by OPU. Twenty donor animals were employed in eight OPU replicates: the first four OPU trials were conducted on animals without hormone treatment, and the last four were run on the same animals, following FSH subcutaneous and intramuscular administration. A higher rate of blastocyst development was recorded in stimulated, as compared to nonstimulated animals, (25.2% versus 12.8%, P = .001). Ocytes derived from slaughterhouse (SH) ovaries were also fertilized with sperm from the same bulls. Overall, non-sexed sperm used with oocytes derived from SH ovaries was significantly more efficient for blastocyst development than was sexed sperm with these same SH derived oocytes and sexed sperm with stimulated donor oocytes (39.8% versus 25.0% and 25.2%, P = .001). In conclusion, the use of sexed sperm with OPU-derived oocytes resulted in a significantly higher blastocyst development when donors were hormonally stimulated; furthermore, the level of efficiency achieved was comparable to that attained when the same sexed sperm was tested on oocytes derived from SH ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio A Presicce
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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