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Uddin AHMM, Petrovski KR, Song Y, Garg S, Kirkwood RN. Application of Exogenous GnRH in Food Animal Production. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1891. [PMID: 37370402 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over several decades, exogenous GnRH and agonists have been employed for controlling reproductive cascades in animals, and treating some reproductive morbidities. The administration of GnRH is used in animals to counter ovarian dysfunction, induce ovulation, and to increase conception and pregnancy rates. GnRH and its agonists are used in the treatment of cystic ovarian degeneration and repeat breeder syndrome. The development of protocols for GnRH administration by intramuscular injection, intramuscular or subcutaneous implants, and intravaginal deposition has empowered their clinical use worldwide. Currently, exogenous GnRH products are a central part of several pre- and post-breeding programs for the enhancement of fertility, including the control of estrous cycles and timing of ovulation, development of fixed-time artificial insemination protocols, improved embryo survival, and the treatment of reproductive morbidity. The aim of the present review is to summarize the application of exogenous GnRH agonists in food animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H M Musleh Uddin
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Kiro R Petrovski
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
- Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Yunmei Song
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Sanjay Garg
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Roy N Kirkwood
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
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Falceto MV, Suárez-Usbeck A, Tejedor MT, Ausejo R, Garrido AM, Mitjana O. GnRH agonists: Updating fixed-time artificial insemination protocols in sows. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:571-582. [PMID: 36748111 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14326] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in swine reproduction can help increase genetic improvement and production efficiency. Different gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists have been developed to gain better control of follicular development, timing, and ovulation quality; therefore, they have been extensively used in FTAI protocols. This literature review resumes the most important characteristics of the physiology of follicular development and ovulation in sows, followed by a discussion about the hormonal alternatives available to induce ovulation (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG; porcine luteinizing hormone, LH and GnRH agonists). Also, ovulation induction failures with GnRH agonists are described. Finally, current FTAI protocols with GnRH agonists are resumed and discussed. FTAI with GnRH agonists has proven to be an efficient, successful reproductive protocol that can be implemented in pig farms due to better knowledge of an endocrine system that regulates follicular development and ovulation and increased availability of several GnRH agonists that allow more efficient reproductive swine programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Falceto
- Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Suárez-Usbeck
- Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias Pecuarias, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embriology and Animal Genetics, CiberCV, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raquel Ausejo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana María Garrido
- Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Olga Mitjana
- Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
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3
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Bai JH, Qin YS, Zhang SL, Xu XL, Song YQ, Xiao LL, Feng T, Tian JH, Liu Y. A comparison of the reproductive performance in primiparous sows following two timed artificial insemination protocols. Animal 2021; 15:100410. [PMID: 34847398 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Timed artificial insemination (TAI) is an efficient reproductive technology in batch farrowing production that aids management in pig farms. However, the effect of TAI on the reproduction performance is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two TAI protocols on the reproductive performance of primiparous sows. A total of 332 weaned sows were randomly allocated into three treatments. Sows assigned to Control (n = 110) were untreated and inseminated on each day in oestrus after weaning. Sows assigned to eG-TAI (n = 112) received equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 24 h after weaning and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gonadorelin: GnRH) at oestrus, and were inseminated at 8 and 32 h later if oestrus at 0800, or 16 and 40 h later if oestrus at 1600. Sows assigned to 2e-TAI (n = 110) received eCG and GnRH 24 h and 96 h after weaning, respectively, and were inseminated 16 and 40 h after GnRH administration. Sows showing oestrus at GnRH administration or 64 h after were inseminated immediately, for a total of three inseminations. Ultrasonographic evaluations were performed to determine the follicular diameter and time of ovulation. Most sows in the 2e-TAI and eG-TAI groups ovulated 0-48 h after the GnRH injection. Our results indicated that oestrus rate within seven days after weaning in the experimental groups was higher, and weaning-to-oestrus interval was shorter than in the control group (99.3 h vs 113.5 h, P < 0.05). The breeding and farrowing rates in the experimental groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05), while the numbers of total born, live-born and stillborn were not different among the three groups (Control: 12.7, 11.6 and 1.1; 2e-TAI: 12.4, 11.3 and 1.0; eG-TAI: 12.0, 11.4 and 0.4, respectively). These results indicated that TAI could ensure a high farrowing rate in primiparous sows under batch farrowing management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Bai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Y S Qin
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - S L Zhang
- Beijing University of Agricultural, College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing 100096, China
| | - X L Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Y Q Song
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - L L Xiao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - T Feng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - J H Tian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Y Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
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4
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Zhao Q, Tao C, Pan J, Wei Q, Zhu Z, Wang L, Liu M, Huang J, Yu F, Chen X, Zhang L, Li J. Equine chorionic gonadotropin pretreatment 15 days before fixed-time artificial insemination improves the reproductive performance of replacement gilts. Animal 2021; 15:100406. [PMID: 34844186 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) technology uses exogenous reproductive hormones to regulate the sexual cycle and ovulation of sows without oestrus identification, which improves the sow breeding utilisation rate, reduces the number of non-productive days, and elevates the efficiency of pig farm management. In this study, we aimed to optimise FTAI procedures. Healthy 190-day-old and about 90 kg Large White × Landrace crossing breed replacement gilts (n = 166) which were of unknown reproductive status were randomly selected and divided into three groups: a control group (n = 62), an eCG-15D group in which the gilts were pretreated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) injection 15 days before starting FTAI (n = 50), and an eCG-20D group pretreated with eCG injection 20 days before starting FTAI (n = 54). All three groups were then subjected to the same conventional FTAI procedure. Pigs were orally administered Altrenogest (ALT, 20 mg per pig per day) for 18 days and then 42 h after ALT feeding was stopped, they were injected with 1 000 IU eCG followed by 100 μg GnRH 80 h later. The gilts were inseminated for the first time 24 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection and then again 16 h later. After 42 h of ALT feeding, gilts in the eCG-15D group displayed a higher follicular diameter until artificial insemination (AI) than those from the other groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the ovulation times were the most synchronised in the eCG-15D group, with 100% of the gilts ovulating before the second AI on day 25 of FTAI. Furthermore, the gilts in the eCG-15D group achieved the highest pregnancy rate (92%), farrowing rate (90%), total pigs born (11.59), and pigs born alive (11.18). Together, the findings of this study demonstrate that reproductive performance can be optimised by pretreating gilts with eCG 15 days before conventional FTAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - C Tao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - J Pan
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - Q Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - Z Zhu
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - L Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - M Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - J Huang
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - F Yu
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - X Chen
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - L Zhang
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - J Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China.
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Silva PCP, Brasil OO, Souto PLG, Moreira NH, da Silva JP, Silva BDM, Ramos AF. Fixed-time artificial insemination protocols on brazilian locally adapted breed gilts on ovulatory response and embryo production. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20200776. [PMID: 34122655 PMCID: PMC8189352 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to use estrus synchronization protocols to favor fixed-time artificial insemination and consequently fixed-time embryo collection, and increase embryo production using eCG, in gits. In a cross over design, nine Piau breed gilts were subjected to 18 days of oral progesterone; P4 group did not receive any further; GnRH group received 25µg of GnRH 104 hours after the final application of P4; and eCG+GnRH group received 1000IU of eCG 24 hours after the final P4 in addition to GnRH for subsequent embryo collection, that was performed six days after first AI, by laparotomy. Artificial insemination was performed after 12 and 24 hours of estrus in P4 group, and 128 and 144 hours in GnRH and eCG+GnRH groups. The number of CL (8.6±3.9; 8.3±2.1; 26.7±15.0) and anovulatory follicles (4.3±3.7; 3.9±3.9; 17.2±9.5) was higher in the eCG+GnRH gilts (P<0.05). However, the use of 1000 IU of eCG reduced (P<0.05) the number of total structures (5.2±3.6; 5.1±3.1; 1.7±2.7), viable embryos (5.0±3.5; 4.8±3.3; 0.4±0.7), freezable embryos (3.6±3.4; 3.3±3.8; 0.1±0.3) and recovery rate (63.7±38.9; 58.6±24.7; 5.38±9.5). P4 and GnRH protocols were effective in the production and recovery of embryos. However, the use of 1000 IU of eCG, 24 hours after P4, was not effective in promoting the production of embryos, although the animals had superovulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar Oliveira Brasil
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Paula Lorena Grangeira Souto
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Nathalia Hack Moreira
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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Suárez-Usbeck A, Mitjana O, Tejedor MT, Bonastre C, Sistac J, Ubiergo A, Falceto MV. Single Fixed-Time Post-Cervical Insemination in Gilts with Buserelin. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1567. [PMID: 34072000 PMCID: PMC8226837 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061567] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Current protocols for gilts recommend the deposit of multiple semen doses in the cervix each 12-24 h after estrus detection. Our objectives were: (1) to determine the effect of buserelin and a single fixed-time artificial insemination using the new post-cervical artificial insemination technique (FTAI-PCAI) on reproductive and productive performance in gilts, and (2) to compare this protocol with conventional estrus detection and double PCAI without hormonal induction. In the control group (C; n = 240), gilts were inseminated twice (8 and 12 h from estrus onset). Gilts in the treatment group (T; n = 226) received buserelin (10 μg, intramuscular) 120 h after altrenogest treatment (18 d) and one single PCAI 30-33 h after buserelin administration. The groups did not differ in reproductive and production performance (p > 0.05). The T group showed greater piglet birth weight and shorter estrus duration (p < 0.001). Delivery batch length differed significantly depending on the season (p < 0.05); the shortest length corresponded to autumn. Both groups only differed significantly in spring (p = 0.018), with a shorter length in the T group. This new FTAI-PCAI protocol with buserelin is recommended in gilts, helping with optimization of genetic diffusion, boars, and semen doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Suárez-Usbeck
- Department of Animal Pathology, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, University of Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.S.-U.); (O.M.); (C.B.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Olga Mitjana
- Department of Animal Pathology, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, University of Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.S.-U.); (O.M.); (C.B.); (M.V.F.)
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Genetic s Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER CV (University of Zaragoza—IIS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Bonastre
- Department of Animal Pathology, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, University of Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.S.-U.); (O.M.); (C.B.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Jorge Sistac
- Granja Fabardo (Mazana Grupo Empresarial), 22480 Capella, Huesca, Spain;
| | | | - María Victoria Falceto
- Department of Animal Pathology, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, University of Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.S.-U.); (O.M.); (C.B.); (M.V.F.)
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Lopes TP, Padilla L, Bolarin A, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J. Weaned Sows with Small Ovarian Follicles Respond Poorly to the GnRH Agonist Buserelin. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111979. [PMID: 33126684 PMCID: PMC7692150 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study evaluated the influence of mean ovarian follicle size and the season of weaning on the effectiveness of administering the GnRH agonist buserelin to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows. The results from 352 sows demonstrated that sows with small follicles (<0.5 cm in diameter) at treatment are poor responders, a condition more frequent among sows weaned in summer–autumn than in those weaned in winter–spring. Abstract The GnRH agonist buserelin (GnRH), used to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows, attains only 70–80% effectivity, owing to several reasons of ovarian origin. This study evaluated in particular whether mean ovarian follicle size at treatment and the season of weaning are among those influencing GnRH responsiveness. The experiment was carried out in a temperate-region farm with 352 sows of 1–6 parities weaned either in winter–spring (WS, 174 sows) or in summer–autumn (SA, 178 sows). The sows were randomized into two groups: GnRH (10 µg of buserelin acetate at 86 h after weaning, 172 sows) and control (180 sows). The ovaries were transrectally scanned from weaning to ovulation and the sows clustered according to their mean follicular size at treatment time: small (<0.5 cm in diameter), medium (0.5 to 0.64 cm) and large (0.65 to 1.09 cm). In total, 88.33% of the GnRH-treated sows ovulated, with 82% of them within the expected time window (120–132 h after weaning). In contrast, 95.45% of the unresponsive sows had small follicles at the time of treatment and were mostly weaned in SA (20.45%) than in WS (4.76%). In conclusion, the conspicuous presence of sows having small ovarian follicles at treatment time compromises the efficiency of the GnRH agonist buserelin to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows, which occurs more frequently in summer–autumn weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania P. Lopes
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (T.P.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (T.P.L.); (L.P.)
| | | | | | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (T.P.L.); (L.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-868-884-735
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Belstra BA, Willenburg KL, Gómez-López DH, Knox RV, Stewart KR. Effects of the number of sperm and site of uterine semen deposition on conception rate and the number of embryos in weaned sows receiving a single fixed-time insemination. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa260. [PMID: 32853338 PMCID: PMC7507410 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reducing the number of sperm needed to produce a litter with artificial insemination (AI) allows greater use of higher genetic merit boars. Induced ovulation with single fixed-time artificial insemination (SFTAI), combined with intrauterine (IUI) or deep uterine insemination (DUI), could improve fertility with low numbers of sperm. The objectives of the study were to determine the fertility effects of sperm numbers and the site of insemination. At weaning (0 h), sows (n = 534) were assigned by parity and estrus induction method (equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] or Control) to receive 1,200 × 106 sperm by IUI; 600, 300, or 150 × 106 sperm by IUI or DUI; or 75 × 106 sperm by DUI. At 80 h postweaning, sows received OvuGel and 26 h later a SFTAI using pooled semen. Sows were exposed to boars once daily and ultrasound was performed to determine follicle size and time of ovulation. Following SFTAI, sows were slaughtered 27 d after AI to determine pregnancy and litter traits. Data were analyzed using different models to test for effects of estrus induction, interaction of three levels of sperm (600 to 150) with two levels for site (IUI vs. DUI), and the overall effects of AI method (eight treatments). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of estrus induction on estrus (93%) within 5 d of weaning or on follicle size (6.1 mm) at OvuGel, but wean-to-estrus interval (3.8 vs. 4.0 d) was slightly reduced (P < 0.01) as was AI-to-ovulation interval (15.9 vs. 17.0 h, P = 0.04) for eCG and Control, respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of estrus induction on pregnancy rate (78.6%), number of corpora lutea (CL; 21.7), or number of viable embryos (12.2). There was no effect of number of sperm or site of insemination and no interaction (P > 0.05) on pregnancy rate (range: 80.9% to 70.5%), but AI occurring after ovulation reduced the pregnancy rate (P < 0.02). The total number of embryos (range: 16.5 to 10.3) was not affected by estrus induction, number of sperm, or site of insemination (P > 0.05), but was influenced by AI treatment (P < 0.01). Treatments with a higher number of sperm (1,200 and 600) had more embryos compared with those with a lower number of sperm (300 to 75). The numbers of embryos also increased with the number of CL (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that the lower number of sperm affects litter size more than the pregnancy status. Acceptable fertility can be achieved with low numbers of sperm when using a SFTAI and uterine deposition, but AI-to-ovulation interval and ovulation rate influence final fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert V Knox
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
| | - Kara R Stewart
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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Spray congealed solid lipid microparticles as a sustained release delivery system for Gonadorelin [6-D-Phe]: Production, optimization and in vitro release behavior. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 154:18-32. [PMID: 32599272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sustained release lipid microparticles for a potential veterinary application were produced by the means of spray congealing using saturated triglycerides with respective surfactants. The spray congealing process was optimized using unloaded and loaded microparticles, revealing the highest impact of the spray flow on material loss. Yield could be optimized by increasing the spray flow as well as a reduction of the melt temperature from 90 to 75 °C. For the delivery system developed in this study, a release of around 15 days was targeted. The release profile was in first hand determined with the use of model substances (aspartame and tryptophan), before incorporating the decapeptide Gonadorelin [6-D-Phe]. Release could be controlled between 2 and 28 d, which was dependent on stability of microparticles upon incubation, type and concentration of emulsifier, as well as the used triglyceride. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the crystallization behavior of C14 and C16-triglycerides in combination with various emulsifiers in different modification without impact on release.
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10
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Comparison of Single, Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination in Gilts Using Two Different Protocols to Synchronize Ovulation. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020306. [PMID: 32075043 PMCID: PMC7070714 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is necessary to have a consistent supply of service-ready gilts available to incorporate into each batch of breeding sows. Techniques to manipulate the timing of estrus and possibly the timing of ovulation in gilts are helpful in order to achieve this goal. This study investigated two different techniques for inducing ovulation to allow fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols in gilts and compared results with gilts bred when observed in standing heat following cessation of daily altrenogest treatment. Pubertal gilts (n = 180) were assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group 1 gilts (LUT, n = 62) were induced to ovulate utilizing intramuscular injections of equine chorionic gonadotropin followed by porcine luteinizing hormone, and bred using a single FTAI. Group 2 gilts (TRI, n = 61) were induced to ovulate by intravaginal deposition of triptorelin acetate and were bred by a single FTAI. Group 3 gilts (CON, n = 57) were observed for estrus and bred twice (24 h apart) using artificial insemination (AI). LUT and TRI gilts completed farrowing in a smaller window of time compared to CON gilts; however, they also tended to have poorer reproductive performance. LUT and TRI piglets were 80 g and 64 g, respectively, heavier at weaning than CON piglets. Results indicate that FTAI might be useful as a means of minimizing the range in lactation length in a farrowing batch. However, modifications of the protocols may be required to ensure optimum farrowing rates and litter size. Abstract In order to efficiently have a consistent supply of service-ready gilts available to incorporate into each batch of breeding sows, it is necessary to manipulate the timing of estrus and possibly the timing of ovulation of gilts. Estrus can be synchronized by the withdrawal of altrenogest after at least 14 days of treatment. It is possible that protocols developed to induce ovulation, and therefore allow fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), can improve the predictability of gilt breeding. This study investigated the effect of two FTAI protocols in gilts on reproductive performance and timing of farrowing and piglet weaning weight compared to gilts bred based on signs of estrus after cessation of altrenogest. Puberty was induced in gilts, followed by treatment with altrenogest. Following altrenogest withdrawal, 180 gilts were assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group 1 gilts (LUT, n = 62) were treated with 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin 24 h after altrenogest withdrawal and 5 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) 80 h later, followed by a single FTAI 36 h after pLH. Group 2 gilts (TRI, n= 61) received 2 mL of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, triptorelin acetate, intravaginally 6 d after altrenogest withdrawal and were bred by a single FTAI 24 h later. Group 3 gilts (CON, n = 57) were observed for estrus and bred twice by AI, 24 h apart. LUT and TRI gilts farrowed closer together (2.4 ± 1.6 and 2.9 ± 1.2 d(days), respectively) compared to CON gilts (4.5 ± 3.3 d). Piglets in LUT were 80 g (p < 0.001) heavier and piglets in TRI were 64 g (p < 0.05) heavier at weaning than CON piglets, when controlling for birth weight. Results indicate that FTAI might be useful as a means of minimizing the time from the first to the last gilt farrowing in a breeding batch of gilts. However, modifications of the protocols may be required to ensure optimum farrowing rates and litter size.
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Suárez-Usbeck A, Mitjana O, Tejedor MT, Bonastre C, Moll D, Coll J, Ballester C, Falceto M. Post-cervical compared with cervical insemination in gilts: Reproductive variable assessments. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 211:106207. [PMID: 31785626 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim with this study was to compare cervical (CAI; 3 × 109 spermatozoa/90 mL) and post-cervical (PCAI; 1.5 × 109 spermatozoa/45 mL) artificial insemination (AI) techniques for frequency of incidences (unsuccessful or difficult probe passage, backflow, metritis and bleeding), values for reproductive variables and duration of the procedure in gilts. There were 644 gilts (255-270 days old, weighing 150 ± 5 kg) randomly assigned to PCAI (n = 320) and CAI (n = 324) groups. In total, there were 957 and 958 artificial inseminations performed in the CAI and PCAI groups, respectively (2-4 AIs/gilt). The frequency of unsuccessful or difficult PCAI probe passage/AI was 14.6% (140/958), therefore, there was a 85.7% probe passage success/AI rate (818/958). The semen backflow frequency/AI was less with PCAI than CAI (4.3% compared with 8.2%, P < 0.001). With the PCAI group, there were only a few cases of bleeding (11/958: 1.1% /AI) with no difference between the CAI and PCAI groups (P = 0.224). In gilts (n = 72) where there was not passage of the PCAI probe (72/320; 22.5%) there was use of CAI, (M, mixed group). For the CAI, PCAI and M groups, there were similar values for positive pregnancy diagnosis, farrowing rates and prolificacy (P > 0.05). The average duration for AI was shorter in the PCAI (2.34 ± 0.809 min) than CAI (4.77 ± 1.059 min) group, and it was longer in the M group (7.48 ± 2.454 min; P < 0.050). The PCAI procedure, therefore, is recommended for AI of gilts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Suárez-Usbeck
- Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Olga Mitjana
- Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, CIBERCV, Genetics Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - C Bonastre
- Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - D Moll
- Granja San Pedro (Cuarte SA), Plasencia, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J Coll
- Granja Coll S.L, Fonz, Huesca, Spain
| | - C Ballester
- Granja Mapi (Cooperativa Ganadera de Caspe), Fabara, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - MaríaVictoria Falceto
- Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Combining Fixed-Time Insemination and Improved Catheter Design in an Effort to Improve Swine Reproduction Efficiency. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100748. [PMID: 31569572 PMCID: PMC6826949 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional practice is to breed sows by artificial insemination (AI) at least twice using approximately three billion sperm per insemination upon estrus at standing heat. This research explored the use of combined technologies, including fixed-time insemination (FTAI) and an alternative catheter design that reportedly reduces semen backflow, in order to reduce the number of inseminations and the semen dosage and maintain reproductive efficiency. The FTAI technique used in this study was to inject I.M. 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at weaning and 5 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) to stimulate ovulation 80 h later, followed by a single insemination 36 h after the pLH injection. The two catheters used in this study were a conventional foam-tipped insemination catheter and a Gedis catheter. The Gedis catheter is designed to be completely inserted into the vagina. The semen is enclosed along the length of the rod and held in place by a gel cap that melts when inserted into the cervix. Sows were assigned to the following treatments: Group 1 (n = 135), bred twice with a conventional catheter and a standard semen dose of approximately three billion sperm in 80 mL; Group 2 (n = 123), FTAI with conventional catheter and a standard semen dose; Group 3 (n = 127), FTAI with Gedis catheter and a standard semen dose; Group 4 (n = 126), FTAI with Gedis catheter and a reduced semen dose with one billion sperm. The farrowing rates were 81.6%, 77.7%, 74.0%, and 62.7% for Groups 1 to 4, respectively. The likelihood of farrowing was lower for Group 3 and Group 4 compared to Group 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57; p = 0.08 and OR = 0.35; p = 0.001, respectively). Likewise, litter size of Group 3 and Group 4 was smaller than Group 1 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.04, respectively). Overall, the combination of Gedis catheter and FTAI resulted in decreased reproductive performance that outweighed the value of using less semen.
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Ngula J, Manjarín R, Martínez-Pastor F, Alegre B, Tejedor I, Brown T, Piñán J, Kirkwood RN, Domínguez JC. A novel semen supplement (SuinFort) improves sow fertility after artificial insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 210:106193. [PMID: 31635779 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine effects of a novel seminal supplement, SuinFort, on fertility of multiparous sows. For 2 years, a total of 1159 sows were assigned to be artificial inseminated (AI) either with semen supplemented with the additive (2 IU oxytocin, 5 μg lecirelin, 2 mM caffeine, n = 830 AI) or with no supplementation (Control, n = 2422 AI). The supplement was included 15 min before insemination. Supplementation with SuinFort resulted in greater fertility both by increasing farrowing rate 87.2% ± 0.7 to 90.7% ± 1.0 (P < 0.001) and litter size from 13.8 ± 0.1 to 14.4 ± 0.1 (P < 0.001). To test if there was a direct effect of SuinFort on spermatozoa, an in vitro experiment was conducted using semen doses from 10 boars. Semen was stored at 15 °C and on days 1, 2 and 3 were aliquoted to a control and SuinFort-supplemented group, incubated at 37 °C and analyzed for sperm quality at 15 min and 2 h. For aliquots with SuinFort, there was a small decrease in semen quality. In conclusion, the administration of a combination of oxytocin, lecirelin and caffeine to boar semen 15 min prior to AI, positively affects sow fertility. Considering that in vitro effects on sperm quality were small, it is likely that SuinFort affects fertility by modulating uterine function. Supplementation of semen with SuinFort, therefore, has potential for increasing pork production efficiency as a result of increased reproductive efficiency after AI of sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Ngula
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, s/n, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Manjarín
- Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, One Grand Ave, Bldg. 10, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407-0255, United States
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, Spain; INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Alegre
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, s/n, León, 24071, Spain; INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Isabel Tejedor
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, s/n, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Tivon Brown
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
| | - Javier Piñán
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, s/n, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Roy N Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
| | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, Universidad de León, s/n, León, 24071, Spain; INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
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Domino M, Domino K, Pawlinski B, Sady M, Gajewska M, Gajewski Z. Computational multivariate modelling of electrical activity of the porcine uterus during spontaneous and hormone-induced oestrus. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:322-333. [PMID: 30615243 DOI: 10.1113/ep087451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Does oestrous cycle synchronization influence myoelectrical activity of porcine myometrium? What is the main finding and its importance? Exogenous hormones used to synchronize oestrus in pigs altered myoelectrical activity, which was effectively modelled. Higher-order multivariate statistic modelling provided evidence of similar activity in both types of oestrus, but a larger order of EMG signals during induced oestrus. Higher-order statistical analysis of the probabilistic model suggests the beginning of the early follicular phase and the mid-luteal phase to be most important in evaluation of the natural patterns of myoelectrical activity. Higher-order multivariate cumulants are more informative than classical statistics in characterization of myoelectrical activity changes in porcine myometrium. ABSTRACT In pig production units, control of the oestrous cycle and synchronization of ovulation have become routine herd management procedures. During the oestrous cycle, in both induced and spontaneous conditions, the ovaries and the uterus undergo hormone-dominated physiological changes, which are consistent with the hypothesis that there is a functional role of uterine contractions in promoting fertilization. We have used electromyography to determine whether the use of exogenous hormones, such as equine chorionic gonadotrophin and human chorionic gonadotrophin, which have the potential to control the timing of ovulation in female pigs, changes the multivariate relationships between parameters of electrical bursts and modulates the patterns of myoelectrical activity. We used the mathematical approach of higher-order multivariate cumulants in complex modelling of the myometrial electrical activity. The experiment was conducted on 12 mature Polish Landrace sows, and uterine activity was recorded during both spontaneous and induced oestrous cycles. The burst parameters were determined using six features in the time domain and, after Fast Fourier transformation, in the frequency domain. Evaluation of myoelectrical activity patterns was conducted based on classical univariate statistical methods and multivariate probabilistic modelling. The classical statistical approach indicated weaker myoelectrical activity after hormonal stimulation, whereas the higher-order multivariate statistical model showed evidence of similar status of activity and a larger order of signals during induced oestrus. Routine oestrous cycle synchronization affects the multivariate probabilistic model of myometrial electrical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - Szkola Glowna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland.,Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WULS - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Domino
- Institute of Theoretical and Applied Informatics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Bałtycka 5, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Bartosz Pawlinski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - Szkola Glowna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland.,Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WULS - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Sady
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - Szkola Glowna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland.,Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WULS - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Gajewska
- Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WULS - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zdzislaw Gajewski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - Szkola Glowna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland.,Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WULS - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
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Zheng P, Huang F, Ma M, Tian Y, Huang H. Progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin improve the reproductive capacity of long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an18671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
It is a common problem that replacement gilts exhibit delayed oestrus and non-oestrus in pig production.
Aims
This study explored the use of progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) to promote oestrus and to restore the reproductive capacity of sows.
Methods
A total of 90 long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts were randomly divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 30 sows that were normally fed for 20 days, followed by injections of 1000 IU of PMSG on the morning of the 21st day and 100 μg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the 24th day. Group B consisted of 30 sows that were continuously fed with altrenogest (20 mg/head.day) for 18 days, followed by injections of 1000 IU of PMSG on the morning of the 21st day and 100 μg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the 24th day. Group C (control group) consisted of 30 sows that were normally fed for 20 days, followed by injections of 3 mL of physiological saline on the morning of the 21st day and 3 mL of saline on the 24th day. Oestrus identification was performed in all three groups, and sows underwent artificial insemination after the injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone or saline.
Key results
We found that the follicles of long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts were not developed, and follicle diameters were <4 mm. The oestrus rate and pregnancy rate of the sows in Group B were significantly lower than those in Group A (30% vs 66.7% and 66.7% vs 90%) respectively. There was no difference in the litter size between Group A and Group B (11.2 vs 11.5). The sows in Group C exhibited no oestrus and no pregnancy. After treatment with progesterone and PMSG, the follicle diameters of sows in oestrus were significantly greater than those of sows in non-oestrus, and the levels of oestradiol, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were significantly higher than those of sows in non-oestrus.
Conclusions
This study showed that progesterone and PMSG treatment can alter the reproductive hormone levels and follicle diameters in long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts, promote oestrus and restore reproductive capacity in sows.
Implications
This study provides a method for the use of hormone-treated gilts to maximise the reproductive potential of gilts.
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Yeste M, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S. Artificial insemination with frozen-thawed boar sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:802-813. [PMID: 28608609 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination with frozen-thawed semen in pigs is not a routine technique; its use is restricted to specific cases, such as preservation of valuable genetic material (germplasm banks), safety strategies in case of natural disasters, long-distance transport of sperm, and in combination with sex-sorting. Cryoinjuries resulting from freeze-thawing protocols are a major concern with regard to the fertilization capacity of the treated sperm, which is lower than that of liquid-stored semen. Here, we provide an overview of artificial insemination using cryopreserved sperm, and summarize the factors that influence cryopreservation success before, during, and after freeze-thaw (i.e., sperm selection before starting the cryopreservation process, holding time, use of cryoprotectants, and rates of freezing and thawing) and that are driving the identification of biomarkers to predict sensitivity to cryodamage. Three different artificial insemination techniques (conventional or intracervical; intrauterine; and deep intrauterine) are also discussed with regards to their relevance when using frozen-thawed semen. Finally, we review the use of additives to freezing and thawing media, given reports that they may maintain and improve the quality and fertilizing capacity of frozen-thawed sperm. In sum, artificial insemination with frozen-thawed boar sperm can provide reasonable fertility outcomes, if freezable ejaculates, specific additives, and appropriate insemination techniques are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Joan E Rodríguez-Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous, University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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De Rensis F, Ziecik AJ, Kirkwood RN. Seasonal infertility in gilts and sows: Aetiology, clinical implications and treatments. Theriogenology 2017; 96:111-117. [PMID: 28532826 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In gilts and sows, the summer-autumn period often is characterized by reduced fertility. Heat stress and long photoperiods during the warm season can cause a reduction in feed intake and an imbalance of the hypothalamic-hypophysial-ovarian axis. The increased variability in the interval between oestrus onset and ovulation results in an increased number of poorly timed inseminations. The altered endocrine activity compromises follicular and corpora luteal development, reduces oocyte quality and increases embryo mortality. This paper reviews current knowledge on the metabolic and endocrine mechanisms associated with seasonal infertility in gilts and sows and describes some pharmacological approaches that can be utilized to counter this infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio De Rensis
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Adam J Ziecik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Roy N Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
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Control of estrus and ovulation: Fertility to timed insemination of gilts and sows. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1460-1466. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Baroncello E, Bernardi ML, Kummer AD, Wentz I, Bortolozzo FP. Fixed-time post-cervical artificial insemination in weaned sows following buserelin use combined with/without eCG. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52:76-82. [PMID: 27696569 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fixed-time post-cervical artificial insemination (FTAI) drastically reduces labour requirements and increases the use of boars with higher genetic merit. This study evaluated the efficiency of eCG administration combined with/without the GnRH agonist buserelin for the induction and synchronization of ovulation in weaned sows submitted to FTAI. The sows were allocated into three groups. In the control group, the first artificial insemination was performed at the onset of oestrus and repeated every 24 hr. In the eCG+GnRH group, sows received 600 IU eCG at weaning and buserelin (10 μg) after 86-89 hr of eCG, and in the GnRH group, sows received only buserelin after 86-89 hr of weaning. The hormone-treated sows received a single FTAI after 30-33 hr of buserelin application. All the sows were inseminated with homospermic doses (1.5 × 109 sperm cells/50 ml). The interval between weaning and ovulation was shorter (p < .05) in the eCG+GnRH (133.3 hr) and GnRH (135.9 hr) groups than the control (141.5 hr) group. In the eCG+GnRH group, the sows ovulated earlier (p < .05) than those in the GnRH group (44.5 vs. 48.2 hr after buserelin administration). The reproductive performance of GnRH sows was not compromised when only sows exhibiting oestrus at the time of insemination were considered, but lower farrowing rate and smaller litter size were observed in eCG+GnRH sows. The reproductive performance of eCG+GnRH sows was primarily compromised because the insemination was performed outside the optimal time relative to ovulation; therefore, it is advisable to inseminate them before 116-122 hr after weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Baroncello
- Setor de Suínos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul- UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - M L Bernardi
- Departamento do Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - A D Kummer
- Setor de Suínos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul- UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - I Wentz
- Setor de Suínos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul- UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - F P Bortolozzo
- Setor de Suínos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul- UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Single fixed-time artificial insemination in gilts and weaned sows using pLH at estrus onset administered through vulvar submucosal route. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1072-1080. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Roca J, Parrilla I, Bolarin A, Martinez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Will AI in pigs become more efficient? Theriogenology 2015; 86:187-93. [PMID: 26723133 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AI is commercially applied worldwide to breed pigs, yielding fertility outcomes similar to those of natural mating. However, it is not fully efficient, as only liquid-stored semen is used, with a single boar inseminating about 2000 sows yearly. The use of liquid semen, moreover, constrains international trade and slows genetic improvement. Research efforts, reviewed hereby, are underway to reverse this inefficient scenario. Special attention is paid to studies intended to decrease the number of sperm used per pregnant sow, facilitating the practical use of sexed frozen-thawed semen in swine commercial insemination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - I Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Bolarin
- R&D Department of AIM iberica, Topigs Norsvin, Madrid, Spain
| | - E A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - H Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University (LiU), Linköping, Sweden
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