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Abril-Parreño L, Krogenæs A, Fair S. Lipidomic profiling of cervical mucus reveals the potential role of pro-inflammatory derived metabolites on sperm transport across the ovine cervix. Animal 2024; 18:101136. [PMID: 38626706 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Internationally, cervical artificial insemination (AI) in sheep yields low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed semen is used. An exception to this is in Norway where vaginal AI of frozen-thawed semen to a natural oestrus yields non-return rates in excess of 60%, which has been attributed to the ewe breed used in Norway. This study used both metabolomics and an RNA-sequencing approach to assess the lipid production and composition from cervical mucus and tissue of four European ewe breeds (n = 28-30 ewes per breed) with previously reported differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These breeds included Suffolk (exhibiting low fertility), Belclare (medium fertility) as well as Norwegian White Sheep and Fur (both with high fertility and pregnancy rates > 60%) at both a synchronised and natural oestrous cycle. The aim was to explore the differences between ewe breeds in the lipidomic profile and to identify candidate biomarkers associated with an optimal environment for cervical sperm transport. The results revealed the identification of 255 lipids, of which 170, 102 and 83 were different between ewe breeds, types of cycle and affected by their interaction, respectively (P < 0.05). Reduced levels of lipids involved in the resolution of inflammation (i.e. 14-HDoHE,17-HDoHE, 15-HETE) were identified in the low-fertility Suffolk breed compared to high-fertility ewe breeds. However, there was an up-regulation of the COX pathway accompanied by increased levels of prostaglandins in the Suffolk breed. These findings indicated a sub-optimal and pro-inflammatory environment that could have a negative effect on cervical sperm transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anette Krogenæs
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland.
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Ngcobo JN, Nedambale TL, Sithole SM, Mtileni B, Mpofu TJ, Ramukhithi FV, Chokoe TC, Nephawe KA. A systematic review on the prospects of X- and Y-sexed semen in ruminant livestock: implications for conservation, a South African perspective. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1384768. [PMID: 38655533 PMCID: PMC11037082 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1384768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
South Africa is home to numerous indigenous and locally developed sheep (Nguni Pedi, Zulu, and Namaqua Afrikaner, Afrino, Africander, Bezuidenhout Africander, Damara, Dorper, Döhne Merino, Meat Master, South African Merino, South African Mutton Merino, Van Rooy, and Dorper), goat (SA veld, Tankwa, Imbuzi, Bantu, Boer, and Savanna) and cattle (Afrigus, Afrikaner, Bolowana, Bonsmara, Bovelder, Drakensberger, South African Angus, South African Dairy Swiss, South African Friesland, South African Red, and Veld Master) animals. These breeds require less veterinary service, feed, management efforts, provide income to rural and or poor owners. However, most of them are under extinction risks and some with unknown status hence, require immediate conservation intervention. To allow faster genetic progress on the endangered animals, it is important to generate productive animals while reducing wastages and this can be achieved through sex-sorted semen. Therefore, this systematic review is aimed to evaluate the prospects of X and Y-sexed semen in ruminant livestock and some solutions that can be used to address poor sex-sorted semen and its fertility. This review was incorporated through gathering and assessing relevant articles and through the data from the DAD-IS database. The keywords that were used to search articles online were pre-gender selection, indigenous ecotypes, fertility, flow cytometry, artificial insemination, conservation, and improving sexed semen. Following a careful review of all articles, PRISMA guidelines were used to find the articles that are suitable to address the aim of this review. Sex-sorted semen is a recently introduced technology gaining more attention from researchers particularly, in the conservation programs. Preselection of semen based on the sex chromosomes (X- and or Y-bearing chromosomes) is of paramount importance to obtain desired sex of the offspring and avoid animal wastage as much as possible. However, diverse factors can affect quality of semen of different animal species especially after sex-sorting. Flow cytometry is a common method used to select male and female sperm cells and discard dead and abnormal sperm cells during the process. Thus, sperm sexing is a good advanced reproductive technology (ART) however, it is associated with the production of oxidative stress (OS) and DNA fragmentation (SDF). These findings, therefore, necessitates more innovation studies to come up with a sexing technology that will protect sperm cell injuries during sorting in frozen-thawed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sindisiwe Mbali Sithole
- Germplasm, Conservation, Reproductive Biotechnologies, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bohani Mtileni
- Department of Animal Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Takalani Judas Mpofu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Tlou Caswel Chokoe
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Directorate Farm Animal Genetic Resource, Pretoria, South Africa
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Abril-Parreño L, Druart X, Fair S, Krogenaes A. Metabolic signature of cervical mucus in ewe breeds with divergent cervical sperm transport: a focus on metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism. Metabolomics 2023; 19:59. [PMID: 37338596 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02021-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen in sheep has yielded unacceptably low pregnancy rates. The exception is in Norway where vaginal AI yields non-return rates in excess of 60%, which has been attributed to the ewe breed used. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS This study aimed to characterise, for the first time, the ovine follicular phase cervical mucus metabolome, with a focus on the amino acid profile. Cervical mucus was collected from four European ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These were Suffolk (low fertility), Belclare (medium fertility), Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) and Fur (both high fertility). RESULTS A total of 689 metabolites were identified in the cervical mucus of all the four ewe breeds. Of these, 458 metabolites were altered by ewe breed, which had the greatest effect in the dataset (P < 0.05). We detected 194 metabolites involved in the amino acid pathway, of which 133, 56 and 63 were affected by ewe breed, type of cycle and their interaction, respectively (P < 0.05). N-methylhydantoin and N-carbamoylsarcosine (degradation products of creatinine pathway) exhibited the greatest fold change decrease in the Suffolk breed compared to Fur and NWS (P < 0.001). Oxidized metabolites were also decreased in Suffolk compared to high fertility breeds (P < 0.05). In contrast, other metabolites such as 3-indoxyl-sulfate, putrescine, cadaverine were significantly increased in Suffolk at the synchronised cycle. CONCLUSION The suboptimal amino acid profile in the cervical mucus of the low fertility Suffolk breed may have negative consequences for sperm transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Xavier Druart
- Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anette Krogenaes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003 1432, Ås, Norway.
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Malmakov N, Ptacek M, Savvulidi FG, Stadnik L. Optimal time for laparoscopic intrauterine insemination performed on ewes detected in natural heat. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:103416. [PMID: 36060111 PMCID: PMC9434137 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.103416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nurlan Malmakov
- Department of Sheep and Goat Artificial Insemination and Sperm Cryoconservation, Scientific Research Institute of Sheep Breeding Branch, Mynbaev, Almaty Region 040622, Kazakhstan
| | - Martin Ptacek
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Filipp Georgijevic Savvulidi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ludek Stadnik
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
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Abril-Parreño L, Krogenæs AK, Druart X, Cormican P, Fair S, Meade KG. Cervical immune activation during the luteal phase may compromise subsequent trans-cervical ram sperm transport. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:967-976. [PMID: 35766421 PMCID: PMC9562110 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, cervical artificial insemination using frozen–thawed semen yields low pregnancy rates. The only exception to this is in Norway, where vaginal insemination with frozen–thawed semen yields pregnancy rates in excess of 60% and which has been attributed to the specific ewe breed used. Our previous work demonstrated differences in cervical gene expression at the follicular phase of the estrous cycle in ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates. In this study, we characterized the cervical transcriptome of the same ewe breeds [Suffolk, Belclare, Fur, and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS)] during the luteal phase, as an optimal environment at the luteal phase could better prepare the cervix for sperm migration through the cervix at the subsequent follicular phase. High-quality RNA extracted from postmortem cervical tissue was analyzed by RNA sequencing. After stringent filtering, 1051, 1924, and 611 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the low-fertility Suffolk breed compared with Belclare, Fur, and NWS, respectively. Gene ontology analysis identified increased humoral adaptive immune response pathways in Suffolk. Increased expression of multiple immune genes supports the presence of an active immune response in the cervix of Suffolk ewes, which differentiates them significantly from the other three ewe breeds. Inflammatory pathways were upregulated in the Suffolk, resulting in higher expression of the potent pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines indicate unresolved inflammation in the cervix of the low-fertility Suffolk breed that could contribute to reduced cervical sperm transport in the next follicular phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anette Kristine Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Xavier Druart
- UMR-PRC, INRA-85, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Paul Cormican
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, C15 PW93, Grange, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 W6F6, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Abril-Parreño L, Morgan J, Krogenæs A, Druart X, Cormican P, Gallagher ME, Reid C, Meade K, Saldova R, Fair S. Biochemical and molecular characterisation of sialylated cervical mucins in sheep. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:419-431. [PMID: 35470857 PMCID: PMC9382375 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sialic acid occupies terminal positions on O-glycans of cervical mucins, where they contribute to the increased viscosity of mucin thereby regulating sperm transport. This study characterised the sialylated cervical mucins from follicular phase mucus of six European ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates following cervical artificial insemination using frozen-thawed semen at both synchronised and natural oestrus cycles. These were Suffolk (low fertility) and Belclare (medium fertility) in Ireland, Ile de France and Romanov (both with medium fertility) in France and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) and Fur (both with high fertility) in Norway. Expression of mucin and sialic acid related genes was quantified using RNA-sequencing in cervical tissue from Suffolk, Belclare, Fur and NWS only. Cervical tissue was also assessed for the percentage of cervical epithelial populated by mucin secreting goblet cells in the same four ewe breeds. Biochemical analysis showed that there was an effect of ewe breed on sialic acid species, which was represented by Suffolk having higher levels of Neu5,9Ac2 compared to NWS (P < 0.05). Suffolk ewes had a lower percentage of goblet cells than Fur and NWS (P < 0.05). Gene expression analysis identified higher expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B, ST6GAL1, ST6GAL2 and lower expression of ST3GAL3, ST3GAL4 and SIGLEC10 in Suffolk compared to high fertility ewe breeds (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that specific alterations in sialylated mucin composition may be related to impaired cervical sperm transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland.,Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, C15 PW93, Grange, Ireland
| | - Jack Morgan
- NIBRT GlycoScience Group, The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, A94 X099, Blackrock, Ireland
| | - Anette Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Xavier Druart
- UMR-PRC, INRA-85, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Paul Cormican
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, C15 PW93, Grange, Ireland
| | - Mary E Gallagher
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, D04 W6F6, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Colm Reid
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, D04 W6F6, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Kieran Meade
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 W6F6, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Radka Saldova
- NIBRT GlycoScience Group, The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, A94 X099, Blackrock, Ireland.,UCD School of Medicine, College of Health and Agricultural Science, University College Dublin, D07 A8NN, Dublin 4, Ireland.,CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
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Abril-Parreño L, Wilkinson H, Krogenæs A, Morgan J, Gallagher ME, Reid C, Druart X, Fair S, Saldova R. Identification and characterisation of O-linked glycans in cervical mucus as biomarkers of sperm transport: A novel sheep model. Glycobiology 2021; 32:23-35. [PMID: 34379775 PMCID: PMC8881736 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwab085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical mucus plays an important role in female fertility, since it allows the entry of motile and morphological normal sperm while preventing the ascent of pathogens from the vagina. The function of cervical mucus is critically linked to its rheological properties that are in turn dictated by O-glycosylated proteins, called mucins. We aimed to characterize the O-glycan composition in the cervical mucus of six European ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates following cervical/vaginal artificial insemination with frozen–thawed semen, which are due to reported differences in cervical sperm transport. These were Suffolk (low fertility) and Belclare (medium fertility) in Ireland, Ile de France and Romanov (both with medium fertility) in France, and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) and Fur (both with high fertility) in Norway (n = 28–30 ewes/breed). We identified 124 O-glycans, from which 51 were the major glycans with core 2 and fucosylated glycans as the most common structures. The use of exogenous hormones for synchronization did not affect the O-glycan composition in both high-fertility ewe breeds, but it did in the other four ewe breeds. There was a higher abundance of the sulfated glycan (Galβ1–3[SO3-GlcNAcβ1–6]GalNAc), fucosylated glycan (GlcNAcβ1–3(Fucα1–2Galβ1–3)GalNAc) and core 4 glycan (GlcNAcβ1–3[GlcNAcβ1–6]GalNAc) in the low-fertility Suffolk breed compared with NWS (high fertility). In addition, core 4 glycans were negatively correlated with mucus viscosity. This novel study has identified O-glycans that are important for cervical sperm transport and could have applications across a range of species including human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Ireland
| | - Hayden Wilkinson
- NIBRT GlycoScience Group, The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Fosters Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Ireland.,CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anette Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jack Morgan
- NIBRT GlycoScience Group, The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Fosters Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Ireland
| | - Mary E Gallagher
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Colm Reid
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Xavier Druart
- UMR-PRC, INRA-85, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Radka Saldova
- NIBRT GlycoScience Group, The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Fosters Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Ireland.,CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.,School of Medicine, College of Health and Agricultural Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Küçük N, Uçan U, Raza S, Erdoğan G, Aksoy M. Comparative efficiency of novel laparoscopic and routine vaginal inseminations with cryopreserved semen in rabbits. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1059-1065. [PMID: 33966306 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13949] [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: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Laparoscopic artificial insemination technique (LAI) is described to overcome reduced fertility problems in sheep artificial insemination (AI) programmes with frozen semen. Later on, this technology was modified for endangered non-domestic cats to deposit low quality or reduced number of sperm cells hardly obtained by electro-ejaculation into the oviduct. This technique by passes the complex structure of cervix and efficiently transfers the sperm cells to the point of fertilization. In recent years, rabbits are becoming popular transgenic animal models producing various therapeutic and commercial products, as well as being experimental animals for disease models. The worldwide transportation of frozen semen and re-establishment of transgenic lines using AI technology has become a common practice. Therefore, this study was designed to describe a laparoscopic intrauterine insemination technique, which might assist in conceiving the animals with limited number of sperm cells. The female rabbits were laparoscopically (n = 22) or vaginally (n = 13) inseminated with frozen-thawed semen samples containing approximately 10 × 106 motile sperm. The laparoscopic insemination technique provided higher pregnancy rate (45.5%) than vaginal insemination technique (7.7%) (p < .05). In conclusion, the described laparoscopic AI might be a new alternative technique, thus enabling limited or low-quality frozen sperm samples to establish pregnancy in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyazi Küçük
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, University of Aydın Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Uğur Uçan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, University of Aydın Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Sanan Raza
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, University of Aydın Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey.,Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Güneş Erdoğan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Aydın Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Melih Aksoy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, University of Aydın Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey
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Abril-Parreño L, Krogenæs AK, Byrne CJ, Donovan A, Stuen S, Caldas E, Diskin M, Druart X, Fair S. Ewe breed differences in cervical anatomy and cervicovaginal mucus properties: An international study. Theriogenology 2020; 160:18-25. [PMID: 33166851 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In sheep, cervical artificial insemination (AI) involves depositing semen at the cervical opening, as it is not possible to traverse the cervix due to its complex anatomy. However, internationally this method yields low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed semen is used. An exception to this is in Norway, in which vaginal deposition of frozen-thawed semen to a natural estrus yields pregnancy rates around 70%. As the cervix and its secretions are the principal factors influencing sperm transport to the site of fertilization the aim of this study was to characterise the differences in the cervical anatomy as well as the cervicovaginal mucus properties of six European ewe breeds across three countries known to have differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These were Suffolk and Belclare in Ireland, Fur and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) in Norway and Ile de France and Romanov in France (n = 28-30 ewes/breed). Cervicovaginal mucus was collected at the follicular and luteal phases of both a synchronized and natural cycle and assessed for mucus weight, viscosity and colour. The anatomical characteristics of the cervix (length of the cervix, number of cervical rings and the appearance of the external os) were assessed post-mortem. There was a type of the cycle by ewe breed interaction represented by no differences in mucus production between ewe breeds at the natural cycle for both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. However, there were differences between ewe breeds at the synchronized cycle (P < 0.05). Belclare had the lowest mucus production at the follicular phase while NWS had the lowest amount of mucus at the luteal phase of the synchronized cycle. Overall, across all ewe breeds, mucus production was higher at the follicular than at the luteal phase (P < 0.05). Despite reports of Suffolk and NWS having the most divergent pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen, both breeds had the lowest overall mucus viscosity at the follicular phase of both types of cycle with no differences between both ewe breeds (P > 0.05). The length of the cervix, number of cervical rings and the external os type were affected by ewe breed (P < 0.05). Suffolk ewes had longer cervices but lower number of cervical rings than NWS and Fur ewes (both with higher pregnancy rates). In conclusion, while mucus production and mucus viscosity was affected by breed, these changes are not consistent with the known differences between ewe breeds in their pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland; Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - A K Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 369, Sentrum, Oslo, 0102, Norway
| | - C J Byrne
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - A Donovan
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland
| | - S Stuen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - E Caldas
- UMR PR China, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de La Reproduction et des Comportments, Institut National de La Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - M Diskin
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland
| | - X Druart
- UMR PR China, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de La Reproduction et des Comportments, Institut National de La Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.
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Crilly JP, Söderquist L, Holmström A, Sargison ND. Proof of concept of ovine artificial insemination by vaginal deposition of frozen-thawed semen under UK sheep-farming conditions. Vet Rec 2016; 178:532. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.103417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Crilly
- Farm Animal Practice, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh; Easter Bush Roslin Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
| | - L. Söderquist
- Division of Reproduction; Department of Clinical Sciences; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; P.O. Box 7054 Uppsala SE-750 07 Sweden
| | - A. Holmström
- Gård & Djurhälsan, Kungsängens Gård; Uppsala SE-753 23 Sweden
| | - N. D. Sargison
- Farm Animal Practice, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh; Easter Bush Roslin Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
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11
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Effect of time and depth of insemination on fertility of Bharat Merino sheep inseminated trans-cervical with frozen-thawed semen. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2014; 56:8. [PMID: 26290697 PMCID: PMC4540290 DOI: 10.1186/2055-0391-56-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Artificial insemination (AI) can serve as a powerful tool to the sheep owners for making rapid genetic progress of their flock. The AI in sheep is mostly performed using fresh semen with two reasons i) lambing rate following trans-cervical AI with frozen semen is limited by the inability of frozen-thawed sperm to transit the cervix and ii) the need of circumventing the cervical barrier through laparoscope aided intrauterine AI. Therefore, AI with frozen-thawed semen is not as widespread in sheep as it is in other domestic species. However, to get maximum benefits through the use of AI, frozen-thawed semen is a prerequisite because instead of high fertility, the short shelf life of fresh semen coupled with a limitation on the number of insemination doses achievable per unit time restricts the widespread use of individual sires. Therefore, in order to enhance lambing rate, a total of 240 trans-cervical artificial inseminations with frozen-thawed semen were performed in Bharat Merino ewes during autumn season either once in the evening (G-I, 10 h after onset of estrus, n = 100) or twice (G-II, 14 h and 22 h after onset of estrus, n = 140) i.e. once in the morning and again in the evening. Results The pregnancy rate (proportion of pregnant ewes confirmed by ultrasonography at day 40) and lambing rate (proportion of ewes lambed) were higher in G-II as compared to G-I (26.4 vs 20% and 19.3 vs 10%, respectively). The difference in lambing rates was statistically (P < 0.05) significant. The depth of insemination within cervico-uterine tract had no significant effect on pregnancy and lambing rates. Conclusions The results indicate that lambing rate in sheep following TCAI with frozen-thawed semen was significantly influenced by time of inseminations. Two inseminations after 14 and 22 h of onset of estrus enhanced the lambing rates of Bharat Merino sheep as compare to single insemination after 10 h of onset of estrus. The TCAI technique with frozen-thawed ram semen is promising and may serve as a valuable tool for genetic improvement of sheep breeds. Research efforts are going on worldwide to overcome the poor fertility following TCAI with frozen-thawed semen.
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Blaschi W, Lunardelli PA, Marinho LSR, Max MC, Santos GMG, Silva-Santos KC, Melo-Sterza FA, Baldassarre H, Rigo TR, Seneda MM. Effects of progestagen exposure duration on estrus synchronization and conception rates of crossbreed ewes undergoing fixed time artificial insemination. J Vet Sci 2014; 15:433-7. [PMID: 24962414 PMCID: PMC4178146 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2014.15.3.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchronization of estrus and ovulation are of paramount importance in modern livestock improvement programs. These methods are critical for assisted reproduction technologies, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer, that can increase productivity. In the current study, subcutaneous implants containing norgestomet were placed for long (14 days), medium (9 days), and short (5 days) periods of time in 70 crossbred ewes undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination. The resulting effects on estrus synchronization and conception rates were subsequently evaluated. Among the synchronized ewes, 85.7% (60/70) underwent estrus over a period of 72 h after progestagen treatment ceased. The shortest mean interval between withdrawal of the device and onset of estrus (34.2 ± 8.9 h) was observed in the G14 days of P4 group (p < 0.05). The conception rate of the G14 days of P4 group was statistically higher than that of the other groups (83.3% vs. 60.9% vs. 47.8%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, 14 days of norgestomet treatment produced higher conception rates and a greater number of pregnancies at the beginning of the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanessa Blaschi
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina State University, Londrina PR 86051-990, Brazil
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13
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Falchi L, Taema M, La Clanche S, Scaramuzzi R. The pattern of cervical penetration and the effect of topical treatment with prostaglandin and/or FSH and oxytocin on the depth of cervical penetration in the ewe during the peri-ovulatory period. Theriogenology 2012; 78:376-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Richardson L, Hanrahan JP, Donovan A, Martí JI, Fair S, Evans AC, Lonergan P. Effect of site of deposition on the fertility of sheep inseminated with frozen-thawed semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 131:160-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Cseh S, Faigl V, Amiridis G. Semen processing and artificial insemination in health management of small ruminants. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 130:187-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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16
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Nordstoga AB, Söderquist L, Ådnøy T, Paulenz H. Fertility Results after Vaginal Deposition of Frozen-Thawed Buck Semen Diluted with Two Different Extenders Using One- or Two-Step Procedures. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:82-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01586.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Horta AEM, Barbas JP, Marques CC, Baptista MC, Vasques MI, Pereira RM, Mascarenhas RD, Cavaco-Gonçalves S. Improvement of Fertility in Artificially Inseminated Ewes Following Vaginal Treatment with Misoprostol Plus Terbutaline Sulphate. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 45:e412-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01591.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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FUKUI Y, KOHNO H, OKABE K, KATSUKI S, YOSHIZAWA M, TOGARI T, WATANABE H. Factors Affecting the Fertility of Ewes after Intrauterine Insemination with Frozen-Thawed Semen During the Non-Breeding Season. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:460-6. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-015t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka FUKUI
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | | | | | - Sara KATSUKI
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Masahiro YOSHIZAWA
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | | | - Hiroyuki WATANABE
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
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19
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Nordstoga AB, Söderquist L, Ådnøy T, Paulenz H. Effect of Different Packages and Freezing/Thawing Protocols on Fertility of Ram Semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:527-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01284.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Paulenz H, Ådnøy T, Fossen OH, Söderquist L. Effect on Field Fertility of Addition of Gelatine, Different Dilution Rates and Storage Times of Cooled Ram Semen After Vaginal Insemination. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 45:706-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01338.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Hiwasa M, Kohno H, Togari T, Okabe K, Fukui Y. Fertility after different artificial insemination methods using a synthetic semen extender in sheep. J Reprod Dev 2008; 55:50-4. [PMID: 18997447 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the fertility of ewes artificially inseminated with three different methods using a synthetic semen extender, AndroMed. The three methods of artificial insemination (AI) were cervical AI with fresh-diluted or frozen-diluted semen at observed estrus, and an intrauterine AI with frozen-thawed semen. A total of 80 ewes were treated with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) containing 0.3 g progesterone per device for 12 days. In Experiment 1 (26 Suffolk ewes), superovulation was induced with 20 mg follicle-stimulating hormone and 250 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) two days and one day before CIDR removal, respectively, during the non-breeding season. In Experiment 2 (54 Suffolk and Suffolk crossbred ewes), an intramuscular injection of 500 IU eCG was administered one day before CIDR removal to synchronize estrus and ovulation during the breeding season. In Experiment 1, fresh-diluted or frozen-thawed semen was deposited into the cervical orifice after estrus detection, and an intrauterine AI with frozen-thawed semen was performed by laparoscopy at a fixed-time basis without estrus detection. Embryos were recovered by uterine flushing 6 days after AI, and the rates of recovered, fertilized (cleaved) ova and embryos at the morula or blastocyst stage were compared among the three AI methods. In Experiment 2, the pregnancy rates after the three AI methods were compared. In Experiment 1, the rates of recovered ova were not significantly different among the three AI methods (52.5-56.7%). The rate of fertilized ova (81.0%) by laparoscopic AI with frozen-thawed semen was significantly higher compared with cervical AI of fresh-diluted (25.5%) or frozen-thawed (3.5%) semen, but the rate of embryos at the morula or blastocyst stage (17.6%) was significantly lower than that of the cervical AI with fresh-diluted semen (69.2%). The rates of ewes yielding fertilized ova were not significantly different among the three groups (44.4, 11.1 and 62.5% for cervical AI with fresh-diluted and frozen-thawed semen and intrauterine AI with frozen-thawed semen). In Experiment 2, the pregnancy rate of ewes intrauterinally inseminated with frozen-thawed semen (72.2%) was significantly higher than those of ewes inseminated cervically with fresh-diluted (5.5%) or frozen-thawed (0.0%) semen. The present results showed that acceptable fertilization and pregnancy rates could be obtained by an intrauterine AI with frozen-thawed semen using a synthetic semen extender (AndroMed), but not sufficient by the cervical AI with either fresh or frozen semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Hiwasa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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22
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Fukui Y, Kohno H, Togari T, Hiwasa M, Okabe K. Fertility after artificial insemination using a soybean-based semen extender in sheep. J Reprod Dev 2008; 54:286-9. [PMID: 18408351 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare the fertility of ewes intrauterinally inseminated with frozen-thawed semen using a soybean-based semen extender (AndroMed) with those of ewes intrauterinally inseminated with frozen-thawed semen using a Tris-based extender containing either egg yolk or BSA. Suffolk ewes (n=104) were treated with an intravaginal sponge containing 40 mg fluoroprogesterone acetate (FGA) for 12 days and an intramuscular injection of 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin to induce estrus and ovulation during the non-breeding season (July, 2007). Intrauterine insemination was carried out 40-46 h after removal of the FGA sponge (n=90), regardless of the incidence of estrus. The pregnancy rates were not significantly different among the semen extenders containing egg yolk (64.5%) or BSA (58.6%) and AndroMed extender (56.7%). The lambing rates (64.5, 55.2 and 56.7% for the semen extenders containing egg yolk, BSA and AndroMed, respectively) and prolificacy (1.59 to 1.75) were also not significantly different. The present results indicate that an egg yolk-containing semen extender can be replaced with the non-animal derived extender AndroMed, which could be used for intrauterine insemination using frozen-thawed ram semen without reducing fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Fukui
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.
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23
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Anel L, Alvarez M, Martinez-Pastor F, Garcia-Macias V, Anel E, de Paz P. Improvement strategies in ovine artificial insemination. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 41 Suppl 2:30-42. [PMID: 16984467 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00767.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination in ram is scarcely widespread comparing with other domestic species. This has been due not only to fertility results being irregular and low but also because of the difficulty in the application of enhancements such as the use of frozen-thawed sperm. Although there is a lot of information on the use of different options to improve these AI results (such as transcervical application, the use of thawed sperm, etc.) commercial programmes can be classified on two general categories: those using refrigerated semen (15 degrees C) by superficial intracervical deposition (vaginal), and, more restricted, those using thawed sperm by intrauterine deposition (laparoscopy). In the present work, we have summarized our viewpoint on three general research lines for the improvement of AI results in sheep: semen preservation, AI procedures and semen assessment. Briefly, in ram it is necessary to develop a medium term methodology of sperm refrigeration (3-5 days), which would allow the distribution of sperm doses to a widespread area. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to develop an intrauterine transcervical AI technique, which allows thawed semen to be applied by vaginal insemination. Besides, the low predictive value of classic assessment techniques limits the ability to adjust the number of spermatozoa per dose according to its actual fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Anel
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, University of León, Leon, Spain.
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24
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Short-duration insemination with frozen semen increases fertility rate in nulliparous dairy goats. Animal 2008; 2:1496-500. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731108002425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Paulenz H, Ådnøy T, Söderquist L. Comparison of fertility results after vaginal insemination using different thawing procedures and packages for frozen ram semen. Acta Vet Scand 2007; 49:26. [PMID: 17903246 PMCID: PMC2089064 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-49-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of different thawing procedures for ram semen frozen in minitubes and mini straws on the fertility of sheep was tested in a field trial. Methods Altogether, 719 Norwegian Crossbred ewes, aged between six months and six-and-a-half years from 8 farms, were inseminated vaginally in natural oestrus with frozen-thawed semen. Minitubes were thawed at 70°C for 8 sec (T70) and mini straws either at 50°C for 9 sec (S50) or at 35°C for 12 sec (S35). Results Vaginal insemination with 200 × 106 spermatozoa resulted in 25-days non-return rates of 63.2, 59.6, and 62.5% (overall 61.8%), respectively, and lambing rates of 56.8, 55.0, and 59.2% (overall 57.0%), respectively. No significant effect on fertility (as 25-days non-return- or lambing rate) was seen for straw type/thawing temperature (P = 0.5/0.5), but semen filled in mini straws and thawed at 35°C resulted numerically in the highest lambing rate (59.2%). A significant effect was, however, seen for farmer (P = >0.0001/>0.0001) and ram (P = 0.009/0.002). Moreover, age of the ewes had a significant effect on the NR rate (0.007), but not on lambing rate (P = 0.2). Conclusion A vaginal deposition of frozen ram semen containing approximately 200 × 106 spermatozoa, filled in mini straws and thawed at 35°C is a simplified technique that under field conditions and used on a do-it-yourself regime gives acceptable lambing rates in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Paulenz
- Team Semin, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tormod Ådnøy
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Lennart Söderquist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054 Ultuna, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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Fukui Y, Kohno H, Togari T, Hiwasa M. Fertility of Ewes Inseminated Intrauterinally with Frozen Semen Using Extender Containing Bovine Serum Albumin. J Reprod Dev 2007; 53:959-62. [PMID: 17420622 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.19017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine the fertility of ewes inseminated intrauterinally with frozen semen using semen extender containing either egg yolk or bovine serum albumin (BSA). Sixty Suffolk and cross-bred ewes were treated with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices during the non-breeding season (July 2006). A CIDR was inserted into the vagina for 12 days and an intramuscular injection of 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was administered one day before its removal. Ejaculates from a suffolk ram were diluted with a Tris-based extender containing either 15% (v/v) egg yolk or 10% (w/v) BSA, and the diluted semen was frozen in 0.25 ml straws. A fixed-time intrauterine artificial insemination (AI) was performed 43-47 h after CIDR removal, regardless of incidence of estrus. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates at 60 days after AI between the extenders containing egg yolk (66.7%, 20/30 animals) or BSA (65.5%, 19/29 animals). Furthermore, there were no significant difference in the lambing rates (66.7% and 62.1%) and prolificacy (1.25 and 1.56) between the two semen extenders. The present study indicates that a semi-defined semen extender containing 10% BSA produces fertility after intrauterine AI that is similar to that achieved with semen extender containing egg yolk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Fukui
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Production Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.
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Paulenz H, Söderquist L, Adnøy T, Soltun K, Saether PA, Fjellsøy KR, Andersen Berg K. Effect of cervical and vaginal insemination with liquid semen stored at room temperature on fertility of goats. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 86:109-17. [PMID: 15721662 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2003] [Revised: 05/10/2004] [Accepted: 06/18/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of vaginal and cervical deposition of liquid semen stored at room temperature on the fertility of goats was tested in a field trial in which 217 Norwegian Dairy goats aged between 6 months and 7.5 years from 14 farms were inseminated after natural oestrous. Cervical insemination with 200 x 10(6) spermatozoa resulted in 25-day non-return and kidding rates of 87.0 and 78.0%, and vaginal insemination gave 85.5 and 74.3%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the cervical and vaginal inseminations (P = 0.59 for the 25-day non-return and P = 0.40 for the kidding rates). Farm had a significant effect on the 25-day non-return rate (P = 0.03) but not on the kidding rate (P = 0.07). There were no significant differences between the fertility rates for different bucks (P = 0.36 for the 25-day non-return and P = 0.15 for the kidding rates). Fertility results after vaginal insemination were encouragingly high. Vaginal insemination is a simple, less costly and time consuming technique compared to others, also bringing into focus the animal welfare aspects of the artificial insemination procedure. As the final goal is to establish a technique that could be applied similarly on a large scale by all farmers, vaginal insemination must be considered as a method that would simplify the use of liquid buck semen in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Paulenz
- Team Semin, PO Box 8146 Dep, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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