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Segabinazzi LGTM, Dell'Aqua CDPF, Cavalero T, Frasson M, Lisboa FP, Papa FO, Alvarenga MA. Post-cooling sperm processing can rescue sperm quality of cooled-stored stallion semen. Theriogenology 2024; 227:21-30. [PMID: 38996526 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.004] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Poor sperm quality in cooled-shipped semen has been related to subpar fertility in horses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the ability of post-cooling sperm processing to improve sperm parameters of cooled-stored stallion semen for artificial insemination. For all experiments, ejaculates were collected, processed, and diluted in skimmed milk-based (SM) medium and stored at 5 °C/24h. In all experiments an aliquot of unprocessed cooled semen was used as a control. In the first experiment (Exp 1.), cooled-stored semen from 16 stallions (n = 32) was processed by SpermFilter or centrifugation (600×g/10min) and resuspended in an egg yolk-based freezing medium containing permeating cryoprotectants (EY-C) for cryopreservation. Sperm recovery and motility parameters were immediately assessed after sperm resuspension in both groups and compared with unprocessed (Unp) samples. In Exp 2., cooled semen samples from six stallions (n = 18) were processed using SpermFilter and resuspended in SM or EY-C. Motility parameters and plasma membrane integrity were assessed in all groups (Unp, SM, and EY-C). In Exp 3, cooled semen from four stallions (n = 20) was processed by SpermFilter, resuspended in SM, EY-C, or egg yolk-based medium without cryoprotectants (EY-nC); and submitted to a thermoresistance test (37 °C/3h). Motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity and stability, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial superoxide generation, and DNA fragmentation index were evaluated in all groups. Finally, in Exp 4, 39 estrous cycles of 11 mares were inseminated with unprocessed (n = 6) cooled-stored semen or semen cooled at 5 °C/24h and then processed by SpermFilter and resuspended in SM (n = 5), EY-C (n = 11), EY-nC (n = 11), or centrifuged and resuspended in EY-C (n = 6). Overall, semen processing and resuspension in EY mediums (EY-C and EY-nC) improved sperm parameters compared with those of unprocessed semen (P < 0.05). Centrifugation (91 ± 5 %) recovered more sperm than SpermFilter (84 ± 9 %; P < 0.05). Sperm resuspended in EY-nC maintained better sperm parameters throughout the thermoresistance test than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). The fertility rates were similar between all groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, processing and resuspension in EY medium can improve sperm parameters in post-cooled-stored stallion semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo G T M Segabinazzi
- São Paulo State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Center 2, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, USA.
| | | | - Thais Cavalero
- São Paulo State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Frasson
- São Paulo State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando P Lisboa
- São Paulo State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; El Rincon Centro de Reproduccion Equina, Marco Paz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Frederico O Papa
- São Paulo State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco A Alvarenga
- São Paulo State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Segabinazzi L, Carmo MT, Freitas-Dell'Aqua CDP, Alvarenga MA, Papa FO, Canisso IF. Post-cooling semen processing and sperm re-suspension as an alternative method to circumvent poor semen cooling in stallions. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:697-710. [PMID: 38567428 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial insemination with cooled-shipped semen is the primary method used in the equine breeding industry; yet, sperm quality and fertility can be suboptimal for some stallions when standard techniques are used. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop alternative approaches for these stallions. OBJECTIVE To assess sperm quality parameters and fertility of cooled-stored stallion semen processed by SpermFilter® or centrifugation and resuspended in three extenders. STUDY DESIGN Controlled and field study. METHODS In Experiment 1, semen was collected from 21 stallions classified as having good ('Good-coolers', n = 8) or poor ('Bad-coolers', n = 13) semen cooling. The semen was extended at 30 million spermatozoa/mL in a skimmed milk-based (SM) diluent, and refrigerated for 24 h. Then, the cooled-stored semen was processed through SpermFilter® or centrifugation, and the resulting sperm pellets were resuspended in SM, SM containing pentoxifylline (SM-P), or an egg yolk-based (EY) extender. Unprocessed cooled-stored semen served as control. Sperm motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) were assessed in cooled-semen pre- and post-processing. Experiment 2, cooled semen from 9 stallions classified as Bad-coolers was used to inseminate 18 embryo donor mares at 66 cycles (Unprocessed, n = 22; SpermFilter®/SM-P, n = 16; or SpermFilter®/EY, n = 28). Data were analysed with a mixed model and Tukey's as posthoc, and logistic regression. RESULTS Processed semen resuspended in EY had superior sperm motility compared to unprocessed, SM and SM-P (p < 0.0001). Semen processed by SpermFilter® resuspended in SM-P was similar to EY (p > 0.05). Pellet resuspension with EY and SM-P improved the HMMP of Bad-cooler stallions (p = 0.0010). Semen processed by SpermFilter® had superior PMI to centrifuged semen (p < 0.0001). Mares inseminated with SpermFilter®/SM-P (50%, 8/16) or SpermFilter®/-EY (68%, 9/28) had higher pregnancy rates than mares bred with unprocessed semen (14%, 3/22) (p < 0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS Low number of mares in the fertility trial. CONCLUSION Sperm quality and fertility of Bad-cooler stallions can be enhanced by SpermFilter® and pellet resuspension with either EY or SM-P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Segabinazzi
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Marcio T Carmo
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Camila de P Freitas-Dell'Aqua
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Marco A Alvarenga
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Frederico O Papa
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Igor F Canisso
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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Tanner JC, Barrell GK. Reproductive performance of a cohort of Standardbred mares under a commercial breeding system. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:776-785. [PMID: 37559421 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being a large commercial breeding industry, there is little published data on the reproductive success of Standardbred mares. OBJECTIVES To quantify the reproductive performance of Standardbred mares under artificial breeding systems in a commercial setting and determine the incidence of early embryonic and other pre-partum losses. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Data from four commercial farms were collected across four breeding years, and all mares were bred via artificial insemination. A total of 3995 mares contributed 7229 mare years. First-cycle pregnancy rate (FCPR) and end of season pregnancy rate (SPR) were analysed in mixed-effects logistic regression models. Time-to-conception interval was analysed in a Cox regression model. RESULTS The mean FCPR was 61.4% (confidence interval [CI] 60.3%-62.6%), the mean end of SPR was 84.7% (CI 83.8-85.5%), the mean live foal rate (FR) was 73.1% (CI 72.1%-74.2%). Mares located on-farm were more probable to be pregnant in terms of both FCPR (odds ratio [OR] 1.168, CI 1.018-1.340, p = 0.026) and SPR (OR 2.026, CI 1.673-2.454, p < 0.001), mares inseminated with thawed-frozen semen were less probable to be pregnant in terms of FCPR (OR 0.598, CI 0.457-0.783, p < 0.001) and SPR (OR 0.479, CI 0.354-0.647, p < 0.001) compared with insemination with fresh-extended semen. Older mares (14 years and older) were less probable to be pregnant in terms of FCPR (OR 0.795, CI 0.688-0.919, p = 0.002) and SPR (0.435, CI 0.352-0.538, p < 0.001) compared with young mares (3- to 8-year old). MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective data relied on accurate record keeping of stud farms and no mare-treatment or ovulation induction records were available. Live FRs relied mostly on annual foaling returns so fetal/foal deaths may be underrepresented. CONCLUSION This study provides substantial baseline data on reproductive performance for Standardbred mares managed under a commercial artificial breeding system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine C Tanner
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Graham K Barrell
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Olstad K, Bugge MD, Ytrehus B, Kallerud AS. Closure of the neuro-central synchondrosis and other physes in foal cervical spines. Equine Vet J 2024. [PMID: 38594893 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuro-central synchondrosis (NCS) is a physis responsible for the growth of the dorsal third of the vertebral body and neural arches. When the NCS of pigs is tethered to model scoliosis, stenosis also ensues. It is necessary to describe the NCS for future evaluation of its potential role in equine spinal cord compression and ataxia (wobbler syndrome). OBJECTIVES To describe the NCS, including when it and other physes closed in computed tomographic (CT) scans of the cervical spine of foals, due to its potential role in vertebral stenosis. STUDY DESIGN Post-mortem cohort study. METHODS The cervical spine of 35 cases, comprising both sexes and miscellaneous breeds from 153 gestational days to 438 days old, was examined with CT and physes scored from 6: fully open to 0: fully closed. The dorsal physis, physis of the dens and mid-NCS were scored separately, whereas the cranial and caudal NCS portions were scored together with the respective cranial and caudal vertebral body physes. RESULTS The NCS was a pair of thin physes located in a predominantly dorsal plane between the vertebral body and neural arches. The mid-NCS was closed in C1 from 115 days of age, and in C2-C7 from 38 days of age. The dorsal physis closed later than the NCS in C1, and earlier than the NCS in C2-C7. The dens physis was closed from 227 days of age. The cranial and caudal physes were closing, but not closed from different ages in the different vertebrae of the oldest cases. MAIN LIMITATIONS Hospital population. CONCLUSIONS The NCS was a thin physis that contributed mainly to height-wise growth, but also width- and length-wise growth of the vertebral body and neural arches. The mid-NCS was closed in all cervical vertebrae from 115 days of age. The NCS warrants further investigation in the pathogenesis of vertebral stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Olstad
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Mari Dahl Bugge
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Bjørnar Ytrehus
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Pathology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne Selvén Kallerud
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Al-Kass Z, Morrell JM. Freezing Stallion Semen-What Do We Need to Focus on for the Future? Vet Sci 2024; 11:65. [PMID: 38393083 PMCID: PMC10893461 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020065] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is used frequently in the breeding of sport horses, apart from Thoroughbreds. Most AIs are carried out with cooled semen rather than frozen semen because of the difficulties in identifying a protocol that is suitable for freezing most ejaculates and the necessity to inseminate close to ovulation because of the short life of the thawed spermatozoa. More widespread use of frozen semen would improve biosecurity, allow greater choice of stallions, and offer more flexibility when managing deliveries of semen to the stud. It would even decrease the amount of antibiotics used in semen extenders, since the volume of frozen semen is smaller than when cooled semen is inseminated. However, there is considerable variability in the cryosurvival of spermatozoa from different stallions, leading to the classification of stallions as good or bad freezers. Improvements could be made at the level of stallion nutrition, the semen collection regimen, the extender, the removal of seminal plasma, and the cooling protocol, among others. Stallion sperm membranes are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation, but research on antioxidants has failed to identify an additive that would benefit all stallions. In the future, biomarkers for sperm freezability could be used as an aid in identifying suitable ejaculates for cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Al-Kass
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Medica AJ, Lambourne S, Aitken RJ. Predicting the Outcome of Equine Artificial Inseminations Using Chilled Semen. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071203. [PMID: 37048459 PMCID: PMC10093274 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071203] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether an analysis of stallion ejaculate could accurately predict the likelihood of pregnancy resulting from artificial insemination in mares. This study involved 46 inseminations of 41 mares, using 7 standardbred stallions over a 5-week period at an Australian pacing stud. Semen quality was assessed immediately after collection and again after chilling at ~5 °C for 24 h. The assessment involved evaluating ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and motility parameters using an iSperm® Equine portable device. After the initial evaluation, a subpopulation of cells was subjected to a migration assay through a 5 µm polycarbonate filter within a Samson™ isolation chamber over a 15 min period. The cells were assessed for their concentration, motility parameters, and ability to reduce the membrane impermeant tetrazolium salt WST-1. The data, combined with the stallion and mare's ages, were used to predict the likelihood of pregnancy, as confirmed by rectal ultrasound sonography performed 14 days post ovulation. The criteria used to predict pregnancy were optimized for each individual stallion, resulting in an overall accuracy of 87.9% if analyzed pre-chilling and 95% if analyzed post-chilling. This study suggests that an analysis of stallion ejaculate can be used to predict the likelihood of pregnancy resulting from artificial insemination in mares with a high level of accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee Jade Medica
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Sarah Lambourne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
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Gobato MLM, Segabinazzi LGTM, Scheeren VFC, Bandeira RS, Freitas-Dell'Aqua CP, Dell'Aqua JA, Papa FO. Ability of donkey sperm to tolerate cooling: Effect of extender base and removal of seminal plasma on sperm parameters and fertility rates in mares. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1011899. [PMID: 36225802 PMCID: PMC9548546 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1011899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination using cooled-transported semen has marked importance in equine breeding programs around the world, and the high value of mules has generated avid interest in donkey semen biotechnology. However, donkey semen cools poorly in commercially available equine extenders. Therefore, this study aimed to develop approaches to improve the ability of donkey semen to tolerate cooling. Ejaculates of seven donkeys (n = 21) were cooled at 5°C for 48 h in three different extenders (milk-based, SM; sodium caseinate-based, SC; or egg yolk-based, EY) in the presence or absence of seminal plasma (centrifugation, C). Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), plasma membrane stability (PMS), mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP), intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and intracellular superoxide (O2−) were assessed before, 24 h, and 48 h post-cooling. In addition, 15 mares (163 estrous cycles) were randomly inseminated with semen from two jacks (Jack 1, n = 90; Jack 2, n = 73) previously cooled for 24 h under one of the treatments (SM, SC, EY, SM-C, SC-C, or EY-C). Groups EY, SC-C, and EY-C (P < 0.05) demonstrated superior sperm analytical parameters to SM at 24 and 48 h. Centrifugation positively affected sperm analytical parameters in cooled donkey semen extended in SM and SC (P < 0.05). Mares bred with semen extended in SC (67%, 18/27), SC-C (89%, 24/27), EY (89%, 25/28), or EY-C (74%, 20/27) had significantly greater conception rates than mares bred with SM (33%, 9/27; P < 0.05). Mares bred with SM-C had intermediate conception rates (59%, 16/27). In conclusion, SC and EY improved the cooling ability and fertility of donkey semen in horse mares, and centrifugation positively affected donkey semen extended in SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L. M. Gobato
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lorenzo G. T. M. Segabinazzi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- *Correspondence: Lorenzo G. T. M. Segabinazzi
| | - Verônica F. C. Scheeren
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael S. Bandeira
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila P. Freitas-Dell'Aqua
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José A. Dell'Aqua
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico O. Papa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Derisoud E, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Palmer E, Robles M, Chavatte-Palmer P. Female age and parity in horses: how and why does it matter? Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:52-116. [PMID: 35231230 DOI: 10.1071/rd21267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although puberty can occur as early as 14-15months of age, depending on breed and use, the reproductive career of mares may continue to advanced ages. Once mares are used as broodmares, they will usually produce foals once a year until they become unfertile, and their productivity can be enhanced and/or prolonged through embryo technologies. There is a general consensus that old mares are less fertile, but maternal age and parity are confounding factors because nulliparous mares are usually younger and older mares are multiparous in most studies. This review shows that age critically affects cyclicity, folliculogenesis, oocyte and embryo quality as well as presence of oviductal masses and uterine tract function. Maternal parity has a non-linear effect. Primiparity has a major influence on placental and foal development, with smaller foals at the first gestation that remain smaller postnatally. After the first gestation, endometrial quality and uterine clearance capacities decline progressively with increasing parity and age, whilst placental and foal birthweight and milk production increase. These combined effects should be carefully balanced when breeding mares, in particular when choosing and caring for recipients and their foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d'Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Morgane Robles
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; and INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, H7V 1B7 Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Benammar A, Derisoud E, Vialard F, Palmer E, Ayoubi JM, Poulain M, Chavatte-Palmer P. The Mare: A Pertinent Model for Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2304. [PMID: 34438761 PMCID: PMC8388489 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are large differences between horses and humans for reproductive anatomy, follicular dynamics, mono-ovulation, and embryo development kinetics until the blastocyst stage are similar. In contrast to humans, however, horses are seasonal animals and do not have a menstrual cycle. Moreover, horse implantation takes place 30 days later than in humans. In terms of artificial reproduction techniques (ART), oocytes are generally matured in vitro in horses because ovarian stimulation remains inefficient. This allows the collection of oocytes without hormonal treatments. In humans, in vivo matured oocytes are collected after ovarian stimulation. Subsequently, only intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed in horses to produce embryos, whereas both in vitro fertilization and ICSI are applied in humans. Embryos are transferred only as blastocysts in horses. In contrast, four cells to blastocyst stage embryos are transferred in humans. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation has been mastered in humans, but not completely in horses. Finally, both species share infertility concerns due to ageing and obesity. Thus, reciprocal knowledge could be gained through the comparative study of ART and infertility treatments both in woman and mare, even though the horse could not be used as a single model for human ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf Benammar
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d’Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France;
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Marine Poulain
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Carluccio A, Bucci R, Fusi J, Robbe D, Veronesi MC. Effect of age and of reproductive status on reproductive indices in horse mares carrying mule pregnancies. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05175. [PMID: 33083622 PMCID: PMC7551364 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mules (Equus mulus) are interspecific hybrids derived from crossing horse (Equus caballus) mares with jackasses (Equus asinus). In Italy, the production of mules is very important for the special environmental areas, where they are used as working animals, instead of the forbidden agricultural machines. Although many horse mares carry mule pregnancy successfully at term, low fertility of mares used for producing mules was reported, but limited data about reproductive efficiency in mares carrying mule pregnancy, especially when age and reproductive status are concerned, are available. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of age and of reproductive status on some reproductive indices of horse mares carrying mule pregnancy, in the final purpose to better clarify factors affecting reproductive performances in the valuable production of mules as working animals under special environmental areas in Italy. The study, performed on 96 draft mares inseminated with Martina Franca donkey semen, showed a satisfactory 89.6% 14 days PO pregnancy rate, lower pregnancy losses (19.8%) than those previously reported for mule pregnancies, leading to satisfactory foaling rates (71.9%), similar to those reported for intraspecific horse pregnancies. A clear, significant detrimental effect of mare's age on pregnancy losses, foaling rate, and on number of estrous cycles needed to achieve pregnancy, was found. Reproductive status also affected the reproductive indices, with significantly higher pregnancy losses and lower foaling rate in barren mares, reopening the question about the possible lower reproduction efficiency in horse mares carrying mule pregnancy. The present study results, although mostly descriptive, add useful information about some factors affecting reproductive performances in the valuable production of mules as working animals under special environmental areas in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - R Bucci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - J Fusi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - D Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - M C Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Kierkegaard LS, Groeneveld LF, Kettunen A, Berg P. The status and need for characterization of Nordic animal genetic resources. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2020.1722216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Kettunen
- Farm Animal Section, NordGen – The Nordic Genetic Resource Center, Ås, Norway
- Nofima AS, Ås, Norway
| | - Peer Berg
- Farm Animal Section, NordGen – The Nordic Genetic Resource Center, Ås, Norway
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Deng L, Shi S, Li J, Tang C, Liao Q, Xie P. A Cross-Sectional Survey of Foaling-Related Parameters of Jennies (Equus asinus) Under Smallholder Farm Conditions in Northeast China. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 87:102928. [PMID: 32172918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is important to assess the reproductive efficiency and improve the reproductive management to promote the donkey population development. The overall foaling-related parameters of jennies under smallholder farm conditions in China were hardly under investigation. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected 694 smallholder farms was conducted in 40 villages in the north, east, and south areas of Western Liaoning Province and Eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region between March and July, 2017. Foaling-related parameters were assessed such as the mean age at first foaling, foaling rate and foaling interval during 2014-2017. Only two-thirds of the adult jennies foaled during the 3-year survey period and delivered a foal every 1.9 years. The mean age at first foaling was 45.3 months. The lowest incidence of foaling rate was in coincidence with the peak of foaling. The overall mean values for the foaling rate and foaling interval were 75% and 500.5 days, respectively. Significant changes of foaling rates before the age of 15 years and foaling intervals in the first 8 parities were not observed. The results indicate that the jennies could maintain relatively fine foaling-related parameters under smallholder farm conditions in northeast of China. However, the foaling rates hardly remained high during the whole breeding season represented a major loss to the donkey breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Deng
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding & Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Shicheng Shi
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding & Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Chi Tang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding & Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Shenyang, PR China
| | - Qingchao Liao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding & Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Shenyang, PR China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding & Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Shenyang, PR China
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Kareskoski M, Venhoranta H, Virtala AM, Katila T. Analysis of factors affecting the pregnancy rate of mares after inseminations with cooled transported stallion semen. Theriogenology 2019; 127:7-14. [PMID: 30611014 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) with cooled stallion semen has increased markedly during the last decades in all countries, but fertility is often lower than when fresh semen or natural mating is used. The objective of this study was to examine field data (1634 ,cycles 523 Standardbred (SB) mares, 575 Finnhorse (FH) mares, and 90 stallions) using multivariable logistic regression for factors influencing the pregnancy rate (PR) after AI with cooled transported semen from SB and FH stallions. The PR per cycle for the material was 47%: Finnhorses 42% and Standardbreds 53%. When assessed with multivariable logistic regression analyses with a generalized linear mixed model, variables that affected the PR were breed, the number of inseminated estrus cycles, the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMOT) in the ejaculate/AI dose at the time of shipment, and the number of progressively motile sperm in the AI dose at the time of insemination. In Standardbreds, variables that increased the per cycle PR were the number of AI per estrus cycle (multiple inseminations increasing the probability of pregnancy compared to only one insemination), the number of inseminated cycles, and PMOT in the AI dose at the time of insemination. In Finnhorses, the number of AI per estrus cycle (two and three inseminations increasing the probability of pregnancy compared to only one), the number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate and in the AI dose, and PMOT in the ejaculate/AI dose at the time of shipment increased the per cycle PR. Non-significant factors for the whole material included the type of artificial vagina (open-ended or closed), transport time, place of AI (stud farm or home stable), insemination done by veterinarian or technician, weekday, month, age of the mare (all age classes combined), age of the stallion, ejaculate parameters (sperm concentration, total number of sperm), and insemination dose parameters (volume proportion of seminal plasma, sperm concentration, PMOT, total number of sperm). In conclusion, breed, breeding opportunity in more than one cycle, more than one insemination/estrus, PMOT of the ejaculate/AI dose and the number of progressively motile sperm in the AI dose at the time of insemination are important for the outcome of inseminations with cooled semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kareskoski
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Paroninkuja 20, 04920, Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Heli Venhoranta
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Paroninkuja 20, 04920, Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Anna-Maija Virtala
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Terttu Katila
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Paroninkuja 20, 04920, Saarentaus, Finland.
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Müller-Unterberg M, Wallmann S, Distl O. Effects of inbreeding and other systematic effects on fertility of Black Forest Draught horses in Germany. Acta Vet Scand 2017; 59:70. [PMID: 29047357 PMCID: PMC5648486 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-017-0338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Black Forest Draught horse (BFDH) is an endangered German coldblood breed with its origin in the area of the Black Forest in South Germany. In this retrospective study, the influence of the inbreeding coefficient on foaling rates was investigated using records from ten breeding seasons. Due to the small population size of BFDH, the level of inbreeding is increasing and may have an effect on foaling rates.The data of the present study included all coverings reported for 1024 BFDH mares in the years 2001–2009. These mares were covered by 32 BFDH stallions from the State Stud Marbach. Data from 4534 estrus cycles was used to calculate per cycle foaling rate (CFR). Pedigree data contained all studbook data up to the foundation of the breed as early as 1836. The level of inbreeding of the mare, stallion and expected foal along with other systematic effects on CFR were analysed using a generalized linear mixed model approach. Stallion was employed as a random effect. Systematic fixed effects were month of mating, mating type, age of the mare and stallion, reproductive status of the mare and stallion line of the mare. Inbreeding coefficients of the stallion, mare and expected foal were modelled as linear covariates. Results The average CFR was 40.9%. The mean inbreeding coefficients of the mares, stallions and expected foals were 7.46, 7.70 and 9.66%. Mating type, age of the mare, reproductive status of the mare and stallion line of the mare had a significant effect. Conclusions The results showed that the mating type, stallion line of the mare, sire, age and reproductive status of the mare exerted the largest influences on CFR in BFDH. Inbreeding coefficients of the stallion, mare and expected foal were not significantly related with CFR. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13028-017-0338-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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de Oliveira RA, Scarlet D, Ille N, Aurich C. Cooled-storage of equine semen does not induce major changes in sperm DNA methylation. Theriogenology 2016; 89:289-294. [PMID: 28043365 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A decrease in fertility of equine semen during cooled-storage so far has mainly been attributed to changes in sperm membrane function. In the present study we hypothesized that cooled-storage also changes the sperm DNA methylation level. For this purpose, semen was collected from 10 fertile stallions and processed for cooled-storage at 5 °C. Two final concentrations, 50 × 106 and 100 × 106 cells/mL, were used. Semen was analyzed for total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine translocation (PST), mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin condensation, immediately after processing and at 24 h-intervals until 72 h of storage. DNA cytosine methylation was assessed by ELISA after DNA extraction and denaturation. DNA methylation did neither change over time nor was affected by semen concentration. Total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, PST, mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin condensation changed over storage time, but no differences between semen concentrations could be demonstrated. The results demonstrate that cooled-storage of equine semen does not induce changes in sperm DNA cytosine methylation. In cooled-semen of good quality, a concentration of 100 × 106 sperm/mL does not affect semen longevity. It can be concluded that a better fertility of cooled-stored than cryopreserved stallion semen is at least in part a result of only minor influences of cooled-storage on DNA integrity and methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dragos Scarlet
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Andrology, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natascha Ille
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria.
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A retrospective cohort study on fertility in the Norwegian Coldblooded trotter after artificial insemination with cooled, shipped versus fresh extended semen. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:77. [PMID: 26578337 PMCID: PMC4650285 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy rates with cooled equine semen can be unsatisfactory and show great variation. Information about first cycle pregnancy rates and pregnancy rates per cycle are often lacking from publicly available records. This retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the fertility of the Norwegian Coldblooded trotter. The aim of the study was to compare the breeding results after insemination with fresh, extended with those of cooled, shipped semen among Norwegian Coldblooded trotter mares. First cycle pregnancy rate was the main parameter used to measure fertility. Stud-books were collected from four studs from the years 2006-2010. Statistical analyses were done in Stata using Chi square test and multivariable analyses where different models were compared based on Akaike's information criterion. RESULTS First cycle pregnancy rate, seasonal pregnancy rate and foaling rate all showed significant differences (P < 0.0001) when comparing mares inseminated at stud with mares inseminated with cooled, shipped semen, favoring artificial insemination (AI) at stud. First cycle pregnancy rate was 55.1 % for mares inseminated at stud with fresh extended semen and 42.2 % for mares inseminated with cooled shipped semen. The overall pregnancy rate per cycle was 84.4 % for AI at stud and 66.9 % for cooled, shipped semen. The parameters stud, mare age, number of inseminations within an estrus cycle and individual stallion were also investigated for influence on fertility. CONCLUSIONS Few retrospective studies include the parameter of first cycle pregnancy rates. Our study does not differ dramatically when comparing seasonal pregnancy rates and foaling rates with similar studies. Fertility parameters for the Norwegian Coldblooded trotter do not differ significantly from most other studies of Coldblooded mares and other mare breeds around the world. But the difference in fertility parameters between AI at stud to AI with cooled semen between our study and others, indicates that higher pregnancy rates in Norwegian Coldblooded trotter may be possible.
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17
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Fradinho MJ, Correia MJ, Grácio V, Bliebernicht M, Farrim A, Mateus L, Martin-Rosset W, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. Effects of body condition and leptin on the reproductive performance of Lusitano mares on extensive systems. Theriogenology 2014; 81:1214-22. [PMID: 24613603 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of body condition (BC), BC changes, and plasma leptin concentrations on the reproductive performance of Lusitano broodmares on extensive systems. Data from 119 mares (ranging from 4 to 22 years of age) were collected over a period of four consecutive breeding seasons. Each case was considered as one foaled mare bred in 1 year. Body condition changes at conception (ΔBCScon) showed a strong effect on fertility at the first two postpartum estrous cycles and a significant interaction with body condition score at conception (BCScon) was observed (P < 0.01). The best fertility results were obtained with positive and greater ΔBCScon. The best predictive value of fertility (91%) was achieved when the BCScon was 3.0 and ΔBCScon was 0.375. Global foaling rate for the 4-year period was 74.5%. Mean foaling interval and gestation length were, respectively, 368.0 ± 2.8 and 340.3 ± 1.0 days. Gestation length was influenced by the month of foaling (P < 0.05) and decreased as mares got older (P < 0.01). The number of estimated estrous cycles per live foal was 1.78 ± 0.12, including foal heat ovulation. Leptin was correlated with BCS (0.41; P < 0.001), but in the present study, plasma leptin concentrations on late gestation and early lactation did not influence fertility results. At 90 days of age, lower growth performances were obtained in foals which dams presented negative BCS changes on the first 3 months of lactation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BC changes at early postpartum period influence the reproductive efficiency of broodmares and the growth of their suckling foals. These findings are important to help breeders on management options concerning feeding strategies in the Lusitano production systems and others under similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Fradinho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M J Correia
- Coudelaria de Alter, Tapada do Arneiro, Alter-do-Chão, Portugal
| | - V Grácio
- Coudelaria de Alter, Tapada do Arneiro, Alter-do-Chão, Portugal
| | | | - A Farrim
- Companhia das Lezírias, Porto Alto, Portugal
| | - L Mateus
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - W Martin-Rosset
- INRA, Centre de Recherche de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, Saint Genes Champanelle, France
| | - R J B Bessa
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R M Caldeira
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - G Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Naturally and stimulated levels of reactive oxygen species in cooled stallion semen destined for artificial insemination. Animal 2014; 8:1706-14. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731114001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Meliani S, Benallou B, Halbouche M, Haddouche Z. Time of foaling in Arabian mares raised in Tiaret, Algeria. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2013; 3:587-8. [PMID: 23835758 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(13)60120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To enhance effectiveness of reproduction management in Arabian mares, factors influencing the time of foaling were investigated in this study. METHODS Data were collected at the National Haras of Tiaret in Algeria from 2003 to 2010. The foaling time of 255 Arabian pure bred mares, aged from 3 to 20 years were used for this study. RESULTS A total of 78.07% of foaling happens between 7 pm and 6 am. CONCLUSIONS The influence of the month of foaling and the sex of the foal, on the time of foaling was statically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Meliani
- Master of Reproduction Sciences, Veterinary Institute, University of Tiaret, 14000 Algeria
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WHITTAKER S, SULLIVAN S, AUEN S, PARKIN TDH, MARR CM. The impact of birthweight on mare health and reproductive efficiency, and foal health and subsequent racing performance. Equine Vet J 2012:26-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Egenvall A, Nødtvedt A, Roepstorff L, Bonnett B. Integrating databases for research on health and performance in small animals and horses in the Nordic countries. Acta Vet Scand 2011; 53 Suppl 1:S4. [PMID: 21999438 PMCID: PMC3194123 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-53-s1-s4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In a world of limited resources, using existing databases in research is a potentially cost-effective way to increase knowledge, given that correct and meaningful results are gained.Nordic examples of the use of secondary small animal and equine databases include studies based on data from tumour registries, breeding registries, young horse quality contest results, competition data, insurance databases, clinic data, prescription data and hunting ability tests. In spite of this extensive use of secondary databases, integration between databases is less common. The aim of this presentation is to briefly review key papers that exemplify different ways of utilizing data from multiple sources, to highlight the benefits and limitations of the approaches, to discuss key issues/challenges that must be addressed when integrating data and to suggest future directions. Data from pedigree databases have been individually merged with competition data and young horse quality contest data, and true integration has also been done with canine insurance data and with equine clinical data. Data have also been merged on postal code level; i.e. insurance data were merged to a digitized map of Sweden and additional meteorological information added. In addition to all the data quality and validity issues inherent in the use of a single database, additional obstacles arise when combining information from several databases. Loss of individuals due to incorrect or mismatched identifying information can be considerable. If there are any possible biases affecting whether or not individuals can be properly linked, misinformation may result in a further reduction in power. Issues of confidentiality may be more difficult to address across multiple databases. For example, human identity information must be protected, but may be required to ensure valid merging of data. There is a great potential to better address complex issues of health and disease in companion animals and horses by integrating information across existing databases. The challenges outlined in this article should not preclude the ongoing pursuit of this approach.
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Sairanen J, Katila T, Virtala AM, Ojala M. Effects of racing on equine fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 124:73-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Morrell JM, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Practical applications of sperm selection techniques as a tool for improving reproductive efficiency. Vet Med Int 2010; 2011:894767. [PMID: 20814435 PMCID: PMC2929515 DOI: 10.4061/2011/894767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern biotechnologies are used extensively in the animal breeding industry today. Therefore, it is essential that sperm handling procedures do not modulate the normal physiological mechanisms occurring in the female reproductive tract. In this paper, the different selection mechanisms occurring in vivo are described briefly, together with their relevance to artificial insemination, followed by a detailed description of the different selection processes used in reproductive biotechnologies. These selection methods included fractionated semen collection, cryopreservation, biomimetic sperm selection, selection based on hyaluronic acid binding, and last, but not least, sperm sex selection. Biomimetic sperm selection for AI or for cryopreservation could improve pregnancy rates and help to reverse the decline in fertility seen in several domestic species over the recent decades. Similarly, selection for hyaluronic acid binding sites may enable the most mature spermatozoa to be selected for IVF or ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. M. Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences-SLU, Box 7054, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - H. Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
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