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Diaz-Miranda EA, Penitente-Filho JM, Gomez-Leon VE, Neto TM, Guimarães SF, Siqueira JB, Guimarães JD. Selection based on the Breeding Soundness Evaluation is associated with the improvement of the reproductive quality of young Nellore bulls. Theriogenology 2024; 226:369-377. [PMID: 38970923 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.032] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is the best methodology to estimate the fertility potential of future bulls and performing indirect selection for their fertility. However, the outcome of the BSE is influenced by several factors, including genetics, environment, and BSE guidelines. Herein, in this retrospective study, our first aim was to characterize the reasons for failure in 46,566 BSE from 2-year-old beef Bos indicus bulls (Nellore) born from 1997 to 2018. Our second aim was to determine whether or not BSE was associated with reproductive potential improvement of the bulls over the years. Due to changes in the BSE criteria, we used the same dataset, but only bulls born from 2002 to 2018 were included resulting in 35,856 BSE. For the second aim, the effect of the year and farm were included in the model of the multivariate logistic regression. We also determined if the main reasons for BSE failure decreased over time. Bulls were classified as approved (satisfactory potential breeders and qualified for natural breeding service) and not approved (deferred and unsatisfactory potential breeders). The reasons for BSE failure in Nellore bulls were poor semen quality (53.1 %) and physical defects (46.9 %), with the main physical defect being testis abnormalities (19.7 %). The overall percentage of bulls approved each year was 87.1 %, with no improvement over the years of study. However, the percentage of approved bulls at the first BSE increased over the years (P < 0.05). This increase was evident by a reduction in the difference between the overall percentage of the bulls approved vs the percentage of bulls approved at the first BSE. Furthermore, there was an increase in the percentage of bulls classified as satisfactory potential breeders in the BSE and an evident decrease in the percentage of bulls qualified only for natural breeding service (P < 0.05). In addition, an increase of the scrotal circumference (SC) of the herd was found (P < 0.05). These results indicate the overall quality of the bulls improved over the years. To associate and identify the main sperm abnormalities, 3461 not approved bulls were clustered. The most frequent defects were strongly coiled tail spermatozoa, proximal droplets, and acrosomal defects. Overall, there was no change in the frequency of bulls not approved by the sperm morphology nor the frequency of the main sperm abnormalities over the years. Nevertheless, the frequency of the defects remained very low, implying they were controlled. Additionally, abnormalities in the testis decreased over the years and was associated with the increase in the SC of the herd and a decrease of culled bulls due to low SC. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that there is an association between implementation and use of BSE with improvements in the reproductive quality of future generation bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Andres Diaz-Miranda
- Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | | | - Victor E Gomez-Leon
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | | | | | - Jeanne Broch Siqueira
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal Dos Vales Do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Araya-Zúñiga I, Sevilla F, Molina-Montero R, Roldan ERS, Barrientos-Morales M, Silvestre MA, Valverde A. Kinematic and Morphometric Assessment of Fresh Semen, before, during and after Mating Period in Brahman Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 38200863 PMCID: PMC10778289 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of Brahman bulls evaluated with a commercial CASA system. The experiment was carried out at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology from March to August 2021. A total of eight Brahman bulls were used. A total of 28 ejaculates were collected in the pre-mating period (PMP), during it (DMP), and after it (AMP) using an electroejaculator. The sperm concentration was measured with the Accuread photometer. The motility was measured using a Spermtrack® counting chamber. The analyses were performed with the CASA-Mot ISAS®v1 system. The morphology was analyzed using a microscope with a negative phase contrast objective. Morphometry was evaluated with the CASA-Morph. The sperm concentration did not present differences between the PMP and AMP; however, it was significantly higher than DMP (p > 0.05). Regarding the progressiveness variables, linearity on forward progression (LIN), straightness (STR), and wobble (WOB) were higher (p < 0.05) DMP. A kinematic principal component analysis grouped all the variables into three factors and an effect on the reproductive period was found (p < 0.05) in the parameters of the head and middle part of the sperm, such as width and perimeter, which were greater in the PMP. The length of the sperm head in the PMP and DMP did not show differences; however, both were larger (p < 0.05) than AMP. The insertion distance of the middle piece of the sperm was significantly greater than DMP. Finally, the PMP contained cells with a larger insertion angle (p < 0.05) than AMP. These findings are important to understand the implications of reproductive status on sperm quality and to consider them in andrological evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Araya-Zúñiga
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Francisco Sevilla
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
- Natural Sciences for Development (DOCINADE), Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica
| | - Rafael Molina-Montero
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Manuel Barrientos-Morales
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Veracruz, Veracruz CP 91710, Mexico;
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Campus Burjassot, University of Valencia, C/Dr Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela 223-21002, Costa Rica; (I.A.-Z.); (F.S.); (R.M.-M.)
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Pichardo-Matamoros D, Sevilla F, Elizondo-Salazar J, Jiménez-Sánchez C, Roldan ERS, Soler C, Gacem S, Valverde A. Exploration of semen quality analyzed by casa-mot systems of brahman bulls infected with BLV and BHV-1. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18659. [PMID: 37907654 PMCID: PMC10618460 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45981-9] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzootic bovine leukosis virus (BLV) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) are very important infectious agents for the livestock industry worldwide. The present study aimed to explore the association between natural exposure to BLV and BHV-1 with sperm quality analyzed by Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) systems. Ten sexually mature Brahman bulls, with sanitary status BLV+/BHV-1+ (n = 2), BLV-/BHV-1+ (n = 6) and BLV-/BHV-1- (n = 2) were evaluated twice, 30 days apart. Results showed that sanitary status of each bull was not associated with semen quality. It was found that the quality of the semen from the second collection was better due to the interruption of sexual rest. The evidence thus revealed that a bull infected with BLV generated good-quality contaminated semen and, therefore, that it is essential to detect contaminated seminal samples to prevent the spread of BLV. A multivariate analysis showed the presence of four sperm subpopulations in Brahman bulls that differ significantly in their kinematic patterns and with respect to sanitary status (P < 0.05), indicating that infection-free and seronegative bulls present the best kinematic parameters, which improved discrimination of sperm quality according to sanitary status. Overall, the analyses indicate that the seropositive-infected bulls with BLV and BHV-1 should be excluded from beef cattle farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derling Pichardo-Matamoros
- National Agrarian University, Juigalpa Campus, Chontales, 55000, Nicaragua
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Costa Rica, 11501, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Francisco Sevilla
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela, 223-21002, Costa Rica
| | - Jorge Elizondo-Salazar
- Faculty of Agri-Food Sciences, Alfredo Volio Mata Experimental Station, University of Costa Rica, 30304, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Sánchez
- Tropical Diseases Research Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine School, National University of Costa Rica, Benjamín Núñez Campus, 40101, Barreal de Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Campus Burjassot, C/Dr Moliner, 50, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Gacem
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Campus Burjassot, C/Dr Moliner, 50, 46100, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus UAB, Edifici V, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica Institute of Technology, San Carlos Campus, Alajuela, 223-21002, Costa Rica.
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Bremer J, Heringstad B, Morrell JM, Kommisrud E. Novel interpretation of sperm stress test and morphology for maturity assessment of young Norwegian Red bulls. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 253:107261. [PMID: 37267747 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of genomic selection significantly reduces the age of dairy bulls entering semen production compared to progeny testing. The study aimed to identify early indicators that could be used for screening bulls during their performance testing period and could give us insight into their future semen production performance, acceptance for the AI station, and prediction of their future fertility. The study population consisted of 142 young Norwegian Red bulls enrolled at the performance test station, followed until we received semen production data, semen doses, and, subsequently, non-return rates (NR56) from the AI station. A range of semen quality parameters were measured with computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry from ejaculates collected from 65 bulls (9-13 months). The population morphometry of normal spermatozoa was examined, showing that Norwegian Red bulls at 10 months of age have homogenous sperm morphometry. Norwegian Red bulls could be separated into 3 clusters according to their sperm's reaction patterns to stress test and cryopreservation. Results of semi-automated morphology assessment of young Norwegian Red bulls showed that 42% of bulls rejected for the AI station and 18% of bulls accepted had ejaculates with abnormal morphology scores. For the youngest age group at 10 months, the mean (SD) proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology was 77.5% (10.6). Using novel interpretation of sperm stress test combined with sperm morphology analysis and consecutive cryopreservation at a young age allowed identification of the candidate's sperm quality status. This could help breeding companies introduce young bulls earlier to the AI stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bremer
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.
| | - Bjørg Heringstad
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway; Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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Bollwein H, Malama E. Review: Evaluation of bull fertility. Functional and molecular approaches. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100795. [PMID: 37567681 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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