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Quirino MW, Schultz C, Franz MDPD, Lucia T, Martelli A, Gonçalves PBD, Ulguim RDR, Gasperin BG, Bianchi I. Use of chorionic gonadotropins during lactation to optimize postpartum sow reproductive performance: a review. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230118. [PMID: 39021498 PMCID: PMC11253785 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Treating lactating sows with chorionic gonadotropins may allow controlling their post-weaning reproductive function, despite the occurrence of anestrous during lactation. This article reviews the potential effectiveness of treatment with both equine and human chorionic gonadotropins (eCG and hCG, respectively) during lactation on the control of estrus expression and ovulation in weaned sows. The use of 1,000 IU hCG at 24 and 48 h postpartum may induce ovulation in the treated sows, but the ovulation rate may be variable. Pregnancy rates may be improved with combined treatment after the second week of lactation with both chorionic gonadotropins: 1,500 IU eCG plus 500 - 1,000 hCG; or 1,000 IU eCG plus 1,000 IU hCG. Treatment with eCG (1,000 - 2,000 IU) at the end of lactation may result in acceptable estrus expression and ovulation rates, although with marginal benefit for pregnancy rates. The subsequent response to treatments with chorionic gonadotropins during lactation is likely influenced by the treatment period, the suckling frequency during lactation, and the boar exposure during the weaning-to-estrus interval. A better understanding of the efficiency of such steroid-free treatments is increasingly relevant due to the constraints of the use of steroid hormones in livestock reproductive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monike Willemin Quirino
- Mestrado Profissional em Produção e Sanidade Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
| | - Carolini Schultz
- Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Produção Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
| | | | - Thomaz Lucia
- Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
| | - Arthur Martelli
- Mestrado Profissional em Produção e Sanidade Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
| | | | - Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
- Setor de Suínos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Bernardo Garziera Gasperin
- Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
| | - Ivan Bianchi
- Mestrado Profissional em Produção e Sanidade Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Produção Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
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Liu K, Xu X, Song Y, Xiao L, Wen J, Ding H, Zhao S, Qiao D, Zhang B, Niu A, Bai J, Liu Y. Effect of altrenogest treatment before weaning on reproductive performance and production efficiency in primiparous and multiparous sows. Porcine Health Manag 2024; 10:25. [PMID: 38971810 PMCID: PMC11227700 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-024-00377-7] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most sows will experience negative energy balance during lactation resulting in impaired follicular development. This study aimed to treat 28-day lactating sows with altrenogest (ALT) to suppress follicle enlargement during lactation, and to assess the estrus and reproductive performance post-weaning. METHODS In this study, we conducted two trials. In trial 1, we monitored the follicular development of lactating sows including 10 primiparous sows and 10 multiparous sows during the whole lactation to confirm the ALT administration time. In trial 2, a total of 42 primiparous and 111 multiparous sows were allocated to three treatments: Ctrl (control group, n = 51): no treatment; TAI (timed artificial insemination group, n = 51): sows were injected with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) after weaning 24 h and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) when they expressed estrus; and AT-TAI (ALT treatment-timed artificial insemination group, n = 51): base on the process of TAI group, the sows were fed with 20 mg ALT per day before weaning 10 days. All sows were artificially inseminated twice at 12 h and 36 h after estrus. The follicle size changes and serum hormone levels were explored in this process. RESULTS Although the follicle size of multiparous sows was larger than primiparous sows during the whole lactation (P < 0.05), similar change trends of follicle size were observed in primiparous and multiparous sows. Meanwhile, the FSH, LH and E2 levels of multiparous sows were higher than primiparous sows. The ALT treatment significantly inhibits the increase in follicle size (P < 0.05) and reduces the serum levels of FSH, LH and E2 (P > 0.05). Additionally, ALT treatment increases estrus concentration and the preovulatory follicle size (P < 0.05), meanwhile, it delays the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI, P < 0.001). However, the estrus rate, pregnancy rate, total pigs born and born alive did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS There were significant differences in the size of follicles in the lactation between primiparous and multiparous sows. ALT treatment during the last ten days of lactation concentrated estrus expression leading to higher work efficiency of breeder in batch production, however, with no improvement in reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexiong Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yuqing Song
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Linli Xiao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Junhui Wen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Haiquan Ding
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Shuxin Zhao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Dongliang Qiao
- Development Center of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Beijing Zhongyu Pig Breeding Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100194, China
| | - Aihua Niu
- Beijing Zhongyu Pig Breeding Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100194, China
| | - Jiahua Bai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
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3
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Bortolozzo FP, Zanin GP, Christ TS, Rech RD, da Rosa Ulguim R, Mellagi APG. Artificial insemination and optimization of the use of seminal doses in swine. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107501. [PMID: 38782677 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The optimization of processes associated with artificial insemination (AI) is of great importance for the success of the pig industry. Over the last two decades, great reproductive performance has been achieved, making further significant progress limited. Optimizing the AI program, however, is essential to the pig industry's sustainability. Thus, the aim is not only to reduce the number of sperm cells used per estrous sow but also to improve some practical management in sow farms and boar studs to transform the high reproductive performance to a more efficient program. As productivity is mainly influenced by the number of inseminated sows, guaranteeing a constant breeding group and with healthy animals is paramount. In the AI studs, all management must ensure conditions to the health of the boars. Some strategies have been proposed and discussed to achieve these targets. A constant flow of high-quality and well-managed breeding groups, quality control of semen doses produced, more reliable technology in the laboratory routine, removal of less fertile boars, the use of intrauterine AI, the use of a single AI with control of estrus and ovulation (fixed-time AI), estrus detection based on artificial intelligence technologies, and optimization regarding the use of semen doses from high genetic-indexed boars are some strategies in which improvement is sought. In addition to these new approaches, we must revisit the processes used in boar studs, semen delivery network, and sow farm management for a more efficient AI program. This review discusses the challenges and opportunities in adopting some technologies to achieve satisfactory reproductive performance and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Piovesan Zanin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Thaís Spohr Christ
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dalmina Rech
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 91540-000, Brazil
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Formoso-Rafferty N, El-Ouazizi El-Kahia L, Arias-Álvarez M, Gutiérrez JP, Cervantes I. Embryo survival and fertility differ in lines divergently selected for birth weight homogeneity in mice. J Anim Breed Genet 2023; 140:549-557. [PMID: 37150976 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The selection of animals for lower environment sensitivity around the optimum trait value can also provide benefits in productivity and welfare. A divergent selection experiment for birth weight environmental variability in mice was successfully conducted over 17 generations. Animals from low variability selected line (L-line) were more robust by having a higher litter size and survival at weaning in a common breeding environment, than those from high variability line (H-line). The objective of this study was to analyze the differences between those divergently selected lines for embryo and fetal survival and for fertility and prolificacy rate. To study embryo survival and ovulation rate, a total of 98 females (34 H-line and 50 L-line) were studied in four generations of the divergent experiment. To analyze fetal survival and fertility rate, 378 female mice (138 H-line and 240 L-line) in 10 generations or the divergent experiment were studied. Ultrasound scans were performed at day 14 of gestation to establish the number of total fetal and the embryo absorptions. Mortality was addressed as the difference between litter size at birth and the number of fetuses at 14 days of gestation. The number of pregnant females in the first 3 days after mating was used to measure fertility. A linear model was also fitted to analyze embryo mortality, litter size, and the number of embryos at 14 days of gestation. A categorical model was then used to study fertility, including line, generation, and its interaction as effects. Despite the fact that there were no significant differences in the ovulation rate, litter size at birth was significantly higher in the L-line than in the H-line (9.82 vs. 8.36 pups, p < 0.001). Moreover, embryo mortality was significantly lower in the L-line than in the H-line (1.39 vs. 2.87 fetuses, p < 0.001). L-line females were more fertile (53.49% vs. 23.26% for the H-line). According to these results, the line selected for low environmental variance would be preferable for robustness and animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Formoso-Rafferty
- Departamento de Producción Agraria, E.T.S. Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laila El-Ouazizi El-Kahia
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Arias-Álvarez
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Cervantes
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Knox RV. Follicle development in pigs: State of the art. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:480-490. [PMID: 35642618 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23576] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the factors and pathways involved with recruitment, atresia, and selection of follicles in the pig, may provide insight into approaches to limit fertility failures. Antral follicles depend upon FSH to the 2-3 mm stage, become codependent upon LH at 4-5 mm, and rely on LH when >5 mm. Within the follicle, gonadotropin binding, steroids, growth factors, and inhibin interact to determine the fate of the follicle. Continuous recruitment appears likely for follicles, and once >1 mm, they may have a limited period for survival, before selection or atresia. If true, then the number of healthy follicles that can respond to a hormone signal for selection, could vary by size and development stage. Which follicles are selected may depend upon their age, numbers of capillaries, granulosa and thecal cells, and FSH and LH receptors. This might also suggest that factors such as management, nutrition, and stress in prior weeks, could affect different cohorts of follicles to determine which of those from the ovarian population will be selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert V Knox
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, USA
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6
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Kim HD, Kim YJ, Jang M, Bae SG, Yun SH, Lee MR, Seo YR, Cho JK, Kim SJ, Lee WJ. Heat Stress during Summer Attenuates Expression of the Hypothalamic Kisspeptin, an Upstream Regulator of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, in Domestic Sows. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2967. [PMID: 36359090 PMCID: PMC9657376 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The release of reproductive hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is regulated by its upstream regulator, kisspeptin, and influenced by external stresses, including heat stress. Since the effect of heat stress (summer infertility) on hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in domestic sows is not yet understood, the present study attempted to identify changes in kisspeptin expression in different seasons (summer and spring). The high atmospheric temperature in summer decreased the pregnancy rate and litter size and increased stress-related hormones as a chronic stressor to domestic sows. The hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in summer was decreased regardless of the estrus phase and negatively correlated with atmospheric temperature, indicating that high temperature decreased kisspeptin. When the activity of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons in the follicular phase was assessed using c-Fos staining, a decreased number of kisspeptin neurons coexpressing c-Fos was observed in domestic sows in summer. Accordingly, lower expression of kisspeptin induced decreased levels of HPG axis-related reproductive hormones, such as gonadotropins and estrogen, and fewer large ovarian follicles. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that reduced kisspeptin expression and its neuronal activity in the hypothalamus under heat stress in summer induced downregulation of the HPG axis and caused summer infertility in domestic sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan-Deuk Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Department of Veterinary Research, Daegu Metropolitan City Institute of Health & Environment, Daegu 42183, Korea
| | - Young-Jong Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Min Jang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Seul-Gi Bae
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Yun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Mi-Ree Lee
- Department of Veterinary Research, Daegu Metropolitan City Institute of Health & Environment, Daegu 42183, Korea
| | - Yong-Ryul Seo
- Department of Veterinary Research, Daegu Metropolitan City Institute of Health & Environment, Daegu 42183, Korea
| | - Jae-Keun Cho
- Department of Veterinary Research, Daegu Metropolitan City Institute of Health & Environment, Daegu 42183, Korea
| | - Seung-Joon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Institute of Equine Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Won-Jae Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Institute of Equine Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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Riddersholm KV, Bahnsen I, Bruun TS, de Knegt LV, Amdi C. Identifying Risk Factors for Low Piglet Birth Weight, High Within-Litter Variation and Occurrence of Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Piglets in Hyperprolific Sows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092731. [PMID: 34573697 PMCID: PMC8468730 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Piglet mortality is an ongoing concern for pig production worldwide. Piglets that have a low piglet birth weight (PBW), suffer from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or are born from litters with a high within-litter variation in PBW (CVPBW) have an increased risk of dying before weaning. IUGR piglets, CVPBW and a low PBW might be connected by the same risk factors, and in order to optimize fetal development in the litter, these risk factors should be identified. Free-access stall feeding, floor feeding and electronic sow feeding systems are commonly used feeding systems for gestating sows in Denmark. These systems differ in several points, including in sow competition at feeding. The nutritional status of the sow is important for fetal development, and so the feeding method during gestation is also expected to affect such development. Of the risk factors identified in this study, increasing litter size was considered the most critical. Only small differences were found between the feeding systems and these differed amongst groups. The results should inspire further investigation of those risk factors to clarify causes of the observed effects and what drives individual herd differences. Abstract This study aimed to identify risk factors affecting PBW, high CVPBW and the occurrence of IUGR piglets in 12 commercial Danish herds with hyperprolific sows using free-access stalls, floor or electronic sow feeding systems in the gestation unit. The following factors were investigated: the duration of previous lactation, the length of the interval from weaning to insemination, the length of gestation, litter size, parity, sow backfat thickness in late gestation and the type of feeding system in the gestation unit. The study included newborn piglets from 452 litters with the following production indicator averages: 21.3 piglets/L, 1235 g PBW, 22.9% CVPBW and 10.9% and 11.8% within-litter occurrence of severe and mild IUGR piglets, respectively. Increasing length of weaning-to-insemination interval decreased PBW by 25.8 g/day. For 2nd to 9th parity sows, each additional piglet in the litter increased CVPBW by 0.38%, the occurrence of severe IUGR piglets by 0.68% and mild IUGR piglets by 0.50%. Sows of 5th parity and older had a 1.39% higher CVPBW and 49.1 g lighter piglets compared with sows of 2nd to 4th parity. PBW was lower in one ESF herd, suggesting complex interactions that need to be further elucidated. The main critical risk factor observed was litter size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina V. Riddersholm
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (K.V.R.); (I.B.); (L.V.d.K.)
| | - Ida Bahnsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (K.V.R.); (I.B.); (L.V.d.K.)
| | | | - Leonardo V. de Knegt
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (K.V.R.); (I.B.); (L.V.d.K.)
| | - Charlotte Amdi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (K.V.R.); (I.B.); (L.V.d.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Ran X, Hu F, Mao N, Ruan Y, Yi F, Niu X, Huang S, Li S, You L, Zhang F, Tang L, Wang J, Liu J. Differences in gene expression and variable splicing events of ovaries between large and small litter size in Chinese Xiang pigs. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:52. [PMID: 34470660 PMCID: PMC8411529 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00226-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although lots of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes present roles in litter size of some breeds, the information might not make it clear for the huge diversity of reproductive capability in pig breeds. To elucidate the inherent mechanisms of heterogeneity of reproductive capability in litter size of Xiang pig, we performed transcriptome analysis for the expression profile in ovaries using RNA-seq method. RESULTS We identified 1,419 up-regulated and 1,376 down-regulated genes in Xiang pigs with large litter size. Among them, 1,010 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were differently spliced between two groups with large or small litter sizes. Based on GO and KEGG analysis, numerous members of genes were gathered in ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis, oocyte maturation and reproduction processes. CONCLUSIONS Combined with gene biological function, twelve genes were found out that might be related with the reproductive capability of Xiang pig, of which, eleven genes were recognized as hub genes. These genes may play a role in promoting litter size by elevating steroid and peptide hormones supply through the ovary and facilitating the processes of ovulation and in vivo fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Ran
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Fengbin Hu
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Ning Mao
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Yiqi Ruan
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Fanli Yi
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Xi Niu
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Shihui Huang
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Sheng Li
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Longjiang You
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Fuping Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Liangting Tang
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiafu Wang
- College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China.
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
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9
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Pearodwong P, Tretipskul C, Panyathong R, Tummaruk P. Factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical environment. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1756-1763. [PMID: 33001514 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Follicle development and timing of ovulation are indicators of the reproductive performance of sows. The present study aimed to determine factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval (WOI) in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical climates with special emphasis on breed, parity and backfat thickness at weaning. In total, 80 sows were included in the study. Follicle development was determined by using transrectal real-time B-mode ultrasonography every 6 hr after standing oestrus. Weaning-to-oestrous interval (WEI), oestrous-to-ovulation interval (EOI), WOI and the diameter of graafian follicles were investigated in relation to breed, parity number (1, 2-3 and 4-7) and backfat thickness (low, moderate and high) of sows. Overall, WEI, EOI, WOI and the pre-ovulatory follicle diameter were 92.5 ± 21.6 hr, 64.3 ± 19.3 hr, 156.3 ± 29.1 hr and 10.3 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. Pre-ovulatory follicle size was smaller in primiparous sows compared with sows of greater parity, 4-7 (9.7 ± 0.51 and 11.7 ± 0.52 mm, respectively, p < .05). Weaning-to-ovulation interval was positively correlated with WEI (r = 0.75, p < .001) and EOI (r = 0.66, p < .001), but negatively correlated with size of the graafian follicle (r = -0.34, p < .01). Sows with a shorter WEI had a larger pre-ovulatory follicle diameter (at 64 hr after oestrus) (r = -0.37, p < .01). Sows with low backfat thickness had a WOI 23.4 hr longer than those with moderate backfat thickness (p < .05) and 17.6 hr longer than sows with a high backfat thickness (p = .140). The follicle diameter in primiparous sows with high backfat thickness (11.7 ± 1.1 mm) was higher than in those with low (8.9 ± 0.7 mm, p < .05) or moderate (8.6 ± 0.8, p < .05) backfat thickness. In conclusion, factors influencing follicle diameter and WOI in sows included parity number and backfat thickness at weaning. The impact of backfat thickness on follicle diameter, WEI and WOI was most pronounced in primiparous sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pachara Pearodwong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Swine Reproduction Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanyuth Tretipskul
- Department of Technology of Farm Management, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Padet Tummaruk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Swine Reproduction Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Lopes TP, Padilla L, Bolarin A, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J. Weaned Sows with Small Ovarian Follicles Respond Poorly to the GnRH Agonist Buserelin. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111979. [PMID: 33126684 PMCID: PMC7692150 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study evaluated the influence of mean ovarian follicle size and the season of weaning on the effectiveness of administering the GnRH agonist buserelin to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows. The results from 352 sows demonstrated that sows with small follicles (<0.5 cm in diameter) at treatment are poor responders, a condition more frequent among sows weaned in summer–autumn than in those weaned in winter–spring. Abstract The GnRH agonist buserelin (GnRH), used to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows, attains only 70–80% effectivity, owing to several reasons of ovarian origin. This study evaluated in particular whether mean ovarian follicle size at treatment and the season of weaning are among those influencing GnRH responsiveness. The experiment was carried out in a temperate-region farm with 352 sows of 1–6 parities weaned either in winter–spring (WS, 174 sows) or in summer–autumn (SA, 178 sows). The sows were randomized into two groups: GnRH (10 µg of buserelin acetate at 86 h after weaning, 172 sows) and control (180 sows). The ovaries were transrectally scanned from weaning to ovulation and the sows clustered according to their mean follicular size at treatment time: small (<0.5 cm in diameter), medium (0.5 to 0.64 cm) and large (0.65 to 1.09 cm). In total, 88.33% of the GnRH-treated sows ovulated, with 82% of them within the expected time window (120–132 h after weaning). In contrast, 95.45% of the unresponsive sows had small follicles at the time of treatment and were mostly weaned in SA (20.45%) than in WS (4.76%). In conclusion, the conspicuous presence of sows having small ovarian follicles at treatment time compromises the efficiency of the GnRH agonist buserelin to synchronize ovulation in weaned sows, which occurs more frequently in summer–autumn weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania P. Lopes
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (T.P.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (T.P.L.); (L.P.)
| | | | | | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (T.P.L.); (L.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-868-884-735
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Belstra BA, Willenburg KL, Gómez-López DH, Knox RV, Stewart KR. Effects of the number of sperm and site of uterine semen deposition on conception rate and the number of embryos in weaned sows receiving a single fixed-time insemination. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa260. [PMID: 32853338 PMCID: PMC7507410 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reducing the number of sperm needed to produce a litter with artificial insemination (AI) allows greater use of higher genetic merit boars. Induced ovulation with single fixed-time artificial insemination (SFTAI), combined with intrauterine (IUI) or deep uterine insemination (DUI), could improve fertility with low numbers of sperm. The objectives of the study were to determine the fertility effects of sperm numbers and the site of insemination. At weaning (0 h), sows (n = 534) were assigned by parity and estrus induction method (equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] or Control) to receive 1,200 × 106 sperm by IUI; 600, 300, or 150 × 106 sperm by IUI or DUI; or 75 × 106 sperm by DUI. At 80 h postweaning, sows received OvuGel and 26 h later a SFTAI using pooled semen. Sows were exposed to boars once daily and ultrasound was performed to determine follicle size and time of ovulation. Following SFTAI, sows were slaughtered 27 d after AI to determine pregnancy and litter traits. Data were analyzed using different models to test for effects of estrus induction, interaction of three levels of sperm (600 to 150) with two levels for site (IUI vs. DUI), and the overall effects of AI method (eight treatments). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of estrus induction on estrus (93%) within 5 d of weaning or on follicle size (6.1 mm) at OvuGel, but wean-to-estrus interval (3.8 vs. 4.0 d) was slightly reduced (P < 0.01) as was AI-to-ovulation interval (15.9 vs. 17.0 h, P = 0.04) for eCG and Control, respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of estrus induction on pregnancy rate (78.6%), number of corpora lutea (CL; 21.7), or number of viable embryos (12.2). There was no effect of number of sperm or site of insemination and no interaction (P > 0.05) on pregnancy rate (range: 80.9% to 70.5%), but AI occurring after ovulation reduced the pregnancy rate (P < 0.02). The total number of embryos (range: 16.5 to 10.3) was not affected by estrus induction, number of sperm, or site of insemination (P > 0.05), but was influenced by AI treatment (P < 0.01). Treatments with a higher number of sperm (1,200 and 600) had more embryos compared with those with a lower number of sperm (300 to 75). The numbers of embryos also increased with the number of CL (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that the lower number of sperm affects litter size more than the pregnancy status. Acceptable fertility can be achieved with low numbers of sperm when using a SFTAI and uterine deposition, but AI-to-ovulation interval and ovulation rate influence final fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert V Knox
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
| | - Kara R Stewart
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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