Equine sperm-bound antisperm antibodies are associated with poor semen quality
The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of ASA-positive semen samples in satisfactory and non-satisfactory breeder stallions, the association between ASA binding and semen quality, and factors that may affect the diagnosis. Breeding soundness examinations were performed in 21 stallions and the percentage of IgG- and IgA-bound spermatozoa was evaluated using flow cytometry. Median IgG and IgA binding did not differ between the first and second ejaculates. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - June 1, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: M.S. Ferrer, L.M.J. Miller Source Type: research
Electrostimulation is an effective and safe method for semen collection in medium-sized lizards
The development of safe and consistent semen collection protocols should be ensured to understand basic sperm parameters of a species. Electroejaculation has been hypothesized and tested to be a safe method to evaluate male reproductive potential in wild animals. However, little is known about semen collection protocols in lizards. Adjusting stimulation to species and body mass is important for efficient semen collection as well as for animal welfare. Tropidurus spinulosus is a good model to adapt electrostimulation; it is a medium-sized lizard species, males have semen during a long period and operative sex ratio is male-...
Source: Theriogenology - June 1, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Guadalupe L ópez Juri, Margarita Chiaraviglio, Gabriela Cardozo Source Type: research
Membrane receptor-independent inhibitory effect of melatonin on androgen production in porcine theca cells
Excessive secretion of androgens including androstenedione and testosterone in theca cells frequently causes female infertility in mammals. Melatonin is a potent inhibitor of androgen production in gonadal cells of several species in a membrane receptor-dependent manner. However, the function of melatonin in steroidogenesis of porcine theca cells remains unclear. Here we report that melatonin inhibits androgen biosynthesis independently of its membrane receptors in pigs. Using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR we showed that the vast majority of cells isolated from the theca layer of antral follicles are indeed...
Source: Theriogenology - June 1, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Heng Wang, Yong Pu, Lei Luo, Yunsheng Li, Yunhai Zhang, Zubing Cao Source Type: research
Computed tomographic pelvimetry in English bulldogs
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the pelvic dimensions of 40 clinically healthy English bulldogs using computed tomography pelvimetry. A control group consisting of 30 non-brachycephalic dogs that underwent pelvic computed tomography was retrospectively collected from the patient archive system. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 31, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tetyda P. Dobak, George Voorhout, Johannes C.M. Vernooij, Susanne A.E.B. Boroffka Source Type: research
Pig StAR: mRNA expression and alternative splicing in testis and Leydig cells, and association analyses with testicular morphology traits
Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), primarily expressed in Leydig cells (LCs) in the mammalian testes, is essential for testosterone biosynthesis and male fertility. However, no previous reports have explored the expression profiles, alternative splicing and genetic variations of StAR gene in pig. The aim of current study was to explore the expression profiles in different tissues and different types of testicular cells (LCs; spermatogonial stem cells, SSCs; Sertoli cells, SCs), to identify different splice variants and their expression levels, as well as to detect the indel polymorphism in pig StAR gene. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Yanghai Zhang, Yang Cui, Xuelian Zhang, Yimin Wang, Jiayang Gao, Ting Yu, Xiaoyan Lv, Chuanying Pan Source Type: research
BMP15 Regulates AMH Expression via the p38 MAPK Pathway in Granulosa Cells from Goat
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), a member of the TGF- β superfamily, is produced by granulosa cells (GCs) of preantral and small antral follicles and plays a role in regulating the recruitment of primordial follicles and the FSH-dependent development of follicles. However, the regulation of AMH expression in follicles remains poorly understood. The ob jectives of this study were to determine the following: 1. the association between bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and AMH; 2. whether BMP15 can regulate the expression of AMH by inhibiting the p38 MAPK pathway; and 3. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Zhongquan Zhao, Fangyue Guo, Xiaowei Sun, Qijie He, Zinuo Dai, Xiaochuan Chen, Yongju Zhao, Jian Wang Source Type: research
Effect of mature size and body condition of Nelore females on the reproductive performance
The size and body condition of cows can affect their reproductive efficiency. However, few studies reported genetic correlations between these traits in beef cattle. Thus, we estimated the genetic parameters and correlations between weight (MW), height (MH) and body condition score (BCS) of cows and reproductive traits (SC: scrotal circumference, AFC: age at first calving, GL: gestation length, DC: days to calving, and CI: calving interval) in Nelore animals. In addition, it has also obtained direct and correlated responses aiming at determining whether changes in cow size and body condition may affect the herd reproductiv...
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: V.V. Lacerda, G.S. Campos, V.M. Roso, F.R.P. Souza, C.C. Brauner, A.A. Boligon Source Type: research
Evaluation of a modified GnRH-based timed-AI protocol associated with estrus detection in beef heifers inseminated with sex-selected or conventional semen
This study also determined if the expression of estrus before timed-AI (TAI) would be associated with increased P/AI in acyclic heifers inseminated with conventional semen. Heifers (n = 1690; 320-523 kg of body weight, and 13-15 mo of age) at three locations over 2 years were scanned by ultrasonography to determine cyclicity (presence of luteal tissue) and reproductive tract normalcy. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: M.G. Colazo, P. Whittaker, K. Macmillan, D. Bignell, G. Boender, R. de Carvalho Guimaraes, R.J. Mapletoft Source Type: research
Association of production diseases with motor activity-sensing devices and milk progesterone concentrations in dairy cows
We have previously established that the efficiency of identifying oestrus with activity-sensing devices can be compromised by common production diseases; the present study was undertaken to determine how these diseases may affect device readings. A total of 67 Holstein-Friesian cows,>20 days postpartum, were equipped with activity-sensing neck collars and pedometers, and simultaneous twice a week milk progesterone profiles were also monitored. The influences of common production stressors on maximum activity and progesterone values were analysed. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: J. Williams, T. Ntallaris, J.E. Routly, D.N. Jones, J. Cameron, A. Holman-Coates, R.F. Smith, P. Humblot, H. Dobson Source Type: research
Hormonal Stimulation In 4 TO 7 Months Old Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) Females Improved Ovarian Follicular Responses But Not The In Vitro Embryo Production
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an induced hormonal stimulation on the serum concentrations of Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and FSH, ovarian responses, ovum pick up (OPU), and in vitro produced embryos (IVP) from oocytes obtained from four- to seven-months old Nelore female cattle. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tha ís Abrita Zacarias, Taynan Stonoga Kawamoto, João Ricardo Scaliante, Ana Luisa Silva Guimarães, Maurício Machaim Franco, Ricardo Alamino Figueiredo Source Type: research
Temporal relationships of GH, IGF-I and fructosamine concentrations in pregnant Spanish Purebred mares: a substantial contribution from the hormonal standpoint
Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) exert essential functions to maintain an adequate metabolic activity for correct placental and fetal development. Although fructosamine (FRUCT) is used in clinical evaluation to assess the glycaemic state, the relationships between GH, IGF-I and FRUCT remain unknown in the mare. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationships among these parameters in pregnant mares. A total of 30 healthy Spanish Purebred mares, with an age range of 9.33 ± 3.31 years, were studied during the 11 months of gestation. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: K. Satu é, M. Marcilla, P. Medica, C. Cravana, E. Fazio Source Type: research
Use of ultrasonographic fetometry for the estimation of days to kidding in dairy does
The objective of this study was to predict the number of days to kidding in dairy goats by ultrasonographic measurement of three consecutive ribs and intercostal spaces or trunk diameter of fetuses. Two groups of primiparous and multiparous goats were examined by transabdominal ultrasonography. Actual kidding date was used to compute the true number of days to kidding relative to the ultrasound examination day. Linear regression models were built to predict days to kidding based on fetal measurements, parity, and number of kids. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 30, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: V éronique Bernier Gosselin, Dietrich H. Volkmann, Simon Dufour, John R. Middleton Source Type: research
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Source: Theriogenology - May 27, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research
Effect of breed on testicular blood flow dynamics in bulls
The evaluation of testicular hemodynamics can contribute significantly to the understanding of the thermoregulatory mechanisms and oxygen supply of the testis in domestic animals. The present study aimed to characterize circulatory dynamics using the mean velocity (MV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) of the supratesticular artery in bulls. We evaluated 334 bulls of five different breeds (Nelore, Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Braford and Brangus) by performing a velocimetry analysis using Doppler ultrasonography. (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 26, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Fl ávio Antônio Barca Junior, Celso Koetz Junior, Patrícia da Cruz Fávaro, Gabriel Ribas Pereira, Fábio Morotti, Silvio Renato Oliveira Menegassi, Júlio Otávio Jardim Barcellos, Marcelo Marcondes Seneda Source Type: research
Cytoplast source influences development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos in vitro but not their development to term after transfer to synchronized recipients in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Studies were conducted to evaluate the adequate time for exposure of donor nucleus to oocyte cytoplast before its activation and the effect of oocyte source on the development of SCNT embryos in camels. A higher number of embryos cleaved and developed to blastocyst stage (P (Source: Theriogenology)
Source: Theriogenology - May 25, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Nisar A. Wani, Seungbum Hong, Binoy S. Vettical Source Type: research
