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Animals
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Technological Applications in Farm Animal Reproduction
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Technological Applications in Farm Animal Reproduction

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2025) | Viewed by 7286

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ioannis A. Tsakmakidis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: semen quality; pig; boar; rabbit
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reproductive performance is a key parameter for the economic efficiency of a livestock company. However, fertilization is affected by several seasonal-, environmental- and animal-related factors. Technological tools have been involved in the prognosis of animals’ subfertility to support the good reproductive management of farms. New diagnostic laboratory tests and protocols, imaging, infrared thermography, special software, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, antibiotic alternatives, sensors to measure animals’ physiological and environmental/climate variables, as well as other modern technological applications are assisting in improving reproductive performance.

The scope of this Special Issue is to make public information about technological applications concentrated on the improvement of reproductive efficiency; fertilizing capacity; and the prognosis of fertility.

We invite you to share your recent findings via this Special Issue.

Dr. Ioannis A. Tsakmakidis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 1374 KiB  
Article
Effect of Thawing Procedure and Thermo-Resistance Test on Sperm Motility and Kinematics Patterns in Two Bovine Breeds
by Juan M. Solís, Francisco Sevilla, Miguel A. Silvestre, Ignacio Araya-Zúñiga, Eduardo R. S. Roldan, Alejandro Saborío-Montero and Anthony Valverde
Animals 2024, 14(19), 2768; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192768 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1674
Abstract
This investigation aimed to analyze the effect that thawing time and temperature in combination with a termo-resistance test had on straws from dairy bulls used for artificial insemination (AI) on semen motility and kinematic variables measured with CASA systems. Eight animals of Holstein [...] Read more.
This investigation aimed to analyze the effect that thawing time and temperature in combination with a termo-resistance test had on straws from dairy bulls used for artificial insemination (AI) on semen motility and kinematic variables measured with CASA systems. Eight animals of Holstein and Jersey breeds were used, and nine frozen-thawed semen doses per animal were analyzed for each breed. Three temperatures (35, 37, and 40 °C) and three thawing times (35, 40, and 45 s) were evaluated using a factorial design. Motility and kinematic patterns were analyzed using CASA-mot (Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis of motility) technology at different post-thawing times (0.5, 1, and 2 h). Sperm motility in Jersey bulls was higher (p < 0.05) than in Holstein ones (64.52 ± 1.45% and 53.10 ± 1.40%, respectively). The same effect was seen with progressive motility among the two breeds (Jersey: 45.29 ± 1.00%; Holstein: 36.30 ± 0.98%, p < 0.05). The Jersey breed presented higher values (p < 0.05) of curvilinear velocity (VCL), rectilinear velocity (VSL), average velocity (VAP), linearity on forward progression (LIN), and wobble (WOB). The Holstein breed showed a lower mean value (p < 0.05) of the beat-cross frequency (BCF) compared to the Jersey breed, thus suggesting an effect on VCL and VAP. During the post-thaw period, a gradual increase in VCL was observed at 2 h. VSL and VAP showed a decrease (p < 0.05) as the post-thaw period was prolonged. The study showed differences in sperm quality between Holstein and Jersey breeds, influenced by cryopreservation, thawing, and post-thawing incubation. Thawing at 37 °C for 30 s was considered optimal in relation to sperm motility. In addition, a decrease in sperm quality was observed as post-thawing time increased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Applications in Farm Animal Reproduction)
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14 pages, 1578 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Pelvic Dimensions and Maximum Traction Forces Required during Parturition in Holstein Cows Using a Biomechanical Obstetric Simulator
by Angeliki Tsaousioti, Anastasia Praxitelous, Michail Patsikas, Meik Becker, Heinrich Bollwein, Constantin M. Boscos, Evangelos Kiossis and Georgios Tsousis
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132011 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 892
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the pelvic dimensions of Holstein cows on the traction forces during parturition. Additionally, the relationship between calf measurements and traction forces was explored. For this purpose, a modified in vitro biomechanical [...] Read more.
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the pelvic dimensions of Holstein cows on the traction forces during parturition. Additionally, the relationship between calf measurements and traction forces was explored. For this purpose, a modified in vitro biomechanical model simulating obstetric tractions was used. For the requirements of the experiment, six bone pelvises of deceased Holstein cows were collected based on their estimated pelvic inlet area (EPA) and prepared. Additionally, six stillborn calves were collected based on their body weight (BW). The parameters of the pelvic inlet and cavity were measured using computed tomography (CT). Using the simulator, every calf was pulled in a random order through all pelvises, realizing a total of 36 obstetrical tractions, and the required forces were documented with appropriate software. In each extraction, three peaks of forces were recorded, with the first peak occurring at the entrance of the elbows into the maternal pelvic cavity, the second peak at the entrance of the thorax, and the third at the entrance of the calf’s pelvis. Logistic regression revealed an exponential relationship between pelvic parameters and traction forces for the entrance of the elbows and the pelvis, with the recorded forces being higher in the two smallest pelvises and stabilizing at a lower level thereafter, while for the entrance of the thorax, the correlations were either exponential or linear. The adjusted coefficients of determination (r2) were generally above the threshold of 0.5 for the entrance of the elbows and pelvis and lower (0.3–0.4) regarding the thorax and were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in all cases. Regarding the relationships between the calf dimensions and the required traction forces, the types of correlations were primarily linear and of lower magnitude. The combination of pelvic and calf parameters in a multivariate model resulted in an r2 of 0.72 for the entrance of the elbows using the pelvic diagonal and calf’s body weight, an r2 of 0.62 using the pelvic area and calf’s thoracic circumference, and an r2 of 0.75 using the pelvic diagonal and calf’s fetlock joint width. In conclusion, under the conditions of the present experimentation, the applied traction forces were mainly influenced by the pelvic dimensions in an exponential manner, whereas the calf body measurements showed a weaker effect. Based on these findings, critical cut-off points exist, different for every pelvic parameter, below which a significant increase in the required traction forces is expected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Applications in Farm Animal Reproduction)
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Review

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23 pages, 686 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Monitoring Techniques Used to Detect Oestrus in Sows
by Dannielle Glencorse, Christopher G. Grupen and Roslyn Bathgate
Animals 2025, 15(3), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030331 - 24 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136
Abstract
The agricultural industries have embraced the use of technologies as they improve efficiency and food security. The pork industry is no exception to this, as monitoring techniques and artificial intelligence allow for unprecedented capacity to track the physiological and behavioural condition of individual [...] Read more.
The agricultural industries have embraced the use of technologies as they improve efficiency and food security. The pork industry is no exception to this, as monitoring techniques and artificial intelligence allow for unprecedented capacity to track the physiological and behavioural condition of individual animals. This article reviews a range of those technologies in reference to the detection of oestrus in sows, a time when the ability to precisely ascertain physiological and behavioural changes associated with fluctuating hormone levels can have an immense impact on the economic profitability of the farm. The strengths and weaknesses of each technique from a practical application perspective are discussed, followed by considerations for further research and refinement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Applications in Farm Animal Reproduction)
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34 pages, 1557 KiB  
Review
Boar Sperm Motility Assessment Using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis: Current Practices, Limitations, and Methodological Challenges
by Lenka Hackerova, Aneta Pilsova, Zuzana Pilsova, Natalie Zelenkova, Pavla Tymich Hegrova, Barbora Klusackova, Eva Chmelikova, Marketa Sedmikova, Ondrej Simonik and Pavla Postlerova
Animals 2025, 15(3), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030305 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Spermatozoa are highly specialized male cells that are characterized by a unique ability to move, which is a critical factor for successful fertilization. The relative simplicity of motility assessment, especially in livestock, has made it a widely used parameter for evaluating ejaculate quality [...] Read more.
Spermatozoa are highly specialized male cells that are characterized by a unique ability to move, which is a critical factor for successful fertilization. The relative simplicity of motility assessment, especially in livestock, has made it a widely used parameter for evaluating ejaculate quality or cryopreserved semen in the clinical field, and an advanced tool in reproductive physiology and toxicology research. Technological advances in image analysis and computational methods have substantially increased its accuracy through the use of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to minimize subjective bias in motility assessments. Nevertheless, this more objective method still presents some significant challenges, including variability in the sample preparation, imaging conditions, and analytical parameters. These issues contribute to inconsistency and impair the reproducibility and comparability of data between laboratories. The implementation of standardized protocols, combined with comprehensive training and rigorous evaluation, can serve to mitigate some of the emerging inconsistencies. In addition, the in vitro conditions under which CASA analyses are performed often differ significantly from the natural environment of the female reproductive tract in vivo. This review discusses the methodologies, critical issues, and limitations of sperm motility analyses using CASA, with a particular focus on the boar as an important agricultural and biomedical model species in which this system is widely used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Applications in Farm Animal Reproduction)
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20 pages, 2235 KiB  
Review
Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART): Impact of Mitochondrial (Dys)function and Antioxidant Therapy
by Filipa C. Ferreira, José Teixeira, Fernando Lidon, Fernando Cagide, Fernanda Borges and Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
Animals 2025, 15(3), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030289 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1099
Abstract
In the last decades, major changes in ecosystems related to industrial development and environmental modifications have had a direct impact on mammalian fertility, as well as on biodiversity. It is widely demonstrated that all these changes impair reproductive function. Several studies have connected [...] Read more.
In the last decades, major changes in ecosystems related to industrial development and environmental modifications have had a direct impact on mammalian fertility, as well as on biodiversity. It is widely demonstrated that all these changes impair reproductive function. Several studies have connected the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in mitochondria to the recently identified decline of fertility due to various factors, including heat stress. The study of antioxidants, and especially of mitochondria targeted antioxidants, has been focused on identifying more efficient and less toxic therapies that could circumvent fertility problems. These antioxidants can be derived from natural compounds in the diet and delivered to the mitochondria in more effective forms, providing a much more natural therapy. The use of mitochondriotropic diet-based antioxidants in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may be an important way to overcome low fertility, allowing the conservation of animal biodiversity and productivity. This paper provides a concise review of the current state of the art on this topic, with a particular focus on the antioxidants mitoquinone, AntiOxBEN2, AntiOxCIN4, urolithin A and piperine, and their effects on bovine and other animal species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Applications in Farm Animal Reproduction)
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