Metabolism and Reproduction in Animals

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 866

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone, 80137 Naples, Italy
Interests: biochemistry and cell biology; oxidative stress and antioxidants; one health; animal welfare; metabolism and reproduction
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolism and animal reproduction are closely interconnected, as the energy produced through metabolic processes plays a fundamental role in supporting reproductive functions. Metabolism provides energy necessary for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Specifically, it directly influences reproductive success by supplying the energy required for gamete production, pregnancy, lactation, and other reproductive activities. The balance between metabolic efficiency and reproductive function is critical for animal survival and evolutionary fitness. These two processes are deeply interrelated, and disturbances in one can significantly affect the other, compromising an animal’s reproductive ability. Oxidative stress also plays a key role in reproduction, influencing various aspects of both male and female reproductive systems. It may also contribute to the development of pathological conditions, such as inflammation and even cancer. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. A balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, and the use of antioxidants can help reduce oxidative damage and improve reproductive health and function. This Special Issue aims to highlight the fundamental role of metabolism in animal reproduction, both in health and in disease. We therefore welcome the submission of original research articles, short communications, reviews, mini-reviews, case reports, commentaries, and other contributions focused on the complex interplay between metabolism and animal reproduction.

Prof. Dr. Simona Tafuri
Prof. Dr. Francesca Ciani
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • metabolism
  • reproduction
  • welfare
  • nutraceuticals
  • oxidative stress
  • antioxidants
  • inflammation
  • cancer

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 4019 KB  
Article
Association Between Sperm Metabolites and Field Fertility in Angus Bulls
by Samantha R. Roberts, Sarah E. Moorey, Adella B. Lonas, Emma A. Hessock, Blessing A. Abiodun, Shawn R. Campagna, F. Neal Schrick and Saulo Menegatti Zoca
Metabolites 2026, 16(5), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16050307 - 30 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Understanding the causes of bull subfertility and developing reliable diagnostic tools are critical to reducing economic losses caused by reproductive failure in beef cattle. Metabolomic analysis of sperm from bulls with diverging field fertility may provide insights on sperm metabolism that are [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Understanding the causes of bull subfertility and developing reliable diagnostic tools are critical to reducing economic losses caused by reproductive failure in beef cattle. Metabolomic analysis of sperm from bulls with diverging field fertility may provide insights on sperm metabolism that are associated with fertility. The objective was to determine metabolomic differences in sperm from bulls with differing field fertility. Methods: Angus bulls (n = 15) were classified based on a composite field fertility index (CFI). Frozen–thawed semen straws (n = 10 per bull) underwent a Percoll gradient sperm purification process. Metabolomic analysis was performed through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled high resolution mass spectrometry at the University of Tennessee Biological and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Core. The general linear model (GLM) procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was used to evaluate linear and quadratic relationships between metabolites and CFI. Furthermore, the MIXED procedure was used to determine differences in metabolite abundance between the four highest and lowest fertility bulls. Significance was determined when p ≤ 0.05 and tendency was declared when p ≤ 0.10. Results: A total of 75 metabolites were detected. Quadratic relationships with fertility were observed for kynurenine, xanthine, and ophthalmate. Tricarballylic acid and creatinine showed a negative linear relationship with fertility. When differences in metabolite abundance were assessed between the four highest and lowest fertility bulls, N-acetylglutamate and N-acetylglutamine had greater abundance in low fertility bulls. Conclusions: Metabolites kynurenine, xanthine, ophthalmate, tricarballylic acid, and creatinine are potential fertility markers to identify subfertile bulls from a breeding population. These metabolites have promising future implications in the diagnosis and treatment of beef bull subfertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolism and Reproduction in Animals)
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