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Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition

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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2025 | Viewed by 15029

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Dr. Junwei Li

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Guest Editor

College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
Interests: semen preservation; seminal plasma antioxidants; sperm proteins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dong Zhou

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Guest Editor

College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Xianyang 712100, China
Interests: embryo implantation; gestation; hormones; steroids; infertility; mastitis; endometritis; reproductive immunology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Shiqiang Ju

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College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: reproductive biology; oocyte meiosis; preimplantation embryo development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal reproduction and health are hot topics in animal research. Animal reproduction is not only the basis of biodiversity but also an important factor affecting breeding and the development of the agricultural industry. In addition, with the rapid development of modern animal husbandry, greater demands have arisen in terms of the quantity and quality of dairy animals and animals for meat. In this Special Issue, we intend to cover the latest findings regarding animal reproduction and to provide novel knowledge in this research area.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to

Reproductive hormones;
Spermatogenesis;
Oogenesis and follicular development;
Embryo development and implantation;
Reproductive immunology;
Obstetric diseases, such as mastitis and endometritis.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Junwei Li
Dr. Dong Zhou
Prof. Dr. Shiqiang Ju
Guest Editors

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Keywords

spermatogenesis
oogenesis
embryo development
follicular development
embryo implantation
estrus cycle
gestation
parturition
reproductive hormone
infertility
abortion
dystocia
endometritis
retained fetal membranes
mastitis

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Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases in Veterinary Sciences (11 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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11 pages, 2395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ameliorative Effect of Artemisia absinthium Ethanolic Extract Against Sodium Fluoride Toxicity in Rat Testes: Histological and Physiological Study

by Sawsan A. Ali, Zainab A. H. AL-Mousawi, Ahlam A. AL-Rikaby, Sameh Mohamed Farouk and Shaaban S. Elnesr

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(4), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12040371 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 311

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Artemisia absinthium extract on testicular dysfunction in rats and explain the involvement of the androgen receptor signaling pathway as a biomarker in maintaining fertility during sodium fluoride (NaF) treatment. Thirty-two male rats were divided equally into four groups and received treatment for 60 days. The control group (I) received normal saline; group II received Artemisia extract at 100 mg/kg b.w.; group III received NaF at 12 mg/kg b.w. orally; and group IV received NaF (12 mg/kg b.w.) and Artemisia extract (100 mg/kg b.w.). The testis weights and the lipid peroxidation, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were estimated. The genital organs were prepared and immunoreacted with a receptor. Histomorphometric analyses were performed to obtain the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the height of the germinal epithelia in the testes. The results showed that exposure to NaF caused a significant increase in testis weight and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in serum LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations compared to the control group, while extract administration induced an increase in the levels of these hormones in group IV. Testicular histological and histomorphometric changes were observed in group III: degenerative seminiferous tubules with vascular congestion, disorganization of the germinal layer, and decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium height. The expression of androgen receptors in the testes of the NaF-treated rats was significantly reduced. In contrast, these testicular histological changes were ameliorated in rats treated with the extract. The results allow us to conclude that the administration of Artemisia absinthium confers positive effects on male reproductive function by inhibiting fluoride, maybe via ameliorative testicular function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 2923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Maternal Obesity on Placental Autophagy in Lean Breed Sows

by Liang Tian, Fen Su, Xueyi Zhu and Xingyue Zou

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12020097 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 795

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of back-fat thickness (BF), at mating of sows, on autophagy in placenta and the potential mechanism. The sows were divided into two groups according to their BF at mating: BFI (15–20 mm, n = 14) and BFII (21–27 mm, n = 14) as the maternal obesity group. The placental samples used for investigating autophagic function and fatty acid profiles were obtained by vaginal delivery. Our results demonstrated that autophagy defects were observed in placenta from BFII sows along with altered circulating and placental fatty acid profiles. Indicative of impaired autophagy, reduced autophagic vesicles as well as LC3-positive puncta were linked to decreased mRNA or protein expression of autophagy-related genes, including ATG5, ATG7, Beclin1, ATG12, LC3, LAMP1 and LAMP2 in the placenta of BFII sows (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, we found reduced conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and up-regulated protein content of p62 in the placenta from BFII group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, excessive back-fat was also associated with increased activation of AKT/mTOR signaling and decreased mRNA content of transcription factors regulating the autophagic pathway, including PPARα and PGC1α, but increased mRNA expression of NcoR1 in placenta. Together, these findings indicate that maternal obesity incites autophagy injury in pig term placenta, which may contribute to augmented placental lipid accumulation and therefore impaired placental function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expression of GnRH, Kisspeptin, and Their Specific Receptors in the Ovary and Uterus in Deslorelin-Treated Late-Prepubertal Bitches

by Muhammet Ali Karadağ, Aykut Gram, Sabine Schäfer-Somi, Selim Aslan and Duygu Kaya

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(12), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120591 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1219

Abstract

In this study, the expression and localization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH1) and kisspeptin (KISS1) and their specific receptors in canine ovarian and uterine tissues were investigated after the application of deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin^®, 4.7 mg, Virbac, France) in the late prepubertal period. We hypothesized that prolonged treatment of prepubertal dogs with deslorelin would alter the expression of GnRH and kisspeptin genes in the uterus and ovaries. Ovarian and uterine samples of 25 dogs with an average age of 7.8 ± 0.2 months and from mixed breeds were used. Following implant insertion, dogs entered estrus (EST; n = 6); dogs without estrus (N-EST; n = 10) comprised the experimental groups. Nine dogs with placebo implants served as a control (CONT). Ovarian and uterine tissues were investigated for expression of GnRH1, GnRHR, KISS1, and KISS1R/GPR54 mRNA and protein by using IHC and RT-qPCR. In the uterus, expression of GnRH1 significantly decreased in response to deslorelin treatment in the N-EST, compared with the control group. Compared with CONT, KISS1R expression in ovarian samples was significantly lower in the EST group. Uterine protein expression of GnRH1 appeared weaker in N-EST than in CONT. While GnRH1-system members and KISS1 protein were localized in the follicles at various stages and stroma, no or only weak signals were detected for KISS1R in the ovarian samples. Deslorelin-mediated induction of puberty by changing the expression of some of the GnRH and KISS1-system members seems to have an effect on ovarian and uterine functionality. Deslorelin implants can, therefore, not be considered a valuable alternative to induce fertile estrus in late-prepubertal bitches. However, further studies with a larger number of animals are needed to clarify the effect of deslorelin-mediated induction of puberty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 9239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Using Mechanical Brushes on the Productive Performance of Dairy Cows

by Hanbing Li, Ruixue Zhang, Haijing Li, Haojie Yuan, Ruihang Zhang, Hongyu Ren, Jinbang Xiao, Zuhui Li, Aihua Wang, Yaping Jin and Pengfei Lin

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(10), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11100481 - 7 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Intensive farming can reduce production costs and maximize animal production efficiency; however, it also causes many adverse effects on the welfare of dairy cows. A mechanical brush is an automated grooming device that promotes the grooming behavior of dairy cattle, thereby helping to alleviate stress. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of using mechanical brushes on the production performance of dairy cows by comprehensively analyzing their milk production, health status, and reproductive performance. The cows were assigned to 6 groups: 109 lactating dairy cows (brush treatment) and 105 controls (without brush treatment), 64 dry milk dairy cows (brush treatment) and 49 controls (without brush treatment), and 198 perinatal cows (brush treatment) and 65 controls (without brush treatment). We found an increasing trend in the daily utility time and usage frequency of mechanical brushes for each cow during the lactating period (7.73 ± 4.02 min/d and 2.90 ± 1.22 times/d, respectively), dry period (15.97 ± 14.16 min/d and 4.21 ± 2.91 times/d, respectively), and perinatal period (25.15 ± 19.05 min/d and 5.45 ± 3.83 times/d, respectively) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The installation location of the mechanical brush significantly affected the frequency of its usage during the different periods. The head was the preferred body part for using the mechanical brush during the lactation and dry periods (59.32% and 44.54%, respectively), while the hip was the main preferred grooming part during the perinatal period (40.17%). Overall, the time, frequency, and preferred body part of dairy cows that used mechanical brushes varied across different physiological stages. Additionally, mechanical brush use in lactating and dry dairy cows significantly improved cleanliness of the body’s surface (p < 0.05) and enhanced milk production of lactating cows (p < 0.01), particularly for cows with four and five parities. Thus, the use of mechanical brushes could improve the production performance of dairy cows and enhance sustainability of large-scale farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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9 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recipients’ and Environmental Factors Affecting the Pregnancy Rates of a Large, Fresh In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Program for Dairy Cows in a Commercial Herd in China

by Chengyun Xie, Cong Huang, Longgang Yan, Ruiqi Yao, Jinbang Xiao, Mingmao Yang, Huatao Chen, Keqiong Tang, Dong Zhou, Pengfei Lin, Aihua Wang and Yaping Jin

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090410 - 5 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2266

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of the recipient dairy cows’ breed, lactation number, estrus condition, the type, location and volume of the corpus luteum (CL) and the time of year that the embryo transfer (ET) was performed on the pregnancy rates of a large, fresh in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer program for dairy cows in a commercial herd in China. The recipients were from a herd of dairy cows in Ningxia, a province in northwest China, and we statistically analyzed the data of 495 cows from 2021 to 2023. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCS) were isolated from follicular fluid obtained through ovum pick-up (OPU) and oocytes were incubated 20–22 h for in vitro maturation (IVM). Embryos were obtained after 10–12 h of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and six days of in vitro culture (IVC). Embryos at the morula or blastocyst stage were transferred to randomly chosen recipients (n = 495). The influence of recipients’ breed (Holstein or other), recipients’ lactation number (heifers or cows), estrus type (natural or synchronized), CL type (homogeneous, CL_hom or cavitary, CL_cav), CL side (left or right), volume of the CL and season of transfer (spring, autumn or winter) on pregnancy rates were determined. The pregnancy rates were analyzed by binomial logistic regression with IBM SPSS statistics software, version 26. Pregnancy rates after ET to Holstein cows and other breeds were 43.49% and 42.68%, respectively (p > 0.05). Regarding age, pregnancy rates were 45.56% for heifers and 30.77% for cows (p < 0.05). Pregnancy rates following ET during natural and synchronized estrus were 44.41% and 41.5%, respectively (p > 0.05). Pregnancy rates with a left- or right-side CL were 40.18% and 45.65%, respectively (p > 0.05). The pregnancy rates achieved with a CL_hom and CL_cav were 44.44% and 39.68%, respectively (p < 0.05). The rates obtained in spring, autumn and winter were 49.26%, 46.02% and 34.64%, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, it was found that pregnancy rates were higher in recipients with a CL volume measuring greater than 10 cm³ compared with those with a CL volume measuring less than 10 cm³ (p < 0.05). The comparisons showed that recipients’ breed, estrus type or side of the CL had no effect, but the recipients’ lactation number, ET season and the type and volume of the CL have significant effects on pregnancy rates during ET. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Transcript Levels and the Serum Profile of Biomarkers Associated with Clinical Endometritis Susceptibility in Buffalo Cows

by Ahmed El-Sayed, Salah H. Faraj, Basma H. Marghani, Fatmah A. Safhi, Mohamed Abdo, Liana Fericean, Ioan Banatean-Dunea, Cucui-Cozma Alexandru, Ahmad R. Alhimaidi, Aiman A. Ammari, Attia Eissa and Ahmed Ateya

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(8), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11080340 - 27 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1725

Abstract

Determining the gene expression and serum profile of the indicators linked to clinical endometritis susceptibility in Egyptian buffalo cows was the aim of this investigation. The buffalo cows that were enrolled were divided into two groups: forty infected buffalo cows with clinical endometritis and forty seemingly healthy buffalo cows that served as the control group. For the purposes of gene expression and biochemical analysis, ten milliliters of blood was obtained via jugular venipuncture from each buffalo cow. TLR4, IL-8, IL-17, NFKB, SLCA11A1, NCF4, Keap1, HMOX1, OXSR1, ST1P1, and SERP1 were manifestly expressed at much higher levels in the buffaloes with endometritis. On the other hand, the genes that encode SOD, CAT, NDUFS6, Nrf2, and PRDX2 were down-regulated. There was a significant (p < 0.05) elevation of the serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), beta hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), triglycerides (TGs), globulin, creatinine, and cortisol, along with a reduction in the serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, total protein albumin, urea, estrogen (E2), progesterone (P4), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroxine (T4), prostaglandin F2 α (PGF2α), calcium, iron, and selenium, in the endometritis group in comparison with the control. However, no significant change was observed in the values of phosphorus, magnesium, copper, or zinc in either group. Within the selective breeding of naturally resistant animals, the variation in the genes under study and the changes in the serum profiles of the indicators under investigation may serve as a reference guide for reducing endometritis in Egyptian buffalo cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Rhythmicity and Gestational Stage-Related Distribution of Blood Plasma Melatonin Concentrations in Donkey Mares

by Levente Harmat, János Nagy, Bence Somoskői, Alán Alpár, Sándor György Fekete and András Gáspárdy

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(7), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11070310 - 11 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1414

Abstract

The aim of this study is to obtain a more complete picture of blood plasma melatonin concentrations in the donkey mares. To this purpose, sampling and statistical processing were carried out in such a way that allowed the researchers to establish the annual and daily rhythms. Based on human observations, according to the hypothesis of the authors, the blood plasma melatonin concentration of pregnant individuals rises during the late gestational period, before parturition. To confirm this, the melatonin concentrations of pregnant and non-pregnant jennies were monitored and compared. In regard to the circannual rhythm, the significantly lowest midnight melatonin value (27.67 pg mL^–¹) was typical for the summer solstice. Under consideration of circadian changes, a significantly strongest melatonin production (45.16 pg mL^–¹) was observed on the night of the winter solstice (p < 0.001). Considering gestational age, the blood plasma melatonin concentration (around 38 pg mL^–¹) does not change as gestation progresses (p = 0.136). The results obtained in this studied population of the domestic ass usefully expand the little knowledge previously gathered about the development of the blood plasma melatonin concentrations of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 18203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Molecular Characteristics and Role of PDGFB in Testis and Epididymis Development of Tibetan Sheep

by Haolin Chen, Ling Pu, Chengcheng Tian, Xingcai Qi, Juanjuan Song, Yan Liao, Bentian Mo and Taotao Li

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(6), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11060266 - 9 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1383

Abstract

Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB), as an important cellular growth factor, is widely involved in the regulation of cellular events such as cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Although important, the expression characteristics and biological functions in the mammalian reproductive system remain poorly understood. In this study, the PDGFB gene of Tibetan sheep was cloned by RT-PCR, and its molecular characteristics were analyzed. Subsequently, the expression of the PDGFB gene in the testes and epididymides (caput, corpus, and cauda) of Tibetan sheep at different developmental stages (3 months, 1 year, and 3 years) was examined by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. A bioinformatic analysis of the cloned sequences revealed that the CDS region of the Tibetan sheep PDGFB gene is 726 bp in length and encodes 241 amino acids with high homology to other mammals, particularly goats and antelopes. With the increase in age, PDGFB expression showed an overall trend of first decreasing and then increasing in the testis and epididymis tissues of Tibetan sheep, and the PDGFB mRNA expression at 3 months of age was extremely significantly higher than that at 1 and 3 years of age (p < 0.05). The PDGFB protein is mainly distributed in testicular red blood cells and Leydig cells in Tibetan sheep at all stages of development, as well as red blood cells in the blood vessel, principal cells, and the pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelial cells of each epididymal duct epithelium. In addition, PDGFB protein expression was also detected in the spermatocytes of the 3-month-old group, spermatids of the 1-year-old group, spermatozoa and interstitial cells of the 3-year-old group, and loose connective tissue in the epididymal duct space in each developmental period. The above results suggest that the PDGFB gene, as an evolutionarily conserved gene, may play multiple roles in the development and functional maintenance of testicular cells (such as red blood cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells) and epididymal cells (such as red blood cells, principal cells, and ciliated epithelial cells) during testicular and epididymal development, which lays a foundation for the further exploration of the mechanisms by which the PDGFB gene influences spermatogenesis in Tibetan sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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Review

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13 pages, 1785 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biosensor Technology: Advances and Applications in Livestock Infectious Disease Diagnosis

by Yanan Zhao, Lu Zhang, Aihua Wang and Dong Zhou

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010023 - 7 Jan 2025

Viewed by 2229

Abstract

Biosensors have revolutionized the diagnosis of infectious diseases in livestock by offering sensitive and rapid detection methods for important pathogens. These devices, particularly luciferase-based biosensors, convert biological responses into quantifiable signals, enabling the real-time, non-invasive monitoring of critical biomarkers. This review explores the development and advantages of biosensors, focusing on their applications in detecting important livestock pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, and viruses. By comparing biosensors with traditional diagnostic methods, the review highlights their superior sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing obstetric infections. Furthermore, it discusses the broader utility of biosensors in monitoring gene expression, protein localization, and cellular events. Together, biosensors provide new tools for the timely diagnosis of infectious diseases in livestock and are critical to improving livestock health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Reproductive Physiology, Reproductive Endocrine and Obstetric Diseases—2nd Edition)

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