Search Results (79)

Oxidative stress is a primary driver of sperm deterioration during chilled storage of poultry semen, and identifying effective natural antioxidant supplements for semen extenders is an important practical goal for poultry reproductive management. This study evaluated the protective effects of ginseng extract (Panax ginseng) supplementation on sperm viability, motility, oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant defense, and fertility in chilled Leung Hang Kao rooster semen. Pooled semen was diluted in IGGKPh extender supplemented with ginseng extract at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mg/mL and stored at 5 °C for 0, 24, and 48 h. Sperm viability, total motility, progressive motility, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and fertility following artificial insemination were evaluated at each time point. All ginseng-supplemented groups showed significantly lower MDA concentrations and higher GPx activity than the unsupplemented control throughout storage. At 48 h, total motility and progressive motility were highest in the 2 and 3 mg/mL groups, while T-AOC was best maintained in the 1 and 2 mg/mL groups. CAT activity did not differ significantly among groups at 48 h (p = 0.2498). Fertility was significantly higher in the 1 and 2 mg/mL groups than in the control after 24 and 48 h of storage, and the alignment between T-AOC and fertility across storage time points indicated that overall antioxidant buffering capacity was a stronger determinant of fertilizing competence than individual enzyme activities or MDA concentration alone. Concentrations of 3–4 mg/mL, despite producing lower MDA at 48 h, did not confer superior fertility outcomes, suggesting a hormetic dose–response relationship. Based on integrated evidence from sperm quality, antioxidant status, and in vivo fertility, ginseng extract supplementation at 1–2 mg/mL is recommended as the most suitable range for preserving chilled Leung Hang Kao rooster semen and may represent a practical natural antioxidant strategy for Thai native poultry breeding programs. Full article

Background: Antibiotic-free approaches to boar semen preservation are gaining importance to counter emerging antimicrobial resistance. Hypothermic storage at 5 °C, instead of the conventional 17 °C, is a promising strategy to eliminate antibiotics still commonly used in extenders. For practical adoption, the method must be simple and compatible with on-farm routines. Objective: To assess fertility when cooling was initiated on farm one day after delivery, and to evaluate the robustness of cold-stored semen to temporary warming and subsequent re-cooling, mimicking typical handling on insemination days. Methods: Individual ejaculates (n = 34) from six boars were extended in Androstar^® Premium either without antibiotics (5 °C) or with gentamicin (17 °C control). One day after collection, antibiotic-free doses were cooled on farm to 5 °C and used alongside controls in routine insemination of 270 sows. Sperm quality was evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis and flow cytometry, and bacterial counts were monitored. In a separate test, cold-stored doses were exposed to 20 °C for 60 min and re-cooled to 5 °C. Results: Farrowing rates and litter sizes did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). In antibiotic-free samples after 120 h, bacterial counts were mostly not detectable or low (<10² CFU/mL). Sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity in cold-stored doses remained >80%, comparable to controls (p > 0.05). Temporary warming did not affect sperm quality or bacterial counts. Conclusions: Antibiotic-free semen storage at 5 °C is easy to implement in practice and maintains fertility under field conditions. Broader validation under routine conditions is encouraged in support of the One Health concept. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary Myrtus communis L. extract on the production performance, immune functions, and metabolic and health status of Holstein cows throughout the transition period. Forty cows were assigned to either a control group (n = 20) or a treatment group (n = 20) receiving Myrtus communis L. extract at 1.5 mL/kg body weight per day. Milk yield and feed intake were recorded daily, whereas blood samples were collected weekly. Reproductive performance and health status were monitored. Myrtus communis L. supplementation increased dry matter intake during prepartum and early and mid-lactation and elevated prepartum glucose levels. Treated cows produced more milk in early (44.56 vs. 40.72 kg/day) (p < 0.0001), and mid-to-late lactation (42.57 vs. 37.19 kg/day) (p < 0.0001). NEFA and BHBA concentrations were lower in the treatment group (p = 0.015 and 0.019, respectively), whereas cortisol and ALT were higher around calving (p < 0.001). Despite similar prepartum inflammatory profiles, treated cows demonstrated higher TNF-α concentrations at calving (p = 0.006). The days open and insemination number per pregnancy did not differ; however, the number of ovarian cysts were less in treated cows. Overall, Myrtus communis L. extract offered at a dose of 1.5 mL/kg body weight during the transition period improved feed intake, enhanced milk production, and reduced metabolic stress, suggesting its potential as a natural additive to support energy balance and reproductive performance in cows. However, it increased the blood cortisol and ALT concentrations, which requires further investigation. Full article

We present the case of a 27-year-old woman diagnosed with Löffler’s endomyocarditis complicated by intraventricular thrombus and cerebral infarction. She was treated with prednisolone and anticoagulation therapy; however, tapering of corticosteroids resulted in recurrence of intraventricular thrombosis. Given disease relapse after medication withdrawal, lifelong anticoagulation was indicated. At 29 years of age, she sought pregnancy counseling. Conception was permitted after stabilization of prednisolone dosage, with a planned switch from a vitamin K antagonist to therapeutic-dose unfractionated heparin during pregnancy. Following disease stabilization, she conceived via artificial insemination. Serial echocardiography at 22 and 34 weeks of gestation demonstrated preserved cardiac function without thrombus recurrence. She delivered a healthy infant by emergency cesarean section at 39 weeks of gestation due to fetal distress. No thrombus recurrence was observed postpartum, and she remained clinically stable during 13 months of follow-up. This represents the case of a successful pregnancy in a woman with a history of recurrent intraventricular thrombosis due to Löffler’s endomyocarditis, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, sustained immunosuppression, individualized anticoagulation, and multidisciplinary preconception planning. Full article

Background: Optimizing pregnancy outcomes while minimizing gonadotropin exposure and treatment burden remains a major goal in ovulation induction for intrauterine insemination (IUI), particularly for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or high ovarian reserve. Sequential protocols combining early letrozole with late-onset recombinant FSH (rFSH) have been proposed to enhance efficiency while reducing medication requirements. However, real-world comparative data adjusting for baseline differences are limited. Methods: This retrospective comparative cohort study included 764 IUI cycles performed between January 2022 and October 2025. Cycles were stimulated either with conventional rFSH (n = 372) or letrozole plus late-onset rFSH (n = 392). The primary outcome was pregnancy per cycle, defined by a positive serum β-hCG. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy, total gonadotropin dose, endometrial thickness, cycle cancelation, and obstetric outcomes. Confounding was addressed using multivariable logistic regression, propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and doubly robust estimation. Results: The crude pregnancy rate was higher in the letrozole plus late rFSH group compared with conventional rFSH (14.8% vs. 9.9%, p = 0.042). Women in the sequential stimulation group had higher AMH levels, higher antral follicle counts, and a higher prevalence of PCOS (32.4% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.001). After adjustment for age, ovarian reserve, and other baseline characteristics using regression, PSM, and IPTW, the stimulation protocol was not independently associated with pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.68–1.74; p = 0.657). Female age remained the strongest predictor of pregnancy (adjusted OR 0.70 per year increase; p < 0.001). The sequential protocol required a significantly lower total gonadotropin dose (median 375 IU vs. 750 IU; p < 0.001) while maintaining comparable cycle cancellation and safety outcomes. Conclusions: Sequential stimulation with letrozole plus late-onset rFSH achieves pregnancy outcomes comparable to conventional rFSH stimulation while significantly reducing gonadotropin requirements. After adjustment for PCOS status and ovarian reserve, the protocol itself did not independently influence pregnancy, suggesting that crude differences reflected baseline imbalances rather than true treatment effects. This approach represents a clinically efficient, gonadotropin-sparing option for IUI, particularly in patients at risk for excessive ovarian response. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Turnera diffusa supplementation on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen in Duroc boars (n = 4). The experiment was divided into two periods, each corresponding to the duration of one spermatogenic cycle: a control period (40 days) (CP) and an experimental period (40 days) (EP). Nutrition and environmental conditions were kept constant throughout both periods. During the experimental period, each boar received a daily supplement of 7 g of Turnera diffusa extract. In each period, five ejaculates were collected from each boar included in the study. The ejaculates were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, motility, agglutination, number of insemination doses obtained per ejaculate after dilution, and sperm viability after 24, 48, and 72 h of storage. The results of a two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that the combined effect of boar × treatment significantly influenced ejaculate volume (p < 0.01) and viability after 48 h of storage (p < 0.05). The results of the two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that treatment with the tested additive T. diffusa significantly affected sperm survival during storage for 24 h (p < 0.01), 48 h (p < 0.001), and 72 h (p < 0.05). Bonferroni post hoc analysis indicated that T. diffusa significantly affected only the parameters related to sperm viability, namely survival rates at 24 h (p < 0.001), 48 h (p < 0.01), and 72 h (p < 0.01). The findings of this study demonstrate that the application of the tested supplement, at the specified dose and duration, has a positive effect on semen quality in boars. Full article

Vitamin D has been shown to influence growth in both fetuses and piglets. Pigs housed indoors rely solely on their feed as a source of vitamin D since they are never exposed to natural sunlight. UVB light is effective in improving the vitamin D status in sows and piglets housed indoors. This study aimed to investigate an innovative method for UVB lighting to enhance the vitamin D status of gestating sows to a level that could positively impact the growth of both fetuses and suckling piglets. A total of 386 sows were included at the time of insemination. Of these, 197 were exposed to a daily dose of UVB light, and 189 sows served as a control group. Both sows and piglets in the UVB group had significantly higher vitamin D levels in serum samples at the time of farrowing than sows and piglets from the control group. No statistically significant differences in litter weight or the number of liveborn or stillborn piglets were observed between groups. UVB light installed in an electronic sow feeder was successful, but, unfortunately, the lamp used in the study was unable to induce the production of vitamin D to the desired level in the sows. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of higher doses of UVB light. Full article

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) administered at two different times after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) on some response variables related to early fetal loss and total litter weight in goats during the reproductive transition period. Crossbred multiparous goats (n = 40) were subjected to an estrus induction protocol, subsequently inseminated, and randomly distributed into five experimental groups (n = 8): (1). G100-7, 100 IU hCG, 7 d post FTAI; (2). G100-14, 100 IU hCG, 14 days post FTAI; (3). G300-7, 300 IU hCG, 7 d post FTAI; (4). G300-14, 300 IU hCG, 14 days post FTAI; and (5). CONT, 0.5 mL of saline solution, 7 and 14 days post FTAI. The variables of corpus luteum area, embryonic implantation rate, embryonic efficiency index 1 and 2, conception rate, fertility rate, fecundity rate, fetal losses at days 30 and 45, total fetal losses, and the total weight of the litter favored G300-14. The use of hCG (300 IU) in the reproductive transition period is an effective reproductive strategy, reducing early fetal losses, improving embryonic efficiency, and increasing total litter weight, all of which are fundamental to the reproductive success of marginal goat production systems. Full article

Boar sperm are highly sensitive to oxidative and cold-induced stress during storage, which compromises their functional integrity. This study evaluated the dose-dependent effects of L-serine, an amino acid involved in glutathione synthesis and membrane stabilization, on boar sperm quality under chilled (17 °C) and cryopreserved conditions. Ejaculates from fertile boars were extended with Modena-based media supplemented with 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 mM L-serine. Sperm quality parameters, including motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, lipid peroxidation (measured by malondialdehyde (MDA)), and antioxidant enzyme activity, were assessed over five days for chilled semen and post-thaw for cryopreserved samples. L-serine at 3 mM was most effective in maintaining chilled semen quality, as evidenced by superior motility, viability, and acrosome integrity by Day 5, accompanied by lower MDA levels and increased glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities. In contrast, 1 mM was optimal for cryopreserved semen, improving post-thaw motility, mitochondrial activity, and antioxidant defense while reducing lipid peroxidation. Higher concentrations (≥5 mM) consistently impaired sperm function, likely due to osmotic stress or redox imbalance. These findings indicate that L-serine enhances boar sperm preservation in a concentration- and method-specific manner, with 3 mM supplementation most effective for chilled storage, and 1 mM for cryopreservation. This study supports the inclusion of amino acid antioxidants in extender formulations to improve semen preservation in swine artificial insemination systems. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the accelerometer-equipped collar RUMI to detect estrus in dairy cows, establish a recommendation for the optimal timing for artificial insemination (AI) when using this device, and characterize the blood flow of the dominant follicle (F) and the corpus luteum (CL) as ovulation approaches. Forty-seven cycling cows were monitored following synchronization with a modified G6G protocol, allowing for spontaneous ovulation. Ultrasound examinations were conducted every 12 h, starting 48 h after the second PGF2α dose, to monitor uterine and ovarian changes. Blood samples were also collected to determine serum progesterone (P4) levels. Each cow was fitted with a RUMI collar, which continuously monitored behavioral changes to identify the onset, offset, and peak of activity of estrus. One-way ANOVA assessed the relationship between physiological parameters and time before ovulation. Results showed that the RUMI collar demonstrated high specificity (100%), sensitivity (90.90%), and accuracy (93.62%) for estrus detection. The optimal AI window was identified as between 11.4 and 15.5 h after heat onset. Increased blood flow to the F and reduced luteal activity were observed in the 48 h prior to ovulation. Further research is needed to assess the influence of this AI window on conception rates, and if it should be modified considering external factors. Full article

Low fertility limits reproductive efficiency in cattle. This study was conducted with multiparous Brangus cows receiving dietary supplementation with or without L-citrulline [Cit; an immediate precursor of L-arginine (Arg)]. During the entire experimental period, cows grazed green pasture and had free access to drinking water and mineral blocks. One hundred and seven (107) cows were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups: dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) without Cit supplement (n = 36); DDGS top-dressed with rumen-protected Cit product (RPAA; n = 36); or unprotected Cit product (RUAA; n = 35). After 2 months of lactation, all cows were synchronized to estrus and were bred once via artificial insemination. From Day 1 to Day 60 of gestation, cows were individually fed once daily 0.84 kg of a supplement (DDGS; control), 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RUAA (containing 0.07 kg of unencapsulated Cit), or 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RPAA (containing 0.07 kg of rumen-protected Cit). The supplemental dose of Cit was equivalent to 0.5% of the estimated daily intake of 14 kg dry matter from pasture. On Days 40 and 60 of gestation, ultrasound was used to determine pregnancy rates. Each pregnant cow had a single conceptus. On Day 60 of gestation, blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein. All cows grazed normally and appeared healthy. Birth rates for live-born calves were 22% and 35% in cows receiving DDGS alone and Cit supplementation, respectively (p < 0.05). The beneficial effect of Cit was associated with increases in concentrations of Cit (+19%), Arg (+20%), ornithine (+19%), proline (+17%), and insulin (+82%) but decreases in concentrations of ammonia (–14%) in maternal plasma (p < 0.05). Thus, dietary supplementation with Cit is a simple, novel, and cost-effective nutritional method to increase the reproductive efficiency of lactating beef cows. Full article

In the swine industry, artificial insemination (AI) primarily uses chill-stored semen, making sperm preservation crucial for reproductive success. However, sperm quality declines at varying rates during chilled storage at 17 °C, distinguishing high-survival semen from low-survival semen. This study investigates the metabolomic profiles of boar sperm with different abilities to survive liquid storage. We analyzed sperm motility, kinematics, and morphology in freshly extended (Day 0) and 7-day stored AI semen doses. The AI semen doses were classified as high-motile (HM) or low-motile (LM) based on sperm motility after 7 days of storage (Day 7). Metabolomic data were collected in positive (ESI+) and negative (ESI−) ion modes using a Vanquish Flex UPLC coupled with a Q Extractive Plus. We consistently detected 442 metabolites (251 in ESI+, 167 in ESI−, and 24 in both) across samples and storage durations. In freshly extended and 7-day stored AI doses, we identified 42 and 56 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), respectively. A clustering analysis showed significant changes in DEMs between the HM and LM samples. These DEMs were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycerolipid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, etc. In summary, this study highlights the metabolomic differences between semen doses with varying abilities to survive liquid storage. Glyceric acid and lysoPC(20:3) emerged as potential markers for sperm preservation. Full article

The cryopreservation of rabbit semen is a valuable strategy for genetic resource preservation and efficient artificial insemination, but outcomes remain inconsistent, partly due to variations in sperm concentration per dose. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of different sperm concentrations (15, 25, 35, 55, and 75 million per straw) on fertility, prolificacy, and offspring growth in nulliparous and multiparous does. A total of 384 rabbit females were inseminated using frozen–thawed semen, and their reproductive performance was compared with fresh semen. Fertility and kindling rates varied with sperm concentration and parity: nulliparous does showed the highest fertility at 15 million sperm/straw (84.4%), while multiparous does reached peak values at 25–55 million/straw (78.1–81.3%). Litter size and live-born kits were consistently higher in multiparous than in nulliparous does. Offspring body weight at 19 and 60 days was influenced by both sperm concentration and maternal parity, with better growth generally observed in multiparous groups. Weaning success remained high across all groups. Our results indicate that sperm concentrations ranging from 15 to 35 × 10⁶/straw are the most suitable for cryopreservation, as they maintain high fertility, prolificacy, and offspring growth, comparable to fresh semen. These results confirm that optimizing sperm concentration during cryopreservation improves reproductive efficiency and that tailoring insemination strategies to the physiological status of the female enhances outcomes. The results provide useful recommendations for improving cryopreservation techniques in rabbit breeding programs. Full article

This study aims to analyse the effect of selected variation factors on the ejaculate characteristics of boars and to characterise changes in ejaculate characteristics in Landrace, Large White, Duroc, and Pietrain boars during their use for artificial insemination. The original value of this work lies in the estimation of the percentage share of individual components of variability in shaping the traits of boar ejaculate. A total of 943 ejaculates collected from 77 boars used for artificial insemination were analysed. This study began when the boars were at 8–9 months old. Ejaculates were collected in nine consecutive months from the start of the boars’ use. Immediately after collection, they were analysed for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, percentage of sperm with progressive motility, total number of spermatozoa, and number of insemination doses per ejaculate. The results were analysed according to three criteria: breed of boar (Landrace, Large White, Duroc, and Pietrain), age of boar (up to 10 months, 11–13 months, 14–17 months, and more than 17 months), and season (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). The analysis of the variation in ejaculate characteristics took into account the share of each factor (boar breed, boar age, and season) in the variation, as well as the interactions between factors. The effects of the three factors and interactions between them were calculated using an ANOVA (analysis of variance). The variation was shown to depend mainly on the breed and age. These two factors and the interaction between them determine about 80% of the variation in ejaculate characteristics. The season also has an effect, but its share in the influence of variation on ejaculate characteristics is relatively small. Ejaculates from Landrace boars are the most favourable for insemination, with a large volume, a relatively high sperm concentration, and the highest number of sperm. The highest number of insemination doses can be prepared from Landrace ejaculates—on average, 2.7–6.7 more doses than from the other breeds. Duroc boar ejaculates are most distinctive, with a very low volume but a very high sperm concentration and the highest sperm motility. The ejaculates of Pietrain boars showed the opposite pattern, with the largest volume but the lowest sperm concentration. The sexual development of young boars, expressed as an increase in ejaculation performance, progresses during their first year of insemination use. Full article

Artificial insemination in goats commonly relies on refrigerated semen doses, yet the optimal energetic substrate to support sperm metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different energetic substrates on goat buck sperm metabolism and motility when refrigerated at 17 °C. Semen from six Murciano-Granadina male goats were collected and diluted in PBS supplemented with 35 mM of either glucose, fructose, pyruvate, or lactate in the first experiment. In the second experiment, the effects of varying concentrations of pyruvate and/or glucose, NaCl supplementation, and the osmolarity on sperm quality parameters were assessed. Semen was stored at 17 °C for 48 h and evaluated for motility using the CASA system, as well as for viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial ROS by flow cytometry. The results show that pyruvate and lactate extenders outperformed the others, preserving higher total motility, progressivity, and viability of spermatozoa over 48 h, even at a concentration lower than 35 mM, as in the case of pyruvate. In contrast, glucose had a detrimental effect on sperm quality, reducing viability and healthy population rates while increasing motility, especially at higher concentrations. NaCl supplementation and osmolarity had no significant effect on any of the sperm quality parameters. In conclusion, pyruvate maintains a higher quality and motility of sperm stored at 17 °C in PBS in comparison with a glucose-supplemented extender. Full article