Search Results (48)

Reproductive efficiency substantially determines livestock productivity, and suboptimal fertility continues to limit productivity across species. Inhibin immunization represents a novel strategy to enhance fertility by neutralizing inhibin’s negative feedback on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and buffalo) and non-ruminants (pigs, donkeys, rabbits, and avian species), evaluating inhibin immunization mechanisms and reproductive outcomes. Immunoneutralization of inhibin consistently elevates FSH, activin A, and estradiol, thereby promoting ovarian follicular recruitment and spermatogenesis. In females, this approach has been widely reported to increase ovulatory activity and improve embryo production and quality. In males, immunization enhances testicular function and semen quality while mitigating seasonal infertility. However, species-specific variations in response and dose-dependent luteal suppression (particularly in pigs) necessitate optimized protocols. While inhibin immunization shows consistent benefits when integrated with multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), standardized protocols and long-term fertility data remain insufficient for commercial implementation. This review identifies critical evidence gaps and safety considerations essential for clinical translation. Full article

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are recognized for their beneficial effects on male fertility. This study evaluated the protective effects of dietary n-3 PUFAs from extruded linseed, alone or combined with the alga Padina pavonica, against in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sperm dysfunction in rabbits. Twelve bucks were fed for 60 days a control diet (CNT), a diet containing 5% extruded linseed (L), or 5% extruded linseed plus 0.2% P. pavonica extract (LPP). Ejaculates were exposed in vitro to increasing LPS concentrations (0, 400, and 600 µg/mL), and sperm motility was evaluated at 0, 1, 2, and 4 h using computer-assisted sperm analysis. LPS markedly impaired sperm motility in the CNT group, increasing the percentage of static spermatozoa (p < 0.001) and reducing sperm progressive motility (p < 0.001), with complete immobility observed at 600 µg/mL after 4 h. Conversely, sperm from L and LPP groups maintained significantly higher progressive motility, lower static sperm, and improved kinematic parameters throughout the LPS challenge (p < 0.05). Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation also attenuated LPS-induced TLR4 activation and reduced lipid peroxidation, as indicated by lower seminal TBARS levels. No histological alterations were detected in the male reproductive tract. These findings indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation, particularly linseed combined with algae, mitigates LPS-induced sperm dysfunction in vitro. Full article

Desertification is the impoverishment of fertile land, caused by various factors and environmental effects, such as temperature and humidity. An appropriate Internet of Things (IoT) architecture, routing algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies are essential to monitor and avoid desertification. However, the classical AI algorithms usually suffer from falling into local optimum issues and consuming more energy. This research proposed an improved multi-objective routing protocol, namely, the efficient quantum (EQ) artificial rabbit optimisation (ARO) based on edge computing (EC) and a software-defined network (SDN) concept (EQARO-ECS), which provides the best cluster table for the IoT network to avoid desertification. The methodology of the proposed EQARO-ECS protocol reduces energy consumption and improves data analysis speed by deploying new technologies, such as the Cloud, SDN, EC, and quantum technique-based ARO. This protocol increases the data analysis speed because of the suggested iterated quantum gates with the ARO, which can rapidly penetrate from the local to the global optimum. The protocol avoids desertification because of a new effective objective function that considers energy consumption, communication cost, and desertification parameters. The simulation results established that the suggested EQARO-ECS procedure increases accuracy and improves network lifetime by reducing energy depletion compared to other algorithms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Female tubal factor infertility is a major clinical challenge. While surgical repair of the fallopian tubes remains the traditional standard, biological fibrin sealants have been proposed to reduce tissue trauma and improve reproductive outcomes. Methods: We conducted database searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar until 31 August 2025, using the keywords “tubal anastomosis”, “tubal reanastomosis,” “tubal reanastomosis”, “uterine horn anastomosis”, “fibrin glue”, “fibrin sealant”, “biological sealant”, “tissue adhesive”, “rabbit”, “rat” and “sterilization reversal.” Reference lists of retrieved articles have been examined to find studies which tested end-to-end tubal (or small-animal uterine horn) anastomosis through biological adhesives with or without additional components to evaluate patency success, fertility results and adhesion formation. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria (eleven animal; two human). Rat and rabbit models demonstrated that fibrin sealants with intraluminal splints and one-to-two anchoring sutures produced results comparable to microsutures for patency (tubal patency rates of 75–100%) and pregnancy success (pregnancy rates of 60–83%) while reducing surgical time and decreasing peritubal adhesions. The success rates of the procedures depended on the anastomosis locations. Isthmic–isthmic anastomosis produced better results than ampullary repairs which tended to fail or develop stenosis. Fibrin sealant-only repairs without splinting were associated with lower patency (almost 60%) despite acceptable histologic healing. Human data showed similar pregnancy rates (intrauterine pregnancy in about 40–50% of women) and tubal patency but no consistent decrease in adhesions. Ectopic pregnancy rates ranged from 9 to 11%. Conclusions: Fibrin sealants are useful adjuncts to microsurgical tubal repair, but they should not replace the basic repair procedures. The effectiveness of this procedure is dependent on three critical factors: precise segment alignment, proper use of splints and stents, and selection of segments with comparable caliber. In a personalized-medicine framework, fibrin-assisted reanastomosis may offer a tailored option for selected women who desire natural pregnancy. Modern standardized research is required to define indications and analyze how the adaptation of fibrin sealants in minimally invasive procedures affect reproductive outcomes, ectopic pregnancy rates, and adhesion development. Full article

The utility of bioresponsive multifunctional hydrogel compositions for biomedical applications is rapidly increasing due to the diverse array of biological stimuli that can profoundly alter physicochemical gel properties that benefit therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this research is to explore a bioresponsive hydrogel as a drug-free bioengineering concept to fortify the natural physical contraceptive barriers at the cervicovaginal junction. The results of this research demonstrate that a hydrogel comprising 4% (w/w) Carbopol^® 974P and 4% (w/w) polyvinylpyrrolidone (CP4%/PVP4%) undergoes bioresponsive structural changes in the presence of simulated seminal fluid, pH 7.7, (SFS) that increases the work required to spread the gel under physiologically relevant vaginal conditions. Combination of this bioresponsive hydrogel with liquified human semen at a volumetric ratio of 1:5 dramatically reduces in vitro sperm migration by 97%. Simultaneously, total sperm motility decreases from 72.0 ± 9.9% to 7.9 ± 13.7%, which is significantly below the WHO criteria defined for male fertility. Safety assessments performed in vitro and in vivo underline a robust vaginal safety profile comparable to approved vaginal products. Moreover, the results from an exploratory animal study performed with female New Zealand White rabbits suggest that the drug-free physical barrier established intravaginally after exposure of the bioresponsive CP4%/PVP4% hydrogel to alkaline semen seems at least equivalent in the prevention of pregnancy in vivo to the VCF^® Gel (Apothecus Pharmaceuticals, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA), a marketed spermicidal on-demand product containing nonoxynol-9. Full article

Argasid ticks Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata are major vectors of zoonotic pathogens, including the African swine fever virus and relapsing fever Borrelia spp., and their control is essential to reduce disease transmission. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of four Ornithodoros tick antigens formulated as mRNA–lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs): OeSOD, OeTSP1, OmPLA2, and Om86. Rabbits were immunised with three doses of each mRNA-LNP construct, and immune responses and tick biological parameters were assessed following infestation with both tick species. All mRNA-LNP constructs induced antigen-specific IgG responses that recognised native proteins in tick saliva and midgut extracts. Vaccination resulted in significant reductions in female oviposition and fertility, which correlated with antibody levels, and yielded protective efficacies of 21.9–41.6% against O. moubata and 23.1–41.6% against O. erraticus. Notably, the mRNA-LNPs of OeSOD and OeTSP1 outperformed their recombinant counterparts against O. moubata, and Om86 mRNA-LNP conferred markedly improved protection against both O. moubata and O. erraticus. These findings highlight the potential of mRNA-LNP vaccines to induce effective anti-argasid tick immunity and provide a promising platform for the development of sustainable strategies to control argasid ticks and associated pathogens. Full article

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 3D-printed cannula in inducing ovulation in female rabbits without exogenous GnRH analogues. A total of 325 inseminations were performed across different physiological stages: nulliparous, multiparous lactating, and multiparous non-lactating does. Two insemination methods were compared: a physical stimulation technique using the 3D-printed cannula and a control method involving hormonal induction with buserelin acetate. Females were either synchronized with eCG or left untreated. Delivery rates and litter sizes were recorded to assess fertility outcomes. Results indicated that the insemination procedure had a noticeable effect on delivery rate, with the control group showing greater rates (79%) compared to the cannula group (65%). In conclusion, these findings suggest that physical stimulation via the cannula can induce ovulation without exogenous hormones. This hormone-free approach offers a promising and welfare-friendly alternative for rabbit artificial insemination, aligning with efforts to reduce hormone use in livestock production. Further optimization of cannula design and technique may improve results, particularly in less responsive groups, supporting sustainable and ethical reproductive management. 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

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum), rich in antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds, have shown potential benefits for male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary Goji berry (GB) supplementation on immune-related and antioxidant gene expression in the male reproductive tract of rabbits. Eighteen 7-month-old New Zealand White rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (n = 9) receiving a standard diet, and a Goji group (n = 9) receiving the same diet supplemented with 1% GB. After 60 days of nutritional adaptation and then 60 days of treatment, tissues from the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands were collected and analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Gene expression analysis focused on immune markers (TLR4, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNFα) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, CAT, and GPX). Significant modulation was observed only in the epididymis, where TLR4 and GPX were significantly downregulated in the Goji group (p = 0.0274 and p = 0.007, respectively), while IL-1β and TNFα showed a downward trend. No significant differences were found in the other tissues. These results suggest that Goji berry supplementation exerts tissue-specific effects, particularly in the epididymis, by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. This supports its potential use as a natural nutraceutical strategy to enhance male fertility in rabbits. Full article

Circular economy in the context of municipal organic waste management has boosted the emergence of novel composting scenarios, such as community composting and decentralized urban composting in small installations, which favors localized management and valorization of organic waste streams. However, there is little information about the agronomic use of the composts obtained from these new organic waste management systems as an alternative for inorganic fertilization in crop production. In this work, municipal solid waste-derived composts from two decentralized composting scenarios (CM1 and CM2 from community composting, and CM3 and CM4 from decentralized urban small-scale composting plants) were applied and mixed in the top layer of a calcareous clayey-loam soil to assess their effects as alternative substitutes for conventional soil inorganic fertilization (IN) during two successive cultivation cycles of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in pots with the amended soils. These treatments were also compared with an organic waste (goat–rabbit manure, E) and a control treatment without fertilization (B). The effects of the fertilizing treatments on the crop yield and quality, as well as on the properties of the soil considered were studied. In general, the application of the different composts did not produce negative effects on lettuce yield and quality. The compost-derived fertilization showed similar lettuce yields compared to the inorganic and manure-derived fertilizations (IN and E, respectively), and higher yields than the soil without amendment (B), with increases in the initial yield values of B, for the first cycle from 34.2% for CM1 to 53.8% for CM3, and from 20.3% for CM3 to 92.4% for CM1 in the second cycle. Furthermore, the organically amended soils showed a better crop development, obtaining higher values than the control treatment in the parameters studied. In addition, the incorporation of the organic treatments improved the soil characteristics, leading to 1.3 and 1.2 times higher organic matter contents in the soils with CM2 and in the soils with CM1, CM3, and E, respectively, compared to the control soil without fertilizing treatment (B), and 2.0 and 1.8 times greater organic matter contents, respectively, compared to soil with inorganic fertilization (IN). Therefore, the use of municipal solid waste-derived composts from these new organic waste management systems, such as the decentralized composting scenarios studied (community composting and urban decentralized small-scale composting plants), is presented, not only as a sustainable valorization method, but also as an alternative for the use of inorganic fertilizers in lettuce cultivation, while enhancing soil properties, contributing to increasing the circularity of agriculture. Full article

High-fat diets (HFDs) have been found to compromise male fertility, with cholesterol dysregulation being a key factor. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) is a crucial transcription factor that regulates cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake, playing an essential role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the testes. This study investigated the dynamics of SREBP2 and cholesterol levels during rabbit spermatogenesis under HFD conditions. Our findings reveal that SREBP2 expression fluctuates throughout the seminiferous epithelium cycle. However, HFDs induce stage-specific disruptions in cholesterol balance, leading to sperm with increased membrane cholesterol, a reduced sperm count in semen analysis, impaired motility, abnormal morphology, and decreased functionality. In the control group, SREBP2 expression patterns underscored its critical role in normal spermatogenesis. Interestingly, supplementation with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) reversed the negative effects of HFD, normalizing SREBP2 expression and cholesterol content, which improved sperm quality. These findings emphasize the importance of stage-specific analysis in understanding how dietary fat impacts male fertility and suggest that EVOO may serve as a potential nutritional intervention to protect reproductive health. Full article

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presents a significant conservation and management challenge in Greece. While it has been listed in national biodiversity assessments, its population dynamics on the island of Lemnos demonstrate the characteristics of a highly adaptable and rapidly expanding species, exerting substantial ecological and economic impacts. Addressing this issue requires a spatially explicit understanding of its distribution patterns and habitat preferences, particularly given its extensive population growth over the past three decades. To this end, we conducted 40 field surveys across the island, documenting 1534 presence records of the species. We applied Kernel Density Estimation, Getis-Ord Gi *, and Anselin Local Moran’s I to identify the spatial distribution patterns and significant hotspots. A spatial lag model was used to quantify hotspot intensity and clustering dynamics, while abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors were analyzed to assess habitat associations. Our results revealed that rabbit hotspots are predominantly concentrated in fertile lowland agroecosystems, with nearly 60% of high-density areas overlapping conservation zones. Soil and field conditions, grazing-supporting landscapes, and arable and subsidized agricultural areas emerged as significant predictors of O. cuniculus presence. The observed spatial dependencies indicated that while hotspot intensities and clustering dynamics are influenced by the conditions in neighboring areas, habitat characteristics remain fundamental in shaping their distribution, highlighting the broader landscape-scale spatial patterns affecting rabbit populations. These findings underscore the necessity of adopting spatially informed management strategies that mitigate agricultural impacts while accounting for interconnected spatial dynamics, providing a foundation for informed decision-making to manage rabbit populations while balancing conservation and agricultural priorities. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of antibiotics in livestock contributes to antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. Among these, chelating agents, like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Chitosan, have shown potential in reducing bacterial contamination in seminal doses used in artificial insemination (AI), while preserving sperm quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of EDTA and Chitosan as alternatives to antibiotics for the liquid storage of rabbit seminal AI doses. Methods: EDTA (20 mM) and Chitosan (0.05%) were tested both individually and in combination, by adding them to the semen extender, and their effects were compared with extenders containing antibiotics or none. The extenders were evaluated for microbial resistance and their ability to maintain sperm quality in vitro during refrigeration at 16 ± 1 °C for 72 h. To assess antimicrobial efficacy, Enterococcus faecalis was used. Seminal doses stored for 24 h were used for insemination under commercial conditions, and fertility rate and total kits born were evaluated. Results: Adding 0.05% Chitosan to the extender resulted in sperm parameters and bacterial load comparable to those achieved with antibiotics during refrigerated storage, yielding similar fertility rate and total kits born outcomes 24 h post-storage. In contrast, the use EDTA alone or in combination with Chitosan was less effective at controlling Enterococcus faecalis than the antibiotic extenders, which also resulted in a reduction of sperm total motility over storage period (0–72 h) and negatively impacted fertility rate and total kits born. Conclusions: Chitosan’s protective effect on sperm function, combined with its antimicrobial activity, makes it a promising alternative antimicrobial agent for the liquid storage of rabbit seminal AI doses. Full article

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections usually cause mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, but are a leading infectious disease causing infant death and hospitalization and can result in increased morbidity and mortality in older adults and at-risk individuals. Pfizer has developed Abrysvo^®, an unadjuvanted bivalent recombinant protein subunit vaccine containing prefusion-stabilized fusion (F) proteins representing RSV A and RSV B subgroups (RSVpreF). It is the only RSV vaccine approved for both maternal immunization to protect infants and active immunization of older adults (≥60 years) and 18–59-year-old individuals with high-risk conditions for prevention of RSV disease. Methods: Nonclinical safety studies, including a repeat-dose toxicity (RDT) study in rats and a combined developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) study in rabbits, were conducted to support early clinical development. Study designs and parameters evaluated in these studies were consistent with principles and practices as outlined in relevant regulatory guidelines. RSVpreF bivalent vaccine, with or without Al(OH)₃, was administered intramuscularly (IM) at 2× the human dose to animals in both studies. Results: Locally tolerated, reversible, inflammatory responses at the injection sites and the draining lymph nodes were observed as typical findings following vaccination. No effect of RSVpreF, with or without Al(OH)₃, was observed on female fertility or on embryo–fetal or postnatal survival, growth, or development in the DART study. In both studies, robust immune responses to both RSV A and B antigens were observed, especially with the Al(OH)₃ formulation. Conclusions: RSVpreF was well-tolerated both locally and systemically without any adverse effects on reproductive and developmental endpoints. Full article

The influence of sericin supplementation and chilling temperatures (4 and 15 °C) on the short-term storage quality and fertility of rabbit semen was assessed over 72 h of storage. In experiment 1, pooled semen (five replications) was diluted to a concentration of 50 M mL⁻¹, and assigned to control, 0.1%, and 0.5% sericin groups, stored at 4 or 15 °C. Sperm motility, sperm kinematics, viability, and membrane and acrosome integrity were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of storage. Experiments 2 and 3 were conducted to observe the effect of sericin on bacterial growth and in vivo fertility. The results of experiment 1 showed that sericin treatment, storage temperature, and storage duration influenced progressive and total sperm motility. The storage duration affected all sperm kinematics variables, whereas VCL, VSL, VAP, and BCF sperm kinematics altered in response to sericin treatment and storage temperature. Similarly, significant effects of sericin treatment, storage temperature, and storage duration were observed for acrosome integrity, sperm membrane integrity, and sperm viability. The results of experiment 2 indicated the antimicrobial effects of sericin when sperm were stored at 15 °C for 72 h. While promising pregnancy outcomes were observed with sericin-treated sperm for 72 h, these results were not significantly different. This study conclusively demonstrates that sericin treatment enhances the quality of rabbit semen when stored at lower temperatures for longer durations. The antimicrobial effects of sericin could be a contributing factor to the improved in vitro and in vivo fertility of rabbit sperm. Full article