Harnessing the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicera japonica (SL), SL extract emerges as a natural and effective dietary strategy to enhance sow reproductive performance and overall health. In this study, 100 multiparous Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire sows were assigned to either a control diet or a diet supplemented with 0.05% SL extract (n = 100), beginning on day 85 of gestation and continuing until day 21 of lactation, with 50 sows in each group. Duroc boars were the source of semen for artificial insemination. While SL supplementation did not affect litter size, birth weight, or milk composition, it significantly reduced piglet mortality during lactation, from 13.11% to 9.72% (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, feed intake of sows in the SL group increased from 4.56 kg to 4.70 kg (p < 0.01) during lactation. Furthermore, SL extract enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the sows, reduced malondialdehyde and levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and increased the plasma soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14) concentrations (p < 0.05). In vitro, pretreatment of mammary epithelial cells with SL extract (2 μg/mL for 24 h) before lipopolysaccharide stimulation significantly upregulated antioxidant markers, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression, and inhibited activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of SL extract as a natural feed additive to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately supporting improved reproductive performance and health in sows.

Question In broodmares undergoing artificial insemination, is intrauterine fluid development more likely postinsemination with frozen semen compared to insemination with chilled semen? Clinical bottom line Category of research: Incidence. Number and type of study designs reviewed: Three retrospective cohort studies were critically appraised. Strength of evidence: Weak. Outcomes reported: A lower rate of postbreeding intrauterine fluid occurred in mares inseminated with frozen semen compared to chilled semen in two studies, and a higher rate in one study. Conclusion: The evidence available is weak and warrants further research into postbreeding intrauterine fluid rates in mares inseminated with frozen and chilled semen.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains over 20 growth factors and protein molecules that play a role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of intrauterine PRP injection on women who have experienced recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Methods: The present clinical trial involved 94 patients with RIF who were scheduled for in vitro fertilization (IVF). For the intervention (PRP) group, PRP was injected into the uterus using an intrauterine insemination catheter 24 to 48 hours before embryo transfer. The study then assessed and compared pregnancy rates between the intervention and control groups. Results: This study found no significant baseline differences between the two groups. Endometrial thickness (ET) was comparable, measuring 7.50 ± 0.41 mm in the PRP group and 7.53 ± 0.56 mm in the control group. The PRP group exhibited significantly higher rates of both biochemical and clinical pregnancy. Specifically, the biochemical pregnancy rate was 64.6% (n = 39) in the PRP group compared to 19.6% (n = 9) in the control group (p < 0.001). Similarly, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the PRP group at 50% (n = 24) versus 17.4% (n = 8) in the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that the intrauterine injection of PRP prior to embryo transfer is a safe and affordable intervention that improves the pregnancy rate, with no major adverse effects observed.

Determinants of bovine brucellosis across herds and individuals: A Bayesian meta-analysis.

Improving drone sperm cryopreservation: Investigating cryoprotectant combinations and PVP supplementation.

An overview of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in cattle reproduction and its applications in assisted reproductive technologies.

ObjectiveThe Korean government implemented national insurance coverage for infertility treatment in 2017 and established a nationwide infertility treatment data collection system in 2018. This report analyzes infertility treatment cycles performed in 2022 based on this national registry.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from 201 certified infertility treatment institutions in Korea. Standardized treatment forms for intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) were submitted to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service for all infertility treatment cycles conducted in 2022.ResultsA total of 200,007 infertility treatment cycles were reported in 2022, consisting of 33,137 IUI cycles and 166,870 IVF cycles. Among IVF cycles, 64.6% were initiated for fresh embryo transfers and 35.4% for frozen-thawed embryo transfers. In IVF cycles, the overall clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 30.2% for fresh and 42.0% for frozen-thawed embryo transfers. The proportion of single embryo transfers has risen steadily since 2019. The most common indication for IVF was diminished ovarian reserve, while IUI was mainly performed for unexplained or male factor infertility.ConclusionNationwide infertility treatment cycle reporting in Korea has enabled detailed monitoring of infertility treatment trends and outcomes. The data show a substantial increase in IVF utilization, a growing preference for frozen-thawed embryo transfer, and broader adoption of single embryo transfer consistent with global practices. Further integration with birth outcome data and longitudinal patient tracking will be essential to evaluate cumulative success rates and overall effectiveness. This national registry provides a foundation for optimizing infertility care and facilitates international benchmarking.

Implications of different hypothermic preservation conditions on boar sperm quality during storage: Evaluation in sperm-rich fraction and whole ejaculate.

Predictors of reproductive outcomes in seasonal-calving, pasture-based lactating dairy cows.

Endometrial cells and extracellular vesicles response to high body energy reserves in bovine: Insights into miRNA and mRNA regulation before embryo arrival.

Oviduct-derived C-type natriuretic peptide improves bovine preimplantation embryo development in vitro by attenuating oxidative damage.

Medically assisted reproduction significantly affects the expression of microRNA associated with adverse obstetric outcomes.

Evaluating the relationships between anti-Müllerian hormone, milk production, estrous expression and first service conception rate in lactating dairy cows.

ABSTRACTAimTo evaluate pregnancy outcomes by treatment approach and assess the appropriateness and safety of surgical intervention in patients with infertility and uterine adenomyosis.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients, diagnosed with adenomyosis at our institution from 2013 to 2023, who desired conception. The study population was divided into two groups by the presence or absence of surgical intervention, and the type of adenomyosis lesions, infertility treatment modalities, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. For patients who underwent adenomyomectomy, operative methods, pre‐ and postoperative endometrial thickness and dysmenorrhea severity, and perinatal complications in postsurgical pregnancies, were assessed.ResultsTwenty‐one patients with adenomyosis (10 non‐surgical; 11 surgical) were analyzed. All patients in the non‐surgical group had focal adenomyosis lesions, and 70% achieved pregnancy through intrauterine insemination or assisted reproductive technology, with a 50% live birth rate. Most surgical patients had diffuse adenomyosis lesions and endometrial thinning in the luteal phase. Seven patients underwent triple‐flap surgery, while four underwent double‐flap surgery; 36% of surgical patients achieved pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology, with an 18% live birth rate. All patients showed improvement in postoperative dysmenorrhea and a significant increase in luteal phase endometrial thickness. No uterine rupture occurred in postsurgical pregnancies, but one patient had a late miscarriage and placenta accreta.ConclusionsAggressive management of severe uterine adenomyosis with diffuse lesions through adenomyomectomy, followed by assisted reproductive technology, may be effective. Adenomyomectomy potentially enhances fertility by improving dysmenorrhea and thin endometria. However, careful management of postoperative pregnancies is necessary, considering perinatal complications.

Early pregnancy diagnosis is needed for small ruminants. Effective methods for early pregnancy detection are of great importance. Identifying pregnancy enhances rebreeding and is crucial for controlled breeding programs. However, various methods exist for diagnosing pregnancy in small ruminants. The choice of methods is influenced by equipment availability, the number of days post-insemination and the required accuracy level. Measurement of progesterone concentrations is used in pregnancy diagnosis in small ruminants. The detection of progesterone (P4) assays can facilitate the diagnosis of pregnancy approximately three weeks post-insemination. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of two progesterone assays (CLIA and ELFA) for the early diagnosis of pregnancy (at day 21 post-insemination) in Kilis goats, using transrectal ultrasonography at day 50 as the reference standard. Kilis goats (n: 150) were synchronized with a 10-day intravaginal sponge. Artificial insemination applications were intracervically performed with frozen-thawed semen straws. Blood samples were collected 21 days post-insemination to assess progesterone levels for pregnancy diagnosis. The pregnancy rate and average progesterone level determined by the CLIA method were found to be higher than those determined by the ELFA method. Additionally, in early pregnancy determination, the number of truly pregnant animals was significantly higher, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The CLIA method is a precise and dependable approach for measuring plasma progesterone levels. In the study, it was concluded that the CLIA progesterone assay method evaluated for early pregnancy detection in Kilis goats was superior.

Cryopreservation of sperm is a resource used for artificial insemination. In the case of bovines, it ensures the reproduction of animals through cells from males with a highlighted genetic background. The fertilisation capacity of sperm cells is achieved after capacitation, a process that includes subcellular modifications that could be altered by cryopreservation. Intracellular calcium handling plays a crucial role in the development of capacitation, culminating in the acrosomal reaction. SERCA protein is responsible for calcium reuptake into the acrosome, which is one of the main calcium reservoirs of sperm cells. In this work, we studied the relationships between SERCA activity and sperm motility, capacitation progression, actin polymerisation, and intracellular calcium handling in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Inhibition of SERCA activity reduced sperm motility and induced hyperactivation patterns. It also increased the proportion of cells with acrosomal reaction and earlier actin depolymerisation, an event necessary to induce the acrosomal reaction. All changes occurred in concordance with a significant increase in intracellular calcium concentration (Ca2+). Our findings suggest that a thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ pump consistent with SERCA activity remains responsive in cryopreserved spermatozoa from the bull studied, under specific cryopreservation and incubation conditions tested, and may contribute to Ca2+ handling, motility changes, and premature acrosomal exocytosis.

Heat stress is one of the main limiting factors for productivity and reproductive performance in beef cattle raised in extensive systems under tropical climates. Integrated systems, such as the Silvopastoral System (SIPAS), have been adopted as alternatives to mitigate excessive solar radiation and improve animal welfare. This study assessed the impact of providing shade for beef cows raised on pastures in Northwestern Paraná, Brazil. Ninety-four crossbred and purebred females (Nelore, Limousin × Angus), with an average age of two years and a Body Condition Score (BCS) between 2 and 4, were allocated into two groups: SIPAS (shaded cows) and SOL (unshaded cows). All females underwent Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) followed by resynchronization (Resync). Environmental variables (temperature, humidity, and THI-like index) and forage samples were collected. Pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the cows provided shade (SIPAS group) for Resync (p = 0.036) and for the cumulative result (FTAI + Resync) (p = 0.048). It is concluded that tree shading reduces thermal stress and significantly improves conception rates in beef cattle under tropical conditions.

Buserelin acetate, a synthetic analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), is used to induce ovulation and enable fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in swine. Evaluating the pharmacokinetics of buserelin acetate is crucial for optimizing its application in precisely controlling ovulation timing and enhancing the effectiveness of FTAI in pigs. This study investigates the pharmacokinetics of buserelin acetate following intramuscular administration in gilts. Ten healthy prepuberty gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) with an average body weight of 72.0 ± 3.4 kg were included in the study. Before treatment, all ten gilts underwent surgical implantation of an indwelling venous catheter to allow repeated blood samplings for pharmacokinetic assessment. On Day 3 after surgery, each gilt received an intramuscular injection of 100 μg buserelin acetate (25 mL of 4 μg/mL Receptal, MSD Animal Health, USA). Blood samples (5 mL each) were collected 14 times from each gilt via the jugular catheter at the following time points: 0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 min, as well as 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h post-injection. Blood samples were collected into heparinized tubes, centrifuged to separate the plasma, and stored at -20°C until analysis. Plasma buserelin concentrations were then determined using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The LC-MS/MS system operated in positive ion mode using electrospray ionization with multiple reaction monitoring. Buserelin was quantified based on precursor/product ion pairs identified in the chromatogram. The calibration curve for buserelin acetate in pig plasma showed high linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99), with a lower limit of quantification of 0.30 μg/L. The findings showed that the average maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of buserelin acetate was 2.21 ± 0.72 μg/L, occurring at 0.30 ± 0.10 h (Tmax) after administration. The elimination half-life (T1/2) was 0.51 ± 0.03 h. The area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to the last measurement point (AUC0-t) was 7.30 ± 0.87 μg·h/L. The clearance rate (CL) was 0.20 ± 0.03 L/h/kg, and the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) was 0.13 ± 0.05 L/kg. These results suggest that buserelin acetate from Receptal is rapidly metabolized and eliminated in gilts, emphasizing the need for precise timing of administration to maintain effective drug concentrations.

PurposeTo investigate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and reproductive outcomes in non-polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective study examined 2448 IUI cycles at a large reproductive health center from 2015 to 2024. They were categorized into four groups according to SUA quartiles. Differences in pregnancy and obstetric outcomes of women without PCOS were compared among these groups. Logistic regression analysis was applied to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for outcomes with or without adjusting for confounding variables.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the biochemical pregnancy rate from the lowest SUA quartile (Q1: 18.81%) to the highest (Q4: 17.81%) (adjusted OR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.58–1.09, P=0.455). Similarly, both the unadjusted and adjusted models indicated that SUA level had no significant effect on most reproductive outcomes including clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate (P>0.05). Notably, mean birth weight in Q3 (3376.93 ± 64.63 g) was the highest among the four groups (P=0.021). Consistent with this result, the low birth weight rate in Q3 was significantly lower than in Q1 in Model 3 (adjusted OR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05–0.94, P=0.041) after adjusting for factors such as age, body mass index, menstrual cycle, and systolic blood pressure.ConclusionWe conclude that pre-pregnancy SUA does not impair reproductive outcomes in women without PCOS undergoing IUI treatment. Fetal growth and subsequent birth weight would appear to benefit from an appropriate maternal SUA level. However, the precise efficacy and mechanism of action need to be further investigated.

Timely and accurate detection of estrus is vital for optimizing conception rates in dairy herds; however, conventional estrus detection methods remain insufficient in smallholder settings, particularly for repeat-breeders and cows having silent heat. This study evaluated four non-invasive estrus biomarkers: vaginal electrical resistance (VER), pH, spinnbarkeit (mucus stretchability), and cervical mucus crystallization (ferning) for their ability to predict ovulation in 62 Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Vaginal electrical resistance was measured prior to artificial insemination (AI), and pH, spinnbarkeit, and crystallization were assessed on cervicovaginal mucus samples. A sperm penetration test was also conducted. Pregnancy was confirmed by non-return to estrus on day 21 and via ultrasonography 30-35 days post-AI. The overall conception rate was 54.8%, with significantly higher (p <0.05) pregnancy in normal-cyclic cows (63.2%) than in repeat breeders (41.7%). Vaginal electrical resistance between 181-220Ω was associated with 84.2% pregnancy rate (p = 0.029), and pregnant cows had a significantly lower mean (±SD) VER (202.2±31.2Ω) compared to non-pregnant cows (241.8±73.6Ω). Optimal mucus elasticity (spinnbarkeit 7–9 cm) was associated with 87.5% conception rate (p = 0.009), whereas very low stretchability led to poorer outcomes. Typical fern patterns in the mucus corresponded to significantly higher conception (76.5% vs 23.5% for atypical ferning, p = 0.015). Mucus pH was not significantly associated with conception (p >0.05). Conception rate was significantly higher (72.2%; p < 0.001) for >30% motility in the sperm penetration assay. These findings underscore the potential use of cervicovaginal secretion biomarkers, particularly VER, spinnbarkeit and crystallization pattern, as practical, low-cost and field-friendly estrus detection tools to enhance AI timing and reproductive efficiency in dairy cows.