Insemination Center Research Articles

Ability of Melon (Cucumis melo. L) Fruit Juices Based Tris Diluent on The Quality of Frozen Spermatozoa of Bali Cattle After Thawing

The high potassium content in melon plays a role in maintaining the normal function of the muscles, heart, nervous system, and potassium is also the main regulator of blood pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using melon juice (Cucumis melo L.) as a diluent on the quality of spermatozoa and semen of Bali cattle both before and after freezing. The Banyumulek Artificial Insemination Center produces sperm used in Bali cattle breeding. The technique used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 15 replications. The first treatment was 100% egg yolk tris buffer without the addition of melon juice (P0), the second treatment was 80% buffer without the addition of 20% melon juice (P1), the third treatment was 60% buffer with the addition of 40% melon juice (P2). The fourth treatment was 40% buffer with the addition of 60% melon juice (P3). The outcomes showed that the worth of flawless plasma film and mortality upsides of ox-like semen after weakening and subsequent to defrosting were not essentially unique. Be that as it may, not altogether disparate in that frame of mind of motility, level of reasonability, level of ordinariness and post-defrosting anomalies. According to the findings of this study, melon juice can be used as an alternative extender for fresh Bali cattle sperm and preserve the quality of spermatozoa.

Cytogenetic screening of a Canadian swine breeding nucleus using a newly developed karyotyping method named oligo-banding

BackgroundThe frequency of chromosomal rearrangements in Canadian breeding boars has been estimated at 0.91 to 1.64%. These abnormalities are widely recognized as a potential cause of subfertility in livestock production. Since artificial insemination is practiced in almost all intensive pig production systems, the use of elite boars carrying cytogenetic defects that have an impact on fertility can lead to major economic losses. To avoid keeping subfertile boars in artificial insemination centres and spreading chromosomal defects within populations, cytogenetic screening of boars is crucial. Different techniques are used for this purpose, but several issues are frequently encountered, i.e. environmental factors can influence the quality of results, the lack of genomic information outputted by these techniques, and the need for prior cytogenetic skills. The aim of this study was to develop a new pig karyotyping method based on fluorescent banding patterns.ResultsThe use of 207,847 specific oligonucleotides generated 96 fluorescent bands that are distributed across the 18 autosomes and the sex chromosomes. Tested alongside conventional G-banding, this oligo-banding method allowed us to identify four chromosomal translocations and a rare unbalanced chromosomal rearrangement that was not detected by conventional banding. In addition, this method allowed us to investigate chromosomal imbalance in spermatozoa.ConclusionsThe use of oligo-banding was found to be appropriate for detecting chromosomal aberrations in a Canadian pig nucleus and its convenient design and use make it an interesting tool for livestock karyotyping and cytogenetic studies.

Semen quality of progeny-tested breeding bulls maintained at the National Artificial Insemination Centre, Arusha, Tanzania

The success or failure of artificial insemination (AI) depends on the quality of semen used. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of breed, age, collection period, and ejaculate number on semen quality collected from 15 breeding bulls available at the centre with different ages (4 Friesian, 4 Ayrshire, 3 Jersey, 2 Simmental and 2 Boran breeds) maintained at National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC), Arusha, Tanzania. A total of 600 ejaculates were collected for four weeks per month consecutively from January to May 2022, weekly per bull and twice a day; morning (6.00 - 9.00 AM) and evening (3.00 - 6.00 PM) sessions). The ejaculates were first examined visually for volume, color, foreign bodies, and consistency whereas sperm concentration (SPC), progressive motility (PM) and total motility (TM) were assessed using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis System (CASA). Viability/vitality (SPVI) and morphology (SPNR) of sperms were analyzed microscopically after staining with Eosin-Nigrosin. Data were subjected to SAS program and results showed that ejaculate volume, progressive motility, total motility, sperm viability, and morphology were significantly (P<0.05) affected by age and collection period. Simmental, Friesian, and Ayrshire bulls produced more voluminous semen than Jersey and Boran bulls. Jersey bulls had higher (P<0.05) sperm concentrations and live spermatozoa as compared to other bulls. Boran and Jersey's bulls exhibited higher PM and TM than the other bulls. The period of semen collection (morning versus evening) negatively affected semen volume, total motility, and semen viability in which morning harvests performed better than evening collections. Middle aged bulls (3-5 years) produced semen of higher quality compared to other groups (< 3 years and > 5 years old bulls). In conclusion, age, breed, period of semen production and ejaculate number revealed significant effect on bovine semen characteristics.

PENGARUH BREED TERHADAP MOTILITAS SPERMA SAPI LOKAL INDONESIA DAN Bos taurus DI BALAI INSEMINASI BUATAN (Effect breeds on sperm motility of indonesian local bulls and bos taurus at Artificial Insemination Center)

The attempt to achieved the goal could be through using artificial insemination (AI) by frozen semen. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the breed on sperm motility using Madura, Bali bulls and Bos taurus frozen semen. The experiment used local bull frozen semen (Madura and Bali bull breeds) and Bos taurus bull (Simmental and Limousin breeds) produced by Singosari’s artificial insemination center. Sperm motility evaluation was conducted using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA, Spermvision, Minitube®, Germany). The analyzing data uses a generalized linear model, one-way ANOVA using the SPSS 26 software. Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) was used to determine any significant differences. The result shows for total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) are 63.89±1.72% and 54.38±4.39% (Madura bull), 51.48±3.30% and 42.47±5.48% (Bali bull), 58.21±1.13% and 44.38±3.15% (Simmental bull), also 58.12±1.64% and 51.49±3.03% (Limousin bull). There is no differential sperm motility (P>0.005) in both parameters for all breeds. All frozen semen used in this study qualifies with Indonesian National Standards and is approved for use in the artificial insemination program.

Influence of an equine viral arteritis (EVA) outbreak on embryo recovery, pregnancy and live foal rates at an insemination and embryo transfer center in Northern Germany 2020

Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is a contagious disease caused by the equine arteritis virus (EAV). Although EVA outbreaks occur infrequently, EAV is present in different horse populations in many countries and can cause high economic loss. EVA is of special concern to horse breeders because it can cause abortion in pregnant mares, death in very young foals and infected stallions might become permanent carriers of the virus. Most horses exposed to EAV will develop no signs of the disease. If clinical illness does occur, EVA can be difficult to diagnose because it is clinically similar to several other equine diseases. Incubation period varies between 2 – 14 days, depending on the route of exposure. The interval can be 2 – 3 days after respiratory exposure and 6 – 8 days after venereal transmission of the virus. (Balasuriya.et.al. Equine Infectious Diseases (Second Edition). 2014; 169-181). In total, 72 horses (64 mares, 8 foals) were based at the stud at the time of confirmed outbreak. The first clinical signs of fever of unknown origin began on 1st June 2020. Blood samples of all horses were taken on 5th June 2020 and showed a 42.0% seroconversion via ELISA and VNT. PCR testing was performed on nasal swabs and viral DNA was detected in 8.0% of horses. A consecutive blood sample two weeks later showed88.0% seroconversion. Embryo collection was carried out using a closed system. An experienced team of veterinarians transferred all embryos non-surgically using the Wilsher-technique (Wilsher.et.al. Equine Vet Edu 2004; 16:1:39-44). Retrospective data analysis of embryo recovery rate, 7-day post embryo transfer pregnancy rate- and live foal rate were calculated for Period One (P1, before possible incubation period, 13th February 2020 – 30th April 2020) and Period Two (P2, incubation period and outbreak, 1st May 2020 – 8th June 2020). Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-Square-Test. A total of 100 embryo flushes were performed in P1 and 116 in P2. Embryo recovery rates were 66.0% for P1 and 63.8% for P2 (n.s.), pregnancy rates after transfer were 90.9% for P1 and 71.6% for P2 (n.s.). Live foal rates after a positive 7-day-scan were 93.3% for P1 and 77.4% for P2 (p<0.05). Foal survival rate was 69.8% in P2 compared to 91.7% in P1, when comparing the number of live foals at 14 days post-partum with the number of positive pregnancies (p<0.01). Apart from the possible economic impact, EVA seems to have a great effect on the live foal rate and foal survival, but not on the actual positive embryo recovery rate and initial 7-day-post-embryo transfer pregnancy rate.

The Relationship Between The Polymorphism of Beta A (Βa) Sheet of Inhibin Gene and Semen Characteristics in Holstein Bulls

This study aimed to test a linkage between Inhibin beta A (INHβA) polymorphism and semen quality in Holstein bulls in Iraqi Artificial Insemination Center. The experiment trial was carried out on (12 n) pure Holstein breed bulls. The study period started from January 2022 until February 2022. The Ejaculates were collected and its characteristics were evaluated immediately, additionally, 10 ml of blood were collected from each bull (12 samples) for genomic DNA extraction to determine the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and compared with semen quality. The findings showed the presence of four variants at Exon 2; C (903) T, C (916)Y, G (917)K, and G (966) R in Exon 2 when compared with Gene sequence ID: XM_024990466.1. Two out of four Exon 2 SNPs were non-sense mutations(C (903) T and G (966) R), while the remains were missense which made the change in Arginine &gt; phenylalanine at position (306). Regarding the volume of ejaculates, the results recorded that non-significant difference was shown in whole alleles of the loci, except in one locus (G (966) R), the bulls that had a wild allele (A) recorded maximum collected volume (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the bulls that represented wild genotypes showed a significant increase in sperm concentration and both mass and individual motility than mutant genotypes in all loci. Moreover, The results of the dead sperm percentage showed a non-significant correlation between the genotypes of all loci except in C (903) T, which demonstrated the superiority of the wild allele over the mutant. Lastly, the results prevailed that the mutant genotype related to the bad semen quality for the bulls, while, the wild genotypes showed good semen parameters, these results may be due to the effect of SNPs on the expression of INHA or the increase in its activity.

Evaluation of the Effects of Melatonin Implants on Testicular and Spermatic Parameters of Rams Raised in Station in the Niayes Zone in Senegal

The intensification of livestock production in response to the growing demand for animal products is increasingly creating new challenges in terms of control of livestock management and feeding, and especially reproduction. Also, ewes are often considered responsible for infertility problems in a sheep flock, as the reproductive capacity of rams is often taken for granted. However, it is important to have genetically superior males to improve the overall fertility of the herd. And, one way to control the sexual performance of rams and improve their fertilizing capacity, is to have them undergo melatonin treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the use of melatonin implants on testicular and spermatic parameters of rams raised in stations in the Niayes area of Senegal. The experimental herd consisted of 6 rams of well-known body characteristics which were followed for 2 months during which testicular measurements were carried out at the beginning and semen was collected by electroejaculation every 2 weeks. After a break of 2 weeks, the same rams are implanted with melatonin (MELOVINE ®) at a rate of 3 implants/ram, i.e. a dose of 54 mg of melatonin per ram, and the same measurements and semen collections are again carried out for 2 months. Data on antero-posterior testicular diameter, testicular weight, scrotal circumference, and semen analysis (volume, color, appearance, mass and individual motility, concentration, morphology) recorded and processed with Excel were exported to the SPSS software where they were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and independent sample comparison testing. The results showed that melatonin treatment significantly reduced weight (555±155 g vs. 396±128 g) and antero-posterior diameter (23.42±2.0 cm vs. 20.10±2.26 cm). However, it induced improvements in ejaculate volume, color, and appearance, sperm production, and morphological abnormality rate, and, most significantly, sperm motility (2.1±1.5 vs. 3.3±1.2) and survival rate (54±34% vs. 80±31%) of spermatozoa. Melatonin has therefore improved the sperm characteristics of rams, and is an interesting reproductive management tool for improving the productivity of sheep farms. It can be recommended for use in artificial insemination centres in order to improve the characteristics of the semen doses produced.

Plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity of fresh and frozen Bali bull semen based on different ejaculate volume

Semen volume is one of the measuring points used to determine the quality of a bull’s semen in one ejaculate. Plasma Membrane Integrity (PMI) and Acrosomal Integrity (AI) are more detailed microscopic examinations and are used to determine the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PMI and AI of fresh and frozen semen of Bali bull based on different ejaculate volumes. This research was conducted in March-April at Artificial Insemination Centre (AIC) in Pucak, South Sulawesi. The method used in this study was an experimental method with 4 treatments of ejaculate volume 1-3 ml; 3.1-5 ml; 5.1-7 ml; and 7.1-9 ml for 3 replicates each. The observed variables were PMI and AI. The results showed that the volume variation had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the PMI and AI values of fresh Bali cattle semen, as well as post-thawing frozen semen. The average percentage of PMI in fresh semen was 63.49±1.46% and post thawing was 37.66±2.82%, while the average AI percentage for fresh semen was 73.17±2.06% and post thawing was 50.92±2.64%. The conclusion of this study is the volume of ejaculate does not affect the plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity of Bali cattle semen, both fresh and frozen.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ATP1A1 GENE POLYMORPHISMS WITH SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS IN HOLSTEIN BULLS

This study was conducted to identify the polymorphism of ATP1A1 gene, distribution ratios, and its association with semen characteristics of Holstein bulls. Twenty-five Holstein bulls were used currently. Blood samples were collected via venipuncture to separate the DNA and identify the polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene. Semen was collected using an artificial vagina for fresh evaluation. Results were showed the change of cytosine (C) nucleotide at site 15738 to adenine (A) at the exon 17 (SNP C15738A) of the ATP1A1 gene. Two polymorphisms were obtained according to this change, the first is wild (CC; allele frequency 0.84), and the second is heterogeneous (CA; allele frequency 0.16). The CC polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene exhibited a highly significant (p&lt;0.01) superiority for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and mass activity, and for sperm’s cell individual motility (p&lt;0.05), compared with the CA polymorphism of Holstein bulls. The other semen characteristics did not differ between the two mentioned polymorphisms. This polymorphism exhibited obvious semen characteristics despite stress conditions of feed shortage and poor management practices accompanied with the covid-19 pandemic. This gene can be used to predict the fertility and stress resistance of bulls before they reach sexual maturity and its reflection on the economic return of breeding these bulls at the artificial insemination centers.

Relationship between Clinical Uterine Findings, Therapy, and Fertility in the Mare.

Persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) is a major cause of subfertility in horses and the susceptibility is increased by several factors. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of clinical uterine findings and PBIE therapies, respectively, on pregnancy rate in mares. The analysis included records from 220 mares (390 cycles) inseminated at an artificial insemination (AI) center in Switzerland. Gynecological examinations were performed repeatedly before and after AI to determine cervical tone, uterine edema, and intrauterine fluid accumulation. Pregnancy rate was lower (p < 0.001) in barren mares compared to mares of other reproductive status. A more flaccid cervix (p = 0.009) was observed at the time of ovulation in pregnant cycles, but there was no difference (p > 0.05) regarding uterine edema. Intrauterine fluid accumulation reduced pregnancy rate (p = 0.002). Oxytocin administration had beneficial effects on pregnancy rate (p = 0.015), especially for barren mares, while uterine lavage did not have any effect (p > 0.05). The results show that cervical tone and intrauterine fluid accumulation, but not its degree, are useful parameters for assessment of fertility in mares. Oxytocin treatment improved pregnancy rates in mares with PBIE while uterine lavage had a limited effect.

Growth Dynamic and Threshold Values for Spermicidal Effects of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Extended Boar Semen.

The aim of this study was first to examine the prevalence of bacteria-associated loss of sperm quality in samples from insemination centers during a seven-year semen monitoring program and, second, to investigate the growth dynamic of four different multidrug-resistant bacterial species and their impact on sperm quality during semen storage. A reduced sperm quality associated with bacterial contamination was found in 0.5% of 3219 of the samples from insemination centers. In samples spiked with Serratia marcescens and Klebsiella oxytoca, bacterial growth by six log levels was seen during storage at 17 °C, causing loss of sperm motility, membrane integrity, membrane fluidity, and mitochondrial membrane potential at >107 CFU/mL (p < 0.05). Storage at 5 °C in the Androstar Premium extender efficiently inhibited their growth. Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Burkholderia cepacia showed limited growth up to two log levels at 17 °C and did not impair sperm quality. In conclusion, spermatozoa tolerate moderate loads of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and hypothermic, antibiotic-free semen storage effectively limits bacterial growth. The constant use of antibiotics in semen extenders should be reconsidered.

KORELASI LINGKAR SKROTUM TERHADAP KUANTITAS DAN KUALITAS SEMEN PEJANTAN SAPI SIMMENTAL di BALAI BESAR INSEMINASI BUATAN SINGOSARI KABUPATEN MALANG

This study aims to find out whether there is a correlation between scrotal circumference to the quantity and quality of Simmental cow semen at the Singosari Malang Artificial Insemination Center. The sample used in the form of fresh cement simmental cows amounted to 16 heads. The variables observed are scrotal circumference, semen volume, pH, spermatozoa concentration, spermatozoa motility, and spermatozoa abnormalities. The data analyzed using Ms. Excel, and showed a correlation between scrotal circumference and cement volume r = 0,6943, scrotal circumference with pH r = 0,1645, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa concentration r = -0,3029, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa motility r = -0,1155, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa r = -0,1642 abnormality. Thus, there is a strong correlation between scrotal circumference and semen volume, a very low correlation between scrotal circumference and pH, and there is no scrotal circumference correlation between spermatozoa concentration, spermatozoa motility, and spermatozoa abnormality.

Animal Welfare Assessment Protocols for Bulls in Artificial Insemination Centers: Requirements, Principles, and Criteria

Animal welfare is a complex subject; as such, it requires a multidimensional approach with the main aim of providing the animals with the "five freedoms". The violations of any one of these freedoms could have an influence on animal wellbeing on different levels. Over the years, many welfare quality protocols were developed in the EU thanks to the Welfare Quality® project. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such summarized information about bull welfare assessment in artificial insemination stations or about how disturbed welfare can be reflected in their productivity. Animal reproduction is the basis for the production of meat and milk; therefore, factors contributing to reduced fertility in bulls are not only indicators of animal welfare but also have implications for human health and the environment. Optimizing the reproductive efficiency of bulls at an early age can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this review, welfare quality assessment will be evaluated for these production animals using reproduction efficiency as a key area, focusing on stress as a main effect of poor animal welfare and, thereby, reduced fertility. We will address various welfare aspects and possible changes in resources or management to improve outcomes.

Low-density lipoprotein supplementation improves the quality of Holstein bulls' insemination doses

Despite the routine use of cryopreservation in dairy cattle, the subsequent deterioration in the quality of bull insemination doses (IDs) is an incentive to refine cryopreservation protocols, including the composition of the ID. The aim of this study was to examine, using a flow cytometry assay, whether the selected concentrations of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) extracted from hen-egg yolk may improve the post-thaw quality of the ID diluted with a plant-based extender. In total, 30 ejaculates from five sires (six trials per animal) were collected and processed at the Artificial Insemination Centre. The effect of the low density lipoprotein supplementation to the AndroMed® diluent at 4 and 8% (v/v) on the cryopreservation efficiency was tested. The effects of the modified extenders were determined on different sperm subpopulations by simultaneous quadruple staining for flow cytometry as the percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane and acrosome (PMAI), PMAI sperm showing high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP), sperm with plasma membrane damage (PMD), and sperm with acrosome damage (AD). It was observed that the 8% LDL treatment was more effective (P < 0.05) in preserving all the analysed parameters than AndroMed® without any supplementation. The supplementation of the AndroMed® extender with 8% LDL resulted in the most optimal values of the PMAI (30.61 ± 1.13), HMMP (68.81 ± 1.25), PMD (68.69 ± 1.14), and AD (38.36 ± 1.13) compared to the control treatment (24.86 ± 1.13 for PMAI, 47.79 ± 1.25 for HMMP, 74.77 ± 1.14 for PMD, and 42.83 ± 1.13 for AD. The results of the study also demonstrated a synergistic positive effect of the LDL and soybean lecithin-based diluent on the spermatozoa post-thaw quality and resilience, based on 2 h long incubation. In conclusion, the soybean based semen extender treatment with LDL represents a beneficial tool to mitigate the detrimental effect of cryopreservation.

The Importance of Studying Factors That Affect the In Vitro Evaluation of Semen Quality to Predict Potential Fertility in Males

The presence of sub-fertile or infertile males in farms or artificial insemination (AI) centres has a great impact on the reproductive and economic performance of the livestock industry [...].

Genetic Diversity of Crossbred Cattle using Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) Gene in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: The genetic diversity information of local cattle and crossbred in South Sulawesi, Indonesia is essential for the establishment of conservation and breeding strategies. This research targeted to evaluate the phylogenetic relationship and genetic diversity of local and crossbred (CB) cattle. Methods: The present research organized at the Animal Laboratory, Professor Nidom Foundation, Surabaya, Indonesia from February to October 2021. The genome was isolated from 20 whole blood samples from seven purebreed belongs to Singosari National Artificial Insemination Center Malang, Indonesia, four crossbred in Gowa and nine crossbred in Sidrap, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Partial sequences of mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were amplified employing the polymerase chain reaction technique. Result: This study revealed that a lot of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found in local cattle (Bali and Peranakan Ongole) and CB cattle in Gowa and Sidrap indicated various genetic diversity can be used as a marker candidate and potential to be developed into future research knowing the correlation of the SNP with the growth rate of CB. Thus, this information will be helpful for further strategy in breeding development program.

Progressive Motility, DNA Fragmentation, Intact Plasma Membrane, and Acrosome Status of Frozen Semen Bali and Simmental Bulls

In increasing the population of bulls in Indonesia, it is necessary to utilize Artificial Insemination (AI) technology. AI reproductive technology aims to increase reproductive efficiency and use superior semen in livestock and can prevent the spread of reproductive diseases. Frozen semen is one of the factors that influence the success of AI. Thus, the quality of frozen semen must be maintained so fertility remains good. This study aimed to determine the quality of frozen semen of Bali and Simmental bulls at the Artificial Insemination Center, South Sulawesi. This study used frozen semen from two Bali and Simmental bulls. Parameters observed were progressive motility, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation (DNA), acrosome status, and intact plasma membrane. The progressive motility was tested using Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA Sperm Vision Minitube), the DNA fragmentation using acridine orange dye, the acrosome status using peanut agglutinin, and the intact plasma membrane staining using HOS solution. This study gives a result that the progressive motility, DNA fragmentation, and acrosome status of spermatozoa in frozen semen of Bali and Simmental bulls were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05). In contrast, the whole plasma membrane of spermatozoa in Bali bulls' frozen semen was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than in Simmental bulls. The results indicate that based on the parameters of progressive motility, DNA fragmentation, and acrosome status of spermatozoa, both bull breeds had the same quality of frozen semen. Meanwhile, according to the spermatozoa intact plasma membrane, the frozen semen of Bali bulls had better quality than that of Simmental bulls. Keywords: Artificial Insemination, frozen semen quality, Bali and Simmental bulls

Analysis of artificial insemination center management factors that contribute to sperm parameters and boar longevity with a major focus on PGF2α treatment.

Artificial insemination (AI) centers' economic profitability is directly impacted by the amount of high-quality sperm doses. Many internal and external factors contribute to the quality of ejaculates. To enhance the libido and to reduce the time that is required to train boars for semen collection, prostaglandin products are used routinely at AI centers. The objectives of this study were to analyze sperm parameters of 40,765 ejaculates and the survival of 406 PGF2α-treated and 417 untreated AI boars of five breeds (Duroc [DU], Large White [LW], Landrace [LR], Pietrain [PI], and Large White Sire Line [LS]). Data were assessed in one AI center in Switzerland from 2018 to 2022 and sperm parameters were determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis immediately after semen collection. For further calculations, the ejaculates were divided into four groups depending on the boar's age at semen collection day: 7 to 11, 12 to 18, 19 to 24, and 25 to 87 mo. Along with the boar age, breed, season, and semen collection frequency even the treatment with PGF2α had significant influence on sperm parameters. Overall, 19.5% ejaculates were collected after PGF2α treatment. For every age and breed group, higher ejaculate volume was found for untreated boars than for PGF2α-treated boars (P < 0.001). Higher values for total and progressive sperm motility, total sperm number, and the proportion of morphologically normal sperm were observed in untreated boars across several age and breed groups. Only for sperm concentration, higher values were found for treated boars older than 11 mo (P < 0.001) and the breeds DU, LW, and LR (P < 0.001). The chance of ejaculates being rejected for AI purposes because of low sperm quality was 21% greater for treated boars. There was no difference in survival between treated and untreated boars. The hazard for boar removal increased with decreasing age at first semen collection and decreasing semen collection frequency. The results reveal better sperm quality for untreated boars than for PGF2α-treated boars, which might indicate that the underlying fertility of boars necessitating treatment is inferior compared to boars that can be collected without further treatment. Therefore, AI boar stations that are aiming to reduce PGF2α treatment should pay special attention to high libido and fertility of young prospective AI boars.

Profiling of seminal plasma proteins to identify the fertility of Simmental bull with low semen quality.

The present study analyzed the seminal plasma proteome and possible relationships between proteins and semen quality in azoospermic and normal Simmental bulls. Fresh semen plasma samples from the Lembang Artificial Insemination Center were used for this study, including one bull (76´ ejaculate) with very poor semen quality/azoospermia (poor fresh semen/infertile; PFS) and three bulls with normal semen quality (normal fresh semen; NFS) for proteomic analysis using a pooled system (NFS-Stud) (60´ ejaculate). The only males obtained with very low quality or azoospermia (PFS) had sperm motility of <10% (one head). Bulls with azoospermic conditions produce fresh semen without sperm or with very little sperm concentration. A total of 109 proteins were identified in the seminal plasma of Simmental bulls analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore total protein, expression, function, and protein mechanism in the seminal plasma of Simmental bulls. The results showed that the seminal plasma proteins expressed in NFS bulls include ELSPBP1, SIL1, HSPA13, angiotensin-1 covering enzyme, and CRISP1. On the other hand, B2M, C3, CFB, venin-2, and cathepsin S contribute significantly to PFS. The NFS bull proteins play important roles in sperm capacitation, protein transport, sperm motility, spermatogenesis, immune tolerance, and fertilization, while the PFS proteins perform apoptotic and antigen pathway functions. There is an interaction between proteins in the seminal plasma of males with poor semen quality (PFS) and cases of infertility (azoospermia) that cause a decrease in sperm quality in PFS bulls.

Impact of services provided in Uzbekistan on the added value of dekhkan farms

This scientific article focuses on agricultural development, with special consideration given to the specialization of crop types for farmers, dekhkan farms, and landowners. The research emphasizes the significance of providing plant protection products and mineral fertilizers to enhance crop productivity and quality. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of expanding zoo-veterinary centers and artificial insemination centers for cattle, aiming to improve animal health and breeding practices. In the pursuit of agricultural advancement, it is crucial to cater to the specific needs of different agricultural entities, including individual farmers, dekhkan farms (small agricultural cooperatives), and landowners. By tailoring crop specialization to suit their respective capacities and preferences, the study aims to optimize agricultural output and foster sustainable growth. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the crucial role of plant protection products and mineral fertilizers in ensuring healthy and high-yielding crops. By promoting the use of appropriate agrochemicals and fertilizers, the study aims to enhance agricultural efficiency and contribute to food security. In addition to crop-related measures, the article underscores the need to strengthen livestock farming. Expanding zoo-veterinary centers can bolster animal health and welfare, while artificial insemination centers for cattle can lead to improved breeding outcomes and the development of superior livestock breeds. By combining these efforts, the research aims to enrich the range and quality of services offered to agricultural stakeholders. Through these interventions, the study seeks to foster agricultural progress, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to the overall economic development of the agricultural sector.