Number Of Ova Research Articles

Analysis of CVC1302-Mediated Enhancement of Monocyte Recruitment in Inducing Immune Responses.

Monocytes (Mos) are believed to play important roles during the generation of immune response. In our previous study, CVC1302, a complex of PRRs agonists, was demonstrated to recruit Mo into lymph nodes (LNs) in order to present antigen and secret chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10), which attracted antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. As it is known that Mos in mice are divided into two main Mo subsets (Ly6C+ Mo and Ly6C- Mo), we aimed to clarify the CVC1302-recruiting Mo subset and functions in the establishment of immunity. In this study, we found that CVC1302 attracted both Ly6C+ Mo and Ly6C- Mo into draining LNs, which infiltrated from different origins, injection muscles and high endothelial venule (HEV), respectively. We also found that the numbers of OVA+ Ly6C+ Mo in the draining LNs were significantly higher compared with OVA+ Ly6C- Mo. However, the levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 produced by Ly6C- Mo were significantly higher than Ly6C+ Mo, which plays important roles in attracting antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. Under the analysis of their functions in initiating immune responses, we found that the ability of the Ly6C+ monocyte was mainly capturing and presenting antigens, otherwise; the ability of the Ly6C- monocyte was mainly secreting CXCL9 and CXCL10, which attracted antigen-specific CD4+ T cells through CXCR3. These results will provide new insights into the development of new immunopotentiators and vaccines.

Flowering phenology differs among wet and dry sub-alpine meadows in southwestern China.

The effect of floral traits, floral rewards and plant water availability on plant-pollinator interactions are well-documented; however, empirical evidence of their impact on flowering phenology in high-elevation meadows remains scarce. In this study, we assessed three levels of flowering phenology, i.e. population-, individual- and flower-level (floral longevity), in two nearby but contrasting (wet versus dry) sub-alpine meadows on Yulong Snow Mountain, southwestern China. We also measured a series of floral traits (pollen number, ovule number, and the ratio of pollen to ovule number per flower, i.e. pollen:ovule ratio [P/O]) and floral rewards (nectar availability and pollen presentation) as plausible additional sources of variation for each phenological level. Floral longevity in the wet meadow was significantly longer than that for the dry meadow, whereas population- and individual-flowering duration were significantly shorter. Our results showed a significant positive relationship between flowering phenology with pollen number and P/O per flower; there was no relationship with ovule number per flower. Further, we found a significant effect of flowering phenology on nectar availability and pollen presentation. Our findings suggest that shorter floral longevity in dry habitats compared to wet might be due to water-dependent maintenance costs of flowers, where the population- and individual-level flowering phenology may be less affected by habitats. Our study shows how different levels of flowering phenology underscore the plausible effects of contrasting habitats on reproductive success.

Dinâmica folicular em ovelhas leiteiras dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva, empregando alta ou baixa concentração de progesterona na sincronização do clico estral

Abstract Follicular dynamics in dairy sheep is poorly understood. This study assessed the follicular dynamics of dairy sheep within and out of the breeding season by observing the effect of two progesterone concentrations (60 and 120 mg) used in vaginal pessaries in pre-synchronization. The experiment was conducted in April/May and October/November using 40 healthy multiparous dairy ewes predominantly of the Lacaune breed, which underwent daily transrectal ultrasound examinations. The number of ovulations (1.35 vs 1.05), ovulatory follicle diameter (mm) (5.97 vs 5.05), length of the luteal phase (11 vs 9.14 days), and length of the estrous cycle (16.83 vs 16.6 days) were assessed within and out of the breeding season, respectively. The sheep out of the breeding season did not present a corpus luteum at the time of insertion of the vaginal pessary, characterizing anestrus. The ovulatory follicle had a larger diameter in the breeding season even with the shorter length of the follicular phase, suggesting higher viability and quality of the ovulated oocyte. The application of exogenous progesterone extends the luteal phase in the breeding season (11 vs 9.14 days). The anestrus observed out of season suggests the need for a higher progesterone concentration in reproductive protocols. Therefore, breeding protocols can be adapted for different seasons, suggesting the use of vaginal pessaries with a higher progesterone concentration (120 mg) out of the breeding season. The data allowed the characterization of follicular dynamics in dairy sheep, demonstrating their differences in each season based on the use of different progesterone doses in pre-synchronization.

Negative photoperiod induces an increase in the number of ovulations in dairy cattle.

This study sought to examine the impact of negative photoperiod on the incidence of multiple ovulations and pregnancies in dairy cattle. The study population consisted of 5,373 pregnant cows in their third or greater lactation that experienced their first post-partum pregnancy after spontaneous estrus. The positive photoperiod (increasing day-length) extends from December 22 to June 21, whereas the negative photoperiod (decreasing day-length) extends from June 22 to December 21. The odds ratios (ORs) for multiple ovulations and pregnancies in cows that became pregnant during the negative photoperiod and the remaining cows that became pregnant during the positive photoperiod were 1.4 and 1.3 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The ORs for cows that became pregnant ≥ 90 days in milk and the remaining cows that became pregnant < 90 days in milk were 4.3 and 4.1 (P < 0.0001), respectively. No significant differences were detected in the monthly rates of multiple ovulations or pregnancies during positive and negative photoperiods. Thus, the present study demonstrates that the ovarian function in cows is related to changes in day-length, with decreasing day-length being associated with greater multiple ovulation and pregnancy rates. The present study also shows that positive and negative photoperiods exhibit different trends. The results of this study are consistent with a growing body of work demonstrating the effects of photoperiod patterns on the reproductive physiology of cows, with clear implications for twin pregnancy prevention.

Dalbergia calcarea, a new species of Dalbergia (Fabaceae: Dalbergieae) from Lao PDR

Dalbergia calcarea, a new species currently only known from the limestone mountains of Khammouan Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. The key characters such as habit, colour and limb of standard, and number of ovules of the new species are discussed and compared with its closest relatives. A detailed description along with etymology, conservation status, illustrations and colour photographs are provided for a new species. This discovery increases the number of Laotian species in the genus Dalbergia to seventeen taxa.

Naproxen administration affects murine late folliculogenesis, reduces granulosa cell proliferation and the number of ovulated oocytes

Naproxen reduces the production of prostaglandins via inhibition of the cyclooxygenase. Studies have shown that its administration in women can be related to failed ovulation. Therefore, preclinical investigations must be performed in order to investigate its effects in experimental models. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of naproxen on murine folliculogenesis, ovulation, and female fertility. Female C57BL/6 mice (n = 128 - 6 weeks old) were divided into Control, low (10 mg/kg), and high naproxen (50 mg/kg) groups, who were treated for 8 days and directed to morphofunctional analyses. Follicular quantification showed a reduced percentage of antral follicles in naproxen-treated animals. These treated animals also showed smaller oocytes included in secondary and antral follicles, and the diameter of secondary and antral follicles was also reduced. A reduction in the percentage of Ki67-positive granulosa cells was observed in treated animals that also showed down-regulation of Igf1r compared to control. After an ovarian stimulation protocol, naproxen-treated animals showed a reduction in the percentage of secondary and antral follicles, a reduced number of ovulated oocytes and, corpora lutea, and an increased number of failed ovulations. Finally, naproxen-treated animals also showed a reduction in mating index and pregnancy rate. Our findings suggested that, in mice, naproxen administration (eight days treatment) negatively affects molecular and morphological aspects related to late folliculogenesis, ovulation, and fertility.

Comparing the pregnancy outcomes of cleavage and blastocyst stage in frozen embryo transfer cycles: A cross-sectional study.

Background: In vitro fertilization has advanced in many ways, and new techniques are challenging. Blastocyst transfer is an alternative method for embryo transfer (ET) to improve in vitro fertilization outcomes. Objective: The present study was performed to determine the effect of pregnancies resulting from ET in the blastocyst stage compared to the cleavage stage in frozen cycles to select a better method of assisted reproduction. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 women who referred to the Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Yazd, Iran, between April 2019 and December 2020. They had a frozen ET as either cleavage or blastocyst (n = 97/each group). The study compared the pregnancy and fetal outcomes in the 2 groups of ET at the cleavage and blastocyst stages. Results: The results showed that the blastocyst stage group had higher levels of anti-Mullerian hormone, ovule number, 2 pronuclear number, and embryo number than the cleavage stage group. The frequency of chemical pregnancies was 52.6% and 36.1% in blastocyst and cleavage group respectively (p = 0.02). Also, the frequency of clinical pregnancies was 41.2% and 22.7% in blastocyst and cleavage group respectively (p 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between 2 groups in abortion, preterm delivery, multiple births, preterm premature rupture of membranes, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, neonatal hospitalization in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and fetal abnormalities (p 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that transmission in the blastocyst stage compared to the cleavage stage is associated with an increase in chemical and clinical pregnancy, while other pregnancy outcomes are the same in both groups.

Maternal exposure to 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide during pregnancy leads to disorder of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in offspring

Our previous study reveals that maternal exposure to 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) during pregnancy causes insufficient ovarian follicle reserve and decreased fertility in offspring. The present study aims to further explore the reasons for the significant decline of fecundity in mice caused by VCD, and to clarify the changes of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in F1 mice. The ovarian metabolomics, gut microbiota and microbial metabolites were analyzed. The results of ovarian metabolomics analysis showed that maternal VCD exposure during pregnancy significantly reduced the concentration of carnitine in the ovaries of F1 mice, while supplementation with carnitine (isovalerylcarnitine and valerylcarnitine) significantly increased the number of ovulation. The results of 16 S rDNA-seq and microbial metabolites analysis showed that maternal VCD exposure during pregnancy caused disordered gut microbiota, increased abundance of Parabacteroides and Flexispira bacteria that are involved in secondary bile acid synthesis. The concentrations of NorDCA, LCA-3S, DCA and other secondary bile acids increased significantly. Our results indicate that maternal exposure to VCD during pregnancy leads to disorder in gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in F1 mice, accompanying with decreased ovarian function, providing further evidence that maternal exposure to VCD during pregnancy has intergenerational deleterious effects on offspring.

HISTONE DEACETYLASE19 Controls Ovule Number Determination and Transmitting Tract Differentiation.

The gynoecium is critical for the reproduction of flowering plants as it contains the ovules and the tissues that foster pollen germination, growth, and guidance. These tissues, known as the reproductive tract (ReT), comprise the stigma, style, and transmitting tract (TT). The ReT and ovules originate from the carpel margin meristem (CMM) within the pistil. SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) is a key transcription factor for meristem formation and maintenance. In all above-ground meristems, including the CMM, local STM downregulation is required for organ formation. However, how this downregulation is achieved in the CMM is unknown. Here, we have studied the role of HISTONE DEACETYLASE 19 (HDA19) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) during ovule and ReT differentiation based on the observation that the hda19-3 mutant displays a reduced ovule number and fails to differentiate the TT properly. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting coupled with RNA-sequencing revealed that in the CMM of hda19-3 mutants, genes promoting organ development are downregulated while meristematic markers, including STM, are upregulated. HDA19 was essential to downregulate STM in the CMM, thereby allowing ovule formation and TT differentiation. STM is ectopically expressed in hda19-3 at intermediate stages of pistil development, and its downregulation by RNA interference alleviated the hda19-3 phenotype. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that STM is a direct target of HDA19 during pistil development and that the transcription factor SEEDSTICK is also required to regulate STM via histone acetylation. Thus, we identified factors required for the downregulation of STM in the CMM, which is necessary for organogenesis and tissue differentiation.

Anti-Mullerian hormone profile and its association with ovarian parameters in the Chaugarkha goat

Circulating anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a potential predictor of ovarian reserve in the woman and livestock. Only two such studies are reported in the goat. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of age, estrous cycle and early pregnancy on the serum AMH and its correlation with the ovarian parameters in the Chaugarkha goat. In experiment-1, a random blood sample was collected from the goats (n = 62) and sera were grouped into five based on the age distribution. The first two groups (A-B) represented pre-pubertal kids, group C represented pubertal kids while, the last two groups (D and E) indicated adult. In experiment-2, estrus was synchronized in the does (n = 30) and transrectal ultrasonography (USG) was done on alternate day till day 8 post-synchronized estrus to record antral follicle count (AFC), ovulation rate, and ovarian surface area. The does were bred in the second estrous cycle (n = 26) and pregnant ones (n = 22) were identified on day 30 post-breeding. Sera were harvested on day 0, 8, and 16 post-estrus and on gestation day 30. The concentration of AMH was assayed from the sera collected from different experiments. The results indicated that the serum AMH (ng/mL) decreased significantly from 8.37 ± 0.58–4.62 ± 0.54 during the transition from puberty to sexual maturity and remained stable in the adults (group E; 4.91 ± 0.81). Neither the estrous cycle nor early gestation significantly affected (P > 0.05) the serum AMH (ng/mL) with concentration ranging from 4.89 ± 0.50 on d8 of estrous cycle to 5.11 ± 0.56 at early gestation. Further, the serum AMH showed a significant moderate positive correlation with AFC (r = 0.61; P = 0.001), number of ovulations (r = 0.57; P = 0.002), and litter size (r = 0.59; P = 0.004). It is concluded that serum AMH has the potential to predict the AFC in the adult Chaugarkha goat.

Sexual dimorphism and female advantage hypothesis in the gynomonoecious-gynodioecious Dianthus plumarius (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract To explain the co-existence and maintenance of females along with hermaphrodite plants, the female advantage hypothesis has been proposed where females should show greater fecundity compared to their conspecific hermaphrodites. On the other hand, greater attraction would be selected in the hermaphrodites to increase their male function, potentially leading to larger showier flowers, with more rewards. Here, I tested the sexual dimorphism trade-off hypothesis with the gynomonoecious-gynodioecious Dianthus plumarius (Caryophyllaceae), in the gardens of Bariloche (Patagonia, Argentina). I measured in female and hermaphrodite plants: flower size, nectar volume and concentration, flower lifespan, ovule production, seed number, seed set and seed weight. Additionally, bagging and pollen supplementation experiments were carried out to evaluate pollen limitation, probability of apomixis, if spontaneous autogamy is possible, and to examine the importance of pollen origin. I found that hermaphrodite flowers are more attractive, with larger-sized flowers and higher nectar volume, whereas female flowers compensate with longer lifespan of stigmatic receptivity and more concentrated nectar. Despite ovule number was lower in female flowers, these showed higher seed set and produced more and heavier seeds than hermaphrodites under open pollination. No evidence of apomixis was found in females, but spontaneous autogamy may occur in hermaphrodites. Hand-pollination experiments showed first that both flower types suffered pollen limitation, but it was higher on hermaphrodite flowers. Finally, despite self-compatibility, pollen origin is important because hand self-pollination decreases seed weight. These findings provide strong evidence in support of the mechanisms and underlying conditions that would allow the co-existence and maintenance of female and hermaphrodite individuals within populations.

Flower size constrains reproductive potential in three Andean monkeyflower species

AbstractPlants exhibit contrasting flower morphologies depending on their reproductive strategy, with autogamous species typically having smaller flowers than allogamous ones. Flower size can restrict the reproductive potential of species, as the development among flower parts is interrelated. This can result in a constraint on ovary size in adult plants, reducing the number of ovules produced, particularly in autogamous species with small flowers, in contrast to allogamous species with larger flowers. To test this hypothesis, we studied the static allometric relationships (allometry measured at mature flowers) of monkeyflower species (Erythranthe) endemic to the Andean region, including an autogamous species (E. glabrata), two allogamous species (E. depressa and E. lutea), and hybrids obtained from E. depressa × E. lutea crosses. We measured flower traits, counted ovules, and determined the static allometric relationships among traits for all taxa. Our study revealed that static allometric relationships are highly maintained among studied Erythranthe, with flower length serving as a crucial indicator of the dimensions that different flower parts reach. This suggests that flower length is an important factor determining the maternal reproductive potential in Erythranthe, with both autogamous and allogamous species showing a positive relationship between flower length and ovule number. Overall, investigating allometric relationships in Erythranthe, including hybrids, can shed light on the complex interactions between flower morphology and reproductive strategies in plants.

Myrcianthes (Myrtaceae) revisited: a new species, a new synonym, a lectotypification and an overview of its wood anatomy

Myrcianthes is a New World genus of Myrtaceae (Tribe Myrteae) with 38 currently accepted species that was monographed in 1992. This paper proposes a new species, Myrcianthes cruciata from Northeastern Brazil (Bahia, Ceará and Sergipe), the synonymization of M. cavalcantei under M. fragrans and the lectotypification of the former name. Myrcianthes cruciata is similar to M. pseudomato but differs in the longer peduncles, 3.5–5 cm (2–4 cm in M. pseudomato) and greater number of ovules per locule, c. 15–30 (15–20 in M. pseudomato), as well as the morphology of the embryo, which is reniform in M. cruciata and strongly invaginated in the middle (almost V-shaped) in M. pseudomato and also emerged in different lineage in the phylogeny. The wood anatomy of the new species is similar to other species of the genus: diffuse porous, with exclusively solitary vessels with high density, no vessel arrangement, with simple perforation plates, vessel-ray pits with distinct borders, similar to the intervessel pits in size and shape, apotracheal parenchyma, rays 1–3 cells wide, with disjunctive ray cells; no helical thickenings were observed in the vessels, nor any mineral inclusions in the axial or ray parenchyma.

Resurrection of the genus Camelinopsis (Brassicaceae, tribe Thlaspideae); with introduction of a new species

The ditypic genus Camelinopsis was recently subsumed into Pseudocamelina. However, we here show that the type species of the genus, Camelinopsis campylopoda is distinct from Pseudocamelina, and should be recognized as a separate genus. The second species C. kurdica, however belongs to the genus Pseudocamelina. Camelinopsis differs from Pseudocamelina mainly by its subglobose to broadly obovoid, slightly flattened silicle which is 1.8–2.6 mm wide, instead of a linear, narrowly ellipsoid, occasionally oblong to obovoid silique, that is never wider than 1.5 mm. In addition, seeds of Camelinopsis are mucilaginous when wetted while seeds of Pseudocamelina are not. A new species of Camelinopsis is also described and illustrated based on new collections from western Alborz Mountains, northern Iran. This novelty, C. alborzica, is readily distinguished from C. campylopoda by its biennial (versus annual) habit, straight (versus strongly flexuous) racemes, longer sepals (1.7–2.1 versus 1.2–1.5 mm), shorter fruiting pedicels (0.5–1 versus 1.5– 4 cm) and higher ovule number (8 versus 4 per ovary). The genus Camelinopsis is considered a low mountain relative of the high‐elevation genus Didymophysa, as indicated by an ITS phylogeny.

Community-wide patterns in pollen and ovule production, their ratio (P/O), and other floral traits along an elevation gradient in southwestern China

BackgroundAs the male and female gametophytes of flowering plants, pollen and ovules largely determine the upper and lower boundaries of plant reproductive success. It is commonly predicted that pollen and ovule number per flower should increase, and pollen-ovule ratio (P/O) per flower should decrease with increasing elevation in response to a more stochastic pollination environment. Here, we aimed to determine the response of pollen number, ovule number, and P/O to other floral traits and elevation gradients for 84 insect-pollinated herbaceous flowering plant species in five sub-alpine and alpine communities (2709 to 3896 m a.s.l.) on Yulong Snow Mountain, southwestern China.ResultsSix floral traits, including P/O, floral display area, flower number, tube depth, flower shape, and pollen presentation, were highly correlated with pollen and ovule number per flower. With increasing elevation, pollen number and P/O per flower increased marginally and significantly, respectively; ovule number per individual, flower number per individual, stigma stamen separation, and inflorescence height decreased significantly. However, ovule number per flower and other floral traits (i.e., floral display area, tube depth, stigma height, stamen height, and pollen and P/O per individual) did not change with elevation. We detected significant phylogenetic signals for pollen number, ovule number, and P/O, suggesting that these traits may be highly conserved and with limited response to changing environmental conditions.ConclusionsResults revealed patterns of plant reproductive character evolution along elevation gradients and the potential factors governing their spatial variation in high-elevation environments. Plant species at high elevations are more likely adapted to cross-pollination, indicated by increased P/O per flower at high elevations on Yulong Mountain. Combined effects of phylogenetic history and plant-pollinator interactions should determine plant trait evolution.

Embryo yield and quality in superovulated Simmental donor cows following oral supplementation with different sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Owing to contradictory results with respect to the yield and quality of embryos after supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, this study sought to determine the effect of an oral supplement containing sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on the ovarian response and embryo quality after superovulation. Cows were allocated to receive one of three oral supplement regimens. In the control (CO) group (n = 9), cows were fed a control supplement without fatty acids. The cows in the soybean oil (SO) (n = 8) and linseed oil (LO) (n = 8) groups received supplements containing SO or LO, respectively. Supplements were administered for 28 days, commencing 7 days before the onset of estrus synchronization until the day of embryo collection. The estrous cycle of all cows was synchronized by inserting a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device (progesterone 1.38 g), followed by the administration of estradiol benzoate 2.5 mg. The CIDR device was withdrawn 7 days after insertion, followed by intramuscular administration of dinoprost 25 mg. Superovulation was induced via the administration of 152 mg of follicle-stimulating hormone (Folltropin-V) in tapered doses, starting 72 h before CIDR withdrawal. The embryos were collected 6 days after artificial insemination. The estrous response, onset of estrus after CIDR withdrawal, and number of ovulations were similar among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The mean number of transferable embryos (grades 1 and 2) was higher in the LO group compared to the CO group (9.0 vs 3.2; p < 0.05). Although the number of transferable embryos (grades 1 and 2) was greater in the LO group than that in the SO group, the difference was not statistically significant (9.0 and 4.4; p > 0.05). In conclusion, oral supplementation with LO for 28 days increased the yield of transferable embryos, which could potentially improve the profitability of embryo transfer programs in cattle.

Taxonomic Novelties in Sapranthus (Annonaceae): a new large-sized species endemic to the mountain cloud forest of Central America

Sapranthus (Annonaceae) is a Neotropical genus comprising ten small tree species, most of which inhabit the tropical dry forests of Mexico and Central America. Morphological characteristics of these species are quite variable and taxonomically informative, but the morphological affinities among them have not been studied. A multivariate cluster analysis was carried out to infer the morphological affinities among all species of Sapranthus, and to establish the position of a new species, S. pinedai, a shade tree used in the coffee plantations of Guatemala and El Salvador. This new species, illustrated and described herein, is recognized by a unique combination of features identified through comparisons with morphologically similar taxa, and a preliminary assessment of the conservation status of the new species was calculated. The results presented here show that Sapranthus forms four morphological groupings in two main clusters. The new species is more similar to S. microcarpus and S. campechianus, but differs from both species by its essentially glabrous leaves, short pedicels, fewer carpels, greater number of ovules per carpel, biseriate ovules, larger sessile fruits with a thick testa, and by its several lunate to wedge-shaped seeds. These morphological groupings provides new insights into the understanding of the sectional classification of the genus Sapranthus, the geographic distribution of its species, and the morphological affinity of the new species.

Ovarian activity, metabolic and physiological parameters of canindé goats submitted to short-term supplementation with licuri oil

This study aimed to evaluate the estrous behavior, ovarian activity, feed intake, metabolic and physiological parameters of Canindé goats supplemented for nine days with Licuri oil (Syagrus coronata). Thirty-six adult female goats were distributed randomly into two groups: control group (n = 18) without Licuri oil and the oil group (n = 18) receiving a supplement containing 3% Licuri oil. The short-term food supplementation was associated with an estrus synchronization protocol. The number of ovulations and follicle diameter were evaluated by ultrasonography. Dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient intake, water ingestion, and physiological parameters such as rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and serum concentrations of cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were also determined. As concern statistical analysis, ANOVA followed by Fisher’s LSD was used and the differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. The control group showed higher HR and RR in the afternoon shift compared to the Oil group. The Oil group showed lower DMI but higher ether extract intake, and serum cholesterol and NEFA concentration than control group. Treatments did not affect estrus response and ovulation rate, but the Licuri oil increased the number of small follicles. The supplementation of Licuri oil improved thermal comfort during the dry season and a marginal increase in the ovarian activity was observed.

Phenology, floral organs ultra-structure, traits correlation, stigma receptiveness, pollen viability and germinability in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam.) Verdc.

The absence of information on the reproductive biology of some nutritive legumes has been an obstacle to their genetic improvement. Gathering information on reproductive biology contributes significantly to the interest of breeders to have adequate tools for initiating the improvement program through crosses among high performing genotypes. To contribute to this, we examined the flowering phenology, pollen biology, stigma receptiveness at bud dehiscence and anthesis phases, and the in-vitro germination of the pollens in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum). Pollens of horsegram were found to be either tricolporate or triporate, echinates in all accessions except in the collections from Benin. Ovaries in horsegram showed great variation in the number of ovules and activities of peroxidase indicated the receptiveness of stigma at bud dehiscence phase and during anthesis. A high number of ovules per ovary was found in accessions from Australia (Leichardt 1 and 2), Mali (LeichardtMali) and India (CPI22679). Pollen viability analysis implies the possibility of better results when pollinating during the day and immediately after the flower opens. The study provides information on the reproductive biology of horsegram for future hybridization program in order to enhance the performance of the crop and increase production. It also reveals differences in accessions from Benin compared with all other accessions from Mali, India or Australia.

Laterality in roe deer embryos implantation.

Female reproductive success is one of the most important life-history traits to be monitored when determining population dynamics in free-ranging ungulates. Several studies have described how phenotypic characteristics of the mother, climatic conditions, population status, and habitat can impact on potential reproductive output in wild ungulates. However, little is known regarding the internal, physiological factors, that may account for differences in implantation rates. The present study investigated the differences in implantation rates and site on the basis of site and number of ovulations through the examination of about 3000 intact uteri collected from pregnant roe deer does (Capreolus capreolus). Although ovulation occurs with the same frequency in the left and right ovary, we revealed a higher frequency of embryos implantation in the left uterine horn in odd litter size, demonstrating that embryos can migrate between the uterine horns. In our study, a greater proportion of reproductive wastage was associated to females with three and four corpora lutea and interestingly, in relation to the site of ovulation, the percentage of corpora lutea that did not correspond to a fetus was higher in the right ovary than in the left one (73.2% vs. 26.8%). Our research described for the first time the absence of laterality in ovulation and the presence of laterality in implantation in roe deer, thus laying the foundations for in-depth studies about the functionality of this uterine side and for comparisons with populations located in other geographical areas to understand whether it is a widespread phenomenon or a local adaptation.