Reproductive Efficiency Of Animals Research Articles

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-glycosides on postpartum health, uterine involution and litter performance of sows in a free farrowing system

BackgroundVitamin D is essential for the reproductive efficiency in animals. There are indications that 1,25-vitD influenced the farrowing process and thus can decrease postpartum health problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,25-vitD on postpartum health of the sow and uterine involution as well as the litter performance.ResultsThe rectal body temperature in the 1,25-vitD group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower during the first five days after farrowing compared to the negative control group (D1: 38.6 vs. 38.9 °C; D2: 38.5 vs. 38.7 °C; D3: 38.4 vs. 38.7 °C; D4: 38.4 vs. 38.6 °C; D5: 38.5 vs. 38.9 °C). Although there was no difference between the live born piglets after farrowing, a significant higher number of piglets at day 7 and at weaning (Dw) was detected in the 1,25-vitD group compared to the control group (D7: 14.1 ± 0.9 vs. 13.4 ± 1.0, p = 0.002; Dw: 14.0 ± 0.9 vs. 13.4 ± 1.0, p = 0.02). Furthermore, the litter weight gain was significantly higher in the 1,25-vitD group when compared to the control group (94.3 vs. 86.4 kg; p = 0.045), and the weight loss of the sows was significantly lower (52 vs. 59 kg; p = 0.03). No differences in other parameter were detected.ConclusionThis study showed a positive effect of 1,25-vitD on the body temperature, the litter performance and the body condition of the sows during lactation in comparison with the negative control group. However, more studies are needed to describe the mechanism of 1,25-vitD in detail.

Comparative analysis of microRNA and messengerRNA expression profiles in plateau zokor testicular cells under reproductive suppression.

Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy that affects the success rate and reproductive efficiency in animals, which in turn affects population continuation and evolution. However, no studies on the miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis regulatory mechanisms under reproductive suppression have been reported. In this study, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, miRNA-mRNA interaction network and function of the plateau zokor testicular cells of non-breeders and breeders during the breeding season were comprehensively analyzed by transcriptomics. In total, 381 known and 94 novel miRNAs were determined. Compared with that in the breeders, 70 downregulated and 68 upregulated DE miRNAs were identified in the non-breeders. We predicted 1670 significant target mRNAs by analyzing the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. According to the miRNA-mRNA interaction network, the target mRNAs of the DE miRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. GO indicate that the target mRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. KEGG indicate that pathways of target mRNAs enrichment related to testicular development, spermatogenesis, and energy metabolism. PROK2 was determined as the target mRNA of rno-miR-143-3p. Our study offers a basis for the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis in plateau zokor under reproductive suppression and offers a reference for reproductive regulation.

The Role and Application of Exosomes and Their Cargos in Reproductive Diseases: A Systematic Review.

In recent years, the incidence of the reproductive diseases is increasing year-by-year, leading to abortion or fetal arrest, which seriously affects the reproductive health of human beings and the reproductive efficiency of animals. Exosomes are phospholipid bilayer vesicles that are widely distributed in living organisms and released by the cells of various organs and tissues. Exosomes contain proteins, RNA, lipids, and other components and are important carriers of information transfer between cells, which play a variety of physiological and pathological regulatory functions. More and more studies have found that exosomes and their connotations play an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases. A systematic review was conducted in this manuscript and then highlights our knowledge about the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of exosomes to reproductive diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, premature ovarian failure (POF), preeclampsia, polycystic, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate gland cancer.

EVALUATION OF ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF A HERBAL UTERINE

Maintaining optimum reproductive health of animal is crucial for profitability in livestock enterprises and boosting the economy of farmers. However, the reproductive efficiency of animals is commonly reduced by problems such as puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis, pyometra, subclinical endometritis, early embryonic mortality, repeat breeding, retention of foetal membranes, and post-partum anestrus. ExaparTM Liquid (M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) is a polyherbal uterine cleanser and restorative that helps to achieve and restore better post-partum reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Exapar TM Liquid to induce acute oral toxicity in mice as per OECD 423 guidelines. Nine healthy and adult nulliparous, non-pregnant Swiss albino female mice, weighing 24-28 g, were used for the study. The animals were observed for the manifestation of toxic effects and mortality after the oral administration of the test substance. Toxicity was evaluated on the basis of changes in body weight, signs of toxicity, gross and histological appearances of vital organs, and blood biochemistry. Exapar TM Liquid was found safe for oral use as no toxic effects or mortalities were observed up to the completion of experiment.

Effect of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Glycosides on the Farrowing Process and Piglet Vitality in a Free Farrowing System.

Simple SummaryVitamin D improves the reproductive performance in animals. This study aimed to examine the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-glycosides (1,25-vitD) on the farrowing process in sows and the vitality of their piglets. Therefore, 100 sows were divided into two groups at insemination (‘1,25-vitD’ and ‘negative control’). The farrowing process and the piglet vitality was evaluated. The number of born piglets in sows of ‘1,25-vitD’ was higher and the farrowing duration was shorter than in the negative control group without showing significance in the univariable analysis. In a further statistical model including the variables ‘farrowing duration’, ‘total born piglets’ and ‘1,25-vitD’ differences became evident. We found that 1,25-vitD was associated with a reduced farrowing duration (p = 0.055). Moreover, significantly more mummies (p < 0.01) and short ruptured umbilical cords (p < 0.05) were observed in the 1,25-vitD group. This study showed an effect of 1,25-vitD on the farrowing process.Vitamin D improves the reproductive efficiency in animals. This study aimed to examine the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-gylcosides (1,25-vitD) on the farrowing process in sows and the vitality of their piglets. In total, 100 sows were allocated into two groups at insemination (‘1,25-vitD’ and ‘negative control’). The 1,25-vitD group received 260–300 mg/sow/day 1,25-vitD in their feed during the gestation period. Backfat thickness, fecal score, and the farrowing process was evaluated. The piglets were categorized into live born or stillborn, and vitality was evaluated by assessing the umbilical cord and the meconium score. The number of total-born piglets in sows of ‘1,25-vitD’ was higher and the farrowing duration was shorter than in the negative control group without showing significance in the univariable analysis. In a linear multiple regression model including the variables ‘farrowing duration’, ‘total born piglets’ and ‘1,25-vitD’ differences became evident. We found that 1,25-vitD was associated with a reduced farrowing duration (p = 0.055). Moreover, significantly more mummies (p < 0.01) and short ruptured umbilical cords (p < 0.05) were observed in the 1,25-vitD group. This study showed an effect of 1,25-vitD on the farrowing process. However, more research is needed to better describe the mechanism of 1,25-vitD in detail.

Protein profile of serum and urine during early pregnancy in sahiwal cows

Early pregnancy diagnosis is necessary to maintain reproductive efficiency in animals. To determine biomarkerfor the early pregnancy diagnosis, total protein was estimated and SDS PAGE was performed on urine and serum inselected 30 Sahiwal cows. Total serum protein concentration was increased in pregnant as compared to non-pregnant Sahiwal cows. A continuously increasing trend of protein was observed in pregnant group after 12 (6.36 ± 0.76 g/dl) to 22 (6.87± 0.39 g/dl) days post-breeding whereas non-specific trend was found in non-pregnant group. In urine, total protein concentration increased significantly in pregnant group as compared to non-pregnant group from 16 to 22 days. An increase in protein concentration from day 0 to 16 followed by decrease till day 22 was observed in both groups. Maximum and minimum protein concentration was observed on day 16 (31.6 ± 0.68 mg/dl) and day 0 (23.32 ± 0.81 mg/dl) respectively, in urine of pregnant group. Upon SDS PAGE analysis of serum, expression of specific proteins of molecular weight between 29 to 43 kDa with over expression of 66 kDa protein were observed in pregnant cows. It was observed that, proteins with molecular weight of 43 kDa and 66 kDa were over-expressed in pregnant cows as compared to non-pregnant cows. These findings suggest that pregnancy specific proteins ranging 29 to 43 kDa of pregnant Sahiwal cows can be used as pregnancy biomarker in near future

Expressional Profiling of TEX11, ESRα and BOLL Genes in Yak under Different Feeding Conditions.

Simple SummaryThe yak (Bos grunniens) is regarded as one of the most magnificent domestic animals in the mountains of Asia, and it is well-adapted to the harsh environment of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Slow growth rate and low production and reproductive potential are the main limitations of yaks. It has been suggested that enhanced nutrition can improve reproductive efficiency in animals; however, this is still unclear for yaks. Hence, this study was designed to observe the effect of supplementary feeding on transcription and expression profiles of different genes related to reproduction. Such characterization under different feeding conditions can provide potential guidance for enhancement of the reproductive efficacy of yaks.Previous studies have demonstrated that nutrition plays a crucial part in improving the reproductive potential of farm animals; however, there is currently no research on the transcription and expression profiling of genes in yaks under different feeding conditions. Therefore, this research was planned to compare the transcription and expression profiles of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL in yaks under natural grazing with concentrate supplementation (NG + CS) and NG without concentrate supplementation. The transcription and expressional levels of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL mRNA were explored from the testes of yaks using qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunochemistry. The results of the qPCR illustrated that the transcription levels of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL were upregulated in the NG + CS group compared to those in the NG group. Moreover, the results of the immunochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that the expression of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL proteins increased after concentrate supplementation. Meanwhile, ESRα protein levels were lower in the testes and epididymides of yaks in the NG group than in those in the NG + CS group. Similarly, BOLL protein expression was higher in the testes and epididymides of the NG + CS group, but its expression was lower in the epididymides of the NG group. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that the molecular weights of ESRα and BOLL proteins were 64 kDa and 31 kDa, respectively. Finally, in the conclusion we summarize how a proper level of dietary energy supplementation can improve the reproductive potential of yaks by upregulating genes related to reproduction.

138 Effect of different temperatures on invitro maturation rates on cattle oocytes

Climate change represents a major stressful environmental condition that compromises the reproductive efficiency of animals. The temperature affects various components of the maturation processes in cattle oocytes, this includes disruptions of oocyte development and maturation. Therefore, the study aimed to compare the effects of different incubation temperatures (32.5, 33.5 34.5, 35.5, 36.5, 37.5, 38.5, 39.5, 40.5, 41.5, 42.5, and 43.5°C) on the maturation rate of cattle oocytes. Cattle ovaries were collected from a local abattoir and transported to the laboratory in thermo flask at 37°C. Oocytes were recovered from ovaries using the aspiration method and matured using 500 uL of TCM-199 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, FSH, LH, and E2 covered with mineral oil. The maturation rate of oocytes was determined by the extrusion of the first polar body after 22h of IVM period. The total number of 80 oocytes were matured in each group and replicated 4 times. Data were analysed using GenStat® statistical program (VSN International). Comparisons were considered significantly different (P&amp;lt;0.05) using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test. The oocyte polar body extrusion at 32.5 (0±0), 33.5 (4.5±5.2), 34.5 (22.0±1.4), 35.5 (29.5±7.6), 36.5 (41.5±3.1), 37.5 (55.5±4.1), 38.5 (62.2±3.3), 39.5 (49.5±3.3), 40.5 (17.3±6.4), 41.5 (10.3±5.7), 42.5 (8.2±5.9), and 43.5°C (5.7±7.8) (P&amp;lt;0.05) was recorded. The highest percentages of oocytes with polar body extrusion were at 37.5°C (55.5±4.1) and 38.5°C (62.2±3.3) and differed significantly from all other treatment groups (P&amp;lt;0.05). Temperature lower than 37.5°C and higher than 39.5°C did not intensify oocyte polar body extrusion. We concluded that the temperatures of 37.5°C and 38.5°C were suitable for IVM of cattle oocytes with acceptable polar body extrusion rates compared with other temperatures.

Single-step purification of equine chorionic gonadotrophin directly from plasma using affinity chromatography

Equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) is a hormone widely used in superovulation protocols because of its follicle-stimulating action, which increases reproductive efficiency in animals of productive interest. It contains 45% carbohydrate, 10% of which is N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid). The eCG purification procedures from equine serum or plasma are mainly based on chromatographic methods. However, before these procedures, it is necessary to follow sample pre-conditioning steps, such as several precipitation stages and/or ultrafiltration/diafiltration processes. In this work, an efficient affinity chromatographic matrix for eCG purification directly from plasma was developed. The matrix consisted of chitosan mini-spheres with immobilized wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). The matrix allowed 98% adsorption of eCG directly from plasma without any pre-treatment with an overall yield of around 60%. The matrix chosen was able to maintain the efficient performance of the purification process for three consecutive cycles. Also, the process was scaled-up 500 times in volume and tested over seven consecutive cycles maintaining its chromatographic performance. The results presented here suggest the potential application of this matrix to one-step purification of eCG from plasma.

Maternal Exposure to T-2 Toxin Affects Puberty Genes and Delays Estrus Cycle in Mice Offspring.

Simple SummaryThe experiment was designed to investigate the effect of gestational and lactational exposure to the T-2 toxin and its effects on the puberty of female mice offspring. T-2 toxin contaminates feed participates in the maternal diet. It directly interferes with the normal physiological function of offspring because the maternal diet is the most important during pregnancy and lactation. Female mice are more sensitive to the maternal diet during the lactation stage. Thus, their maturity stage is very complex and regulated by the hypothalamus, which controls Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and it also secretes reproductive hormones. Current findings report that T-2 toxins during late gestation and lactation period directly affect offspring, disturb the vaginal environment, delayed normal estrus cycle, and puberty age induces oxidative stress-caused ovarian damage. Based on findings, we think it is necessary to raise people’s attention to T-2 toxin-contaminated feed offered to animals. Current results reveal information about the health risks associated with a maternal diet, which affects the next generation.Among foodborne toxicities, the T-2 toxin is the most toxic member of trichothecenes mycotoxins, which has been shown to impair the development and reproductive efficiency of animals. Pups are particularly more quickly prone to programming the effects of the maternal diet during the gestational and lactation periods. Few studies have reported the maternal toxic effect on the next generation. Dams were served the T-2 toxin at a dose of 0.005 and 0.05 mg/kg body weight/day and control group 0 mg/kg from gestation day 14 to lactation day 21. Female mice offspring were selected at the weaning age. Our observations indicate that age during the vaginal opening and di-estrus stage increased and the length of the estrus cycle, first di-estrus, and regular estrus cycling were delayed with prolonged di-estrus in the 0.05 mg/kg group compared to the 0.005 mg/kg and control group. Transcription level analysis showed that mice at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg exhibited a decrease in hypothalamic mRNA expression of Gnrh and Gnrhr, Lhb, and Fshb in the pituitary gland, with a significant decrease of Fshr and Lhr in the ovaries. Present findings report that postnatal exposure to the T-2 toxin delayed puberty age in female mice and induced oxidative stress, ovarian damage, and reduced vaginal epithelium wall majorly in the 0.05 mg/kg group, and showed fewer effects in the 0.005 mg/kg group.

Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Dairy Farms Rearing the Italian Simmental Dual-Purpose Breed

Simple SummaryThe milk and meat production systems are responsible for more than 5% of greenhouse gas emissions in the world; therefore, there is a strong need to propose strategies for reducing the carbon footprint. The aim of this paper was to assess the environmental footprint of dairy farms rearing a dual-purpose breed and to evaluate the fattening of calves directly in farms and the cultivation of alternative crops, such as hemp, as possible strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of dairy farms. In order to produce 1 kg of milk with 4.0% of fat and 3.3% of protein, the emissions were 1.1–1.4 kg CO2eq, 14.8–19.0 g SO2eq and 5.0–6.4 g PO43−eq. These emissions could be reduced by 8–11% by fattening the calves directly in the farms, and by 1–5% by cultivating hemp and using its by-product, hempseed cake, in the diets of animals. Moreover, the results of this study showed that the environmental footprint can be reduced, improving the productive efficiency of the farms.This study aimed to assess the environmental footprint of dairy farms rearing a dual-purpose breed, and to evaluate, through alternative scenario analyses, the fattening of calves and the cultivation of hemp as strategies for reducing the environmental impact of these farms. Eleven farms were evaluated for global warming (GWP), acidification (AC) and eutrophication (EUP) potential. The Life Cycle Assessment method with three scenarios, REAL, based on real data, BEEF, where calves were fattened in farm, and HEMP, where hemp was cultivated in farms, were considered. If referred to 1 m2 of utilizable agricultural land, the GWP, AC and EUP were 1.6 kgCO2eq, 21.7 gSO2eq and 7.1 gPO43−eq, respectively. If referring to 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk, the emissions were 1.1–1.4 kgCO2eq, 14.8–19.0 gSO2eq, and 5.0–6.4 gPO43−eq, depending on the allocation method adopted. The emissions were associated positively with culling rate and negatively with production intensity. In BEEF and HEMP scenarios, the emissions were reduced by 8–11% and by 1–5%, respectively. Fattening the calves, evaluating the cultivation of alternative plants and improving the productive and reproductive efficiency of animals could be effective strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of the farm.

Impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health of male domestic ruminants: a review.

Environmental contaminants are gaining more attention in the livestock sector lately due to their harmful effects on productivity and fertility of livestock. Recent research indicates that many domestic ruminants are becoming subfertile/infertile due to confounding reasons associated with management. Contaminants like metals, metalloids, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, chemicals, or natural contaminants are present everywhere in day to day life and are becoming a threat to the livestock. Studies on a broad-spectrum of animals suggest that high doses of acute or low doses of chronic exposure to the contaminants lead to disruption of multi-organs/systems including reproductive function. The lowered reproductive efficiency in animals is attributed to the endocrine disruptor activities of the environmental contaminants on the gonads, affecting gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. In vitro studies on testicular cells and the semen suggest that spermatozoa are more susceptible to damage by environmental contaminants. The quality of the semen happens to be a critical factor in the livestock industry. Contaminants affecting gametogenesis and steroidogenesis may lead to devastating consequences to the livestock reproduction, and thus the production. However, there is a lack of collective data on the effect of such environmental contaminants on the fertility of male domestic ruminants. This review discusses the studies related to the impact of environmental contaminants on male fertility in large (bull and buffalo) and small (sheep and goat) ruminants by focusing on the underlying molecular interactions between the contaminants and gonads.

Role for the mammalian female reproductive tract microbiome in pregnancy outcomes.

Since the discovery of the microbiome in humans, it has been studied in many mammalian species. Different microbiological communities with variable richness and diversity have been found among these species in distinct areas of the reproductive tract. Human studies have shown that the composition of the microbiome is dependent on body site and several host-related factors. Furthermore, specific phyla have been identified among the different species and within distinct areas of the female reproductive tract, but a "core" microbiome of the female reproductive tract has not been defined in any species. Moreover, the function of the microbiome in the reproductive tract is not yet fully understood. However, it has been suggested that a change in diversity of the microbiome and the presence or absence of specific microbial species might be useful indicators of pregnancy outcomes. Increased comprehensive knowledge of the microbiological communities in the female reproductive tract is needed since adverse outcomes represent a significant problem to many species, including livestock, exotic or endangered species, and humans. To the authors' knowledge, a review combining current female reproductive tract microbiome data among different mammalian species has not been published yet. Herein is a comprehensive review of what is known in the field of the female reproductive microbiome and how it correlates with reproductive success or failure in mammals. Further studies may lead to optimization of therapies in the treatment of reproductive tract infections and pregnancy failure, and may create opportunities for novel approaches for improving reproductive efficiency in animals and people.

Assessing the treatment outcome of various reproductive diseases of animals by follow-up monitoring in VTH, BAU

Background: Reproductive disorders have been found to be a major reason for decreased reproductive efficiency in animals. The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of different treatment for various reproductive diseases of domestic animals in Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Methods: A total of 100 animals were registered for treatment during the study period. Among those 59 cattle, 9 goats and 1 turkey were treated for reproduction related diseases. On the other hand, 28 cows and 3 goats were bought for regular pregnancy diagnosis. Standard procedures were followed for the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases. Results: Among the reproductive diseases of cattle, conception failure was 37.29% (n=22), uterine infection was 33.89% (n=20), anestrous was 13.56% (n=8), repeat breeding was 5.08% (n=3), vaginal prolapse was 3.39% (n=2), pastular vulvo-vaginitis was 1.69% (n=1) and ovarian hypoplasia was 1.69% (n=1). Only 2 bulls 3.39% (n=2) were diagnosed with posthitis. In goats, retention of placenta was 66.67% (n=6), abortion was 22.22% (n=2) and anestrous was 11.11% (n=1). There was one turkey with cloacal prolapse. All the animals having reproductive disease were treated in VTH. There was 93.22% improvement/effectiveness found in cows. The turkey and goats show 100% effectiveness of treatment. Conclusion: We can conclude that the most common reproductive diseases of cattle and goats in Bangladesh are uterine infection, anestrous, conception failure, pastular vulvo-vaginitis, vaginal prolapse, repeat breeding syndrome, abortion, retention of placenta and posthitis. Any disease or disorder of the genital tract may affect the reproduction as well as the production and fertility. Therefore, it is important to be concerned about the treatment and management of the diseases of the genital tract. Careful management and treatment of these diseases will ultimately help to increase the animal’s productivity in Bangladesh. The treatment given in VTH, BAU are successful for recovery.

LIVESTOCK AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCT TRENDS BY 2050: REVIEW

This review was done on livestock and livestock product trends by 2050 from different scientific papers. Globally, livestock and livestock products are changing rapidly in response to human population growth (9.2 billion), urbanization (70%), and growing incomes (1.1-3.1%) by 2050. More than 60 billion land animals are used worldwide for meat, egg, and dairy production. The global livestock population could exceed 100 billion by 2050, pig meat by 290%; sheep and goat meat by 200%; beef and buffalo meat by 180%; milk by 180%; poultry meat by 700%; and egg by 90%. In 2004, livestock consumes nearly 43% of feed and could rise to 48–55% by 2050. Global feed demand will be almost doubled, and 1.3 billion tonnes of grain is consumed by farm animals each year. The average grazing intensities in the world are expected to increase by about 70%, from 0.19 in 2000 to 0.098 Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) per ha in 2050 and uses one-third of the world’s fresh water. Climate change may alter the productivity, reproductive efficiency of animals. Contrarily, livestock production is a significant contributor to environmental problems, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water pollution, and increased health problems. To solve the challenges of livestock and livestock products,, biotechnology and nanotechnology are being harnessed in various aspects of the livestock industry to hasten breed development for improved animal health and welfare, enhanced reproduction, and improved nutritional quality and safety of animal-derived foods.

Oocyte quality in mice is affected by a mycotoxin‐contaminated diet

Mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and aflatoxin (AF), are commonly found in many food commodities and may impair the growth and reproductive efficiency of animals and humans. We investigated the effects of a mycotoxin-contaminated diet on mouse oocyte quality. Maize contaminated with DON (3.875 mg/kg), ZEN (1,897 μg/kg), and AF (806 μg/kg) was incorporated into a mouse diet at three different levels (0, 15, and 30% w/w). After 4 weeks, ovarian and germinal vesicle oocyte indices decreased in mycotoxin-fed mice. Oocytes from these mice exhibited low developmental competence with reduced germinal vesicle breakdown and polar body extrusion rates. Embryo developmental competence also showed a similar pattern, and the majority of embryos could not develop to the morula stage. Actin expression was also reduced in both the oocyte cortex and cytoplasm, which was accompanied by decreased expression of the actin nucleation factors profilin-1 and mDia1. Moreover, a large percentage of oocytes derived from mice that were fed a mycotoxin-contaminated diet exhibited aberrant spindle morphology, a loss of the cortical granule-free domain, and abnormal mitochondrial distributions, which further supported the decreased oocyte quality. Thus, our results demonstrate that mycotoxins are toxic to the mouse reproductive system by affecting oocyte quality.

93 STRESS INDICATOR GENES EXPRESSION PATTERN IN BOVINE BLASTOCYSTS PRODUCED BY IN VITRO FERTILIZATION AND SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Reproductive biotechnologies, such as IVF and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) enable improved reproductive efficiency of animals. However, the birth rate from in vitro derived embryos still lags behind their in vivo counterparts. It is critical to develop an accurate evaluation and prediction system of embryo competence, for commercial purposes and for scientific research. Previous works have demonstrated that in vitro culture systems induce alterations in the relative abundance (RA) of diverse transcripts compromising embryo quality. The aim of this work was to analyse the RA of a set of genes involved in cellular stress (HSP70), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (BiP and PSMB5) and apoptosis (Bax and Caspase-3), in bovine blastocysts produced by IVF, SCNT and their in vivo counterparts. Poly(A) RNA was isolated from 3 pools of 10 blastocysts per treatment and analysed by real-time PCR (RT–PCR). The results were normalized to the expression of the endogenous control (GAPDH). Data of mRNA expression was analysed using the InfoStat software (Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina). ANOVA, followed by Tukey multiple comparison test, was used for the analysis of differences in mRNA expression assayed by quantitative RT–PCR. Differences of P &lt; 0.05 were considered significant. The RA of 3 stress indicators shown to be significantly increased in SCNT embryos compared with in vivo-derived blastocysts: by 23.9-fold for Bax, 12.1-fold for PSMB5 and 7.9-fold for Bip. No significant differences in RA of HSP70 and Caspase-3 gene transcripts were found. The increased expression of PSMB5 and BiP suggest that the SCNT embryos were under conditions of ER stress. When ER stress conditions persist, initiation of apoptotic processes is promoted. Furthermore, the significantly elevated transcript level of Bax could imply an initial activation of the apoptotic mechanisms, but the low levels of Caspase-3 revealed that the apoptotic caspase-cascade signalling system was not activated, hence not eliciting apoptosis, so far. With regard to IVF-derived embryos, no significant differences were detected in the RA of investigated genes compared with in vivo-produced blastocysts. Even though the embryos were morphologically comparable, mRNA expression pattern was dissimilar. Differential mRNA expression in bovine blastocysts obtained by different reproductive techniques produces blastocysts of divergent quality. We propose a new set of stress-indicator genes that give a widespread idea of bovine blastocyst quality. This study could complement morphological analysis to help develop an effective and accurate technique to diagnose embryo quality, towards improving the efficiency of artificial reproductive techniques.

Temporary ovarian transplantation for iatrogenic sterility

Many cancer patients become infertile after treatment with anticancer drugs or radiotherapy. To restore fertility, cryopreservation of sperm, ova/fertilized ova, or ovarian tissue is considered as one of the available options; however, this method gives very low pregnancy rate due to cellular injury caused by freezing. Since it is impossible to collect sperm or ova prior to sexual maturity, there is no other treatment approach that can be applied in the case of children with cancer. In this paper, we propose anew transplantation procedure using rat models in which the function of the reproductive organs is preserved by temporarily transplanting them between living donors and recipients, without the requirement for cryopreservation of the ovarian tissue. These procedures are based on the plasticsurgery techniques that are aimed at restoration of amputated limbs. We removed the ovary from a recipient rat, temporarily transplanted it into a recipient rat, and finally retransplantated into the donor; this subsequently resulted in a successful natural pregnancy and delivery. Microscopic observation revealed that most ova that were transplanted to the ovary by vascular anastomosis survived. In addition, femoral bone mineral density analysis confirmed increased bone density compared with that measured prior to the ovarian transplantation. Furthermore, since mammals possess a pair of ovaries, the procedure developed in this study can also be applied to fields other than medicine. For example, the reproductive efficiency of animals after menopause can be increased through reproductive organ transplantation, which can be achieved by preservation of one of these ovaries for transplantation.

Involvement of insulin-like growth factors in the interactions between nutrition and reproduction in female mammals.

The effects of nutrition on the reproductive system of female mammals are discussed in an attempt to determine the importance of the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system of proteins in the physiological mechanisms. The IGF system comprises IGF-I, IGF-II, their receptors and binding proteins. For this review, insulin and its receptors have been included in this system. The reproductive responses have been separated into two classes, based on fundamental differences in the reproductive biology and physiological mechanisms underlying them. The first involves the effects of nutrition on the induction of ovulation, at puberty or postpartum. In this case, the question is whether or not the animal will reproduce. The second class of response, changes in ovulation rate, involves consideration of reproductive efficiency in animals in which ovulation is inevitable.