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In most female mammals, a common drawback to multiple ovulation embryo transfer programs is the variability in the superovulatory response to the multidose pFSH treatment. The aim of the present study was to identify embryo donor goats based on their response to superovulation before the performance of a high-cost hormonal treatment, as we have previously done in sheep. To this end, we evaluated the number of ovulations obtained in response to the administration of a one-shot eCG treatment and related it with the subsequent ovarian response to a multiple-dose pFSH treatment in 33 goats of the Criolla-Neuquina breed. Goats received a one-shot eCG treatment of 800 IU at the end of a 17-day progestational treatment; 9 days later, started a second 17-day progestational treatment and then received a multiple-dose pFSH treatment on days 15-17 (116 mg pFSH, in six decreasing doses). The number of corpora lutea (CL) per goat was recorded laparoscopically after both hormonal treatments. On day 8 after the second pessary removal, embryos were surgically recovered and classified by quality. Results showed a significant positive correlation between the number of CL obtained in response to the eCG and pFSH treatments (r = 0.41; y = 0.8352x + 6.9906; P 0.05), although of limited value to select high ovulatory responding goats, due to its low correlation value. Then, goats were grouped into high and low ovulatory responders to the eCG (High ≥9; Low9 CL) and pFSH treatments (High ≥13; Low13 CL). After the eCG and pFSH treatments, 60% of the goats maintained their classification as high or low superovulatory responders (expressed as recurrence rate). Significant differences were found in the number of CL (18.2 ± 1.3 vs 9.9 ± 1.3), number of embryos + oocytes (13.5 ± 1.7 vs 7.6 ± 1.7), number of embryos (10.8 ± 1.4 vs 5.1 ± 1.4) and number of Grade 1 and Grade 2 embryos (8.8 ± 1.4 vs 4.3 ± 1.4) between high and low superovulatory responder goats (P 0.05), while no differences were observed in the number of oocytes and in the recovery of embryos + oocytes, embryos, Grade 1 and Grade 2 embryos and fertilization rates (P 0.05). In conclusion, the recurrence rate in ovarian response between the one-shot eCG treatment and the multiple-dose pFSH treatment would confirm the existence of an "individual or intrinsic factor" of the donor goat that would respond as a high or low ovulatory responder to superovulatory treatments.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la siguiente URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/4/902 Este artículo de investigación pertenece al número especial "Nutrition and Microbiome". Reproductive tract dysbiosis, due to the action of pathogens and/or unhealthy lifestyle, has been related to many reproductive diseases and disorders in mammalian species. Classically, such a problem has been confronted by the administration of antibiotics. Despite their effectiveness for controlling disease, treatments with antibiotics may negatively affect the fertility of males and females and, mainly, may induce antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, safer alternatives for maintaining reproductive system eubiosis, such as probiotics, are required. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the biodiversity of the microbiota at the reproductive tract, possible changes in the case of dysbiosis, and their relationships with adequate reproductive health and functioning in both females and males. Afterwards, mechanisms of action and benefits of different probiotics are weighed since the biological activities of probiotics may provide a promising alternative to antibiotics for maintaining and restoring reproductive eubiosis and function. However, at present, it is still necessary for further research to focus on: (a) identifying mechanisms by which probiotics can affect reproductive processes; (b) the safety of probiotics to the host, specifically when consumed during sensitive reproductive windows such as pregnancy; and (c) the hazards instructions and regulatory rules required for marketing these biological-based therapies with sufficient safety. Thus, in this review, to draw a comprehensive overview with a relatively low number of clinical studies in this field, we showed the findings of studies performed either on human or animal models. This review strategy may help provide concrete facts on the eligible probiotic strains, probiotics colonization and transfer route, and prophylactic and/or therapeutic effects of different probiotic strains.

15Pág., The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic and osmotic effects of different doses of glycerol or a glycerol - propylene glycol mixture in Sarda sheep with the aim to identify those able to beneficially modify ewe's metabolic status without harmful changes in red blood cell (RBC) indices. Thereafter, the selected doses were tested for their effects on ewe's ovarian activity during an induced follicular phase and compared to the effects of a hormonal treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG)., This study was financed by a doctoral grant from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (Programma Operativo Nazionale Ricerca e Innovazione 2014–2020 - CCI 2014IT16M2OP005 - Fondo Sociale Europeo, Azione I.1 “Dottorati Innovativi con caratterizzazione Industriale). The funding institution financed laboratory analysis, the dietary treatments, and FDS. The funding institution had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; or in the writing of the manuscript.

The role played by microbiota is attracting growing attention within the scientific and medical community, in both human and animal fields, in the last years. Most of the studies have been focused on the intestinal microbiome, whilst little attention has been paid to other systems, like the reproductive tract of both females and males. However, there is a growing body of information showing the interplay between reproductive tract dysbiosis, due to the action of pathogens and/or unhealthy lifestyle, and reproductive disease and disorders in many mammalian species. The present review aims to summarise current knowledge on the biodiversity of the microbiota of the reproductive tract, and the possible relationships between eubiosis or dysbiosis and reproductive health and function in both females and males.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la página web de la revista en la siguiente URL: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00303.2019?rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Almendros, I., Martínez-Ros, P., Farré, N., Rubio-Zaragoza, M., Torres, M., Gutiérrez-Bautista, A.J. et al. (2019). Placental oxygen transfer reduces hypoxia-reoxygenation swings in fetal blood in a sheep model of gestational sleep apnea. Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 127, i. 3 (13 sep.), pp. 745-752, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00303.2019. Este es el pre-print del siguiente artículo: Almendros, I., Martínez-Ros, P., Farré, N., Rubio-Zaragoza, M., Torres, M., Gutiérrez-Bautista, A.J. et al. (2019). Placental oxygen transfer reduces hypoxia-reoxygenation swings in fetal blood in a sheep model of gestational sleep apnea. Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 127, i. 3 (13 sep.), pp. 745-752, que se ha publicado de forma definitiva en https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00303.2019. AIM: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by events of hypoxia reoxygenation, is highly prevalent in pregnancy, negatively affecting the gestation process and particularly the fetus. Whether the consequences of OSA on the fetus and offspring are mainly caused by systemic alterations in the mother or by direct effect of intermittent hypoxia in the fetus is unknown. In fact, how apnea-induced hypoxemic swings in OSA are transmitted across the placenta remains to be investigated. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis, based on a theoretical background on the dampening effect of oxygen transfer in the placenta, that oxygen partial pressure (PO2) swings resulting from obstructive apneas mimicking OSA are mitigated in the fetal circulation. METHODS: To this end, 4 anesthetized ewes close to term pregnancy were subjected to obstructive apneas consisting of 25-s airway obstructions. Real time PO2 was measured in the maternal carotid artery and in the umbilical vein using fast-response fiberoptic oxygen sensors. RESULTS: The amplitude of PO2 swings in the umbilical vein were considerably smaller (3.1±1.0 vs. 21.0±6.1 mmHg (m±SE); p

The present study compared the occurrence of oestrus behaviour and ovulation in response to the insertion of CIDR devices plus a classical treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; single dose at CIDR removal) or alternative treatments with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH, either in a single dose at 56 hr after CIDR removal, or in one dose at CIDR insertion and another dose at 56 hr after CIDR removal). The appearance of oestrus behaviour during reproductive season ranged between 84% and 95% and all females showing oestrus signs had subsequent ovulations. The response, during seasonal anoestrus, was similar in the group treated with eCG, but less than half of the females in the groups treated with GnRH showed oestrus signs in response to the treatment, although more than 80% of them showed resumption of ovulatory activity after the treatment. In conclusion, protocols based on GnRH administration offer similar yields to eCG-based protocols during the reproductive season but occurrence of oestrus in response to GnRH-based treatments is highly compromised during seasonal anoestrus.

The present review aims to offer a non-comprehensive outline of the current state-of-the-art and future perspectives on management and therapeutic tools for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and associated prenatal programming in both human and animal species. Animals are used as models for the study of phenomena related to IUGR, but also for research on prenatal therapies with the main objective of designing and developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. The research is currently paying attention on maternal-focused pharmacological treatments and nutritional strategies but also on fetal-focused treatments. Fetal-focused treatments, administered either directly at the fetus or by using infusion of umbilical cord, amniotic sac or placenta, which avoids the administration of substances at high doses to the mother for allowing their availability at the fetoplacental level. The results obtained in this area of research using large animals (rabbits, pigs and ruminants) have a dual interest, for translational biomedicine and for veterinary medicine and animal production.

Growth is dependent on genotype and diet, even at early developmental stages. In this study, we investigated the effects of genotype, sex, and body weight on the fetal muscle transcriptome of purebred Iberian and crossbred Iberian x Large White pigs sharing the same uterine environment. RNA sequencing was performed on 16 purebred and crossbred fetuses with high body weight (340±14g and 415±14g, respectively) and 16 with low body weight (246±14g and 311±14g, respectively), on gestational day 77. Genotype had the greatest effect on gene expression, with 645 genes identified as differentially expressed (DE) between purebred and crossbred animals. Functional analysis showed differential regulation of pathways involved in energy and lipid metabolism, muscle development, and tissue disorders. In purebred animals, fetal body weight was associated with 35 DE genes involved in development, lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. In crossbred animals, fetal body weight was associated with 60 DE genes involved in muscle development, viability, and immunity. Interestingly, the results suggested an interaction genotype∗weight for some DE genes. Fetal sex had only a modest effect on gene expression. This study allowed the identification of genes, metabolic pathways, biological functions and regulators related to fetal genotype, weight and sex, in animals sharing the same uterine environment. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular events that influence prenatal muscle development and highlight the complex interactions affecting transcriptional regulation during development.

This study assessed milk productivity, demographic characteristics and workload distribution on a single high-yield dairy ewe farm in Spain (Avila, Spain; continental climate, latitude of 40.90 N, altitude of 900 m) over a 7-year period considering a transition from a herd management system involving five lambings per year (5LY) to a system involving 10 lambings per year (10LY). The 5LY system was practiced on the farm from 2010 to 2012 and the 10LY system from 2014 to 2015, with 2009 and 2013 being considered transition years. During this period, 27 415 lactations were recorded from an average of 3746 Lacaune sheep/year. Several productivity parameters were higher in 2014 to 2015 than in 2010 to 2012: milk yield/lactation (370±156 v. 349±185 l), lactation length (218±75 v. 192±75 days) and dry period length (53.5±38.3 v. 69.1±34.8 days) (all P

Metformin is an anti-hyperglycemic drug widely used for the treatment of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance and is currently considered for preventing large-for-gestational-age (LGA) offspring in pregnant women affected by obesity or diabetes. Our hypothesis was the opposite&mdash, metformin may be used for improving the development of offspring affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preventing the appearance of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates in non-obese and non-diabetic but malnourished pregnancies. The current study, performed in a swine preclinical model of IUGR by undernutrition, showed that fetuses in the treated group showed no significant increases in body-weight, but showed a significantly higher weight of the brain, the total thoracic and abdominal viscera, the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, and the adrenal glands. Maternal metformin treatment was also related to significant increases in the fetal plasma concentration of parameters indicative of glycemic (glucose and fructosamine) and lipid profiles (triglycerides). Overall, these results suggest a protective effect of the treatment on the developmental competence of the fetuses. These findings may be of high value for human medicine in case of maternal malnutrition, since metformin is a cheap drug easily available, but also in case of placental deficiency, since metformin seems to improve placental development and function.

The use of polyphenols is a promising strategy for preventing or alleviating intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) because polyphenol supplementation increases plasma antioxidant capacity and improves oxidative stress at the feto-placental unit, which are recognized as main issues in IUGR. However, there is a scarcity of experimental data on both realistic benefits and potential hazards of polyphenol supplementation during gestation. Hence, we aimed to use a swine model of IUGR pregnancy to determine possible effects of maternal supplementation with polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol) on placental expression of genes involved in antioxidant homeostasis, vascularization and fetal growth and thus on antioxidant status, DNA-methylation and phenotypic traits (morphology and homeostasis) of the fetus. Hydroxytyrosol improves placental gene expression and fetal antioxidant status and glucose metabolism in a sex-dependent manner, in which males were favored in spite of developmental failures. Concomitantly, hydroxytyrosol prevented hypomethylation of DNA associated with oxidative stress. Finally, no major deleterious effects of hydroxytyrosol supplementation on constriction of the ductus arteriosus, a possible secondary effect of polyphenols during pregnancy, were found.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la página web de la revista en la siguiente URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/rda.13537 This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Uriol, M., Martinez-Ros, P., Rios, A., Encinas, T. & Gonzalez-Bulnes, A. (2019). Onset of oestrus and periovulatory events in sheep exposed to 5 and 14 days of CIDR treatment with and without eCG. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, vol. 54, i. 11, pp. 1489-1492, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13537. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. Este es el pre-print del siguiente artículo: Uriol, M., Martinez-Ros, P., Rios, A., Encinas, T. & Gonzalez-Bulnes, A. (2019). Onset of oestrus and periovulatory events in sheep exposed to 5 and 14 days of CIDR treatment with and without eCG. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, vol. 54, i. 11, pp. 1489-1492 que se ha publicado de forma definitiva en https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13537 The present study supports that 5-days short-term CIDR treatments without administration of eCG are equally effective for inducing estrus behavior, preovulatory LH discharge and ovulation in sheep than classical protocols based on 14-days treatments plus eCG at CIDR withdrawal. However, the implementation of a 5-days protocol without eCG for fixed-time artificial insemination would be adapted to a later timing of ovulation (p < 0.05).

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la página web de la revista en la siguiente URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/rda.13317 Este es el pre-print del siguiente artículo: Martínez-Ros, P., Astiz, S., García-Roselló, E., Ríos-Abellán, A. & González-Bulnes, A. (2019). Onset of estrus and preovulatory LH surge and ovulatory efficiency in sheep after short-term treatments with progestagen-sponges and progesterone-CIDRs. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, vol. 54, n. 2 (feb.), pp. 408-411, que se ha publicado de forma definitiva en https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13317 This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Martínez-Ros, P., Astiz, S., García-Roselló, E., Ríos-Abellán, A. & González-Bulnes, A. (2019). Onset of estrus and preovulatory LH surge and ovulatory efficiency in sheep after short-term treatments with progestagen-sponges and progesterone-CIDRs. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, vol. 54, n. 2 (feb.), pp. 408-411, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13317 The present study supports that short-term (7-days) protocols based on progestagen-impregnated sponges and progesterone-loaded CIDRs are equally effective to induce ovulatory response in sheep. There were no significant differences in the onset of estrus behavior (32.0±6.0 and 33.8±4.0h after device withdrawal for sponges and CIDRs, respectively; p > .05) and preovulatory LH discharge (5.1 ± 2.1 and 5.8 ± 3.3h after onset of estrus behavior for sponges and CIDRs, respectively; p > .05). These features are similar to previously described for classical long-term (12-14 days) treatments. Hence, short-term CIDR-based protocols may be implemented using the same time-intervals for insemination than sponge-based and long-term protocols. Preprint

The current study aimed to determine, using a swine model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), whether short- and long-term neurological deficiencies and interactive dysfunctions of Low Birth-Weight (LBW) offspring might be related to altered pattern of neurotransmitters. Hence, we compared the quantities of different neurotransmitters (catecholamines and indoleamines), which were determined by HPLC, at brain structures related to the limbic system (hippocampus and amygdala) in 14 LBW and 10 Normal Body-Weight (NBW) newborn piglets. The results showed, firstly, significant effects of sex on the NBW newborns, with females having higher dopamine (DA) concentrations than males. The IUGR processes affected DA metabolism, with LBW piglets having lower concentrations of noradrenaline at the hippocampus and higher concentrations of the DA metabolites, homovanillic acid (HVA), at both the hippocampus and the amygdala than NBW neonates. The effects of IUGR were modulated by sex; there were no significant differences between LBW and NBW females, but LBW males had higher HVA concentration at the amygdala and higher concentration of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the serotonin metabolite, at the hippocampus than NBW males. In conclusion, the present study shows that IUGR is mainly related to changes, modulated by sex, in the concentrations of catecholamine neurotransmitters, which are related to adaptation to physical activity and to essential cognitive functions such as learning, memory, reward-motivated behavior and stress. © 2016 ISDN

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la página web de la revista en la siguiente URL: https://www.publish.csiro.au/rd/RD18477 This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Gonzalez-Bulnes, A., Menchaca, A., Martin, G.B. & Martinez-Ros, P. (2020). Seventy years of progestagen treatments for management of the sheep oestrous cycle: where we are and where we should go. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, vol. 32, i. 5 (24 jan.), pp. 441-452, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1071/RD18477. Este es el pre-print del siguiente artículo: Gonzalez-Bulnes, A., Menchaca, A., Martin, G.B. & Martinez-Ros, P. (2020). Seventy years of progestagen treatments for management of the sheep oestrous cycle: where we are and where we should go. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, vol. 32, i. 5 (24 jan.), pp. 441-452, que se ha publicado de forma definitiva en https://doi.org/10.1071/RD18477. The management of the ovine estrous cycle is mainly based on the use of exogenous hormones for mimicking (progesterone and its analogues) or manipulating (prostaglandin F2α and its analogues) the activity of the corpus luteum, combined with the application of other hormones mimicking the pituitary secretion of gonadotrophins (e.g.: equine chorionic gonadotrophin, eCG). These protocols have been applied without major change for decades but, now, there are two reasons to reconsider them: i) our greatly improved knowledge of the dynamics of ovarian physiology, following the application of transrectal ultrasonography, indicates that modification of the protocols may improve the yields; ii) increasing concerns about animal health and welfare, food safety and the environmental impact of the treatments, as evidenced by public opinion and therefore market forces. Here, we offer an overview of these issues, introduce an updated protocol, and suggest ways for future improvements of the protocols. Preprint

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la página web de la revista en la siguiente URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378432018306626?via%3Dihub This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Martinez-Ros, P., Astiz, S., Garcia-Rosello, E., Rios-Abellan, A. & Gonzalez-Bulnes, A. (2018). Effects of short-term intravaginal progestagens on the onset and features of estrus, preovulatory LH surge and ovulation in sheep. Animal Reproduction Science, vol. 197 (oct.), pp. 317-323, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.046. Este es el pre-print del siguiente artículo: Martinez-Ros, P., Astiz, S., Garcia-Rosello, E., Rios-Abellan, A. & Gonzalez-Bulnes, A. (2018). Effects of short-term intravaginal progestagens on the onset and features of estrus, preovulatory LH surge and ovulation in sheep. Animal Reproduction Science, vol. 197 (oct.), pp. 317-323, que se ha publicado de forma definitiva en https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.046. In the present study, there was a comparison among classical long-term progestagen (fluorogestone acetate) protocols for synchronization of estrus and ovulation (14 days; group FGA14, n = 9 ewes) and short-term protocols based on 7 days of progestagen treatment plus a dose of prostaglandin F at either insertion (PG-FGA7, n = 11) or removal (FGA7-PG, n = 12). There were no significant differences in the ovulation rate and progesterone secretion among treatments. The FGA7-PG group, however, had a similar percentage of ewes expressing estrous behavior than the group FGA14 (90.9 and 100%, respectively, with a trend for a lesser percentage in the PG-FGA7 group, 63.6%) and about 90% of the ewes in the FGA7-PG group had the preovulatory surge release of LH 8 h after the onset of estrous behavior. These features may be related to a greater number of preovulatory follicles during growing phases (P < 0.05) and a greater plasma estradiol concentration (P < 0.05) in this group than in the classical 14-day group, which suggest these are more functional preovulatory follicles. In conclusion, therefore, the use of the FGA7-PG treatment may favor efficiency of progestagen-based protocols for reproductive management. Preprint

The present study used a sheep model of intrauterine growth restriction, combining maternal undernutrition and twinning, to determine possible markers of early damage to the fetal kidney. The occurrence of early deviations in fetal hemodynamics which may be indicative of changes in blood perfusion was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography. A total of 24 sheep divided in two groups were fed with the same standard grain-based diet but fulfilling either their daily maintenance requirements for pregnancy (control group; n=12, six singleton and six twin pregnancies) or only the 50% of such quantity (food-restricted group; n=12; four singleton and eight twin pregnancies). All the fetuses were assessed by both B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography at Day 115 of pregnancy. Fetal blood supply was affected by maternal undernutrition, although there were still no evidences of brain-sparing excepting in fetuses at greatest challenge (twins in underfed pregnancies). However, there were early changes in the blood supply to the kidneys of underfed fetuses and underfed twins evidenced decreases in kidney size.

Hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenol with antioxidant, metabolism-regulatory, anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties. The present study aimed to determine whether supplementing the maternal diet with hydroxytyrosol during pregnancy can improve pre-and early post-natal developmental patterns and metabolic traits of the offspring. Experiment was performed in Iberian sows fed a restricted diet in order to increase the risk of IUGR. Ten sows were treated daily with 1.5 mg of hydroxytyrosol per kg of feed between Day 35 of pregnancy (30% of total gestational period) until delivery whilst 10 animals were left untreated as controls. Number and weight of offspring were assessed at birth, on post-natal Day 15 and at weaning (25 days-old). At weaning, body composition and plasma indexes of glucose and lipids were measured. Treatment with hydroxytyrosol was associated with higher mean birth weight, lower incidence of piglets with low birth weight. Afterwards, during the lactation period, piglets in the treated group showed a higher body-weight than control piglets; such effects were even stronger in the most prolific litters. These results suggest that maternal supplementation with hydroxytyrosol may improve pre-and early post-natal development of offspring in pregnancies at risk of IUGR. © 2017 Vazquez-Gomez et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

In this Research Communication we assessed factors affecting colostrum quality of dairy Lacaune ewes using the Brix-refractometer. Colostrum from 536 lambings from one commercial intensive dairy Lacaune farm were analysed for the following factors with potential influence in colostrum quality: (1) ewe parity (n = 84–132), (2) length of previous dry period (PDP) (n = 23–214), (3) age at first lambing (AFL) of primiparous ewes (n = 9–88), (4) lambing season (n = 192 or 344), and (5) year (2011–2013, n = 142–203). Parity significantly affected colostrum quality, with primiparous ewes showing the highest Brix refractometer values (22·6 ± 5·6%, P < 0·0001), though values were similar among multiparous ewes. PDP length also significantly affected colostrum quality: ewes with the shortest PDP showed the worst quality (16·8 ± 4·2%, P < 0·0001), with quality gradually rising with PDP length. Colostrum quality was significantly higher in 2011 (21·0 ± 5·2%) than in 2012 or 2013 (P < 0·0001); this likely reflects the several-fold greater proportion of animals with long PDP in 2011. In contrast, neither AFL nor lambing season significantly affected colostrum quality. These results suggest that parity and PDP length can substantially affect ovine colostrum quality of dairy ewes under intensive management conditions and they further show the usefulness of the Brix refractometer for providing a rough estimation of colostrum quality on-farm. However, further studies are needed to determine a validated cut-off Brix value for identifying good-quality colostra in ovine species.

The present study aimed to determine whether developmental patterns, adiposity level and fatty-acid composition of fetuses exposed to maternal malnutrition are driven by their sex or their genotype, or both, as these may modulate the adaptive response to the intrauterine environment independently of the maternal genotype. We used a single maternal genotype (purebred Iberian (IB) sows), which was inseminated with heterospermic semen (obtained by mixing semen from Iberian and Large White (LW) boars), to obtain four different subsets of fetuses (male and female, purebred (IB × IB) and crossbred (IB × LW)) in Iberian purebred sows. Analysis of fetal phenotypes indicated a better adaptive response of the female offspring, which was modulated by their genotype. When faced with prenatal undernutrition, females prioritised the growth of vital organs (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys and intestine) at the expense of bone and muscle. Moreover, the analysis of fat composition showed a higher availability of essential fatty acids in the female sex than in their male counterparts and also in the Iberian genotype than in crossbred fetuses. These results are of high translational value for understanding ethnic differences in prenatal programming of postnatal health and disease status, and show evidence that prenatal development and metabolic traits are primarily determined by fetal sex and strongly modulated by fetal genotype.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of sildenafil citrate (SC) to improve placental and fetal growth in a diet-induced rabbit model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Pregnant rabbits were fed either ad libitum (Group C) or restricted to 50% of dietary requirements (Group R) or restricted and treated with SC (Group SC). The treatment with SC improved placental development by increasing vascularity and vessel hypertrophy in the decidua. The assessment of feto–placental haemodynamics showed higher resistance and pulsatility indices at the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in fetuses treated with SC when compared with Group R, which had increased systolic peak and time-averaged mean velocities at the MCA. Furthermore, fetuses in the SC group had significantly higher biparietal and thoracic diameters and longer crown–rump lengths than fetuses in Group R. Hence, the SC group had a reduced IUGR rate and a higher kit size at birth compared with Group R. In conclusion, SC may provide potential benefits in pregnancies with placental insufficiency and IUGR, partially counteracting the negative effects of food restriction on placental development and fetal growth. However, the present study also found evidence of a possible blood overflow in the brain that warrants further investigation.

Sex-related differences in lipid availability and fatty acid composition during swine foetal development were investigated. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the mother were strongly related to the adequacy or inadequacy of foetal development and concomitant activation of protective growth in some organs (brain, heart, liver and spleen). Cholesterol and triglyceride availability was similar in male and female offspring, but female foetuses showed evidence of higher placental transfer of essential fatty acids and synthesis of non-essential fatty acids in muscle and liver. These sex-related differences affected primarily the neutral lipid fraction (triglycerides), which may lead to sex-related postnatal differences in energy partitioning. These results illustrate the strong influence of the maternal lipid profile on foetal development and homeorhesis, and they confirm and extend previous reports that female offspring show better adaptive responses to maternal malnutrition than male offspring. These findings may help guide dietary interventions to ensure adequate fatty acid availability for postnatal development. © 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Previous results obtained in gilts maintained under experimental conditions suggest that amino acid supplementation during pregnancy may be a promising strategy for diminishing the incidence of embryo losses and low birth-weight newborn. The current study evaluated the effects of a short-term supplementation with L-proline, around implantational stages, on litter size and birth-weight of piglets in sows of different parities maintained under commercial farm conditions. There were no significant effects in mature sows with three or more parities, but the supplementation improved the reproductive efficiency of the high-prolific first-parity sows and of all the sows at second-parity. There were numerically higher litter size (of around two more live piglets; n.s.) and higher birth-weights (P

Purposes To determine the feasibility of MRI for imaging subcutaneous and visceral adiposity in longitudinal studies in obese swine models (Iberian pig). To establish the anatomical regions of interest (ROIs) and measurement points (MPs) adequate for their evaluation through analyses on the inter-individual variability and over-time reproducibility and through the assessment of their reliability and validity by comparison with in vivo and ex vivo zoometric data. Material and methods Five male and five female pigs were used from four (live weight around 48 kg and back-fat depth around 18 mm) to eight months old (live weight 134 kg and back-fat depth around 48 mm). MRI was carried out with a Panorama 0.23T scanner (Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands), using a body/spine XL coil. Results The ROIs of election for visualization of subcutaneous data are located from the cranial margin of left diaphragmatic crura to the lumbar vertebrae L3. Visceral adiposity may be equally evaluated from the vertebrae L1 to L3. Conclusions MRI allows the evaluation of subcutaneous and visceral fatness in a single acquisition, which improves animal welfare and time- and cost-efficiency and provides an accurate, consistent and repeatable procedure for sequential studies of adiposity in obese swine. © 2014 Éditions françaises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is characterized by reduced growth and weight of the foetus, mainly due to the lack of nutrients and oxygen. Animals affected by IUGR show changes in specific brain areas and several neuronal processes. Female offspring affected by IUGR show increased survival and development compared to males. The objective of this study was to analyse changes in the hippocampus proteome in male and female piglets affected by IUGR. Seven pregnant Iberian sows were fed from Day 35 of pregnancy onwards at 50% of their requirements. At Day 100 of pregnancy, foetuses were obtained and classified by sex and weight, as mild IUGR (Normal Body Weight) versus severe IUGR (Low Body Weight). Hippocampi were dissected and the proteomes analysed by SWATH-MS DIA. In this study, 1497 proteins were identified of which 260 were quantitatively analysed. All differential proteins were more abundant in females versus males and were involved in protein synthesis, neuronal development, metabolism, antiapoptotic signalling and vesicular transport. Our findings support that female foetuses tolerate nutrient limitation better than males, especially under mild IUGR. Under severe IUGR, females still seems to maintain normal lipid metabolism and antiapoptotic signalling, which may be related to the increased female survival. SIGNIFICANCE: In the last years, proteomics have been used to evidence differences related to sex in non-reproductive organs. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) can affect female and male offspring differently. Female offspring has stronger protective strategies compared to males, enhancing growth and postnatal survival. Most studies regarding this issue have focused on metabolic organs (i.e. liver). However, the predominance of neurodevelopmental disorders in males suggests that the central nervous system in female offspring adapt better to nutritional stress conditions than that of males. Based on the differential protein expression in hippocampal samples, our work demonstrates that female foetuses indeed adapt better to IUGR than males, especially under mild IUGR conditions. In severe IUGR conditions, differences between males and females were not so evident, but even in this case, the remaining differences suggest increased survival in females than in males.

The major goal of animal production is to obtain abundant and healthy meat for consumers. Maternal food restriction (MFR) is often applied in farms to reduce production costs. However, the suitability of MFR in livestock animals is questionable, as this management may compromise maternal fitness due to a severe negative energetic balance and can induce Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and prenatal programming in the offspring. Here, we sought to determine, using pregnant rabbits, the consequences of MFR on maternal endocrine and metabolic status and conceptus development. Pregnant dams were distributed into three groups CONTROL (ad libitum feeding throughout the entire pregnancy; mean pregnancy length being around 31 days), UNDERFED (50% MFR during the entire pregnancy) and EARLY-UNDERFED (50% MFR only during the preimplantation period, Days 0-7). Maternal leptin concentrations and glycemic and lipid profiles were determined throughout pregnancy, whilst conceptus development was assessed ex-vivo at Day 28. Placental parameters were determined by macroscopic and histological evaluations and apoptotic assessments (TUNEL and Caspase-3). The main results of the study showed that, despite MFR altered maternal plasma lipid concentration (P

Fetal or intrauterine growth restriction (FGR or IUGR) is a concerning health issue not only due to its implications in mortality and morbidity of neonates but also because of its long-term consequences on health and disease risk of the individuals. Its main cause is an insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen by maternal (malnutrition or hypobaric hypoxia) or placental factors (placental insufficiency) during late gestation, when the requirements of fetus are higher. The availability of reliable animal models would be highly useful for the future development of diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies. Most of the studies using animal models have been performed in rodents, while the use of large animals (sheep and swine) has been scarce. The objective of the current review is to offer an overview on the possibilities of using large animals for conducting translational research on IUGR related to inadequate maternal conditions and/or placental dysfunction. © 2016 Bentham Science Publishers.

The combination of genetic background together with food excess and lack of exercise has become the cornerstone of metabolic disorders associated to lifestyle. The scenario is furthermore reinforced by their interaction with other environmental factors (stress, sleeping patterns, education, culture, rural versus urban locations, and xenobiotics, among others) inducing epigenetic changes in the exposed individuals. The immediate consequence is the development of further alterations like obesity and metabolic syndrome, and other adverse health conditions (type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, reproductive, immune and neurological disorders). Thus, having in mind the impact of the metabolic syndrome on the worldwide public health, the present review affords the relative roles and the interrelationships of nature (genetic predisposition to metabolic syndrome) and nurture (lifestyle and environmental effects causing epigenetic changes), on the establishment of the metabolic disorders in women; disorders that may evolve to metabolic syndrome prior or during pregnancy and may be transmitted to their descendants. � 2016 Bentham Science Publishers.

Iberian pig production includes purebred (IB) and Duroc-crossbred (IBxDU) pigs, which show important differences in growth, fattening and tissue composition. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of genetic type and muscle (Longissimus dorsi (LD) vs Biceps femoris (BF)) on gene expression and transcriptional regulation at two developmental stages. Nine IB and 10 IBxDU piglets were slaughtered at birth, and seven IB and 10 IBxDU at four months of age (growing period). Carcass traits and LD intramuscular fat (IMF) content were measured. Muscle transcriptome was analyzed on LD samples with RNA-Seq technology. Carcasses were smaller in IB than in IBxDU neonates (p < 0.001), while growing IB pigs showed greater IMF content (p < 0.05). Gene expression was affected (p < 0.01 and Fold change > 1.5) by the developmental stage (5,812 genes), muscle type (135 genes), and genetic type (261 genes at birth and 113 at growth). Newborns transcriptome reflected a highly proliferative developmental stage, while older pigs showed upregulation of catabolic and muscle functioning processes. Regarding the genetic type effect, IBxDU newborns showed enrichment of gene pathways involved in muscle growth, in agreement with the higher prenatal growth observed in these pigs. However, IB growing pigs showed enrichment of pathways involved in protein deposition and cellular growth, supporting the compensatory gain experienced by IB pigs during this period. Moreover, newborn and growing IB pigs showed more active glucose and lipid metabolism than IBxDU pigs. Moreover, LD muscle seems to have more active muscular and cell growth, while BF points towards lipid metabolism and fat deposition. Several regulators controlling transcriptome changes in both genotypes were identified across muscles and ages (SIM1, PVALB, MEFs, TCF7L2 or FOXO1), being strong candidate genes to drive expression and thus, phenotypic differences between IB and IBxDU pigs. Many of the identified regulators were known to be involved in muscle and adipose tissues development, but others not previously associated with pig muscle growth were also identified, as PVALB, KLF1 or IRF2. The present study discloses potential molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic differences observed between IB and IBxDU pigs and highlights candidate genes implicated in these molecular mechanisms. © 2016 Ayuso et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

The importance of postnatal pituitary activation as regards female reproductive development is not yet understood. By taking advantage of the experimental model developed in a previous study, i.e. ewe lambs expressing markedly different ovarian phenotypes at 50 days of age, we designed this study to determine whether differences found in ovarian status during the early prepubertal period are due to different patterns of postnatal pituitary activation, and to assess whether these differences have long lasting effects on subsequent reproductive performance. Results showed that ewe lambs with high antral follicle count (AFC) at 50 days of age had significantly lower plasma FSH concentrations and higher anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrations during the first 9 weeks of age compared with low AFC ewe lambs (P

The current study investigated hormonal and ovarian changes during physiological reproductive aging in Sarda ewes. In a first experiment, follicular and corpus luteum dynamics were compared during an induced oestrus cycle in aged (12–14 years) and young adult ewes (4–5 years). Oestrus cycle characteristics did not differ between the two experimental groups. However, follicular function during the follicular phase showed significant alterations in aged ewes, as determined by a lack of dominance effect and by lower mean values of circulating oestradiol (E2) and inhibin levels, compared with young adult ewes. In a second experiment, differences in follicle growth, hormonal milieu and oocyte quality in response to exogenous FSH administration were assessed in aged and adult ewes. No differences were recorded in ovarian response to FSH treatment between young adult and aged ewes, as evaluated by ultrasonographic data and circulating concentrations of LH, E2 and inhibin-A. Although the total number of recovered oocytes was similar in the two age groups, the number of good quality oocytes selected for IVM was significantly lower in aged ewes compared with adult ones. Thereafter, no differences were recorded in cleavage rates, total blastocyst output, embryo developmental kinetic and quality between aged and adult groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that reproductive aging in sheep is associated with impaired follicle functionality and an increase in the proportion of oocytes showing morphological abnormalities. However interestingly, oocyte developmental competence in vitro and embryo cryotolerance were not affected by the aging process, when only good quality oocytes were chosen.

A single treatment with PGF2α is assumed to have no luteolytic effect on cows with corpora lutea < 5 days old. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a single high dose of PGF2α administered to dairy cattle on the morphology and function of the early CL. The study followed a crossover design with a treatment cycle in which 50 mg of dinoprost were administered 3.5 days postovulation and a control untreated cycle. Ultrasound examination and blood samples were performed during the two consecutive cycles. Corpus luteum (CL) diameter, progesterone concentration, and follicular dynamics characteristics were compared between control and treated cycles. Two of nine cows (22%) developed full luteolysis. The remaining seven cows (78%) had partial luteolysis with a decrease (P < 0.05) in progesterone concentration and CL diameter for two and 12 days post-treatment, respectively. The interovulatory interval of treated cycles (19.7 ± 2.4 days) was not different (P > 0.05) from that of controls (23.8 ± 0.9 days). The transient reduction in progesterone of cows with partial luteolysis had no effect on the proportion of cows with two or three follicular waves, follicle growth rate, or preovulatory diameter (P > 0.05). Two cows developed ovarian cystic degeneration during the PGF2α-induced cycle. In conclusion, the treatment of cows with a high dose of PGF2α 3.5 days postovulation induced some degree of luteolysis in all treated cows. This resulted in partial luteolysis in 78% of treated animals and in full luteolysis in the remaining 22%. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.

The aim of the current study was to determine possible differences in ovarian and pituitary features explaining lower fertility rates in sheep with oestrus induced with intravaginal progestagens or prostaglandin analogues (group FGA and PGF, n=8 in both) when compared to a control group (group C, n=8). The growth profiles and the mean individual sizes of preovulatory follicles were similar between groups; however, the number of preovulatory follicles per ewe and, consequently, the number of ovulations were higher in groups FGA and PGF (2.3±0.3 and 2.0±0.1, respectively) than in group C (1.4±0.1, P

The current study evaluated the effect of glutamate supply on the onset of puberty and possible links to changes in serum concentrations of insulin [INS], glucose [GLU] and triiodothyronine [T3]. The study was conducted from June to November in prepuberal female goats (n=18; 3 mo. old, 7/8 Saanen-Alpine, 1/8 Criollo, 26° north) randomly assigned to two experimental groups (i) excitatory amino acids group (group AA, n=10; 16.52±1.04kg LW, 3.4±0.12 body condition score [BCS], receiving an intravenous infusion of 7mgkg-1 live weight [LW] of l-glutamate, twice a week, and (ii) control group (group CC, n=8; 16.1±1.04kg LW, 3.1±0.12 BCS) receiving saline. Blood samples were obtained twice a week, for assessing progesterone [P4], as well as in a monthly basis to evaluate INS and T3 by RIA. Mean final LW and BCS were 23.2±0.72kg, 3.53±0.10units, without differences between groups. The AA group depicted an earlier onset of puberty (6.9±0.3 compared to 7.5±0.4 mo.; P0.05, respectively). Serum T3 concentrations, however, were greater in AA goats (1.55±0.03 compared to 1.39±0.04ngmL-1). In addition, a treatment x time interaction occurred (P0.05) for glucose concentrations across time occurred between treatments. Results indicate that, in prepuberal goats, glutamate acts as a cue for sexual maturation in a glucose-independent pathway, while both T3 and INS seem to act as metabolic modulators for the establishment of puberty in goats. Actions of INS and T3 are mediated directly on hypothalamic centers regulating the pulsatile release of GnRH or indirectly by peripheral cues reflecting INS-T3 actions on somatic development remains to be determined. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

The Mediterranean Iberian pigs are obese genotypes, due to a leptin resistance syndrome related to leptin receptor gene polymorphisms. The Iberian pig is affected by a lower prolificacy when compared to lean breeds, and thus may constitute a good animal model for adverse effects of obesity in reproductive performance. The present study determined possible differences in rates of ovulation and embryo implantation and later incidence of embryo mortality and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in sows of Iberian breed (n = 23) and highly-prolific lean commercial crosses (Large White × Landrace, n = 17) at two critical periods of swine pregnancy Day 21 (just after achievement of trophoblast attachment) and Day 35 (just after completion of the transition from late embryo to early foetal stage). Two different reproductive performances were identified in the Iberian breed; 58.3% of the females had lower ovulation rates than LWxL (13.2 ± 2.3 vs 22.5 ± 1.6, P < 0.05), but 41.7% had a similar number of ovulations (18.2 ± 3.9). However, those Iberian sows having high ovulatory rates showed a high incidence of regression of corpora lutea and embryo losses between Days 21 and 35, which was not found in Iberian females with low ovulation rates; therefore, the number of viable embryos was similar in both Iberian groups (8.2 ± 1.0 and 8.4 ± 1.0) and lower that in highly-prolific LWxL (14.8 ± 1.8, P < 0.05). At Day 35, a total of 167 conceptuses (73 LWxL and 94 IB) were evaluated for IUGR. The LWxL conceptuses were longer and wider than Iberian (69.5 ± 0.1 and 64.4 ± 0.1 vs 49.9 ± 0.1 and 41.9 ± 0.1 mm, P < 0.0001). However, Iberian conceptuses were heavier than LWxL (107.4 ± 6.6 vs 68.6 ± 2.4 g) due to a lower quantity of fluids and a higher development of the placental tissues in comparison to the embryo itself. In conclusion, current study indicates a bimodal effect of obese genotypes on reproductive performances, either by lowering ovulation rate or by increased embryo losses in the first third of pregnancy. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are currently considered major global threats for health and well-being. However, there is a lack of adequate preclinical models for their study. The present trial evaluated the suitability of aged swine by determining changes in adiposity, fatty acids composition, antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation, development of metabolic disturbances and structural changes in tissues and organs. Iberian sows with clinical evidence of aging-related sarcopenia were fed a standard diet fulfilling their maintenance requirements or an obesogenic diet for 100 days. Aging and sarcopenia were related to increased lipid accumulation and cellular dysfunction at both adipose tissue and non-adipose ectopic tissues (liver and pancreas). Obesity concomitant to sarcopenia aggravates the condition by increasing visceral adiposity and causing dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and lipotoxicity in non-adipose tissues. These results support that the Iberian swine model represents certain features of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in humans, paving the way for future research on physiopathology of these conditions and possible therapeutic targets.

This study aimed to determine the best vehicle and administration route for progesterone administration in sheep. In a first replicate, single intramuscular doses of 25 mg progesterone were administered to ewes previously ovariectomized, either in propylene glycol (group IM-PG, n = 6) or olive oil (group IM-OO, n = 5). In a second replicate, the same solutions of progesterone were administered subcutaneously to the same ewes (groups SC-PG, n = 6, and SC-OO, n = 5). In the present study, the best pharmacokinetic results of a single dose of 25 mg of progesterone were obtained, both using PG and OO as vehicles, by the subcutaneous route. Thus, progesterone remained in plasma for a longer time after subcutaneous administration in PG than in OO (t1/2β 60.65 ± 13.07 vs. 27.51 ± 3.59 h; P < 0.05); the mean residence time being higher in SC-PG than in SC-OO group (88.99 ± 18.36 vs. 41.04 ± 5.31 h; P < 0.05). However, both vehicles allowed maintained plasma levels ≥0.5 ng/ml for at least 30 h, so any of these treatments may be efficiently used for administration of exogenous progesterone. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Possible effects of repeated hormonal treatments and laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) on the efficiency of oocyte recovery rate and quality were determined in sheep and goats. In six adult Merino sheep and five Criolla goats, ovarian status was synchronized by a prostaglandin F2α analogue and the insertion of an intravaginal sponge 48 h later. Follicle development was stimulated by a single dose of FSH (60 mg NIH-FSH-P1) plus a single dose of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; 300 UI). The first FSH/eCG doses were administered 48 h after the sponge insertion, being repeated every 4 days to complete a total of four treatments in sheep and three in goats. Follicles in both ovaries were categorized according to their diameter and follicular fluid was aspirated under laparoscopic observation without a vacuum pump. In sheep, during a 12-day-period, a total of 347 follicles were aspirated with a recovery rate of 46.9%. In goats, during an 8-day-period, 219 follicles were aspirated with a recovery rate of 45.6%. In both species, there were no significant differences in the number of aspirated follicles, oocyte recovery rate and good quality oocyte recovery rate. However, in sheep the oocyte recovery rate was higher for large follicles, whereas in goats no such effect was detected. In summary, current results indicate that retrieval of oocytes can be maximized, without affecting oocyte quality, by repeating 'oneshot' FSH/eCG regimes and LOPUs at intervals as short as 4 days. © 2007 The Authors.

Thanks for the help excellent of Pascale Chavatte-Palmer; International audience; The concept of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) addresses, from a large set of epidemiological evidences in human beings and translational studies in animal models, both the importance of genetic predisposition and the determinant role of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on adult morphomics and homeostasis. Compelling evidences suggest that both overnutrition and undernutrition may modify the intrauterine environment of the conceptus and may alter the expression of its genome and therefore its phenotype during prenatal and postnatal life. In fact, the DOHaD concept is an extreme shift in the vision of the factors conditioning adult phenotype and supposes a drastic change from a gene-centric perspective, only modified by lifestyle and nutritional strategies during juvenile development and adulthood, to a more holistic approach in which environmental, parental, and prenatal conditions are strongly determining postnatal development and homeostasis. The implications of DOHaD are profound in all the mammalian species and the present review summarizes current knowledge on causes and consequences of DOHaD in pigs, both for meat production and as a well-recognized model for biomedicine research.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and late-onset diseases in offspring. Eating disorders, voluntary caloric restriction and maternal undernutrition can all induce IUGR but a relevant model is required to measure all its possible consequences. In this work, pregnant rabbits were used as an IUGR model. Control females (n=4) received ad libitum diet throughout pregnancy, whereas underfed females (n=5) were restricted to 50% of their daily requirements. Offspring size was measured by ultrasonography and in vivo at birth. Hemodynamic features of the umbilical cords and middle cerebral arteries (systolic peak velocity, end diastolic velocity, pulsatility index and resistance index) were characterized by Doppler ultrasonography. At day 21, maternal underfeeding resulted in a significant reduction of fetal size (occipito-nasal length). At birth, the size of kits from the underfed group was significantly lower (lower crown-rump length, biparietal and transversal thoracic diameters) and a reduced weight with respect to the control group. Feed restriction altered blood flow perfusion compared with does fed ad libitum (significant higher systolic peak, time-averaged mean velocities and lower end diastolic velocity). Fetuses affected by IUGR presented with compensative brain-sparing effects when compared with the control group. In conclusion, the present study supports using rabbits and the underfeeding approach as a valuable model for IUGR studies. These results may help to characterize IUGR alterations due to nutrient restriction of mothers in future research.

The present study evaluated the feasibility of carrying out an easy-to-handle and cost-efficient test for the preselection of high– and low–ovulatory responder ewes under superovulatory protocols. The test was based on the assessment of the number of ovulations obtained in response to the administration of a single-shot eCG treatment. The predictive value of the test was determined by comparing the number of ovulations with yields obtained in response to a multiple-dose FSH treatment. In addition, the study determined possible effects of follicular status at first FSH dose and their relationship with subsequent ovarian response. A total of 31 Merino ewes received hormonal treatment comprising the administration of 800 IU of eCG at the end of progestative treatment. Twenty-three days later, multiple-dose FSH treatment (80-mg FSH, in six decreasing doses between Days 12 and 14 of a second progestative treatment) was applied to the same ewes. The study showed a significant relationship between the number of corpora lutea obtained in response to eCG treatment with respect to those obtained in response to FSH treatment (r = 0.791; P < 0.05), which resulted in 84% recurrence rate. The number of embryos was greater for high-responder in relation to low-responder ewes (7.2 ± 3.7 and 4.0 ± 3.9, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas rates of recovery and fertilization were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Hence, there was a tendency for a higher mean of grades 1 and 2 embryos in high-responder in relation to low-responder ewes (6.1 ± 3.8 and 3.7 ± 4.0, respectively; P < 0.1). No significant relationship was found between the number of corpora lutea in response to FSH treatment and the number of small and total follicles at first FSH dose (P > 0.05). However, a negative low relationship was found between the presence of large follicles and the ovulation rate in response to FSH treatment (r = −0.361; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results show the feasibility of carrying out an easy-to-handle and cost-efficient procedure for the preselection of embryo donors. The procedure was based on high recurrence rate between hormonal treatments, which in turn accounts for a distinctive ewe ovulatory response. Fil: Bruno Gallaraga, M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Patagonia Norte. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Carlos de Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Cueto, M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Patagonia Norte. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Carlos de Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Gibbons, A.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Patagonia Norte. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Carlos de Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Pereyra Bonnet, Federico Alberto. Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Experimental; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Subiabre, M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Patagonia Norte. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Carlos de Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Gonzalez Bulnes, A.. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria; España

Pregnancies at high-altitudes are influenced by hypoxia and oxidative stress and frequently affected by IUGR. However, a common thought is that early pregnant women visiting altitude have no major complications for gestation development, since IUGR is developed during the second half of pregnancy. Thus, using a well-characterized sheep-model, we aimed to determine whether long-and/or short-term exposure to high-altitude may affect maternal steroidogenesis and therefore embryo-fetal growth from conception. The second aim was to differentiate the relative role of hypoxia and oxidative stress by assessing the effects of supplementation with antioxidant agents during this early-pregnancy stage, which were previously found to be useful to prevent IUGR. The results indicate that both long- and shortterm exposure to high-altitude causes disturbances in maternal ovarian steroidogenesis and negatively affects embryo-fetal growth already during the very early stages of gestation, with the consequences being even worsened in newcomers to high-altitude. The supply of antioxidant during this period only showed discrete effects for preventing IUGR. In conclusion, the present study gives a warning for clinicians about the risks for early-pregnant women when visiting high-altitude regions and suggests the need for further studies on the effects of the length of exposure and on the interaction of the exposure with the pregnancy stage. © 2015 Parraguez et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Often the only way to ensure profitability of Lacaune dairy sheep is intensive management, which requires appropriate dry-period treatment to ensure animal productivity and health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intramammary antibiotic dry therapy on the performance and health of Lacaune sheep under intensive management. We recorded data for 5981 complete lactation periods that followed a dry period. A total of 2402 lactation periods were preceded by a dry period involving intramammary administration of 300 mg of cephapirin benzathine (antibiotic group) and 3579 lactation periods were preceded by dry periods with no treatment (control group). The following on-farm yield data were collected for individual lactation periods: length of the subsequent lactation period; total milk yield per lactation period; daily milk yield and length of the subsequent dry period. Data on confounding factors that might affect productivity were also recorded, including the individual ewe, number of lactation periods and length of the previous dry period. Milk quality was assessed using data on somatic cell count (SCC) and content of protein and fat taken from the Spanish National Official Milk Yield Recording System. Antibiotic dry therapy significantly improved total yield per lactation period, which was 429±151·1 l in the antibiotic group and 412±165·5 l in the control group, as well as the daily milk yield, which was 1986±497·0 and 1851±543·2 ml/d, respectively (both Pr=−0·055; Pr=−0·039; Pvs. 1022±2126 cells/ml; Pvs. 7·15±0·87%) and protein (5·63±0·44 vs. 5·44±0·4%). The results of this study suggest that cephalosporin dry therapy of Lacaune dairy sheep increases milk production and improves milk quality during subsequent lactation periods.

Our objective was to determine the effects of the administration of growth hormone (GH) alone or plus teverelix, a gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHa), on follicle development in sheep. Ewes were treated daily for 6 days by the intramuscular route with 15 mg of GH alone (GH group; n = 6) or combined with two subcutaneous doses of GnRHa (1.5 mg) on days 0 and 3 of GH treatment (GH/GnRHa group; n = 6); the control group (n = 6) received similar treatment with saline solution. Plasma follicle stimulating hormone levels were significantly lower in the GH/GnRHa group than in the control (P < 0.001) and GH groups (P < 0.05). The number of follicles ≥2 mm increased to reach significant differences with control (18.7 ± 0.6) on day 4 in GH/GnRHa group (22.7 ± 0.5, P < 0.001) and on day 5 in GH group (20.3 ± 0.4 vs. 17.0 ± 0.6, P < 0.05). These results indicate that GH and GnRHa may be useful for increasing the number of gonadotrophin-responsive follicles in the ovary. However, follicle function could be affected as both GH and GH/GnRHa groups showed lower plasma inhibin A concentrations than control sheep (90-110 pg/mL vs. 170-185 pg/mL, P < 0.005). © 2006 The Authors.

Efficiency of superovulatory protocols is affected by the occurrence of reproductive abnormalities, such as the presence of anovulatory follicles. The objective of current study was to assess the incidence and possible causes of anovulatory follicles in superovulated sheep, in order to characterize the endocrine functionality of these follicles in terms of estradiol production and to evaluate their relationship with development of embryos from other follicles. The number and size of all follicles present in the ovaries of 12 sheep treated with a superovulatory FSH step-down treatment was assessed by ultrasonography. On Day 3 after subsequent estrus behaviour, the number of corpora lutea and anovulatory follicles were recorded and the fluid of anovulatory follicles ≥5 mm in size was aspirated and assayed for estradiol. At once, embryos were recovered to evaluate their viability. In current study, anovulatory structures averaged 34.6% of the follicles developing to preovulatory sizes. The number of anovulatory follicles was determined by the existence of follicular dominance effects, since they increased with a higher difference in size between the largest and the second largest follicle at the beginning of the superovulatory treatment (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.420). Most of the anovulatory follicles showed signs of functionality failures, indicated by a low mean estradiol concentration (9.9 ± 1.1 ng/ml). However, a 22.4% of them were highly estrogenic (>200 ng/ml) and their permanence beyond the ovulation was related to a drop in the embryo viability rate (P < 0.005), leading to decreased final superovulatory yields. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Current study aimed to determine possible differences in plasma leptin levels during the prepuberal period and their relationship with the onset of puberty in gilts of obese thrifty genotype (Iberian breed) and lean genotype (Large White × Landrace commercial crosses) reared under similar conditions. Plasma leptin concentration increased linearly during the 7. weeks prior to the day of puberty attainment in both genotypes (P< 0.005, r= 0.707 for LW × L and P< 0.0005, r= 0.874 for Iberian gilts). However, leptin levels in the Iberian gilts was higher from the first sample of the experimental period, with females having 16. weeks-old (2.7 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.2. ng/ml in LW × L; P< 0.001), to the onset of puberty (8.5 ± 0.7 vs 2.8 ± 0.3. ng/ml in LW × L; P< 0.005). Thus, the current study reinforces previous data on changes in around puberty and evidences, for the first time, profound differences in prepuberal plasma leptin levels between gilts of obese (Iberian) and lean genotypes (LW × L). © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

The prevention and treatment of obesity in children is based on adequate nutrition and exercise plus antihyperglycaemic drugs. Currently, the incidence of childhood obesity is aggravated in ethnicities with thrifty genotype, but there is no available information on the effects of metformin therapy. The relative effects of lifestyle and metformin on patterns of growth, fattening, metabolic status and attainment of puberty were assessed in females of an obese swine model (Iberian gilts), allocated to three experimental groups (group A, obesogenic diet and scarce exercise; group DE, adequate diet and opportunity for exercise; and group DEM, adequate diet and opportunity for exercise plus metformin). Group A evidenced high weight, corpulence and adiposity, high plasma triglycerides and impairments of glucose regulation predisposing to insulin resistance. These features were favourably modulated by adequate lifestyle (group DE), and these effects were strengthened by metformin treatment (group DEM), which induced an improvement in body development by favouring muscle deposition. However, contrary to expectations, metformin advanced the onset of puberty. Metformin treatments would have positive effects on growth patterns, adiposity and metabolic features of young females from ethnicities with thrifty genotype or developing leptin resistance, but a negative effect by advancing the attainment of puberty. This study provides a warning regarding the use of metformin, without further studies, in girls from these ethnicities.

Maternal energy restriction during pregnancy predisposes to metabolic alterations in the offspring. The present study was designed to evaluate phenotypic and metabolic consequences following maternal undernutrition in an obese pig model and to define the potential role of hypothalamic gene expression in programming effects. Iberian sows were fed a control or a 50 % restricted diet for the last two-thirds of gestation. Newborns were assessed for body and organ weights, hormonal and metabolic status, and hypothalamic expression of genes implicated in energy homeostasis, glucocorticoid function and methylation. Weight and adiposity were measured in adult littermates. Newborns of the restricted sows were lighter (P <0·01), but brain growth was spared. The plasma concentration of TAG was lower in the restricted newborns than in the control newborns of both the sexes (P <0·01), while the concentration of cortisol was higher in females born to the restricted sows (P <0·04), reflecting a situation of metabolic stress by nutrient insufficiency. A lower hypothalamic expression of anorexigenic peptides (LEPR and POMC, P <0·01 and P <0·04, respectively) was observed in females born to the restricted sows, but no effect was observed in the males. The expression of HSD11B1 gene was down-regulated in the restricted animals (P <0·05), suggesting an adaptive mechanism for reducing the harmful effects of elevated concentrations of cortisol. At 4 and 7 months of age, the restricted females were heavier and fatter than the controls (P

The development and life performance of 404 high-producing Holstein dairy cows was studied from birth onwards and during two lactations. The management, environment and parental genetics of the cows were known in detail. Cluster analysis identified four performance ‘types’: high-yielding (HY) cows and persistently high-yielding (PHY) cows, which accounted for 33% of the animals; medium-yielding (MY) cows, 41%; and low-yielding (LY) cows, 26%. Prenatal determinants of the life performance of the progeny were analyzed. Developmental and environmental factors were excluded as determinants of performance (including birth weight, level of passive immunity transfer, growth rate, age at first parturition and reproductive efficiency). Life performance did show minor seasonal effects, with more HY cows but less PHY being born during the cold season (90.1% in HY; 58.3% in PHY v. 81.5%). Instead, the single most important factor influencing life performance of daughters was maternal age. HY cows were born from the youngest mothers (1.89±1.14 parturitions, 3.12±1.42-year old), whereas LY cows were born from the oldest (2.72±1.80 parturitions, 3.97±2.01-year old; Pr=0.357; fat yield: r=0.211; protein yield: r=0.277; P<0.0001), suggesting the influence of the individual. These results suggest that under optimal health, nutritional and environmental conditions, maternal aging is an important determinant of the life performance of progeny and argue for the need to identify conditions that contribute to health and disease in progeny according to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease or DOHaD concept. Our findings may help the development of novel management guidelines for dairy farms.

Maternal malnutrition during pregnancy, both deficiency and excess, induces changes in the intrauterine environment and the metabolic status of the offspring, playing a key role in the growth, status of fitness/obesity and appearance of metabolic disorders during postnatal life. There is increasing evidence that these effects may not be only limited to the first generation of descendants, the offspring directly exposed to metabolic challenges, but to subsequent generations. This study evaluated, in a swine model of obesity/leptin resistance, the existence and extent of transgenerational developmental programming effects. Pre- and postnatal development, adiposity and metabolic features were assessed in the second generation of piglets, descendant of sows exposed to either undernutrition or overnutrition during pregnancy. The results indicated that these piglets exhibited early-postnatal increases in adiposity and disturbances in lipid profiles compatible with the early prodrome of metabolic syndrome, with liver tissue also displaying evidence of paediatric liver disease. These features indicative of early-life metabolic disorders were more evident in the males that were descended from overfed grandmothers and during the transition from milk to solid feeding. Thus, this study provides evidence supporting transgenerational developmental programming and supports the necessity for the development of strategies for avoiding the current epidemics of childhood overweight and obesity. © 2014 Society for Endocrinology.