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Simple Summary: Understanding the intimate mechanisms linked to embryo survival in livestock represents an important step in reducing the incidence of early embryonic losses, which cause a significant delay in the calving–conception period and, as a consequence, a delay in production processes and economic income. The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). This is the first report that shows the possibility of detecting the maternal circulating IFNt in buffalo cows during the early period of gestation, showing different concentrations among pregnant and non-pregnant animals and those that experience embryo mortality. Close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 during the sensitive period in which the conceptus must manifest its presence demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal–placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). Blood samples were taken from buffalo cows on day 0 (day of AI), 7, 14, 18, 28, and 40 post insemination for the IFNt, PAG, and P4 analysis and to determine the IFNt mRNA expression. The animals were categorized ex post into Pregnant, Non-pregnant and Embryo mortality groups. The interferon value was influenced by group (p = 0.003), being always higher in pregnant buffalo cows than in non-pregnant ones, while the embryo mortality group showed intermediate values between those for pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The mRNA expression of IFNt was not influenced by groups or any time points. The regression analysis that included IFNt as the independent variable showed that PAGs, from day 18 (p < 0.01), and P4, from day 28 (p < 0.05), were positively associated with IFNt values. The close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal–placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The peri-implantation period is a particularly delicate moment of pregnancy. To better elucidate the dialogue between the conceptus and uterine endometrium and identify a potential strategy to improve embryo survival, we have analyzed the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and interferon tau (IFNt) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs: lymphocytes and monocytes) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs: granulocytes) during the peri-implantation period and until 40 days of pregnancy in buffalo cows. Additionally, we have evaluated the possible relationship between the expression of these genes and peripheral plasma concentration of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). The objective of this study was to analyze interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and interferon tau (IFNt) gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes during the peri-implantation period and until 40 days of pregnancy in buffalo cows. Relationships were also examined between the expression of ISGs and IFNt and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) peripheral plasma concentration. Buffalo cows were synchronized and artificially inseminated (d 0). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 18, 28 and 40 after artificial insemination (AI) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) isolation and PAGs radioimmunoassay analysis. The study was carried out on 21 buffalo cows divided ex post into Pregnant (n = 12) and Non-pregnant (n = 9) groups. Steady state levels of OAS1, MX2, ISG15 and IFNt mRNA were measured by RT-qPCR and their estimated marginal means (p < 0.01 for all) were higher in pregnant than non-pregnant buffaloes, both in PBMCs and PMNs. In PBMCs, pairwise comparisons showed that OAS1 and MX2 expressions differed between pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes on all the days of observation (p < 0.001), while significant differences in ISG15 and IFNt started from day 28 post-AI (p < 0.05). In PMNs, ISG15 expression differed between groups only at days 18 and 28 (p < 0.001), while comparisons were always significant for IFNt (p < 0.05). The expression of all genes, except ISG15 as determined in PMNs, was positively associated with PAGs plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). This work showed a significant increase in ISGs and IFNt expressions in PBMCs and PMNs in buffalo during the peri-implantation period and early pregnancy, and their correlation with PAGs plasma concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pregnancy loss is a major cause of infertility in dairy animals, particularly in cattle, which affects the productivity and profitability of farms. Detecting these unsuccessful pregnancies could offer farmers the opportunity to reduce the economic damage caused by pregnancy loss. The determination of proteins secreted by the placenta and related to the presence of a viable conceptus called pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) represents a diagnostic tool to identify pregnant or non-pregnant animals and to predict early pregnancy failures. This review describes the state of the art related to PAGs' function, pregnancy profile, and use in reproductive management in bovine and other dairy livestock. Pregnancy success represents a major issue for the economic income of cattle breeders. Early detection of pregnant and non-pregnant animals, as well as the prediction of early pregnancy failure, can influence farm management decisions. Several diagnostic tools for pregnancy are currently available. Among these, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) have been shown to be useful for identifying the presence of vital embryos and for pregnancy follow-up monitoring. This review presents an overview of the PAGs' functions, their pregnancy trends, and their use as a tool to improve reproductive management in bovine and other dairy livestock, such as small ruminants and buffalos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin regulates body weight and several physiological processes including reproduction. We evaluated the circulating levels of leptin in pregnant and non‐pregnant bitches as well as their correlation with body weight, food intake and number of foetuses. Nineteen healthy German shepherd bitches were used and divided in two groups (pregnant n = 12 and non‐pregnant n = 7). Blood samples were collected every 15 days starting from ovulation (Day 0) throughout pregnancy (pregnant group, P) or throughout luteal phase (non‐pregnant group, NP) In pregnant bitches, leptin concentrations increased from the day of ovulation (1.32 ± 0.06 ng/ml) up to day 45 (1.51 ± 0.06 ng/ml; p <.01) and returned to baseline values from day 60 post‐ovulation. In non‐pregnant bitches, leptin concentrations remained constant throughout the whole observation period (estimated marginal mean ± SE=1.33 ± 0.38 ng/ml). Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences between P and NP at day 45 post‐ovulation (p <.05). Multivariable models indicated that, controlling for time and litter size, there was a positive relationship between leptin concentration and BW (p <.05) although Pearson coefficients showed that the correlation between BW and leptin was only significant in NP animals at day 45 (r = 0.76, p <.05). The multivariable approach also suggested that, holding BW and time constant, leptin concentrations tend to increase as the number of puppies increased (p =.06). Our study supports indirectly the contribution of the feto‐placental unit to the circulating maternal leptin concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: This is the first time that PAG determination using two different antisera raised against PAG molecules purified from both caprine (RIA‐706) and bubaline placentas (RIA‐860) is reported in water buffalo. Ninety‐eight buffalo cows, belonging to a buffalo herd subjected to a synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) programme, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken on days 0 (AI), 23, 25, 28, 30 and 45. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography on days 28 and 45. The blood of 20 buffaloes that had calved was tested every five days from the day of calving until day 50 postcalving. Differences in PAG concentrations were observed between pregnant and nonpregnant buffaloes starting from day 23 post AI using both RIA‐706 and RIA‐860 (p < 0.001). However, estimated mean concentrations of PAG measured by RIA‐706 were higher than RIA‐860 (p < 0.001) and Bland–Altman analysis showed biases ranged from 0.0 ng/ml at day 23 to 0.79 ng/ml at day 28 post AI. Moreover, RIA‐706 showed greater sensitivity and accuracy both at 23 and 25 days of pregnancy. RIA‐706 and RIA‐860 decreased below 1 ng/ml from 40 and 30 days postpartum, respectively, suggesting that PAG are better recognized by the antisera raised against the caprine PAG in the postpartum period also. This is essential when using PAG as an appropriate marker of early pregnancy after postpartum for detecting new pregnancies. The results of this study show that the ability of RIA systems to recognize early PAG could be improved using antisera raised against PAG molecules isolated from caprine placenta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: Throughout gestation, changes in foetal umbilical cord Doppler parameters in ewes were detected. Doppler ultrasonography of the umbilical artery was performed weekly starting at 18 weeks before parturition until birth. In the foetal umbilical artery (UA), systolic peak velocity (SPV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), increased (p for within‐subjects effect <0.001) while pulsatility index (PI) resistance index (RI) decreased (p for within‐subjects effect <0.001) with the progress of pregnancy. A linear trend was found on all patterns (p < 0.001). In particular, the EDV values increased significantly (p < 0.05) with respect to previous weeks, at weeks 16, 11, 10, 7, and 1 before parturition. The SPV values increased significantly (p < 0.05), with respect to previous observations, at weeks 11, 10, and 7 before parturition. Finally, the PI and RI decreased significantly (p < 0.05) only at week 7 before parturition. The increased velocities and reduced resistance index suggest a progressive increment in blood flow to the foetus towards the end of pregnancy. Foetal and utero‐placental vascular parameters can be reliably evaluated using high‐frequency ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Diabetes mellitus is a disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. History of gestational diabetes is a proven risk factor, while diet may be a strategy for its prevention. Goji berry is the fruit of Lycium barbarum and a traditional medicinal herb with potential antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effects. This study evaluated the effect of two doses of Goji berry dietary supplementations on insulin sensitivity in rabbit does during pregnancy by using fasting and intravenous glucose tolerance test-derived indices. A long-term effect on the offspring was also hypothesised. The rabbit was a good experimental model for this study of insulin sensitivity as the tolerance test was feasible and sensitive to dietary modifications. The higher dose of Goji berry supplementation reduced the maximum glucose concentration after bolus administration, suggesting an improvement in the insulin response. Conversely, the present study could not support the effect of maternal diet on the adult offspring's insulin sensitivity. The use of nutraceuticals as well as the hypothesis of foetal programming of metabolic diseases deserve further study. This study investigated the effects of Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) dietary supplementation during pregnancy on insulin sensitivity of rabbit does and their offspring. Starting from two months before the artificial insemination, 75 New Zealand White does were fed only commercial standard diet (C) or supplemented with 1% (G1) and 3% (G3) of Goji berries. Their offspring received a standard diet but kept the nomenclature of the mother's group. Fasting and intravenous glucose tolerance test-derived indices were estimated at 21 days of pregnancy on rabbit does and at 90 days of age on the offspring. No difference was found in the fasting indices, while the diet modulated the response to glucose load of rabbit does. In particular, G3 group had the lowest glucose concentrations 5 min after the bolus administration (p < 0.05) and, as a result, differed in the parameters calculated during the elimination phase such as the elimination rate constant (Kel), the half-life of the exogenous glucose load (t1/2), and apparent volume of distribution (Vd; for all, p < 0.05). The high dose of Goji supplementation could thus enhance the first-phase glucose-induced insulin secretion. Findings on the offspring were inconsistent and therefore a long-term effect of Goji supplementation during pregnancy could not be demonstrated. Further study on the effect of Goji on the secretory pathway of insulin could clarify its hypoglycaemic action, while different protocols are needed to investigate its potential effects on foetal programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Embryonic mortality and pregnancy failures still represent a major issue in domestic livestock production, particularly in dairy cattle. Despite the presence of extensive work in this research area, there is still no effective, accurate and practical method able to determine timing and viability of embryo specifically during early gestation. Indeed, technologies and techniques for predicting pregnancy success must continue to be developed. The aim of this work was to find the best strategy to diagnose pregnancy failures in buffalo cows in order to improve farm reproductive management. Among the methods compared in this study (ultrasonography, progesterone, PAGs), pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) seem to be the best marker for predicting embryonic mortality between 25 and 40 days of gestation to be utilized as a diagnostic tool to improve reproductive management in buffalo farms. The aim of this work was to find the best strategy to diagnose pregnancy failures in buffalo. A total of 109 animals belonging to a buffalo herd subjected to a synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) program were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 14, 25, 28 and 40 after AI for the determination of progesterone (P4) and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) by the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on day 25, 28 and 40 after AI to monitor pregnancy. The animals included in the data analysis were assigned ex post in pregnant (n = 50) and mortality (n = 12) groups. By ultrasonography, the predictive sign of mortality was the heartbeat. At day 25, the PAGs concentration was significant in predicting embryonic mortality with respect to ultrasonography and P4, at the cut-off of 1.1 ng/mL. At day 28, either PAGs, at a cut-off of 2.2 ng/mL, or ultrasonography, with no detection of heartbeat, were highly predictive of embryonic mortality. PAGs were the best marker (p < 0.05) for predicting embryonic mortality between 25 and 40 days of gestation in buffalo. Its utilization as a diagnostic tool can influence management decisions in order to improve farm reproductive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The energy balance during the reproduction cycle is a problematic issue for livestock species because it has consequences not only on animal welfare but also on the profitability of the farm. The adoption of new nutritional strategies could improve both of these aspects. In the present study, the supplementation with goji berries was proposed and evaluated on the rabbit, which is both a livestock animal and a useful animal model. Goji berry is the fruit of Lycium barbarum that is a natural resource made up of several compounds with biological activities and their consumption could be beneficial for the health and the general well-being of humans and animals. Its effect on several hormones and metabolites involved on energy balance of rabbit doe were evaluated by using both uni- and multivariate approach. Our finding, in addition to describing the intricate relationships between body conditions, hormones and metabolites during pregnancy and lactation, suggested that the supplementation with goji berry in the rabbit diet at low percentage could improve some aspects of energy metabolism and, in particular, doe's insulin sensitivity. Conversely, the intake of high doses of goji raises concerns due to the risk of excessive fattening and worsening of insulin resistance. This study examined the effects of goji berries dietary supplementation on the energetic metabolism of doe. Thirty days before artificial insemination, 75 New Zealand White does were assigned to three different diets: commercial standard diet (C) and supplemented with 1% (LG) and 3% (HG) of goji berries, respectively. Body conditions, hormones and metabolites were monitored until weaning. Body weight and BCS were higher in HG than C (p < 0.05). LG showed lower T3/T4 ratio and cortisol concentrations (p < 0.05) and tended to have lower indices of insulin resistances (p < 0.1) than HG. Compared to control, leptin was higher in HG at AI (p < 0.01) and in LG during lactation (p < 0.05). Two principal components were extracted by multivariate analysis describing the relationships between (1) non-esterified fatty acids, insulin and glucose levels, and (2) body conditions and leptin metabolism. The first component highlighted the energy deficit and the insulin resistance of the does during pregnancy and lactation. The second one showed that leptin, body weight and Body Condition Score (BCS) enhance as levels of goji berries in the diet increase. Thus, the effects of goji supplementation are dose-dependent: an improvement on energy metabolism was achieved with a low-dose while the highest dose could determine excessive fattening and insulin resistance in does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New insight on metabolic hormones and metabolites modifications in rabbit pregnancy. • A state of leptin resistance is hypothesized during rabbit pregnancy. • In rabbit gestation, the insulin resistance is physiological. • A strong lipomobilization occurs during rabbit pregnancy. • Rabbit is a model to study the pathogenesis of pregnancy related diseases in woman. This study was conducted to evaluate the changing concentrations of metabolic hormones and metabolites in pregnant (P) and pseudopregnant (PP) rabbit does. Twenty-five New Zealand White rabbit does were submitted to artificial insemination (AI) and then classified as P (n = 15) or PP (n = 10). Blood samples were collected weekly until day 32 post AI. During pregnancy, leptin concentrations were greater on Days 14 and 21 (P < 0.05), while insulin was greater on days 21 and 32 post AI (P < 0.05) compared to PP does. The triiodothyronine/thyroxine (T3/T4) ratio was greater in the first and last week (P < 0.001); whereas, cortisol concentrations were greater in the last week of pregnancy and after parturition (P < 0.01) compared with that of PP does. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations increased from day 7 until day 32 post AI (P < 0.05). Glucose concentrations were unchanged throughout pregnancy although concentrations were positively associated with litter size. These results indicate concentrations of hormones and metabolites change during pregnancy to ensure energy requirements are met for both the foetuses and the maternal tissues. Physiological hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia, and changes in cortisol as well as thyroid hormones indicate there is an adaptation of metabolic functions induced by pregnancy. These adaptations could be mediated by gonadal steroids because changes mainly occur in the second half of pregnancy when the profile of the sex hormones differs between P and PP does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]