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Artificial Insemination (AI) in goats is less developed compared to the large animals due to the lack of suitable protocol of goat semen freezing and AI in India. The AI plays a pivotal role in the long-term ex-situ in vitro conservation of threatened breeds, increased productivity, and performance of a large number of nondescript and low potential goats. The objective of the present study was to enhance the life and fertility potential of cryopreserved semen and consequently the conception rate through frozen semen AI by the addition of catalase in an extender. Ejaculates (30) were collected and were extended with tris-citric acid-fructose diluent. Catalases were added in diluent (0 IU/mL, 200 IU/mL, 400 IU/mL, 600 IU/mL, 800 IU/mL and 1000 IU/mL). Analysis of data using SPSS 16 revealed that motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa were counted differed significantly (P<0.05) at different concentrations of catalase. The post-thaw motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) highest in 800 U/mL of catalase used in the present study. Mitochondrial membrane potential was also significantly highest (P<0.05) in frozen semen in 800 IU/mL catalase. Goats (20) were inseminated with frozen semen straw of 800 IU/mL catalase and 8 goats (40%) were pregnant. The conception rate in the control group was 35%. Our study suggested that the addition of catalase reduced the detrimental effects of freezing on motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity and can be used for routine semen freezing and AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin at the concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ng/ml was used in maturation medium to assess the impact on in vitro maturation of caprine oocytes. The oocytes from slaughter house derived ovaries were subjected to in vitro maturation at 38.5°C with 5%CO2. After culture for 27h, over 90% COCs had full cumulus cell expansion. The degree of cumulus cell expansion remained similar (p>0.05) on increasing melatonin concentration, however, oocytes incubated in 30 and 50 ng/ml melatonin containing maturation media for 27 h, result in 80% and 18.9% nuclear maturation rate, respectively, which were different (p<0.05) from control (45.3%). The nuclear maturation rate decreased (p<0.05) when melatonin concentration was increased from 30 to 40 and 50 ng/ml (80% vs. 28.3% and 18.9%, respectively). In conclusion, melatonin improved nuclear maturation of caprine oocytes at 30 ng/ml, whereas a high concentration of melatonin may affect caprine oocytes meiotic maturation at metaphase-II stage and can be toxic for caprine oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to compare Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) medium and TRIS citrate medium for capacitation of caprine sperm. In experiment 1 capacitation was assessed by chlortetracycline assay and in experiment 2 with in vitro fertilization and embryo development. In experiment 2, cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered by slicing the caprine ovaries were matured in maturation medium for 27 h in humidified atmosphere at 38.5°C with 5% CO2. After 27 h of culture a total of 2480 in vitro matured oocytes were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=1124) matured oocytes were fertilized by the spermatozoa capacitated in TALP medium and in group 2 (n=1356) matured oocytes were fertilized by the spermatozoa capacitated in TRIS citrate medium. The results of experiment 1 indicated a comparatively more number of sperms with Chlortetracycline (CTC) Pattern B in TRIS citrate than TALP medium (55.32 ± 0.91% vs 47.96 ± 0.20%). In experiment 2, the cleavage rate and blastocyst production were higher following capacitation of spermatozoa in TRIS citrate than TALP medium. In conclusion, TRIS citrate can be used as an alternative and effective media for sperm capacitation to get higher cleavage rate and blastocyst production in goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of different chemical activators along with 6-DMAP on in vitro matured caprine oocytes. From 4332 ovaries, 14235 cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected which were matured in TCM-199 medium containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (5 μg/ml), Leutinizing hormone (LH) (10 μg/ml), oestradiol-17β (1 μg/ml) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 10% follicular fluid and 3 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA) at 38.5°C and 5% CO2 in an incubator under humidified air for 27 h. In group 1 (control), 3117 in vitro matured oocytes were co incubated with sperms for 18 h in ferttalp medium. In group 2, 3563 in vitro matured oocytes were activated with 7% ethanol for 5-7 min followed by treatment with 2.0 mM DMAP for 4 h in mCR2aa medium. In group 3, 3109 in vitro matured oocytes were activated with 5 μM ionomycin for 5-7 min followed by treatment with 2.0 mM DMAP for 4 h in mCR2aa medium. In group 4, 3455 in vitro matured oocytes were activated with 5 μM calcium ionophore for 5-7 min followed by treatment with 2.0 mM DMAP for 4 h in mCR2aa medium. Oocytes were cultured in 50 μL drops of research vitro cleave (RVCL) medium for embryo development. The cleavage rate, morula and blastocyst production in group 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 26.07 ± 2.37%, 14.91 ± 2.91 & 1.45 ± 0.71%, 49.57 ± 3.79%, 20.07 ± 2.38% & 5.29 ± 1.42%, 50.18 ± 3.59%, 15.26 ± 2.87% & 1.85 ± 0.72% and 80.26 ± 2.30%, 35.33 ± 2.67 & 7.10 ± 0.89%, respectively. These results indicated that the activation of in vitro matured oocytes by 5 μM calcium ionophore for 5-7 min followed by treatment with 2.0 mM DMAP for 4 h is most favorable for parthenogenetic caprine embryos production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of in vitro matured caprine oocytes. A total of 881 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC's) were collected from 243 ovaries. Oocytes were matured in TCM-199 medium containing eCG (20 IU/ml), hCG (20 IUμg/ml), oestradiol-17β (1 μg/ml), BSA embryo tested (3 mg/ml) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 38.5°C and 5% CO2 in an incubator under humidified air for 27 h. Based on cumulus expansion, the maturation rate was 86.86%. Morphological matured oocytes (n=749) were selected, denuded and randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=223) in vitro matured oocytes activated with 5 μm calcium ionophore for 5 min and cultured in mCR2aa medium containing 5 mM DMAP for 4 h. After 4 h of DMAP treatment, the presumptive zygotes were washed and cultured in the embryo culture medium. Group 2 (n=526) in vitro matured oocytes processed for IVF in mTALP using fresh semen of a fertile pure bred adult Sirohi buck and in vitro culture in mCR2aa medium. Development of putative zygotes was observed every 24 h till day 9 post activation or fertilization under inverted phase contrast microscope. The cleavage rate, morula and blastocyst percentage in groups 1 and 2 were 67.36%, 23.07% and 9.23%, and 30.99%, 19.63% and 9.82%, respectively. The results indicated that the cleavage rate was comparatively higher following parthenogenetic activation with ionomycin/6-DMAP than IVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of different activation treatments for activation of in vitro matured oocytes and their developmental potency in mCR2aa medium so as to obtain maximum number of embryos. A total of 1090 cumulus oocyte complexes (COC's) were collected from 480 ovaries. In vitro matured oocytes were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 in vitro matured oocytes (n=226) were exposed to 7% ethanol for 5 min followed by treatment with 2.0 mM DMAP for 4 h in mCR2aa medium. Group 2 in vitro matured oocytes (n=294) were exposed to 7% ethanol for 5 min followed by treatment with 10 μg/ml CHX for 4 h in mCR2aa medium. Group 3 in vitro matured oocytes (n=325) were exposed to 7% ethanol for 5 min followed by treatment with 2.0 mM DMAP and 10 μg/ml CHX for 4 h in mCR2aa medium. Group 4 in vitro matured oocytes (n=108) were cultured for 4 h without any chemical treatment in mCR2aa medium (control). The cleavage rate in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 54.42%, 44.55%, 51.69% and 0.00%, respectively. The percentage of morula and blastocyst production in group 1, group 2 and group 3 was 26.01%, 29.77% and 29.76% and 2.43%, 1.52% and 1.78%, respectively. These results suggest that the activation of in vitro matured oocytes by 7% ethanol for 5 min followed by treatment with 2.0 mM DMAP for 4 h in mCR2aa is most favorable for parthenogenetic caprine embryos production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the mechanisms under which sex ratio is controlled in nature remain unknown, researchers have attempted to treat sperm in an effort to predetermine the sex of the offspring. The methods of sperm separation that have been repeatedly reported to isolate fractions rich in X- or Y-chromosome bearing sperm are serum albumin gradient swim-up and flow cytometry. However, the ability of the serum albumin gradient method to isolate Y-chromosome rich fractions and alter the sex ratio of offspring is still a subject of controversy. The flow cytometry technology used to separate X- and Y-bearing sperm into live fractions has been improved and publications showed that the procedure for the capacitation of flow cytometry sorted sperm might be successfully applied for fresh sperm in in vitro fertilisation (IVP) programs. In the case of sexing embryos the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a service offered by several embryo transfer practitioners, but it is labor intensive and costly. In addition, biopsied embryos do not survive freezing very well. In the near future, PCR assays for use in the predetermination of the sex of offspring may become available. In combination with in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilisation (IVP) and embryo transfer techniques, it is very likely that sexed spermatozoa or embryo will be used widely and efficiently in mammals where higher numbers of spermatozoa or embryo are usually required. To be commercially viable, a method of embryo sexing must be highly efficient, simple and cheap. Although many livestock breeders request embryo sexing, it has not found widespread use especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in sperm motility. The physiological generation at low concentration induces beneficial effects on sperm functions and plays a significant role in sperm metabolism. Meanwhile, the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species can overwhelm protective mechanism and triggers changes in lipid and protein layers of sperm plasma membrane, which induces lipid damage, protein damage, DNA damage, motility impairment and alteration in capacitation and acrosome reaction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be measured by variable biomarkers as melondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, individual free radicals, etc. The quantification of free radicals in livestock semen is also briefly reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the effects of slow freezing and vitrification on in-vitro matured oocytes of prepubertal goat. The percentage of oocytes that cleaved in vitro after vitrification tend to be lower than caprine and bovine. The ability of zygotes to adapt with vitrification and warming can promote stability to ooplasm membrane to cope with low temperature. About 85% of slow freeze matured oocytes had normal morphological characteristics.

The article discusses the study that examines the impact of supplementation of hormones, epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin and β-mercaptoethanol on in-vitro maturation medium for in-vitro maturation of carpine oocytes. The study found significantly enhanced in-vitro maturation rate of carpine oocytes by EGF supplementation along with hormones. Higher embryo development competence was noted with addition of hormones, hormones with β-mercaptoethanol, and hormones with insulin.

The article presents a study of the effect of cryopreservation on in-vitro maturation and cleavage of immature prepubertal goat oocytes. The cellular dehydration process of cryopreservation prevents or reduces cell damage from ice crystal formation, thus preserves the fertility of mammals. The study compares the effect of conventional slow freezing and vitrification versus non-freezing. The test materials, methods and results are discussed in detail.

A study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal progestogen sponges for oestrus synchronization in goats under field condition. Intravaginal progestogen sponges were inserted in 24 randomly selected non pregnant goats which were divided equally into two groups (Group- I and Group -II). In both the groups injection CIRG 1 ml was administered intramuscularly on day of sponge insertion. Injection equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 400 IU was administered intramuscularly on day nine (D=9) to the goats in Group-II only. While injection Cloprostenol sodium 263 μg/ml was administered intramuscularly and sponges were removed from all the experimental goats on day ten (D=10). The goats were observed for oestrus exhibition from 11th to 14th day and mated with fertile bucks. All the 24 sponges inserted were retained in the vaginal passage till removed. The time interval for onset of oestrus was significantly (P<0.05) shorter in Group-II (17.41 ± 1.31 vs 20.91 ± 0.27 hrs). Pregnancy rate in oestrus synchronized goats was 33.33 and 25.00 per cent, in Group- I and II respectively which did not differ significantly (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the practical approaches for the improvement of in vitro embryo production, divided into two major themes, inherent factors in zygotes and culture techniques. It offers information on improvements in oocyte collection, maturation, fertilization and early embryo culture systems which have made in vitro production of embryos possible. Several limiting factors of in vitro cell culture technique that affect the outcome of the results are discussed.

The article presents a study on the ovarian activity in Jamunapari goats. It aims to investigate the ovulation pattern and progesterone concentration of the goats during various phases of their oestrous cycle. It reveals that Jamunapari goats can be superovulated between 12 and 14 days of oestrous cycle for achieving better ovulatory response and embryo recovery, and increasing multiple births with the use of low doses of gonadotrophin therapy.

The article presents a study on the fertility of anoestrus Jamunapari goats primed with progesterone and equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) after induction of oestrus. It utilized Jamunapari goats in anoestrus with ages ranging from 3-5 years. It concludes that oestrus cyclicity can be regained and a higher degree of fertility can be restored in the goats with the use of the hormonal protocol utilized in the study.

The article discusses a research study on caprine oocytes and factors that influence their in-vitro embryo production efficiency. It reviews the collection of oocytes and their sources, in-vitro maturation (IVM) of selected oocytes according to selection criteria such as cumulus cell investment and morphology of cytoplasm and effects of donor age. Findings indicated impairment of embryo quality with compromised expression of genetic information from spermatozoa and chemical substances including calcium ionophore capacitting spermatozoa.

The article discusses clinical research which aims to evaluate the effects of granulosa cells monolayer and oviductal epithelial cells co-culture on cleavage rate and embryo developmental competence of in-vitro fertilized goat oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from goat ovaries in prepubertal and pubertal stages. The chi square analysis was used in examining the difference between cleavage rates and embryo development stages.

The present study was undertaken to analyze the expression pattern of estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) in Barbari bucks (fertile and non-fertile) identified on the basis of seminal quality traits and fertility trials. RNA was extracted from the spleen by Trizol method. The expression pattern of ESR1 gene was analyzed using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression pattern of ESR1 gene was analyzed by RT-PCR (Roche LC-480). Relative quantification by RT-PCR indicated that the ESR1 gene expression showed more fold in fertile bucks as compared to non-fertile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined the effects of in-vitro maturation and cleavage rate of prepubertal and pubertal goat oocytes in maturation media TCM-199. Based on its findings, the maturation rates of oocytes for prepubertal and pubertal animals were 89.80 and 89.77%, respectively. It mentions the objective of the study which was for the production of oocytes basically required for in-vitro culture and other related biotechnology works.