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Oocyte/embryo in vitro culture is one of the most important assisted reproductive technologies used as a tool for maintaining genetic resources biodiversity and the inheritance of valuable genetic resources through generations. The success of such processes affects the final goal of the in vitro culture, getting viable and healthy offspring. In common in vitro oocyte maturation and/or embryo development techniques, the development of oocytes/embryos is carried out at 5% carbon dioxide and roughly 20% atmosphere-borne oxygen ratios in cell culture incubators due to their reduced cost in comparison with low atmospheric oxygen-tension incubators. These conditions are usually accompanied by the emergence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can extremely damage cell membrane integrity and other vital cellular organelles, as well as genetic material. The present review mainly focuses on the antioxidant roles of different vitamins on in vitro oocyte maturation competence and embryo development in farm animals. The use of antioxidant agents may prevent the extreme augmentation of ROS generation and enhance in vitro matured oocyte competence and embryo development. Therefore, this review aimed to provide an updated outline of the impact of antioxidant vitamin (Vit) supplementations during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) on oocyte maturation and consequent embryo development, in various domestic animal species. Thus, the enrichment of the culture media with antioxidant agents may prevent and neutralize the extreme augmentation of ROS generation and enhance the in vitro embryo production (IVEP) outcomes.

Improving poultry production, increasing poultry immunity, and reducing the disease spreading can be achieved by adding various potentially valuable ingredients to the feed or drinking water of poultry flocks. Because of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in animal nutrition were prohibited. Additionally, consumer preferences tend towards purchasing products from livestock raised without antibiotics. Therefore, there is a critical need to find effective growth promoter alternatives and treatment methods for common poultry diseases. Some spice plants play important roles in improving the taste, aroma, and color of human food and their positive effects on human and animal health. The current review aimed to provide a broader perspective on some spice crops which can be effective alternatives to antibiotics in organic poultry production. These spices were including Thymus vulgaris, Cichorium intybus, Coriandrum sativum, Aloe vera, Heracleum persicum, Curcuma longa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra.

COVID-19 virus is classified as a respiratory disease that can be mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets, however, there are recently published reports suggested its ability to transmit via sexual intercourse, assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, pregnancy, and nursing. Although SARS-CoV-2 mainly attacks respiratory systems, manifestations of multiple organs have been detected. A significant concern was raised about whether COVID-19 may affect female and male reproductive functions. These findings imposed more restrictions on social relationships between individuals even if inside the family, adding more physiologic load. In this context, there is a crucial need to identify the biological and behavioral reproductive risk factors associated with COVID-19 disease. Questions regarding the potential risks of sexual transmission during intercourse and/or application of ART, vertical transmission (throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding), the health of pregnant and postpartum women, and fetal or postnatal health problems of neonates/children remain largely unanswered. The contribution of individuals to different social and economic activities depends on the maintenance of good quality life and health. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic raised on the end of December 2019 has drastically affected different aspects of human wellbeing. The pandemic not only affected the health of individuals, but also negatively affected mental health and social interaction. This review illustrates: a) scientific findings related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reproductive process, considering gender, hormonal balance, gonad functions, pregnancy, and ART, b) the sociosexual dimension of COVID-19 disease and precautions that should be taken to avoid infection via sexual transmission or vertical transmission, which may alleviate the fear associated with continuing normal social relationships and economic activities.

A synbiotic comprising Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) and Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) has been encapsulated using nanotechnology. This duo is used as a dietary supplement for growing rabbits. Physicochemical analyses, in vitro antimicrobial activity, and gastrointestinal system evaluation were used to evaluate the quality of the nanofabricated synbiotic. The in vivo study was conducted using 40-day-old male growing rabbits (n = 16 rabbits/group) to evaluate the effect of the nanofabricated synbiotic on the health and growth performance of examined rabbits. Rabbits were equally allocated into four groups; (a) NCS, which received a basal diet supplemented with a noncapsulated 11 × 1012 CFU SCY + 0.15 g MOLE/kg diet, (b) LCS: those receiving a nanoencapsulated 5.5 × 1012 CFU SCY + 0.075 g MOLE/kg diet, (c) HCS: those receiving an 11 × 1012 CFU SCY + 0.15 g MOLE/kg diet, and (d) CON: those receiving a basal diet without treatment (control). The treatments continued from day 40 to day 89 of age. During the experimental period, growth performance variables, including body weight (BW), feed consumption, BW gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected on day 40 of age and immediately before the start of the treatments to confirm the homogeneity of rabbits among groups. On day 89 of age, blood samples, intestinal, and cecal samples were individually collected from eight randomly selected rabbits. The size and polydispersity index of the nanofabricated synbiotic were 51.38 nm and 0.177, respectively. Results revealed that the encapsulation process significantly improved yeast survival through the gastrointestinal tract, specifically in stomach acidic conditions, and significantly increased in vitro inhibitory activities against tested pathogens. Furthermore, treatments had no negative effects on hematobiochemical variables but significantly improved levels of blood plasma, total protein, and insulin-like growth factor-l. Compared to the CON, NCS, and LCS treatments, the HCS treatment increased the amount of intestinal and cecal yeast cells (p < 0.05) and Lactobacillus bacteria (p < 0.05) and decreased number of Salmonella (p < 0.05) and Coliform (p = 0.08) bacteria. Likewise, both LCS and HCS significantly improved the small intestine and cecum lengths compared to CON and NCS. The HCS treatment also significantly improved BW gain and feed conversion compared to CON treatment, whereas the NCS and LCS treatments showed intermediate values. Conclusively, the nanoencapsulation process improved the biological efficiency of the innovative synbiotic used in this study. A high dose of encapsulated synbiotic balanced the gut microflora, resulting in the growth of rabbits during the fattening period.

This study was designed to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera (moringa) leaf ethanolic extract (MLEE), moringa root ethanolic extract (MREE), and ionophore antibiotic monensin on growth performance, hematological variables, blood plasma metabolites and antioxidant indicators, digestibility, and cecal fermentation of growing rabbits. A total of 96 growing rabbits weaned at 35 d of age were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 12 male and 12 female rabbits/treatment. The first treatment was the control (no additives), the second treatment was a basal diet containing 10 mg monensin/kg dry matter (DM), and the third and fourth treatments were MLEE and MREE, respectively, at concentration of 250 mg/L drinking water. From 35 to 77 d of age, the rabbits were housed in groups (8 cages/treatment, 3 rabbits/cage), and growth performance variables including body weight (BW), feed consumption, BW gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded. From 78 to 93 d of age, after the end of the growth performance trial, the rabbits were housed individually. At 87 d of age, blood samples were collected from 10 rabbits (5 males and 5 females) that were selected randomly to determine hematological variables and blood plasma metabolites and antioxidant indicators. From 87 to 93 d of age, 8 male rabbits/treatment were selected randomly to determine digestibility, N balance, and cecal fermentation activity. The major chemical compounds in MLEE were α-linolenic acid, glycerine, ascorbic acid, and diethyl phthalate, whereas ascorbic acid, S-phenylmercapturic acid, 2-myristynoyl pantetheine, and 8,11,14-docosatrienoic acid, methyl ester were major compounds in MREE. Both the MLEE and MREE treatments improved (P

This study aimed to determine the potential benefits of vitamin A or C supplementation for lactating ewes in terms of milk production, milk quality and energy status. Late-stage pregnant Rahmani ewes received an oral dose of either 50.000 IU of vitamin A (n = 8) or 3 g of vitamin C daily (n = 8) and were compared with ewes that did not receive any vitamin dose (control, n = 7). The milk yield was determined, and milk samples were collected and analysed for milk compositions and fatty acid (FA) profiles. The energy status of the ewes was evaluated by estimating the milk energy value (MEV), net energy required for lactation (NEL) and energy balance calculated from milk components (EBM). The antioxidant activity of the milk was evaluated by determining the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)scavenging activity and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA, lipid peroxidation index). The quality of milk FAs was determined by estimating the atherogenicity index (AI) and the concentration of hypercholesterolaemic FAs (C12:0 + C14:0 + C16:0). The results revealed that vitamin A treatment resulted in the greatest milk yield (P = 0.073), energy-corrected milk yield (ECM, P ≤ 0.05), fat yield (P = 0.034) and NEL (P = 0.049); however, the MEV and EBM were not affected by the treatment. Both vitamins increased (P

Though soybean isoflavones (SBI) have pharmaceutical properties, the compounds also have endocrine disrupting activities that may adversely affect fertility of mammals. The effects of SBI on metabolism, antioxidant capacity, hormonal balance and reproductive performance of male rabbits were investigated. Adult male rabbits (n = 21) fed an isoflavone-free diet were orally treated with 0 (control; CON), 5 (small; LSBI) or 20 (large; HSBI) mg of SBI/kg body weight/day for 12 weeks. Both SBI doses resulted in lesser blood plasma total protein concentrations, while there were no effects on glucose and cholesterol concentrations compared to CON. The HSBI-treated males had the greatest (P 0.05) blood plasma total antioxidant capacity and least malondialdehyde. Treatment with both SBI doses induced a 43% increase in triiodothyronine concentrations (P0.05) and 82% in reaction times (P 0.001), while decreased sperm concentrations (P = 0.01) and blood plasma testosterone concentrations (P = 0.017) 26% and 19%, respectively. The total functional sperm fraction was less (P 0.05) in the HSBI group; however, there was no effect of the LSBI treatment as compared to values for the CON group. The kindling rates of females mated to HSBI-treated males tended to be less (P = 0.081) than those of does mated with LSBI or CON males. In conclusion, only the HSBI treatment improved antioxidant status; whereas, treatment with both LSBI and HSBI doses induced a hormonal imbalance which led to an impaired testis function indicating the sensitivity of the adult male reproductive system to SBI actions.

As an attempt to prevent transition-period-associated metabolic disorders and/or diseases, the potential benefits of Boswellia sacra (Bs) resin on hematology, immunity, metabolic status, udder and uterus health biomarkers, and milk production were examined in transitioning goats. From 2 weeks prepartum to 7 weeks postpartum, goats (n = 7/treatment) orally received 0 (control, nBS), 2 (BsL), or 4 (BsH) g of Bs resin/goat/day. The results showed that both Bs treatments significantly improved the activity of phagocytes. Both Bs treatments significantly decreased the concentrations of blood plasma urea, non-esterified fatty acids, hydroxybutyric acid, and interleukin-1β, whereas they increased the total antioxidant capacity compared with the nBS treatment. Both Bs treatments significantly decreased the uterine horn diameter and tended to decrease the intrauterine fluid content, indicating improved uterine involution compared with no treatment. Compared with the nBS treatment, both Bs treatments significantly decreased the milk somatic cell count. The lowest milk interleukin-1β content was observed in goats that received the BsL treatment, followed by those that received the BsH and nBS treatments. The BsL treatment significantly increased the concentration of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the colostrum compared with the other treatments. Both Bs treatments significantly increased the daily milk yield compared with the nBS treatment but did not affect milk composition or the fat-to-protein ratio. In conclusion, supplementing lactating goats in the transition period with Bs resin at a dose of 2 g/goat/day positively affected the body lipid metabolism, udder and uterus health, colostrum IgM content, and milk yield due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The purpose of the current study is to reconnoiter the relationships between season (birth season, BS, and kidding season, KS), reproductive traits (birth weight, BW, total litter size at birth, TLS, litter size at weaning, LSW, the number of kids dead, NKD, and, age at first kidding, AFK) and milk production (total milk yield, TMY, average daily milk yield, DMY, and, lactation period, LP), with voluntary culling risk in primiparous Zaraibi goats. Records of 637 primiparous does were collected during the period 2008–2014 from a herd of Zaraibi goats raised at the El-Serw Experimental Station, which belongs to the Animal Production Research Institute. Our data revealed that the voluntary and involuntary culling was 89.12% and 10.88%, respectively. Moreover, the BW, TLS, LSW, NKD, TMY, DMY, LP, AFK had significant effects on culling risk (p &lt, 0.05), while both the season of birth and kidding did not exhibit significant effects on culling risk. The thinnest goats at birth were more likely to be culled compared to those with body energy reserves. Does with weaned twins and triplets kids were 9.5% (OR = 0.905) and 43% (OR = 0.570), respectively less likely to be culled compared to those with singles. Likewise, does with dead twins and triplets kids had 2.566 and 2.138 times, respectively higher odds of culling compared to those with singles. Interestingly, culling risk decreased with 74.6% (OR = 0.254), 79.8% (OR = 0.202), and 75.6% (OR = 0.244) in does with TMY, LP, and DMY more than 230 kg, 260 days, and 0.800 kg, respectively compared to their counterparts (less than 185 kg, 240 day, and 0.500 kg, respectively). Moreover, culling risk increased steadily along with increasing AFK, the animals with an AFK of more than 24 months had 2.974 times higher odds of culling compared to those with an AFK that varied between 22 and 24 months. It could be concluded that the most critical issues for higher culling probability in dairy goats were attributed to the lower TMY (&lt, 185 kg) and DMY (&lt, 0.5 kg), and shorter LP (&lt, 245 days), as well as older age at first kidding (&gt, 2 years). This putative information could be used as indicators to enhance the management and genetic approaches in dairy goats and thus sustain productivity with low cost.

This study investigated the effect of Moringa leaf ethanolic extract (MLEE) on heat-tolerance variables and the reproductive performance of rabbit does bred under hot climate conditions. Additionally, the effect of nanoencapsulation technology on the biological efficiency of MLEE was considered. A total of 56 rabbit does were randomly divided into four experimental groups and treated with 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) nonencapsulated MLEE, 25 or 10 mg/kg BW nanoencapsulated MLEE, or not treated (Control, C). The treatments continued for 50 days, including mating and pregnancy times. Physiological and hematochemical variables, hormonal profiles, and reproductive performance (kindling rate and litter characteristics) were determined. The active components of MLEE were identified. The results indicated that MLEE has 30 active components. All MLEE-based treatments reduced heat-stress-related indicators, such as rectal temperatures, respiratory rates and heart rate, improved hematochemical attributes, redox status, and hormones (progesterone and prolactin), and increased the total litter size, the kindling rate, litter size at birth and litter weight at birth. Adding MLEE can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress by improving metabolism, redox status, and hormonal balance during pregnancy. These effects were seen whether MLLE was in free or encapsulated forms. However, the use of nanoencapsulated MLEE allowed 80% reduction (10 mg/kg BW) in the optimal dose (50 mg/kg BW) without affecting the efficiency of the treatment. These results support the importance of nanoencapsulation technology in improving the bioavailability of active components when they are orally administered.

Simple Summary The emergence of nanotechnology paves the way for innovating countless applications in the agricultural and livestock production sector. In the field of reproductive management of farm animals, nanotechnology offers unconventional and innovative solutions for the existing reproductive management challenges. The main concept of nanotechnology comes through their ability to modulate drug behavior and consequently their biological effects (e.g., male effect). In this review, the challenges of the current reproductive management in farm animals will be discussed in line with the possible solutions offered by applying nanotechnology. Abstract Reproductive efficiency of farm animals has central consequences on productivity and profitability of livestock farming systems. Optimal reproductive management is based on applying different strategies, including biological, hormonal, nutritional strategies, as well as reproductive disease control. These strategies should not only guarantee sufficient reproductive outcomes but should also comply with practical and ethical aspects. For example, the efficiency of the biological- and hormonal-based reproductive strategies is mainly related to several biological factors and physiological status of animals, and of nutritional strategies, additional factors, such as digestion and absorption, can contribute. In addition, the management of reproductive-related diseases is challenged by the concerns regarding the intensive use of antibiotics and the development of antimicrobial resistant strains. The emergence of nanotechnology applications in livestock farming systems may present innovative and new solutions for overcoming reproductive management challenges. Many drugs (hormones and antibiotics), biological molecules, and nutrients can acquire novel physicochemical properties using nanotechnology; the main ones are improved bioavailability, higher cellular uptake, controlled sustained release, and lower toxicity compared with ordinary forms. In this review, we illustrate advances in the most common reproductive management strategies by applying nanotechnology, considering the current challenges of each strategy.

Simple Summary Nanomaterials can contribute to the sustainability of the livestock sector through improving the quantitative and qualitative production of safe, healthy, and functional animal products. Given the diverse nanotechnology applications in the animal nutrition field, the administration of nanominerals can substantially enhance the bioavailability of respective minerals by increasing cellular uptake and avoiding mineral antagonism. Nanominerals are also helpful for improving reproductive performance and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes of animals. Despite the promising positive effects of nanominerals on animal performance (growth, feed utilization, nutrient bioavailability, antioxidant status, and immune response), there are various challenges related to nanominerals, including their metabolism and fate in the animal’s body. Thus, the economic, legal, and ethical implications of nanomaterials must also be considered by the authority. Abstract Nanotechnology is one of the major advanced technologies applied in different fields, including agriculture, livestock, medicine, and food sectors. Nanomaterials can help maintain the sustainability of the livestock sector through improving quantitative and qualitative production of safe, healthy, and functional animal products. Given the diverse nanotechnology applications in the animal nutrition field, the use of nanomaterials opens the horizon of opportunities for enhancing feed utilization and efficiency in animal production. Nanotechnology facilitates the development of nano vehicles for nutrients (including trace minerals), allowing efficient delivery to improve digestion and absorption for better nutrient metabolism and physiology. Nanominerals are interesting alternatives for inorganic and organic minerals for animals that can substantially enhance the bioavailability and reduce pollution. Nanominerals promote antioxidant activity, and improve growth performance, reproductive performance, immune response, intestinal health, and the nutritional value of animal products. Nanominerals are also helpful for improving assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes by enriching media for cryopreservation of spermatozoa, oocytes, and embryos with antioxidant nanominerals. Despite the promising positive effects of nanominerals on animal performance and health, there are various challenges related to nanominerals, including their metabolism and fate in the animal’s body. Thus, the economic, legal, and ethical implications of nanomaterials must also be considered by the authority. This review highlights the benefits of including nanominerals (particularly nano-selenium and nano-zinc) in animal diets and/or cryopreservation media, focusing on modes of action, physiological effects, and the potential toxicity of their impact on human health.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities of a Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. (Cd) shoot methanolic extracts considering the biological activity of its phytogenic compounds. For this purpose, the Cd phenolic compounds were detected, and an in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the Cd extract was performed. For a biological evaluation, 30 v-line rabbits were randomly distributed into three groups with treatments including: a basal diet without Cd shoots powder supplement (C group) or supplemented with 1.25- (Cdl group) or 2.5 (Cdh group)-mg Cd/kg dry matter (DM). The Cd extract showed a linear scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), with the maximal activity observed at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. A total of 16 phenolic compounds were identified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) in the Cd methanolic extract, among which benzoic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, naringenin, and o-coumaric acid were the major compounds. The methanolic extract of Cd showed inhibitory actions against microbial pathogen species. The in vivo study showed that the two concentrations of Cd significantly improved the redox status of the blood plasma and lysozyme activity. Treatment with Cdh significantly decreased the levels of interleukin-β1 in the blood plasma compared with the control. Moreover, the two concentrations of Cd significantly increased the counts of intestinal and cecal yeast and Lactobacillus species and decreased the Salmonella and Coliform species compared with the control. The aerial parts of the Cd shrub had strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities, which can improve the overall health status and seem to be related to its impressive range of biologically active phenolic compounds.

In the near future, the year 2050, agricultural production should expand to fulfill the needs of approximately 9.7 billion inhabitants. Such an objective should be harmonized with social, economic, and environmental sustainability aspects to maintain safe food production and food security worldwide. For more than a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised and is still strongly disrupting the agro-livestock production sector, similar to several other economic sectors. In this sector, the relationships between suppliers, producers, and consumers should always continue to maintain the activity of the production chain, which are impaired by social distancing decisions taken following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, a global cross-sectional survey (translated into four languages: Arabic, English, French, and Spanish) was shared with people belonging to the agricultural sector to identify: (1) the role of the agricultural information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agro-livestock farming systems sustainability during the period of COVID-19 pandemic, (2) the need for such technologies in the agricultural sector, and (3) the factors that affect the use of such technologies. The results showed that the most frequently used agricultural ICTs were social media (Facebook and/or WhatsApp, 27.3%) and online platforms and Internet services (26.3%), whereas robotic vehicles and/or drones (6.6%) were less frequently used. During the emergence of the pandemic, the major reasons impacting agro-livestock farming systems’ sustainability were social distancing (30.0%), shortage of labor (17.7%), maintaining precision farm management (14.8%), product marketing (14.2%), access production inputs (7.2%), and others (16.1%). Applying agricultural ICTs solved many obstacles related to the production process, such as maintaining precision farm management (25.6%), product marketing (23.6%), and access production inputs (16.1%). The subgroup analyses of the results considering the degree of country advancement, size of agribusinesses, and role/position of respondents in the farm highlighted the importance of supporting the use, availability, and awareness of agricultural ICTs at least for some groups of people such as those belong to developing countries, laborers, and small-scale agri-business holders. This cross-sectional study highlights the urgent need to turn to and to expand the use of new agricultural ICTs to meet the growing demand for food production in the world and to ensure the resilience and sustainability of farming systems, specifically under unexpected and extreme conditions.

The reproductive performance of ruminants is economically significant, and its improvement is a primary goal of the livestock industry to ensure its sustainability. Several approaches have been developed to use phytogenics as feed additives for several proposes, such as reducing methane emissions, and as an alternative to antibiotics. Phytogenics have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and metabolism-regulatory properties, and they are present at high levels in animal feeds. This current review considers the potential use of medicinal herbs on the reproductive performance of animals. The influence of diet on the fertility complications commonly noted in ruminants is of global interest. Although the effects of phytogenics on ruminant digestion and absorption are well-explored, their impact on reproductive performance remains poorly investigated. This review focuses on the influence of phytogenics on semen quality, hormonal profiles, and hematobiochemical indices in male ruminants. Based on available data, phytogenics are perceived to improve oocyte quality, reproductive performance, and pregnancy. However, further more comprehensive research on the benefits and potential hazards of the use of phytogenics is required to improve reproductive performance in ruminants.

Effects of cinnamon, thyme, and peppermint essential oils blend (EOB) on milk production, serum constituents, and energy balance of early lactating does and performance of their kids were investigated. Twenty-seven late pregnant Damascus goats were grouped into two treatments: EOB (

Honeybee products have positive effects on the reproductive performance of mammals. Many honeybee product constituents are biologically active, with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antifungal, wound-healing, and cardio-protective properties. Honeybee products also improve male and female fertility rates by enhancing gamete cryopreservation, in vitro maturation and fertilization, and embryo development. Previously published studies confirmed their efficacy for alleviating reproductive toxicity caused by contaminants and lifestyle habits that impair overall health and well-being. However, high-dose oral administration of honeybee products may adversely affect the reproductive system, and unfavorable effects were alleviated by treatment cessation. For this reason, this review proposes that bioactive components from bee products can be used as a strategy for improving the reproductive performance and health of mammals.

Departamento de Reproducción Animal​ (INIA), Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GnRH-ChNPs) were used at different doses and routes of administration to induce ovulation in rabbits as an attempt to improve artificial insemination (AI) procedures and outcomes. In this study, the characteristics (size, polydispersity, loading efficiency, and zeta-potential) of GnRH-ChNPs and the GnRH release pattern were determined in an in vitro study. A first in vivo study assessed the pituitary and ovarian response to different GnRH-ChNPs doses and routes of administration (two i.m. doses, Group HM = 0.4 µg and Group QM = 0.2 µg, and two intravaginal doses, Group HV = 4 µg and Group QV = 2 µg) against a control group (C) receiving bare GnRH (0.8 µg). The HM, QM, and HV treatments induced an earlier LH-surge (90 min) than that observed in group C (120 min), whilst the QV treatment failed to induce such LH surge. The number of ovulation points was similar among treatments, except for the QV treatment (no ovulation points). A second in vivo study was consequently developed to determine the hormonal (progesterone, P4, and estradiol, E2) profile and pregnancy outcomes of both HM and HV treatments against group C. The treatment HM, but not the treatment HV, showed adequate P4 and E2 concentrations, conception and parturition rates, litter size, litter weight, and viability rate at birth. Overall, the use of GnRH-ChNPs allows for a reduction in the conventional intramuscular GnRH dose to half without compromising fertility. However, the addition of GnRH-ChNPs to semen extenders, although successfully inducing ovulation, has negative impacts on fertility. Thus, more studies are needed to explore this point and allow further adjustments., This research received no external funding., 14 Pág. (This article belongs to the Collection Nanotechnology in Animal Science)

Twenty-four adult rabbit bucks (n = 6 per treatment) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 100, and 150 mg proline/kg dry matter (DM) diet for 12 weeks to determine possible usefulness for alleviating the negative impact of environmental heat stress on redox status, haemato-biochaemical attributes and semen quality. There were significant dose–response effects, with increments in levels of dietary proline (LDP) quadratically improving red blood cell counts (p = 0.017), rectal temperature (p = 0.009), and respiratory rate (p &lt, 0.001). Increasing LDP cubically affected superoxide dismutase activity in blood plasma (p = 0.012) and total antioxidant capacity in both blood and seminal plasma (p &lt, 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). The optimal response was observed at 30 and 80 mg proline/kg DM for blood and seminal plasma, respectively. With regards to homeostasis indexes, increments in LDP cubically modified blood plasma concentrations of total protein (p = 0.002) and albumin (p &lt, 0.001), with an optimal response found at 70 mg proline/kg DM. A linear relationship (p = 0.005) was also observed between LDP and blood plasma glucose concentrations, with the optimal response being found at 100 mg proline/kg DM. Increasing LDP also showed positive effects on reproductive traits, with quadratic increases in blood plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations (p &lt, 0.001, optimal responses at 50 and 60 mg proline/kg DM, respectively), a positive linear relationship with in libido, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count (p &lt, 0.001 for all, optimal responses observed at 100 mg proline/kg DM) and a quadratic increase in total functional sperm fraction (p &lt, optimal response at 70 mg proline mg/kg DM). Hence, the optimal positive effects of dietary proline supplementation on redox status, blood metabolites, and reproductive traits of rabbit bucks may be achieved at 50–100 mg/kg DM.

Synbiotics are a mixture of probiotics (live microbes) and prebiotics (nutrients for intestinal microbiota—soluble fibers, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids) that are now being considered important tools to help in maintaining animals in good health. Synbiotics may improve animal health through different effects. Synbiotics can modulate the gastrointestinal microbiota community in favor of beneficial intestinal and cecal microorganisms, improve immune system functions, and provide specific active molecules that can improve the digestion of feed and absorption of nutrients. Achieving adequate efficiency of the synbiotic products depends on maintaining probiotic survival and prebiotic stability against processing, storage, and gastrointestinal conditions. The development of nano-encapsulation technique facilitates the protection of live microorganism as well as the controlled and sustained release of bioactive molecules. In this study, the synbiotic, fabricated to be used as a dietary supplement for growing rabbits, consisted of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) and Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) encapsulated, or not, with alginate nanoparticles. Sixty-four, 40-day-old, growing rabbits were equally allocated into four groups, receiving per each kg diet: non-capsulated 11 × 1012 SCY + 0.15 g MOLE (NCS), encapsulated 5.5 × 1012 SCY + 0.075 g MOLE (LCS) encapsulated 11 × 1012 SCY + 0.15 g MOLE (HCS), or no synbiotic (control). The treatments continued for six consecutive weeks, from 40 to 82 days of age. During the experimental period, growth performance variables including body weight (BW), feed consumption, BW gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly. At the end of the treatment, at 82 days of age, blood samples and intestinal and cecal samples were individually collected from six randomly selected rabbits. Also, in vitro gastrointestinal system simulation was used to test the survival of the yeast cells through the gastrointestinal tract. Results revealed that the encapsulation process significantly improved yeast survival against gastric and intestinal digestion. Compared to the control, NCS and LCS treatments, the HCS treatment increased the number of intestinal and cecal yeast cells (p < 0.05) and lactobacillus bacteria (p = 0.062) and decreased the number of salmonella (p < 0.05) and coliform (p = 0.08) bacteria. Rabbits treated with HCS had the highest (p < 0.05) phagocytic activity, lysosomal activity, and lowest serum concentrations of immunoglobulin E and malondialdehyde compared to the control, NCS and LCS treatments. The HCS treatment significantly improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to control treatment, while the NCS and LCS treatments showed intermediate values. In conclusion, the encapsulation process improved the efficiency of the innovative synbiotic. The high dose of encapsulated synbiotic adjusted gut microflora constitutes and boosted the immunity and growth performance of rabbits during the fattening period. These positive effects on immunity and growth performance are mostly related to the prevalence of beneficial intestinal and cecal microorganisms, indicating the opportunity of using synbiotics, specifically in an encapsulated form, as antibiotic alternatives. These findings pave the way towards more sustainable animal production, ensuring the maintenance of adequate animal health while excluding the hazards of antibiotics use and their related risks to the health of humans and animals.

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different housing management systems on behavior, blood metabolites and hormonal balance in male dromedaries during the rutting season. Forty-eight adult male dromedaries were stratified in a two by three factorial experiment design, testing effects of social contact (single and group) and movement control (tied, fenced and exercise). During a ten-week experimental period, male dromedaries were filmed weekly for 20 min three times per day to evaluate their behaviors. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum metabolites and hormones. Both animal social contact and movement control significantly affected maintenance, posture and sexual behaviors. Male dromedaries housed in groups expressed higher frequencies of sexual desire-related behaviors (teeth grinding, open legs, tail flapping, dulla &ldquo, soft palate exteriorization&rdquo, blathering and urination) than those individually housed. Animal movement control significantly affected sexual behavior, fenced and exercised male dromedaries expressed higher frequencies of sexual desire-related behaviors than tied ones. Male dromedaries housed in groups and allowed to walk around had significantly higher frequencies of ruminating, standing, walking and sexual-related behaviors than those housed individually or tied. Movement control had significant effects on blood serum metabolites and hormone concentrations. Fenced and exercised male dromedaries had higher (p &lt, 0.05) concentrations of blood serum transaminases, free radicals, glucose, cholesterol and testosterone (2.91 and 2.09 ng/mL, respectively) and lower (p &lt, 0.05) concentrations of cortisol (44.12 and 53.52 nmol/L, respectively) and triiodothyronine (1.68 and 1.91 ng/mL, respectively) than tied male dromedaries. In conclusion, animal social interaction is of particular importance for maintaining physical, psychological and sexual behaviors. Allowing walking-around exercise for captive animals improves their metabolic status and decreases captive stress effects. Housing systems that guarantee social interaction and physical activity are the most suitable housing management systems for captive male dromedaries during the rutting season.

Simple Summary The present review aims to introduce current knowledge and prospective applications of nanotechnology for improving some of major applied assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in farm animals. Throughout the review, the raised question will be how nanotechnology, as a new emerging biotechnology, can be used to address the concept of smart reproductive management. The hypothesis will be discussed in the light of the few published studies in this field. This is in terms of leading the way for reproductive biologists to develop and innovate ART using nanotechnology scientific bases to maximize reproductive performance of farm animals, which finally serves the increasing consumer demand for animal products. Abstract Many biotechnological assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are currently used to control the reproductive processes of farm animals. Nowadays, smart ART that considers technique efficiency, animal welfare, cost efficiency and environmental health are developed. Recently, the nanotechnology revolution has pervaded all scientific fields including the reproduction of farm animals, facilitating certain improvements in this field. Nanotechnology could be used to improve and overcome many technical obstacles that face different ART. For example, semen purification and semen preservation processes have been developed using different nanomaterials and techniques, to obtain semen doses with high sperm quality. Additionally, nanodrugs delivery could be applied to fabricate several sex hormones (steroids or gonadotrophins) used in the manipulation of the reproductive cycle. Nanofabricated hormones have new specific biological properties, increasing their bioavailability. Applying nanodrugs delivery techniques allow a reduction in hormone dose and improves hormone kinetics in animal body, because of protection from natural biological barriers (e.g., enzymatic degradation). Additionally, biodegradable nanomaterials could be used to fabricate hormone-loaded devices that are made from non-degradable materials, such as silicon and polyvinyl chloride-based matrixes, which negatively impact environmental health. This review discusses the role of nanotechnology in developing some ART outcomes applied in the livestock sector, meeting the concept of smart production.

Phytoestrogens are classified as naturally occurring endocrine disrupting chemicals that may affect reproductive performance of farm animals. To investigate the effects of Berseem clover phytoestrogens on reproductive performance of seasonal anoestrus ewes, twenty four late pregnant Rahmani ewes were fed either Berseem clover or maize silage (n = 12/treatment). Treatment started 2 months prepartum and continued until oestrous induction (week 8 postpartum), using the CIDR-eCG based protocol, and early pregnancy. Throughout the 2-8 weeks postpartum, oestrous rate and ovarian activity were not affected by treatment. After oestrous induction, ewes in both groups expressed comparable oestrous rates; however feeding Berseem clover extended (P < 0.05) interval to oestrus (57.00 compared with 42.54 h) and shortened (P < 0.05) oestrous duration (20.0 compared with 34.90 h). Feeding Berseem clover did not affect follicular activity except the number of medium follicles, which was less (P < 0.05) on day of oestrus (Day 0). Feeding maize silage increased (P < 0.05) the total number of follicles and number of small and medium follicles the day before oestrus (Day -1). On Day 0, the greater total number of follicles was due to the greater (P < 0.05) number of medium follicles that was associated with less number of small follicles. Although, the number and diameter of corpora lutea (CLs) were not affected by treatment, serum P4 concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for ewes fed maize silage than for those fed Berseem clover. Fecundity and litter size tended to be greater (about 35%; P = 0.132 and 0.085, respectively) in the maize silage fed ewes. In conclusion, feeding Berseem clover throughout seasonal anoestrus disrupted aspects of behavioural oestrus and there was less luteal P4 synthesis and fecundity of ewes.

Two comparative in vitro and in vivo experiments were accomplished to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera root bark (MRB) and ionophore antibiotic monensin as dietary feed additives for ruminants' diets. In the in vitro experiment, the effects of graded levels of MRB (0, 25 and 50 g/kg DM) and monensin (40 mg/kg DM) on ruminal fermentation and degradability parameters were evaluated using the semi-automatic gas production (GP) system. Results were subjected to regression analysis (dose-response analysis) and ANOVA to select the MRB effective dose. In the in vivo experiment, eighteen Barki lambs (BW; 25 ± 3.1 kg) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments (n = 6/treatment) as: control (basal diet without additive), monensin (40 mg/kg DM) and MRB (25 g/kg DM). The experiment lasted for 70 days to collect ruminal samples and evaluate lamb performance, while the subsequent 7 days were assigned for the nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance trial. The GC–MS analysis of MRB showed that the most abundant phytochemicals were organosilicons, alkaloids and benzoic acid ester. Results of the in vitro assay showed that both MRB doses inhibited (P

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single administration of one of three different gonadotropins on Day 7 post-insemination on ovarian activity, progesterone (P4) concentration and pregnancy outcomes of rabbit does. Multiparous, non-lactating, V-line does were artificially inseminated after synchronization and ovulation induction with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; 25 IU im) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH; 0.8 μg buserelin im) 48 h later. On Day 7 post-inseminarion, does were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 40/group). Does of each group were intramuscularly injected with a single dose of one of physiological saline (placebo; control), GnRH (0.8 μg buserelin), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 25 IU) or eCG (25 IU). Concentration of serum P4 was determined on Days 6, 9, 11 and 18 post-insemination. On Day 14 post-insemination, the ovaries and reproductive tracts of pregnant does were removed and weighed. Also, numbers of visible follicles, hemorrhagic follicles, corpora lutea of pregnancy (pCLs), new CLs (nCLs; formed after Day 7 post-insemination) and implantation sites were recorded. Conception rate, parturition rate, abortion rate, litter size/weight and litter viability were recorded. The highest (P < 0.05) reproductive tract and ovary weights were for eCG. The highest (P < 0.05) number of visible ovarian follicles was for eCG, whereas the lowest (P < 0.05) was for GnRH. Treatment with eCG increased (P < 0.05) numbers of pCLs and total implantation sites compared to the other groups. Treatment with GnRH or hCG increased (P < 0.05) number of nCLs compared to control and eCG. The highest rate of fetal loss was in does treated with GnRH. The concentration of serum P4 decreased (P < 0.05) following the treatment with GnRH and continued low until Day 18. However, it remained in line for control, hCG and eCG groups up to Day 11, then decreased (P < 0.05) for control and hCG on Day 18, being lower for hCG than control, while continued to increase for eCG up to Day 18. Compared to control, treatment with eCG improved (P < 0.05) conception and parturition rates by 24 and 22%; respectively, while GnRH and hCG treatments decreased (P < 0.05) them by 57 and 47.6%; respectively. Litter size and litter weight at birth were improved by eCG, but were adversely affectd by GnRH and hCG. In conclusion, a single administration of eCG 7 Days post-insemination could be recommended for improving pregnancy outcomes in rabbits.

Two types of modified nano-montmorillonite (MNM) were developed by ion-exchange reactions using two different surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CETAB), to prepare MNMSDS and MNMCETAB, respectively. Both MNM types were on the nano-scale and had higher cation-exchange capacity values than NM clay. The MNMCETAB had the highest zeta potential (−27 mV) compared with the other clays. Effects of MNM types on in vitro ruminal batch culture fermentation, nutrient degradability, and methane (CH4) emission compared with monensin were evaluated in vitro using a semi-automatic gas production system. The experimental treatments were the control (0 supplementations), monensin (40 mg/kg DM), and NM (5 g NM/kg DM), and two levels of MNMSDS and MNMCETAB were supplemented at 0.05 (low) and 0.5 (high) g/kg DM to the control basal feed substrate. Among the experimental treatments, the high dose of both MNM types reduced (p &lt, 0.01) CH4 production and ammonia concentrations compared with the control, while only MNMCETAB treatment tended to increase (p = 0.08) the truly degraded organic matter compared with monensin. All MNM treatments increased (p &lt, 0.01) acetate molar proportions compared with monensin. The high MNMCETAB increased (p &lt, 0.01) the in vitro ruminal batch culture pH compared with the control and monensin. The MNMCETAB supplemented at 0.5 g/kg DM is the most efficient additive to reduce CH4 emission with the advantage of enhancing the in vitro nutrient degradability of the experimental feed substrate. These results indicated that MNM could modulate the in vitro ruminal fermentation pattern in a dose- and type-dependent manner.

Contents Characterization of fecundity genes offers the opportunity to improve production efficiency, and the consequent increase in litter size in livestock industry, through utilizing them in breeding programs. The main objective of this study was to detect the BMPR-IB, BMP15 and GDF9 gene mutations and to investigate whether these mutations are associated with litter size in Egyptian sheep breeds. To achieve this goal, 73 adult ewes representing Barki (n = 33) and Rahmani (n = 40) breeds were used. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) screening approach was used to detect the presence of FecB, FecXG and FecXI mutations in the two selected breeds. Results of this study showed that the three different candidate gene mutations, namely FecB, FecXG and FecXI are not present among these selected populations of the Egyptian breeds. Further studies regarding other mutations and/or other genes, which may influence ovulation rate, should be carried out to determine the type and mode of inheritance of such genes in Egyptian sheep breeds.

Introduction Heat shock response (HSR) pathway is a highly conserved cellular process. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a master transcriptional regulator responsible for expression of several important heat shock proteins (HSPs), which can effectively protect critical client proteins from misfolding and degradation, thus maintaining intracellular integrity under stressed conditions. Recent studies have demonstrated the direct connections between HSR players and tumor cell survival, validating HSR players as novel molecular targets in anticancer treatment. Small molecule screening has produced some promising HSR inhibitors for anticancer treatment. In this article, we will be summarizing the main findings from HSR inhibitors on recent clinical and preclinical studies.

Boswellia sacra resin (BS) is well known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and hence could be used as an efficient dietary feed additive for ruminants during the transition period. This study was conducted to determine the effects of BS by characterizing the ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, milk production, and energy status of early lactating goats fed different levels of BS. A total of 21 late pregnant Nubian goats (initial body weight 26.3 ± 3.9 kg) were stratified using a completely randomized design to the following three dietary treatments (n = 7 does/treatment): control (without supplementation of BS) and BS treatments; low BS and high BS received 2 and 4 g BS/day/animal, respectively. The treatments were started 2 weeks before parturition and continued till 7 weeks postpartum. Constituents with high biological activity (e.g., bisabolene, limonene, α-pinene, and α- and β-amyrins) were the most abundant components found in experimental BS. Linear reductions (P

The effects of two dietary supplemental energy sources on metabolic attributes, milk production and ovarian activity of ewes during early to mid-postpartum period were studied using thirty multiparous lactating ewes (Rahmani × Barki) weighing 43.10±1.22 kg and 3-6 years old. The ewes were assigned to three groups (n=10 per group). All ewes received the same diet supplemented with isocaloric and isonitrogenous protected-palm oil (50 g/ewe/d, F-group) or a sugar cane molasses (140 g/ewe/d, M-group) or without supplementation (control, C-group), for 60 days starting 2 weeks postpartum. Results showed that, during the experimental period, both energy sources reduced (P

In the present study, 33 Rahmani ewes were equally divided into 3 groups: 1. Control group (non-treated ewes); 2. Vitamin A-group (supplemented orally one capsule containing 50 000 IU vitamin A/day); and 3. Vitamin C-group (dosed with 10 ml aqueous solution containing 3 g vitamin C/day). All ewes were run as one flock and kept under the conditions prevailing in the sheep-farm in summer. The vitamin treatment started in June and lasted for 50 days. Blood samples were collected and rectal temperature (RT) and ‎respiration rate (RR) were recorded at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. every 10 days during the treatment period. The ‎temperature-humidity index (THI), coefficient of heat tolerance (CHT) and index of adaptability ‎ (IA) were calculated. Estrus was synchronized and ewes in heat were mated by ‎day 25 of the vitamin-treatment. Ultrasonic examinations of ovarian structures were carried out during ‎the follicular (day of estrus) and mid-luteal (day 7 post-mating) phases. Estradiol (E2) was determined on the day of estrus and progesterone (P4) was ‎determined on days 12 and 25 post-mating. Both vitamins did not affect heat tolerance parameters ‎including RT, RR, CHT or IA. However, both vitamins increased significantly ‎(P

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la siguiente URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/10/1023 Este artículo pertenece al número especial "Antioxidants in Veterinary medicine". Reproduction is a complex process that is substantially a ected by environmental cues, specifically feed/diet and its components. Farm animals as herbivorous animals are exposed to a large amount of polyphenols present in their natural feeding system, in alternative feed resources (shrubs, trees, and agro-industrial byproducts), and in polyphenol-enriched additives. Such exposure has increased because of the well-known antioxidant properties of polyphenols. However, to date, the argumentation around the impacts of polyphenols on reproductive events is debatable. Accordingly, the intensive inclusion of polyphenols in the diets of breeding animals and in media for assisted reproductive techniques needs further investigation, avoiding any source of reproductive waste and achieving maximum benefits. This review illustrates recent findings connecting dietary polyphenols consumption from di erent sources (conventional and unconventional feeds) with the reproductive performance of farm animals, underpinned by the findings of in vitro studies in this field. This update will help in formulating proper diets, optimizing the introduction of new plant species, and feed additives for improving reproductive function, avoiding possible reproductive wastes and maximizing possible benefits.

The reproductive performance of goats that received a GnRH analog (gonadorelin) fabricated with or without chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles on the day of estrus (day 0) was evaluated. The chitosan-TPP polymer was conjugated with gonadorelin using an ionic gelation method. Thirty-three multiparous Zaraiebi goats were synchronized for estrus with 2 intramuscular (im) injections of 125 μg prostaglandin F2α 14 d apart. Goats showing signs of estrus were divided equally into 3 experimental groups and received a single im injection of 1 mL physiological saline (placebo; control), 50 μg/mL gonadorelin (GnRH), or 12.5 μg (quarter of GnRH dose)/mL chitosan-TPP–conjugated gonadorelin nanoparticles (NGnRH). Each goat underwent ultrasound imaging of their ovaries at day 0 and at day 10 after mating, and pregnancy was diagnosed 28 and 45 d after mating. The concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were determined at day 0 and at days 7, 14, 21, and 42 after mating. NGnRH size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were 93.91 nm, 0.302, and 11.6 mV, respectively. Chitosan-TPP nanoparticles showed 91.2% entrapment efficiency for GnRH. No differences in estrus rate, interval to estrus, or ovarian structure at day 0 were observed among the experimental groups, but the GnRH and NGnRH treatments significantly decreased the duration of estrus compared with the control. At day 10 after mating, both GnRH and NGnRH increased (P = 0.011) the number of corpora lutea compared with the control. Treatment with GnRH increased (P = 0.023) serum E2 concentrations from day 7 to 42 after mating compared with NGnRH and control treatments. The highest (P = 0.043) serum P4 concentration was observed in the GnRH group, followed by the NGnRH and control groups. The increase in serum P4 concentration started earlier a on day 7 in the GnRH group but later on day 14 in the NGnRH group. Compared with the control, GnRH resulted in a higher (P = 0.041) P4-to-E2 ratio, followed by NGnRH. Both gonadorelin treatments significantly increased the twinning rate, the number of embryos at days 28 and 42, and prolificacy and decreased pregnancy losses compared with the control. In conclusion, the administration of GnRH at the time of estrus improved the prolificacy of goats by increasing both the ovulation rate and the number of embryos. In addition, the nanoformulation developed in this study allowed a 75% reduction in the conventional dose of gonadorelin without affecting the fertility and prolificacy of goats, indicating the bioavailability of the reduced GnRH dose after conjugation with developed nanoformula.

Effects of two oestrous synchronization protocols (Ovsynch vs double PGF2α injection) on oestrous activity, characterization of the ovulatory wave and fertility were studied in ewes during the breeding season. The Ovsynch-treated ewes (GPG-group, n = 14) received a GnRH analogue (4 μg buserelin; i.m.) followed by a PGF2α analogue (10 mg dinoprost tromethamine; i.m.) on day 7 and a second injection of a GnRH analogue 48 h later. The double PGF2α-treated ewes (2PGF-group, n = 14) received a double injection of a PGF2α analogue (10 mg dinoprost tromethamine; i.m.), 11 days apart. Follicular dynamic was ultrasonographically monitored for four consecutive days, starting at the day of the last PGF2α treatment in both groups (day 0). Oestrous response and fertility traits were also recorded. The total number of follicles and the number of small follicles did not differ between the two regimes, while the number of medium follicles increased (P = 0.05) in the 2PGF-group. During four consecutive scanning days (0, 1, 2 and 3), the number of the large follicles increased significantly in both groups from day 0 to day 2. This increase continued until day 3 in the 2PGF-group, whereas it decreased sharply in the GPG-group. Oestrous rate and time to onset of oestrus were lower (P

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of GnRH treatment during different times of the reproductive cycle on ovarian activity, progesterone (P4) concentration, and subsequent fertility of low-prolific, subtropical, Rahmani ewes during breeding season. Forty-five ewes were synchronized for estrus using a double injection of 0.5 mL of PGF2α agonist (125-μg cloprostenol), 11 days apart. Ewes showing estrus (Day 0) were treated with 1 mL of GnRH agonist (4-μg buserelin) on the day of estrus (GnRH0, n = 12) or 7 days post-mating (GnRH7, n = 10) or on both days (GnRH0+7, n = 11) or not (control, n = 12). Ovarian response to the treatment and diagnosis of pregnancy were ultrasonographically monitored. Also, serum P4 concentration was determined weekly throughout 28 days post-mating. Results showed that neither total number of follicles nor their populations were changed on Day 0 or 7 days post-mating by the GnRH treatment. GnRH treatment on Day 0 or Day 7 post-mating or both days did not enhance ovulation rate compared with the control. The mean numbers of accessory CL increased (P0.05) in the GnRH7 group than those in the control and GnRH0 groups, whereas it was intermediate in the GnRH0+7 group. The greatest (P0.05) overall mean of serum P4 concentration was for the GnRH7 and GnRH0+7 groups, followed by the GnRH0 and control groups. Serum P4 concentration increased (P0.05) on Day 14 post-mating and continued higher (P0.05) until Day 28 post-mating in the GnRH7 and GnRH0+7 groups compared with the control. Regardless of the time of GnRH administration, GnRH treatment reduced (P0.05) pregnancy loss from Day 40 post-mating to parturition and tended to enhance (P0.20) lambing rate compared with the control. In conclusion, a single dose of GnRH at the time of estrus or 7 days post-mating could be used as an effective protocol to decrease pregnancy loss from Day 40 after mating to parturition in low-prolific Rahmani ewes.

The effects of inclusion of different sources of dietary phytoestrogens on antioxidant capacity, hormonal balance, libido, semen quality, and fertility of rabbit bucks were studied. Twenty-one, adult, fertile, V-line bucks were randomly allocated into 3 homogenous groups (n = 7/treatment) and received control diet (phytoestrogens-free diet, CON) or soybean meal isoflavones-containing diet (SMI) or linseed meal lignans-containing diet (LML) for 12 wk. The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The concentrations of isoflavones in the SMI diet were 24.04 mg/100 g dry matter (DM) daidzein and 13.10 mg/100 g DM genistein. The major phytoestrogen detected in the LML diet was secoisolariciresinol (36.80 mg/100 g DM). Treatment had no effects on body weight, feed intake and rectal temperature of bucks. Compared with control, bucks fed the SMI and LML diets had higher (P0.001) blood plasma total antioxidant capacity (0.98 ± 0.12, 1.50 ± 0.13, and 2.29 ± 0.17 mM/L for CON, SMI, and LML, respectively), and lower (P 0.01) blood plasma malondialdehyde (2.76 ± 0.23, 1.76 ± 0.16, and 1.70 ± 0.18 nmol/mL for CON, SMI, and LML, respectively), whereas activities of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were not affected. Bucks fed the SMI and LML diets had greater (P0.001) concentrations of blood plasma triiodothyronine. Feeding the SMI and LML diets decreased (P0.01) libido (8.26 ± 0.71, 12.18 ± 0.97, and 14.12 ± 1.12 s for CON, SMI, and LML, respectively), sperm concentration (327.7 ± 21.6, 265.8 ± 36.8, and 226.5 ± 20.1 × 10

This study was designed to determine the effects of supplementation of vitamin E or propolis to bucks’ diets on semen quality, oxidative status and hemato-biochemical changes during summer season. Thirty adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into three equal groups, 10 bucks each. Bucks received a maintenance diet supplemented by vitamin E (150 mg/kg diet, E-group) or propolis (150 mg/kg diet, P-group) or not supplemented (control, C-group) for ten consecutive weeks. Semen and blood samples were collected to analyze semen quality traits and hemato-biochemical parameters, respectively. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded daily and used to estimate the temperature humidity index (THI). Results indicated that bucks in the E- and P-groups had better libido (lower reaction time, P

The effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic preparations on hemato-biochemical parameters, metabolic hormones, biometric measurements and carcass characteristics of growing lambs were studied. Twenty four growing Noemi male lambs were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=6/group) in a complete randomized design and blocked according to their initial weights. Lambs in the first group were orally given 50 ml of physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) and served as control (CON), while lambs in other three groups were orally given 50 ml of aqueous dandelion extract (PRE) or fermented cow’s milk supplemented with lactic acid bacteria (PRO) or their mixture (1:1, SYN) every other day for 8 consecutive weeks. The results indicated that treatment had no effects on hematological parameters, except leukocytes number which was elevated (P

This study was designed to study the effect of short-term supplementation with rumen-protected fat during the late luteal phase on reproduction and metabolism of sheep during breeding season. Seventy-six ewes (Rahmani, Barki and Awassi × Barki) were allocated to two groups considering genotype: the control ewes (C-group) received a maintenance diet, and the fat-supplemented ewes (F-group) received the maintenance diet plus 50 g/head/day of rumen- protected fat (Megalac) for 9 days during which oestrus was synchronized. The latter had been accomplished using double intramuscular injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ) 11 days apart. Ovarian activity, serum concentration of cholesterol, glucose, insulin and reproductive performance variables were recorded. Data were analysed considering treatment (group) and genotype. Supplementation had positive effects on the overall mean serum concentrations of cholesterol (p

Twenty Barki X Awassi crossbred ewes were used in this study to evaluate the sexual and ovarian activity of ewes fed different types of roughages during seasonal anestrus. Ewes were allotted to two groups according to the type of roughage. Ewes in the first group were fed Egyptian clover ( Trifolum alexandrinum ) ( n = 10; clover group); while the ewes in the second group where fed corn silage ( n = 10; silage group) for 50 days. Both groups also received a daily commercial concentrate mixture. After 30 days from the onset of the nutritional treatment, estrus was synchronized using two intramuscular injection of 125 μg of cloprostenol, 9 days apart. Sexual activity of the ewes was observed daily during the entire experimental period. Further, ovarian activity of each ewe was monitored using transrectal ultrasonography, from 48 h after the second PGF 2α injection (follicular phase). Serum estradiol (E 2 ) and progesterone (P 4 ) concentrations were determined during the follicular phase, together with serum progesterone concentrations being determined during the luteal phase (11 days after the second PGF 2α injection). Results revealed that the mean total number of follicles/ewe and mean diameter of the largest follicles (mm) tended to decrease in the clover group (1.2 ± 0.2 and 6.6 ± 0.4 mm, respectively), compared to those in the silage group (1.8 ± 0.3 and 7.6 ± 0.3 mm, respectively). These differences were however not significant. Although, the mean number of ovulatory follicles/ewe was similar in both treatment groups (0.8 ± 0.2 in the clover and 0.7 ± 0.2 in silage groups, respectively), the serum estradiol concentration decreased ( P > 0.05) in the clover group (50.8 ± 6.4 pg/ml), compared to that of the silage group (61.1 ± 7.7 pg/ml). Serum progesterone levels during the follicular and luteal phases indicated that the percentage of ewes ovulating was in line for both the clover (66.7%) and the silage (50%) groups. However, all ewes in the clover group failed to show signs of overt estrus after estrous synchronization, while 40% of the ewes in the silage group exhibited signs of estrus after estrous synchronization, and conceived ( P

Effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones in Berseem clover on hormonal balance during early pregnancy and fertility of heifers were studied. Holstein heifers (n=26) were divided into two equal homogenous groups. Heifers in the first group (Clover-fed group) were fed Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) as oestrogenic roughage; whereas the heifers in the second group (Silage-fed group) were fed maize silage. Concentrations of four isoflavone aglycones (genistein. Daidzein, biochanin A and formononetein) were determined in the two roughages. Treatment lasted for 20 consecutive weeks (5 months) during which blood samples were collected biweekly for determining the metabolic profile of heifers. Heifers were subjected to oestrous synchronisation using a double prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) based protocol, 14days apart (week 10 and 12), and were artificially inseminated 12h following detection of overt signs of oestrus. Concentrations of serum oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) on the day of insemination (Day 0) and on Days 7, 14 and 21 post-insemination (early pregnancy) were determined and P4 to E2 ratio was calculated. Clover had greater total isoflavone content than maize silage. The dominant isoflavone detected in Berseem clover was biochanin A, whereas the least was formononetein. Metabolic profile was not affected (P>0.05) by the type of roughage and was in the same trend in both experimental groups. The overall mean concentration of serum E2 was greater (P