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Animal Science Journal = Nihon Chikusan... 2022Buffaloes are raised by small farm holders primarily as source of draft power owing to its resistance to hot climate, disease, and stress conditions. Over the years,... (Review)
Review
Buffaloes are raised by small farm holders primarily as source of draft power owing to its resistance to hot climate, disease, and stress conditions. Over the years, transformation of these animals from draft to dairy was deliberately carried out through genetic improvement program leading to the development of buffalo-based enterprises. Buffalo production is now getting more attention and interest from buffalo raisers due to its socioeconomic impact as well as its contribution to propelling the livestock industry in many developing countries. Reproduction of buffaloes, however, is confronted with huge challenge and concern as being generally less efficient to reproduce compared with cattle due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as poor estrus manifestation, silent heat, marked seasonal infertility, postpartum anestrus, long calving interval, delayed puberty, inherently low number of primordial follicles in their ovaries, high incidence of atresia, and apoptosis. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are major interventions for the efficient utilization of follicle reserve in buffaloes. The present review focuses on estrus and ovulation synchronization for fixed time artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, somatic cell nuclear transfer, the factors affecting utilization in various ARTs, and future perspectives in buffaloes.
Topics: Anestrus; Animals; Buffaloes; Cattle; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Semen
PubMed: 36123790
DOI: 10.1111/asj.13767 -
BMC Women's Health Oct 2023Unexplained infertility accounts for 25% of infertility causes in the UK. Active intervention methods, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Unexplained infertility accounts for 25% of infertility causes in the UK. Active intervention methods, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are often sought. Despite the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommending IVF for unexplained infertility, this recommendation has generated an ongoing debate, with few fertility clinics discontinuing the use of IUI as the first-line management of choice. In contrast to NICE, recent guidance released from the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in August 2023 supports the use of IUI as first-line. High-quality evidence behind such interventions is lacking, with current literature providing conflicting results.
AIMS
This review aims to provide a literature overview exploring whether IUI or IVF should be used as first-line treatment for couples with unexplained infertility, in the context of current guidelines.
METHODS
The primary outcome used to assess efficacy of both treatment methods is live birth (LB) rates. Secondary outcomes used are clinical pregnancy (CP) and ongoing pregnancy (OP) rates. A comprehensive literature search of 4 databases: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Maternity & Infant Care and the Cochrane Library were searched in January 2022. Upon removal of duplications, abstract screening, and full-text screening, a total of 34 papers were selected.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
This review highlights a large discrepancy in the literature when examining pregnancy outcomes of IUI and IVF treatments. Evidence shows IUI increases LB and CP rates 3-fold compared to expectant management. Literature comparing IUI to IVF is less certain. The review finds the literature implies IVF should be used for first-line management but the paucity of high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs), coupled with heterogeneity of the identified studies and a lack of research amongst women > 40 years warrants the need for further large RCTs. The decision to offer IUI with ovarian stimulation (IUI-OS) or IVF should be based upon patient prognostic factors. We suggest that IUI-OS could be offered as first-line treatment for unexplained infertility for women < 38 years, with good prognosis, and IVF could be offered first to those > 38 years. Patients should be appropriately counselled to enable informed decision making.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Insemination, Artificial; Fertilization in Vitro; Infertility; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Rate; Ovulation Induction
PubMed: 37891606
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02717-1 -
JBRA Assisted Reproduction Jun 2024To evaluate the impact of possible maternal and paternal prognostic factors and ovarian stimulation protocols on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in intrauterine... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of possible maternal and paternal prognostic factors and ovarian stimulation protocols on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles.
METHODS
Retrospective observational study of 341 IUI cycles performed from January 2016 to November 2020 at the Assisted Reproduction Service of the Clinics Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates and their potential prognostic factors were evaluated. Wilcoxon's non-parametric test was used to compare quantitative variables, and the chi-square test to compare qualitative variables, adopting a significance level of p<0.05. A logistic regression model was performed to verify which exploratory variables are predictive factors for pregnancy outcome.
RESULTS
The ovulation induction protocol using gonadotropins plus letrozole (p=0.0097; OR 4.3286, CI 1.3040 - 14.3684) and post-capacitation progressive sperm ≥ 5million/mL (p=0.0253) showed a statistically significant correlation with the live birth rate. Female and male age, etiology of infertility, obesity, multifollicular growth, endometrial thickness ≥ 7 mm, and time between human chorionic gonadotropin administration and IUI performance were not associated with the primary outcomes. In the group of patients with ideal characteristics (women aged< 40 years, BMI < 30 kg/m2, antral follicle count ≥ 5, partner aged< 45 years, and post-capacitation semen with progressive spermatozoa ≥ 5 million/mL), the rate of clinical pregnancy was 14.8%, while that of live birth, 9.9%.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, the ovulation induction protocol with gonadotropins plus letrozole and post-capacitation progressive sperm ≥ 5 million/mL were the only variables that significantly correlated with intrauterine insemination success.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Male; Ovulation Induction; Prognosis; Insemination, Artificial; Pregnancy Rate; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 38546118
DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240017 -
Animal Reproduction Science Dec 2021Interest in the use of assisted reproductive technology in reindeer husbandry has gradually increased during the last decades. This article reviews Western and Russian... (Review)
Review
Interest in the use of assisted reproductive technology in reindeer husbandry has gradually increased during the last decades. This article reviews Western and Russian literature on reindeer semen collection, semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination. In addition, literature on the synchronisation of the stage of reindeer oestrous cycle among females, recovery of in vivo embryos, embryo transfer, the production of in vitro-produced embryos and pregnancy diagnosis is reviewed.
Topics: Animals; Cryopreservation; Embryo Transfer; Estrous Cycle; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Reindeer; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Semen; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 34847527
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106890 -
Journal of Animal Science Jul 2022Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating... (Review)
Review
Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating transferable embryos from genetically elite sires and dams. However, inefficiencies in the IVP process limit the opportunities to produce large numbers of transferable embryos. Also, the post-transfer competency of IVP embryos is inferior to embryos produced by artificial insemination or MOET. Numerous maternal, paternal, embryonic, and culture-related factors can have adverse effects on IVP success. This review will explore the various efforts made on describing how IVP embryo development and post-transfer competency may be improved by supplementing hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroids and other bioactive factors found in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy. More than 40 of these factors, collectively termed as embryokines, are reviewed here. Several embryokines contain abilities to promote embryo development, including improving embryo survivability, improving blastomere cell numbers, and altering the distribution of blastomere cell types in blastocysts. A select few embryokines also can benefit pregnancy retention after IVP embryo transfer and improve neonatal calf health and performance, although very few embryokine-supplemented embryo transfer studies have been completed. Also, supplementing several embryokines at the same time holds promise for improving IVP embryo development and competency. However, more work is needed to explore the post-transfer consequences of adding these putative embryokines for any adverse outcomes, such as large offspring syndrome and poor postnatal health, and to specify the specific embryokine combinations that will best represent the ideal conditions found in the oviduct and uterus.
Topics: Animals; Blastocyst; Cattle; Embryo Transfer; Embryo, Mammalian; Embryonic Development; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Insemination, Artificial; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35772761
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac091 -
Animal : An International Journal of... May 2023With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes... (Review)
Review
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
Topics: Cattle; Male; Animals; Semen; Fertility; Spermatozoa; Acrosome; Insemination, Artificial; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 37567681
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795 -
Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... Oct 2022Ultrasound technology has led to new lines of research in equine reproduction, and it has helped to greatly improve clinical diagnosis and reproductive outcomes in... (Review)
Review
Ultrasound technology has led to new lines of research in equine reproduction, and it has helped to greatly improve clinical diagnosis and reproductive outcomes in equine practice. This review aims to discuss the potential clinical uses and new approaches of ultrasonography in equine reproduction. Doppler modalities are usually used to evaluate the vascularization of the follicles, corpus luteum (CL), and the uterus in the mare for diagnostic purposes. Inclusion of Doppler ultrasound in artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs could improve the reproductive outcome of these techniques. Better selection of recipients based on CL functionality, early pregnancy diagnosis 7-8 days postovulation of the donor before flushing or diagnosis of mares with endometritis with pathological increases of blood flow are examples of clinical applications in the mare. In the stallion, colour Doppler ultrasound has improved the diagnostic potential of B-mode ultrasound, improving the differential diagnosis of pathologies such as testicular torsion (decrease or absence of blood flow in the cord) and orchitis (increased blood flow in the cord). The incorporation of pulsed Doppler ultrasound into the reproductive evaluation of the stallion has enabled early identification of stallions with testicular dysfunction, thus allowing administration of timely treatment and subsequent improvements of the fertility prognosis for these animals. In addition, this technique has been used in the monitoring of patients undergoing medical and surgical treatments, thus verifying their efficacy. Recently, computer-assisted pixel analysis using specific software has been performed in research work in order to semi-quantitatively evaluate the vascularization (colour and power Doppler) and echotexture of different organs. These softwares are now being developed for clinical purposes, as is the case with Ecotext, a computer program developed for the evaluation of testicular echotexture, providing information on testicular functionality.
Topics: Animals; Corpus Luteum; Female; Horses; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Pregnancy; Reproductive Medicine; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
PubMed: 35748405
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14192 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2021
Topics: Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Insemination, Artificial, Homologous; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 33867136
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.013 -
Animal Reproduction Science May 2024Successful artificial breeding underpins rapid genetic and production gains in animal agriculture. In sheep, artificial insemination with frozen semen is performed via... (Review)
Review
Successful artificial breeding underpins rapid genetic and production gains in animal agriculture. In sheep, artificial insemination with frozen semen is performed via intrauterine laparoscopy as frozen-thawed spermatozoa do not traverse the cervix in sufficient numbers for high fertility and transcervical insemination is anatomically impossible in most ewes. Historically, laparoscopic artificial insemination has always been considered reasonably successful, but recent anecdotal reports of poor fertility place it at risk of warning adoption. Understanding the male, female and environmental factors that influence the fertility of sheep is warranted if the success of artificial insemination is to be improved and genetic progress maximised for the sheep industry. This review details the current practice of laparoscopic AI in sheep. It explores the effects of semen quantity and quality, the ewe, her preparation, and environmental conditions, on the fertility obtained following laparoscopic artificial insemination.
Topics: Animals; Insemination, Artificial; Sheep; Female; Laparoscopy; Male; Pregnancy; Semen Preservation
PubMed: 38547814
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107453 -
The Journal of Reproduction and... Feb 2021Over the past few decades, the luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F (PGF) and its analogs, used to synchronize estrus for fixed-time insemination in dairy cattle, have... (Review)
Review
Over the past few decades, the luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F (PGF) and its analogs, used to synchronize estrus for fixed-time insemination in dairy cattle, have remained unchanged. Given the beneficial effects of PGF on a young corpus luteum and on multiple ovulations in a fixed-time insemination protocol, and its therapeutic abortive effects on multiple ovulations in pregnant cows, we propose the use of a double PGF dose or two PGF treatments 24 hours apart. Ultrasonography procedures serve to identify luteal structures and may therefore help to determine the best PGF dose to improve the fertility of high-producing dairy cows.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dairying; Dinoprost; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Estrus Synchronization; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Luteolysis; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33162429
DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-101