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Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Oct 2021Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a first-line treatment for unexplained infertility (UI). There was a compelling need for the improvement of pregnancy rate in females... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a first-line treatment for unexplained infertility (UI). There was a compelling need for the improvement of pregnancy rate in females with UI.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the pregnancy predictors in cases of UI undergoing IUI.
METHOD
A total of 212 couples who underwent 446 IUI cycles were involved the study. Different factors were grouped to explore the influencing factors of IUI for UI.
RESULT
Female age and somking affected pregnancy outcomes. As the number of treatment cycles increased, the pregnancy rate increased. The BMI, treatment regimens, type of infertility, endometrium, and timing insemination have no significant prognostic value.
CONCLUSION
Apart from the number of treatment cycles, somking, and female age, no other factors had prognostic value. More studies and samples are necessary to evaluate whether other factors affect conception.
Topics: Adult; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Insemination, Artificial; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors
PubMed: 33486101
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102071 -
Theriogenology Oct 2019Artificial insemination (AI) is now used for breeding more than 90% of the sows in most of the world's primary pork producing countries. Despite the advancement of... (Review)
Review
Artificial insemination (AI) is now used for breeding more than 90% of the sows in most of the world's primary pork producing countries. Despite the advancement of methods to cryopreserve boar semen, frozen semen has not been routinely used on farms because of limited efficiency. Liquid semen on the other hand, with 1.5-3 billion sperm per dose preserved up to seven days in long-term extenders, is in common use and is largely responsible for the widespread use of AI. Breeding organizations have defined individual thresholds for useable semen at 60-80% for motility and bacterial load of 0-1000 CFU/mL. Improvement in preservation techniques for liquid semen and better education of producers has been responsible for the higher efficiency of pig breeding, as measured by conception rate and increased litter size, with a minimum number of sperm. The introduction of deep intrauterine AI and advances in breeding management have also been contributing factors. The present article reviews the worldwide application of preserved boar semen from past to present and delineates future challenges. Pathways to increase breeding efficiency are outlined. The reconciliation of AI with sustainable breeding strategies is increasingly important. In this sense, guidelines for the prudent use of antibiotics in semen extenders are proposed. More efficient and sustainable pig AI awaits the introduction of sex-sorted sperm into AI practice. Another critical milestone that needs to be achieved is the replacement of conventional antibiotics in extenders.
Topics: Animals; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Semen Preservation; Swine
PubMed: 31186127
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.030 -
Theriogenology May 2020The St. Vincent amazon (Amazona guildingii) is an endemic parrot on the Carribean island St Vincent. Due to poaching, trade, natural events such as hurricanes and...
The St. Vincent amazon (Amazona guildingii) is an endemic parrot on the Carribean island St Vincent. Due to poaching, trade, natural events such as hurricanes and habitat loss the species declined severely throughout the 20th century to a total number of 487 adult individuals and is currently regarded as vulnerable by IUCN. Captive breeding is attempted in terms of species conservation, but reproduction rates have been low due to reproductive problems such as mate aggression, asynchronous reproductive activity and infertile eggs. The aims of the present study were; firstly, to evaluate whether semen analysis might help to assess the fertility of males and to detect potential reasons for infertile eggs; secondly, to increase the number of offspring using artificial insemination, and as a future effect, to increase the presence of genetically valuable males in the ex-situ breeding population. For semen collection electric stimulation was used in 15 mature and healthy St. Vincent amazons with a success rate of 89% (202/227 attempts) in 14/15 males. Quality assessment of the semen included the evaluation of volume, pH, color, consistency and contaminations of the ejaculate, as well as estimation of motility, viability, morphology, concentration and total count of spermatozoa. Semen pH ranged from 6.7 to 7.5. Median sperm motility was 50% and median progressively forward motility 40%. Mean sperm concentration (x¯ ± SD) was 21,313.5 ± 22,408.8 spermatozoa/μl and mean sperm viability 66 ± 16%. Semen samples contained on average 20.5% morphologically normal spermatozoa and sperm malformations were detected mainly in the head (x¯ = 47.6%) and the tail regions (x¯ = 27.7%). Interestingly round bodies were detected in the ejaculates with a mean ratio of 0.6 round bodies per sperm. Semen analysis proved to be very useful to identify males with poor semen quality. Artificial insemination was performed 46 times in 9 females with either individual or pooled semen samples and 13 eggs from 7 females were laid afterwards. In 3 eggs, embryonic development was detected and 1 chick hatched successfully. Paternity testing confirmed the fatherhood of a one-winged semen donor male, a bird which was not able to copulate naturally. The results are very promising and underline that assisted reproduction techniques are a suitable tool for species conservation in captive breeding programs for psittacines.
Topics: Amazona; Animals; Conservation of Natural Resources; Endangered Species; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Semen Analysis
PubMed: 32171972
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.004 -
Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... Oct 2022In cattle, early detection of gestation is very important from an economic and management point of view in all types of farming. However, due to the poor efficiency of... (Review)
Review
In cattle, early detection of gestation is very important from an economic and management point of view in all types of farming. However, due to the poor efficiency of oestrous detection, it is essential to determine non-pregnant cows as early as possible, in order to minimize the inter-insemination interval, thus de facto, reducing herd open days. Direct and indirect gestation diagnostic methods have been developed with the aim of improving the reproductive performance of the herd. Today, the most accurate method for making an early diagnosis of gestation from 28 to 30 days post-insemination is B-mode ultrasound. In recent years, indirect methods have included techniques that allow non-pregnant cows to be identified with a minimum margin of error, the most widely utilized of which is the colour Doppler. This technique is rapidly becoming established for the diagnosis of non-pregnancy, which allows for the identification of non-pregnant animals earlier compared with the pregnancy diagnosis. Some limitations of this technique in dairy cow have been presented.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dairying; Farms; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Lactation; Reproduction
PubMed: 35837764
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14206 -
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 -
Theriogenology Jul 2024The aim was to compare reproductive outcomes of Nelore heifers submitted to timed AI (TAI) protocols, with 7 or 9 d of permanence of the intravaginal progesterone (P4)...
The aim was to compare reproductive outcomes of Nelore heifers submitted to timed AI (TAI) protocols, with 7 or 9 d of permanence of the intravaginal progesterone (P4) device and different times of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) administration, for first (n = 935) and second (n = 530) services. On Day -24, heifers without corpus luteum (CL) underwent a protocol for induction of ovulation. On Day 0, heifers received a P4 device (0.5 g) and 1.5 mg estradiol (E2) benzoate. In order for the TAI to be carried out on the same day, these treatments were performed 2 d later on the heifers treated with the 7-d protocol. Additionally, heifers received 0.5 mg PGF at different times, resulting in four experimental groups: 9dP4-PGFd9 (n = 365); 9dP4-PGFd7 (n = 369); 9dP4-PGFd0&9 (n = 364); 7dP4-PGFd0&7 (n = 367). These nomenclatures indicate for how many d the P4 device was kept and the specific day on which PGF was given. At P4 removal, all heifers received 0.5 mg E2 cypionate and 200 IU eCG, and TAI was performed 2 d later. Effects were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05 (superscript letters ) whereas a tendency was assumed when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Groups 9dP4-PGFd0&9 and 7dP4-PGFd0&7 had lower percentage of heifers with CL at P4 removal. The diameter (mm) of the dominant follicle (DF) was affected by treatment at P4 removal (9dP4-PGFd9: 11.3 ± 0.3; 9dP4-PGFd7: 11.8 ± 0.2; 9dP4-PGFd0&9: 12.6 ± 0.2; 7dP4-PGFd0&7: 10.8 ± 0.2) and at TAI (9dP4-PGFd9: 12.7 ± 0.3; 9dP4-PGFd7: 13.2 ± 0.2; 9dP4-PGFd0&9: 13.4 ± 0.2; 7dP4-PGFd0&7: 12.4 ± 0.3). Expression of estrus (%) was affected by treatment (9dP4-PGFd9: 89.6; 9dP4-PGFd7: 93.5; 9dP4-PGFd0&9: 88.2; 7dP4-PGFd0&7: 85.6). There were no differences among treatments for P/AI on Day 40 (30-35 d post AI), final P/AI (between Day 70 and parturition) and pregnancy loss (between Day 40 and final P/AI). When the permanence of the P4 device was compared, regardless of PGF treatments, 9-d protocols resulted in greater DF diameter at P4 removal and at TAI, and greater expression of estrus (90.4 vs. 85.6%) than the 7-d protocol. Despite that, the 7-d protocol resulted in greater P/AI on Day 40 (55.3 vs. 49.1%). In addition, there was an interaction between protocol duration and body weight, in which heavier heifers (≥ 307 kg) had greater P/AI when treated with the 7-d protocol, in comparison to 9-d. In conclusion, longer TAI protocols (9 d of P4 device duration) resulted in greater DF diameter and expression of estrus. However, the shorter TAI protocol (7 d of P4 device duration) produced greater P/AI on Day 40, particularly in heavier heifers. Within 9-d protocols, the additional dose of PGF on Day 0 or the anticipation of the PGF to Day 7 did not influence fertility.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Insemination, Artificial; Dinoprost; Pregnancy; Estrus Synchronization; Progesterone; Time Factors
PubMed: 38723426
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.018 -
Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... May 2024This study evaluates factors influencing pregnancy rates per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in Lohi ewes undergoing laparoscopic AI with frozen-thawed...
This study evaluates factors influencing pregnancy rates per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in Lohi ewes undergoing laparoscopic AI with frozen-thawed semen under sub-tropical conditions. Data from three experiments comprising ewes (n = 358) of mixed parity (nulliparous; NP and parous; P), various body condition score (BCS) and assigned to long-term (LTP, 11 days) and short-term (STP, 5 days) oestrus synchronization regimen across high breeding season (HBS) and low breeding season (LBS) were analysed. Laparoscopic insemination was conducted 54 h post-sponge removal. Pregnancy diagnosis and loss were evaluated on days 35 and 90 post-insemination via ultrasonography. Results showed parity significantly influenced P/AI, with nulliparous ewes achieving higher pregnancy ratios than parous ewes (p = .001). BCS significantly influenced P/AI (p < .05), with a quadratic relationship observed between BCS and season (BCS*BCS*Season; p = .07). Progestin treatment did not significantly influence the ratio of pregnant ewes (p = .07). Pregnancy losses were significantly higher during LBS than HBS (p < .05), irrespective of progestin treatment. In conclusion, parity and BCS significantly influenced P/AI, with BCS demonstrating a quadratic association with season. Ewes bred during LBS experienced higher pregnancy losses than HBS, irrespective of progestin treatment.
Topics: Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Insemination, Artificial; Semen Preservation; Pregnancy Rate; Laparoscopy; Male; Estrus Synchronization; Cryopreservation; Seasons; Abortion, Veterinary; Sheep, Domestic; Parity; Sheep
PubMed: 38715456
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14579 -
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 -
Molecular Reproduction and Development Jul 2023Prediction of a boar's fertility level has great economic importance for sow herds. After standard sperm morphology and motility metrics are met, approximately 25% of... (Review)
Review
Prediction of a boar's fertility level has great economic importance for sow herds. After standard sperm morphology and motility metrics are met, approximately 25% of boars have less than 80% conception rates. Due in part to the many factors involved in the fertilization process, a multifactorial model incorporating multiple relevant sperm physiology factors will likely lead to increased understanding of boar fertility. Here we review the current literature on boar sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. While limited, several studies have provided correlations between the percentage of sperm in an ejaculate that are capable of undergoing sperm capacitation in a chemically defined media and artificial insemination field fertility as well as proteome and other methods. Work summarized here underscores the need for further understanding of boar fertility.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Male; Female; Semen; Sperm Capacitation; Spermatozoa; Fertility; Fertilization; Insemination, Artificial; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 37306038
DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23690 -
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