Veterinary Sciences

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Filipp Savvulidi

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: ram and buck sperm cryopreservation; ram and buck semen analysis; flow cytometry; sperm motility evaluation; semen diluents for small ruminants; artificial insemination of sheep and goats

Dr. Martin Ptáček

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: breeding of small ruminants; artificial insemination; sheep and goats synchronization; sheep husbandry; goats husbandry; animal biotechnology; sheep production; sperm cryopreservation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In comparison with the spread of the practice in the cattle breeding industry, the use of artificial insemination in small ruminants is very limited today. This is especially true for artificial insemination with the use of frozen insemination doses in most European countries. This contradicts the great advantages and profits that can be introduced in the sheep and goat industries via the use of artificial insemination, not only in Europe but worldwide.

This Special Issue plans to provide an overview of the most recent advances in the field of artificial insemination of small ruminants applications in European countries. Contributions from territories outside of Europe which can enhance the current state of artificial insemination in European countries are also welcomed.

This Special Issue aims to provide selected contributions on topics include, but are not limited to:

Optimizing artificial insemination methods appropriate for small ruminants;
Artificial insemination with fresh, chilled, or cryopreserved sperm;
Sheep and goat hormonal and non-hormonal synchronization schemes;
Reproductive physiology, and endocrinology of the estrus in sheep and in goats;
Optimizing of processing of rams and bucks insemination doses;
Development of sperm diluents;
In vitro assays to predict the fertilizing ability of rams and bucks;
Ethical questions related to artificial insemination of small ruminants.

Dr. Filipp Savvulidi
Dr. Martin Ptáček
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sheep
goat
cervical insemination
fixed time
synchronization
ejaculate
diluent
sperm
insemination dose
laparoscopic insemination
cryopreservation
fertilizing ability
CASA
flow cytometry
fertility biomarkers
sperm vitrification
estrus
heat detection

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of In Vitro Addition of Melatonin and Glutathione on Seminal Parameters of Rams in Diluted Semen and after Thawing

by Cristiana Carriço, João Pedro Barbas, Jorge Pimenta and João Simões

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(7), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070446 - 08 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1146

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin (MLT), glutathione (GSH), and their combination on ram semen quality after thawing. During eight weekly sessions, semen from three Merino rams was pooled, diluted with an egg-yolk-based semen extender, and divided into four groups: control, 1 mM MLT, 5 mM GSH, and 1 mM MLT + 5 mM GSH. Diluted semen was evaluated before and after the freezing process. The supplementation of diluted semen with GSH at 5 mM had a deleterious effect on total motility progressive (TPM), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average-path velocity (VAP), linearity (LIN), and straightness (STR) and increased slow spermatozoa (%). MLT at 1 mM also had a negative effect on TPM, VSL, and STR in diluted semen. In thawed semen, 1 mM MLT increased the TPM compared with the control group. VSL was lower in the 5 mM GSH group than in the 1 mM MLT group. Additionally, the combination of both antioxidants attenuated the negative effect of 5 mM GSH on TPM, VSL, and BCF. These results indicate that 5 mM GSH impairs or does not improve sperm kinetic parameters in either diluted or thawed semen. They also suggest that MLT combined with GSH plays a protective role against these effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Artificial Insemination of Small Ruminants: Application in European Countries)

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Endogenous and Exogenous Factors for Successful Artificial Insemination in Sheep: A Global Overview

by Bouchra El Amiri and Abdellatif Rahim

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11020086 - 11 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1685

Abstract

Artificial insemination (AI) plays a vital role in animal breeding programs. AI is applied to enhance animal genetics and facilitate the widespread integration of desirable characteristics with a high potential for productivity. However, in sheep, this biotechnology is not commonly practicable due to multi-factorial challenges, resulting in inconsistent outcomes and unpredictable results. Thoughtful selection of semen donors and recipients based on genetic merit deeply impacts ovine AI outcomes. Additionally, endogenous factors such as breed, age, fertility traits, genetic disorders, and cervical anatomy in ewes contribute to ovine AI success. Extensive research has studied exogenous influences on sexual behavior, reproductive health, and hormonal regulation, all impacting ovine AI success. These exogenous factors include techniques like estrus induction, synchronization, semen handling methods (fresh/chilled/frozen), and insemination methods (cervical/laparoscopic), as well as nutritional factors and climatic conditions. This overview of the literature highlights the endogenous and exogenous challenges facing successful ovine AI and proposes strategies and best practices for improvement. This paper will serve as a guide for understanding and optimizing the success of ovine AI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Artificial Insemination of Small Ruminants: Application in European Countries)

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