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Animals
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Advances in Equine Reproduction
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Advances in Equine Reproduction

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2023) | Viewed by 13525

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Claire E. Card

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
Interests: equine reproduction; mare; embryo transfer; assisted reproductive technology; cryopreservation; reproduction biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A few areas are showing rapid advances in equine reproduction, including in vitro fertilization (just now successful in mares), fetal programming, the immune treatment of endometrial cup tissue, regenerative medicine, gene expression during pregnancy, and genomic regulation.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect state-of-the-art information from conception to parturition in mares. The issue will include the advances in the physiological, cellular, immunologic, pathological, molecular, and genomic events associated with equine pregnancy.

We are pleased to invite you to submit manuscripts to the Special Issue of Animals entitled "Advances in Equine Reproduction", which can cover a broad spectrum of topics: various aspects of assisted reproductive technology, pregnancy recognition, pregnancy maintenance, fetal programming, gene expression, hormonal changes, and genomic regulation.

Prof. Dr. Claire E. Card
Guest Editor

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. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • mare
  • equine pregnancy
  • embryo fetal reproduction
  • gene expression

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 604 KiB  
Article
Strategies to Reduce the Use of Antibiotics in Fresh and Chilled Equine Semen
by Sonsoles Mercedes Zabala, Consuelo Serres, Natalia Montero, Francisco Crespo, Pedro Luis Lorenzo, Verónica Pérez-Aguilera, Carmen Galán, Mónica Domínguez-Gimbernat, Agustín Oliet, Santiago Moreno, Bruno González-Zorn and Luna Gutiérrez-Cepeda
Animals 2024, 14(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020179 - 5 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1120
Abstract
The study assessed the impact of four equine semen processing techniques on sperm quality and microbial load immediately post-processing and after 48 h of refrigeration. The aim was to explore the potential reduction of prophylactic antibiotic usage in semen extenders. Semen from ten [...] Read more.
The study assessed the impact of four equine semen processing techniques on sperm quality and microbial load immediately post-processing and after 48 h of refrigeration. The aim was to explore the potential reduction of prophylactic antibiotic usage in semen extenders. Semen from ten adult stallions was collected and processed under a strict hygiene protocol and divided into four aliquots: Simple Centrifugation with antibiotics (SC+), Simple Centrifugation (SC−), Single-Layer Colloidal Centrifugation (CC−), and Filtration (with SpermFilter®) (F−), all in extenders without antibiotics. Sperm motility, viability, and microbial load on three culture media were assessed. No significant differences were observed in the main in the sperm quality parameters among the four protocols post-processing and at 48 h (p < 0.05 or p < 0.1). Microbial loads in Columbia 5% Sheep Blood Agar and Schaedler vitamin K1 5% Sheep Blood Agar mediums were significantly higher (p < 0.10) for raw semen than for CS+, CC−, and F− post-processing. For Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium, the microbial load was significantly higher (p < 0.10) in raw semen compared to CS+ and F−. No significant differences (p < 0.10) were found in 48 h chilled samples. Regardless of antibiotic presence, the evaluated processing methods, when combined with rigorous hygiene measures, maintained semen quality and reduced microbial load to the same extent as a traditional protocol using antibiotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Reproduction)
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16 pages, 1986 KiB  
Article
Microbial Profiling of Amniotic Fluid, Umbilical Blood and Placenta of the Foaling Mare
by Elisabeth Hemberg, Adnan Niazi, Yongzhi Guo, Viktória J. Debnár, Boglarka Vincze, Jane M. Morrell and Gabriella Kútvölgyi
Animals 2023, 13(12), 2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13122029 - 18 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1646
Abstract
The presence of a microbiome/microbiota in the placenta is hotly debated. In previous studies, the presence of bacteria in equine amniotic fluid and umbilical blood was independent of foal health. The objective of the present study was to determine if the same bacteria [...] Read more.
The presence of a microbiome/microbiota in the placenta is hotly debated. In previous studies, the presence of bacteria in equine amniotic fluid and umbilical blood was independent of foal health. The objective of the present study was to determine if the same bacteria are present in the equine placenta as in amniotic fluid and umbilical blood. Samples were obtained from 24 parturient mares and foals. Placental bacterial DNA was extracted, and the microbiome was identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. All amniotic fluid samples contained some polymorphonucleocytes; bacteria were isolated from four samples. Aerobic or anaerobic growth was found in 18 and 3 umbilical blood samples, respectively. Serum amyloid A was <5 mg/L in all 24 samples, total WBC varied between 2900 and 10,700/µL, and fibrinogen varied between 0 and 5.16 g/L. In jugular blood, serum amyloid A was <5 mg/L in all 24 foals, total white blood count was 3200 to 8100/µL, and fibrinogen was 0.44 to 4.42 g/L. The diversity of bacterial microbiota was similar in all placental regions at the phylum level but differed at the genus level; the most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria (42–46.26%) and Actinobacteria (26.91–29.96%). In conclusion, bacteria were found in the fetal compartments and placenta of healthy equine pregnancies; however, we can neither prove nor disprove the hypothesis that the placenta has its own microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Reproduction)
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10 pages, 265 KiB  
Article
Influence of Intrauterine Fluid Detection, Number of Transfers and Age of the Recipient on Pregnancy Rate and Early Embryonic Loss in a Commercial Embryo Transfer Program
by Gian Guido Donato, Denis Necchi, Hilde Vandaele, Micaela Elizabeth Vita, Alessia Bertero, Leila Vincenti and Tiziana Nervo
Animals 2023, 13(11), 1799; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111799 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1629
Abstract
The selection of the recipient mare is one of the most important factors involved in the success of equine embryo transfer. The aim of this study was to determine whether the age of the recipient, the number of transfers and the detection of [...] Read more.
The selection of the recipient mare is one of the most important factors involved in the success of equine embryo transfer. The aim of this study was to determine whether the age of the recipient, the number of transfers and the detection of intrauterine fluid during the follicular phase or after ovulation can affect pregnancy rate at 14 and 45 days (PR 14 and PR 45) or early embryonic loss (EEL). A total of 1222 ETs were included in the study. Mares receiving the first embryo of the year had a higher PR 14 and 45 days compared to mares at the third transfer (78.8% and 70.1% vs. 65.6% and 54.1%, respectively). The detection of intrauterine fluid post ovulation negatively affected PR 14 (60.5% vs. 77.6%) and should therefore be considered an abnormal finding, probably being a sign of uterine inflammation or delayed uterine clearance. On the contrary, the age of the recipient mare and detection of fluid during follicular phase did not affect PR 14. Only the age of the recipient mare influenced the EEL, since mares aged 10–13 years had a higher EEL compared to mares aged 3–5 years (15.6% vs. 6.4%). Embryo size and grade affected PR 14 and 45. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Reproduction)
16 pages, 4280 KiB  
Article
5-Aza-2′-Deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC, Decitabine) Inhibits Collagen Type I and III Expression in TGF-β1-Treated Equine Endometrial Fibroblasts
by Joana Alpoim-Moreira, Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska, Magda Słyszewska, Maria Rosa Rebordão, Dariusz J. Skarzynski and Graça Ferreira-Dias
Animals 2023, 13(7), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071212 - 30 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1499
Abstract
Endometrosis negatively affects endometrial function and fertility in mares, due to excessive deposition of type I (COL1) and type III (COL3) collagens. The pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) induces myofibroblast differentiation, characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, and collagen synthesis. In humans, [...] Read more.
Endometrosis negatively affects endometrial function and fertility in mares, due to excessive deposition of type I (COL1) and type III (COL3) collagens. The pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) induces myofibroblast differentiation, characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, and collagen synthesis. In humans, fibrosis has been linked to epigenetic mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been described in mare endometrium. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro epigenetic regulation in TGF-β1-treated mare endometrial fibroblasts and the use of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), an epigenetic modifier, as a putative treatment option for endometrial fibrosis. Methods and Results: The in vitro effects of TGF-β1 and of 5-aza-dC on DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B), COL1A1, COL3A1, and α-SMA transcripts were analyzed in endometrial fibroblasts, and COL1 and COL3 secretion in a co-culture medium. TGF-β1 upregulated DNMT3A transcripts and collagen secretion. In TGF-β1-treated endometrial fibroblasts, DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-dC decreased collagen transcripts and secretion, but not α-SMA transcripts. Conclusion: These findings suggest a possible role of epigenetic mechanisms during equine endometrial fibrogenesis. The in vitro effect of 5-aza-dC on collagen reduction in TGF-β1-treated fibroblasts highlights this epigenetic involvement. This may pave the way to different therapeutic approaches for endometrosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Reproduction)
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Review

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12 pages, 2889 KiB  
Review
Can Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) and Sirtuins Be Harnessed to Improve Mare Fertility?
by Charley-Lea Pollard
Animals 2024, 14(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020193 - 7 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1163
Abstract
Years of sire and dam selection based on their pedigree and athletic performance has resulted in a reduction in the reproductive capability of horses. Mare age is considered a major barrier to equine reproduction largely due to an increase in the age at [...] Read more.
Years of sire and dam selection based on their pedigree and athletic performance has resulted in a reduction in the reproductive capability of horses. Mare age is considered a major barrier to equine reproduction largely due to an increase in the age at which mares are typically bred following the end of their racing career. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its involvement in the activation of Sirtuins in fertility are an emerging field of study, with the role of NAD+ in oocyte maturation and embryo development becoming increasingly apparent. While assisted reproductive technologies in equine breeding programs are in their infancy compared to other livestock species such as cattle, there is much more to be learnt, from oocyte maturation to early embryo development and beyond in the mare, which are difficult to study given the complexities associated with mare fertility research. This review examines what is already known about the role of NAD+ and Sirtuins in fertility and discusses how NAD+-elevating agents may be used to activate Sirtuin proteins to improve equine breeding and embryo production programs both in vivo and in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Reproduction)
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18 pages, 409 KiB  
Review
Assessment of Connective Tissue in the Equine Uterus and Cervix: Review of Clinical Impact and Staining Options
by Łukasz Zdrojkowski, Bartosz Pawliński, Katarzyna Skierbiszewska, Tomasz Jasiński and Małgorzata Domino
Animals 2024, 14(1), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010156 - 3 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 954
Abstract
Uterine diseases stand as the primary cause of infertility in mares; however, the diagnostic process often relies on obtaining endometrial biopsies and their hematoxylin–eosin staining. This review seeks to present the variability of uterine changes and their impact on fertility and underscore the [...] Read more.
Uterine diseases stand as the primary cause of infertility in mares; however, the diagnostic process often relies on obtaining endometrial biopsies and their hematoxylin–eosin staining. This review seeks to present the variability of uterine changes and their impact on fertility and underscore the utility of special stains, such as Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, elastica van Gieson, or periodic acid–Schiff, in enhancing diagnostic breadth. Connective tissue evaluation in the cervix is discussed, as it is subjected to cyclic changes and the impact on overall fertility. Vascular changes, particularly prevalent in multiparous mares, play a crucial role in adapting to physiological and pathological alterations, affecting early gestation and impeding placental development. Given that uterine vascular pathologies often involve fibrotic changes, connective tissue stains emerge as a valuable tool in this context. Moreover, equine endometriosis, predominantly associated with endometrial fibrosis, further highlights the relevance of special stains, suggesting their underutilization in the diagnostic process. Recognizing the subjective nature of diagnosing uterine pathologies and the need for additional diagnostic tools, we advocate for using dedicated stains in the histopathological evaluation of uterine samples. In conclusion, we encourage scientists and diagnosticians to embrace additional tools that enhance pathology visualization, enabling more reliable diagnoses concerning expected fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Reproduction)
22 pages, 2709 KiB  
Review
The Social and Reproductive Challenges Faced by Free-Roaming Horse (Equus caballus) Stallions
by Aleksandra Górecka-Bruzda, Joanna Jaworska and Christina R. Stanley
Animals 2023, 13(7), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071151 - 24 Mar 2023
Viewed by 4489
Abstract
In captivity, intact male horses, due to their sexual drive, are usually socially isolated from other horses. This lifestyle strongly contrasts with that experienced by horses living in free-roaming, feral, or semi-feral conditions, where adult stallions have several roles in their social group, [...] Read more.
In captivity, intact male horses, due to their sexual drive, are usually socially isolated from other horses. This lifestyle strongly contrasts with that experienced by horses living in free-roaming, feral, or semi-feral conditions, where adult stallions have several roles in their social group, with successful reproduction being their primary drive. Reproductive skew in wild populations is high; many stallions will fail to reproduce at all, while others achieve high levels of reproductive success, siring a large number of foals. Successful stallions are those with particular characteristics and abilities that facilitate harem formation and tenure, allowing them to successfully take over a harem or establish a new one, protect mares from rival stallions, employ appropriate social behaviour to maintain group cohesion, and avoid kin-mating, for example through kin recognition mechanisms. Whilst the life of free-living stallions is far from stress-free, they retain ancestral adaptations to selection pressures (such as predation and competition) exhibited by their natural environment over thousands of years. Here, we discuss the challenges faced by free-living horse stallions, the roles they play in social groups, and their resulting social needs. By understanding these pressures and how stallions react to them, we highlighted the importance of the social environment for the stallion. It is hoped that a better understanding of wild stallions’ lives will lead to their needs being more clearly met in captivity, reducing stereotypical behaviour and improving welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Reproduction)
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