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Advances in Pig Reproduction
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Advances in Pig Reproduction

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 35006

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rodrigo Manjarin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
Interests: seminal additives; gonadotrophins; gilts; artificial insemination; follicular development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, advances in pig reproduction have aimed to increase reproductive efficiency and rates of genetic improvement. Improved artificial insemination (AI) protocols including innovative catheters and the use of exogenous gonadotrophins to facilitate fixed-time insemination, have allowed for a decreased number of inseminations and sperm per insemination dose, shortened and synchronized the weaning‐to‐estrus interval, and increased litter size. Seminal additives have been developed to increase sperm motility and uterine contractions during AI, increasing sow fertility and prolificacy. The use of video cameras to investigate animal behavior, computerized tomography scans to determine carcass parameters and skeletal structure, and big data analysis provide information for new traits. Reproductive technologies such as in vitro embryo production, sperm sexing technology, and embryo transfer offer the potential to accelerate genetic progress. This Special Issue focuses on recent advances in all innovative reproduction strategies in pigs aimed at improving reproductive efficiency and genetic selection.

Dr. Rodrigo Manjarin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • gilt
  • sow
  • hormone
  • artificial insemination
  • embryo transfer
  • -omics

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1145 KiB  
Article
Bicarbonate-Triggered In Vitro Capacitation of Boar Spermatozoa Conveys an Increased Relative Abundance of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Cation (TRPC) Channels 3, 4, 6 and 7 and of CatSper-γ Subunit mRNA Transcripts
by Estíbaliz Lacalle, César Consuegra, Cristina A. Martínez, Manuel Hidalgo, Jesús Dorado, Felipe Martínez-Pastor, Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez and Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
Animals 2022, 12(8), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12081012 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2283
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is a stepwise complex biochemical process towards fertilization. It includes a crucial early calcium (Ca2+) transport mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We studied the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts changes of the CatSper β, [...] Read more.
Sperm capacitation is a stepwise complex biochemical process towards fertilization. It includes a crucial early calcium (Ca2+) transport mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We studied the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts changes of the CatSper β, γ and δ subunits and TRPC-channels 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 in pig spermatozoa, after triggering in vitro capacitation by bicarbonate ions at levels present in vivo at the fertilization site. For this purpose, we analyzedfive5 ejaculate pools (from three fertile adult boars) before (control-fresh samples) and after in vitro exposure to capacitation conditions (37 mM NaHCO3, 2.25 mM CaCl2, 2 mM caffeine, 0.5% bovine serum albumin and 310 mM lactose) at 38 °C, 5% CO2 for 30 min. In vitro capacitation using bicarbonate elicits an increase in the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all studied Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1 (significantly reduced). These findings open new avenues of research to identify the specific role of each channel in boar sperm capacitation and elucidate the physiological meaning of the changes on sperm mRNA cargo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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11 pages, 537 KiB  
Article
Effect of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Glycosides on the Farrowing Process and Piglet Vitality in a Free Farrowing System
by Laura Jahn, Gertraud Schuepbach-Regula, Heiko Nathues and Alexander Grahofer
Animals 2022, 12(5), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050611 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2554
Abstract
Vitamin D improves the reproductive efficiency in animals. This study aimed to examine the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-gylcosides (1,25-vitD) on the farrowing process in sows and the vitality of their piglets. In total, 100 sows were allocated into two groups at insemination (‘1,25-vitD’ [...] Read more.
Vitamin D improves the reproductive efficiency in animals. This study aimed to examine the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-gylcosides (1,25-vitD) on the farrowing process in sows and the vitality of their piglets. In total, 100 sows were allocated into two groups at insemination (‘1,25-vitD’ and ‘negative control’). The 1,25-vitD group received 260–300 mg/sow/day 1,25-vitD in their feed during the gestation period. Backfat thickness, fecal score, and the farrowing process was evaluated. The piglets were categorized into live born or stillborn, and vitality was evaluated by assessing the umbilical cord and the meconium score. The number of total-born piglets in sows of ‘1,25-vitD’ was higher and the farrowing duration was shorter than in the negative control group without showing significance in the univariable analysis. In a linear multiple regression model including the variables ‘farrowing duration’, ‘total born piglets’ and ‘1,25-vitD’ differences became evident. We found that 1,25-vitD was associated with a reduced farrowing duration (p = 0.055). Moreover, significantly more mummies (p < 0.01) and short ruptured umbilical cords (p < 0.05) were observed in the 1,25-vitD group. This study showed an effect of 1,25-vitD on the farrowing process. However, more research is needed to better describe the mechanism of 1,25-vitD in detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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12 pages, 701 KiB  
Article
The Interaction of NO and H2S in Boar Spermatozoa under Oxidative Stress
by Martin Kadlec, Eliana Pintus and José Luis Ros-Santaella
Animals 2022, 12(5), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050602 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2010
Abstract
Various recent studies dedicated to the role of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in somatic cells provide evidence for an interaction of the two gasotransmitters. In the case of male gametes, only the action of a single donor of [...] Read more.
Various recent studies dedicated to the role of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in somatic cells provide evidence for an interaction of the two gasotransmitters. In the case of male gametes, only the action of a single donor of each gasotransmitter has been investigated up until today. It has been demonstrated that, at low concentrations, both gasotransmitters alone exert a positive effect on sperm quality parameters. Moreover, the activity of gaseous cellular messengers may be affected by the presence of oxidative stress, an underlying condition of several male reproductive disorders. In this study, we explored the effect of the combination of two donors SNP and NaHS (NO and H2S donors, respectively) on boar spermatozoa under oxidative stress. We applied NaHS, SNP, and their combination (DD) at 100 nM concentration in boar spermatozoa samples treated with Fe2+/ascorbate system. After 90 min of incubation at 38 °C, we have observed that progressive motility (PMot) and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were improved (p < 0.05) in DD treatment compared to the Ctr sample under oxidative stress (CtrOX). Moreover, the PMot of DD treatment was higher (p < 0.05) than that of NaHS. Similar to NaHS, SNP treatment did not overcome the PMot and PMI of CtrOX. In conclusion, for the first time, we provide evidence that the combination of SNP and NaHS surmounts the effect of single-donor application in terms of PMot and PMI in porcine spermatozoa under oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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10 pages, 522 KiB  
Article
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Cervical Microbes of Gilts and Sows
by Cecilia Kellerman, Pongpreecha Malaluang, Ingrid Hansson, Lena Eliasson Selling and Jane M. Morrell
Animals 2022, 12(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12010117 - 4 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1776
Abstract
Extenders for boar semen contain antibiotics, which may induce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in inseminated females. The objective was to investigate AMR of bacteria isolated from the cervix of sows and gilts in standing heat, representing females previously exposed to antibiotics in the semen [...] Read more.
Extenders for boar semen contain antibiotics, which may induce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in inseminated females. The objective was to investigate AMR of bacteria isolated from the cervix of sows and gilts in standing heat, representing females previously exposed to antibiotics in the semen extender and non-exposed females, respectively. Cervical swabs were taken from 30 multiparous sows and 30 gilts prior to their first insemination. After culturing on agar plates, bacterial isolates were identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry and antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined. Differences in antibiotic resistance between sows and gilts were analyzed by Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test. Bacteria isolated were mostly Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. Higher MICs were observed for isolates from sows than from gilts. Most (>80%) Corynebacterium spp. were resistant to clindamycin; small numbers (<20%) were resistant to gentamicin, penicillin, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin, with no differences between gilts and sows. Corynebacterium from gilts were more often resistant to tetracycline than those from sows (25% vs. 4.17%; p = 0.04). In conclusion, bacteria from the porcine cervix showed low resistance to most antibiotics except for clindamycin, but antibacterial resistance may increase with increasing parity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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14 pages, 1869 KiB  
Article
Effect of Season and Parity on Reproduction Performance of Iberian Sows Bred with Duroc Semen
by Javier Piñán, Beatriz Alegre, Roy N. Kirkwood, Cristina Soriano-Úbeda, Magdalena Maj, Juan Carlos Domínguez, Rodrigo Manjarín and Felipe Martínez-Pastor
Animals 2021, 11(11), 3275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113275 - 16 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2127
Abstract
The Iberian pig is an autochthonous breed from the Iberian Peninsula highly valued for its meat. The sows are often bred as Iberian × Duroc crossings for increased efficiency. Since sow parity and season affect the reproductive performance, we evaluated two-year records from [...] Read more.
The Iberian pig is an autochthonous breed from the Iberian Peninsula highly valued for its meat. The sows are often bred as Iberian × Duroc crossings for increased efficiency. Since sow parity and season affect the reproductive performance, we evaluated two-year records from a commercial farrow-to-finish farm (live, stillborn, and mummified piglets after artificial insemination, AI). A total of 1293 Iberian sows were inseminated with semen from 57 boars (3024 AI). The effects of parity (gilts, 1, 2–4, 5–10, and >10 farrowings) and season were analyzed by linear mixed-effects models (LME). The data were fitted to cosinor models to investigate seasonal effects within parity groups. The effects of maximum daily temperature (MDT) and day length change (DLC) during spermatogenesis, pre-AI, and post-AI periods were analyzed with LME. The 2–4 group was the optimal one for parity. A seasonal effect was evident between spring–summer (lower fertility/prolificacy) and autumn–winter (higher). Cosinor showed that the seasonal drop in reproductive performance occurs earlier in Iberian sows than in other breeds, more evident in gilts. MDT negatively affected performance in all periods and DLC in spermatogenesis and pre-AI. These results are relevant for the improvement of Iberian sows’ intensive farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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7 pages, 785 KiB  
Communication
The Suinfort® Semen Supplement Counters Seasonal Infertility in Iberian Sows
by Javier Piñán, Felipe Martinez-Pastor, Beatriz Alegre, Magdalena Maj, Roy N. Kirkwood, Juan Carlos Domínguez and Rodrigo Manjarín
Animals 2021, 11(11), 3176; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113176 - 6 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2297
Abstract
Suinfort®, a commercial semen supplement demonstrated to increase fertility and litter size in commercial sows, was tested to improve reproductive performance in Iberian sows. A total of 1430 Iberian sows were artificially inseminated (AI) with semen from Duroc boars and assigned [...] Read more.
Suinfort®, a commercial semen supplement demonstrated to increase fertility and litter size in commercial sows, was tested to improve reproductive performance in Iberian sows. A total of 1430 Iberian sows were artificially inseminated (AI) with semen from Duroc boars and assigned by parity to receive the seminal additive Suinfort® containing 2 IU oxytocin, 5 µg lecirelin, and 2 mM caffeine (SF; n = 1713 AI), or to serve as non-supplemented controls (CON; n = 2625 AI). CON showed a lower fertility comparing to winter for spring (p = 0.001) and summer (p < 0.001); summer was lower than autumn (p = 0.012). SF removed this seasonal effect (p > 0.05). Fertility was significantly higher for SF sows during summer (p = 0.025) and autumn (p = 0.004). Total born, live-born, stillborn, and mummified piglets did not differ between CON and SF but were impacted by the season, with total and live-born decreasing in summer compared with autumn (p < 0.001) and winter (p = 0.005). In conclusion, seminal supplementation with Suinfort® improved the fertility of Iberian sows during periods of seasonal infertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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17 pages, 1700 KiB  
Article
Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Functionality in the Autochthonous Pig Breed Gochu Asturcelta
by José Néstor Caamaño, Carolina Tamargo, Inmaculada Parrilla, Felipe Martínez-Pastor, Lorena Padilla, Amer Salman, Carmen Fueyo, Ángel Fernández, María José Merino, Tania Iglesias and Carlos Olegario Hidalgo
Animals 2021, 11(7), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071885 - 24 Jun 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3154
Abstract
Genetic resource banks (GRB) preserve the genetic material of endangered, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Semen cryopreservation is a crucial technique to reach these goals. Thus, we aimed to assess the sperm parameters of semen doses from the native pig breed Gochu [...] Read more.
Genetic resource banks (GRB) preserve the genetic material of endangered, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Semen cryopreservation is a crucial technique to reach these goals. Thus, we aimed to assess the sperm parameters of semen doses from the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta stored at the GRB of Principado de Asturias (GRB-PA, Gijón, Spain), focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic (boar, season) factors. Two straws per boar (n = 18, 8–71 months of age) were thawed, pooled, and assessed after 30 and 150 min at 37 °C by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis system; motility and kinematic parameters) and flow cytometry (viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and chromatin status). The effects of age, incubation, and season on post-thawing quality were determined using linear mixed-effects models. Parameters were on the range for commercial boar breeds, with chromatin status (SCSA: fragmentation and immaturity) being excellent. Incubation decreased sperm quality and functionality. The boar age did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05), but the between-boar variability was significant (p < 0.001). The season significantly affected many parameters (motility, kinematics, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity), especially after 150 min of incubation. In general, samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. In conclusion, the sperm doses from the Gochu Asturcelta breed stored at the GRB-PA showed excellent chromatin status and acceptable characteristics after thawing. Therefore, boar and seasonal variability in this autochthonous breed could be relevant for cryobank management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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14 pages, 3696 KiB  
Article
Effects of Orexin B on Swine Granulosa and Endothelial Cells
by Francesca Grasselli, Simona Bussolati, Stefano Grolli, Rosanna Di Lecce, Cecilia Dall’Aglio and Giuseppina Basini
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061812 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
In addition to the well-known central modulatory role of orexins, we recently demonstrated a peripheral involvement in swine granulosa cells for orexin A and in adipose tissue for orexin B (OXB). The aim of present research was to verify immunolocalization of OXB and [...] Read more.
In addition to the well-known central modulatory role of orexins, we recently demonstrated a peripheral involvement in swine granulosa cells for orexin A and in adipose tissue for orexin B (OXB). The aim of present research was to verify immunolocalization of OXB and its potential role in modulating the main features of swine granulosa cells. In particular, we explored the effects on granulosa cell proliferation (through the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine), cell metabolic activity (as indirect evaluation by the assessment of ATP), steroidogenic activity (by immunoenzymatic examination) and redox status (evaluating the production of superoxide anion by means of the WST test, production of nitric oxide through the use of the Griess test and the non-enzymatic reducing power by FRAP test). Our data point out that OXB does not modify granulosa cell growth, steroidogenesis and superoxide anion generation. On the contrary, the peptide stimulates (p < 0.05) nitric oxide output and non-enzymatic reducing power. Since new vessel growth is crucial for ovarian follicle development, a further aim of this study was to explore the expression of prepro-orexin and the effects of OXB on swine aortic endothelial cells. We found that the peptide is ineffective in modulating cell growth, while it inhibits redox status parameters. In addition, we demonstrated a stimulatory effect on angiogenesis evaluated in fibrin gel angiogenesis assay. Taken together, OXB appears to be potentially involved in the modulation of redox status in granulosa and endothelial cells and we could argue an involvement of the peptide in the follicular angiogenic events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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6 pages, 198 KiB  
Communication
Influence of Backfat Thickness and the Interval from Altrenogest Withdrawal to Estrus on Reproductive Performance of Gilts
by Krittawat Thitachot, Voramet Sirinopwong, Viriya Seemuang, Akkapon Ratchatasriprasert, Roy N. Kirkwood and Nutthee Am-in
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051348 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1867
Abstract
Estrus synchronization of gilts can be achieved by feeding the orally active progestogen altrenogest (AT) to cycling gilts at 20 mg/day for 14 to 18 days with gilts usually returning to estrus 4 to 8 days after the last feeding. In practice, gilts [...] Read more.
Estrus synchronization of gilts can be achieved by feeding the orally active progestogen altrenogest (AT) to cycling gilts at 20 mg/day for 14 to 18 days with gilts usually returning to estrus 4 to 8 days after the last feeding. In practice, gilts failing to exhibit estrus by 6 days after AT withdrawal may compromise weekly breeding targets. The cause of prolonged intervals to estrus are unknown but may involve prolonged suppression due to the release of progesterone (P4), and by extension AT, from adipose tissues. The present study examined relationships between gilt P2 backfat depth (<13.5 mm, 14–16.5 mm, >17 mm groups), the AT withdrawal to estrus interval, and subsequent reproductive performance in gilts. We noted longer intervals to estrus in gilts with greater P2 backfat depths (p < 0.0001), and higher serum P4 concentrations on the last day of AT feeding and at estrus detection (p < 0.05). Total born litter sizes were unaffected by backfat depth, but pigs born alive progressively decreased with increasing backfat depth with the fattest gilts producing the fewest liveborn pigs (p < 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that adipose tissues may provide a reservoir of steroid, with its release from fatter gilts having potential negative effects on their subsequent reproductive performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
10 pages, 1314 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Triclosan Effects on Cultured Swine Luteal Cells
by Giuseppina Basini, Simona Bussolati, Simone Bertini, Fausto Quintavalla and Francesca Grasselli
Animals 2021, 11(3), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030606 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Triclosan is a chlorinated phenolic, used in many personal and home care products for its powerful antimicrobial effect. Several studies have shown triclosan toxicity and the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 has limited its use. It has been recently included [...] Read more.
Triclosan is a chlorinated phenolic, used in many personal and home care products for its powerful antimicrobial effect. Several studies have shown triclosan toxicity and the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 has limited its use. It has been recently included in endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), a list of chemicals known for their ability to interfere with hormonal signaling with particular critical effects on reproduction both in animals and humans. In order to deepen the knowledge in this specific field, the present study was undertaken to explore the effect of different concentrations of triclosan (1, 10, and 50 µM) on cultured luteal cells, isolated from swine ovaries, evaluating effects on growth Bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU) incorporation and Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP) production, steroidogenesis (progesterone secretion) and redox status (superoxide and nitric oxide production, enzymatic and non-enzymatic scavenging activity). A biphasic effect was exerted by triclosan on P4 production. In fact, the highest concentration inhibited, while the others stimulated P4 production (p < 0.05). Triclosan significantly inhibited cell proliferation, metabolic activity, and enzymatic scavenger activity (p < 0.05). On the contrary, nitric oxide production was significantly increased by triclosan (p < 0.01), while superoxide anion generation and non-enzymatic scavenging activity were unaffected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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13 pages, 4266 KiB  
Article
The Association of an SNP in the EXOC4 Gene and Reproductive Traits Suggests Its Use as a Breeding Marker in Pigs
by Yingting He, Xiaofeng Zhou, Rongrong Zheng, Yao Jiang, Zhixiang Yao, Xilong Wang, Zhe Zhang, Hao Zhang, Jiaqi Li and Xiaolong Yuan
Animals 2021, 11(2), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020521 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2441
Abstract
In mammals, the exocyst complex component 4 (EXOC4) gene has often been reported to be involved in vesicle transport. The SNP rs81471943 (C/T) is located in the intron of porcine EXOC4, while six quantitative trait loci (QTL) within 5–10 Mb [...] Read more.
In mammals, the exocyst complex component 4 (EXOC4) gene has often been reported to be involved in vesicle transport. The SNP rs81471943 (C/T) is located in the intron of porcine EXOC4, while six quantitative trait loci (QTL) within 5–10 Mb around EXOC4 are associated with ovary weight, teat number, total offspring born alive, and corpus luteum number. However, the molecular mechanisms between EXOC4 and the reproductive performance of pigs remains to be elucidated. In this study, rs81471943 was genotyped from a total of 994 Duroc sows, and the genotype and allele frequency of SNP rs81471943 (C/T) were statistically analyzed. Then, the associations between SNP rs81471943 and four reproductive traits, including number of piglets born alive (NBA), litter weight at birth (LWB), number of piglets weaned (NW), and litter weight at weaning (LWW), were determined. Sanger sequencing and PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were utilized to identify the rs81471943 genotype. We found that the genotype frequency of CC was significantly higher than that of CT and TT, and CC was the most frequent genotype for NBA, LWB, NW, and LWW. Moreover, 5′-deletion and luciferase assays identified a positive transcription regulatory element in the EXOC4 promoter. After exploring the EXOC4 promoter, SNP −1781G/A linked with SNP rs81471943 (C/T) were identified by analysis of the transcription activity of the haplotypes, and SNP −1781 G/A may influence the potential binding of P53, E26 transformation specific sequence -like 1 transcription factor (ELK1), and myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1). These findings provide useful information for identifying a molecular marker of EXOC4-assisted selection in pig breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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17 pages, 5795 KiB  
Article
Longitudinal Expression of Testicular TAS1R3 from Prepuberty to Sexual Maturity in Congjiang Xiang Pigs
by Ting Gong, Weiyong Wang, Houqiang Xu, Yi Yang, Xiang Chen, Lijie Meng, Yongjian Xu, Ziqing Li, Sufang Wan and Qi Mu
Animals 2021, 11(2), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020437 - 8 Feb 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2260
Abstract
Testicular expression of taste receptor type 1 subunit 3 (T1R3), a sweet/umami taste receptor, has been implicated in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in mice. We explored the role of testicular T1R3 in porcine postnatal development using the Congjiang Xiang pig, a rare Chinese miniature [...] Read more.
Testicular expression of taste receptor type 1 subunit 3 (T1R3), a sweet/umami taste receptor, has been implicated in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in mice. We explored the role of testicular T1R3 in porcine postnatal development using the Congjiang Xiang pig, a rare Chinese miniature pig breed. Based on testicular weights, morphology, and testosterone levels, four key developmental stages were identified in the pig at postnatal days 15–180 (prepuberty: 30 day; early puberty: 60 day; late puberty: 90 day; sexual maturity: 120 day). During development, testicular T1R3 exhibited stage-dependent and cell-specific expression patterns. In particular, T1R3 levels increased significantly from prepuberty to puberty (p < 0.05), and expression remained high until sexual maturity (p < 0.05), similar to results for phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2). The strong expressions of T1R3/PLCβ2 were observed at the cytoplasm of elongating/elongated spermatids and Leydig cells. In the eight-stage cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in pigs, T1R3/PLCβ2 levels were higher in the spermatogenic epithelium at stages II–VI than at the other stages, and the strong expressions were detected in elongating/elongated spermatids and residual bodies. The message RNA (mRNA) levels of taste receptor type 1 subunit 1 (T1R1) in the testis showed a similar trend to levels of T1R3. These data indicate a possible role of T1R3 in the regulation of spermatid differentiation and Leydig cell function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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12 pages, 862 KiB  
Article
Tetrazolium Salt WST-8 as a Novel and Reliable Chromogenic Indicator for the Assessment of Boar Semen Quality
by Yu-Hsin Chen, Chean-Ping Wu, Hsiu-Lien Lin, Ren-Bao Liaw, Yung-Yu Lai, Ming-Che Wu, Lih-Ren Chen and Pei-Shiue Jason Tsai
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2293; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122293 - 4 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2646
Abstract
A tetrazolium salt, 2-[2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl]-3-[4-nitrophenyl]-5-[2,4-disulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium (WST-8), has been used widely to determine cell viability; however, its application in the field of reproduction is still limited due to this assay merely providing information regarding cell viability. The aim of this study was to correlate the [...] Read more.
A tetrazolium salt, 2-[2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl]-3-[4-nitrophenyl]-5-[2,4-disulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium (WST-8), has been used widely to determine cell viability; however, its application in the field of reproduction is still limited due to this assay merely providing information regarding cell viability. The aim of this study was to correlate the WST-8 reduction rate with various sperm quality-related parameters (i.e., sperm viability, motility, progressive motility, acrosome integrity and mitochondria integrity) in order to provide a rapid, reliable and affordable assessment for boar semen quality evaluation. Using different ratios of active/damaged sperm cells, we first validated our sample preparations by standard flow cytometry and computer-assisted sperm analysis. Further analyses demonstrated that the most efficient experimental condition for obtaining a reliable prediction model was when sperm concentration reached 300 × 106 cells/mL with the semen/cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8®) ratio of 200/10 and incubated time of 20 min. Under this set up, the WST-8 reduction rate (differences on optic density reading value, ΔOD at 450 nm) and sperm parameters were highly correlated (p < 0.01) for all sperm parameters evaluated. In the case of limited semen samples, a minimal semen concentration at 150 × 106 cells/mL with the semen/CCK-8® ratio of 200/20 and incubation time for 30 min could still provide reliable prediction of sperm parameters using the WST-8 assay. Our data provide strong evidence for the first time that the WST-8 assay could be used to evaluate boar semen quality with great potential to be applied to different mammalian species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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6 pages, 416 KiB  
Article
Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Estradiol Concentrations in Gilts and Their Age at Puberty
by Nutthee Am-in, Junpen Suwimonteerabutr and Roy N. Kirkwood
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112189 - 23 Nov 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2185
Abstract
For experiment one, blood samples were obtained from 200 gilts at 90, 120, 150, 180, and 200 days of age. Serum samples from the 30 youngest (166.1 ± 0.7 days) and 30 oldest (198.8 ± 0.6 days) gilts exhibiting estrus by 200 days, [...] Read more.
For experiment one, blood samples were obtained from 200 gilts at 90, 120, 150, 180, and 200 days of age. Serum samples from the 30 youngest (166.1 ± 0.7 days) and 30 oldest (198.8 ± 0.6 days) gilts exhibiting estrus by 200 days, and a further 18 gilts that remained anestrus at 200 days, were assayed for serum concentrations of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2). Gilts younger at puberty had higher (p < 0.05) AMH levels than those older at puberty, and both groups had higher AMH levels than anestrus gilts (p < 0.05). Regardless of age, serum E2 was higher (p < 0.05) in gilts that achieved puberty than in gilts remaining anestrus. At spontaneous pubertal estrus detection, there was no effect of pubertal age on the number of preovulatory ovarian follicles. For experiment two, 152 prepubertal gilts received an intramuscular (IM) injection of 400 IU eCG plus 200 IU hCG and then received fence-line boar contact to detect estrus onset. Serum AMH concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the first 25 gilts to exhibit puberty than the last 28 gilts, with the first gilts also having more preovulatory follicles (p < 0.0001). Taken together, these data support an association between serum AMH concentrations and degree of physiological maturity and ovarian follicular development in gilts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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Review

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15 pages, 298 KiB  
Review
Identifying Suitable Supplements to Improve Piglet Survival during Farrowing and Lactation
by Tobias Threadgold, Emma Catharine Greenwood and William Van Wettere
Animals 2021, 11(10), 2912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102912 - 8 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2279
Abstract
Piglet mortality during parturition and prior to weaning is an ongoing economic and welfare issue. This review collates the current literature describing the effects of specific dietary supplements on key parameters affecting piglet survival. Four distinct parameters were identified as having a direct [...] Read more.
Piglet mortality during parturition and prior to weaning is an ongoing economic and welfare issue. This review collates the current literature describing the effects of specific dietary supplements on key parameters affecting piglet survival. Four distinct parameters were identified as having a direct impact on the survival of piglets to weaning: stillbirth rate, birth weight and weight variation, daily gain and weaning weight, and colostrum and milk quality. In the primary stage, relevant literature from the past 5 years was reviewed, followed by a secondary review of literature older than 5 years. The focal parameters benefitted from different supplements. For example, stillbirth may be reduced by supplements in late gestation, including forms of arginine, alpha-tocopherol-selenium, uridine, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, whereas average daily gain and weaning weight were related closely to supplements which improved colostrum and milk quality, most commonly fats and fatty acids in the form of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, soybean oil, and fish oil, and polysaccharides, such as ginseng polysaccharide. Therefore, an effective supplement plan for piglet mortality reduction must consider the circumstances of the individual system and target one or more of the highlighted parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproduction)
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