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The production of in vitro embryos has sped up the dissemination of superior genetic material. However, the variation among the cattle response to oocyte and embryo production is a challenging factor. This variation is even higher in the Wagyu cattle as the breed has a small effective population size. The identification of an effective marker related to reproductive efficiency would allow the selection of more responsive females to reproductive protocols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the blood levels of anti-Müllerian hormone and associate it with oocyte recovery and blastocyst rate of embryos produced in vitro in Wagyu cows, as well as observe the hormone circulating levels in males. Serum samples from 29 females with seven follicular aspirations and four bulls were used. AMH measurements were performed using the bovine AMH ELISA kit. A positive correlation was identified between oocyte production and blastocyst rate (r = 0.84, P = 9 × 10-9), and AMH levels with oocyte (r = 0.49, P = 0.006) and embryo (r = 0.39, P = 0.03) production. The mean levels of AMH were different between animals with low (11.06 ± 3.01) and high (20.75 ± 4.46) oocyte production (P = 0.01). Males showed high serological levels of AMH (3829 ± 2328 pg/ml) compared with other breeds. It is possible to use the serological measurement of AMH as a method to select Wagyu females with greater capacity for oocyte and embryo production. Further studies correlating AMH serological levels with Sertoli cell function in bulls are needed.

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INTRODUCTION: Cryptorchidism is a hereditary anomaly characterized by the incomplete descent of one or both testicles to the scrotum. One of the challenges of this anomaly is that the retained testicle maintains its endocrine function. As a consequence, cryptorchid animals produce hormone-tainted meat in comparison to castrated animals and are likely to be more aggressive. Cryptorchidism can lead to reduced animal welfare outcomes and cause economic losses. Identifying genetic markers for cryptorchidism is an essential step toward mitigating these negative outcomes and may facilitate genome manipulation to reduce the occurrence of cryptorchidism. Attempts to identify such markers have used genome-wide association studies. Using whole-exome sequencing, we aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding regions of cryptorchid pigs and to characterize functional pathways concerning these SNPs. METHODS: DNA was extracted and sequenced from 5 healthy and 5 cryptorchid animals from the Landrace breed, using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Data were pre-processed using the SeqyClean tool and further mapped against the swine reference genome (Sus scrofa 11.1) using BWA software. GATK was used to identify polymorphisms (SNPs and InDels), which were annotated using the VEP tool. Network prediction and gene ontology enrichment analysis were conducted using the Cytoscape platform, and STRING software was used for visualization. RESULTS: A total of 63 SNPs were identified across the genes PIGB, CCPG1, COMMD9, LDLRAD3, TRIM44, MYLPF, SEPTIN, ZNF48, TIA1, FAIM2, KRT18, FBP1, FBP2, CTSL, DAPK1, DHX8, GPR179, DEPDC1B, ENSSSCG00000049573, ENSSSCG00000016384, ENSSSCG00000022657, ENSSSCG00000038825, and ENSSSCG00000001229. Using pathway enrichment analyses and network prospection, we have identified the following significant adjusted p value threshold of 0.001 involved with the biological function pathways of estrogen signaling, cytoskeleton organization, and the pentose phosphate pathway. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the involvement of new SNPs and genes in developing cryptorchidism in pigs. However, further studies are needed to validate our results in a larger cohort population. Variations in the GPR179 gene, with implications at the protein level, may be associated with the appearance of this anomaly in the swine. Finally, we are showing that the estrogen signaling pathway may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of this congenital anomaly as previously reported in GWAS.

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Twin birth is a complex condition observed in most livestock animals, when the female gives birth to two or more offspring, generally out of the same mating. In cattle, it is a rare condition (3 to 5%) and depends on the genetic background and environmental factors. Twin birth is a result of multiple ovulations, being more common in dairy rather than in beef cattle. Calves could be monozygous or dizygous, with the same or of different sexes. When twins are born with different sexes, a sexual condition called Freemartinism occurs in between 90 to 97% of pregnancies, causing infertility in the female calf. Knowing that the twin rate is rare in commercial beef cattle, here we present an even rarer case of twin birth from two different sires after natural mating, also called heteropaternal superfecundation.

RESUMO

The characterization of vaginal microbiota will help to understand some of the reproductive problems and mechanisms to improve cattle reproduction. The objective of this study was to characterize the vaginal microbiota of cyclical Holstein cows with different parturition orders using 16S rDNA sequencing. Animals were submitted to an estrus synchronization protocol with the use of intravaginal progesterone (P4) implants and were treated or not with ceftiofur hydrochloride. DNA samples were extracted from vaginal swabs on day 0 and 10 of the synchronization, and sequenced with the Illumina MiSeq platform with an average coverage rate of 10.000 reads per samples using a Single-End library for fragments of 300 bp. The main bacterial phyla found in the vaginal tract of Holstein cows, were Firmicutes (37.61%), Tenericutes (29.45%), Proteobacteria (17.47%) and Bacteriodetes (13.73%), followed by Actinobacteria (0.82%) and Spirochaetae (0.45%). The use of intravaginal P4 devices has increased the relative abundance of the genera Family XIII AD3011 and Family XIII unclassified (p < .049). We have also observed an effect of the number of calving on the vaginal microbiota composition, showing that multiparous cows have a greater bacterial diversity than primiparous animals (p < .05). The use of ceftiofur hydrochloride was effective to reduce the vaginal bacteria proliferation. This study describes for the first time the vaginal microbiota of cows synchronized with intravaginal progesterone devices, different from the traditional methods such as microbiological culture and biochemical tests. We have identified a large number of microorganisms commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of cows, colonizing the vaginal microbiota.

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Neospora caninum is a widely distributed parasite, which significantly impacts reproduction in ruminants. This study aimed to survey the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis infection in commercial herds of sheep in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three hundred sheep serum samples were used to investigate anti-N. caninum antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence reaction at a 1:40 dilution. The presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was detected in 20.3% (61/300) of the samples evaluated; however, positive reactions were observed in all (13/13) flocks sampled. Sheep breeds > 1 year of age had 1.2-fold higher risk for infection with N. caninum (odds ratio 2.2 [95% confidence interval 1-5.1]; P < 0.001). These findings should raise awareness on the importance of serological screening, identification of risk factors, and maintenance of preventive measures, such as not allowing dogs to contact sheep feed and not offering the placental remains of ruminants to canids.(AU)

Neospora caninum é um parasita amplamente distribuído e de grande importância para a reprodução de ruminantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento da soroprevalência e dos fatores de risco associados à neosporose em rebanhos comerciais de ovinos no noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram utilizadas 300 amostras de soro de ovelhas para investigar anti-N. caninum por Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (IFAT) com uma diluição de 1:40. A presença de anticorpos anti-N. caninum foi detectada em 20.3 % (61/300) das amostras avaliadas. Reações positivas foram observadas em todos (13/13) os rebanhos amostrados. Ovinos com mais de um ano tiveram 1.2 mais chances de serem infectados por N. caninum (odds ratio 2.2, intervalo de confiança 1-5.1) (P < 0.001). Com esses dados, chamamos atenção para a importância da triagem sorológica, identificação de fatores de risco e manutenção de medidas de prevalência, como não permitir que os cães entrem em contato com a alimentação das ovelhas e não oferecer os restos placentários dos ruminantes aos canídeos.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Neospora caninum is a widely distributed parasite, which significantly impacts reproduction in ruminants. This study aimed to survey the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis infection in commercial herds of sheep in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three hundred sheep serum samples were used to investigate anti-N. caninum antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence reaction at a 1:40 dilution. The presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was detected in 20.3% (61/300) of the samples evaluated; however, positive reactions were observed in all (13/13) flocks sampled. Sheep breeds > 1 year of age had 1.2-fold higher risk for infection with N. caninum (odds ratio 2.2 [95% confidence interval 1-5.1]; P < 0.001). These findings should raise awareness on the importance of serological screening, identification of risk factors, and maintenance of preventive measures, such as not allowing dogs to contact sheep feed and not offering the placental remains of ruminants to canids.

Neospora caninum é um parasita amplamente distribuído e de grande importância para a reprodução de ruminantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento da soroprevalência e dos fatores de risco associados à neosporose em rebanhos comerciais de ovinos no noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram utilizadas 300 amostras de soro de ovelhas para investigar anti-N. caninum por Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (IFAT) com uma diluição de 1:40. A presença de anticorpos anti-N. caninum foi detectada em 20.3 % (61/300) das amostras avaliadas. Reações positivas foram observadas em todos (13/13) os rebanhos amostrados. Ovinos com mais de um ano tiveram 1.2 mais chances de serem infectados por N. caninum (odds ratio 2.2, intervalo de confiança 1-5.1) (P < 0.001). Com esses dados, chamamos atenção para a importância da triagem sorológica, identificação de fatores de risco e manutenção de medidas de prevalência, como não permitir que os cães entrem em contato com a alimentação das ovelhas e não oferecer os restos placentários dos ruminantes aos canídeos.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Twin birth is a complex condition observed in most livestock animals, when the female gives birth to two or more offspring, generally out of the same mating. In cattle, it is a rare condition (3 to 5%) and depends on the genetic background and environmental factors. Twin birth is a result of multiple ovulations, being more common in dairy rather than in beef cattle. Calves could be monozygous or dizygous, with the same or of different sexes. When twins are born with different sexes, a sexual condition called Freemartinism occurs in between 90 to 97% of pregnancies, causing infertility in the female calf. Knowing that the twin rate is rare in commercial beef cattle, here we present an even rarer case of twin birth from two different sires after natural mating, also called heteropaternal superfecundation.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Twin birth is a complex condition observed in most livestock animals, when the female gives birth to two or more offspring, generally out of the same mating. In cattle, it is a rare condition (3 to 5%) and depends on the genetic background and environmental factors. Twin birth is a result of multiple ovulations, being more common in dairy rather than in beef cattle. Calves could be monozygous or dizygous, with the same or of different sexes. When twins are born with different sexes, a sexual condition called Freemartinism occurs in between 90 to 97% of pregnancies, causing infertility in the female calf. Knowing that the twin rate is rare in commercial beef cattle, here we present an even rarer case of twin birth from two different sires after natural mating, also called heteropaternal superfecundation.

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Leptospirosis is a zoonosis that is widely distributed in tropical countries. This infection is also associated with reproductive losses in livestock, which has a significant economic impact. The objective of this study is to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with leptospiral infection in commercial sheep flocks from the northwestern mesoregion of Rio Grande do Sul. Serum samples were analyzed in 319 sheep using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). At the time of sampling, an individual and herd questionnaire was carried out to investigate the risk factors. On an individual level, positive reactions were observed in 5.6% (18/319) of the studied sera, with Sejroe being the most prevalent serogroup. Animals >3 years old were more likely to be seropositive than animals 1-3 years old (OR 14.4; 95% CI 1.9-110). The predominance of Sejroe serogroup in this manner draws attention to how subclinical infection is associated with economic losses. Therefore, the importance of maintaining measures for the prevention and control of leptospirosis among the sheep flocks of the studied region is reiterated.(AU)

A leptospirose é uma zoonose amplamente distribuída em países tropicais. Essa infecção também está associada a perdas reprodutivas na pecuária, apresentando uma relevância econômica notável. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a soroprevalência e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por leptospirose em rebanhos comerciais de ovinos da mesorregião noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Amostras de soro de 319 ovelhas foram analisadas pelo Teste de Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT). No momento da amostragem foi realizado um questionário individual e de rebanho para investigar os fatores de risco. No nível individual, reações positivas foram observadas em 5.6% (18/319) dos soros estudados, sendo Sejroe o sorogrupo mais prevalente. Animals >3 years old were more likely to be seropositive than animals 1-3 years old (OR 14.4; 95% CI 1.9-110). A predominância do sorogrupo Sejroe chama a atenção para a infecção subclínica associada a perdas econômicas. Portanto, reitera-se a importância da manutenção de medidas de prevenção e controle da leptospirose entre os rebanhos ovinos da região estudada.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis that is widely distributed in tropical countries. This infection is also associated with reproductive losses in livestock, which has a significant economic impact. The objective of this study is to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with leptospiral infection in commercial sheep flocks from the northwestern mesoregion of Rio Grande do Sul. Serum samples were analyzed in 319 sheep using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). At the time of sampling, an individual and herd questionnaire was carried out to investigate the risk factors. On an individual level, positive reactions were observed in 5.6% (18/319) of the studied sera, with Sejroe being the most prevalent serogroup. Animals >3 years old were more likely to be seropositive than animals 1-3 years old (OR 14.4; 95% CI 1.9-110). The predominance of Sejroe serogroup in this manner draws attention to how subclinical infection is associated with economic losses. Therefore, the importance of maintaining measures for the prevention and control of leptospirosis among the sheep flocks of the studied region is reiterated.

A leptospirose é uma zoonose amplamente distribuída em países tropicais. Essa infecção também está associada a perdas reprodutivas na pecuária, apresentando uma relevância econômica notável. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a soroprevalência e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por leptospirose em rebanhos comerciais de ovinos da mesorregião noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Amostras de soro de 319 ovelhas foram analisadas pelo Teste de Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT). No momento da amostragem foi realizado um questionário individual e de rebanho para investigar os fatores de risco. No nível individual, reações positivas foram observadas em 5.6% (18/319) dos soros estudados, sendo Sejroe o sorogrupo mais prevalente. Animals >3 years old were more likely to be seropositive than animals 1-3 years old (OR 14.4; 95% CI 1.9-110). A predominância do sorogrupo Sejroe chama a atenção para a infecção subclínica associada a perdas econômicas. Portanto, reitera-se a importância da manutenção de medidas de prevenção e controle da leptospirose entre os rebanhos ovinos da região estudada.

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