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Animals
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Nutrition and Reproduction Relationships in Animals
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Nutrition and Reproduction Relationships in Animals

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 8904

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ignacio Contreras

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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
Interests: embryo development; maternal–embryo relationships; ovarian function; estrus synchronization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cristian Porcu

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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
Interests: animal reproduction; nutrition; physiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that the profitability of livestock production systems depends on the efficiency of reproductive management. In farm animals, reproductive performances are mainly determined by the fertility and prolificacy at the first reproductive season and at the adult stage. However, despite efforts to enhance the reproductive indexes in different mammal species, reproductive failures continue to negatively affect the fertility rate. These failures are often associated with livestock’s intrinsic (e.g., breed, high-yield animals) or extrinsic factors (e.g., nutrition, environment, climate). In this sense, nutritional factors and their effects on reproductive physiology have been the aim of studies on different species during the last decade. In fact, the strategic use of different nutrients or feed additives has been a useful tool to enhance the reproductive performance in both females and males as well as an alternative means to reduce the dependency of hormonal treatment commonly used in domestic animals. Thus, the aim of the present Special Issue is to highlight the state of the art in the use of feed additives and strategic supplementation as an alternative to improve the reproductive and productive indicators in domestic animals.

Dr. Ignacio Contreras
Dr. Cristian Porcu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nutrition
  • reproduction
  • production
  • domestic animals

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 915 KiB  
Article
High Concentrate Supplementation during Late Pregnancy and Lambing Reduced Mortality of Triplet-Bearing Maternal Ewes
by Emmanuelle Haslin, Sarah E. Blumer, Darren Gordon, Gavin A. Kearney, Paul R. Kenyon, Lyndon J. Kubeil, Gordon Refshauge, Jason P. Trompf and Andrew N. Thompson
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162302 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 763
Abstract
Low survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs represents lost production and a welfare issue. The effects of feed-on-offer (FOO; low: 1205 vs. high: 1980 kg DM/ha) and concentrate supplementation (low: 50 vs. high: 300+ g/ewe/day) levels during late pregnancy and lambing on [...] Read more.
Low survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs represents lost production and a welfare issue. The effects of feed-on-offer (FOO; low: 1205 vs. high: 1980 kg DM/ha) and concentrate supplementation (low: 50 vs. high: 300+ g/ewe/day) levels during late pregnancy and lambing on the survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs were investigated on 10 commercial farms using 1772 triplet-bearing Maternal ewes. Ewe and lamb survival were estimated at marking, and ewe body condition score (BCS) was recorded in late pregnancy and at marking. Although FOO treatment had no effect on triplet-bearing ewe mortality, receiving higher supplementation decreased mortality by 40% and increased BCS at marking by 0.14 compared with a lower supplementation (p < 0.05). Supplementation, FOO treatments, weather conditions during lambing and shelter availability had no effect on triplet-lamb survival. These findings suggest no additional benefit to triplet-bearing ewe survival when FOO levels exceed 1200 kg DM/ha during late pregnancy and lambing, but increased supplementation can reduce ewe mortality. Further research is required to determine the response to the supplementation level at lower FOO levels on triplet-bearing Merino ewes and their lambs and establish whether supplementation of triplet-bearing ewes during late pregnancy and lambing with higher levels of concentrates would be cost-effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Reproduction Relationships in Animals)
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14 pages, 1305 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Role of IGF-I in Fertility: Effect of Long-Acting Bovine Somatotropin (bST) on Terminal Follicular Development and Fertility during an Annual Reproductive Cycle in Sheep
by José Francisco Cox, Albert Carrasco, Felipe Navarrete, Rodrigo Allende, Fernando Saravia and Jesús Dorado
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071097 - 4 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1526
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the effect of long-acting bST treatment, in a dose that only increases IGF-I plasma concentrations, on ovarian and fertility markers of estrous synchronized ewes that were fed to keep their bodyweight. Three experiments were designed to evaluate this [...] Read more.
The study aimed to assess the effect of long-acting bST treatment, in a dose that only increases IGF-I plasma concentrations, on ovarian and fertility markers of estrous synchronized ewes that were fed to keep their bodyweight. Three experiments were designed to evaluate this effect: in Experiment 1, 18 ewes were distributed in groups (bST 0, 30, 50 mg) to measure plasma IGF-I and insulin for 15 days; in Experiment 2, 92 ewes (5 replicates) in two groups (0 and 30 mg bST) were synchronized using a 6-day progesterone protocol during the breeding season to assess the effect of bST on follicular and luteal performances, estrous and ovulation, and fertility after mating. In Experiment 3, 50 ewes (3 replicates) were used to repeat the study before but during anestrus. Results indicate that 50 mg bST increased IGF-I and insulin plasma concentrations, but 30 mg bST only increased IGF-I concentrations; and that only during the breeding season did 30 mg bST increase the number of lambs born and the reproductive success of ovulatory-sized follicles compared to controls. This occurred without it affecting any other reproductive marker. In conclusion, 30 mg bST treatment may improve oocyte competence for fertility during the breeding season. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Reproduction Relationships in Animals)
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18 pages, 1366 KiB  
Article
The Impacts of Supplemental Protein during Development on Amino Acid Concentrations in the Uterus and Pregnancy Outcomes of Angus Heifers
by Kiernan J. Brandt, Taylor B. Ault-Seay, Rebecca R. Payton, Liesel G. Schneider, J. Lannett Edwards, Phillip R. Myer, Justin D. Rhinehart and Kyle J. McLean
Animals 2023, 13(12), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121995 - 15 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1404
Abstract
Replacement heifer development is one of the most critical components in beef production. The composition of the ideal uterine environment could maximize fertility and reproductive efficiency. Our hypothesis was that protein supplementation would affect the uterine environment of beef heifers without inhibiting development [...] Read more.
Replacement heifer development is one of the most critical components in beef production. The composition of the ideal uterine environment could maximize fertility and reproductive efficiency. Our hypothesis was that protein supplementation would affect the uterine environment of beef heifers without inhibiting development or reproduction. To test the effects of dietary supplementation on these outcomes, a randomized complete block design with repeated measures was implemented. Angus heifers (n = 60) were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of three supplemental protein treatment groups (10% (CON), 20% (P20), and 40% (P40)). Mixed model ANOVAs were used to determine whether protein supplementation treatments, time, and the interaction or protein supplementation, semen exposure, and the interaction influenced uterine luminal fluid (ULF) and pregnancy outcomes. Amino acids (AAs) were impacted (p < 0.001), specifically, the essential AAs: Arg, Iso, Leu, Val, His, Lys, Met, Phe, Trp. Protein supplementation influenced multiple AAs post-insemination: Arg (p = 0.03), CC (p = 0.05), 1-MH (p = 0.001), and Orn (p = 0.03). In conclusion, protein supplementation did not affect the reproductive development via puberty attainment or the timing of conception even with alterations in growth. However, uterine AA concentrations did change throughout development and protein supplementation influenced ULF d 14 post-insemination, which may affect the conception rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Reproduction Relationships in Animals)
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13 pages, 776 KiB  
Article
Effect of Strategic Supplementation of Dietary By-Pass Linseed Oil on Fertility and Milk Quality in Sarda Ewes
by Ignacio Contreras-Solís, Cristian Porcu, Francesca D. Sotgiu, Fabrizio Chessa, Valeria Pasciu, Maria Dattena, Marco Caredda, José Alfonso Abecia, Giovanni Molle and Fiammetta Berlinguer
Animals 2023, 13(2), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13020280 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1796
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess whether the strategic supplementation of bypass LO can enhance reproductive indexes—fertility, lambing rate, and prolificacy—in dairy Sarda ewes at the end of lactation. To assess whether LO supplementation leads to the adsorptions of PUFAs [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to assess whether the strategic supplementation of bypass LO can enhance reproductive indexes—fertility, lambing rate, and prolificacy—in dairy Sarda ewes at the end of lactation. To assess whether LO supplementation leads to the adsorptions of PUFAs and their subsequent utilization by the body tissues, milk composition and fatty acid content were analyzed. Forty-eight ewes were assigned to the following groups: the control group (CT; N = 24), fed with a control diet without LO; and the treatment group (LO; N = 24), fed with a diet supplemented with LO (10.8 g/ewe/day). Both diets had similar crude protein and energy levels and were offered for 38 days (−21 to +17 days after artificial insemination). The trial included an adaptation period (7 days) followed by a regular supplementation (31 days) period. Estrus synchronization was induced in all the ewes using an intravaginal sponge and equine chorionic gonadotropin. Fifty-five hours after pessaries withdrawal, all ewes were inseminated using the cervical route and fresh semen. Cholesterol (p < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.001), and triglyceride (p < 0.05) levels in plasma were higher in the LO group. Plasmatic levels of non-esterified fatty acids were lower in the LO group after the end of the supplementation period (p < 0.05). Milk unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), PUFAs omega 3 (PUFAs-ω3) and 6 (PUFAs-ω6), and trans fatty acids were higher in the LO group (p < 0.001), while saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were higher in the CT group during the supplementation period (p < 0.001). Three days after the end of the supplementation period, the content of milk UFAs (p < 0.05), PUFAs (p < 0.001), MUFAs, and PUFAs-ω6 (p < 0.01) were still higher in the LO group. whereas SFA was higher in the CT group (p < 0.01). There was no difference between groups in terms of ovulation rate, progesterone levels in plasma, fertility rate, prolificacy, and total reproductive wastage. However, the total area of luteal tissue was higher in the LO group (p < 0.01). Results obtained demonstrated that LO supplementation exerts a positive role in corpus luteum size at the onset of the peri-implantation period in Sarda dairy ewes. Additionally, the results obtained in the present study showed that the use of dietary bypass LO affects lipid metabolites in plasma and milk fatty acid profiles, demonstrating the ALA uptake by body tissues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Reproduction Relationships in Animals)
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17 pages, 6411 KiB  
Article
A Proteomic Study of the Effect of N-acetylcysteine on the Regulation of Early Pregnancy in Goats
by Peifang Yang, Xiang Chen, Xingzhou Tian, Zhinan Zhou, Yan Zhang, Wen Tang, Kaibin Fu, Jiafu Zhao and Yong Ruan
Animals 2022, 12(18), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182439 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1869
Abstract
Dietary supplementation with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) may support early pregnancy regulation and fertility in female animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation with 0.07% NAC on the expression of the uterine keratin gene and protein in Qianbei-pockmarked goats [...] Read more.
Dietary supplementation with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) may support early pregnancy regulation and fertility in female animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation with 0.07% NAC on the expression of the uterine keratin gene and protein in Qianbei-pockmarked goats during early pregnancy using tandem mass spectrometry (TMT) relative quantitative proteomics. The results showed that there were significant differences in uterine keratin expression between the experimental group (NAC group) and the control group on day 35 of gestation. A total of 6271 proteins were identified, 6258 of which were quantified by mass spectrometry. There were 125 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 47 upregulated and 78 downregulated proteins, in the NAC group. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these DEPs were mainly involved in the transport and biosynthesis of organic matter and were related to the binding of transition metal ions, DNA and proteins and the catalytic activity of enzymes. They were enriched in the Jak-STAT signalling pathway, RNA monitoring pathway, amino acid biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis and other pathways that may affect the early pregnancy status of does through different pathways and thus influence early embryonic development. Immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the expression and localization of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and pelota mRNA surveillance and ribosomal rescue factor (PELO) in uterine horn tissue. The results showed that both PELO and GFAP were localized to endometrial and stromal cells, consistent with the mass spectrometry data at the transcriptional and translational levels. Moreover, NAC supplementation increased the levels of the reproductive hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutamate peroxidase (GSH-Px) and nitric oxide (NO) in the serum of does. These findings provide new insight into the mechanism by which NAC regulates early pregnancy and embryonic development in goats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Reproduction Relationships in Animals)
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