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Animals
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Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction
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Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 22953

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marilena Bazzano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, MC, Italy
Interests: equine medicine and reproduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alessandro Troisi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
Interests: canine; feline; reproduction; pregnancy; neonatology; assisted reproductive techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The reliable assessment of reproductive soundness represents one of the main concerns when evaluating both male and female breeders. A number of physiological and pathological conditions may affect the fertility of domestic animals and the possibility of obtaining viable offspring. The continuous search for innovative diagnostic techniques, like the application of the omics technologies or advanced ultrasonography, to identify specific pathological conditions, as well as the use of novel therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat reproductive diseases, are essential in order to improve breeders’ reproductive efficiency and the health status of their offspring.

We invite original research papers, review articles, as well as short communications concerning novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to recognise and treat those pathological conditions affecting male and female breeders of domestic animal species. Additional topics about diagnosis and therapy of neonatal disease are welcome.

Dr. Marilena Bazzano
Dr. Alessandro Troisi
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. 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

  • Animal reproduction
  • Pregnancy
  • Newborn
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies
  • Fertility
  • Semen
  • Domestic animals
  • Omics technologies
  • Ultrasonography

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

2 pages, 183 KiB  
Editorial
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction
by Marilena Bazzano and Alessandro Troisi
Animals 2022, 12(11), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111457 - 04 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1284
Abstract
Reproductive physiology and breeding have fascinated scientist since ancient times, and it is not surprising that explorations in these fields are included among the oldest and most well-documented branches of veterinary medicine [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction)

Research

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14 pages, 5035 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between the Testicular Blood Flow and the Semen Parameters of Rams during the Selected Periods of the Breeding and Non-Breeding Seasons
by Natalia Kozłowska, Ricardo Faundez, Kamil Borzyszkowski, Sebastian Dąbrowski, Tomasz Jasiński and Małgorzata Domino
Animals 2022, 12(6), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12060760 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2565
Abstract
The study aimed to conduct advanced semen evaluation tests during routine ram examination periods in the breeding and non-breeding seasons and to investigate their correlation with the dynamics of testicular blood flow. Semen was collected from eighteen rams, and pulse wave Doppler examination [...] Read more.
The study aimed to conduct advanced semen evaluation tests during routine ram examination periods in the breeding and non-breeding seasons and to investigate their correlation with the dynamics of testicular blood flow. Semen was collected from eighteen rams, and pulse wave Doppler examination before (BBS), during (BS), and after the breeding season (ABS). Routine and advanced semen analysis, including computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD), and motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), were conducted. In Doppler ultrasonography, the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. In BS period, high sperm concentration (p < 0.0001) and total sperm number/ejaculate (p = 0.008) were noted. During the BBS period, a low percentage of forwarding motility (p = 0.017) and high sperm abnormalities (p = 0.005) were found. Also during this period, both SCD and MSOME revealed high sperm DNA fragmentation (p < 0.0001) and signs of vacuolization (Grade II-IV, p < 0.05). The advanced features of higher sperm abnormalities (Grade IV of MSOME) correlated with an increase RI (ρє <0.60;0.61>) and PI (ρє <0.46;0.52>), whereas the basic percentage of sperm abnormalities correlated with the EDV (ρє <0.44;0.73>) value. One may conclude that the current preliminary study requires further research concerning the monthly examination of a ram to provide full yearly characteristics of the relation between advanced semen evaluation tests and the dynamics of testicular blood flow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction)
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25 pages, 1310 KiB  
Article
Progesterone Concentrations during Canine Pregnancy
by Janna Hinderer, Julia Lüdeke, Lisa Riege, Peggy Haimerl, Alexander Bartel, Barbara Kohn, Corinna Weber, Elisabeth Müller and Sebastian P. Arlt
Animals 2021, 11(12), 3369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123369 - 24 Nov 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7513
Abstract
Pregnancy and lactation are amongst the most challenging times of a bitch’s life. Most studies focusing on the endocrinological aspect of pregnancy consider only a small number of animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate progesterone (P4) concentrations in a large [...] Read more.
Pregnancy and lactation are amongst the most challenging times of a bitch’s life. Most studies focusing on the endocrinological aspect of pregnancy consider only a small number of animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate progesterone (P4) concentrations in a large number of bitches during early, mid and late pregnancy. In total, 126 bitches of various breeds were recruited following a thorough clinical and gynecological examination during estrus. Blood samples were collected three times (T1–T3) during pregnancy or from non-pregnant dogs in diestrus, and P4 was measured via chemiluminescence. At T1 (11–19 days post-ovulation (dpo)), serum P4 concentrations were 30.23 ± 6.65 ng/mL and 28.45 ± 6.26 ng/mL, at T2 (23–32 dpo) they were 22.73 ± 6.27 ng/mL and 22.59 ± 5.77 ng/mL and at T3 (52–60 dpo) they were 6.68 ± 2.18 ng/mL and 3.17 ± 2.26 ng/mL, in pregnant (n = 98) and non-pregnant (n = 23) dogs respectively. The P4 concentrations differed significantly between pregnant and non-pregnant animals at the last examination (p ≤ 0.001). In the context of hypoluteoidism, the gathered data yielded interesting results. Overall, 28 out of 98 pregnant bitches showed a greater decline (>15 ng/mL) in P4 concentrations from early to mid-pregnancy, and 56 bitches showed P4 concentrations lower than deemed adequate (>20 ng/mL at T1 and T2, >5 ng/mL at T3) according to existing recommendations. Despite not being supplemented with P4, none of those animals suffered from abortion or preterm delivery. Considering that supplementation of P4 can entail considerable risks for the bitch and the puppies, more research on P4 concentration patterns, diagnosis of hypoluteoidism and treatment indications and options is indicated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction)
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12 pages, 1308 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Secretion of Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines and Acute-Phase Proteins in the Uterus after Artificial Insemination in the Mare
by Katarzyna Wojtysiak, Wojciech Ryszka, Tadeusz Stefaniak, Jarosław Król and Roland Kozdrowski
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122438 - 19 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2050
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interleukin-10 (IL-10), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) in uterine lavage fluid before and after artificial insemination (AI). Based on ultrasound examination, mares were divided into: Group [...] Read more.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interleukin-10 (IL-10), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) in uterine lavage fluid before and after artificial insemination (AI). Based on ultrasound examination, mares were divided into: Group 1 (n = 9), no fluid was detected in the uterus during estrus and 7 h after AI; Group 2 (n = 8), no fluid was detected in the uterus during estrus but 7 h after AI fluid was detected in the uterus; Group 3 (n = 8), fluid was detected in the uterus during estrus and also 7 h after AI. In all groups of mares, a significant increase in polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and a significant increase in IL-1RA and SAA were recorded 7 h after AI. The obtained results show that, regardless of the status of the mare before AI, the endometrial response characterized by PMN influx, and SAA, Hp, IL-1RA and IL-10 production, is similar. The presence of intrauterine fluid during estrus is not connected with PMN influx but can impact uterine IL-1RA production at this time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction)
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13 pages, 2581 KiB  
Article
Clinical Changes and Uterine Hemodynamic in Pyometra Medically Treated Bitches
by Roberto Rodrigues da Rosa Filho, Maíra Morales Brito, Thaís Gomes Faustino, Leticia Lima de Almeida, Thayná Pantoja Gardés, Roberta Ferreira Leite and Camila Infantosi Vannucchi
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112011 - 31 Oct 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2973
Abstract
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia–pyometra complex is a canine endometrial disorder, considered the most common and important among uterine diseases. The treatment of choice is ovariohysterectomy, but medical treatments have become an alternative. However, no studies have been performed in order to evaluate uterine hemodynamic [...] Read more.
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia–pyometra complex is a canine endometrial disorder, considered the most common and important among uterine diseases. The treatment of choice is ovariohysterectomy, but medical treatments have become an alternative. However, no studies have been performed in order to evaluate uterine hemodynamic changes during medical treatment for pyometra bitches. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two medical protocols by means of clinical (heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature), medullar response (complete blood count (CBC)) and uterine hemodynamic evaluation in pyometra bitches. For such purpose, 10 bitches with pyometra were assigned to two groups: Aglepristone Group (n = 5) and Associative Group (aglepristone + prostaglandin; n = 5). The Associative Group had altered respiratory rate and decreased body temperature. The Aglepristone Group had decreased plasma protein, however, leukocyte count reduced over time for both therapeutic protocols. Uterine area and vascularization score decreased throughout treatment. There was a significant reduction in uterine perimeter, area and vascularization score. The Associative Group had lower final diastolic velocity and higher systole:diastole ratio (S/D), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI). In conclusion, both medical treatments are effective in reversing clinical and CBC changes of pyometra, especially aglepristone, however they cannot fully restore local uterine changes in a short-term evaluation. Conversely, associative therapy was more effective in decreasing uterine vascularization and modulating uterine blood flow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction)
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Review

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11 pages, 303 KiB  
Review
Serum Amyloid A as a Promising Biomarker in Domestic Animals’ Reproduction: Current Knowledge and Future Perspective
by Marilena Bazzano, Andrea Marchegiani, Alessandro Troisi, Amy McLean and Fulvio Laus
Animals 2022, 12(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050589 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2727
Abstract
The investigation of acute phase proteins in veterinary medicine has opened the doors towards the identification and use of new markers for a timely assessment of health status in both companion and food-producing animals. The aim of this paper is to review the [...] Read more.
The investigation of acute phase proteins in veterinary medicine has opened the doors towards the identification and use of new markers for a timely assessment of health status in both companion and food-producing animals. The aim of this paper is to review the literature available on the use of serum amyloid A (SAA), an acute phase protein, for the diagnosis and monitoring of reproductive disorders in animals. This review critically appraises the usefulness of such marker in clinical practice and summarizes the current state of knowledge. Recent advances in the diagnosis and monitoring of reproductive diseases are presented, highlighting where SAA evaluation may enhance early diagnostic tools for dogs, cats, cattle, and equines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction)

Other

8 pages, 253 KiB  
Case Report
Influence of a Single Dose of Meloxicam Administrated during Canine Estrus on Progesterone Concentration and Fertility—A Clinical Case Study
by Michał Dzięcioł, Aleksandra Szpaczek, Oliwia Uchańska and Wojciech Niżański
Animals 2022, 12(5), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050655 - 04 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2627
Abstract
This case report presents an observation of the influence of meloxicam administration, during the periovulatory phase, on corpora lutea function in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). A 2 year old female German Shepherd dog, with a level of progesterone suggestive of the periovulatory [...] Read more.
This case report presents an observation of the influence of meloxicam administration, during the periovulatory phase, on corpora lutea function in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). A 2 year old female German Shepherd dog, with a level of progesterone suggestive of the periovulatory period (5.97 ng/mL), received a single subcutaneous injection of meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg body weight). In this female, subsequent evaluation to detect the optimal time for mating revealed a strong decrease in P4 (2.77 ng/mL), although it increased to 13.98 ng/mL within the following three days. The same female conceived and delivered a litter of the same size as in a subsequent cycle where meloxicam was not administered. The use of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and particularly meloxicam, as a COX-2 inhibitor that influences the production of prostaglandins has been reported as being potentially harmful for ovulation and pregnancy in various species, including humans. In dogs, the secretion of prostaglandin E (PGE) is thought to be important for ovulation and the formation of the corpora lutea, the only source of P4, which is required for pregnancy maintenance. Although previous case reports have indicated an influence of meloxicam administration on CL function in domestic dogs, here, the decreased progesterone level observed directly after a single dose of meloxicam was only temporary, with no negative impact on fertility. Based on our observations, further studies related to the influence of the timing of meloxicam administration on ovarian cycle advancement, as well as the influence of duration of treatment, dosage, and route of administration on progesterone levels, as an indicator of CL function, are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction)
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