Défis au développement de l’insémination artificielle chez le dromadaire

Artificial insemination (AI) in dromedaries remains challenging. A few AI trials with liquid stored semen have been published but they remain too small in term of number of inseminated females. AI trials with frozen-thawed semen have met with very little success. This papers reviews research performed in the area of dromedary semen collection and preservation with a special emphasize on biological differences compared to other species. These include, the viscous nature of camel ejaculate and the need for it liquefaction, the importance of induction of ovulation and possible effect on fertility and the difficult in reliably obtaining good quality ejaculates. We also present the most recent data regarding behavior of camel semen in various extenders and technique for preservation. Areas where further research is needed are pointed out throughout the manuscript. Keywords: Arti?cial insemination, fertility, semen, extenders, dromedary camel.L’insémination artificielle (IA) chez le dromadaire est un vrai défi. Quelques essais d’IA avec du sperme liquide stocké ont été publiés mais le nombre de femelles inséminées et les taux de conception restent relativement faibles. Les essais d’IA avec du sperme congelé et décongelé ont rencontré très peu de succès. Cet article passe en revue les recherches effectuées dans le domaine de la récolte et de la conservation du sperme du dromadaire en insistant particulièrement sur les différences biologiques par rapport aux autres espèces. La nature visqueuse de l’éjaculat du dromadaire et la nécessité de sa liquéfaction, l’importance de l’induction de l’ovulation et son éventuel effet sur la fertilité et la difficulté d’obtenir de façon fiable des éjaculats de bonne qualité. Nous présentons également les données les plus récentes concernant le comportement du sperme du dromadaire vis-à-vis de divers dilueurs et techniques de conservation. Les domaines où d’autres recherches sont nécessaires sont signalés tout au long du manuscrit. Mots-clés: Insémination artificielle, fertilité, sperme, dilueurs, dromadaire

Challenges in the development of artificial insemination in the dromedary camel

Artificial insemination (AI) in dromedaries remains challenging. A few AI trials with liquid stored semen have been published but they remain too small in term of number of inseminated females. AI trials with frozen-thawed semen have met with very little success. This papers reviews research performed in the area of dromedary semen collection and preservation with a special emphasize on biological differences compared to other species. These include, the viscous nature of camel ejaculate and the need for it liquefaction, the importance of induction of ovulation and possible effect on fertility and the difficult in reliably obtaining good quality ejaculates. We also present the most recent data regarding behavior of camel semen in various extenders and technique for preservation. Areas where further research is needed are pointed out throughout the manuscript

Cryoconservation du sperme et des embryons chez les petits ruminants

Cryo-preservation of sperm and embryos is an important biotechnology for preservation and propagation of genetics. The aim of this paper is to review established procedures and recent advances in sheep, goats and some wild small ruminants. The use of frozen-thawed semen is more common in goat than in sheep. This is primarily due to the need for laparoscopic insemination in ewes. The major difference between sheep and goat is in the behavior seminal plasma towards egg yolk proteins. Recently, research focused on development of new approaches to improve freezing extenders by eliminating animal products such as egg-yolk and milk from extenders and their replacement by lecithins from vegetal origin, testing new cryo-protectant and reducing the effects of oxidative stress. The effect of these factors can be tested now more rigorously through the use of various morphological and function techniques such as fluorescent stains, hypoosmotic stress and computerized semen analysis to detect DNA stability, membrane integrity and motion parameters. Small ruminant embryos have been cryopreserved by the slow-cooling technique, which is being slowly replaced by vitrification. In sheep, morulae and early blastocyst are more suitable for freezing. Whereas in goat, expanded blastocysts and hatched blastocyst produce better results. Pregnancy rates after transfer of cryopreservation sheep and goat embryos yields acceptable results when management of recipients and transfer techniques are performed adequately. Keywords: Freezing, sperm, embryos, insemination, fertility, extenders.La congélation du sperme et des embryons est une biotechnologie importante pour la conservation et propagation de la génétique. L’objectif de cet article est discuter les techniques de congélation établies ainsi que les acquisitions récentes dans ce domaine chez les ovins, caprins et petits ruminant sauvages. L’utilisation du sperme congelé en production est plus développée chez les caprins que chez les ovins. Ceci est principalement dû au besoin de l’utilisation de l’insémination par laparoscopie chez les brebis. La plus grande différence entre les caprins et les ovins est le comportement du plasma séminal vis as vis des protéines du jaune d’œuf. Récemment, les efforts de recherches se sont penchés principalement sur le développement de nouvelles approches pour l’amélioration des dilueurs de congélation. Les axes les plus importants étant le remplacement des protéines animales (jaune d’œuf et lait) par les lécithines végétales, l’utilisation de cryoprotcteurs autres que le glycérol, et la réduction des effets de l’oxydation des lipides. L’introduction de méthodes d’analyses de la morphologie et fonction des spermatozoïdes, telles que les techniques de fluorescence, les tests hypopsmotiques et l’évaluation numérique de la mobilité, permet une évaluation plus rigoureuse des effets de ces facteurs sur la congélabilité du sperme La conservation des embryons des petits ruminants par vitrification se développe de plus en plus et pourrait remplacer les techniques lentes, plus laborieuses et coûteuses. Chez les ovins, les morulas et blastocystes semblent être plus résistants à la congélation. Par contre chez les caprins, les blastocystes en expansion et éclos sont plus résistants à la congélation que les morulas et jeunes blastocyste. Les taux de gestation obtenus après transfert d’embryons congelés sont très intéressants surtout quand la gestion des receveuses est adéquate et les techniques de transfert sont maîtrisées. Mots-clés: Congélation, sperme, embryons, insémination, fertilité, dilueurs

Cryo-preservation of sperm and embryos in small ruminants

Cryo-preservation of sperm and embryos is an important biotechnology for preservation and propagation of genetics. The aim of this paper is to review established procedures and recent advances in sheep, goats and some wild small ruminants. The use of frozen-thawed semen is more common in goat than in sheep. This is primarily due to the need for laparoscopic insemination in ewes. The major difference between sheep and goat is in the behavior seminal plasma towards egg yolk protein. Recently, research focused on development of new approaches to improve freezing extenders by eliminating animal products such as egg-yolk and milk from extenders and their replacement by lecithins from vegetal origin, testing new cryo-protectant and reducing the effects of oxidative stress. The effect of these factors can be tested now more rigorously through the use of various morphological and function techniques such as fluorescent stains, hypoosmotic stress and computerized semen analysis to detect DNA stability, membrane integrity and motion parameters. Small ruminant embryos have been cryopreserved by the slow-cooling technique, which is being slowly replaced by vitrification. In sheep, morulae and early blastocyst are more suitable for freezing. Whereas in goat, expanded blastocysts and hatched blastocyst produce better results. Pregnancy rates after transfer of cryopreservation sheep and goat embryos yields acceptable results when management of recipients and transfer techniques are performed adequately

Examen de l’aptitude à la reproduction chez le bélier et le bouc

Male breeding soundness examination (BSE) is an important component of sheep and goat farming. BSE is best performed 2 months before the breeding season and is based on clinical and physical examination as well as sperm abnormalities detection. Rams are classified based on physical examination and semen evaluation finding in one of 4 categories: Unsatisfactory, questionable, satisfactory, and excellent. The satisfactory rams will achieve good reproductive performance if joined to ewes at a ratio of 1:50 for 60 days. However exceptional rams are expected to achieve good reproductive performance at a ratio of 1 ram to 100 ewes. For Buck, scrotal circumference should be at least 25 cm for breeds weighing more than 40 kg. Buck is deemed satisfactory breeder if he passes the physical examination, and has an ejaculate with at least 50 % progressively motile spermatozoa and less than 30 % total sperm abnormalities. This paper reviews factors affecting fertility, sperm production and quality as well as libido and mating ability in the ram. Details of genital examination and semen evaluation and interpretation of results are discussed. Classification of rams according to their reproductive potential is presented. Specific recommendations, when available for the buck, are highlighted. The main genital diseases are presented. The most frequent culling reason for ram is epididymitis due to Brucella ovis. Systematic culling of rams with epididymitis improves flock lambing rates by 10 to 15 %. Overall, the examination of the reproductive capacity in the ram and the buck is an important tool for improvement of flocks/herds fertility and prevention of contagious or hereditary diseases. Keywords: Genital diseases, fertility, sheep, goat.L’examen de l’aptitude à la reproduction (EAR) du mâle est une composante importante de l’élevage des petits ruminants. L’EAR est mieux réalisée 2 mois avant la saison de reproduction. Il est basé sur l’examen clinique et physique ainsi que sur la détection des anomalies des spermatozoïdes. En considérant les résultats de cet examen, les béliers sont classés en 4 catégories: Insatisfaisant, douteux, satisfaisant et excellent. Les béliers satisfaisants permettront d’obtenir de bonnes performances de reproduction s’ils sont mis pendant 60 jours pour saillir des brebis au ratio de 1:50. Cependant, des béliers exceptionnels peuvent réaliser une bonne performance reproductive au ratio de 1 bélier pour 100 brebis. Chez le bouc, la circonférence scrotale doit être d’au moins 25 cm pour les races pesant plus de 40 kg. Il est considéré comme satisfaisant s’il passe l’examen physique et produit un éjaculat avec au moins 50 % de spermatozoïdes progressivement mobiles et moins de 30 % d’anomalies totales des spermatozoïdes. Cet article examine les facteurs affectant la fertilité, la production et la qualité du sperme ainsi que la libido et la capacité de saillie chez le bélier. Les détails de l’examen de l’appareil génital et du sperme et l’interprétation des résultats sont traités. La classification des béliers selon leur potentiel de reproduction est présentée. Des recommandations spécifiques, lorsqu’elles sont disponibles pour le bouc, sont mises en évidence. Les principales maladies génitales sont traitées. La cause de réforme la plus fréquente chez le bélier est l’épididymite à Brucella ovis. La réforme systématique des béliers à épididymite améliore les taux d’agnelage des troupeaux de 10 à 15 %. Globalement, l’examen de l’aptitude de reproduction chez le bélier et le bouc est un outil important pour l’amélioration de la fertilité des troupeaux et la prévention des maladies contagieuses ou héréditaires. Mots-clés: Reproduction, maladies génitales, fertilité, bélier, bou

Gross anatomy and ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive organs in rams and bucks

Breeding soundness examination (BSE) of rams and bucks is performed by veterinarians as a service for producers to help identifying males that may not be capable of settling females early in the breeding season and sire off spring with the genetic potential for rapid and efficient growth. In the routine BSE, palpation of the testis cannot assess with accuracy testicular parenchyma and presence of small lesions. Ultrasonography and testicular biometric parameters are a better approach for evaluation of the testes. In addition, testicular ultrasonography can be a precious tool for the evaluation of scrotal circumference and testicular volume and prediction fertility potential. To provide a basis for this BSE, this paper presents a detailed overview of the anatomy of ram and buck reproductive system and outlines the basis for ultrasonographic examination of the genital tract. Common and uncommon ultrasonographically visible lesions of the scrotum and its content including abnormalities of the various testicular envelops, the spermatic cord, the testicular parenchyma, the epididymis and the internal genitalia are described and illustrated

Anatomie et examen échographique des organes génitaux chez le bélier et le bouc

Breeding soundness examination (BSE) of rams and bucks is performed by veterinarians as a service for producers to help identify males that may not be capable of settling females early in the breeding season and sire offspring with the genetic potential for rapid and efficient growth. In the routine BSE, palpation of the testis cannot assess with accuracy testicular parenchyma and presence of small lesions. Ultrasonography and testicular biometric parameters are a better approach for evaluation of the testes. In addition, testicular ultrasonography can be a important tool for the evaluation of scrotal circumference and testicular volume and prediction of fertility potential. To provide a basis for this BSE, this paper presents a detailed overview of the anatomy of ram and buck reproductive system and outlines the basis for ultrasonographic examination of the genital tract. Common and uncommon ultrasonographically visible lesions of the scrotum and its content including abnormalities of the various testicular envelops, the spermatic cord, the testicular parenchyma, the epididymis and the internal genitalia are described and illustrated. Keywords: Ram, buck, breeding soundness examination, genital tract, anatomy, ultrasonography.L’examen de l’aptitude à la reproduction (EAR) des géniteurs réalisé par les vétérinaires permet d’identifier dès le début de la saison de reproduction, les mâles qui seraient capables de fertiliser des femelles. Ces mâles sont supposés garantir la production de descendants porteurs d’un potentiel génétique qui assure une croissance rapide et efficace. Lors de la réalisation d’un EAR de routine, la palpation du testicule ne permet pas d’évaluer avec précision l’état du parenchyme testiculaire et de détecter la présence de petites lésions. L’échographie et la détermination des paramètres biométriques testiculaires constituent une meilleure approche pour l’évaluation de l’état sanitaire des testicules. En outre, l’échographie testiculaire peut être un outil précieux pour l’évaluation de la circonférence scrotale et du volume testiculaire et pour la prédiction du potentiel de fertilité. Le présent article présente en détail l’anatomie du système reproducteur du bélier et du bouc, et décrit ensuite les bases de l’examen échographique du tractus génital. Les lésions échographiquement visibles du scrotum et son contenu, y compris les anomalies des différentes enveloppes testiculaires, le cordon spermatique, le parenchyme testiculaire, l’épididyme et les organes génitaux internes y sont détaillées et illustrées. Mots-clés: Bélier, bouc, examen de reproduction, tractus génital, anatomie, échographie

Ram and Buck Breeding Soundness Examination

Male breeding soundness examination (BSE) is an important component of sheep and goat farming. BSE is best performed 2 months before the breeding season and is based on clinical and physical examination as well as sperm abnormalities detection. Rams are classified based on physical examination and semen evaluation finding in one of 4 categories: Unsatisfactory, questionable, satisfactory, and excellent. The satisfactory rams will achieve good reproductive performance if joined to ewes at a ratio of 1:50 for 60 days. However exceptional rams are expected to achieve good reproductive performance at a ratio of 1 ram to 100 ewes. For Buck, scrotal circumference should be at least 25 cm for breeds weighing more than 40 kg. Buck is deemed satisfactory breeder if he passes the physical examination, and has an ejaculate with at least 50% progressively motile spermatozoa and less than 30% total sperm abnormalities. This paper reviews factors affecting fertility, sperm production and quality as well as libido and mating ability in the ram. Details of genital examination and semen evaluation and interpretation of results are discussed. Classification of rams according to their reproductive potential is presented. Specific recommendations, when available for the buck, are highlighted. The main genital diseases are presented. The most frequent culling reason for ram is epididymitis due to Brucella ovis. Systematic culling of rams with epididymitis improves flock lambing rates by 10 to 15%. Overall, the examination of the reproductive capacity in the ram and the buck is an important tool for improvement of flocks/herds fertility and prevention of contagious or hereditary diseases

Sex Disparities in the Treatment and Control of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE—To assess whether sex differences exist in the effective control and medication treatment intensity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors

An 8.22 Mb Assembly and Annotation of the Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Y Chromosome.

The unique evolutionary dynamics and complex structure make the Y chromosome the most diverse and least understood region in the mammalian genome, despite its undisputable role in sex determination, development, and male fertility. Here we present the first contig-level annotated draft assembly for the alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Y chromosome based on hybrid assembly of short- and long-read sequence data of flow-sorted Y. The latter was also used for cDNA selection providing Y-enriched testis transcriptome for annotation. The final assembly of 8.22 Mb comprised 4.5 Mb of male specific Y (MSY) and 3.7 Mb of the pseudoautosomal region. In MSY, we annotated 15 X-degenerate genes and two novel transcripts, but no transposed sequences. Two MSY genes, HSFY and RBMY, are multicopy. The pseudoautosomal boundary is located between SHROOM2 and HSFY. Comparative analysis shows that the small and cytogenetically distinct alpaca Y shares most of MSY sequences with the larger dromedary and Bactrian camel Y chromosomes. Most of alpaca X-degenerate genes are also shared with other mammalian MSYs, though WWC3Y is Y-specific only in alpaca/camels and the horse. The partial alpaca Y assembly is a starting point for further expansion and will have applications in the study of camelid populations and male biology