Gut microbiota affects the estrus return of sows by regulating the metabolism of sex steroid hormones

Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.

Effects of Ficus asperifolia on normal rat estrus cyclicity

Objective:To evaluate Ficus asperifolia(Moraceae)(F.asperifolia)effecting on regular estrus cycle of Wistar rats.Methods:Air-dried fruits of F.asperifolia were extracted using water.Prior to the test,vaginal smear was monitored daily for a 3-week period to select females with normal(regular)estrous cycle.Those with regular estrus cycle weighing between 150-170 g were randomized into three sets of 15 animals each.Each set was then divided into three groups:Group 1(control)was orally administered with distilled water(10 mL/kg body weight)once a day for 1 week starting from the proestrus stage.Groups 2 and 3 were respectively treated with 100and 500 mg/kg body weight of the plant aqueous extract.The two other sets of 15 animals each were similarly treated as the first set for 3 weeks and 6 weeks respectively.Estrus cycle pattern was monitored before and during plant extract application whereas lipid profile,ovary,uterus and liver growth indices were determined at the end of each treatment.Results:F.asperifolia did not disrupt(0%)the order of appearance of normal estrus cycle stages,namely,proestrus,estrus,metestrus and diestrus.Short-term treatment(1 week duration)exhibited high frequency of appearance of proestrus and estrus stages while mid-(3 weeks)and long-term(6 weeks)treatments revealed constancy in the frequency of all stages irrespective to animal groups.The plasma and organ lipid profile,as well as ovary,uterus and liver growth remained unchanged when compared to distilled water-treated animals.Following long-term administration of plant extract(6 weeks),no adverse effect was noticed.Conclusions:Our data partially support the use of F.asperifolia in common medicine.

Identification Effects of Pedometer on Estrus of Holstein Cows during Peak Lactation Period

[Objective]The paper was to discuss identification effects of pedometer on estrus of Holstein cows during peak lactation period. [Method]The estrus of Holstein cows during peak lactation period were identified by manual observation and pedometer monitoring. [Result]Compared with manual observation,the detection rate of estrus in Holstein cows using pedometer monitoring was increased by 24. 01%,which reduced the labor cost and enhanced accuracy rate. [Conclusion]The research could provide reliable basis for estrus identification of cows.

Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination with Fresh and Chilled Semen in Assaf Ewes

This paper aims to study the efficiency of two short-term progestagen (FGA vs. MAP) + eCG treatments in estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) with fresh or chilled semen in Assaf ewes fertility rate. All ewes received a subcutaneous implant of exogenous melatonin 45 days before been treated with short-term progestagens + eCG. By June 1st, ewes were divided in two groups: half was treated with an intravaginal sponge impregnated with 20 mg of FGA and the other half with an intravaginal sponge impregnated with 60 mg of MAP. Progestagen treatments lasted for 6 days. At sponge withdraw, all ewes were injected with 750 IU of eCG. Ovarian activity was assessed by plasmatic progesterone levels before and after progestagens + eCG treatment. Semen was collected by electro ejaculation and extended with Andromed? or OviXcell?. AI was performed 55 hours after eCG administration with fresh or chilled semen. During AI several factors were assessed: vagina mucosa color and lubrication, external cervical Os type, cervical mucous viscosity, semen deposition place and seminal cervix outflow. Semen was deposited as deep as possible without distress or trauma cervix mucosa. All Assaf ewes presented cyclic activity before progestagen + eCG treatments (2nd fortnight of May). Short-term progestagen + eCG treatments were equally efficient (100.0%). About 76.5% of Assaf ewes were pregnant 41 days after AI. Fertility rate was influenced by external Os type, semen deposition place and seminal cervix outflow. However, this rate was not conditioned by vaginal color or lubrication, cervical mucus viscosity, semen preservation technic and semen extender.

Evaluation of two methods of estrus synchronization of cattle in Chad

The results of an artificial insemination experiment carried out in the suburban area of N’Djamena are here reported. Two methods of synchronization (Norgestomet combination/estradiol/PGF2a/PMSG and PGF2a only) were used with Chadian zebu and crossed breeds in 2007 and 2008. Females were inseminated after induction of estrus with semen of French Normand breed. The fertility rate was low with PGF2a (29.41%). The results obtained with the combination of several hormones were better (66.66%). The survival rates of crossbreeds were particularly low, 40% in 2007 and 33.33% in 2008, mainly due to the traditional management of the herd and the lack of technical support. The insemination cost of a cow was 39,550 F CFA in 2007 with PGF2a and 59,200 F CFA in 2008 with the method consisting of combining of four hormones. The cost of producing a calf in those two years was very high, 134,470 F CFA in 2007 and 118,400 F CFA in 2008.

Variations in Reproductive Hormones during Estrus Cycle in Local Beef Cattle from Jilin of China

[ Objective] To provide a theoretical basis for improving reproductive efficiency of domestic beef cattle in Jilin of China. [ Method] China Red Steppe cattle, Yanbian yellow cattle and Simmental cattle in Jilin Province were used for detection. The levels of progesterone （P4）, estradiol （ E2 ）, follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH） in serum and urine during estrus cycle were determined. [ Result] The levels of P4 and E2 were significantly different between pregnant cattle and non-pregnant cattle on Day 21 post estrus （ P 〈 0.01 ）. The level of LH on estrus day was significantly different from that on the other days of estrus cycle （ P 〈 0.05）. [ Conclusion] It is feasible to detect P4 level for diagnosis of estrus and eady pregnancy in beef cattle.

Synchronization of Estrus in Sheep in Different Seasons

[Objectives] The aim was to improve and stabilize the estrus synchronization of local sheep in Xinjiang during the breeding season and non-breeding season. [Methods]The data of estrus rate and estrus concentration time were analyzed by different hormone treatment programs. [Results]eding season,whether PMSC was used did not affect the estrus of sheep when sponge and PG were used（ P 〉 0. 05）. Estrus was concentrated in 36-48 h after sponge plugs were removed,and the estrus rate in this period accounted for 74. 19% of the total. In non-breeding season,the estrus rate in the sponge plug plus PGF treatment was only56. 12%,significantly lower than that（ 90. 43%） in the sponge plug plus PG plus PMSG treatment（ P 〈 0. 01）. The estrus was also concentrated in 36-48 h after sponge plugs were removed. The estrus rate at this stage was 67. 42%,accounting for 82. 8% of the total. In breeding season,the estrus rate in sheep injected with333 IU of PMSG（ 81. 96%） was significantly lower than those of sheep injected with 500（ 90. 25%） and 750 IU（ 95. 3%）（ P 〈 0. 05）. [Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for the production enterprises to save a lot of manpower and material resources.

Efficacy of anti-microbial agents on vaginal microorganisms and reproductive performance of synchronized estrus ewes

Objective:To isolate and identify microflora and fungal species at different phases during estrus synchronization of ewes and estimate their prevalence;compare the effectiveness of antimicrobial administration to intravaginal sponge on the changes in the vaginal micro-organisms and reproductive performance.Methods: Sixty Egyptian ewes were allocated into three equal groups (G: 1, 2 and 3). G1 was inserted with vaginal sponge containing medroxy-progesterone acetate and served as control;without antimicrobial additive. The other two groups were treated as G1, but sponges were previously injected with ciprofloxacin (G2), while sponges of G3 were injected with ciprofloxacin and clotrimazole. Vaginal swabs were collected from each treated ewe, prior sponge insertion, at sponge withdrawal and 48 h later for microbiological investigation and bacterial count. On the day of sponge removal, 300 IU/eCG was administered for each treated ewe. The identified bacterial strains before sponge insertion were tested for sensitivity with antimicrobial disks.Results:Bacterial isolates before sponge insertion were more sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Frequencies of ewes in estrus;the interval from sponge withdrawal to onset estrus and the duration of estrus were statistically similar among treated groups. The pregnancy rate in G2 (100%) was higher than G1 (66.7%) and G3 (82.4%). The total bacterial count before sponge insertion was similar between all treatments and increased significantly in all groups on the day of sponge withdraw. The prevailing bacteria on D0, D14 and 48 h after sponge removal for all treated groups wereStaphylococcus spp. followed byEscherichia coli. Regarding to fungus species, percentages of isolation increased from 5% (before sponge insertion) to 100.00% and 88.89% at sponge withdraw for G1 and G2, respectively. In G3, the fungus was declined from 10% (before sponge insertion) to 5% (at sponge removal).Conclusions:The concomitant treatments by antimicrobial to the vaginal sponge which used for estrus synchronization in ewes can improve reproductive performance.

Effect of short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L) root on the ovarian activity and estrus behavior of female mice

Objective:To assess the effect of short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root on the ovarian activity and estrus behavior of female mice.Methods:Eighteen virgin female ddY mice,8 to 10 weeks of age,weighing 22-25 g with regular estrus cycle,were divided into three groups.Group 1 received 0.5%carboxymethylcellulose,whereas Groups 2 and 3 received the ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root at 90 and 115 mg/kg body weight(b.w.)per day by gavage for 20 days,respectively.All of the groups were checked before 9 a.m.daily for vaginal cytology to determine the estrus phase.On day 21,the mice were sacrificed to collect serum samples to quantify the concentrations of reproductive hormones using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and to determine changes in the reproductive organs based on their reproductive organ weight,histomorphology,and histomorphometry of ovarium and uterus.Results:The reproductive organ weight in the treatment groups was similar compared with that in the control group.The 90 mg/kg b.w.treatment group showed an increase in corpus luteum number when compared with the control group,with few degenerated follicles and diminished oocytes.Moreover,the 115 mg/kg b.w.treatment group showed fewer primordial and primary follicles and an increase in corpus luteum number and a prolonged diestrus phase compared to the control and 90 mg/kg b.w.treatment groups.The histomorphology examination of the uterus showed that the thickness of myometrium and epithelium in the treated animals was similar to the control group.In addition,there was a significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone level in the 115 mg/kg b.w.treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root reduces the follicle-stimulating hormone serum level and folliculogenesis.

Pharmacological Control of Estrus in Tropical Cattle,an Economical Assessment of Different Synchronization Protocols

To compare the fertility results and to assess the cost-effectiveness of several synchronization protocols applied under the conditions of beef cattle enterprises in Colombia, 1658 multiparous zebu crossbred cows mostly Brahman and Nelore ranging between 2 - 6 parities were used. Five protocols of pharmacological treatments varying in hormones used, dosage and the time of application were tested. All cows were inseminated at 52 h by appointment. Pregnancy diagnosis was undertaken over 45 d after insemination by rectal palpation. The total cost per cow and the total cost per gestation, for each protocol, were calculated. Taking a herd of one-hundred cows as baseline for calculations, it was estimated the cost of the total amount of pregnancies possibly obtained in each protocol;then, the excess between the costs of a pregnant cow and the cost of a treated cow was estimated. Additionally, the costs due to cows empty after four services were calculated. A total of 874 pregnancies were registered (52.7%), with pregnancies per protocol varying between 46.9% and 66.2% (p < 005). The cost per treated cow, varied between $64.08 and $97.47 and the cost per gestation from $126.01 to $177.26, without association between the cost of the treatment and the pregnancy rate. Protocol A was the best cost-effective with the lowest additional costs, the lowest amount of open days (2107.7 to 2231.7 d) and IA straws (average = 134), with an additional costs of $6940.00. Synchronization of estrus using pharmacological products seems to have a place in the management of cattle;however, caution should be called upon a careful assessment both from the part of the farm and the professional in charge of the enterprise to avoid using the technique indiscriminatively thus propitiating the use of a method that might not be cost efficient.

Management Practice and Comparison of Reproductive and Productive Performance of Dairy Cattle between Beneficiary and None Beneficiary of Estrus Synchronization and Mass Insemination in North Shewa Zone,Amhara Region,Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess the overall management practice and comparison of reproductive and productive performance between beneficiaries and none beneficiaries of oestrus synchronization and mass insemination(OSMI)of dairy cattle in north shewa zone of dairy cattle.Data were obtained by interviewing 270 estrus synchronization and mass insemination beneficiaries and 135 none beneficiaries’dairy farmers.Data were analyzed using Statistical Packaging for social science(SPSS)version 20.Natural pasture and crop residue were the most common feed resources in the study areas.River water was the major source of water for their cattle and well water was used when river water is not available.In their order of importance;FMD,mastitis,and abortion were the major diseases of cattle in the study area.The reproductive performance of dairy cows in OSMI beneficiaries were age at first service(30.81±7.6),calving interval(6.9±5.2),lactation length(8.95±2.46),day open(5.3±3.18)and number of service per conception(1.5±0.38)whereas in none beneficiary age at first service(32.88±6.64),calving interval(18.18±5.8),lactation length(9.6±0.54),day open(5.17±3.43)and number of service per conception(1.22±0.54)months.There was a significant(p<0.05)difference in milk yield between beneficiaries and none beneficiaries in HFC,HHFC and JERC dairy cows per day per cow.The major factors affecting reproductive performance of dairy cows are management,nutritional status,genotype,and disease.Therefor the productive and reproductive performance of the dairy cows reared by the participants were better than those of the nonparticipants.

补饲胆固醇对高温环境下湖羊母羊繁殖性能和血清生化指标的影响

【目的】研究饲粮中添加胆固醇对中国南方夏季湖羊发情率、受胎率和血清生化指标的影响。【方法】选择108只体重相近(33.60 kg±1.86 kg)的健康湖羊母羊,其中30只湖羊在非高温季节(4月份,平均最高温度20.9℃±3.2℃)饲粮添加不同剂量胆固醇(0.1%和0.5%),ELISA方法检测血清中胆固醇含量的动态变化,筛选合适的胆固醇添加量;另外78只湖羊随机分成2组(对照组和试验组),试验期63 d(从同期发情处理第1天到自然发情后配种的第30天),在夏季高温季节(7-9月份,平均最高温度31.3℃±2.6℃),对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组饲喂添加0.1%胆固醇的基础饲粮,ELISA方法检测血清中雌二醇(E2)和孕酮(P4)水平,研究饲粮添加胆固醇对湖羊发情率、受胎率和血清生化指标的影响。【结果】非高温季节湖羊基础饲粮中分别添加0.1%和0.5%胆固醇,48 h后两组湖羊血清中胆固醇含量趋于一致,据此选择0.1%作为高温季节补饲胆固醇的添加剂量。夏季高温季节在补饲0.1%胆固醇的第3、30和63天均能显著提高湖羊血清中胆固醇含量(P<0.05);且试验组湖羊自然发情率(89.7%)高于对照组(82.1%)(P>0.05),受胎率(60.0%)显著高于对照组(46.9%)(P<0.05)。试验组湖羊总蛋白、球蛋白、白细胞介素-1和甘油三酯含量均显著高于对照组(P<0.05),而尿素氮含量显著下降(P<0.05)。【结论】夏季高温环境下,在湖羊母羊饲粮中添加0.1%胆固醇可有效提高其发情率和受胎率。

乏情季节应用孕酮微囊包被液态制剂对奶山羊同期发情人工授精效果对比分析

奶山羊发情具有一定的季节性,每年的4~7月份属于乏情季节,为了提高种山羊的利用率,扩大种群规模,实现全年均衡生产,必须突破乏情季节奶山羊繁殖率低的瓶颈。本试验将150只适繁奶山羊随机分为3组,每组50只,第1组以全混合日粮(TMR)为载体投放孕酮微囊包被液态制剂+PMSG+PG处理,第2组以阴道硅胶支架(CIDR)+PMSG+PG处理,第3组不做任何处理。结果表明,在相同饲养条件下,第1、2组同期发情率较高,差异不显著(P> 0.05),但显著高于第3组(P <0.05);但发情母羊人工授精后的妊娠率显示第1组和第3组显著高于第2组(P <0.05),说明在乏情季节对奶山羊应用孕酮微囊包被液态制剂可以有效减少生殖道投药的不利影响,可以有效提高种羊的利用率,为实现舍饲奶山羊快速扩繁提供技术支撑。

不同处理方法对海南黑山羊同期发情效果和繁殖性能的影响

为探讨不同处理方法对海南黑山羊同期发情效果和繁殖性能的影响。随机选取海南省某规模化养羊场的120头(35~50)kg海南黑山羊,分为2次注射氯前列烯醇(PG)法、孕酮阴道栓(CIDR)+孕马血清促性腺激素(PMSG)二联法、CIDR+PMSG+PG三联法3种不同的处理方法,诱导发情试验结束后,分别观察3组羊的发情情况和繁殖性能。结果显示,3组试验羊的同期发情率差异显著,且试验组C海南黑山羊同期发情率显著高于试验组A和试验组B(P<0.05);试验组A母羊发情时间主要集中在48~72 h,试验组B和试验组C母羊发情时间主要集中在24~48 h;试验组C母羊的受胎率和产羔率均显著高于试验组A和试验组B(P<0.05);待分娩后,3组试验母羊初生的羔羊平均初生重差异不显著(P>0.05)。结果表明,应用CIDR+PMSG+PG三联法处理方法能够显著提高海南黑山羊同期发情效果和繁殖性能,为今后提高海南黑山羊同期发情效果和繁殖性能提供了参考依据。

基于多组学与网络药理学探究淫羊藿对后备母猪发情的作用

旨在揭示淫羊藿对后备母猪发情的作用及其机理。本试验选择210~220日龄,体重(99.547±1.987)kg,发育成熟且符合配种条件的后备待配二元母猪32头,随机分为对照组和试验组,每组16头母猪,每个重复1头母猪。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在饲喂基础日粮的基础上补充淫羊藿粗提物50 mg·d^(-1)。试验饲喂28 d。结果表明,试验组母猪发情提前,血清FSH、LH和E_2显著增加(P<0.05)。卵巢转录组结果表明,检测出477个上调差异mRNAs,754个下调差异mRNAs。GO富集分析发现,差异的mRNA主要富集在运输囊泡、脂肪细胞分化、节律行为、发情周期等过程;KEGG富集分析发现,差异的mRNA主要富集在紧密连接、碳水化合物代谢、刺猬信号通路、GnRH分泌和PI3K-AKT信号通路等信号通路。卵巢代谢组结果表明共有1616个代谢物上调,1254个代谢物下调。KEGG富集分析表明,差异代谢物主要富集在α-亚麻酸代谢、ATP转运蛋白、亚油酸代谢、β-丙氨酸代谢、氨基苯甲酸盐降解、生物素代谢等通路。网络药理学分析结果表明淫羊藿作用卵巢的潜在作用靶点共161个。PPI互作网络得到degree前10的蛋白作为核心靶点,根据得分依次为TP53、SRC、AKT1、CCND1、TNF、ESR1、EP300、ERBB2、JAK2、PARP1。GO分析结果表明,淫羊藿作用卵巢的靶点主要参与了蛋白磷酸化、MAPK级联反应的正调控、生物节律、基因表达的正调控、细胞凋亡过程的负调控、细胞内钙离子浓度的正调控、RNA聚合酶II启动子转录的正调控等生物学过程。KEGG分析结果显示,靶点蛋白信号通路富集在PI3K-Akt信号通路、细胞周期、细胞衰老、HIF-1信号通路、孕激素介导的卵母细胞成熟等途径。以上结果从活体、代谢、转录和分子层面揭示了淫羊藿对后备母猪发情的影响和作用途径,本研究发现饲喂淫羊藿能够改变后备母猪卵巢转录与代谢模式,显著提高FSH、LH和E_2水平,进而促进母猪发情,淫羊藿的主要成分能够与TP53、SRC、AKT1、CCND1、TNF、ESR1、EP300、ERBB2、JAK2、PARP1结合发挥调控作用。本研究为淫羊藿应用提高后备母猪发情利用率提供理论依据。

关中奶山羊发情期不同时段宫颈阴道粘液非靶向代谢组学比较分析研究

为了揭示关中奶山羊自然发情状态下发情期生殖道代谢特征,探索关中奶山羊发情期特异性化学信号,为精准发情鉴定和适时人工授精等繁殖工作提供代谢机制层面的理论依据,以3只2~3岁经产母羊为研究对象,采集关中奶山羊发情期0~12 h(A组),12~24 h(B组),24~36 h(C组)的宫颈阴道粘液,采用气相色谱-质谱法(GC-MS)测定关中奶山羊发情期宫颈阴道粘液中的代谢产物。结果显示,来自发情期不同时段的关中奶山羊宫颈阴道粘液中共检出221种不同的代谢产物,其主要分类是碳水化合物、脂质、氨基酸、核苷酸、异生素、辅助因子和维生素、肽类、能量等;0~12 h VS 12~24 h的差异代谢物有6种,12~24 h VS 24~36 h的差异代谢物有3种,0~12 h VS 24~36 h的差异代谢物有14种;这些差异代谢物主要富集在半乳糖代谢、碳水化合物消化吸收、矿物质吸收、甘油酯代谢、ABC蛋白转运、嘧啶代谢等通路上。

烯丙孕素在母猪繁殖生产中的应用研究进展

如今我国生猪养殖处于快速转型期,养殖户总数逐渐减少,但规模化养殖增加,养猪生产的工业化、流程化管理需求日益迫切,批次化生产管理体系得到广泛的认可和应用。烯丙孕素又称为四烯雌酮,是一种孕激素类似物,可以有效抑制促性腺激素的释放,使母猪卵巢停滞于小卵泡状态,达到母猪生理状态同步化的效果,已广泛应用于后备母猪同期发情。但在同期发情以外,烯丙孕素在妊娠调控、改善子宫环境等方面的作用尚未得到充分的认识和发挥。本文综述了烯丙孕素的作用机制以及不同阶段母猪的用药方案和效果,并对烯丙孕素在实际生产应用中存在的问题和前景进行了探讨,以期为深入研究烯丙孕素在母猪繁殖生产调控中的新应用提供参考。