Initial Characterization of 3D Culture of Yolk Sac Tissue.

The role of the yolk sac (YS) in miscarriage is not yet clear, largely due to ethical reasons that make in vivo studies difficult to conduct. However, 3D cultures could provide a solution to this problem by enabling cells to be arranged in a way that more closely mimics the structure of the YS as it exists in vivo. In this study, three domestic species (porcine, canine, and bovine) were chosen as models to standardize 3D culture techniques for the YS.

What is the relevance of seminal plasma from a functional and preservation perspective?

When preserving sperm in the liquid or cryopreserved state, seminal plasma (SP) components within ejaculates can alter fertilizing capacity of these gametes. Depending on the species or how semen is collected, volume and concentration of SP components varies considerably. The SP contains substances essential for maintenance of sperm viability and fertility; however, these components can be deleterious depending on quantity, or duration of time before there is removal of SP from sperm in semen processing.

Hydroxy-selenomethionine as an organic source of selenium in the diet improves boar reproductive performance in artificial insemination programs.

This study aimed to compare different selenium (Se) sources in the diet on boar's semen quality and fertility. For this, 28 boars aged 8 to 28 mo were fed with the following dietary treatments for 95 d: 0.3 mg Se/kg as sodium selenite (SS; n = 14) and 0.

The use of resveratrol decreases liquid-extend boar semen fertility, even in concentrations that do not alter semen quality.

In vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to investigate the effects of trans-resveratrol (RVT) on liquid-extended boar semen during 72 h of storage at 17 °C. Thirty-six ejaculates were collected from six boars, evaluated, and extended. RVT was then added at the indicated treatment concentration (0, 0.

The Presence of Seminal Plasma during Liquid Storage of Pig Spermatozoa at 17 °C Modulates Their Ability to Elicit In Vitro Capacitation and Trigger Acrosomal Exocytosis.

Although seminal plasma is essential to maintain sperm integrity and function, it is diluted/removed prior to liquid storage and cryopreservation in most mammalian species. This study sought to evaluate, using the pig as a model, whether storing semen in the presence of seminal plasma affects the sperm ability to elicit in vitro capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis. Upon collection, seminal plasma was separated from sperm samples, which were diluted in a commercial extender, added with seminal plasma (15% or 30%), and stored at 17 °C for 48 or 72 h.