Genome-wide discovery of underlying genetic factors associated with fresh and frozen-thawed semen traits in composite ram breeds exhibiting different cryotolerance.

Fewer studies investigate the effects of underlying genetic factors related to semen characteristics, significantly affecting sheep farm profitability. This study aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and genomic regions associated with fresh and frozen-thawed semen traits in rams with low (Hasak) and high (Hasmer) cryotolerance. Semen collected from 11 (5 Hasak with low and 6 Hasmer with high cryotolerance) rams cryopreserved in 0.

Investigation of growth traits in Turkish Merino lambs using multi-locus GWAS approaches: Middle Anatolian Merino.

This study explored the genetic basis of growth traits in Middle Anatolian Merino lambs using multi-locus genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate heritability (h² = 0.363) for birth weight (BW) and (h² = 0.

Circulating miRNAs in maternal plasma as potential biomarkers of early pregnancy in sheep.

MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the control of gene expression and is implied in many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. The aim was to assess plasma miRNA profiles during the peri-implantation and ascertain potential candidate miRNA markers for early pregnancy diagnosis in ovine plasma. The plasma samples were obtained from a total of 24 ewes on days 12 (pre-implantation; P12, = 4), 16 (implantation; P16, = 4) and 22 (post-implantation; P22, = 4) after mating, and on their corresponding days of 12 (Pre-C; C12, = 4), 16 (Imp-C; C16, = 4) and 22 (Post-C; C22, = 4) of the estrous cycle.

Expression pattern of microRNAs in ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation.

MicroRNA (miRNA), acting as the transcriptional regulator of gene expression, has been widely demonstrated to be involved in many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. The objective of the current study was to illuminate the expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the endometrium during the peri-implantation in ewes. Intercaruncular endometrial samples was obtained from a total of 24 ewes on days of 12 (pre-implantation, n = 4), 16 (implantation, n = 4) and 22 (post-implantation, n = 4) of pregnancy following mating, and on their corresponding days of 12 (n = 4), 16 (n = 4) and 22 (n = 4) of the estrous cycle.

Proteomic fertility markers in ram sperm.

Precise estimation of ram fertility is important for sheep farming to sustain reproduction efficiency and profitability of production. There, however, is no conventional method to accurately predict ram fertility. The objective of this study, therefore, was to ascertain proteomic profiles of ram sperm having contrasting fertility phenotypes.

Combination of trehalose and low boron in presence of decreased glycerol improves post-thawed ram sperm parameters: A model study in boron research.

Background: Sperm cryopreservation has been widely used in the field of reproductive biotechnology. It applies to certain males of economic and scientific values, including livestock breeds or endangered animal species. The development of a semen extender with a low cryoprotectant concentration and an appropriate amount of trehalose and boron can prevent the deterioration of sperm parameters.