Mito-TEMPO Improves the Meiosis Resumption and Mitochondrial Function of Vitrified Sheep Oocytes via the Recovery of Respiratory Chain Activity.

Vitrification is a crucial method for preserving animal germ cells. Considering the increased oxidative stress and organelle damage incurred, it is still necessary to make the process more efficient for oocytes. As the energy source of oocytes, mitochondria are the most abundant organelle in oocytes and play a crucial role in their maturation.

Melatonin improves the vitrification of sheep morulae by modulating transcriptome.

Embryo vitrification technology is widely used in livestock production, but freezing injury has been a key factor hindering the efficiency of embryo production. There is an urgent need to further analyze the molecular mechanism of embryo damage by the vitrification process. In the study, morulae were collected from Hu sheep uterine horns after superovulation and sperm transfusion.

Localization and expression of SLX4 in the testis of sterile male cattle-yak.

Cattle-yak, the hybrid offspring of yak (Bos grunniens) and cattle (Bos taurus), serves as a unique model to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive isolation. While female cattle-yaks are fertile, the males are completely sterile due to spermatogenic arrest at the meiosis stage and massive germ cell apoptosis. Interestingly, meiotic defects are partially rescued in the testes of backcrossed offspring.

Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Changes Underlying the Effects of -Citrulline Supplementation on Ram Semen Quality.

This study examined the effects of L-Cit supplementation on ram semen quality through metabolomics and transcriptomics. A total of 16 rams were randomly categorized into two groups. The control group was fed a basic diet, whereas the experimental group received feed supplemented with 12 g/d of L-Cit.

Presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and effect of leptin on sperm quality.

Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone encoded by obese () gene in adipocytes. This molecule not only regulates energy metabolism but also plays a role in the reproduction of mammals. Leptin and its receptor () have been found in male reproductive systems of human, bovine, equine and pig.

The Mechanism of Heat Stress Resistance During Spermatogenesis in Turpan Black Sheep.

Heat stress can affect the reproductive function of livestock and cause harm to animal production, which can seriously damage the economic interests of livestock producers. Therefore, it is important to explore the effect of heat stress on reproductive function to improve livestock production. In this study, the experimental animals Turpan black sheep and Suffolk sheep were selected as controls, each with 10 sheep, and the reproductive physiological performance was measured in Turpan, China from April to August when there was no heat stress to strong heat stress.

Effect of L-citrulline supplementation on sperm characteristics and hormonal and antioxidant levels in blood and seminal plasma of rams.

With the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the application of L-citrulline (L-Cit) in animal husbandry, the effects of L-Cit on reproductive hormone levels, antioxidant capacity and semen quality of rams were studied by feeding them varying doses of L-Cit. A total of 32 rams were randomly divided into four groups with eight rams each. After all rams were trained to donate sperm normally, the control group was fed a basic diet, whereas the experimental groups I, II and III were provided with feed supplemented with 4, 8 and 12 g/d of L-Cit respectively.

Identifying the heat resistant genes by multi-tissue transcriptome sequencing analysis in Turpan Black sheep.

Heat stress not only affects the physical condition but also affects reproductive performance in sheep. A thorough understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying heat stress would certainly improve livestock productivity and provide genetic evaluation ways for heat resistant breeds selection. In this study, 85 Turpan Black sheep, a breed exhibited excellent heat resistance from long-term artificial selection, and 85 heat sensitive Kazakh sheep in Turpan basin were tested for physiological and reproductive performance from July to August in summer.

Melatonin improves the efficiency of super-ovulation and timed artificial insemination in sheep.

It has been well proved that melatonin participates in the regulation of the seasonal reproduction of ewes. However, the effects of short term treatment of melatonin on ewe's ovulation are still to be clarified. In this study, the effects of melatonin on the number of embryos harvested from superovulation, and the pregnant rate in recipients after embryo transferred have been investigated.

Beneficial Effects of Melatonin on the In Vitro Maturation of Sheep Oocytes and Its Relation to Melatonin Receptors.

(1) Background: The binding sites of melatonin, as a multifunctional molecule, have been identified in human, porcine, and bovine samples. However, the binding sites and mechanisms of melatonin have not been reported in sheep; (2) Methods: Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with melatonin at concentrations of 0, 10, 10, 10, 10, and 10 M. Melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) were evaluated via immunofluorescence and Western blot.