Beneficial effects of pentoxifylline on spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis in stallions subjected to scrotal heat stress.

This study evaluated the effects of oral pentoxifylline on testicular biometry, histology, and gene expression in stallions subjected to scrotal heat stress. Fourteen stallions were divided into three groups: Control (CRL, n = 4), Testicular Degeneration (DEG, n = 5), and Testicular Degeneration Treated with Pentoxifylline (DEG + PTX, n = 5). Testicular degeneration was induced by scrotal insulation, twice daily, over two consecutive days (D-1 and D0).

A comparative study across mule, equine and equine clone pregnancies regarding the determination of the day of birth.

Monitoring equine parturition effectively is essential for preemptive intervention in periparturient issues and ensuring the overall well-being of both mares and foals. However, its implementation in breeding farms is challenging due to variable gestational lengths and nocturnal births. Predictive techniques have the potential to streamline the monitoring process, reduce labor intensity, and minimize costs.

Comparative Assessment of Oxidative and Antioxidant Parameters in Mule and Horse Neonates during Their First Month of Extrauterine Adaptation.

After parturition, a rapid transition occurs from the intrauterine to the extrauterine milieu, exposing neonates to physiological circumstances characterized by oxidative conditions that instigate the generation of reactive oxygen species. These free radicals play pivotal roles in physiological processes; however, an imbalance between their production and the removal of antioxidants can result in severe cellular damage. The main objective of this study was to compare the oxidative and antioxidant profiles in mule and horse neonates immediately post-parturition, as well as at subsequent time points (1, 6, 12, and 24 h, 7 and 30 days) during their extrauterine existence.

Postnatal Dynamics of Circulating Steroid Hormones in Mule and Equine Neonates.

It is necessary to study hormonal patterns from mules to recognize alterations and neonatal maladaptation. Our objective was to evaluate concentrations of hormones in mule (n = 6) and equine foals (n = 6). Blood was collected at T0, 1, 6 and 12 h after birth.

Effect of lameness on breeding soundness examination results of beef bulls.

Studies suggest that high cortisol resulting from lameness-associated pain decreases testosterone and disrupts spermatogenesis leading to decreased fertility. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lameness on cortisol and testosterone concentrations and breeding soundness examination of beef bulls presented to a veterinary teaching hospital. Bulls, two-years of age or older, that presented for lameness, foot trim, and/or breeding soundness examination were enrolled.

Use of Tubo-Ovarian Ligation Via Colpotomy as A Potential Method for Sterilization in Mares.

The goal of this study was to develop a safe, effective, and economical method for permanent sterilization of mares based upon tubo-ovarian ligation performed via colpotomy. In this study, we evaluated the application of a nylon cable tie (zip-tie) to the ovarian pedicle and oviduct of mares to induce ovarian ischemia and tubal ligation without removal of ovaries. Initially, efficiency of zip-ties on the ovarian pedicle was tested in vitro and in vivo.

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis in an Angus bull.

An 18-month-old Angus bull presented to Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine for a routine breeding soundness evaluation and lameness evaluation. He was classified as deferred potential breeder due to a lameness and was donated to the university. Following treatment, the bull's lameness resolved.

Evaluation of Blood Glucose and Lactate Concentrations in Mule and Equine Foals.

Information about mule physiology is scarce. Glucose and lactate serve as prognostic tools in neonates; thus, real-time evaluations would be beneficial. Our main objective was to measure glucose and lactate concentrations from healthy mule and equine foals from birth to 720 hours.

Equine cervical remodeling during placentitis and the prepartum period: a transcriptomic approach.

Cervical remodeling is a critical component in both term and preterm labor in eutherian mammals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cervical remodeling remain poorly understood in the mare. The current study compared the transcriptome of the equine cervix (cervical mucosa (CM) and stroma (CS)) during placentitis (placentitis group, n = 5) and normal prepartum mares (prepartum group, n = 3) to normal pregnant mares (control group, n = 4).

Transcriptomic analysis of equine placenta reveals key regulators and pathways involved in ascending placentitis†.

Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ascending equine placentitis holds the potential for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapies to forestall placentitis-induced preterm labor. The current study characterized the equine placental transcriptome (chorioallantois [CA] and endometrium [EN]) during placentitis (placentitis group, n = 6) in comparison to gestationally-matched controls (control group, n = 6). Transcriptome analysis identified 2953 and 805 differentially expressed genes in CA and EN during placentitis, respectively.

Relationships between blood and follicular fluid urea nitrogen concentrations and between blood urea nitrogen and embryo survival in mares.

High blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration is linked to low fertility in cows and ewes; however, this relationship has not been reported in mares. The study characterized the relationship between BUN and follicular fluid urea nitrogen (FUN) during follicle growth (Experiment 1) and the impact of BUN from embryo donors on the pregnancy outcome of recipient mares (Experiment 2). In experiment one, follicular fluid and blood samples were collected from mares during diestrus with growing follicles and during estrus with pre-ovulatory follicles (n = 16 and 10 mares, respectively).

Elevated blood urea nitrogen alters the transcriptome of equine embryos.

High blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in cows and ewes has a negative effect on embryo development; however, no comparable studies have been published in mares. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of high BUN on blastocoele fluid, systemic progesterone and Day 14 equine embryos. When a follicle with a mean (±s.

A High Protein Model Alters the Endometrial Transcriptome of Mares.

High blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreases fertility of several mammals; however, the mechanisms have not been investigated in mares. We developed an experimental model to elevate BUN, with urea and control treatments (7 mares/treatment), in a crossover design. Urea-treatment consisted of a loading dose of urea (0.

Are mule pregnancies really longer than equine pregnancies? Comparison between mule and equine pregnancies.

In equine management, it is important to predict the approximate foaling date of mares to monitor parturition and allow early identification and intervention of problems during the perinatal period. There are no studies comparing accurate gestational length (GL) when mares are carrying mule foals and no controlled comparisons between GL of mares pregnant with equine or mule foals. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare GL of mares pregnant with equine or mule foals and establish normal reference values for GL of mares pregnant with male and female mules.

Semen characteristics and refrigeration in free-ranging giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is considered vulnerable to extinction. Scientific data on the reproductive parameters of this species are scarce. Semen from eight free-ranging giant anteaters was collected to establish its characteristics and the effects of cooling and storage at 5 °C after dilution with the BotuCrio extender without cryoprotectant.