Paraoxonase 1 activity in the sperm-rich portion of boar ejaculates is positively associated with sperm quality

Associations of the activity of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme with boar sperm quality still needs to be characterized, since boar ejaculates present distinct portions with differences in sperm concentration and quality. This study evaluated PON1 activity in the serum, in the distinct portions of boar ejaculates and estimated correlations with sperm quality parameters. Ejaculates and blood samples were collected from six boars for three weeks (two per week per boar; n = 36). Serum and post-spermatic portion PON1 activities were positively correlated (P = 0.01) but were both uncorrelated with the PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion and in the whole ejaculate (P > 0.05). Differences in PON1 activity among boars were only observed in the sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate (P < 0.05). The PON1 activity in the serum and in the post-spermatic portion was generally negatively correlated with parameters of spermatozoa kinetics (P < 0.05). In the sperm-rich portion, PON1 activity was positively correlated with sperm concentration (P < 0.0001), curvilinear distance and velocity (both P < 0.05) and DNA integrity (P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with straightness and linearity (P < 0.05). Thus, boar ejaculates with increased PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion may present increased concentration and spermatozoa with acceptable curvilinear velocity and distance and DNA integrity, which suggests that PON1 activity may be a biomarker for potential fertility.(AU)

Reproductive performance of single fixed-time inseminated sows with semen doses submitted to different semen storage times

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows submitted to single fixed-time insemination (SFTAI) using boars according to capacity for liquid in vitro semen preservation, type of extender, and storage time. Boars (n = 12) were classified into two groups based on progressive motility (PM) at 120 h of semen storage: low (PM - 64.5%) - and high-preservation (PM - 83.9%) capacity for semen storage. Weaned sows (n = 397, parity - 1 to 7) were inseminated (1.5×109 sperm cells) in a factorial design: two classes of boars (low- or high-preservation), two types of extenders (short- or long-term), and two semen storage times at insemination (24 or 72 h). An adapted triptorelin acetate protocol was used for SFTAI. Total sperm motility (TM) and PM at insemination were greater in high-preservation boars at 72 h compared with low-preservation boars at 24 or 72 h (P < 0.01). Short- or long-term extender did not affect (P ≥ 0.68) TM and PM in high-preservation boars; however, long-term extender improved these parameters in low-preservation boars (P < 0.01). Pregnancy and farrowing rates were not affected by groups (P > 0.05). Total piglets born (TPB) was reduced (P = 0.05) in low-preservation boars with 72 h of storage (13.6 ± 0.5) compared to high-preservation boars with semen stored for 24 or 72 h (15.2 ± 0.5 and 15.5 ± 0.5, respectively). The low-preservation boars reduced the TPB in sows submitted to SFTAI, and this reduction was greater using semen stored for 72 h.(AU)

Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses stored for up to seven days in long-term extender in a field condition

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses preserved at 15-18 °C for up to seven days in long-term extender (Duragen®). Parity one (PO1) to PO7 sows were randomly assigned to the following groups: AI1-3 (n=190), insemination with semen doses stored between one and three days; and AI5-7 (n=124), insemination with semen doses stored between five and seven days. Sows were submitted to estrus detection twice a day. Post-cervical insemination according to weaning-to-estrus interval was performed. The farrowing rate (FR) did not differ between the groups (AI1-3=83.2%; AI5-7=82.2%; p>0.05) nor did the total number of piglets born (TPB; AI1-3=14.2±0.3; AI5-7=14.5±0.3; p>0.05). Considering the semen dose most likely responsible for fertilization according to its storage time (1, 2-3, 5, and 6-7 days), the FR (72.7%, 87.8%, 85.7%, and 79%, respectively) and TPB (14.4, 14.0, 14.9, and 13.5, respectively) were similar among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the use of semen doses extended with long-term extender stored for up to seven days did not impair the reproductive performance of sows. Therefore, it’s using could optimize production efficiency and logistics of semen dose deliveries to sow farms.

Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses stored for up to seven days in long-term extender in a field condition

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses preserved at 15-18 °C for up to seven days in long-term extender (Duragen®). Parity one (PO1) to PO7 sows were randomly assigned to the following groups: AI1-3 (n=190), insemination with semen doses stored between one and three days; and AI5-7 (n=124), insemination with semen doses stored between five and seven days. Sows were submitted to estrus detection twice a day. Post-cervical insemination according to weaning-to-estrus interval was performed. The farrowing rate (FR) did not differ between the groups (AI1-3=83.2%; AI5-7=82.2%; p>0.05) nor did the total number of piglets born (TPB; AI1-3=14.2±0.3; AI5-7=14.5±0.3; p>0.05). Considering the semen dose most likely responsible for fertilization according to its storage time (1, 2-3, 5, and 6-7 days), the FR (72.7%, 87.8%, 85.7%, and 79%, respectively) and TPB (14.4, 14.0, 14.9, and 13.5, respectively) were similar among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the use of semen doses extended with long-term extender stored for up to seven days did not impair the reproductive performance of sows. Therefore, its using could optimize production efficiency and logistics of semen dose deliveries to sow farms.(AU)

Atualizações na avaliação andrológica em suínos / Updates in breeding soundness evaluation in swine

O exame andrológico é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo reprodutivo do rebanho, uma vez que compreende etapas como, anamnese, exame clínico geral e dos órgãos genitais, avaliação do comportamento sexual, além da avaliação da produção, motilidade e morfologia espermática. Apesar de apresentar uma estrutura simples, o exame andrológico deve ser bem executado em cada uma de suas etapas, pois por meio desse procedimento é possível identificar precocemente e remover do rebanho machos inaptos à reprodução. Sendo assim, é fundamental ter conhecimento sobre as características anatômicas e fisiológicas básicas da espécie, e sobre os avanços obtidos em andrologia suína nos últimos anos para realizar adequadamente o exame e, consequentemente, beneficiar toda a cadeia produtiva de suínos.(AU)

Breeding soundness evaluation is a valuable tool for herd management, since the exam includes anamnesis, general and physical exams, boar sexual behavior, and the traditional exams such as sperm production, sperm motility and sperm morphology evaluations. Regardless of its easy execution, examinations must be well performed, considering every step, since this procedure allows the early identification of boars unsuitable for reproduction and their removal from a herd. Thus, it is essential to know about anatomic and physiologic aspects of this species and the updates in swine breeding soundness over the last years, in order to perform this exam properly and, consequently, bringing benefits for whole swine production.(AU)

Atualizações na avaliação andrológica em suínos / Updates in breeding soundness evaluation in swine

O exame andrológico é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo reprodutivo do rebanho, uma vez que compreende etapas como, anamnese, exame clínico geral e dos órgãos genitais, avaliação do comportamento sexual, além da avaliação da produção, motilidade e morfologia espermática. Apesar de apresentar uma estrutura simples, o exame andrológico deve ser bem executado em cada uma de suas etapas, pois por meio desse procedimento é possível identificar precocemente e remover do rebanho machos inaptos à reprodução. Sendo assim, é fundamental ter conhecimento sobre as características anatômicas e fisiológicas básicas da espécie, e sobre os avanços obtidos em andrologia suína nos últimos anos para realizar adequadamente o exame e, consequentemente, beneficiar toda a cadeia produtiva de suínos.

Breeding soundness evaluation is a valuable tool for herd management, since the exam includes anamnesis, general and physical exams, boar sexual behavior, and the traditional exams such as sperm production, sperm motility and sperm morphology evaluations. Regardless of its easy execution, examinations must be well performed, considering every step, since this procedure allows the early identification of boars unsuitable for reproduction and their removal from a herd. Thus, it is essential to know about anatomic and physiologic aspects of this species and the updates in swine breeding soundness over the last years, in order to perform this exam properly and, consequently, bringing benefits for whole swine production.

Epiteliogenese defectuoso en cerdos - relato del caso / Epitheliogenesis imperfecta in the swine - case report / Epiteliogênese imperfeita em suínos - relato de caso

Epiteliogênese imperfecta se caracteriza por la formación epitelial incompleta debido al ectodermo germen y mesodermo durante el período embrionario. La enfermedad varía en gravedad, y se describe en la mayoría de las especies domésticas. En algunas especies, el resultado de mutaciones herdadas genéticamente, pero la herencia no ha sido probado en otros. En este trabajo, vamos a abordar un caso de epiteliogênese imperfecta en un cerdo macho con aproximadamente 21 días de edad, se reunió en Medicina y porcina Reproducción de la Universidad Federal de Santa Maria. De acuerdo a la información del propietario, el animal nació con una malformación de la piel en aproximadamente 40% de la superficie dorsal posterior. El tratamiento fue la base de un antiséptico para prevenir la proliferación de patógenos en las secreciones, aceite mineral para la hidratación de la piel, además de un epitelizante y la curación. Dado que esta condición es esporádica y afecta a algunos animales de una misma camada, los intentos de prevenir la enfermedad a través de animales de cría eliminación no es factible. Sin embargo, la descendencia con este tipo de trastorno de la piel, y sobreviven, no debe ser mantenido como criadores futuras.(AU)

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is characterized by incomplete formation derived epithelial germ ectoderm and mesoderm failures during the embryonic period. The disease varies in severity and was described in most domestic species. In some species, the result of genetically inherited mutations, but heredity was not confirmed in others. In this work, we addressed a case of epitheliogenesis imperfecta in a male pig with approximately 21 days of age, served in Medicine and Reproduction of Swine, Federal University of Santa Maria. According to information from the owner, the animal was born with malformation of the skin in approximately 40% of the posterior dorsal region. The treatment was the basis of an antiseptic to prevent proliferation of pathogens in secretions, mineral oil for moisturizing the skin, plus an epitelizante and healing. Since this condition is sporadic and affects some animals within a litter, attempts to prevent the disease by eliminating the breeding of animals is not feasible. However, offspring with this type of skin disorder, and survive, should not be kept as future breeders.(AU)

A epiteliogênese imperfeita é caracterizada pela incompleta formação epitelial decorrente de falhas germinativas no ectoderma e mesoderma durante o período embrionário. A doença varia em gravidade e foi descrita na maior parte das espécies domésticas. Em algumas espécies, resulta de mutações geneticamente herdadas, mas a hereditariedade não foi comprovada em outras. Neste trabalho, é abordado um caso de epiteliogênese imperfeita em um suíno macho com aproximadamente 21 dias de idade, atendido na Medicina e Reprodução de Suínos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. De acordo com as informações do proprietário, o animal nasceu com malformação da pele em aproximadamente 40% da região dorsal posterior. O tratamento foi instituído a base de um antisséptico para evitar proliferação de patógenos nas secreções, óleo mineral para a hidratação da pele, além de um epitelizante e cicatrizante. Como esta condição é esporádica e afeta alguns animais dentro de uma ninhada, tentativas de prevenção da doença pela eliminação do plantel de animais se torna inviável. Contudo, a prole com este tipo de alteração cutânea, e que sobrevivem, não devem ser mantidos como futuros reprodutores.(AU)

Epiteliogenese defectuoso en cerdos - relato del caso / Epitheliogenesis imperfecta in the swine - case report / Epiteliogênese imperfeita em suínos - relato de caso

Epiteliogênese imperfecta se caracteriza por la formación epitelial incompleta debido al ectodermo germen y mesodermo durante el período embrionario. La enfermedad varía en gravedad, y se describe en la mayoría de las especies domésticas. En algunas especies, el resultado de mutaciones herdadas genéticamente, pero la herencia no ha sido probado en otros. En este trabajo, vamos a abordar un caso de epiteliogênese imperfecta en un cerdo macho con aproximadamente 21 días de edad, se reunió en Medicina y porcina Reproducción de la Universidad Federal de Santa Maria. De acuerdo a la información del propietario, el animal nació con una malformación de la piel en aproximadamente 40% de la superficie dorsal posterior. El tratamiento fue la base de un antiséptico para prevenir la proliferación de patógenos en las secreciones, aceite mineral para la hidratación de la piel, además de un epitelizante y la curación. Dado que esta condición es esporádica y afecta a algunos animales de una misma camada, los intentos de prevenir la enfermedad a través de animales de cría eliminación no es factible. Sin embargo, la descendencia con este tipo de trastorno de la piel, y sobreviven, no debe ser mantenido como criadores futuras.

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is characterized by incomplete formation derived epithelial germ ectoderm and mesoderm failures during the embryonic period. The disease varies in severity and was described in most domestic species. In some species, the result of genetically inherited mutations, but heredity was not confirmed in others. In this work, we addressed a case of epitheliogenesis imperfecta in a male pig with approximately 21 days of age, served in Medicine and Reproduction of Swine, Federal University of Santa Maria. According to information from the owner, the animal was born with malformation of the skin in approximately 40% of the posterior dorsal region. The treatment was the basis of an antiseptic to prevent proliferation of pathogens in secretions, mineral oil for moisturizing the skin, plus an epitelizante and healing. Since this condition is sporadic and affects some animals within a litter, attempts to prevent the disease by eliminating the breeding of animals is not feasible. However, offspring with this type of skin disorder, and survive, should not be kept as future breeders.

A epiteliogênese imperfeita é caracterizada pela incompleta formação epitelial decorrente de falhas germinativas no ectoderma e mesoderma durante o período embrionário. A doença varia em gravidade e foi descrita na maior parte das espécies domésticas. Em algumas espécies, resulta de mutações geneticamente herdadas, mas a hereditariedade não foi comprovada em outras. Neste trabalho, é abordado um caso de epiteliogênese imperfeita em um suíno macho com aproximadamente 21 dias de idade, atendido na Medicina e Reprodução de Suínos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. De acordo com as informações do proprietário, o animal nasceu com malformação da pele em aproximadamente 40% da região dorsal posterior. O tratamento foi instituído a base de um antisséptico para evitar proliferação de patógenos nas secreções, óleo mineral para a hidratação da pele, além de um epitelizante e cicatrizante. Como esta condição é esporádica e afeta alguns animais dentro de uma ninhada, tentativas de prevenção da doença pela eliminação do plantel de animais se torna inviável. Contudo, a prole com este tipo de alteração cutânea, e que sobrevivem, não devem ser mantidos como futuros reprodutores.

Megaesôfago em suínos / Megaesophagus in Swines

Background: Megaesophagus is a disease characterized by widespread dilation of the esophagus, with partial or total loss of the organ peristalsis, produced by a neuromuscular disorder and it can be present as manifestation of several diseases. The most common sign on animals is the regurgitation, which usually happens right after the ingestion of solids. The diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and radiographic exam, where it is possible to observe a contrasted and extensive esophagus. The clinical treatment consists of small semi-solid or liquid meals served in small amounts, with the animal in elevated position. This work reports a swine megaesophagus, occurred in one of the animals housed in the Sector of Clinic and Reproduction of Swine of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.. Case: A male swine, six months of age was housed in the center of artificial insemination, showing some adaptation difficulties to the new facilities, climate, as well as feeding. A reduced feed intake was observed, however, without alterations behavioral or sanitary. The animal was trained progressively for semen collection, presenting eventually regurgitation, which became more frequent with the insistence in feeding. Usually the reflux happened five to ten minutes after the ingestion of ration and/or water, with variable volume, texture and aspect similar to the saliva and pH varying from eight to nine. The animal kept normal appetite, however with slow and progressive loss weigh. It was submitted to endoscopy and contrast radiographic study, leading to megaesophagus confirmation. After the diagnostic, it was suggested the hypothesis that the pathology was developed due to a serious stressful situations of adaptation imposed to the animal, which might contributed triggering the process. Discussion: Megaesophagus is characterized basically by dilation and increase of the organ, peristaltism absence, presence of tertiary contractions and the absence of total or partial inferior sphincter relaxation. These changes could lead to dysphagia that, consequently could compromise the nutritional state. Besides regurgitation, loss weight and anormal development, it is possible to observe cough, mucoid and purulent nasal discharge, as well as dyspnea with pneumonia due to the concomitant aspiration. Among the clinical signs presented by the animal, it is possible to report the regurgitation time in variable frequencies and the loss weight. The diagnosis performed in this animal was based on observation of clinical signs and radiographic exam, where it was possible to visualize a dilated esophagus. The treatments in cases like this usually are in order to provide support conditions or through surgical procedures. The first is characterized by changes on animal management practices, besides the utilization of drugs such as antibiotics, prokinetic and antacids. By the other hand the surgical methods are supported by several techniques, such as the esophagus-diaphragmatic cardioplasty, Heller myotomy, associated to fundoplication. Some animals with congenital idiopathic megaesophagus are able to recover themselves while the ones which are acquired are irreversible. Regarding to the secondary megaesophagus, once the cause is removed the animal has chance of recovering. Therefore, the prognostic for secondary and congenital megaesophagus range from reserved to favorable, while for the acquired cases it is not favorable (as this case report).