Concentrations, compositional profiles, and health risks of benzophenones among the Taiwanese population based on analysis of 23 daily consumed foods.

In this study, we analyzed the occurrence and distribution of 11 benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters (BPs) in 893 food samples spanning 7 food categories in Taiwan. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks of BPs. The results indicated that cornflakes had the highest mean level of BPs (103 ng/g), followed by bread (101 ng/g) and pastries (59 ng/g). BP was the most prevalent category, followed by 4-methylbenzophenone (4-MBP), 2-hydroxybenzophenone, and benzophenone-3. Estimation of the lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) of BP (average life expectancy of 80 years) placed them in the 50th and 97.5th percentiles [P50 (P97.5)] LTCR of 1.9 × 10-7 (5.7 × 10-6), indicating that BP in food poses a low renal hazard to the Taiwanese population. The noncarcinogenic risk of BPs was evaluated using a hazard quotient and combined margin of exposure (MOET), revealing a P50 (P97.5) hazard index of < 1 for BP, 4-MBP, and methyl-2-benzoylbenzoate. Although the P50 MOET values for all age groups were within the moderate range of concern, with a more conservative extreme (P2.5), the MOET values for the 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 age groups fell below 100, indicating a high concern for renal degeneration and hyperplasia.

Cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure of the adult population in Serbia to pesticides that have chronic effects on the thyroid gland through fresh fruits and vegetables.

In contrast to the traditional approach to risk assessment, which focuses on a single chemical, cumulative exposure and risk assessment considers the consequences of exposure to multiple chemical combinations. A cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure of adult females and adult males to pesticides with chronic effects on the thyroid was conducted by estimation of the Total Margin of Exposure (MOET). Exposure to each active substance was estimated using a second-order Monte Carlo simulation. Input values for the simulation were based on over 2300 conventionally produced fruit and vegetable samples analysed from 2021 to 2023 and consumption data collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24h recall method. MOET values, for both populations assessed, did not exceed thresholds for regulatory consideration established by risk managers. Considering that MOETs values from consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were relatively close to the threshold value, total exposure to the pesticides could likely reach risk-associated MOET levels, through the consumption of other food products that may be contaminated.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and genome editing to support a sustainable livestock.

This article provides an overview of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and genome engineering to improve livestock production systems for the contribution of global sustainability. Most ruminant production systems are conducted on grassland conditions, as is the case of South American countries that are leaders in meat and milk production worldwide with a well-established grass-feed livestock. These systems have many strengths from an environmental perspective and consumer preferences but requires certain improvements to enhance resource efficiency. Reproductive performance is one of the main challenges particularly in cow-calf operations that usually are conducted under adverse conditions and thus ART can make a great contribution. Fixed-time artificial insemination is applied in South America in large scale programs as 20 to 30% of cows receive this technology every year in each country, with greater calving rate and significant herd genetic gain occurred in this region. Sexed semen has also been increasingly implemented, enhancing resource efficiency by a) obtaining desired female replacement and improving animal welfare by avoiding newborn male sacrifice in dairy industry, or b) alternatively producing male calves for beef industry. In vitro embryo production has been massively applied, with this region showing the greatest number of embryos produced worldwide leading to significant improvement in herd genetics and productivity. Although the contribution of these technologies is considerable, further improvements will be required for a significant livestock transformation and novel biotechnologies such as genome editing are already available. Through the CRISPR/Cas-based system it is possible to enhance food yield and quality, avoid animal welfare concerns, overcome animal health threats, and control pests and invasive species harming food production. In summary, a significant enhancement in livestock productivity and resource efficiency can be made through reproductive technologies and genome editing, improving at the same time profitability for farmers, and global food security and sustainability.

Establishing initial validity and factor structure for the muscularity-oriented eating test in gay men.

Eating disorders (EDs) affect men at higher rates than previously estimated, with many traditional ED measures likely underestimating the prevalence of eating and exercise-related pathology among males. The development of the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) represents an important advancement in ED assessment, enabling valid and reliable assessment of muscularity-oriented ED pathology among men. The current study sought to provide initial validity of the MOET among gay men. N = 264 gay men, recruited via MTurk, participated in a brief online survey, completing the MOET and other well-validated measures of eating pathology and body image psychopathology. Factor structure, mean, standard deviation, and intercorrelation between measures were assessed. The MOET demonstrated adequate factor structure, similar to that reported in the initial validation sample, and was significantly correlated with other measures of eating and body image psychopathology. The current study suggests initial validity of the MOET for use among gay men. Future research is needed among younger and more diverse samples of SM men, along with evidence of adequate test-retest reliability and absence of differential item functioning among gay men.

Ovarian response to P4-PGF-FSH treatment in Suffolk sheep and P4-PGF-PMSG synchronization in cross-bred ewes, for IVD and ET protocol.

BACKGROUND: The success of an embryo transfer protocol in sheep depends on many factors, but the choice of drugs for the desired superovulation as well as the conception rate (CR) are most essential. Reproductive activity in sheep is characterized by a seasonality influenced by several factors such as photoperiod, latitude, temperature, nutrition and breed. Reproductive seasonality and nutritional condition are the main factors that influence embryo production in sheep. In sheep, some anatomical peculiarities limit the application of traditional reproductive biotechnologies used in cattle. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to conclude on the effectiveness of a wider on farm in vivo embryo transfer development programme in Suffolk sheep by streamlining hormone therapies and optimizing technique. METHODS: A total number of 60 sheep and three rams were included in this study, divided into two groups (receptors and donors). Donor Suffolk sheep were treated for superovulation using the P4-PGF-FSH multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) protocol, while the cross-bred recipients' group was synchronized with P4-PGF-PMSG. RESULTS: On the first day after superovulation, all ovaries had more than five dominant follicles, while corpora lutea were later observed in 83.3% sheep. The recovery rate was 83.3%, while 72.9% embryos were transferable. Embryos were transferred directly into recipients. Fertility after 30 days was 68.57%, lambing rate was 91.6% and CR was 62.85%. This study showed that veterinary drugs (P4, FSH, LH, PMSG, PGF) used for superovulation optimized by us were capable of producing by this improved technique the optimization of the reproduction indices at embryo-transfer (ET) and to be able to be used successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The application of an MOET protocol has a positive effect in the production of in vivo embryo production (IVD) embryos in Suffolk sheep and can guarantee the success of embryo transfer activity to ewes with lower genetic merit. Our research aimed at representing a model for sheep farms for a rapid improvement of productive traits.

Development and validation of a multicultural Spanish-language version of the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) in Argentina.

The utility of traditional eating disorder measures in the assessment of muscularity-oriented disordered eating has been questioned. To address this limitation, the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) was recently developed and validated in a sample of U.S. college men. We aimed to develop a multicultural Spanish-language version of the MOET for use in Latin American samples and validate its use in a sample of Argentinian college men. Combined translation procedures were used to develop a version suitable for different Spanish-speaking populations. A total of 235 students (Mage = 23.47, SD = 5.61) participated in this study by completing a survey including the MOET. A sub-sample (n = 121) completed the MOET again after 1 week. A confirmatory factor analysis of a re-specified model of the original single-factor MOET, allowing for residual correlation between items associated to dietary rules (items 4-12), resulted in an adequate fit (χ2/df = 2.10, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA 0.05 [90% CI = 0.04, 0.06] SRMR = 0.08). Further, the multicultural Spanish-language version of the MOET yielded evidence of internal consistency (omega = 0.83, 95% CI [0.79, 0.88], Cronbach's α = 0.83), a 1-week Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was considered for test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.82), item analysis, convergent validity with measures of eating disorder psychopathology, body dissatisfaction and weight-related behaviors, as well as for divergent validity with an unrelated construct. The availability of a multicultural Spanish-language version of the MOET may have utility in both clinical and research efforts related to muscularity-oriented disordered eating among Latino men.

Intensified Use of Reproductive Technologies and Reduced Dimensions of Breeding Schemes Put Genetic Diversity at Risk in Dairy Cattle Breeds.

In the management of dairy cattle breeds, two recent trends have arisen that pose potential threats to genetic diversity: the use of reproductive technologies (RT) and a reduction in the number of bulls in breeding schemes. The expected outcome of these changes, in terms of both genetic gain and genetic diversity, is not trivial to predict. Here, we simulated 15 breeding schemes similar to those carried out in large French dairy cattle breeds; breeding schemes differed with respect to their dimensions, the intensity of RT use, and the type of RT involved. We found that intensive use of RT resulted in improved genetic gain, but deteriorated genetic diversity. Specifically, a reduction in the interval between generations through the use of ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization (OPU-IVF) resulted in a large increase in the inbreeding rate both per year and per generation, suggesting that OPU-IVF could have severe adverse effects on genetic diversity. To achieve a given level of genetic gain, the scenarios that best maintained genetic diversity were those with a higher number of sires/bulls and a medium intensity of RT use or those with a higher number of female donors to compensate for the increased intensity of RT.

In vivo embryo production and recovery in lacaune ewes after imposing a superovulation treatment regimen is related to pFSH dose.

This study was conducted to assess effects of different doses of pFSH on follicular recruitment, superovulatory response, ova/embryo recovery, and embryo yield in lactating ewes. Ewes (n = 24) had a superovulation treatment regimen imposed. All ewes were implanted with a progesterone intravaginal device for 9 d, and administered either 100 (G-100) or 200 (G-200) mg pFSH, proportioned into six doses administered at 12-h intervals, starting 60 h before device removal. At 7 days subsequent to progesterone device removal, there were non-surgical embryo recoveries (NSER) from ewes having three or more corpora lutea. At the time of the first pFSH injection, number of antral follicles were similar (P < 0.05) between ewes in the G-100 and G-200 group, however, there were more 3.1-4.0 mm follicles in ewes of the G-200 than G-100 group at the time of the second pFSH administration. Estrous response and CL number were less (P < 0.05) in ewes of the G-100 (66.7 % and 2.6 ±â€¯0.7) than G-200 (91.7 % and 11.6 ±â€¯1.2) group. There were embryo collections from 100 % and 90.9 % of ewes in the G-100 and G-200 groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Viable embryo numbers and ova/embryo recovery rate were greater (P < 0.05) in ewes of the G-200 (6.9 ±â€¯1.1 and 67.8 %) than G-100 (1.0 ±â€¯0.5 and 27.6 %) group. A dose of 200 mg pFSH was more effective in inducing a superovulatory response and embryo yield after NSER in ewes, however, the 100 mg dose was insufficient for these purposes.

Impact of embryo technologies on secondary sex ratio in rabbit.

Increasing evidence indicates that assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) disturb skewed sex-ratio and induce sex-dimorphic postnatal effects. Undoubtedly, the combination of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) together with the use of vitrification technique (MOVET) is currently being used in breeding programs. However, since the first case of sex skewing reported in 1991, the accumulative and long-term transmission of skewed sex-ratio to future generations has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here we test as MOVET program induce a skewed sex ratio, and we consider skewed sex ratio transmission to future generations. To this end, we first evaluated the F1 generation, demonstrating that a MOVET program causes a severe imbalance skewed secondary sex ratio (SSR) towards male by 12%. This imbalanced persist after a second MOVET program (F2 generation), with an accumulative skewed SSR towards male by 25%. Finally, using a crossbred generation derived from crossing F1 males derived from a MOVET program with naturally-conceived (NC) females, we show that the imbalance skewed SRR persist. Bodyweight comparison between MOVET animals and NC counterparts revealed significant changes at birth, weaning and adulthood. However, there was a significant interaction between F2 MOVET animals and sex, demonstrating an apparent accumulative sex-dimorphic effect. At adulthood, MOVET derived males presented a lower body weight. In conclusion, we show that the MOVET program causes a direct, accumulative and long-term transmission of skewed SSR.

Carcinogenic, ethanol, acetaldehyde and noncarcinogenic higher alcohols, esters, and methanol compounds found in traditional alcoholic beverages. A risk assessment approach.

Greek fermentation and distillation industries produce traditional spirit beverages, such as tsipouro and tsikoudia, consumed both in bottles and bulk quantities by the general population or tourists. The same spirits are also produced by individuals at home since previous centuries, as a part of the local culture but mainly due to the Greek agricultural sector unique characteristics (small cultivation areas with great number of farmers). In this study, the concentrations of carcinogenic compounds: ethanol and acetaldehyde; and noncarcinogenic: higher alcohols (1-propanol, isobutanol, and isoamyl alcohol), esters (ethyl acetate), and methanol were measured to estimate the potential cancer risk and daily intake of these compounds. The margin of exposure (MOE) of carcinogenic compounds was found to be less than 500 (mean value), well below the toxic threshold of 10,000, above which there is not public concern, as suggested by the European Food Safety Authority. Additionally, through risk assessment of noncarcinogenic compounds, we identified two specific compounds in-bulk spirits (produced by individuals), namely ethyl acetate and isobutanol, with health risk index (HRI) greater than 1 (indicating a possibility to induce side effects by consumption of high amounts). Our results indicate that bottled spirits, which are produced in a controlled environment (alcohol industries), showed higher human safety level in terms of both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk assessment studies, comparing to bulk beverages produced by individuals (with out strict regulations).

Review on small ruminant conservation status and prospects in India.

Small ruminants always play a major role in the agricultural economy of India. They provide livelihoods to numerous small and marginal farmers. The diversity of small ruminant population is enormous in the country which contributes to agrarian economy. However, the genetic variety is now at risk due to indiscriminate cross-breeding, and change is farmer's preference towards high-producing breeds. The population statistics is showing a declining trend for the past several years. During time of climate change and outbreak of novel diseases, this genetic diversity is important as consumer preferences and climate is bound to change in future. So to ensure fitness and vitality in future populations of food-producing animals, and to keep genetic options open, access to greater diversity of genetic material will always be required. The native breeds of the country also possess several characteristics of disease tolerance, high fecundity and specific products which make them unique in their own aspect. Hence, conservation programmes should be adopted to maintain this large diversity of small ruminants. It may involve tradition practices followed by pastoralists or modern reproductive technologies like MOET. The government has taken several steps towards conservation and national institutes like NBAGR works for evaluation and conservation of native genetic diversity. However, better awareness among famers and improving of conservational approaches will go a long way in sustainable management of sheep and goat genetic resources.

Embryo yield and quality are associated with progestogen treatment during superovulation protocol in lactating Lacaune ewes.

This study assessed the effect of progestogen treatment length on ovarian parameters and embryo yield in superovulated Lacaune ewes collected by nonsurgical embryo recovery. Twenty-three lactating ewes were superovulated 30 d apart using a cross-over design. All ewes received 60 mg of MAP intravaginal sponges for 6 (G-6 group) or 9 (G-9 group) d. A total dose of 133 mg pFSH was given in six decreasing doses (twice a day) starting at 60 h before device removal. Ultrasound examination of the ovaries was performed at the first pFSH injection and one day before embryo recovery, which was performed 6-7 d after the onset of estrus. Embryo recovery was conducted only in ewes that expressed estrus and were mated. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the total number of follicles between G-6 (15.7 ± 1.0) and G-9 (15.6 ± 0.8) at the time of the first pFSH treatment. The percentage of responding donors with ≥3 corpora lutea (CL; 78.2% [18/23] vs 69.5% [16/23]), mean (±SEM) CL number (7.0 ± 1.2 vs 8.1 ± 1.6), transcervical passage rate (94.4% [17/18] vs 83.3% [15/18], and ova/embryo recovery rate (54.5% [60/110] vs 68.0% [83/122]) were not different (P > 0.05) between the G-6 and G-9 groups. However, the mean number of viable embryos was lower (P < 0.05) in the G-6 group (1.8 ± 0.7) than in the G-9 group. (3.5 ± 1.1). In conclusion, treatment with an intravaginal MAP sponge for 9 d during a superovulation protocol is beneficial for viable embryo yield in Lacaune ewes out of the breeding season.

The effect of anti-müllerian hormone and progesterone concentrations on superovulation response and embryo yield in goats.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and progesterone concentrations with superovulation response in goats and to determine donors exhibiting better superovulation response by measuring AMH concentrations. For this, blood samples were collected from multiparous Angora goats (n = 24) for measuring the progesterone and AMH concentrations on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated (Day 0), on the day of the first FSH administration (Day 9), on the day the progesterone source was removed (Day 11), and on the day of uterine flushing. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, minimum value, maximum value, and percentile) were given for superovulation response and embryo yield. To compare the differences between the two groups, the Student's t-test was used. The relationship between two continuous variables was assessed by the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The AMH cutoff values in superovulation responses were evaluated by ROC analysis on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated. A strong positive correlation was found between the AMH concentrations measured on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated (Day 0), on the day of the first FSH administration (Day 9), and on the day of removal of the progesterone source (Day 11) and the count of total corpus luteum (CL), total oocyte/embryo, transferable embryo, and Code I quality embryo (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AMH concentration increased on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated, the donor's superovulation response increased as well. The cutoff value was 4.74 ng/ml, as assessed by the ROC curve analysis conducted for selecting donors exhibiting better superovulation responses. The sensitivity and specificity of the selected cutoff value were found to be quite high (P < 0.01). However, a positive correlation was noted between the progesterone concentrations measured on the day of uterine flushing and total CL count, total oocyte/embryo count, transferable embryo count, and Code I quality embryo count (P < 0.01). In conclusion, it was determined that an increase in AMH concentrations in goats led to an increase in the total CL count, embryo count, and embryo quality and that AMH measurement could be used to identify donors that responded better to superovulation. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the progesterone concentration measured on the day of uterine flushing and the total CL count, transferable embryo count, and embryo quality.

Comparison of pregnancy rates with transfer of in vivo produced embryos derived using multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) with in vitro produced embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries).

In the present study, there was comparison of pregnancy rates with transfer of in vivo-produced embryos using multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) with in vitro-produced embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in dromedary camels. In vivo-produced embryos were collected from donors after super-stimulation of follicular development on day 7 after ovulation, while in vitro-derived embryos were produced using SCNT from in vivo-matured oocytes collected from camels after follicular development super-stimulation. As a result of estrous synchronization, all recipient camels for both groups were 1 day earlier in stage of estrous cycle than developmental status of embryos at the time of transfer. The animals into which embryos were transferred were monitored at 7-day intervals after embryo transfer for signs of pregnancy based on response to presence of a male and there was ultrasonic confirmation on days 35 and 60 subsequent to day of estrus in recipient animals. A greater proportion of recipients (P < 0.05) were considered pregnant based on response to male presence when there was transfer of MOET-(76.8 ± 3.2) compared with SCNT- (26.4 ± 2.4) derived embryos on day 14. There was no difference in pregnancy losses in subsequent weeks until day 60 between groups. There were also no differences in calving rates of females in which MOET- (91.7%) and SCNT- (93.3%) derived embryos were transferred. These results indicate pregnancies at day 60 with SCNT-derived embryos are sustained for the remainder of gestation periods similar to when there was transfer of MOET-derived embryos in dromedary camels.

Superovulatory response and embryo quality in Katahdin ewes treated with FSH or FSH plus eCG during non-breeding season.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a co-treatment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) on serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations, superovulatory response, ovulatory rate, and number and production of embryos in Katahdin breed ewes during the non-breeding season. Twenty Katahdin ewes were synchronized with progestagens (CIDR) and assigned to two superovulation treatments (n = 10): (1): ewes treated with 200 mg ewe-1 of FSH from day 5 to 8 after CIDR insertion at decreasing doses every 12 h (FSH group) and (2) ewes treated as FSH group plus 300 IU of eCG on day 5 after CIDR insertion (FSH + eCG group). Estrous behavior was monitored and direct mating was performed. On days - 7 (CIDR insertion), 0 (CIDR withdrawal), and 7 (embryo recovery), blood samples were collected to determine serum hormone concentrations. Co-treatment with eCG (FSH group) did not affect (P > 0.05) serum hormone levels. Superovulation response, ovulation rate, recovery rate, fertilization, and number of embryos were also similar (P > 0.05) between treatments. Compared with FSH group, FSH + eCG ewes had lower (P < 0.05) number of transferable embryos and higher (P < 0.05) number of oocyte and a tendency to increase the number of degenerated embryos (P = 0.07). Overall results suggest that the administration of eCG is not beneficial either to improve the ovulatory response or the amount of transferable embryos in Katahdin ewes superovulated with a protocol using progesterone and FSH at decreasing doses.

Genotyping strategies of selection candidates in livestock breeding programmes.

Benefits of genomic selection (GS) in livestock breeding operations are well known particularly where traits are sex-limited, hard to measure, have a low heritability and/or measured later in life. Sheep and beef breeders have a higher cost:benefit ratio for GS compared to dairy. Therefore, strategies for genotyping selection candidates should be explored to maximize the economic benefit of GS. The aim of the paper was to investigate, via simulation, the additional genetic gain achieved by selecting proportions of male selection candidates to be genotyped via truncation selection. A two-trait selection index was used that contained an easy and early-in-life measurement (such as post-weaning weight) as well as a hard-to-measure trait (such as intra-muscular fat). We also evaluated the optimal proportion of female selection candidates to be genotyped in breeding programmes using natural mating and/or artificial insemination (NatAI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) or juvenile in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (JIVET). The final aim of the project was to investigate the total dollars spent to increase the genetic merit by one genetic standard deviation (SD) using GS and/or reproductive technologies. For NatAI and MOET breeding programmes, females were selected to have progeny by 2 years of age, while 1-month-old females were required for JIVET. Genomic testing the top 20% of male selection candidates achieved 80% of the maximum benefit from GS when selection of male candidates prior to genomic testing had an accuracy of 0.36, while 54% needed to be tested to get the same benefit when the prior selection accuracy was 0.11. To achieve 80% of the maximum benefit in female, selection required 66%, 47% and 56% of female selection candidates to be genotyped in NatAI, MOET and JIVET breeding programmes, respectively. While JIVET and MOET breeding programmes achieved the highest annual genetic gain, genotyping male selection candidates provides the most economical way to increase rates of genetic gain facilitated by genomic testing.

Cervical transposition test using Hegar dilator at oestrus as a tool to select ewes for transcervical embryo collection.

This study evaluated the cervical transposition method as a tool to select ewes for embryo collection by transcervical route. Adult Santa Inês ewes (n = 50) received Day 0 protocol for superovulation treatments. The cervix transposition test was performed both at oestrus and at the embryo collection time. The latter was preceded by hormonal cervical dilation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 85.7%, 66.6%, 85.7%, 66.6% and 80.0%, respectively. The kappa index yielded a moderate score (κ = 0.52). In conclusion, the high sensitivity and accuracy indicate that the cervical transposition test is a screening option to select ewes for embryo collection by transcervical route.

Anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count are more effective for selecting ewes with good potential for in vivo embryo production than the presence of FecGE mutation or eCG pre-selection tests.

This study aims to compare four different methods for selecting high responding sheep donors for in vivo embryo production. These methods include a pre-selection eCG test (eCG), antral follicle count (AFC), plasma anti-Müllerian hormone measurement (AMH) and genotyping for the presence of the FecGE mutation (a polymorphism in the GDF9 gene associated with increased ovulation rate). Santa Ines ewe lambs (n = 25) underwent superovulation (SOV) with 800 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and the corpus luteum (CL) count was recorded by laparoscopy after eight days. At the D0eCG, blood samples for AMH and genotyping analysis were collected. Twenty-one days after the end of the eCG test, the same animals underwent SOV with 200 mg of FSH, administered in six decreasing doses, and then naturally mated. Immediately before the beginning of the FSH protocol (D0FSH), and at the moment of the first FSH dose (D9FSH), the AFC was assessed. Plasma AMH was again determined at the D9FSH. After each screening process, animals were classified as having a high (HR), or low (LR), potential of response (using specific thresholds for each method). Then, the ewes' response to SOV and embryo yield for each screening method, classified as HR or LR, were compared. Animals classified as HR by AFC (HRAFC) and by AMH concentration (HRAMH) at the D9FSH, produced more viable embryos than those classified as LRAFC and LRAMH (HRAFC 6.2 ±â€¯3.2 vs LRAFC 2.8 ±â€¯3.0 and HRAMH 6.6 ±â€¯3.6 vs LRAMH 3.0 ±â€¯2.9). Pre-selection tests with eCG and different FecGE genotypes, either heterozygous (+/E) or wild type (+/+), were unable to discriminate HR or LR animals. A tendency (P = 0.06) to have lower plasma AMH was observed in heterozygous FecGE (+/E) ewes. In conclusion, both AFC and plasma AMH can be used to select donor ewes with a higher potential of response for in vivo embryo production.

Oocyte developmental competence is improved by relatively greater circulating progesterone concentrations during preovulatory follicular growth.

This study evaluated the effect of progesterone priming during follicular growth on oocyte competence to undergo oocyte cleavage and embryo development in sheep. Two experiments were performed on a total of 195 females that either received or did not receive a progesterone treatment (CIDR-type device) during the first follicular wave, beginning soon after ovulation (i.e., Day 0 of the experiment). On Day 3, the follicular population and oocyte quality (Experiment 1 and 2) and the competence of oocytes for cleavage and embryo development (Experiment 2) were evaluated after laparoscopic ovum pickup (LOPU) and in vitro fertilization. In Experiment 1, in a 2 × 2 factorial study the progesterone priming treatment (treated or not) was or was not associated with a single dose of FSH in a slow-release hyaluronic acid preparation given on Day 0. The follicular population on Day 3 and the number and morphology of recovered cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were not affected by the progesterone treatment (P = NS) but were improved by the FSH administration (P <  0.05). An interaction between both treatments was observed (P <  0.05), with more desirable outcome with the females that received both the progesterone and the FSH treatments. In Experiment 2, half of the females received the exogenous progesterone priming, and all females received FSH on Day 0. After follicular aspiration on Day 3, the cleavage rate and the embryo development rate following in vitro fertilization and culture were greater in those females that received the progesterone treatment (P <  0.05). In conclusion, these studies provide evidence that progesterone treatment during follicular growth affects oocyte competence, with the greater progesterone concentrations enhancing the oocyte's capacity to undergo cleavage and embryo development.