Candida Genus Maximum Incidence in Boar Semen Even after Preservation, Is It Not a Risk for AI though?

There is little information in the literature about the fungal contamination of boar semen and its persistence during storage. The challenge of this study was to perform a mycological screening to identify the yeast in the raw semen at 12/24 h after dilution. The research was done in pig farms in the N-E area of Romania, with maximum biosecurity and state-of-the-art technology. All the examined ejaculates (101) were considered to be normal for each spermogram parameter, with microbiological determinations in T0 at the time of ejaculate collection, T1 at the time of dilution, and T2 at 24 h of storage. Microbiological determinations (mycological spermogram) were performed for quantitative (LogCFU/mL) and qualitative (typification of fungal genera) identification. Bacterial burden (×103 LogCFU/mL) after dilution (T1) decreased drastically (p < 0.0001) compared to the one in the raw semen (T0). After 24 h of storage at 17 °C, the mean value of the bacteriospermia remained constant at an average value of 0.44. Mycospermia had a constant trend at T0 (raw) and T1 (0.149 vs. 0.140) and was slightly higher at T2 (0.236). The difference between T1 vs. T2 (p = 0.0419) was close to the statistical reference value (p = 0.05). Of the total genera identified (24), the fungi had a proportion of 37.4% (9/15) and a ratio of 1:1.6. Regarding the total species (34), the fungi had a frequency of 29.42% (10/24) with a ratio between the fungi and bacteria of 1:2.4. A fertility rate of 86% was observed in the L1 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T1), and an 82% rate was observed in the L2 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T2). The litter size of L1 was 9.63 piglets and 9.56 for L2. Regarding the total number of piglets obtained between the two groups, there was a slight decrease of 22 piglets in group L2, without statistical differences (p > 0.05). The predominant genera persisted after dilution during a 12 h storage at 17 °C, where yeasts, such as Candida parapsilosis and C. sake were identified in more than 92% of AI doses.

Total Aseptization of Boar Semen, to Increase the Biosecurity of Reproduction in Swine.

The aim of the study was to establish the complete microbiological profile of boar semen (Sus scrofa domesticus) and to choose the most effective antiseptic measures in order to control and optimize AI reproduction in pig farms. One hundred and one semen samples were collected and analyzed from several pig farms. The microbiological profile of ejaculates was determined by evaluating the degree of contamination of fresh semen and after dilution with specific extenders. The bacterial and fungal load of fresh boar semen recorded an average value of 82.41/0.149 × 103 CFU/mL, while after diluting the ejaculates the contamination value was 0.354/0.140 × 103 CFU/mL. Twenty-four germs (15 bacterial and 9 fungal species) were isolated, the most common being Candida parapsilosis/sake (92%) and Escherichia coli (81.2%). Modification of the sperm collection protocol (HPBC) reduced contamination in raw sperm by 49.85% in bacteria (significant (p < 0.00001) and by 9.67% in fungi (non-significant (p < 0.111491). The load in bacteria and filamentous fungi can be controllable, but not in levuras fungi. Some fluconazole-added extenders (12.5 mg%), ensure fungal aseptization, and even an increase in sperm progressivity (8.39%) for at least a 12 h shelf life after dilution. Validation of sperm aseptization was done by maintaining sow fecundity unchanged after AI (insignificant p > 0.05).

Upgrading the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol in Romanian buffaloes.

The present study describes the challenges of assisted reproduction in Romanian buffaloes while increasing the efficacy of artificial insemination by choosing the most suitable method. The modified fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol with sexed semen was used to increase the conception rate. This study included a total of 80 buffalo heifers that received ovarian stimulation using the OvSynch protocol. Two groups (n = 40), namely, a control group, in which the classic FTAI method was performed, and an experimental group, in which deep intrauterine AI was performed in cows that had developed a dominant follicle (US+UcFTAI), were randomly selected. The conception rate (CR) was 63.6% in the experimental group, which was statistically higher (P < 0.05) than the control group (30%). The ultrasound examination indicated that, using the OvSynch protocol, 82.5% (33 out of 40) of buffaloes developed a dominant follicle (DF) while the distribution between the warm and cold seasons was 75 and 90%, respectively. The CR was 60% during the hot season and 66.6% during the cold season. At calving, 92.5% female fetuses were born. The improved FTAI method in this study enhanced the results by reducing the waste of sexed semen and maximizing the response to OvSynch, making it a recommendation for practitioners. This study presents preliminary results and highlights that genetic progress is difficult to achieve. A systematic approach is needed in order to choose the most suitable biotechnological method for each farm.

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.