Influence of freezing temperature on semen quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Trout production in Peru has export potential. However, there are no fry available to maintain production throughout the year and there is also a lack of egg production at certain times of the year. Therefore, the alternative is to cryopreserve semen for the non-reproductive season. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of freezing temperature on the quality of rainbow trout semen. The semen of 12 reproductive males was collected in the facilities of the Chucuito Research and Production Center of the National University of the Altiplano of Puno, which underwent a macroscopic, microscopic pre and post thaw seminal evaluation and the fertility rate was measured. Due to the effect of three freezing temperatures (-80 °C, -100 °C, -120 °C), cryopreservation had a decline curve of -20 °C / min. The fresh seminal parameters were similar to those reported by other researchers. While freezing had unfavorable effects on semen quality, the best results for activation time (51.33 sec) and vitality (35.33%) were obtained with -100 °C, but the higher motility was obtained with -120 °C (36.33%). Regarding fertility, the higher rate was obtained with -100 °C (70.97%), followed by -80 °C and -120 °C in which 68.86% and 64.34% were obtained, respectively. In conclusion, the results suggest that the tolerable freezing temperature of rainbow trout semen is around -100 °C, which is shown as a favorable alternative for the reproductive management of rainbow trout under natural hypobaric conditions of the Peruvian highlands

Husbandry and captive reproduction of the giant Mexican leaf frog Agalychnis dacnicolor

The giant Mexican leaf frog, Agalychnis dacnicolor, is a large arboreal frog endemic to Mexico. This species was previously under-represented in European zoological collections and specific techniques for reproductive management under vivarium conditions little known. A group of four males and one female A. dacnicolor were maintained in captivity at Chester Zoo (Great Britain). To bring them into reproductive condition, they were subjected to three simulated environmental phases that differed in temperature, humidity and feeding regime. This proved successful so that two clutches of spawn, each containing 150-300 eggs, were deposited on leaves overhanging water. Tadpoles hatched from 4 days following oviposition with approximately 80 % success rate. They were reared at a water temperature of 27 °C to 29 °C and displayed no negative effects from living in high density. All tadpoles metamorphosed successfully and froglets with resorbing tails left water after about 32 days. Their tails were resorbed in a further 4 to 5 days at which time they began to feed; at least in the case of males, sexual maturity was reached after 10 months. This methodology will enable zoological collections in Europe to breed this species for potential conservation, research and educational purposes.

Comparative study utilizing different post-breeding treatment regimens in cyclic Arabian mares

Background and Aim: Post-breeding treatment is the most common practice in the reproductive management of mares. Oxytocin, uterine lavage, and intrauterine (I/U) antibiotic are usually used as prophylactic therapy. This study aimed to determine the most efficient prophylactic treatment regimen among six treatment protocols applied during natural breeding of cyclic Arabian mares. Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on cyclic Arabian mares that were subdivided into three age categories (n=968): Category I (5-10 years, n=380), Category II (11-15 years, n=361), and Category III (≥16 years, n=227). Six prophylactic treatments were applied after 4 h of breeding. According to the treatment regimen, treated mares (n=483) were divided into six treatment groups: A (n=80), treated with I/U antibiotic (1 g gentamicin); B (n=81), I/U lavage (normal saline 500 mL); C (n=83), intramuscular (I/M) oxytocin (10 IU); D (n=82), I/U antibiotic and I/M oxytocin; E (n=78), I/U lavage and I/M oxytocin; and F (n=79), I/U lavage with I/U antibiotic and I/M oxytocin. Non-treated mares were classified as controls (n=485). Ultrasonography was performed to monitor pregnant mares 30 and 60 days after mating, and mares were followed until foaling. Results: Pregnancy and foaling results reveals that in age Category I, treatment with oxytocin alone or oxytocin with I/U lavage showed the highest pregnancy and foaling rates (p<0.01). In age Category II, the highest pregnancy and foaling rates were observed in lavage treatment (p<0.01), whereas, in age Category III, the good pregnancy and foaling rates were monitored in treatment with oxytocin and I/U lavage (p<0.01). Conclusion: Treatment with systemic I/M oxytocin is ideal in early age group mares (5-10 years of age). However, irrespective of the age categories, all mares exhibited high pregnancy and foaling rates after treatment with systemic I/M oxytocin and I/U lavage with normal saline (0.9%) 4 h post-breeding.

Correlation of Reproduction Management on Losses of Dairy Farmers in Wagir District, Malang Regency

This study was conducted to find out how much losses the breeders get when their cattle experience a decline in day open (DO), service per conception (S/C), and calving interval (CI).There were 108 lactating dairy cows from the dairy farm, Wagir District, Malang Regency.The data that has been taken is then processed by analysis using linear regression method.The results of the analysis prove that reproductive management has an effect of 82% on farmer expenditure.For each setback DO per day, the farmer pays Rp. 609,05.Meanwhile, for each additional S/C the farmer pays Rp. 99,921.7.For each setback the farmer CI will incur a fee of IDR 228,54 / day.So that the equation found is expendses = 609,05 (DO) + 99,921.7 (s / c) +228,54 (CI).

Suckling, male effect and kisspeptin in the reproductive management of ewes in postpartum anestrus

Objective: To describe the management strategies of controlled suckling and the male effect to reduce postpartum anestrus, and to show the participation of kisspeptin to regulate the effect of both factors. Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of scientific publications was conducted, in order to show the importance of suckling and the male effect as strategies to reduce postpartum anestrus in the ewe, as well as the relation of kisspeptin with both factors. Results: Seasonal anestrus can be avoided with the use of breeds adapted to the local environment, such as Pelibuey. Postpartum anestrus occurs mainly as a result of suckling, since the latter inhibits the pulsating secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). The exact path of this inhibition is unknown, although it seems that endogenous opioid peptides and kisspeptin are intermediaries. Controlled suckling and the male effect are management strategies that improve the reproductive behavior of postpartum ewes. Kisspeptin regulates the influence of the male effect through the secretion of GnRH/LH. Study Limitations/Implications: To understand the impacts of suckling and the male effect on the duration of postpartum anestrus, as well as the participation of kisspeptin in the regulation of both effects, will allow designing management strategies to improve the reproductive efficiency of the ewes. Findings/Conclusions: Controlled suckling and the male effect reduce postpartum anestrus and improve the reproductive behavior of the ewes; advancing knowledge of the kisspeptin effect could improve the effectiveness of both techniques.

Reproductive management of the goat

Objective: To share technical aspects with specialists in animal reproduction and producers that could help to improve the reproductive capacity of caprine livestock. Design/Methodology/Approach: Scientific evidence and experience in the reproductive management of goats are the basis that sustains the information presented in this article. Results: The goat is widely distributed in Mexico; it is a species with seasonal reproductive activity, but of easy manipulation with hormonal and natural means. Presently there is a large variety of biotechnologies that can be applied in the production units, to potentiate the reproductive activity of the goat. Study Limitations/Implications: The lack of knowledge and the lack of consulting and technical training limit the productive and reproductive potential of goat breeding in Mexico. Findings/Conclusions: Knowledge of the reproductive physiology of the goat and understanding of the means available to manipulate it guarantees its reproduction at the time and in the conditions desired by the producer and the market

Reproductive management of the ram (Ovis orientalis aries)

Objective: To describe briefly the physiology, the anatomy and the reproductive management of the ram. Design/Methodology/Approach: Review of the anatomy, physiology and general considerations for an adequate reproductive management of the ram. Results: The ram presents a less seasonal reproductive activity than the female and its reproductive behavior is easier to observe. However, it is in the fall, the reproductive season of seasonal sheep, when their behavior is much more complex and complete. It begins with smelling the external genitals of the female, goes through the flehmen response and ends with mating, intromission and ejaculation. It is necessary to consider the anatomical and physiological aspects of the ram and its meticulous management to avoid reproductive failures in the flock. Frequently, the rams are less important for the flock’s handler during the season of reproductive rest. Monitoring their diet and parasite and disease control is necessary to keep them apt for reproduction. The evaluation of the reproductive aptitude of the ram before mating is convenient and can be planned as part of its management; and once mating begins, considering the adequate proportion of rams/females, in addition to monitoring their performance during this event. Study Limitations/Implications: To consider that the ram shows a good capacity for mating, capacity for service, libido, quality of semen, since it is responsible for a proportion of lamb production. Findings/Conclusions: Reproduction in sheep is regulated by the photoperiod, genetic potential, nutritional status, health status and other factors, which are important both in the ram and in the female. Some sheep breeds have potential of prolificacy; a good reproductive management of the ram can influence these factors and increase the reproduction rate in the flocks.

Sheep reproductive management

Objective: To describe some reproductive management programs that allow increasing the productive efficiency of ewes. Design/methodology/approach: Description of the main hormones and their application in sheep reproductive management protocols. The subjects are reviewed based on academic references as well as on their use in sheep reproductive protocols at the Sheep and Goat Reproduction Laboratory of the Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico. Results: Hormones, socio-sexual strategies, reproductive protocols and techniques are tools that improve the reproductive efficiency of ewes during the reproductive season and seasonal anestrus. Study limitations/implications: The basic techniques of reproductive management and protocols in sheep are mostly available, however, they still have room for improvement, therefore, multiple efforts involving all participants, such as the primary sector, public and private institutions, are required. Findings/conclusions: Reproductive management is an important pillar for animal production; thus its implementation is fundamental to improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of a herd

Reproductive management in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann)

Objective: To review information related with the reproductive physiology and management of white-tailed deer for reproductive specialists and producers. Design/methodology/approach: The information presented in this document relies on the review of scientific papers and on experience gained in white-tail deer production systems. Results: White-tailed deer is a species with seasonal reproduction and one of the most important hunting species in Mexico. Currently, all reproductive biotechnologies applied to small ruminants can be used in white-tailed deer. Limitations of the study/implications: Information regard the physiology and reproductive management of white-tailed deer is limited, probably due to conditions specific to its production system. Findings/conclusions: Research and publication of information regard the physiology and reproductive management of white-tailed deer is needed.