Author(s): SCHMIDT, A. P. S.; ARRAIS, A. M.; BRANDÃO, F. Z.; BATISTA, R. I. T. P.; OLIVEIRA, M. E. F.; SOUZA-FABJAN, J. M. G.; FONSECA, J. F. da; UNGERFELD, R.

Summary: The pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone (LH) induced by the male effect may play a beneficial role in embryonic viability during superovulation. The objective of the present study was to determine if biostimulation with males for 72 h enhances the ewes’ superovulatory response, including the embryo quality. The data were analyzed using mixed models with Bioestat statistical software, including the treatments, time, and their interactions as the main effects. Data are presented as LS mean ± SEM. Differences were considered significant when P ? 0.05. No difference was observed in the means of ovarian cysts (0.2±0.1 vs. 0.9±0.5), CLs (9±1 vs. 8±1), recovered structures (6±1 vs. 5±1), viable structures (4±1 vs. 3±1 in CG and REG treatments. However, bioestimulation increased the abundance of transcripts associated with energy metabolism (SIRT2) and cell adhesion (CDH1) and reduced the expression of those related to stress and apoptosis (PRDX.1 and BCL2). In conclusion, biostimulation promoted healthier embryo development according to gene expression, impacting positively therefore the quality of the embryos recovered.

Publication year: 2024

Types of publication: Abstract in annals or event proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Goats & Sheep

Keywords: Assisted reproductive technologies, Ewes, Luteinizing hormone, Ram effect, Reproduction, Sheep, Superovulated females, Superovulation