Background Semen quality is one of the most important indicators of boar reproductive performance.In the past,boar breeding has mostly emphasized characteristics such as lean meat percentage,feed conversion efficiency...Background Semen quality is one of the most important indicators of boar reproductive performance.In the past,boar breeding has mostly emphasized characteristics such as lean meat percentage,feed conversion efficiency,and growth rate,while overlooking the genetic improvement of reproductive traits.This study employs advanced multi-omics approaches,such as transcriptome-wide association studies(TWAS)and colocalization between genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and expression quantitative trait loci(eQTLs),to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanisms governing semen quality traits in boars.Results Here,we collected 190,000 ejaculate records across 11 semen quality traits from 3,604 Duroc boars.The heritability of semen quality traits ranged from 0.095 to 0.343.Genetic correlations between semen quality traits varied from−0.802 to 0.661,and phenotypic correlations ranged from−0.833 to 0.776.Single-trait GWAS identified 19 independent variants,corresponding to 13 quantitative trait loci(QTLs).By integrating PigGTEx and FAANG resources,we combined TWAS and colocalization analyses to reveal genetic regulation of semen quality traits.Notably,both GWAS and colocalization analyses pinpointed the DCAF12 as a crucial gene associated with multiple semen quality traits.Additionally,the ZSCAN9 gene and the variant rs322211455 were found to significantly affect sperm motility(SPMOT),possibly through hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.PheWAS further highlighted an association between rs322211455 and sperm abnormality rate,demonstrating the crucial role of ZSCAN9 in male fertility.Conclusion This study reveals the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms underlying semen quality traits in Duroc boars,identifying key candidate genes such as DCAF12 and ZSCAN9.These findings provide important insight into the genetic regulation of semen quality in boars.展开更多
Ephemeroviruses(EVs)are arthropod-borne rhabdoviruses and were isolated exclusively from cattle and haematophagous arthropods until two new ephemeroviruses were first identified from domestic pigs most recently.Here w...Ephemeroviruses(EVs)are arthropod-borne rhabdoviruses and were isolated exclusively from cattle and haematophagous arthropods until two new ephemeroviruses were first identified from domestic pigs most recently.Here we report the identification of newer EVs in wild boar by meta-transcriptomic(MTT)sequencing.Further screening by specific RT-nPCR of tissue samples of 459 free-ranging wild boars collected between 2018 and 2023 from 26 provinces across China confirmed five positive wild boars in four provinces.Interestingly,two ticks especially collected from two positive wild boars were also EV positive.Finally,four complete genome sequences of wild boar ephemeroviruses(WbEVs)were obtained with two strains belonging to a new EV species,and the rest two falling into porcine ephemerovirus 2(PoEV2)species identified from domestic pigs.Our study has further extended EV host range and demonstrated natural circulations of divergent EVs in wild boars,in which ticks may play roles.Biological implications of EV infection in wild boars should be interesting topics for future investigations.展开更多
Dear Editor,In recent decades,vector-transmitted emerging and re-emerging diseases pose public health issues around the world,in which emerging tick-borne viruses(TBVs)have played a major role since they are widely di...Dear Editor,In recent decades,vector-transmitted emerging and re-emerging diseases pose public health issues around the world,in which emerging tick-borne viruses(TBVs)have played a major role since they are widely distributed.TBVs have a wide range of hosts,including humans,livestock and rodents,with some of them able to cause severe diseases in human and domestic animals,such as Jingmen tick virus(JMTV)(Qin et al.,2014),tick-borne encephalitis virus(TBEV)(Xing et al.,2017),and Alongshan virus(ALSV)(Wang et al.,2019).Of the merging TBVs,JMTV is a novel pathogen that was first identified in Rhipicephalus microplus collected from the Jingmen city of Hubei province,China in 2010(Qin et al.,2014).展开更多
Background Boars fed a mixed form of inorganic and organic iron in excess of the NRC recommended levels still develop anemia,which suggested that the current level and form of iron supplementation in boar diets may be...Background Boars fed a mixed form of inorganic and organic iron in excess of the NRC recommended levels still develop anemia,which suggested that the current level and form of iron supplementation in boar diets may be inappropriate.Therefore,56 healthy Topeka E line boars aged 15–21 months were randomly divided into 5 groups:basal diet supplemented with 96 mg/kg ferrous sulfate(FeSO_(4))and 54 mg/kg glycine chelated iron(Gly-Fe,control);80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe;80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg methionine hydroxyl analogue chelated iron(MHA-Fe,from CalimetFe)for 16 weeks.The effects of dietary iron supplementation with different sources and levels on semen quality in boars were investigated.Results 1)Serum Fe and hemoglobin concentrations were not affected by reduced dietary iron levels in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe and MHA-Fe groups compared with the control group(P>0.05).2)Serum interleukin-6(IL-6)and sperm malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe groups were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and higher serum superoxide dismutase levels and lower MDA levels in the 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe group(P<0.05).3)Boars in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe and MHA-Fe groups had lower serum hepcidin(P<0.01),ferritin(P<0.05),and transferrin receptor(P<0.01)concentrations,and boars in the 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe group had higher seminal plasma Fe concentrations compared with the control group.4)Boars in the 80 mg/kg and 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe groups had lower abnormal sperm rate and in situ oscillating sperm ratio compared to the control group at weeks 12 and/or 16 of the trial.However,the effect of Gly-Fe on improving semen quality in boars was not evident.5)Serum IL-6 level was positively correlated with hepcidin concentration(P<0.05),which in turn was significantly positively correlated with abnormal sperm rate(P<0.05).Furthermore,significant correlations were also found between indicators of iron status and oxidative stress and semen quality parameters.Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe did not induce iron deficiency,but rather reduced serum inflammatory levels and hepcidin concentration,alleviated oxidative stress,increased body iron utilization,and improved semen quality in adult boars.展开更多
Background Comprehending the patterns of alteration in boar semen quality and identifying effective nutritional interventions are crucial for enhancing the productivity of commercial pig systems.This study aimed to ex...Background Comprehending the patterns of alteration in boar semen quality and identifying effective nutritional interventions are crucial for enhancing the productivity of commercial pig systems.This study aimed to examine the alteration in semen quality in boars,and assess the impact of protocatechuic acid(PCA)on semen quality during the phase of declining semen quality.Methods In Exp.1,a total of 38 Pig Improvement Company(PIC)boars were selected and their semen quality data were recorded from the age of 9 to 37 months.In Exp.2,18 PIC boars(28 months old)were randomly assigned into three groups(n=6)and fed a basal diet,a basal diet containing 500 or 1,000 mg/kg PCA,respectively.The experiment lasted for 12 weeks.Results The semen volume,concentration,and total number of spermatozoa in boars exhibited an increase from 9 to 19 months old and showed a significant linear decreased trend in 28,24,and 22 months old.Sperm motility displayed an upward trajectory,reaching its peak at 20 months of age,and showed a significant linear decreased trend at 20 months old.Dietary supplementation of PCA demonstrated an effect to mitigate the decrease in semen volume,concentration of spermatozoa,total number of spermatozoa(P>0.05),and significantly increased the sperm motility(P<0.05).Moreover,supplementation of 1,000 mg/kg PCA significantly increased the sperm viability(P<0.05).Analysis on cellular signaling pathways revealed that PCA restored serum testosterone levels and alleviated oxidative damage by upregulating the expression of HO-1,SOD2,and NQO1 in testicular stromal cells.Notably,PCA can enhance phosphorylation by selectively binding to AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)protein,thereby improving sperm mitochondrial function and augmenting sperm motility via PGC-1/Nrf1.Conclusions These data elucidated the pattern of semen quality variation in boars within the age range of 9 to 37 months old,and PCA has the potential to be a natural antioxidant to enhance sperm quality through modulation of the AMPK/PGC-1/Nrf1 signaling pathway.展开更多
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sperm viability of semen infected with PRRSV viral particles, observing the effect of the Virus on the motility of boar sperm. The work was carried out at the FMVZ-BUAP Gen...The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sperm viability of semen infected with PRRSV viral particles, observing the effect of the Virus on the motility of boar sperm. The work was carried out at the FMVZ-BUAP Genetics and Reproduction Laboratory. 5 stallions were used. Each sample contained 1 × 10<sup>6</sup> sperm, the PRRS virus strain was ATCC-VR-2332 (0, 10<sup>2</sup>, 10<sup>4</sup> and 10<sup>6</sup> copies of RNA/mL in triplicate), it was observed daily at the CASA;Hamilton Thorne<sup>®</sup>. Cells with MT (P < 0.05) on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 of evaluation with 201 ± 7.3, 167 ± 10.1, 165 ± 14.6, 134 ± 8.2 and 120 ± 8.8, respectively. The % MP between control and virus concentrations (P ≥ 0.05). The LCV on day 1 and 7 PI at 10X<sup>2</sup> and 10X<sup>6</sup> (P < 0.05) vs control. In the Correlation Matrix, where it is observed that there is a correlation between VSL and VAP, VSL and VCL, VCL and ALH, VAP with ALH. There is a correlation of VSL and ALH, STR and ALH. In this study there were (P ≤ 0.01) in the VCL, in the concentrations (10<sup>2</sup>) 162.81 ± 10.65 and (10<sup>6</sup>) 177.12 ± 5.77 vs 193.04 ± 4.62 of control. This indicates that altering these parameters would be related to fertility and the PRRS virus affects the LCV. Regarding the VSL, it was observed that the sperm infected with viruses 10<sup>2</sup>, 10<sup>4</sup> and 10<sup>6</sup> of 48.00 ± 3.38, 49.88 ± 1.83 and 50.55 ± 2.24 Vs. 56.66 ± 1.68 of control respectively, the control would have greater possibilities of fertilizing the oocyte. In this study, it was found (P ≤ 0.01) in the VAP with 102 of 77.26 ± 5.16, 10<sup>4</sup> with 83.35 ± 2.41 and 10<sup>6</sup> with 81.29 ± 3.14 vs the control with 90.56 ± 2.07. Regarding the ALH there is (P < 0.05) a 10<sup>4</sup> with 8.70 ± .26 and 10<sup>6</sup> with 9.64 ± 0.23 vs control 8.50 ± 0.27. The presence of different concentrations of PRRSV in boar semen induces changes in different types of sperm motility. Infection of ejaculates with the PRRS virus affects sperm motility on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 post-infections.展开更多
Through the investigation and analysis of the wild boars in Mingtong Town, Chengkou, Chongqing, it was concluded that the area had long been seri- ously affected by wild boars and some of the human activities were pot...Through the investigation and analysis of the wild boars in Mingtong Town, Chengkou, Chongqing, it was concluded that the area had long been seri- ously affected by wild boars and some of the human activities were potentially threatened, and the potential threat areas were identified. Corresponding suggestions were proposed to guide the prevention and control work, so as to protect the habi- tat and reproduction of wildlife and ensure the normal production and life of the masses.展开更多
Objective:To determine the prevalence of bacteriospermia,the bacterial load,and the potential factors associated with bacterial contamination in boar semen collected by local smallholder artificial insemination operat...Objective:To determine the prevalence of bacteriospermia,the bacterial load,and the potential factors associated with bacterial contamination in boar semen collected by local smallholder artificial insemination operators.Methods:Fifteen individual raw semen samples were collected from locally available artificial insemination boars owned by different smallholder boar operators within the 5th district of Leyte,Philippines and were subjected to standard bacteriological culture and identification,including a survey of potentially associated factors.Prevalence and bacterial count were determined accordingly,while boar characteristics and collection practices were clustered following agglomerative hierarchical clustering technique.Results:One hundred percent contamination with a bacterial count of(2.01±0.38)×10^(3) CFU/mL was observed.At least 73.33%of the samples were positive for Bacillus spp.,while other identified isolates included Enterobacter spp.,Staphylococcus spp.,E.coli,Pseudomonas spp.,Citrobacter spp.,and Klebsiella spp.Conclusions:Despite the high prevalence of bacteriospermia,the bacterial count is low.Nevertheless,on-farm practices on boar health and management,semen collection,and sanitation as well as the enhancement of basic protocols to control contamination should be conscientiously considered in smallholder artificial insemination operation.展开更多
This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary n-6：n-3 ratio and Vitamin E on the membrane properties and motility characteristics of spermatozoa in boars. Forty Duroc boars were randomly distributed in a 2 ...This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary n-6：n-3 ratio and Vitamin E on the membrane properties and motility characteristics of spermatozoa in boars. Forty Duroc boars were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two n-6：n-3 ratios （14.4 and 6.6） and two Vitamin E levels （200 and 400 mg kg-1）. During 16 weeks of treatment, fresh semen was collected at weeks O, 8, 12, and 16 for measurements of motility characteristics, contents of fatty acids, membrane properties （membrane fluidity and membrane integrity）, and lipid peroxidation of the spermatozoa. The semen was diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution （BTS） extender and stored at 17℃, and the sperm motility was assessed at 12, 36, 72, and 120 h of storage. The 6.6 n-6.n-3 dietary ratio increased the contents of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFAs） and docosabexaenoic acid （DHA） and improved the membrane integrity and membrane fluidity of the spermatozoa, resulting in notably increased total motility, sperm progressive motility, and velocity parameters of fresh semen. Feeding diet with Vitamin E （400 mg kg-1） prevented sperm lipid peroxidation, and resulted in higher total motility and sperm progressive motility in fresh and liquid stored semen. In conclusion, the adjustment of n-6.n-3 ratio （6.6） and supply of Vitamin E （400 mg kg-1） successfully improved sperm motility characteristics and thus may be beneficial to the fertility of boars, which might be due to the modification of the physical and functional properties of spermatozoa membrane in response to dietary supplementation.展开更多
Brucella suis is responsible for swine brucellosis worldwide. Of the five different B. suis biovars （by.）, bv. 2 appears restricted to Europe where it is frequently isolated from wild boar and hares, can infect pigs...Brucella suis is responsible for swine brucellosis worldwide. Of the five different B. suis biovars （by.）, bv. 2 appears restricted to Europe where it is frequently isolated from wild boar and hares, can infect pigs and can cause human brucellosis. In this study, the differ- ential gene expression profile was characterized in spleens of Eurasian wild boar naturally infected with B. suis bv. 2. Of the 20,201 genes analyzed in the microarray, 633 and 1,373 were significantly （fold change 〉 1.8; P 〈 0.01） upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in infected wild boar. The analysis was focused on genes that were over represented after conditional test for biological process gene ontology. Upregulated genes suggested that B. suis bv. 2 infection induced cell maturation, migration and/or proliferation in infected animals. The genes downregulated in infected wild boar impaired the activity of several important cellular metabolic pathways such as metabolism, cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis, immune response and lysosomal function and vesicle-mediated transport. In addition, the response to stress, sperm fertility, muscle development and apoptosis seemed to be also impaired in infected animals. These results suggested that B. suis bv. 2 may use strategies similar to other smooth brucellae to facilitate intracellular multiplication and the development of chronic infections. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the analysis of gene expression profile in hosts infected with B. suis bv. 2, which is important to understand the molecular mechanisms at the host-pathogen interface in the main reservoir species with possible implications in the zoonotic cycle of the pathogen.展开更多
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of docosahexaenoic acid （DHA）-enriched hen egg yolks and L-cysteine supplementation on the qualities of the cryopreserved boar semen. A total of 15 eja...The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of docosahexaenoic acid （DHA）-enriched hen egg yolks and L-cysteine supplementation on the qualities of the cryopreserved boar semen. A total of 15 ejaculates from 5 Pietrain boars were divided into 4 groups according to the compositions of the freezing extenders used, that is, normal hen egg yolk （group Ⅰ）, DHA-enriched hen egg yolk （group Ⅱ）, normal hen egg yolk with 5 mmol L^-1 of cysteine supplementation （group Ⅲ） and DHA-enriched hen egg yolk with 5 mmol L1 of cysteine supplementation （group Ⅳ）. The semen was cryopreserved using controlled rate freezer and was thawed at 50℃ for 12 s. Progressive motility, sperm viability, acrosome integrity and functional integrity of sperm plasma membrane of the post-thawed semen were evaluated. The supplementation of L-cysteine in the freezing extender alone （group Ⅲ） improved progressive motility （P 〈 0.05）, and the supplementation of L-cysteine in combination with DHA-enriched hen egg yolk （group Ⅳ） improved both progressive motility （P 〈 0.05） and acrosome integrity （P 〈 0.01）. The use of DHA-enriched hen egg yolk alone （group Ⅱ） did not enhance any of the post-thawed semen qualities （P 〉 0.05）. In conclusion, the supplementation of antioxidant L-cysteine alone or in combination with DHA-enriched hen egg yolk significantly improved the post-thawed semen qualities, especially progressive motility and acrosome integrity.展开更多
Background: Cryopreservation is currently the most efficient method for long-term preservation of mammalian gametes and is extensively used in swine artificial insemination(AI) centres. However, it is well-known that ...Background: Cryopreservation is currently the most efficient method for long-term preservation of mammalian gametes and is extensively used in swine artificial insemination(AI) centres. However, it is well-known that cryopreservation procedures induce changes in the water phase in both intra and extracellular compartments,which alter the content and localisation of several proteins and ends up curtailing the structural integrity of functional sperm(i.e., cryoinjuries). Alterations and deficiencies of sperm-oocyte binding proteins during gamete recognition are one of the causes of reproductive failure both in vitro and in vivo. In this sense, characterisation of cryopreservation effects upon oocyte-binding proteins of sperm, such as IZUMO1 and GSTM3, is essential when assessing the impact of this technique in swine reproduction.Results: Cryopreservation was found to induce changes in the localisation of IZUMO1 and GSTM3 in boar sperm.However, the relative content of both proteins was not altered after thawing. Furthermore, whereas IZUMO1 content was found not to be related to the cryotolerance of boar sperm, GSTM3 content was observed to be higher in poor(PFE) than in good(GFE) freezability ejaculates in both pre-frozen(1.00 INT·mm^2± 0.14 INT·mm^2 vs.0.72 INT·mm^2± 0.15 INT·mm^2;P < 0.05) and post-thawed(0.96 INT·mm^2± 0.20 INT·mm^2 vs. 70 INT·mm^2± 0.19 INT·mm^2;P < 0.05) samples. Moreover, GSTM3 levels were found to be higher in those spermatozoa that exhibited low mitochondrial activity, high reactive oxygen species(ROS) production, and high membrane lipid disorder postthaw(P < 0.05).Conclusions: The difference in GSTM3 content between GFE and PFE, together with this protein having been found to be related to poor sperm quality post-thaw, suggests that it could be used as a cryotolerance marker of boar spermatozoa. Furthermore, both IZUMO1 and GSTM3 relocate during cryopreservation, which could contribute to the reduced fertilising capacity of frozen-thawed boar sperm.展开更多
Economic losses caused by wild boars(Sus scrofa)continue to increase in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.We selected 206 farmers in Wuqiaohe Basin as survey respondents using random stratified sampling.The distribution...Economic losses caused by wild boars(Sus scrofa)continue to increase in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.We selected 206 farmers in Wuqiaohe Basin as survey respondents using random stratified sampling.The distribution and impacts of wild boars were examined using a questionnaire survey and spatial analysis.The results showed that:(1)The density of farmer settlements is low and most peasants’households are located on the forest edge.Due to large-scale labor migration,a high proportion of farmland(25.85%)has been abandoned and an even higher proportion of farmland(40.48%)has been returned to forest.(2)The probability of wild boar damage to peasant households was 67.96%.Yields of corn and sweet potato decreased by 24.87%and 28.24%,respectively,with a total economic loss of approximately 2,590,100 RMB/yr in the Wuqiaohe basin.Sixty-five percent of the affected cultivatedlands were located within approximately 150 m of the forest edges.(3)The wild boar damage coefficient was significantly and negatively correlated with the distance between the peasants’household and the forest edge,the density of the settlements,and the area of cultivated land.The wild boar damage coefficient shows a significant positive correlation with the area of farmland returned to forest.(4)The damage activity caused by wild boars began to occur7-8 years ago,and the destruction has been more frequently and seriously observed in the last 4-5 years.(5)We make suggestions for wild boar control and management measures including developing a compensation policy.The compensation standard is related to the land area returning from farmland to forests and the actual cultivated land area.展开更多
Cryopreservation is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species, which leads to lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane and consequently a reduction in sperm motility and decreased fertility potential. ...Cryopreservation is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species, which leads to lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane and consequently a reduction in sperm motility and decreased fertility potential. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of L-cysteine needed for cryopreservation of boar semen. Twelve boars provided semen of proven motility and morphology for this study. The semen was divided into four portions in which the lactose-egg yolk （LEY） extender used to resuspend the centrifuged sperm pellet was supplemented with various concentrations of L-cysteine to reach 0 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅰ, control）, 5 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅱ）, 10 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅲ） and 15 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅳ）. Semen suspensions were loaded in straws （0.5 mL） and placed in a controlled-rate freezer. After cryopreservation, frozen semen samples were thawed and investigated for progressive motility, viability using SYBR-14/EthD-1 staining and acrosome integrity using FITC-PNA/EthD-1 staining. There was a significantly higher （P 〈 0.01） percentage of progressive motility, viability and acrosomal integrity in two L-cysteine-supplemented groups （group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ） compared with the control. There was a biphasic effect of L-cysteine, with the highest percentage of progressive motility, viability and acrosomal integrity in group Ⅲ. In conclusion, 5 or 10 mmol L^-1 was the optimum concentration of L-cysteine to be added to the LEY extender for improving the quality of frozen-thawed boar semen.展开更多
Resveratrol(3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene,RSV) has been widely used in mammalian cells,but whether it can be used during freezing boar semen is still unknown.The effects of RSV treatment during boar semen freezing on its...Resveratrol(3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene,RSV) has been widely used in mammalian cells,but whether it can be used during freezing boar semen is still unknown.The effects of RSV treatment during boar semen freezing on its anti-freezing ability,apoptosis,and possible apoptotic pathways were observed in this study.Sperm motility,mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm),adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)-positive apoptotic state,and messenger RNA(mRNA) expression levels of apoptotic genes involved in different apoptotic pathways after freezing with or without RSV treatment were tested.The results showed that:(1) Compared with fresh sperm,the motility,normal acrosome rate,and plasma membrane integrity rate of frozen boar sperm decreased significantly(P<0.05),and RSV did not significantly increase the sperm motility(0.44 vs.0.40,P>0.05),but it did significantly improve the normal acrosome rate(57.65% vs.47.00%,P<0.05) and plasma membrane integrity rate(46.67% vs.38.85%,P<0.05).(2) After freezing,most boar sperm showed low mitochondrial ΔΨm.RSV treatment could increase the rate of high mitochondrial ΔΨm of boar sperm.(3) RSV treatment significantly decreased reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels(58.65% vs.88.41%,P<0.05)and increased the ATP content(0.49 μmol/L vs.0.25 μmol/L,P<0.05) of boar sperm during freezing.(4) The apoptotic rate of the freezing group(80.41%) with TUNEL detection increased significantly compared to the fresh group(9.70%,P<0.05),and RSV treatment greatly decreased the apoptotic rate(68.32%,P<0.05).(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) showed that not only the genes from the death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway(tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Fas ligand(FasL),and Caspase-8),but also the genes from the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway(manganese superoxide dismutase(MnSOD),B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),and Caspase-9) were both significantly changed after freezing.RSV treatment during freezing greatly changed their expression levels.Although RSV treatment during boar semen freezing did not significantly increase motility after thawing,it still played an efficient antioxidant role,which could enhance the mitochondrial function and decrease the apoptotic level induced by both the death receptor-and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways.展开更多
Crop damage by wildlife is a frequent source of human-wildlife conflict. Understanding which fac-tors increase the risk of damage is crucial to the development of effective management strategies.The aims of this study...Crop damage by wildlife is a frequent source of human-wildlife conflict. Understanding which fac-tors increase the risk of damage is crucial to the development of effective management strategies.The aims of this study were to provide a general description of agricultural damage caused by wildboar Sus scrofa meridionalis over a 7-year period in North-eastern Sardinia （Mediterranean Italy）,and to formulate a predictive model of damage risk. We recorded a total of 221 cases of wild boardamage, with economic losses amounting to 483,982 Euros. Damage events mostly involved vine-yards, meadows and oat fields, and were characterized by a peak incidence in summer and earlyautumn, and a minimum in spring. Damaged fields were characterized by an increasing presenceof permanent crops, a decreasing presence of woodlands, maquis and urban areas, and a reduceddistance from shelter areas （forests and shrublands）. The analysis of spatiotemporal variation ofboar-induced damage and the identification of factors that augment the risk of damage providesessential information for contributing to the development of a more effective plan for managingwild boar populations.展开更多
Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the lifetime and culling reasons for boars used in insemination centers(AI centers).Methods: The data collected from 355 culled boars from 1998 to 2013 included: age at ...Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the lifetime and culling reasons for boars used in insemination centers(AI centers).Methods: The data collected from 355 culled boars from 1998 to 2013 included: age at start of semen collection,boar herd life, culling reason, daily gain and lean meat content, and number of ejaculates not meeting sales requirements after dilution. Culling reasons were divided into 7 groups: low semen value(LSV), low or lack of libido(LL), leg problems(LP), infectious diseases(ID), old age(OA), reduced demand for semen from the given boar(RD),and others(OT).Results: The most common culling reasons for boars were LSV(23.7%) and RD(22.5%). It was observed that the lowest daily gains were noted in boars culled due to OA. Boars culled due to OA and RD were maintained in production for the longest time(over 1000 d), for LSV and ID retention was about 700 d, and due to LL below 400 d. The survival probability was over 0.9 until 1.5 yr, and just over 0.2 until 4 yr. The highest relative frequency was observed in the 36 ^(th) and 42 ^(nd) mo of life(over 16%). Hazard risk analysis revealed a more than 10 times higher risk of culling in the case of LL, ID or OT, in comparison to OA.Conclusions: The results can be used as a direct point of reference for the identification of emerging problems in AI boar exploitation and the development of an appropriate culling policy in AI centers.展开更多
Background： Follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） is a gonadotropin synthesized and secreted by the pituitary gland.FSH stimulates follicle development and maturation in females. It also plays an important role in sper...Background： Follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） is a gonadotropin synthesized and secreted by the pituitary gland.FSH stimulates follicle development and maturation in females. It also plays an important role in spermatogenesis in males, including humans and mice. However, the effects of FSH on male pigs are largely unknown. In this study,we generated transgenic pigs to investigate the effects of FSHα/β overexpression on reproductive traits in boars.Results： After five transgenic F0 founders were crossed with wide-type pigs, 193 F_1 animals were obtained. Of these,96 were confirmed as transgenic. FSHα and FSHβ m RNAs were detected only in pituitary tissue. Transgenic boars exhibited significantly higher levels of FSHα and FSHβ m RNA, serum FSH, and serum testosterone, compared to ful-sib non-transgenic boars. Significant increases in testis weight, vas deferens diameter, seminiferous tubule diameter,and the number of Leydig cel s were observed, suggesting that the exogenous FSHα/β affects reproductive traits. Final y,transgenic and non-transgenic boars had similar growth performance and biochemical profiles.Conclusions： Pituitary-specific overexpression of FSHα/β genes is likely to impact reproductive traits positively, as indicated by enhancements in serum testosterone level, testis weight, the development of vas deferens, seminiferous tubules, and Leydig cells in transgenic boars. A high level of serum FSH induces secretion of serum testosterone,possibly by boosting the number of Leydig cells, which presumably increases the libido and the frequency of sexual activity in transgenic boars. Our study provides a preliminary foundation for the genetic improvement of reproductive traits in male pigs.展开更多
Background: Hypothermic preservation of boar semen is considered a potential method for omitting antibiotics from insemination doses, thereby contributing to the global antibiotic resistance defence strategy. The main...Background: Hypothermic preservation of boar semen is considered a potential method for omitting antibiotics from insemination doses, thereby contributing to the global antibiotic resistance defence strategy. The main challenges are chilling injury to spermatozoa and bacterial growth during semen storage leading to reduced fertility.Objectives: To examine chilling injury and the number and type of bacteria in boar semen stored at 5 ℃ in the absence of antibiotics, and to assess the applicability of hypothermic semen storage under field conditions.Material and methods: Boar ejaculates were extended with AndroStar~? Premium, stored at 17 ℃ with and at 5 ℃ without antibiotics and tested for functional sperm parameters by flow cytometry. Raw semen and extended samples were investigated bacteriologically. Fertility was evaluated after once-daily inseminations of 194 sows in a field study.Results: Lethal sperm damage assessed by motility and membrane integrity was low throughout storage in both experimental groups. Sublethal chilling effects based on the decrease of viable spermatozoa with low membrane fluidity were higher(P < 0.05) up until 72 h in sperm stored at 5 ℃ compared to 17 ℃ but did not differ after 144 h.After 72 h, incubation in capacitating medium for 60 min induced a similar decrease in viable sperm with high mitochondria membrane potential and low cytosolic calcium in both groups. In semen stored at 5 ℃, bacteria counts were below 103 CFU/mL and the bacteria spectrum was similar to that of raw semen. In 88% of 34 boars,cooled semen fulfilled the requirements for insemination. Fertility was high and did not differ(P > 0.05) between sow groups inseminated with semen stored antibiotic-free at 5 ℃ and semen stored at 17 ℃ with antibiotics.Conclusion: Despite subtle chilling effects and low bacterial numbers, antibiotic-free hypothermic storage of boar semen offers the possibility to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig insemination. However, strict sanitary guidelines must be maintained and further evidence of efficiency under field conditions is considered desirable.展开更多
Four species of porcine circoviruses(PCV1–4)have been reported to circulate in Chinese domestic pigs,while the epizootiology of these viruses in free-ranging wild boars in China remains unknown.In this study,tissue a...Four species of porcine circoviruses(PCV1–4)have been reported to circulate in Chinese domestic pigs,while the epizootiology of these viruses in free-ranging wild boars in China remains unknown.In this study,tissue and serum samples collected from diseased or apparently healthy wild boars between 2018 and 2020 in 19 regions of China were tested for the prevalence of PCV1–4 infections.Positive rates of PCV1,PCV2,and PCV3 DNA in the tissue samples of Chinese wild boars were 1.6%(4/247),58.3%(144/247),and 10.9%(27/247)respectively,with none positive for PCV4.Sequence analysis of viral genome showed that the four PCV1 strains distributed in Hunan and Inner Mongolia shared 97.5%–99.6%sequence identity with global distributed reference strains.Comparison of the ORF2 gene sequences showed that 80 PCV2 strains widely distributed in 18 regions shared 79.5%–100%sequence identity with reference strains from domestic pigs and wild boars,and were grouped into PCV2a(7),PCV2b(31)and PCV2d(42).For PCV3,17 sequenced strains shared 97.2%–100%nucleotide identity at the genomic level and could be divided into PCV3a(3),PCV3b(2)and PCV3c(12)based on the phylogeny of ORF2 gene sequences.Serological data revealed antibody positive rates against PCV1 and PCV2 of 11.4%(19/167)and 53.9%(90/167)respectively.The data obtained in this study improved our understanding about the epidemiological situations of PCVs infection in free-ranging wild boars in China and will be valuable for the prevention and control of diseases caused by PCVs infection.展开更多
基金supported by grants from The Sci-Tech Innovation 2030 Agenda(2023ZD04045)Guangxi Key Research and Development Program(AB241484033).
文摘Background Semen quality is one of the most important indicators of boar reproductive performance.In the past,boar breeding has mostly emphasized characteristics such as lean meat percentage,feed conversion efficiency,and growth rate,while overlooking the genetic improvement of reproductive traits.This study employs advanced multi-omics approaches,such as transcriptome-wide association studies(TWAS)and colocalization between genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and expression quantitative trait loci(eQTLs),to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanisms governing semen quality traits in boars.Results Here,we collected 190,000 ejaculate records across 11 semen quality traits from 3,604 Duroc boars.The heritability of semen quality traits ranged from 0.095 to 0.343.Genetic correlations between semen quality traits varied from−0.802 to 0.661,and phenotypic correlations ranged from−0.833 to 0.776.Single-trait GWAS identified 19 independent variants,corresponding to 13 quantitative trait loci(QTLs).By integrating PigGTEx and FAANG resources,we combined TWAS and colocalization analyses to reveal genetic regulation of semen quality traits.Notably,both GWAS and colocalization analyses pinpointed the DCAF12 as a crucial gene associated with multiple semen quality traits.Additionally,the ZSCAN9 gene and the variant rs322211455 were found to significantly affect sperm motility(SPMOT),possibly through hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.PheWAS further highlighted an association between rs322211455 and sperm abnormality rate,demonstrating the crucial role of ZSCAN9 in male fertility.Conclusion This study reveals the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms underlying semen quality traits in Duroc boars,identifying key candidate genes such as DCAF12 and ZSCAN9.These findings provide important insight into the genetic regulation of semen quality in boars.
基金supported by Wildlife Borne Infectious Diseases Monitoring Project of the State Forestry and Grassland Administration of China to Zhongzhong Tu(2020076060)the National Key Research and Development Program of China to Changchun Tu(32130104).
文摘Ephemeroviruses(EVs)are arthropod-borne rhabdoviruses and were isolated exclusively from cattle and haematophagous arthropods until two new ephemeroviruses were first identified from domestic pigs most recently.Here we report the identification of newer EVs in wild boar by meta-transcriptomic(MTT)sequencing.Further screening by specific RT-nPCR of tissue samples of 459 free-ranging wild boars collected between 2018 and 2023 from 26 provinces across China confirmed five positive wild boars in four provinces.Interestingly,two ticks especially collected from two positive wild boars were also EV positive.Finally,four complete genome sequences of wild boar ephemeroviruses(WbEVs)were obtained with two strains belonging to a new EV species,and the rest two falling into porcine ephemerovirus 2(PoEV2)species identified from domestic pigs.Our study has further extended EV host range and demonstrated natural circulations of divergent EVs in wild boars,in which ticks may play roles.Biological implications of EV infection in wild boars should be interesting topics for future investigations.
基金supported by Wildlife Borne Infectious Diseases Monitoring Project of the State Forestry and Grassland Administration of China(2020076060)the National Key Research and Development Program of China to Changchun Tu(32130104).
文摘Dear Editor,In recent decades,vector-transmitted emerging and re-emerging diseases pose public health issues around the world,in which emerging tick-borne viruses(TBVs)have played a major role since they are widely distributed.TBVs have a wide range of hosts,including humans,livestock and rodents,with some of them able to cause severe diseases in human and domestic animals,such as Jingmen tick virus(JMTV)(Qin et al.,2014),tick-borne encephalitis virus(TBEV)(Xing et al.,2017),and Alongshan virus(ALSV)(Wang et al.,2019).Of the merging TBVs,JMTV is a novel pathogen that was first identified in Rhipicephalus microplus collected from the Jingmen city of Hubei province,China in 2010(Qin et al.,2014).
基金China Agriculture Research System(CARS-36)Major Project of Technical Innovation in Hubei Province(No.2022BBA0056)+1 种基金Dekon-Huazhong Agricultural University Project Co-operation AgreementSchool-Enterprise Cooperation Project-Micronutrient Nutrition and Mechanism of Breeding Pigs。
文摘Background Boars fed a mixed form of inorganic and organic iron in excess of the NRC recommended levels still develop anemia,which suggested that the current level and form of iron supplementation in boar diets may be inappropriate.Therefore,56 healthy Topeka E line boars aged 15–21 months were randomly divided into 5 groups:basal diet supplemented with 96 mg/kg ferrous sulfate(FeSO_(4))and 54 mg/kg glycine chelated iron(Gly-Fe,control);80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe;80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg methionine hydroxyl analogue chelated iron(MHA-Fe,from CalimetFe)for 16 weeks.The effects of dietary iron supplementation with different sources and levels on semen quality in boars were investigated.Results 1)Serum Fe and hemoglobin concentrations were not affected by reduced dietary iron levels in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe and MHA-Fe groups compared with the control group(P>0.05).2)Serum interleukin-6(IL-6)and sperm malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe groups were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and higher serum superoxide dismutase levels and lower MDA levels in the 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe group(P<0.05).3)Boars in the 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg Gly-Fe and MHA-Fe groups had lower serum hepcidin(P<0.01),ferritin(P<0.05),and transferrin receptor(P<0.01)concentrations,and boars in the 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe group had higher seminal plasma Fe concentrations compared with the control group.4)Boars in the 80 mg/kg and 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe groups had lower abnormal sperm rate and in situ oscillating sperm ratio compared to the control group at weeks 12 and/or 16 of the trial.However,the effect of Gly-Fe on improving semen quality in boars was not evident.5)Serum IL-6 level was positively correlated with hepcidin concentration(P<0.05),which in turn was significantly positively correlated with abnormal sperm rate(P<0.05).Furthermore,significant correlations were also found between indicators of iron status and oxidative stress and semen quality parameters.Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg or 115 mg/kg MHA-Fe did not induce iron deficiency,but rather reduced serum inflammatory levels and hepcidin concentration,alleviated oxidative stress,increased body iron utilization,and improved semen quality in adult boars.
基金partially supported by the funds from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32102578&U22A20515)National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD1302300&2023YFD1301204)。
文摘Background Comprehending the patterns of alteration in boar semen quality and identifying effective nutritional interventions are crucial for enhancing the productivity of commercial pig systems.This study aimed to examine the alteration in semen quality in boars,and assess the impact of protocatechuic acid(PCA)on semen quality during the phase of declining semen quality.Methods In Exp.1,a total of 38 Pig Improvement Company(PIC)boars were selected and their semen quality data were recorded from the age of 9 to 37 months.In Exp.2,18 PIC boars(28 months old)were randomly assigned into three groups(n=6)and fed a basal diet,a basal diet containing 500 or 1,000 mg/kg PCA,respectively.The experiment lasted for 12 weeks.Results The semen volume,concentration,and total number of spermatozoa in boars exhibited an increase from 9 to 19 months old and showed a significant linear decreased trend in 28,24,and 22 months old.Sperm motility displayed an upward trajectory,reaching its peak at 20 months of age,and showed a significant linear decreased trend at 20 months old.Dietary supplementation of PCA demonstrated an effect to mitigate the decrease in semen volume,concentration of spermatozoa,total number of spermatozoa(P>0.05),and significantly increased the sperm motility(P<0.05).Moreover,supplementation of 1,000 mg/kg PCA significantly increased the sperm viability(P<0.05).Analysis on cellular signaling pathways revealed that PCA restored serum testosterone levels and alleviated oxidative damage by upregulating the expression of HO-1,SOD2,and NQO1 in testicular stromal cells.Notably,PCA can enhance phosphorylation by selectively binding to AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)protein,thereby improving sperm mitochondrial function and augmenting sperm motility via PGC-1/Nrf1.Conclusions These data elucidated the pattern of semen quality variation in boars within the age range of 9 to 37 months old,and PCA has the potential to be a natural antioxidant to enhance sperm quality through modulation of the AMPK/PGC-1/Nrf1 signaling pathway.
文摘The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sperm viability of semen infected with PRRSV viral particles, observing the effect of the Virus on the motility of boar sperm. The work was carried out at the FMVZ-BUAP Genetics and Reproduction Laboratory. 5 stallions were used. Each sample contained 1 × 10<sup>6</sup> sperm, the PRRS virus strain was ATCC-VR-2332 (0, 10<sup>2</sup>, 10<sup>4</sup> and 10<sup>6</sup> copies of RNA/mL in triplicate), it was observed daily at the CASA;Hamilton Thorne<sup>®</sup>. Cells with MT (P < 0.05) on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 of evaluation with 201 ± 7.3, 167 ± 10.1, 165 ± 14.6, 134 ± 8.2 and 120 ± 8.8, respectively. The % MP between control and virus concentrations (P ≥ 0.05). The LCV on day 1 and 7 PI at 10X<sup>2</sup> and 10X<sup>6</sup> (P < 0.05) vs control. In the Correlation Matrix, where it is observed that there is a correlation between VSL and VAP, VSL and VCL, VCL and ALH, VAP with ALH. There is a correlation of VSL and ALH, STR and ALH. In this study there were (P ≤ 0.01) in the VCL, in the concentrations (10<sup>2</sup>) 162.81 ± 10.65 and (10<sup>6</sup>) 177.12 ± 5.77 vs 193.04 ± 4.62 of control. This indicates that altering these parameters would be related to fertility and the PRRS virus affects the LCV. Regarding the VSL, it was observed that the sperm infected with viruses 10<sup>2</sup>, 10<sup>4</sup> and 10<sup>6</sup> of 48.00 ± 3.38, 49.88 ± 1.83 and 50.55 ± 2.24 Vs. 56.66 ± 1.68 of control respectively, the control would have greater possibilities of fertilizing the oocyte. In this study, it was found (P ≤ 0.01) in the VAP with 102 of 77.26 ± 5.16, 10<sup>4</sup> with 83.35 ± 2.41 and 10<sup>6</sup> with 81.29 ± 3.14 vs the control with 90.56 ± 2.07. Regarding the ALH there is (P < 0.05) a 10<sup>4</sup> with 8.70 ± .26 and 10<sup>6</sup> with 9.64 ± 0.23 vs control 8.50 ± 0.27. The presence of different concentrations of PRRSV in boar semen induces changes in different types of sperm motility. Infection of ejaculates with the PRRS virus affects sperm motility on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 post-infections.
文摘Through the investigation and analysis of the wild boars in Mingtong Town, Chengkou, Chongqing, it was concluded that the area had long been seri- ously affected by wild boars and some of the human activities were potentially threatened, and the potential threat areas were identified. Corresponding suggestions were proposed to guide the prevention and control work, so as to protect the habi- tat and reproduction of wildlife and ensure the normal production and life of the masses.
基金funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture,Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development(PCAARRD)through the Visayas State University(Project Code:20201050-1.93)。
文摘Objective:To determine the prevalence of bacteriospermia,the bacterial load,and the potential factors associated with bacterial contamination in boar semen collected by local smallholder artificial insemination operators.Methods:Fifteen individual raw semen samples were collected from locally available artificial insemination boars owned by different smallholder boar operators within the 5th district of Leyte,Philippines and were subjected to standard bacteriological culture and identification,including a survey of potentially associated factors.Prevalence and bacterial count were determined accordingly,while boar characteristics and collection practices were clustered following agglomerative hierarchical clustering technique.Results:One hundred percent contamination with a bacterial count of(2.01±0.38)×10^(3) CFU/mL was observed.At least 73.33%of the samples were positive for Bacillus spp.,while other identified isolates included Enterobacter spp.,Staphylococcus spp.,E.coli,Pseudomonas spp.,Citrobacter spp.,and Klebsiella spp.Conclusions:Despite the high prevalence of bacteriospermia,the bacterial count is low.Nevertheless,on-farm practices on boar health and management,semen collection,and sanitation as well as the enhancement of basic protocols to control contamination should be conscientiously considered in smallholder artificial insemination operation.
文摘This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary n-6：n-3 ratio and Vitamin E on the membrane properties and motility characteristics of spermatozoa in boars. Forty Duroc boars were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two n-6：n-3 ratios （14.4 and 6.6） and two Vitamin E levels （200 and 400 mg kg-1）. During 16 weeks of treatment, fresh semen was collected at weeks O, 8, 12, and 16 for measurements of motility characteristics, contents of fatty acids, membrane properties （membrane fluidity and membrane integrity）, and lipid peroxidation of the spermatozoa. The semen was diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution （BTS） extender and stored at 17℃, and the sperm motility was assessed at 12, 36, 72, and 120 h of storage. The 6.6 n-6.n-3 dietary ratio increased the contents of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFAs） and docosabexaenoic acid （DHA） and improved the membrane integrity and membrane fluidity of the spermatozoa, resulting in notably increased total motility, sperm progressive motility, and velocity parameters of fresh semen. Feeding diet with Vitamin E （400 mg kg-1） prevented sperm lipid peroxidation, and resulted in higher total motility and sperm progressive motility in fresh and liquid stored semen. In conclusion, the adjustment of n-6.n-3 ratio （6.6） and supply of Vitamin E （400 mg kg-1） successfully improved sperm motility characteristics and thus may be beneficial to the fertility of boars, which might be due to the modification of the physical and functional properties of spermatozoa membrane in response to dietary supplementation.
基金supported by the Grupo Santander and Fundación Marcelino Botín,Spain (Project Control of Tu-berculosis in Wildlife), Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MECProject AGL2005-07401)FEDER,Spain. R.C. Galindo was funded by MEC,Spain
文摘Brucella suis is responsible for swine brucellosis worldwide. Of the five different B. suis biovars （by.）, bv. 2 appears restricted to Europe where it is frequently isolated from wild boar and hares, can infect pigs and can cause human brucellosis. In this study, the differ- ential gene expression profile was characterized in spleens of Eurasian wild boar naturally infected with B. suis bv. 2. Of the 20,201 genes analyzed in the microarray, 633 and 1,373 were significantly （fold change 〉 1.8; P 〈 0.01） upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in infected wild boar. The analysis was focused on genes that were over represented after conditional test for biological process gene ontology. Upregulated genes suggested that B. suis bv. 2 infection induced cell maturation, migration and/or proliferation in infected animals. The genes downregulated in infected wild boar impaired the activity of several important cellular metabolic pathways such as metabolism, cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis, immune response and lysosomal function and vesicle-mediated transport. In addition, the response to stress, sperm fertility, muscle development and apoptosis seemed to be also impaired in infected animals. These results suggested that B. suis bv. 2 may use strategies similar to other smooth brucellae to facilitate intracellular multiplication and the development of chronic infections. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the analysis of gene expression profile in hosts infected with B. suis bv. 2, which is important to understand the molecular mechanisms at the host-pathogen interface in the main reservoir species with possible implications in the zoonotic cycle of the pathogen.
文摘The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of docosahexaenoic acid （DHA）-enriched hen egg yolks and L-cysteine supplementation on the qualities of the cryopreserved boar semen. A total of 15 ejaculates from 5 Pietrain boars were divided into 4 groups according to the compositions of the freezing extenders used, that is, normal hen egg yolk （group Ⅰ）, DHA-enriched hen egg yolk （group Ⅱ）, normal hen egg yolk with 5 mmol L^-1 of cysteine supplementation （group Ⅲ） and DHA-enriched hen egg yolk with 5 mmol L1 of cysteine supplementation （group Ⅳ）. The semen was cryopreserved using controlled rate freezer and was thawed at 50℃ for 12 s. Progressive motility, sperm viability, acrosome integrity and functional integrity of sperm plasma membrane of the post-thawed semen were evaluated. The supplementation of L-cysteine in the freezing extender alone （group Ⅲ） improved progressive motility （P 〈 0.05）, and the supplementation of L-cysteine in combination with DHA-enriched hen egg yolk （group Ⅳ） improved both progressive motility （P 〈 0.05） and acrosome integrity （P 〈 0.01）. The use of DHA-enriched hen egg yolk alone （group Ⅱ） did not enhance any of the post-thawed semen qualities （P 〉 0.05）. In conclusion, the supplementation of antioxidant L-cysteine alone or in combination with DHA-enriched hen egg yolk significantly improved the post-thawed semen qualities, especially progressive motility and acrosome integrity.
基金support from Ministry of Science,Innovation and Universities,Spain(Grants:RYC-2014-15581,AGL2017–88329-R and FJCI-2017-31689)European Commission(H2020-MSCA-IF-79212)
文摘Background: Cryopreservation is currently the most efficient method for long-term preservation of mammalian gametes and is extensively used in swine artificial insemination(AI) centres. However, it is well-known that cryopreservation procedures induce changes in the water phase in both intra and extracellular compartments,which alter the content and localisation of several proteins and ends up curtailing the structural integrity of functional sperm(i.e., cryoinjuries). Alterations and deficiencies of sperm-oocyte binding proteins during gamete recognition are one of the causes of reproductive failure both in vitro and in vivo. In this sense, characterisation of cryopreservation effects upon oocyte-binding proteins of sperm, such as IZUMO1 and GSTM3, is essential when assessing the impact of this technique in swine reproduction.Results: Cryopreservation was found to induce changes in the localisation of IZUMO1 and GSTM3 in boar sperm.However, the relative content of both proteins was not altered after thawing. Furthermore, whereas IZUMO1 content was found not to be related to the cryotolerance of boar sperm, GSTM3 content was observed to be higher in poor(PFE) than in good(GFE) freezability ejaculates in both pre-frozen(1.00 INT·mm^2± 0.14 INT·mm^2 vs.0.72 INT·mm^2± 0.15 INT·mm^2;P < 0.05) and post-thawed(0.96 INT·mm^2± 0.20 INT·mm^2 vs. 70 INT·mm^2± 0.19 INT·mm^2;P < 0.05) samples. Moreover, GSTM3 levels were found to be higher in those spermatozoa that exhibited low mitochondrial activity, high reactive oxygen species(ROS) production, and high membrane lipid disorder postthaw(P < 0.05).Conclusions: The difference in GSTM3 content between GFE and PFE, together with this protein having been found to be related to poor sperm quality post-thaw, suggests that it could be used as a cryotolerance marker of boar spermatozoa. Furthermore, both IZUMO1 and GSTM3 relocate during cryopreservation, which could contribute to the reduced fertilising capacity of frozen-thawed boar sperm.
基金supported by the 135 strategic program of the institute of mountain hazards and environment, CAS (NO. SDS-135-1703)national natural science foundation of China (No. 41401664)
文摘Economic losses caused by wild boars(Sus scrofa)continue to increase in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.We selected 206 farmers in Wuqiaohe Basin as survey respondents using random stratified sampling.The distribution and impacts of wild boars were examined using a questionnaire survey and spatial analysis.The results showed that:(1)The density of farmer settlements is low and most peasants’households are located on the forest edge.Due to large-scale labor migration,a high proportion of farmland(25.85%)has been abandoned and an even higher proportion of farmland(40.48%)has been returned to forest.(2)The probability of wild boar damage to peasant households was 67.96%.Yields of corn and sweet potato decreased by 24.87%and 28.24%,respectively,with a total economic loss of approximately 2,590,100 RMB/yr in the Wuqiaohe basin.Sixty-five percent of the affected cultivatedlands were located within approximately 150 m of the forest edges.(3)The wild boar damage coefficient was significantly and negatively correlated with the distance between the peasants’household and the forest edge,the density of the settlements,and the area of cultivated land.The wild boar damage coefficient shows a significant positive correlation with the area of farmland returned to forest.(4)The damage activity caused by wild boars began to occur7-8 years ago,and the destruction has been more frequently and seriously observed in the last 4-5 years.(5)We make suggestions for wild boar control and management measures including developing a compensation policy.The compensation standard is related to the land area returning from farmland to forests and the actual cultivated land area.
文摘Cryopreservation is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species, which leads to lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane and consequently a reduction in sperm motility and decreased fertility potential. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of L-cysteine needed for cryopreservation of boar semen. Twelve boars provided semen of proven motility and morphology for this study. The semen was divided into four portions in which the lactose-egg yolk （LEY） extender used to resuspend the centrifuged sperm pellet was supplemented with various concentrations of L-cysteine to reach 0 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅰ, control）, 5 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅱ）, 10 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅲ） and 15 mmol L^-1 （group Ⅳ）. Semen suspensions were loaded in straws （0.5 mL） and placed in a controlled-rate freezer. After cryopreservation, frozen semen samples were thawed and investigated for progressive motility, viability using SYBR-14/EthD-1 staining and acrosome integrity using FITC-PNA/EthD-1 staining. There was a significantly higher （P 〈 0.01） percentage of progressive motility, viability and acrosomal integrity in two L-cysteine-supplemented groups （group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ） compared with the control. There was a biphasic effect of L-cysteine, with the highest percentage of progressive motility, viability and acrosomal integrity in group Ⅲ. In conclusion, 5 or 10 mmol L^-1 was the optimum concentration of L-cysteine to be added to the LEY extender for improving the quality of frozen-thawed boar semen.
基金Project supported by the Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College Academy Research Project(No.NSF201509)the Jiangsu University Brand Speciality Construction Work Founded Project(No.PPZY2015C230),China。
文摘Resveratrol(3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene,RSV) has been widely used in mammalian cells,but whether it can be used during freezing boar semen is still unknown.The effects of RSV treatment during boar semen freezing on its anti-freezing ability,apoptosis,and possible apoptotic pathways were observed in this study.Sperm motility,mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm),adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)-positive apoptotic state,and messenger RNA(mRNA) expression levels of apoptotic genes involved in different apoptotic pathways after freezing with or without RSV treatment were tested.The results showed that:(1) Compared with fresh sperm,the motility,normal acrosome rate,and plasma membrane integrity rate of frozen boar sperm decreased significantly(P<0.05),and RSV did not significantly increase the sperm motility(0.44 vs.0.40,P>0.05),but it did significantly improve the normal acrosome rate(57.65% vs.47.00%,P<0.05) and plasma membrane integrity rate(46.67% vs.38.85%,P<0.05).(2) After freezing,most boar sperm showed low mitochondrial ΔΨm.RSV treatment could increase the rate of high mitochondrial ΔΨm of boar sperm.(3) RSV treatment significantly decreased reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels(58.65% vs.88.41%,P<0.05)and increased the ATP content(0.49 μmol/L vs.0.25 μmol/L,P<0.05) of boar sperm during freezing.(4) The apoptotic rate of the freezing group(80.41%) with TUNEL detection increased significantly compared to the fresh group(9.70%,P<0.05),and RSV treatment greatly decreased the apoptotic rate(68.32%,P<0.05).(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) showed that not only the genes from the death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway(tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Fas ligand(FasL),and Caspase-8),but also the genes from the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway(manganese superoxide dismutase(MnSOD),B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),and Caspase-9) were both significantly changed after freezing.RSV treatment during freezing greatly changed their expression levels.Although RSV treatment during boar semen freezing did not significantly increase motility after thawing,it still played an efficient antioxidant role,which could enhance the mitochondrial function and decrease the apoptotic level induced by both the death receptor-and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways.
文摘Crop damage by wildlife is a frequent source of human-wildlife conflict. Understanding which fac-tors increase the risk of damage is crucial to the development of effective management strategies.The aims of this study were to provide a general description of agricultural damage caused by wildboar Sus scrofa meridionalis over a 7-year period in North-eastern Sardinia （Mediterranean Italy）,and to formulate a predictive model of damage risk. We recorded a total of 221 cases of wild boardamage, with economic losses amounting to 483,982 Euros. Damage events mostly involved vine-yards, meadows and oat fields, and were characterized by a peak incidence in summer and earlyautumn, and a minimum in spring. Damaged fields were characterized by an increasing presenceof permanent crops, a decreasing presence of woodlands, maquis and urban areas, and a reduceddistance from shelter areas （forests and shrublands）. The analysis of spatiotemporal variation ofboar-induced damage and the identification of factors that augment the risk of damage providesessential information for contributing to the development of a more effective plan for managingwild boar populations.
基金financed by Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences,statutory project no.2014
文摘Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the lifetime and culling reasons for boars used in insemination centers(AI centers).Methods: The data collected from 355 culled boars from 1998 to 2013 included: age at start of semen collection,boar herd life, culling reason, daily gain and lean meat content, and number of ejaculates not meeting sales requirements after dilution. Culling reasons were divided into 7 groups: low semen value(LSV), low or lack of libido(LL), leg problems(LP), infectious diseases(ID), old age(OA), reduced demand for semen from the given boar(RD),and others(OT).Results: The most common culling reasons for boars were LSV(23.7%) and RD(22.5%). It was observed that the lowest daily gains were noted in boars culled due to OA. Boars culled due to OA and RD were maintained in production for the longest time(over 1000 d), for LSV and ID retention was about 700 d, and due to LL below 400 d. The survival probability was over 0.9 until 1.5 yr, and just over 0.2 until 4 yr. The highest relative frequency was observed in the 36 ^(th) and 42 ^(nd) mo of life(over 16%). Hazard risk analysis revealed a more than 10 times higher risk of culling in the case of LL, ID or OT, in comparison to OA.Conclusions: The results can be used as a direct point of reference for the identification of emerging problems in AI boar exploitation and the development of an appropriate culling policy in AI centers.
基金Funding for this study was provided by National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program,Grant 2014CB138501)the National Transgenic Animal Breeding Grand Project(2014ZX08006–005)the Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovation Research Teams in the University(IRT_15R62)
文摘Background： Follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） is a gonadotropin synthesized and secreted by the pituitary gland.FSH stimulates follicle development and maturation in females. It also plays an important role in spermatogenesis in males, including humans and mice. However, the effects of FSH on male pigs are largely unknown. In this study,we generated transgenic pigs to investigate the effects of FSHα/β overexpression on reproductive traits in boars.Results： After five transgenic F0 founders were crossed with wide-type pigs, 193 F_1 animals were obtained. Of these,96 were confirmed as transgenic. FSHα and FSHβ m RNAs were detected only in pituitary tissue. Transgenic boars exhibited significantly higher levels of FSHα and FSHβ m RNA, serum FSH, and serum testosterone, compared to ful-sib non-transgenic boars. Significant increases in testis weight, vas deferens diameter, seminiferous tubule diameter,and the number of Leydig cel s were observed, suggesting that the exogenous FSHα/β affects reproductive traits. Final y,transgenic and non-transgenic boars had similar growth performance and biochemical profiles.Conclusions： Pituitary-specific overexpression of FSHα/β genes is likely to impact reproductive traits positively, as indicated by enhancements in serum testosterone level, testis weight, the development of vas deferens, seminiferous tubules, and Leydig cells in transgenic boars. A high level of serum FSH induces secretion of serum testosterone,possibly by boosting the number of Leydig cells, which presumably increases the libido and the frequency of sexual activity in transgenic boars. Our study provides a preliminary foundation for the genetic improvement of reproductive traits in male pigs.
基金supported by the Association for Bioeconomy Research (FBF e.V., Germany)by the Rentenbank-Germany’s development agency for agribusiness+3 种基金by the BLE–Germany’s Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (AMIKOS 28-RZ-3.054, 28-RZ-3.051)by the CAPES and DAAD(57390778PROBAL 88887.185883/2018-00)Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL。
文摘Background: Hypothermic preservation of boar semen is considered a potential method for omitting antibiotics from insemination doses, thereby contributing to the global antibiotic resistance defence strategy. The main challenges are chilling injury to spermatozoa and bacterial growth during semen storage leading to reduced fertility.Objectives: To examine chilling injury and the number and type of bacteria in boar semen stored at 5 ℃ in the absence of antibiotics, and to assess the applicability of hypothermic semen storage under field conditions.Material and methods: Boar ejaculates were extended with AndroStar~? Premium, stored at 17 ℃ with and at 5 ℃ without antibiotics and tested for functional sperm parameters by flow cytometry. Raw semen and extended samples were investigated bacteriologically. Fertility was evaluated after once-daily inseminations of 194 sows in a field study.Results: Lethal sperm damage assessed by motility and membrane integrity was low throughout storage in both experimental groups. Sublethal chilling effects based on the decrease of viable spermatozoa with low membrane fluidity were higher(P < 0.05) up until 72 h in sperm stored at 5 ℃ compared to 17 ℃ but did not differ after 144 h.After 72 h, incubation in capacitating medium for 60 min induced a similar decrease in viable sperm with high mitochondria membrane potential and low cytosolic calcium in both groups. In semen stored at 5 ℃, bacteria counts were below 103 CFU/mL and the bacteria spectrum was similar to that of raw semen. In 88% of 34 boars,cooled semen fulfilled the requirements for insemination. Fertility was high and did not differ(P > 0.05) between sow groups inseminated with semen stored antibiotic-free at 5 ℃ and semen stored at 17 ℃ with antibiotics.Conclusion: Despite subtle chilling effects and low bacterial numbers, antibiotic-free hypothermic storage of boar semen offers the possibility to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig insemination. However, strict sanitary guidelines must be maintained and further evidence of efficiency under field conditions is considered desirable.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China to Z Tu(31902307)National Key Research and Development Program of China to C Tu(2017YFD0500104)Wildlife Borne Infectious Diseases Monitoring Project of the State Forestry and Grassland Administration of China.
文摘Four species of porcine circoviruses(PCV1–4)have been reported to circulate in Chinese domestic pigs,while the epizootiology of these viruses in free-ranging wild boars in China remains unknown.In this study,tissue and serum samples collected from diseased or apparently healthy wild boars between 2018 and 2020 in 19 regions of China were tested for the prevalence of PCV1–4 infections.Positive rates of PCV1,PCV2,and PCV3 DNA in the tissue samples of Chinese wild boars were 1.6%(4/247),58.3%(144/247),and 10.9%(27/247)respectively,with none positive for PCV4.Sequence analysis of viral genome showed that the four PCV1 strains distributed in Hunan and Inner Mongolia shared 97.5%–99.6%sequence identity with global distributed reference strains.Comparison of the ORF2 gene sequences showed that 80 PCV2 strains widely distributed in 18 regions shared 79.5%–100%sequence identity with reference strains from domestic pigs and wild boars,and were grouped into PCV2a(7),PCV2b(31)and PCV2d(42).For PCV3,17 sequenced strains shared 97.2%–100%nucleotide identity at the genomic level and could be divided into PCV3a(3),PCV3b(2)and PCV3c(12)based on the phylogeny of ORF2 gene sequences.Serological data revealed antibody positive rates against PCV1 and PCV2 of 11.4%(19/167)and 53.9%(90/167)respectively.The data obtained in this study improved our understanding about the epidemiological situations of PCVs infection in free-ranging wild boars in China and will be valuable for the prevention and control of diseases caused by PCVs infection.
