Follicular, Oocyte and Embryo Features Related to Metabolic Status in Primiparous Lactating does Fed with High-Fibre Rearing Diets

Abstract

Fertility of primiparous lactating does in the early postpartum (pp) period is very low mainly due to pronounced deficient energy intake, influencing oocyte and embryo developmental competence. The hypothesis used in this work was that high-lignin fibre diet supplied during the rearing period could increase feed intake and, consequently, improve the reproductive physiology and metabolic status of primiparous does in the early pp period. Diets with high-lignin [HL: 15.8% dry matter (DM)] or standard-lignin content (SL: 4.9% DM) were supplied until parturition time. No diet effects in serum oestradiol, progesterone concentrations and follicle categories were found in the histological study. Metaphase II rate of in vitro-matured oocytes was significantly higher in the SL vs the HL group (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmically degenerated oocytes (in terms of abnormal distribution of cortical granules) and follicular atresia rate were significantly lower in the SL group than in the HL group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005 respectively). In addition, HL-fed does showed lower number of viable embryos and higher rate of retarded in vivo-recovered embryos compared with the SL group (p < 0.05). Neither in vitro embryo development of viable embryos nor conception rate was significantly different between groups. Feed intake increased during the first pregnancy in the HL group (p < 0.05), but not during early lactation. Serum protein, non-esterified fatty acid and leptin concentrations, as well as estimated body composition were similar in does fed with both diets. In conclusion, the enhancement of reproductive management by using highly lignified products in rearing diets does not seem to report physiological reproductive benefits affecting oocyte maturation rate and embryo viability in primiparous lactating does.

Improvements in the conception rate, milk composition and embryo quality of rabbit does after dietary enrichment with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

“…This is probably because in early stages of gestation corpora lutea produce scant but still enough amount of progesterone to sustain early embryo events which also could explain the similar embryo development observed in the current study. On the other hand, embryo rate was similar to that usually obtained on 3.5 days after AI as previously described (Arias-Álvarez et al, 2010). In this regard, in cows, Fouladi-Nashta et al (2009) confirmed that despite altering proportions of major FA in plasma and milk, dietary PUFA supplementation had little effect on FA composition of granulosa cells, and consequently, there was no effect of diet on follicle numbers and post-fertilization development of oocytes in vitro.…”

Reproductive and Nutritional Management on Ovarian Response and Embryo Quality on Rabbit Does

“…) compared to does synchronized with eCG (Arias‐Álvarez et al. ,b). Therefore, different treatments should be used along the reproductive life of the does taking into account their reproductive rhythm and age.…”

“…; Arias‐Álvarez et al. ; Rebollar et al. ), and consequently, energy ingestion and metabolic status in the early lactating period when a more energetic feed is furnished (Xiccato et al.…”

“…These animals showed higher rate of follicular apoptosis, lower index of oocyte in vitro maturation and lower number of in vivo ‐recovered viable embryos compared with those fed with a standard lignin diet at Day 11 post‐partum (Arias‐Álvarez et al. ).…”

Efecto De La Aplicación De Gonadotropinas Recombinantes Humanas Sobre La Producción Y Calidad De Ovocitos Y Embriones en Coneja

“…Microscopía confocal, tinción con FITC-PNA Indica correcta maduración (Arias-Álvarez et al, 2010;Lee et al, 2006a) …”