Nanotechnology and Reproductive Management of Farm Animals: Challenges and Advances

Abstract

Reproductive efficiency of farm animals has central consequences on productivity and profitability of livestock farming systems. Optimal reproductive management is based on applying different strategies, including biological, hormonal, nutritional strategies, as well as reproductive disease control. These strategies should not only guarantee sufficient reproductive outcomes but should also comply with practical and ethical aspects. For example, the efficiency of the biological- and hormonal-based reproductive strategies is mainly related to several biological factors and physiological status of animals, and of nutritional strategies, additional factors, such as digestion and absorption, can contribute. In addition, the management of reproductive-related diseases is challenged by the concerns regarding the intensive use of antibiotics and the development of antimicrobial resistant strains. The emergence of nanotechnology applications in livestock farming systems may present innovative and new solutions for overcoming reproductive management challenges. Many drugs (hormones and antibiotics), biological molecules, and nutrients can acquire novel physicochemical properties using nanotechnology; the main ones are improved bioavailability, higher cellular uptake, controlled sustained release, and lower toxicity compared with ordinary forms. In this review, we illustrate advances in the most common reproductive management strategies by applying nanotechnology, considering the current challenges of each strategy.

Effects of a Nanoencapsulated Moringa Leaf Ethanolic Extract on the Physiology, Metabolism and Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does during Summer

“…The development of encapsulation techniques facilitates the protection, as well as the controlled and targeted release, of bioactive molecules applied in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food industries to improve their bioavailability (absorption and cellular intake) and to enhance the stability of bioactive compounds during processing and storage processes [ 14 , 15 ]. For this purpose, many natural polymers are used to encapsulate different bioactive components, including phytogenic crude extracts, used as natural-functioning nutritional supplements with health benefits [ 17 , 26 ]. This study used the nanoencapsulation ionic-gelation method for innovating a new feed additive that could be used in the rabbit industry during periods of heat stress, aiming at the phytochemicals of Moringa leaf extracts, specifically polyphenols.…”

The Use of Probiotics for Management and Improvement of Reproductive Eubiosis and Function

“…For example, the management of the estrous cycle in some farm animals (i.e., ruminants) includes many protocols that depend on intravaginal progesterone devices and/or sponges. In many cases, the administration of these intravaginal means has been found to generate histological and cytological alterations (hyperplasia, hypertrophy, hemorrhage and perivascular infiltrate, numbers and activities of phagocytes) at the time of its with-drawal, which evoke inflammatory responses and provoke abnormal vaginal discharges, impacting animal welfare aspects and subsequent reproductive performance [80]. In a recent study by Quereda and co-workers [10], a vaginal infusion of a combination of probiotic Lactobacillus species (60% Lactobacillus crispatus, 20% Lactobacillus brevis, and 20% Lactobacillus gasseri) at the time of the insertion of fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponges for estrus synchronization in ewes restored normal vaginal microflora and improved fertility (60% vs. 91%; p = 0.097).…”

Nanodelivery System for Ovsynch Protocol Improves Ovarian Response, Ovarian Blood Flow Doppler Velocities, and Hormonal Profile of Goats

“…One of the most widely used assisted reproductive techniques in farm animals is estrous cycle synchronization. Several estrous synchronization protocols based on the use of P 4 or PGF 2α analogs as key regulatory hormones have been developed [ 1 ]. Nevertheless, these protocols result in sufficient synchrony of the estrous cycle, and they do not eliminate the need for estrus detection.…”

“…There are still some defects that restrict the outcomes of this protocol, such as scattering ovulation time, short luteal phase and inadequate luteal function, and low conception rates [ 3 , 8 ]. Part of estrous synchronization protocols efficiency is ascribed to the pharmacokinetics of hormones and their bioavailability [ 1 ]. Because both GnRH and PGF 2α have a small molecular weight and short half-life, improving the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of these hormones may enhance their biological action and estrous synchronization outcomes [ 9 ].…”