FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2020; 10(11); doi: 10.3390/ani10111967

Factors Affecting Embryo Recovery Rate, Quality, and Diameter in Andalusian Donkey Jennies.

Abstract: Embryo transfer and the vitrification of embryos could be used for the conservation and recovery of endangered donkey breeds. It is important to develop techniques that optimize recovery rates and the cryotolerance of donkey embryos. This study evaluates factors affecting the recovery rate, quality, and diameter of embryos obtained from donor jennies as a starting point for the use of vitrification and embryo transfer in the conservation of the Andalusian donkey. A total of 100 embryos were recovered out of 124 estrous cycles (80.6%). The donor jenny affected the rates of positive flushings (PFR; p = 0.040) and embryo recovery (ERR; p < 0.05) as well as embryo quality (p = 0.004). ERR was also affected by the number of flushings (p < 0.001), donor age (p < 0.05), successive cycle within donor (p < 0.001), and jacks (p < 0.05). Number of flushings (p < 0.001) and jack (p < 0.05) had a significant effect on PFR, whereas the day of flushing influenced the developmental stage (p < 0.001), embryo quality (p < 0.05), and diameter of embryos (p < 0.001). The number of flushings significantly influenced the diameter (p = 0.038) and embryo developmental stage (p = 0.001), whereas the developmental stage was statistically different between herds (p = 0.020). The factors influencing the success of this assisted reproductive technique were donor jenny, donor age, successive cycle within donor, day of flushing, number of flushings, and jack. The identification of these key points is crucial to achieve a higher efficiency of embryo transfer and vitrification processes, before considering their application in the conservation of endangered donkey breeds.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2020-10-26 PubMed ID: 33114673PubMed Central: PMC7693601DOI: 10.3390/ani10111967Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the variables influencing the rate at which embryos are recovered, their quality, and diameter from Andalusian donkey jennies for potential use in preserving endangered donkey breeds through embryo transfer and vitrification.

Introduction and Study Objectives

The study aimed at understanding and optimizing the techniques used in the recovery and cryopreservation of embryos from Andalusian donkey jennies. The main objective was to identify specific factors that influence the success rate, quality, and diameter of the recovered embryos as these are foundational in enhancing the efficiency of embryo transfer and vitrification techniques.

Methodology and Findings

  • The study involved extracting 100 embryos across 124 estrous cycles, making a recovery rate of about 80.6%.
  • Various determinant keys were found to affect the positive flushing rates (PFR), embryo recovery rates (ERR), and the quality of the embryos. These factors included the donor jenny (P=0.040 for PFR and P<0.05 for ERR and quality), the number of flushings performed (P<0.001 for ERR and PFR), the age of the donor (P<0.05 for ERR), the sequential cycle of the donor (P<0.001 for ERR), and the individual jack (male donkey) involved (P<0.05 for ERR and PFR).
  • The day of flushing greatly influenced the developmental stage (P<0.001), the quality (P<0.05), and the diameter of the embryos (P<0.001).
  • Notably, the number of flushing episodes had a significant influence on the diameter (P=0.038) and the developmental stage (P=0.001) of the embryos.
  • The developmental stage differed statistically among herds (P=0.020).

Conclusion

The study concluded that the key variables influencing the success of the embryo recovery process were the donor jenny, donor’s age, successive cycle of the donor, day of flushing, number of flushings, and the particular jack. Understanding how these factors interact in influencing the ERR, PFR, and embryo quality is crucial in enhancing the efficiency of the methods utilized. This knowledge is vital for the conservation and recovery efforts aiming to preserve threatened donkey populations.

Cite This Article

APA
Dorado J, Bottrel M, Ortiz I, Díaz-Jiménez M, Pereira B, Consuegra C, Carrasco JJ, Gómez-Arrones V, Domingo A, Hidalgo M. (2020). Factors Affecting Embryo Recovery Rate, Quality, and Diameter in Andalusian Donkey Jennies. Animals (Basel), 10(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10111967

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 11

Researcher Affiliations

Dorado, J
  • Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Bottrel, M
  • Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Ortiz, I
  • Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Díaz-Jiménez, M
  • Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Pereira, B
  • Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Consuegra, C
  • Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Carrasco, J J
  • Equine Reproduction Center, Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, (CENSYRA-Extremadura Government), 06007 Badajoz, Spain.
Gómez-Arrones, V
  • Equine Reproduction Center, Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, (CENSYRA-Extremadura Government), 06007 Badajoz, Spain.
Domingo, A
  • Equine Reproduction Center, Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, (CENSYRA-Extremadura Government), 06007 Badajoz, Spain.
Hidalgo, M
  • Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.

Grant Funding

  • AGL2013-42726-R / Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

References

This article includes 54 references
  1. Gandini G.C., Villa E.. Analysis of the cultural value of local livestock breeds: A methodology.. J. Anim. Breed Genet. 2003;120:1–11.
    doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0388.2003.00365.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  2. Miragaya M.H., Neild D.M., Alonso A.E.. A Review of Reproductive Biology and Biotechnologies in Donkeys.. J. Equine Vet Sci. 2018;65:55–61.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.12.005google scholar: lookup
  3. Kugler W., Grunenfelder H.P., Broxham E.. Donkey Breeds in Europe: Inventory, Description, Need for Action, Conservation.. Monitoring Institute for Rare Breeds and Seeds in Europe; St. Gallen, Switzerland: 2008. p. 124. Report 2007–2008.
  4. Quaresma M., Martins A.M.F., Rodrigues J.B., Colaço J., Payan-Carreira R.. Viability analyses of an endangered donkey breed: The case of the Asinina de Miranda (Equus asinus). Anim. Prod. Sci. 2015;55:1184–1191.
    doi: 10.1071/AN13307google scholar: lookup
  5. Colli L., Perrotta G., Negrini R., Bomba L., Bigi D., Zambonelli P., Verini Supplizi A., Liotta L., Ajmone-Marsan P.. Detecting population structure and recent demographic history in endangered livestock breeds: The case of the Italian autochthonous donkeys.. Anim. Genet. 2013;44:69–78.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2012.02356.xpubmed: 22506921google scholar: lookup
  6. Calero-Carretero R., Bravo-Delgado J.A., Bartolomé-García P.. Informe 2007 La Agricultura y la Ganadería Extremeñas.. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Escuelas de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Extremadura; Caja de Badajoz, Badajoz, España: 2007. Razas autóctonas extremeñas en peligro de extinción; pp. 203–226.
  7. Jordana J., Folch P.. The endangered catalonian donkey breed: The main ancestor of the American ass or mammoth.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 1996;16:436–441.
    doi: 10.1016/S0737-0806(96)80209-7google scholar: lookup
  8. DAD-IS-FAO. Information System Domestic Animal Diversity.. [(accessed on 21 October 2020)]; Available online: http://www.fao.org/dad-is/browse-by-country-and-species/en/.
  9. Scherf B.D.. World Watch List for Domestic Animal Diversity.. 3rd ed. FAO; Rome, Italy: 2000. p. 739.
  10. Vita D., Passalacqua G., Di Pasquale G., Caminiti L., Crisafulli G., Rulli I., Pajno G.B.. Ass’s milk in children with atopic dermatitis and cow’s milk allergy: Crossover comparison with goat’s milk.. Pediatr. Allergy Immunol. 2007;18:594–598.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2007.00567.xpubmed: 18001430google scholar: lookup
  11. Summers P.M., Shephard A.M., Hodges J.K., Kydd J., Boyle M.S., Allen W.R.. Successful transfer of the embryos of Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii) and Grant’s zebra (E. burchelli) to domestic mares (E. caballus). J. Reprod. Fertil. 1987;80:13–20.
    doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0800013pubmed: 3598950google scholar: lookup
  12. Hinrichs K.. Assisted reproductive techniques in mares.. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 2018;53:4–13.
    doi: 10.1111/rda.13259pubmed: 30238661google scholar: lookup
  13. Squires E.L., Carnevale E.M., McCue P.M., Bruemmer J.E.. Embryo technologies in the horse.. Theriogenology. 2003;59:151–170.
    doi: 10.1016/S0093-691X(02)01268-2pubmed: 12499026google scholar: lookup
  14. Squires E.L., McCue P.M.. Cryopreservation of Equine Embryos.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2016;41:7–12.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.03.009google scholar: lookup
  15. Pérez-Marín C.C., Vizuete G., Vazquez-Martinez R., Galisteo J.J.. Comparison of different cryopreservation methods for horse and donkey embryos.. Equine Vet. J. 2018;50:398–404.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12777pubmed: 29105954google scholar: lookup
  16. Panzani D., Rota A., Crisci A., Kindahl H., Govoni N., Camillo F.. Embryo quality and transcervical technique are not the limiting factors in donkey embryo transfer outcome.. Theriogenology. 2012;77:563–569.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.032pubmed: 22056016google scholar: lookup
  17. Camillo F., Panzani D., Scollo C., Rota A., Crisci A., Vannozzi I., Balbo S.. Embryo recovery rate and recipients’ pregnancy rate after nonsurgical embryo transfer in donkeys.. Theriogenology. 2010;73:959–965.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.024pubmed: 20083302google scholar: lookup
  18. Bottrel M., Mogas T., Pereira B., Ortiz I., Díaz-Jiménez M., Consuegra C., Hidalgo M., Morató R., Dorado J.. The cryoprotective effect of Ficoll 70 on the post-warming survival and quality of Cryotop-vitrified donkey embryos.. Theriogenology. 2020;148:180–185.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.013pubmed: 31757484google scholar: lookup
  19. Bottrel M., Ortiz I., Pereira B., Díaz-Jiménez M., Hidalgo M., Consuegra C., Morató R., Mogas T., Dorado J.. Cryopreservation of donkey embryos by the cryotop method: Effect of developmental stage, embryo quality, diameter and age of embryos.. Theriogenology. 2019;125:242–248.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.11.011pubmed: 30476757google scholar: lookup
  20. Pérez-Marín C.C., Vizuete G., Galisteo J.J.. Embryo recovery results in Hispano-Arabe horse and Spanish donkey breeds.. Livest. Sci. 2017;206:76–81.
    doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.10.011google scholar: lookup
  21. Bottrel M., Fortes T., Ortiz I., Hidalgo M., Dorado J.. Establishment and maintenance of donkey-in-mule pregnancy after embryo transfer in a non-cycling mule treated with oestradiol benzoate and long-acting progesterone.. Span J. Agric. Res. 2017;15:e04SC01.
    doi: 10.5424/sjar/2017154-11653google scholar: lookup
  22. Panzani D., Rota A., Marmorini P., Vannozzi I., Camillo F.. Retrospective study of factors affecting multiple ovulations, embryo recovery, quality, and diameter in a commercial equine embryo transfer program.. Theriogenology. 2014;82:807–814.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.06.020pubmed: 25085596google scholar: lookup
  23. Carnevale E.M., Ramirez R.J., Squires E.L., Alvarenga M.A., Vanderwall D.K., McCue P.M.. Factors affecting pregnancy rates and early embryonic death after equine embryo transfer.. Theriogenology. 2000;54:965–979.
    doi: 10.1016/S0093-691X(00)00405-2pubmed: 11097048google scholar: lookup
  24. Panzani D., Vannozzi I., Marmorini P., Rota A., Camillo F.. Factors affecting recipients’ pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and foaling rates in a commercial equine embryo transfer program.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2016;37:17–23.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.10.011google scholar: lookup
  25. Eldridge-Panuska W.D., Caracciolo Di Brienza V., Seidel G.E., Jr., Squires E.L., Carnevale E.M.. Establishment of pregnancies after serial dilution or direct transfer by vitrified equine embryos.. Theriogenology. 2005;63:1308–1319.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.06.015pubmed: 15725439google scholar: lookup
  26. Stout T.. Cryopreservation of Equine Embryos: Current state-of-the-art.. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 2012;47:84–89.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02030.xpubmed: 22681302google scholar: lookup
  27. McKinnon A.O., Squires E.L.. Equine embryo transfer.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 1988;4:305–333.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30643-0pubmed: 3044542google scholar: lookup
  28. Lagares M.A., Castanheira P.N., Amaral D.C.G., Vasconcelos A.B., Veado J.C.C., Arantes R.M.E., Stahlberg R.. Addition of ficoll and disaccharides to vitrification solutions improve in vitro viability of vitrified equine embryos.. Cryo-Letters. 2009;30:408–413.
    pubmed: 20309496
  29. Hinrichs K.. Assisted reproduction techniques in the horse.. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 2013;25:80–93.
    doi: 10.1071/RD12263pubmed: 23244831google scholar: lookup
  30. Perez-Marin C.C., Galisteo I., Perez-Rico A., Galisteo J.. Effects of breed, age, season, and multiple ovulations on cyclic, PGF2α-induced, and postpartum estrus characteristics in Spanish jennies.. Theriogenology. 2016;85:1045–1052.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.015pubmed: 26747577google scholar: lookup
  31. Davies Morel M.C., O’Sullivan J.A.. Ovulation rate and distribution in the thoroughbred mare, as determined by ultrasonic scanning: The effect of age.. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 2001;66:59–70.
    doi: 10.1016/S0378-4320(01)00092-6pubmed: 11343842google scholar: lookup
  32. Morel M.C., Newcombe J.R., Swindlehurst J.C.. The effect of age on multiple ovulation rates, multiple pregnancy rates and embryonic vesicle diameter in the mare.. Theriogenology. 2005;63:2482–2493.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.09.058pubmed: 15910928google scholar: lookup
  33. Fradinho M.J., Correia M.J., Grácio V., Bliebernicht M., Farrim A., Mateus L., Martin-Rosset W., Bessa R.J.B., Caldeira R.M., Ferreira-Dias G.. Effects of body condition and leptin on the reproductive performance of Lusitano mares on extensive systems.. Theriogenology. 2014;81:1214–1222.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.042pubmed: 24613603google scholar: lookup
  34. Taberner E., Medrano A., Peña A., Rigau T., Miró J.. Oestrus cycle characteristics and prediction of ovulation in Catalonian jennies.. Theriogenology. 2008;70:1489–1497.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.06.096pubmed: 18678401google scholar: lookup
  35. Henry M., Figueiredo A.E., Palhares M.S., Coryn M.. Clinical and endocrine aspects of the oestrous cycle in donkeys (Equus asinus). J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 1987;35:297–303.
    pubmed: 3479584
  36. Blanchard T.L., Taylor T.S., Love C.L.. Estrous cycle characteristics and response to estrus synchronization in mammoth asses (Equus asinus americanus). Theriogenology. 1999;52:827–834.
    doi: 10.1016/S0093-691X(99)00175-2pubmed: 10735123google scholar: lookup
  37. Vandeplassche G.M., Wesson J.A., Ginther O.J.. Behavioral, follicular and gonadotropin changes during the estrous cycle in donkeys.. Theriogenology. 1981;16:239–249.
    doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(81)90106-0pubmed: 16725637google scholar: lookup
  38. Quaresma M., Payan-Carreira R.. Characterization of the estrous cycle of Asinina de Miranda jennies (Equus asinus). Theriogenology. 2015;83:616–624.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.10.021pubmed: 25467767google scholar: lookup
  39. Ginther O.J., Scraba S.T., Bergfelt D.R.. Reproductive seasonality of the jenney.. Theriogenology. 1987;27:587–592.
    doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(87)90053-7pubmed: 16726264google scholar: lookup
  40. Allen W.R., Kydd J., Boyle M.S., Antczak D.F.. Between-species transfer of horse and donkey embryos: A valuable research tool.. Equine Vet. J. 1985;17:53–62.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb04594.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  41. Vendramini O.M., Bruyas J.F., Fieni F., Battut I., Tainturier D.. Embryo transfer in Poitou donkeys, preliminary results.. Theriogenology. 1997;47:409.
    doi: 10.1016/S0093-691X(97)82536-8google scholar: lookup
  42. Peña-Alfaro C.E., Barros L.O., Carneiro G.F., Gastal M.O., Gastal E.L.. Embryo transfer in Pega donkeys (Equus asinus) in Brazil.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2014;34:185.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.10.135google scholar: lookup
  43. Squires E., Barbacini S., Matthews P., Byers W., Schwenzer K., Steiner J., Loomis P.. Retrospective study of factors affecting fertility of fresh, cooled and frozen semen.. Equine Vet. Educ. 2006;18:96–99.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2006.tb00425.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  44. Camillo F., Vannozzi I., Rota A., Romagnoli S., Aria G.. Comparison of embryo recovery rates from two years old and mature mares.. In: Katila T., Wade J.F., editors. Havemeyer Foundation Monograph Series 3, Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Equine Embryo Transfer, Saari, Finland, 6–9 July 2000. R & W Publications (Newmarket) Limited; Suffolk, UK: 2001. p. 86.
  45. Squires E.L.. Embryo transfer challenges and perspectives.. Rev. Bras. Reprod. Anim. 2013;37:105–107.
  46. Carluccio A., Panzani S., Tosi U., Faustini M., De Amicis I., Veronesi M.C.. Efficacy of hCG and GnRH for inducing ovulation in the jenny.. Theriogenology. 2007;68:914–919.
    doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.07.005pubmed: 17716724google scholar: lookup
  47. Fleury J.J., Alvarenga M.A.. Effects of collection day on embryo recovery and pregnancy rates in a nonsurgical equine embryo transfer program.. Theriogenology. 1999;51:261.
    doi: 10.1016/S0093-691X(99)91820-4google scholar: lookup
  48. Stout T.A.. Equine embryo transfer: Review of developing potential.. Equine Vet J. 2006;38:467–478.
    doi: 10.2746/042516406778400529pubmed: 16986609google scholar: lookup
  49. Pessoa M.A., Cannizza A.P., Reghini M.F.S., Alvarenga M.A.. Embryo Transfer Efficiency of Quarter Horse Athletic Mares.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2011;31:703–705.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.06.001google scholar: lookup
  50. Carnevale E.M., Beisner A.E., McCue P.M., Bass L.D., Squires E.L.. Uterine changes associated with repeated inseminations and embryo collections in mares. Proceedings of the 51st Annual Convention of American Association of Equine Practitioner; Seattle, WA, USA. 3–5 December 2005; pp. 202–203.
  51. Losinno L., Aguilar J., Lisa H.. Impact of multiple ovulations in a commercial equine embryo transfer programme.. In: Katila T., Wade J.F., editors. Havemeyer Foundation Monograph Series 3, Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Equine Embryo Transfer, Saari, Finland, 6–9 July 2000. R & W Publications (Newmarket) Limited; Suffolk, UK: 2001. pp. 81–83.
  52. Riera F.L., Roldán J.E., Hinrichs K.. Ipsilateral double ovulation is associated with reduced embryo recovery in mares.. In: Alvarenga M., Wade J.F., editors. Havemeyer Foundation Monograph Series 14, Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Equine Embryo Transfer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 4–6 August 2004. R & W Comunications; Suffolk, UK: 2005. pp. 108–109.
  53. Carmo M.T., Alvarenga M.A., Losinno L., Aquilar J.J.. Oocyte transport to the oviduct of superovulated mares.. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 2006;94:337–339.
  54. Ono T., Isobe T., Morita Y., Do L.T.K., Tanihara F., Taniguchi M., Takagi M., Otoi T.. Effects of parity and season on pregnancy rates after the transfer of embryos to repeat-breeder Japanese Black beef cattle.. Arch. Anim. Breed. 2016;59:45–49.
    doi: 10.5194/aab-59-45-2016google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Martins-Bessa A, McLean AK. Advances in Donkey and Mule Research. Animals (Basel) 2024 Aug 1;14(15).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14152238pubmed: 39123764google scholar: lookup
  2. Bottrel M, Ortiz I, Hidalgo M, Díaz-Jiménez M, Pereira B, Consuegra C, Yousef MS, Dorado J. Hormonal Management for the Induction of Luteolysis and Ovulation in Andalusian Jennies: Effect on Reproductive Performance, Embryo Quality and Recovery Rate. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jan 8;12(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12020143pubmed: 35049767google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,727 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.