Slovenian Veterinary Research

THE EVOLUTION OF REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES IN ANIMALS – IMPLICATIONS FOR THERIOGENOLOGY

2025-09-11T19:17:15+02:00

Reproduction is one of the fundamental biological imperatives shared by all living beings. Organisms must reproduce to pass on their genes to the next generation, ensuring the survival and continuation of their species. In pursuit of this goal, nature has evolved a remarkable diversity of reproductive methods and behaviors, including external fertilization in aquatic species, internal fertilization in terrestrial animals, oviparity, viviparity, complex hormonal regulation, and diverse strategies of parental investment. In the Slovenian Veterinary Research journal, we welcome articles addressing various aspects of veterinary and comparative reproductive research and medicine. In this issue, we have placed particular emphasis on this topic. With this editorial, we would also like to bring attention to these articles, including a review of the phenomics evaluation and research on hormone GnRH injection in cattle and sheep breeding, the effect of food additives and environmental enrichment on fertility protection against toxicity and egg production and a case report on canine idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Razmnoževanje skozi prizmo evolucije – pomen za sodobno veterinarsko medicino

Izvleček: Razmnoževanje je temelj življenja. Omogoča prenos genov na naslednje generacije in s tem ohranjanje vrst. Narava je skozi evolucijo razvila osupljivo paleto strategij, od zunanje oploditve pri vodnih organizmih do notranje oploditve pri kopenskih živalih, jajcerodnosti, živorodnosti, kompleksnega hormonskega uravnavanja in različnih oblik starševske skrbi. V reviji Slovenian Veterinary Research z veseljem objavljamo prispevke, ki obravnavajo različne vidike veterinarskih in primerjalnih raziskav ter medicine razmnoževanja. V tej številki smo temu področju namenili poseben poudarek. Predstavljamo prispevke, ki osvetljujejo fenomsko evalvacijo in raziskave vpliva hormona GnRH na plodnost goveda in ovc, vpliv prehranskih dodatkov in obogatitve okolja na zaščito plodnosti, in proizvodnjo jajc ter primer idiopatske oligoasteno-teratozoospermije pri psu.

PHENOMICS EVALUATION IN CATTLE BREEDING

2024-09-27T17:17:20+02:00

The progress of technology, namely in the realm of computer science, has resulted in the capability to handle extensive sets of information, sometimes referred to as big data, which has substantially influenced the field of genetic science. The discipline of livestock farming has witnessed the emergence of several branches of study, including genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Using phenomics in cattle breeding has gained significant importance in augmenting production and efficiency. Scientists have created livestock phenomics platforms to enhance the welfare and productivity of animals by employing cutting-edge digital technologies and real-time sensors. Incorporating phenomics with genomics has expanded the potential for genetic assessment and breeding initiatives in the livestock sector. Phenomics allows for the assessment of the intricate reactions of animals to environmental stimuli, hence aiding in the advancement of more robust and productive cattle. In summary, of phenomics in cattle breeding has significant potential for the future of livestock production, providing prospects for better breeding objectives, promoting animal well-being, and boosting overall output.

Vrednotenje fenomike v govedoreji

Izvleček: Tehnološki napredek, zlasti na področju računalništva, je omogočil obdelavo obsežnih nizov informacij, ki se včasih imenujejo masovni podatki, kar je bistveno vplivalo na področje genetike. Na področju živinoreje se je pojavilo več raziskovalnih vej, vključno z genomiko, proteomiko, transkriptomiko in metabolomiko. Fenomika je v govedoreji pridobila velik pomen pri povečanju proizvodnje in učinkovitosti. Znanstveniki so ustvarili platforme za fenomiko v živinoreji, da bi z uporabo najsodobnejših digitalnih tehnologij in senzorjev v realnem času izboljšali dobrobit in produktivnost živali. Vključevanje fenomike z genomiko je razširilo možnosti za genetsko ocenjevanje in vzrejne iniciative v živinorejskem sektorju. Fenomika omogoča ocenjevanje zapletenih odzivov živali na okoljske dražljaje, kar pripomore k razvoju močnejšega in produktivnejšega goveda. Če povzamemo, ima fenomika v govedoreji velik potencial za prihodnost živinoreje, saj zagotavlja možnosti za boljše rejske cilje, spodbuja dobrobit živali in povečuje splošno proizvodnjo.

Ključne besede: učinkovitost živali; vedenje; masovni podatki; bioinformatika; govedoreja; genomika; fenomika; PLF; dobrobit živali

POMEGRANATE JUICE TREATMENT PREVENTS CARBON TETRACHLORIDE(CCL4)-INDUCED TESTICULAR DAMAGE IN RATS: A BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDY

2025-05-10T00:36:55+02:00

We investigated the side effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on testicular tissue and explored the protective effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) against CCl4 exposure. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Control, PJ, CCl4, and CCl4+PJ. We assessed serum testosterone levels and evaluated carboxylesterase (CaE), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione Stransferase (GST) parameters. Histopathological changes were examined using CD68 immunoreactivity to detect macrophage activity. Analysis revealed a significant increase in CaE activity in the PJ group that compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CCl4 exposure reduced CaE activity, which was partially restored by PJ in the CCl4+PJ group (p < 0.05). PJ also significantly reduced the elevated MDA levels induced by CCl4 (p < 0.05). CCl4 alone decreased the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05), however PJ had no effect on GSH levels (p > 0.05). Neither CCl4 nor PJ had an effect on glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity (p > 0.05). In conclusion, PJ reversed histological damage and restored reduced testosterone levels. Furthermore, it alleviated CCl4-induced oxidative stress by utilizing an alternative antioxidant system rather than glutathione.

Zdravljenje s sokom granatnega jabolka preprečuje poškodbe mod zaradi ogljikovega tetraklorida (CCl4) pri podganah: biokemična in histološka študija

Izvleček: Raziskali smo neželene učinke ogljikovega tetraklorida (CCl4) na tkivo mod in preučili zaščitne učinke soka granatnega jabolka (PJ) ob izpostavljenosti CCl4. 28 samcev podgan wistar albino je bilo naključno razdeljenih v štiri skupine: kontrolno, PJ, CCl4 in CCl4 + PJ. Merili smo raven testosterona v serumu in ocenili parametre karboksilesteraze (CaE), malondialdehida (MDA), glutationa (GSH), glutation reduktaze (GR) in glutation S-transferaze (GST). Histopatološke spremembe so bile pregledane z uporabo imunoreaktivnosti CD68 za ugotavljanje aktivnosti makrofagov. Analiza je pokazala znatno povečanje aktivnosti CaE v skupini PJ v primerjavi s kontrolno skupino (p < 0,05). Izpostavljenost CCl4 je zmanjšala aktivnost CaE, v skupini CCl4 + PJ pa se je aktivnost CaE delno izboljšala s PJ (p < 0,05). PJ je tudi značilno znižal povišano raven MDA, ki jo je povzročil CCl4 (p < 0,05). CCl4 je zmanjšal raven reduciranega glutationa (GSH) (p < 0,05), vendar PJ ni vplival na raven GSH (p > 0,05). Niti CCl4 niti PJ nista vplivala na aktivnost glutation reduktaze (GR) in glutation S-transferaze (GST) (p > 0,05). PJ je torej odpravil histološke poškodbe in obnovil znižano raven testosterona. Poleg tega je ublažil oksidativni stres, ki ga je povzročil CCl4, tako da je namesto glutationa uporabil alternativni antioksidativni sistem.

Ključne besede: toksičnost CCl4; neplodnost; sok granatnega jabolka; karboksilestraza; oksidativni stres; histopatologija

EFFECT OF GnRH INJECTION ON FERTILITY PARAMETERS IN MORKARAMAN SHEEP IN THE BREEDING SEASON

2025-03-04T23:57:17+01:00

This study aimed to investigate the effect of GnRH injection on the first synchronization day on lambing performance and fertility in a short-term progesterone-based synchronization protocol in Morkaraman sheep during the breeding season. The study material consisted of 76 Morkaraman sheep in the breeding season. Clinically healthy and non-lactating ewes with an average age of 2-3 years, a BCS of 3.16±0.04, a weight of 63.98±0.79 kg, and five healthy fertile rams of adult age were included in the study. The rams were separated from the herd one month before the study started. The sheep were divided into two groups without intravaginal sponge placement. Intravaginal sponges (20 mg flugestone acetate, Chronogest®, France) were placed in all sheep to remain in the vagina for 6 days, and 1.5 mL PGF2α (5 mg, Dinoprost, Enzaprost®, France) was injected intramuscularly 1 day before (day 5) and on the day the sponge (day 6) was removed. In the first group of sheep (n=39), 2 mL of GnRH (0.004 mg buserelin, Receptal®, Germany) was injected intramuscularly immediately after the sponge was placed in the vagina (Day 0). Unlike the first group, sheep in Group II (n=37) were injected with physiological saline (2 mL, i.m.) after the sponge was placed intravaginally. Immediately after the sponge was removed (day 6), all sheep were injected with 600 IU of eCG (Chrono-gest/PMSG, Germany), and the rams joined the herd. After mating the ram, the oestrus was monitored for 5 days. Pregnancy examinations were performed transrectally on the 30th day following mating. It was determined that the vaginal sponge was lost in two sheep each in Groups I and II, and these sheep were excluded from the study. It was determined that 54.05% of the ewes in Group I and 48.57% of the ewes in Group II were pregnant. Lambing was observed in all pregnant ewes. The multiple pregnancy rate was found to be less in Group I (45%) than in Group II (52.94%). A total of 32 lambs were obtained in Group I, and 26 lambs were obtained in Group II. Average lamb weights were found to be similar in both groups. As a result, GnRH injection combined with intravaginal sponge application may contribute to fertility success by numerically increasing the rate of estrus, pregnancy, and litter size.

Vpliv aplikacije GnRH na parametre plodnosti pri ovcah pasme morkaraman v paritveni sezoni

Izvleček: Namen raziskave je bil preučiti učinek odmerka GnRH prvi dan sinhronizacije na uspešnost jagnjitev in plodnost pri kratkoročnem protokolu sinhronizacije na osnovi progesterona pri ovcah pasme morkaraman med paritveno sezono. Raziskava je bila izvedena na 76 ovcah te pasme v paritveni sezoni. V raziskavo so bile vključene klinično zdrave ovce brez laktacije povprečne starosti 2–3 leta z oceno telesne kondicije 3,16 ± 0,04 in telesno maso 63,98 ± 0,79 kg ter pet zdravih odraslih plodnih ovnov. Ovni so bili ločeni od črede en mesec pred začetkom raziskave. Ovce so bile razdeljene v dve skupini pred vstavitvijo intravaginalnih gobic. Vsem ovcam so bile vstavljene intravaginalne gobice (20 mg flugeston acetata, Chronogest®, Francija), ki so ostale v nožnici 6 dni, en dan pred odstranitvijo gobice (5. dan) in na dan odstranitve (6. dan) so intramuskularno aplicirali 1,5 mL PGF2α (5 mg, Dinoprost, Enzaprost®, Francija). Prvi skupini ovc (n = 39) so intramuskularno aplicirali 2 mL GnRH (0,004 mg buserelina, Receptal®, Nemčija) takoj po vstavitvi gobice v nožnico (dan 0). Za razliko od prve skupine so ovcam v drugi skupini (n = 37) po intravaginalni vstavitvi gobice aplicirali fiziološko raztopino (2 mL, i. m.). Takoj po odstranitvi gobice (6. dan) so vsem ovcam aplicirali 600 IU eCG (Chrono-gest/PMSG, Nemčija), ovni pa so se pridružili čredi. Po pripustu ovna so estrus spremljali 5 dni. Preglede brejosti so opravili transrektalno 30. dan po parjenju. Ugotovljeno je bilo, da sta po dve ovci iz prve in druge skupine izgubili vaginalno gobico, zato sta bili izključeni iz raziskave. Brejost je bila ugotovljena pri 54,05 odstotka ovc iz prve skupine in 48,57 odstotka ovc iz druge skupine. Vse breje ovce so jagnjile. Ugotovljeno je bilo, da je bila stopnja večplodnih brejosti v prvi skupini (45-odstotna) manjša kot v drugi skupini (52,94-odstotna). V prvi skupini je bilo skupno 32 jagnjet, v drugi skupini pa 26. Povprečna teža jagnjet je bila v obeh skupinah podobna. Odmerek GnRH v kombinaciji z uporabo intravaginalne gobice lahko prispeva k uspešnosti plodnosti, saj številčno poveča stopnjo estrusa, brejosti in velikosti mladičev.

Ključne besede: paritvena sezona; plodnost; GnRH; ovce; sinhronizacija

EFFECT OF USING DIFFERENT COLORED LED LIGHTS ON GONADS, EGG NUMBER AND WEIGHT IN JAPANESE QUAILS

2025-03-04T23:57:39+01:00

Artificial lighting plays a crucial role in regulating the maturation of the reproductive system of birds during puberty and thus affects their reproductive capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphometric effects of the use of different coloured light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the gonads of male and female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The experimental groups were also examined with regard to egg count, weight, fertility and hatchability. A total of 240 quails of mixed sex were subjected to three different light colours, namely white, green and blue LEDs. The anatomical condition of the birds was examined at 42 days of age. To evaluate the potential effects of the different light colours on the number and weight of eggs, a cohort of 12 female and 3 male quails from each group were observed for an additional 30 days under identical experimental conditions and light exposures. An assessment was conducted to determine the differences in the number and weight of eggs between the different groups as a function of the number of days. The use of LED lights in different colours had no significant effect on the development of the testes in males and the ovaries in females. Between days 42 and 72 of the experiment, there were no discernible differences in the egg quantities of the quails, reared under different light colours. However, the eggs in the blue light group had a higher weight than those in the white light group. Ultimately, the use of white, green and blue LED lamps for photostimulation had no discernible effect on the growth of testes and ovaries, with the exception of egg weight.

Vpliv barve led-svetlobe in gostote živali na nekatere hematološke parametre in oksidativni stres pri japonskih prepelicah

Izvleček: Študija je ocenjevala učinke barve svetlobe svetlečih diod (LED) in gostote naselitve na hematološke parametre, oksidativno presnovo in težo organov prepelic. Več ključnih dejavnikov upravljanja, ki vplivajo na dobro počutje brojlerjev, vključuje barvo svetlobe in gostoto naselitve. Zato je bil namen te študije ugotoviti učinek različnih barv svetlobe in gostote naselitve na hematološke parametre in parametre oksidativnega stresa pri japonskih prepelicah. V ta namen so bile pri prepelicah, ki so bile izpostavljene različnim barvam svetlobe in gostoti naselitve, izmerjene ravni malondialdehida (MDA), superoksid dismutaze (SOD), katalaze (CAT) in glutationa (GSH) z uporabo komercialno dostopnih kompletov ELISA. V študiji je bilo 720 enodnevnih japonskih prepelic (Coturnix coturnix japonica) naključno razvrščenih v eno od šestih obravnav, vsaka s štirimi dvojniki po 30 ptic. Poskus je bil zasnovan kot faktorska razporeditev obdelav 3 x 2 s tremi barvami LED-svetlobe (bela, modra in zelena) in dvema gostotama naselitve (nizka = 200 cm2/ptico; visoka = 100 cm2/ptico). Pri starosti 42 dni je bilo naključno izbranih 20 prepelic iz vsake skupine za analizo nekaterih hematoloških parametrov. Glede na dobljene rezultate je bilo razmerje med heterofilci in limfociti (H/L) znatno višje pri prepelicah, izpostavljenih beli LED-svetlobi, vendar vpliv gostote naselitve na razmerje H/L ni bil značilen. Na indikator oksidativnega stresa MDA barva svetlobe ni vplivala, je pa visoka gostota naselitve drastično zmanjšala aktivnosti CAT in GSH v jetrih. Teža srca je bila manjša pri prepelicah, ki so bile izpostavljene modri LED-svetlobi. Gostota naselitve ni vplivala na maso srca in jeter. Zaključimo lahko, da bela LED-svetloba sicer poveča razmerje H/L in stresne razmere, vendar ne vpliva na kazalnike oksidativnega stresa. Te ugotovitve so poudarile potrebo po določitvi optimalnih barv LED-svetlobe za prepelice v komercialnih proizvodnih okoljih, da bi povečali dobrobit jate. Za razumevanje učinkov in iskanje najboljše barve LED-svetlobe za prepelice pri različnih gostotah naselitve je potrebnih več raziskav.

Ključne besede: prepelice; LED-svetloba; razmerje med heterofilci in limfociti; oksidativni stres; gostota naselitve

A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF HONEY ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF NAKED NECK HENS

2025-03-04T23:58:30+01:00

Honey is natural nectar that bees gather from a variety of flowers. Different chemicals found in honey are essential for the growth of tissues and organs in all living things. The goal of the current study was to compare the effects of three different honey concentrations [0 g (control), 5 g (group A), and 10 g (group B)] on the reproductive efficiency and egg quality attributes of naked neck hens over a 35-day period. A total of 90 (72♀:18♂) naked neck hens (75 weeks old) were stratified at random into three experimental groups, each with three replicates of 10 birds (8♀:2♂) each, under a completely randomized design (CRD). The experimental groups—control, A, and B received supplemental treatments of honey in drinking water at concentrations of 0 g/liter, 5 g/liter, and 10 g/liter, respectively. One-way ANOVA with CRD was used to analyze the data. In comparison to the control and group A, group B had significantly increased egg production, egg fertility, and egg hatchability. However, statistical analysis revealed no changes (P>0.05) in the fertile hatch rate between the treatment groups. In the first and second week of the experiment, there were no statistically significant differences between the eggs from different treatments in terms of eggshell weight and eggshell ratio. There were also no significant differences between three treatments in the thickness of the eggshells in the first week of the experiment. Nonetheless, when compared to the control and group A, a positive (P<0.05) effect was seen in the group B's overall means of egg weight, eggshell weight, eggshell ratio, and eggshell thickness in the third week of the experiment. Similar to this, group B had significantly higher mean values for egg length, egg breadth, egg shape index, egg volume, and egg surface area than did group A and the control. In conclusion, honey at a concentration of 10 g/liter (w/v) may prove effective when given orally to elderly laying hens.

Preliminarna ocena vpliva medu na reproduktivno zmogljivost kokoši z golim vratom

Izvleček: Med je naravni nektar, ki ga čebele nabirajo na različnih cvetovih. Različne kemikalije, ki jih najdemo v njem, so bistvene za rast tkiv in organov vseh živih bitij. Cilj te študije je bil primerjati učinke treh različnih koncentracij medu [0 g (kontrola), 5 g (skupina A) in 10 g (skupina B)] na reproduktivno sposobnost in kakovost jajc pri kokoših z golim vratom v 35-dnevnem obdobju. Skupaj 90 (72 ♀ : 18 ♀) kokoši z golim vratom (starih 75 tednov) je bilo naključno razdeljenih v tri poskusne skupine, vsaka s tremi ponovitvami po 10 kokoši (8 ♀ : 2 ♀) v popolnoma randomiziranem vzorcu (CRD). Poskusne skupine – kontrola, A in B – so dobile med v pitni vodi v koncentracijah 0 g/liter, 5 g/liter in 10 g/liter. Za analizo podatkov je bila uporabljena enosmerna ANOVA s CRD. V primerjavi s kontrolno skupino in skupino A so se pri skupini B znatno povečale proizvodnja jajc, oplojenost in valilnost jajc. Vendar statistična analiza ni pokazala sprememb (P > 0,05) v deležu oplojenih jajc med skupinami. V prvem in drugem tednu poskusa med jajci iz različnih obravnav ni bilo statistično značilnih razlik glede mase jajčne lupine in razmerja jajčnih lupin. Prav tako med tremi obravnavami v prvem tednu poskusa ni bilo statistično značilnih razlik v debelini jajčne lupine. Kljub temu je bil v primerjavi s kontrolo in skupino A v tretjem tednu poskusa opažen pozitiven (P < 0,05) učinek pri skupnih povprečnih vrednostih mase jajc, mase jajčne lupine, razmerja jajčne lupine in debeline jajčne lupine v skupini B. Podobno je imela skupina B bistveno višje povprečne vrednosti dolžine jajc, širine jajc, indeksa oblike jajc, prostornine jajc in površine jajc kot skupina A in kontrolna skupina. Zaključimo lahko, da se med v koncentraciji 10 g/liter (m/v) lahko izkaže za učinkovitega, če se daje peroralno starejšim kokošim nesnicam.

Ključne besede: med; goli vrat; kakovost jajc; plodnost; valilnost

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC OLIGOASTHENOTERATOZOOSPERMIA (OAT) WITH A COMBINATION OF CLOMIPHENE CITRATE (CLOMID®) AND VITAMINS E, C AND B IN A MALE CAUCASIAN DOG

2025-03-04T23:58:41+01:00

A two-year-old Caucasian male dog weighing 55.4 kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with the complaint of infertility. History evaluation revealed that he had mated ten bitches in the last eight months impregnating none of them. Clinical examination, laboratory investigations and semen evaluation were performed twice, 60 days apart. Semen and sperm parameters were poor with low percentage motility and vitality, low concentration, and high percentage of sperm abnormalities. No significant bacteria were isolated from cultures of the semen and preputial swab. Scrotal ultrasonography showed no evidence of testicular degeneration. Pre-treatment serum hormonal evaluation showed normal concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone, thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), prolactin and resting cortisol as well as low bicarbonate level. Haematology revealed evidence of leucocytosis. Based on the history, clinical examination and laboratory findings, the case was diagnosed as idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Here, a possible management of idiopathic OAT in a Caucasian dog with oral Clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) together with Vitamins E, C and B supplements for 60 days is described. Altogether, there was a marked improvement in the semen and sperm parameters at 90 days from the onset of treatment. Semen volume increased, together with increased sperm motility, vitality and concentration, and decreased percentage of sperm with morphological abnormalities.

Diagnoza in zdravljenje idiopatske oligoastenoteratozoospermije (Oat) s kombinacijo klomifen citrata (Clomid®) in vitaminov E, C in B pri kavkaškem psu

Izvleček: Dveletni kavkaški pes, težak 55,4 kg, je bil pripeljan v veterinarsko kliniko zaradi neplodnosti. Anamneza je pokazala, da se je v zadnjih osmih mesecih paril z desetimi psicami in nobene od njih ni oplodil. Klinični pregled, laboratorijske preiskave in ocena semena so bili opravljeni dvakrat v razmaku 60 dni. Kakovost semena je bila slaba, z nizko koncentracijo semenčic z nizkim odstotkom gibljivosti in vitalnosti ter visokim odstotkom semenčic z morfološkimi nepravilnostmi. Iz kultur semena in brisa prepucija niso izolirali patogenih bakterij. Ultrazvočna preiskava skrotuma ni ugotovila degeneracije mod. Hormonska ocena seruma pred zdravljenjem je pokazala normalne koncentracije folikel stimulirajočega hormona (FSH), luteinizirajočega hormona (LH), testosterona, tiroksina (T4), trijodotironina (T3), prolaktina in kortizola v mirovanju ter nizko raven bikarbonata. Pri hematološki preiskavi je bila ugotovljena levkocitoza. Na podlagi anamneze, kliničnega pregleda in laboratorijskih preiskav je bila postavljena diagnoza idiopatske oligoastenoteratozoospermije (OAT). V literaturi je opisano 60-dnevno zdravljenje idiopatske OAT pri kavkaškem psu s peroralnim klomifen citratom (Clomid®) in z dodatki vitaminov E, C in B. Opaženo je bilo izrazito izboljšanje parametrov semena v 90 dneh od začetka zdravljenja. Povečal se je volumen semena, povečale so se gibljivost, vitalnost in koncentracija semenčic, odstotek semenčic z morfološkimi nepravilnostmi pa se je zmanjšal.

Ključne besede: oligoastenoteratozoospermija; pasja neplodnost;klomifen citrat; vitamini