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Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reproduction, Fertility and Development Society
Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Glucogenic supply increases oocyte developmental competence in sheep

F. Berlinguer A E , A. Gonzalez-Bulnes B , I. Contreras-Solis C , A. Spezzigu A , L. Torres-Rovira A , S. Succu A , S. Naitana A and G. G. Leoni D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Animal Biology, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.

B Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n 28040-Madrid, Spain.

C Institute of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Central University of Venezuela, University Avenue ‘‘El Limon’’ Maracay, Aragua 2101, Venezuela.

D Department of Physiological, Biochemical and Cellular Science, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.

E Corresponding author. Email: berling@uniss.it

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 24(8) 1055-1062 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD11299
Submitted: 1 December 2011  Accepted: 28 February 2012   Published: 4 April 2012

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the influence of a glucogenic supply on oocyte developmental competence. Oestrous cycles were synchronised in 22 Sarda ewes by the insertion (Day 0) of one intravaginal progestagen-impregnated sponge that was removed after 6 days. After removal, the ewes were randomly allocated into two experimental groups (treated and control ewes) and, from Day 7 to Day 11, treated ewes received oral administration of a glucogenic mixture, whereas control animals received water. Follicular development was stimulated by FSH administration from Days 8 to 10. Glucose metabolism was assessed from Days 7 to 11, whilst follicle and corpus luteum growth dynamics and functionality were evaluated between Days 6 and 11. At Day 11 ovaries were collected and processed for in vitro embryo production. Glucogenic treatment increased both the plasma levels of glucose, progesterone, oestradiol and the number of 2–3-mm follicles (P < 0.05). Higher fertilisation and blastocyst rates (P < 0.05) were obtained after IVM of oocytes recovered from treated ewes compared with control ones. In conclusion, glucogenic treatment modifies follicle and corpus luteum functionality and improves oocyte quality, as evaluated by in vitro developmental kinetics and blastocyst output.

Additional keywords: blastocyst, corpus luteum, follicle.


References

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