Embryo fossil found in South Africa is world’s oldest proof that mammal ancestors laid eggs

A detailed scan of a fossil therapsid embryo reveals the oldest egg belonging to a mammalian ancestor.

Máster Universitario en Biología y Tecnología de la Reproducción - Universidad de Oviedo - uniovi.es

Association between sperm DNA fragmentation and fertility parameters in farm animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis - BMC Veterinary Research

Background Accurately predicting male fertility is crucial for the animal breeding industry due to its significant economic implications. Existing literature suggests that mammalian fertility is partially dependent on sperm DNA integrity. However, routine semen analysis often fails to detect DNA damage and does not consistently correlate with field fertility outcomes. While assessing sperm DNA integrity provides valuable biological insights, its role in diagnosing animal infertility remains uncertain. Results This meta-analysis evaluated the association between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and fertility in farm animals. Comprehensive searches were conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Springer Link Library, with results stratified by animal species and SDF detection methods. Across 30 studies, the overall correlation coefficient (COR) between SDF and male fertility was -0.46 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.54 to -0.37; Z = -8.97; p < 0.001). A significant association was observed in bulls (COR = -0.47; 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.40; Z = -11.13; p < 0.001) and stallions (COR = -0.54; 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.29; Z = -3.83; p < 0.001), whereas no significant relationship was found in boars (COR = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.37 to 0.01; Z = -1.84; p = 0.07). The effect of SDF on male fertility was analyzed in 15 studies, demonstrating significantly higher SDF values in low-fertility animals compared to high-fertility groups (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.01; Z = 10.07; p < 0.001). This pattern was observed in both bulls (SMD = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.57; Z = 6.59; p < 0.001) and stallions (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.85; Z = 6.14; p < 0.001) subgroups. Conclusions These findings suggest that incorporating SDF assays into breeding soundness evaluations could enhance the accuracy of selecting high-quality breeding males for artificial breeding programs. However, further research with adequately powered studies, standardized methodologies, and appropriate sample sizes is necessary to fully elucidate the impact of elevated SDF on fertility in farm animals.

La rectora de la ULE recuerda que el éxito de la Facultad de Medicina reside en la unidad social e institucional para retener el talento | Universidad de León

Bianor colabora con Reprobio en la Expociencia de León – Bianor Biotech: biotecnología de la reproducción

Reprobio ha participado en la Expociencia de la Universidad de León « REPROBIO

Bluesky