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Dr. Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria, Dpto. Reproducción Animal, Madrid, Spain

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Journal article
Published: 23 August 2021 in Antioxidants
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This study investigated the effect of Moringa leaf ethanolic extract (MLEE) on heat-tolerance variables and the reproductive performance of rabbit does bred under hot climate conditions. Additionally, the effect of nanoencapsulation technology on the biological efficiency of MLEE was considered. A total of 56 rabbit does were randomly divided into four experimental groups and treated with 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) nonencapsulated MLEE, 25 or 10 mg/kg BW nanoencapsulated MLEE, or not treated (Control, C). The treatments continued for 50 days, including mating and pregnancy times. Physiological and hematochemical variables, hormonal profiles, and reproductive performance (kindling rate and litter characteristics) were determined. The active components of MLEE were identified. The results indicated that MLEE has 30 active components. All MLEE-based treatments reduced heat-stress-related indicators, such as rectal temperatures, respiratory rates and heart rate; improved hematochemical attributes, redox status, and hormones (progesterone and prolactin); and increased the total litter size, the kindling rate, litter size at birth and litter weight at birth. Adding MLEE can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress by improving metabolism, redox status, and hormonal balance during pregnancy. These effects were seen whether MLLE was in free or encapsulated forms. However, the use of nanoencapsulated MLEE allowed 80% reduction (10 mg/kg BW) in the optimal dose (50 mg/kg BW) without affecting the efficiency of the treatment. These results support the importance of nanoencapsulation technology in improving the bioavailability of active components when they are orally administered.

ACS Style

Nagwa I. El-Desoky; Nesrein M. Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Ahmed G. Elkomy; Zahraa R. Abo-Elezz. Effects of a Nanoencapsulated Moringa Leaf Ethanolic Extract on the Physiology, Metabolism and Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does during Summer. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1326 .

AMA Style

Nagwa I. El-Desoky, Nesrein M. Hashem, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Ahmed G. Elkomy, Zahraa R. Abo-Elezz. Effects of a Nanoencapsulated Moringa Leaf Ethanolic Extract on the Physiology, Metabolism and Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does during Summer. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (8):1326.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nagwa I. El-Desoky; Nesrein M. Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Ahmed G. Elkomy; Zahraa R. Abo-Elezz. 2021. "Effects of a Nanoencapsulated Moringa Leaf Ethanolic Extract on the Physiology, Metabolism and Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does during Summer." Antioxidants 10, no. 8: 1326.

Review
Published: 29 June 2021 in Animals
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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.

ACS Style

Nesrein Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Nanotechnology and Reproductive Management of Farm Animals: Challenges and Advances. Animals 2021, 11, 1932 .

AMA Style

Nesrein Hashem, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Nanotechnology and Reproductive Management of Farm Animals: Challenges and Advances. Animals. 2021; 11 (7):1932.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nesrein Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2021. "Nanotechnology and Reproductive Management of Farm Animals: Challenges and Advances." Animals 11, no. 7: 1932.

Journal article
Published: 08 June 2021 in Sustainability
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In the near future, the year 2050, agricultural production should expand to fulfill the needs of approximately 9.7 billion inhabitants. Such an objective should be harmonized with social, economic, and environmental sustainability aspects to maintain safe food production and food security worldwide. For more than a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised and is still strongly disrupting the agro-livestock production sector, similar to several other economic sectors. In this sector, the relationships between suppliers, producers, and consumers should always continue to maintain the activity of the production chain, which are impaired by social distancing decisions taken following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, a global cross-sectional survey (translated into four languages: Arabic, English, French, and Spanish) was shared with people belonging to the agricultural sector to identify: (1) the role of the agricultural information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agro-livestock farming systems sustainability during the period of COVID-19 pandemic, (2) the need for such technologies in the agricultural sector, and (3) the factors that affect the use of such technologies. The results showed that the most frequently used agricultural ICTs were social media (Facebook and/or WhatsApp; 27.3%) and online platforms and Internet services (26.3%), whereas robotic vehicles and/or drones (6.6%) were less frequently used. During the emergence of the pandemic, the major reasons impacting agro-livestock farming systems’ sustainability were social distancing (30.0%), shortage of labor (17.7%), maintaining precision farm management (14.8%), product marketing (14.2%), access production inputs (7.2%), and others (16.1%). Applying agricultural ICTs solved many obstacles related to the production process, such as maintaining precision farm management (25.6%), product marketing (23.6%), and access production inputs (16.1%). The subgroup analyses of the results considering the degree of country advancement, size of agribusinesses, and role/position of respondents in the farm highlighted the importance of supporting the use, availability, and awareness of agricultural ICTs at least for some groups of people such as those belong to developing countries, laborers, and small-scale agri-business holders. This cross-sectional study highlights the urgent need to turn to and to expand the use of new agricultural ICTs to meet the growing demand for food production in the world and to ensure the resilience and sustainability of farming systems, specifically under unexpected and extreme conditions.

ACS Style

Nesrein Hashem; Eman Hassanein; Jean-François Hocquette; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Fayrouz Ahmed; Youssef Attia; Khalid Asiry. Agro-Livestock Farming System Sustainability during the COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Information and Communication Technologies. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6521 .

AMA Style

Nesrein Hashem, Eman Hassanein, Jean-François Hocquette, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Fayrouz Ahmed, Youssef Attia, Khalid Asiry. Agro-Livestock Farming System Sustainability during the COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Information and Communication Technologies. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (12):6521.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nesrein Hashem; Eman Hassanein; Jean-François Hocquette; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Fayrouz Ahmed; Youssef Attia; Khalid Asiry. 2021. "Agro-Livestock Farming System Sustainability during the COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Information and Communication Technologies." Sustainability 13, no. 12: 6521.

Journal article
Published: 07 June 2021 in Animals
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Maternal supplementation with antioxidants and n-3 PUFAs may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-neonates. A previous studies showed beneficial outcomes of the combination of hydroxytyrosol and linoleic acid, but there is no data of its prenatal effects. The present study aimed to determine the possible prenatal implications of such maternal supplementation at prenatal stages in swine, a model of IUGR pregnancies. Results showed effects on litter size, with treated sows having larger litters and, therefore, smaller fetuses. However, the brain/head weight ratio showed a positive effect of the treatment in development, as well as in some other major organs like lungs, spleen, or kidneys. On the other hand, treated piglets showed better glycemic and lipidemic profiles, which could explain postnatal effects. However, further research on the implications of the treatment on litter size and prenatal and postnatal development must be done before practical recommendation can be given.

ACS Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Pesántez-Pacheco; Consolación Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vázquez-Gómez; Adrián López; Rita Benítez; Yolanda Núñez; Susana Astiz; Cristina Óvilo; Beatriz Isabel; Antonio González-Bulnes. Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Growth and Metabolism. Animals 2021, 11, 1699 .

AMA Style

Ana Heras-Molina, José Pesántez-Pacheco, Consolación Garcia-Contreras, Marta Vázquez-Gómez, Adrián López, Rita Benítez, Yolanda Núñez, Susana Astiz, Cristina Óvilo, Beatriz Isabel, Antonio González-Bulnes. Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Growth and Metabolism. Animals. 2021; 11 (6):1699.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Pesántez-Pacheco; Consolación Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vázquez-Gómez; Adrián López; Rita Benítez; Yolanda Núñez; Susana Astiz; Cristina Óvilo; Beatriz Isabel; Antonio González-Bulnes. 2021. "Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Growth and Metabolism." Animals 11, no. 6: 1699.

Journal article
Published: 31 May 2021 in Antioxidants
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Supplementation of a mother’s diet with antioxidants, such as hydroxytyrosol (HTX), has been proposed to ameliorate the adverse phenotypes of fetuses at risk of intrauterine growth restriction. In the present study, sows were treated daily with or without 1.5 mg of HTX per kilogram of feed from day 35 of pregnancy (at 30% of total gestational period), and individuals were sampled at three different ages: 100-day-old fetuses and 1-month- and 6-month-old piglets. After euthanasia, the brain was removed and the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex were dissected. The profile of the catecholaminergic and serotoninergic neurotransmitters (NTs) was characterized and an immunohistochemical study of the hippocampus was performed. The results indicated that maternal supplementation with HTX during pregnancy affected the NT profile in a brain-area-dependant mode and it modified the process of neuron differentiation in the hippocampal CA1 and GD areas, indicating that cell differentiation occurred more rapidly in the HTX group. These effects were specific to the fetal period, concomitantly with HTX maternal supplementation, since no major differences remained between the control and treated groups in 1-month- and 6-month-old pigs.

ACS Style

Natalia Yeste; Daniel Valent; Laura Arroyo; Marta Vázquez-Gómez; Consolación García-Contreras; Martí Pumarola; Antonio González-Bulnes; Anna Bassols. Polyphenols and IUGR Pregnancies: Effects of the Antioxidant Hydroxytyrosol on Brain Neurochemistry and Development in a Porcine Model. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 884 .

AMA Style

Natalia Yeste, Daniel Valent, Laura Arroyo, Marta Vázquez-Gómez, Consolación García-Contreras, Martí Pumarola, Antonio González-Bulnes, Anna Bassols. Polyphenols and IUGR Pregnancies: Effects of the Antioxidant Hydroxytyrosol on Brain Neurochemistry and Development in a Porcine Model. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (6):884.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Natalia Yeste; Daniel Valent; Laura Arroyo; Marta Vázquez-Gómez; Consolación García-Contreras; Martí Pumarola; Antonio González-Bulnes; Anna Bassols. 2021. "Polyphenols and IUGR Pregnancies: Effects of the Antioxidant Hydroxytyrosol on Brain Neurochemistry and Development in a Porcine Model." Antioxidants 10, no. 6: 884.

Journal article
Published: 23 April 2021 in Antioxidants
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The effects of a combined supplementation with herbal antioxidants during pregnancy on reproductive traits and piglet performance (number of live, dead, and mummified newborns and litter weight at birth and individual body weight at both birth and weaning) were assessed in a total of 1027 sows (504 treated and 523 control females) kept under commercial breeding conditions. The supplementation increased the number of live-born piglets (13.64 ± 0.11 vs. 12.96 ± 0.13 in the controls; p = 0.001) and the total litter weight, decreasing the incidence of low-weight piglets without affecting the number of stillbirths and mummified newborns. Such an effect was modulated by the number of parity and the supplementation, with supplementation increasing significantly the number of living newborns in the first, second, sixth, and seventh parities (0.87, 1.10, 1.49, and 2.51 additional piglets, respectively; p < 0.05). The evaluation of plasma vitamin concentration and biomarkers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity, TAC, and malondialdehyde concentration, MDA) performed in a subset of farrowing sows and their lighter and heavier piglets showed that plasma levels of both vitamins were significantly higher in the piglets than in their mothers (p < 0.05 for vitamin C and p < 0.005 for vitamin E), with antioxidant supplementation increasing significantly such concentrations. Concomitantly, there were no differences in maternal TAC but significantly higher values in piglets from supplemented sows (p < 0.05). On the other hand, supplementation decreased plasma MDA levels both in the sows and their piglets (p < 0.05). Finally, the piglets from supplemented mothers showed a trend for a higher weaning weight (p = 0.066) and, specifically, piglets with birth weights above 1 kg showed a 7.4% higher weaning weight (p = 0.024). Hence, the results of the present study, with high robustness and translational value by offering data from more than 1000 pregnancies under standard breeding conditions, supports that maternal supplementation with herbal antioxidants during pregnancy significantly improves reproductive efficiency, litter traits, and piglet performance.

ACS Style

Víctor Parraguez; Francisco Sales; Oscar Peralta; Mónica De Los Reyes; Alfonso Campos; Javier González; Wolfgang Peralta; Camila Cabezón; Antonio González-Bulnes. Maternal Supplementation with Herbal Antioxidants during Pregnancy in Swine. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 658 .

AMA Style

Víctor Parraguez, Francisco Sales, Oscar Peralta, Mónica De Los Reyes, Alfonso Campos, Javier González, Wolfgang Peralta, Camila Cabezón, Antonio González-Bulnes. Maternal Supplementation with Herbal Antioxidants during Pregnancy in Swine. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (5):658.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Víctor Parraguez; Francisco Sales; Oscar Peralta; Mónica De Los Reyes; Alfonso Campos; Javier González; Wolfgang Peralta; Camila Cabezón; Antonio González-Bulnes. 2021. "Maternal Supplementation with Herbal Antioxidants during Pregnancy in Swine." Antioxidants 10, no. 5: 658.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2021 in Animals
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Currently, there is an intense effort to find an alternative hormone to eCG to induce ovulation after estrus synchronization treatments in sheep. One of the proposed alternatives is based on the use of hCG, but the results are controversial since fertility rates are commonly affected. The present study aims to evaluate, therefore, the adequacy of hCG in protocols for the synchronization of estrus and ovulation. Ovarian follicle dynamics, occurrence of estrus behavior and subsequent ovulation, quality of corpora lutea, and pregnancy rate after controlled natural mating were assessed in two consecutive trials. The findings indicate that the low fertility rates reported for the protocols based on the administration of hCG for inducing ovulation during estrus synchronization in sheep may be related to a high occurrence of abnormal follicular growth patterns, disturbances, and retardments of ovulation and concomitant formation of follicular cysts in the treated females. These results preclude their practical application to induce ovulation concomitantly to estrous synchronization treatments.

ACS Style

Macarena Bruno-Galarraga; Virginia Cano-Moreno; Beatriz Lago-Cruz; Teresa Encinas; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Paula Martinez-Ros. The Use of hCG for Inducing Ovulation in Sheep Estrus Synchronization Impairs Ovulatory Follicle Growth and Fertility. Animals 2021, 11, 984 .

AMA Style

Macarena Bruno-Galarraga, Virginia Cano-Moreno, Beatriz Lago-Cruz, Teresa Encinas, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Paula Martinez-Ros. The Use of hCG for Inducing Ovulation in Sheep Estrus Synchronization Impairs Ovulatory Follicle Growth and Fertility. Animals. 2021; 11 (4):984.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Macarena Bruno-Galarraga; Virginia Cano-Moreno; Beatriz Lago-Cruz; Teresa Encinas; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Paula Martinez-Ros. 2021. "The Use of hCG for Inducing Ovulation in Sheep Estrus Synchronization Impairs Ovulatory Follicle Growth and Fertility." Animals 11, no. 4: 984.

Journal article
Published: 22 March 2021 in Animals
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The use of amino acids during pregnancy, such as glutamine (Gln), seems to be a promising strategy in selected swine breeds to improve the offspring prenatal development. The main goal of the current study was to assess the development of the offspring from parity 1–3 sows of a traditional breed, which were supplemented with 1% glutamine after Day 35 of gestation, under farm conditions. A total of 486 (288 treated) piglets from 78 (46 treated) Iberian sows were used. At birth and slaughterhouse, fatty acid composition, metabolism, and mTOR pathway gene expression were analyzed. At birth, treated newborns showed greater amounts of specific amino acids in plasma, such as glutamine, asparagine, or alanine, and Σn-3 fatty acids in cellular membranes than control newborns. The expression of genes belonging to mTOR Complex 1 was also higher in treated piglets with normal birth-weight. However, these findings did not improve productive traits at birth or following periods in litters from supplemented gilts (parity 1) or sows (parities 2–3). Thus, further research is needed to properly understand the effects of prenatal glutamine supplementation, particularly in traditional swine breeds.

ACS Style

Marta Vázquez-Gómez; Consolación García-Contreras; Susana Astiz; Laura Torres-Rovira; José Pesantez-Pacheco; Ana Heras-Molina; Teresa Castro Madrigal; Clemente López-Bote; Cristina Óvilo; Antonio González-Bulnes; Beatriz Isabel. Effects of L-Glutamine Supplementation during the Gestation of Gilts and Sows on the Offspring Development in a Traditional Swine Breed. Animals 2021, 11, 903 .

AMA Style

Marta Vázquez-Gómez, Consolación García-Contreras, Susana Astiz, Laura Torres-Rovira, José Pesantez-Pacheco, Ana Heras-Molina, Teresa Castro Madrigal, Clemente López-Bote, Cristina Óvilo, Antonio González-Bulnes, Beatriz Isabel. Effects of L-Glutamine Supplementation during the Gestation of Gilts and Sows on the Offspring Development in a Traditional Swine Breed. Animals. 2021; 11 (3):903.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marta Vázquez-Gómez; Consolación García-Contreras; Susana Astiz; Laura Torres-Rovira; José Pesantez-Pacheco; Ana Heras-Molina; Teresa Castro Madrigal; Clemente López-Bote; Cristina Óvilo; Antonio González-Bulnes; Beatriz Isabel. 2021. "Effects of L-Glutamine Supplementation during the Gestation of Gilts and Sows on the Offspring Development in a Traditional Swine Breed." Animals 11, no. 3: 903.

Journal article
Published: 08 February 2021 in Animals
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)–loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GnRH–ChNPs) were used at different doses and routes of administration to induce ovulation in rabbits as an attempt to improve artificial insemination (AI) procedures and outcomes. In this study, the characteristics (size, polydispersity, loading efficiency, and zeta-potential) of GnRH–ChNPs and the GnRH release pattern were determined in an in vitro study. A first in vivo study assessed the pituitary and ovarian response to different GnRH–ChNPs doses and routes of administration (two i.m. doses, Group HM = 0.4 µg and Group QM = 0.2 µg, and two intravaginal doses, Group HV = 4 µg and Group QV = 2 µg) against a control group (C) receiving bare GnRH (0.8 µg). The HM, QM, and HV treatments induced an earlier LH-surge (90 min) than that observed in group C (120 min), whilst the QV treatment failed to induce such LH surge. The number of ovulation points was similar among treatments, except for the QV treatment (no ovulation points). A second in vivo study was consequently developed to determine the hormonal (progesterone, P4, and estradiol, E2) profile and pregnancy outcomes of both HM and HV treatments against group C. The treatment HM, but not the treatment HV, showed adequate P4 and E2 concentrations, conception and parturition rates, litter size, litter weight, and viability rate at birth. Overall, the use of GnRH–ChNPs allows for a reduction in the conventional intramuscular GnRH dose to half without compromising fertility. However, the addition of GnRH–ChNPs to semen extenders, although successfully inducing ovulation, has negative impacts on fertility. Thus, more studies are needed to explore this point and allow further adjustments.

ACS Style

Eman Hassanein; Nesrein Hashem; Kheir El-Azrak; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Gamal Hassan; Mohamed Salem. Efficiency of GnRH–Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Inducing LH Secretion and Fertile Ovulations in Protocols for Artificial Insemination in Rabbit Does. Animals 2021, 11, 440 .

AMA Style

Eman Hassanein, Nesrein Hashem, Kheir El-Azrak, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Gamal Hassan, Mohamed Salem. Efficiency of GnRH–Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Inducing LH Secretion and Fertile Ovulations in Protocols for Artificial Insemination in Rabbit Does. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):440.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eman Hassanein; Nesrein Hashem; Kheir El-Azrak; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Gamal Hassan; Mohamed Salem. 2021. "Efficiency of GnRH–Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Inducing LH Secretion and Fertile Ovulations in Protocols for Artificial Insemination in Rabbit Does." Animals 11, no. 2: 440.

Journal article
Published: 02 February 2021 in Animals
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Twenty-four adult rabbit bucks (n = 6 per treatment) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 100, and 150 mg proline/kg dry matter (DM) diet for 12 weeks to determine possible usefulness for alleviating the negative impact of environmental heat stress on redox status, haemato-biochaemical attributes and semen quality. There were significant dose–response effects, with increments in levels of dietary proline (LDP) quadratically improving red blood cell counts (p = 0.017), rectal temperature (p = 0.009), and respiratory rate (p < 0.001). Increasing LDP cubically affected superoxide dismutase activity in blood plasma (p = 0.012) and total antioxidant capacity in both blood and seminal plasma (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). The optimal response was observed at 30 and 80 mg proline/kg DM for blood and seminal plasma, respectively. With regards to homeostasis indexes, increments in LDP cubically modified blood plasma concentrations of total protein (p = 0.002) and albumin (p < 0.001), with an optimal response found at 70 mg proline/kg DM. A linear relationship (p = 0.005) was also observed between LDP and blood plasma glucose concentrations, with the optimal response being found at 100 mg proline/kg DM. Increasing LDP also showed positive effects on reproductive traits, with quadratic increases in blood plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations (p < 0.001; optimal responses at 50 and 60 mg proline/kg DM, respectively), a positive linear relationship with in libido, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count (p < 0.001 for all; optimal responses observed at 100 mg proline/kg DM) and a quadratic increase in total functional sperm fraction (p < 0.001; optimal response at 70 mg proline mg/kg DM). Hence, the optimal positive effects of dietary proline supplementation on redox status, blood metabolites, and reproductive traits of rabbit bucks may be achieved at 50–100 mg/kg DM.

ACS Style

Sameh Abdelnour; Naif Al-Gabri; Nesrein Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Supplementation with Proline Improves Haemato-Biochemical and Reproductive Indicators in Male Rabbits Affected by Environmental Heat-Stress. Animals 2021, 11, 373 .

AMA Style

Sameh Abdelnour, Naif Al-Gabri, Nesrein Hashem, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Supplementation with Proline Improves Haemato-Biochemical and Reproductive Indicators in Male Rabbits Affected by Environmental Heat-Stress. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):373.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sameh Abdelnour; Naif Al-Gabri; Nesrein Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2021. "Supplementation with Proline Improves Haemato-Biochemical and Reproductive Indicators in Male Rabbits Affected by Environmental Heat-Stress." Animals 11, no. 2: 373.

Journal article
Published: 04 December 2020 in Biology
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The present study aimed to assess the importance of offspring genotype on postnatal development, independently of confounding factors related to prenatal environment and postnatal lifestyle, using a translational model of obesity and metabolic syndrome (the Iberian pig). Hence, we compared two genotypes (purebred Iberian and crossbreds Iberian × Large White), produced in one single maternal environment (pure Iberian mothers) through artificial insemination of Iberian sows with Iberian and Large White heterospermic semen and maintained in the same conditions during postnatal development. The results indicate that, under same pre- and postnatal environments, the interaction genotype-by-sex has a determinant role on offspring phenotype (i.e., growth and development, metabolic and antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of different tissues). These results may set the basis for future preclinical and clinical research on the differences in the metabolic phenotype among genotypes.

ACS Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Luis Pesantez; Susana Astiz; Consolación Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Beatriz Isabel; Cristina Ovilo; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. The Role of Offspring Genotype-By-Sex Interactions, Independently of Environmental Cues, on the Phenotype Traits of an Obese Swine Model. Biology 2020, 9, 445 .

AMA Style

Ana Heras-Molina, José Luis Pesantez, Susana Astiz, Consolación Garcia-Contreras, Marta Vazquez-Gomez, Beatriz Isabel, Cristina Ovilo, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. The Role of Offspring Genotype-By-Sex Interactions, Independently of Environmental Cues, on the Phenotype Traits of an Obese Swine Model. Biology. 2020; 9 (12):445.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Luis Pesantez; Susana Astiz; Consolación Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Beatriz Isabel; Cristina Ovilo; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2020. "The Role of Offspring Genotype-By-Sex Interactions, Independently of Environmental Cues, on the Phenotype Traits of an Obese Swine Model." Biology 9, no. 12: 445.

Journal article
Published: 04 November 2020 in Pharmaceuticals
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Metformin is currently used to improve pregnancy outcome in women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or diabetes. However, metformin may also be useful in pregnancies at risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) since it improves placental efficiency and the fetuses’ developmental competence. There is no data on the duration of the effect of this treatment from the prenatal up to the postnatal stages. Therefore, the present trial aimed at determining the impact of metformin treatment on the offspring neonatal traits and early postnatal development (i.e., during lactation) using an in vivo swine model. The results support that maternal metformin treatment during pregnancy induces protective changes in body shape and composition of the progeny (i.e., larger head size and body length at birth and higher total viscera weight at weaning). However, there were also major effects of the offspring sex (smaller corpulence in females and lower relative weight of main viscerae in males), which should be considered for further preclinical studies and when even the current clinical application in women affected by PCOS or diabetes is implemented.

ACS Style

Consolacion Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; José Luis Pesantez-Pacheco; Ana Heras-Molina; Teresa Encinas; Susana Astiz; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. The Effects of Maternal Metformin Treatment on Late Prenatal and Early Postnatal Development of the Offspring Are Modulated by Sex. Pharmaceuticals 2020, 13, 363 .

AMA Style

Consolacion Garcia-Contreras, Marta Vazquez-Gomez, José Luis Pesantez-Pacheco, Ana Heras-Molina, Teresa Encinas, Susana Astiz, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. The Effects of Maternal Metformin Treatment on Late Prenatal and Early Postnatal Development of the Offspring Are Modulated by Sex. Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13 (11):363.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Consolacion Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; José Luis Pesantez-Pacheco; Ana Heras-Molina; Teresa Encinas; Susana Astiz; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2020. "The Effects of Maternal Metformin Treatment on Late Prenatal and Early Postnatal Development of the Offspring Are Modulated by Sex." Pharmaceuticals 13, no. 11: 363.

Journal article
Published: 22 October 2020 in Animals
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Maternal supplementation with antioxidants and n3 PUFAs may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-weight neonates. The present study aimed to determine benefits and risks of a dietary supplementation combining hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol from olive leaves and fruits, and n3 PUFAs, from linseed oil, on developmental patterns and metabolic traits of offspring in swine, a model of IUGR pregnancies. The results obtained indicate that maternal supplementation with hydroxytyrosol and n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy has no deleterious effects on the reproductive traits of the sows (prolificacy, homogeneity of the litter, and percentage of stillborns and low-birth-weight, LBW, piglets) and the postnatal features of the piglets (growth patterns, adiposity, and metabolic traits). Conversely, in spite of a lower mean weight and corpulence at birth, piglets from the supplemented sows showed higher average daily weight gain and fractional growth rate. Thus, at juvenile stages afterwards, the offspring from the treated group reached higher weight and corpulence, with increased muscle development and better lipidemic and fatty acid profiles, in spite of similar adiposity, than offspring in the control group. However, much caution and more research are still needed before practical recommendation and use in human pregnancies.

ACS Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Pesantez-Pacheco; Susana Astiz; Consolación Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Teresa Encinas; Cristina Óvilo; Beatriz Isabel; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Effects on Growth, Metabolism, and Body Composition of the Offspring. Animals 2020, 10, 1946 .

AMA Style

Ana Heras-Molina, José Pesantez-Pacheco, Susana Astiz, Consolación Garcia-Contreras, Marta Vazquez-Gomez, Teresa Encinas, Cristina Óvilo, Beatriz Isabel, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Effects on Growth, Metabolism, and Body Composition of the Offspring. Animals. 2020; 10 (11):1946.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Pesantez-Pacheco; Susana Astiz; Consolación Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Teresa Encinas; Cristina Óvilo; Beatriz Isabel; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2020. "Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Effects on Growth, Metabolism, and Body Composition of the Offspring." Animals 10, no. 11: 1946.

Review
Published: 21 October 2020 in Antioxidants
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Reproduction is a complex process that is substantially affected by environmental cues, specifically feed/diet and its components. Farm animals as herbivorous animals are exposed to a large amount of polyphenols present in their natural feeding system, in alternative feed resources (shrubs, trees, and agro-industrial byproducts), and in polyphenol-enriched additives. Such exposure has increased because of the well-known antioxidant properties of polyphenols. However, to date, the argumentation around the impacts of polyphenols on reproductive events is debatable. Accordingly, the intensive inclusion of polyphenols in the diets of breeding animals and in media for assisted reproductive techniques needs further investigation, avoiding any source of reproductive waste and achieving maximum benefits. This review illustrates recent findings connecting dietary polyphenols consumption from different sources (conventional and unconventional feeds) with the reproductive performance of farm animals, underpinned by the findings of in vitro studies in this field. This update will help in formulating proper diets, optimizing the introduction of new plant species, and feed additives for improving reproductive function, avoiding possible reproductive wastes and maximizing possible benefits.

ACS Style

Nesrein M. Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Jesus Simal-Gandara. Polyphenols in Farm Animals: Source of Reproductive Gain or Waste? Antioxidants 2020, 9, 1023 .

AMA Style

Nesrein M. Hashem, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Jesus Simal-Gandara. Polyphenols in Farm Animals: Source of Reproductive Gain or Waste? Antioxidants. 2020; 9 (10):1023.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nesrein M. Hashem; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Jesus Simal-Gandara. 2020. "Polyphenols in Farm Animals: Source of Reproductive Gain or Waste?" Antioxidants 9, no. 10: 1023.

Journal article
Published: 11 September 2020 in Biology
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Menopause strongly increases incidence and consequences of obesity and non-communicable diseases in women, with recent research suggesting a very early onset of changes in lipid accumulation, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. However, there is a lack of adequate preclinical models for its study. The present trial evaluated the usefulness of an alternative method to surgical ovariectomy, the administration of two doses of a GnRH analogue-protein conjugate (Vacsincel®), for inducing ovarian inactivity in sows used as preclinical models of obesity and menopause. All the sows treated with the compound developed ovarian stoppage after the second dose and, when exposed to obesogenic diets during the following three months, showed changes in the patterns of fat deposition, in the fatty acids profiles at the different tissues and in the plasma concentrations of fructosamine, urea, β-hydroxibutirate, and haptoglobin when compared to obese fed with the same diet but maintaining ovarian activity. Altogether, these results indicate that menopause early augments the deleterious effects induced by overfeeding and obesity on metabolic traits, paving the way for future research on physiopathology of these conditions and possible therapeutic targets using the swine model.

ACS Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Pesantez-Pacheco; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Consolacion Garcia-Contreras; Susana Astiz; Beatriz Isabel; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Short-Term Effects of Early Menopause on Adiposity, Fatty Acids Profile and Insulin Sensitivity of a Swine Model of Female Obesity. Biology 2020, 9, 284 .

AMA Style

Ana Heras-Molina, José Pesantez-Pacheco, Marta Vazquez-Gomez, Consolacion Garcia-Contreras, Susana Astiz, Beatriz Isabel, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Short-Term Effects of Early Menopause on Adiposity, Fatty Acids Profile and Insulin Sensitivity of a Swine Model of Female Obesity. Biology. 2020; 9 (9):284.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana Heras-Molina; José Pesantez-Pacheco; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Consolacion Garcia-Contreras; Susana Astiz; Beatriz Isabel; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2020. "Short-Term Effects of Early Menopause on Adiposity, Fatty Acids Profile and Insulin Sensitivity of a Swine Model of Female Obesity." Biology 9, no. 9: 284.

Journal article
Published: 31 August 2020 in Biology
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Sheep are highly adequate models for human renal diseases because of their many similarities in the histology and physiology of kidney and pathogenesis of kidney diseases. However, the lack of a simple method to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR) limits its use as a model of renal diseases. Hence, we aimed to develop a simple method to measure GFR based on the plasma clearance of iohexol by assessing different pharmacokinetic models: (a) CL2: two-compartment (samples from 15 to 420 min; reference method); (b) CL1: one-compartment (samples from 60 to 420 min); (c) CLlf: CL1 adjusted by a correction formula and (d) SM: simplified CL2 (15 to 300 min). Specific statistics of agreement were used to test the models against CL2. The agreement between CL1 and CL2 was low, but both CL1f and SM showed excellent agreement with CL2, as indicated by a total deviation index of ~5–6%, a concordance correlation of 0.98–0.99% and a coverage probability of 99–100%, respectively. Hence, the SM approach is preferable due to a reduced number of samples and shorter duration of the procedure; two points that improve animal management and welfare.

ACS Style

Sergio Luis-Lima; Carolina Mas-Sanmartin; Ana Elena Rodríguez-Rodríguez; Esteban Porrini; Alberto Ortiz; Flavio Gaspari; Laura Diaz-Martin; Anders Åsberg; Trond Jenssen; Alejandro Jiménez-Sosa; Paula Martinez-Ros; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. A Simplified Iohexol-Based Method to Measure Renal Function in Sheep Models of Renal Disease. Biology 2020, 9, 259 .

AMA Style

Sergio Luis-Lima, Carolina Mas-Sanmartin, Ana Elena Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Esteban Porrini, Alberto Ortiz, Flavio Gaspari, Laura Diaz-Martin, Anders Åsberg, Trond Jenssen, Alejandro Jiménez-Sosa, Paula Martinez-Ros, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. A Simplified Iohexol-Based Method to Measure Renal Function in Sheep Models of Renal Disease. Biology. 2020; 9 (9):259.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sergio Luis-Lima; Carolina Mas-Sanmartin; Ana Elena Rodríguez-Rodríguez; Esteban Porrini; Alberto Ortiz; Flavio Gaspari; Laura Diaz-Martin; Anders Åsberg; Trond Jenssen; Alejandro Jiménez-Sosa; Paula Martinez-Ros; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2020. "A Simplified Iohexol-Based Method to Measure Renal Function in Sheep Models of Renal Disease." Biology 9, no. 9: 259.

Communication
Published: 16 July 2020 in Animals
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The present study aimed to set up a short-term protocol for synchronization of follicular wave emergence in sheep, concomitant with estrus synchronization, which would improve ovarian response in assisted reproductive technologies. Administration of a single GnRH dose, concomitant with the insertion of a progesterone-loaded CIDR device, caused regression of gonadotrophin-dependent follicles ≥4 mm in all the GnRH-treated sheep and in around 80% of the controls treated only with CIDR (p < 0.05). Similar percentages of ewes lost all follicles (around 70%) or only the largest one (around 30%) in both groups. Hence, 54.1% and 70% of the sheep lost all large follicles and initiated a new follicular wave in the control and GnRH groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The remaining sheep showed follicles that were still not dependent of luteinizing hormone (LH). So, in fact, all the sheep had non-dominant follicles after treatment. In conclusion, a treatment including GnRH at CIDR insertion would offer a time- and cost-efficient protocol for inducing follicular turnover and synchronizing a new follicular wave at any stage of the estrous cycle.

ACS Style

Aina Año-Perello; Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez; Teresa Encinas; Paula Martinez-Ros; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Use of GnRH for Synchronization of the Follicular Wave in Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Sheep: A Preliminary Study. Animals 2020, 10, 1208 .

AMA Style

Aina Año-Perello, Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez, Teresa Encinas, Paula Martinez-Ros, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Use of GnRH for Synchronization of the Follicular Wave in Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Sheep: A Preliminary Study. Animals. 2020; 10 (7):1208.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aina Año-Perello; Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez; Teresa Encinas; Paula Martinez-Ros; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2020. "Use of GnRH for Synchronization of the Follicular Wave in Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Sheep: A Preliminary Study." Animals 10, no. 7: 1208.

Communication
Published: 06 July 2020 in Pharmaceuticals
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The present study assessed the relationship between obesity induced by lifestyle and systemic oxidative stress and possible modulations by oral metformin treatments in young individuals, by using a translational swine model of obesity and associated cardiometabolic disorders (Iberian pig). The results indicate the existence of an age-related increase in both adiposity and systemic oxidative stress (using hydrogen peroxide as a marker), which is higher in individuals with obesogenic lifestyle and increased weight and obesity. Such effect was not found in individuals treated with metformin. The translation of these results suggests that childhood obesity increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and therefore systemic oxidative stress. Treatment with metformin would improve such oxidative status.

ACS Style

Susana Astiz; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Isabel Astiz; Alicia Barbero; Jose Pesantez-Pacheco; Consolacion Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Ana Heras-Molina. Metformin Alleviates Obesity and Systemic Oxidative Stress in Obese Young Swine. Pharmaceuticals 2020, 13, 142 .

AMA Style

Susana Astiz, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Isabel Astiz, Alicia Barbero, Jose Pesantez-Pacheco, Consolacion Garcia-Contreras, Marta Vazquez-Gomez, Ana Heras-Molina. Metformin Alleviates Obesity and Systemic Oxidative Stress in Obese Young Swine. Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13 (7):142.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Susana Astiz; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Isabel Astiz; Alicia Barbero; Jose Pesantez-Pacheco; Consolacion Garcia-Contreras; Marta Vazquez-Gomez; Ana Heras-Molina. 2020. "Metformin Alleviates Obesity and Systemic Oxidative Stress in Obese Young Swine." Pharmaceuticals 13, no. 7: 142.

Journal article
Published: 07 June 2020 in Animals
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The present study tested whether feeding ewes during the last third of pregnancy with cladodes of Opuntia (untreated or protein-enriched), as an alternative to alfalfa hay, would improve milk yield as well as the pre- and post-natal growth of their lambs. Sixty mature Rambouillet ewes and their progeny were randomly allocated among three nutritional treatments: (i) Control, fed alfalfa; (ii) Opuntia, fed untreated cladodes; (iii) E-Opuntia, fed protein-enriched cladodes (pre-treated with urea and ammonium sulphate). Birth weight did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05) but Control ewes produced more milk than both groups of Opuntia-fed ewes (p < 0.05). However, milk yield was not related to the growth of the progeny (p > 0.05) because lambs from E-Opuntia-fed ewes grew faster (p < 0.01) and were heavier at weaning (p < 0.05) than lambs from the other two groups. We conclude that Opuntia (with or without protein enrichment) can be used as an alternative to alfalfa hay for feeding ewes during the last third of pregnancy and therefore reduce production costs under extensive conditions in arid and semiarid regions. Moreover, protein-enriched Opuntia appears to improve postnatal lamb growth.

ACS Style

Venancio Cuevas Reyes; Francisco Santiago Hernandez; Manuel De Jesus Flores Najera; Juan Manuel Vazquez Garcia; Jorge Urrutia Morales; Morteza Hosseini-Ghaffari; Alfonso Chay-Canul; César A. Meza-Herrera; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Graeme B. Martin; Cesar A. Rosales Nieto. Intake of Spineless Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica During Late Pregnancy Improves Progeny Performance in Underfed Sheep. Animals 2020, 10, 995 .

AMA Style

Venancio Cuevas Reyes, Francisco Santiago Hernandez, Manuel De Jesus Flores Najera, Juan Manuel Vazquez Garcia, Jorge Urrutia Morales, Morteza Hosseini-Ghaffari, Alfonso Chay-Canul, César A. Meza-Herrera, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Graeme B. Martin, Cesar A. Rosales Nieto. Intake of Spineless Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica During Late Pregnancy Improves Progeny Performance in Underfed Sheep. Animals. 2020; 10 (6):995.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Venancio Cuevas Reyes; Francisco Santiago Hernandez; Manuel De Jesus Flores Najera; Juan Manuel Vazquez Garcia; Jorge Urrutia Morales; Morteza Hosseini-Ghaffari; Alfonso Chay-Canul; César A. Meza-Herrera; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes; Graeme B. Martin; Cesar A. Rosales Nieto. 2020. "Intake of Spineless Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica During Late Pregnancy Improves Progeny Performance in Underfed Sheep." Animals 10, no. 6: 995.

Journal article
Published: 21 May 2020 in Animals
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The foreseen shortage of eCG for estrus synchronization in sheep makes necessary the development of alternative protocols. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the reproductive response of sheep in breeding season to the administration of GnRH using propylene-glycol as a cosolvent and the subcutaneous route for slowing and extending the release of GnRH, as well as the most adequate timing for such administration. In the present study, protocols based on a short-term CIDR treatment and a single subcutaneous dose of GnRH in propylene-glycol at 36 h after CIDR removal induced a similar ovarian response to protocols based on administration of eCG at CIDR removal or intramuscular GnRH in distilled water at 56 h after. In such protocol, 80% of the animals developed estrus in a narrow timing (75% between 36 and 48 h after CIDR removal), and all of them also ovulated in a narrow window (87.5% between 72 and 76 h after CIDR removal, with 62.5% between 72 and 76 h) and showed a similar ovulation rate and plasma progesterone concentrations at the induced estrous cycle. Hence, administration of GnRH in propylene-glycol may constitute an alternative to traditional protocols based on the administration of eCG.

ACS Style

Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez; Sara Guillen-Gargallo; Teresa Encinas; Fiammetta Berlinguer; Francisco G. Veliz-Deras; Paula Martinez-Ros; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Use of Propylene-Glycol as a Cosolvent for GnRH in Synchronization of Estrus and Ovulation in Sheep. Animals 2020, 10, 897 .

AMA Style

Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez, Sara Guillen-Gargallo, Teresa Encinas, Fiammetta Berlinguer, Francisco G. Veliz-Deras, Paula Martinez-Ros, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. Use of Propylene-Glycol as a Cosolvent for GnRH in Synchronization of Estrus and Ovulation in Sheep. Animals. 2020; 10 (5):897.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez; Sara Guillen-Gargallo; Teresa Encinas; Fiammetta Berlinguer; Francisco G. Veliz-Deras; Paula Martinez-Ros; Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. 2020. "Use of Propylene-Glycol as a Cosolvent for GnRH in Synchronization of Estrus and Ovulation in Sheep." Animals 10, no. 5: 897.