Background and Aim: The oviduct environment is of particular importance because it is the site of fertilization and early embryo development. The oviduct, as a component of the reproductive system, responds to ovarian hormone (estradiol [E2] and progesterone [P4]) stimuli depending on the estrous cycle phase. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of estrous cycle phases (follicular and early and late luteal phases) on gene expression patterns in bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs). Materials and Methods: Oviducts were obtained from healthy slaughterhouse animals, corresponding to ipsilateral ovaries with dominant follicles or corpus luteum during early and late luteal phases. BOECs were recovered from the isthmus (IST) and ampulla (AMP), and the expression patterns of genes related to cytokinesis and mitosis mechanisms (rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase and cellular communication network factor 2 [CCN2]), growth factors (insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], vascular endothelial growth factor A, and EGFR), antioxidant mechanisms (glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4]), apoptosis (B-cell lymphoma 2), complement component (C3), energy metabolism (aldose reductase gene family 1-member b1 [AKRIB1] and solute carrier family 2), hormone receptors (estrogen receptor 1 and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor), and specific glycoproteins (oviductal glycoprotein 1) were analyzed. Results: High P4 levels (late luteal phase) affected the expression of important genes related to antioxidant mechanisms (GPX4), energy metabolism (AKRIB1), growth factors (IGBP3 and EGFR), and cell growth regulation (CCN2) in the AMP. Low P4 levels (early luteal phase) affected the expression of AKR1B1, IGBP3, and CCN2. In addition, estrogen likely had an effect on OVPGP expression in the cattle oviduct. Conclusion: Differential gene expression patterns of BOECs in the AMP during the luteal phase (antioxidant mechanisms, energy metabolism, growth factors, and immunological regulators) and in the IST during the follicular phase (glycoproteins) may influence their renewal and population proportions, modulating the oviduct environment as well as gamete and embryo physiology.

In vitro embryo production includes several techniques for the multiplication of genetically superior animal lines under laboratory conditions. To obtain embryos in the laboratory, different protocols and equipment are required to simulate the natural conditions of development of the embryos in the mother, seeking to achieve efficient results. Embryo production consists of three stages, in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro culture (IVC) of possible zygotes, seeking to obtain a higher blastocysts quality for greater reproductive efficiency and genetic improvement of the herds.

EHV‐1 is one of the most prevalent viral pathogens in horses; however, its prevalence is not well defined by cross‐reactions of serological tests. Thus, this study aims to determine EHV‐1/‐4 prevalence in Colombian creole horses from Ibagué, Tolima, using molecular techniques, as well as to determine possible risk factors associated with viral infection. A cross‐sectional study was carried out in 110 equines blood, serum, and semen samples from Ibagué, Tolima. Antibodies against EHV‐1/‐4 were determined through indirect ELISA. EHV‐1 was detected by amplifying the glycoprotein H gene through heminested PCR, and risk factors were calculated with chi‐square, odds ratio, and fisher test. EHV‐1/‐4 antibodies were found in 11.8% of the horses. Moreover, the presence of EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 was determined in blood, serum, and semen of healthy clinical equines, with a prevalence infection in horses of 43.36% for EHV‐1 and 2.7% for EHV‐4. Sex, age, births number, abortions, natural breeding, and artificial insemination did not show significance as risk factors. This study determined a high prevalence of EHV‐1 and low prevalence of EHV‐4 in horses from Ibagué, Tolima. Furthermore, the possibility of finding the infectious agent in blood, serum, and semen was demonstrated. We recommend the use of blood and serum samples for virus detection and the development of new studies to assess EHV‐1 infection feasibility in venereal transmissions.

Introduction. Cryptosporidium spp. is a protozoan parasite belonging to the group of coccidia, causing diarrhea, gastroenteric, and respiratory disorders (less frequently) in different vertebrate species worldwide, primarily in young individuals. Objective. To document the most important virulence and pathogenic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., as well as the description of its genetic variants and its zoonotic potential. Development. There are more of 19 species of Cryptosporidium spp., with C. parvum (humans), C. bovis (cattle), C. suis (swine), and C. ubiquitum (birds) being noteworthy due to their high infectivity capacity, given by the diversity of their virulence factors. The parasite has an affinity for enterocytes and causes abnormalities in the intestinal absorption and secretory functions. Cryptosporidiosis varies depending on the host’s status (age, nutrition, and immunity), the source of contamination (water or ingestion), transmission, and hygiene. Diagnostic techniques range from conventional coproscopic tests to molecular biology tests. Conclusion. Factors such as the variability and virulence factors of Cryptosporidium spp. are considered mechanisms that favor the infection and spread of the parasite at an individual and group level in humans and domestic animals, as well as the complexity of its life cycle, resistance to environmental conditions, the infective capacity, and host interaction consolidate Cryptosporidium spp. as a zoonotic agent with significant economic effects.

Se realizó un análisis sobre el desarrollo de un modelo interactivo para la simulación de herencia genética en bovinos usando Unreal Engine 5, partiendo de la necesidad de aprovechar las tecnologías actuales no solo como forma de entretenimiento, sino también como recurso educativo en contextos específicos como la medicina veterinaria y la zootecnia. Con este propósito, se diseñó, desarrolló e implementó un videojuego con enfoque académico, que permite evaluar competencias y conocimientos relacionados con la genética bovina. Se emplearon herramientas evaluativas para observar el nivel de comprensión en una muestra estudiantil, con el fin de determinar si el uso constante de este tipo de recursos tecnológicos influye en su desarrollo educativo y en la apropiación de conceptos científicos.

Background: Sheep embryo production can be performed through basically two approaches, in vivo and in vitro. In vivo embryo production in sheep involves different processes such as hormonal treatment for estrus synchronization and superovulation, artificial insemination as well as surgical and nonsurgical techniques for embryo recovery. On the other hand, in vitro produced embryos require a different and structural process for oocyte collection. Objective: The goal of this systematic is to present a thorough summary and outcomes analysis of the most recent research on the procedures and methods used for sheep embryo production both in vivo and in vitro. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The search was conducted separately for in vitro and in vivo embryo production, using specific keywords and databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Mendeley Search, and Springerlink. The search strategy included terms like estrus synchronization, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, superovulation, and in vitro embryo production. Results: The results section of the research paper discusses the reproductive physiology of sheep, estrus synchronization, and embryo transfer. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in integrating and interpreting internal and external stimuli to regulate the reproductive cycle. Estrus synchronization involves manipulating the estrus cycle to get most females in estrus at the same time, which is useful for planned reproduction, artificial insemination, and group lambing. Conclusion: Various protocols have been developed to synchronize estrus, including the use of hormones such as progestogens, prostaglandins, and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). The most commonly used protocol is the long-term protocol, which involves exposure to exogenous progesterone for 10-14 days associated with PGF2a and eCG at device withdrawal. However, this protocol has been associated with adverse effects on the vaginal mucosa. Short-term protocols have been studied as an alternative, showing fewer negative effects on the reproductive tract and high estrus incidence. The production of embryos in sheep has the potential to improve reproductive performance and increase productivity, but its application is limited by high costs and variability in results. Synchronization protocols and artificial insemination have been effective, but superovulation protocols have shown inconsistent results. Successful embryo production depends on careful management of various factors, including geographical characteristics, breed, feeding conditions, management, and animal characteristics.