In summer, the high temperature affects animal growth and reproductive performance. Curcumin is a flavonoid with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. To evaluate the effects of dietary curcumin supplement on the blood biochemical parameters and testicular gene expressions in Hu sheep in summer, a total of 144 male Hu sheep aged four months were randomly divided into three groups (Con, Cur1, and Cur2, n = 48). Sheep in Con, Cur1, and Cur2 groups were fed a basal diet supplement with 0, 450, and 900 mg (per sheep) curcumin daily, respectively. Sheep were fed for 35 days, including a pre-feed for seven days. The results showed that the supplement with 450 mg and 900 mg curcumin increased serum free fatty acid (NEFA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as IgA and IgM. The supplement with 450 mg curcumin increased the IgG level, while the supplement with 900 mg curcumin had a lower IgG level than the supplement with 450 mg curcumin (p < 0.05). Dietary curcumin supplement increased testicular organ index, serum testosterone level, and testicular star mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary curcumin supplement linearly inhibited testicular apoptosis with increased testicular bcl-2 mRNA expression and decreased caspase-3 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary curcumin supplement can promote lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune response, as well as testicular development, in Hu sheep, which provides evidence of application of curcumin in sheep production.

There is a lack of appropriate classification criteria for the determination of atretic follicles in guinea pigs. In the present study, new criteria were established based on the latest morphologic criteria for cell death proposed by the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) in 2009. Ovaries of guinea pigs were sampled on different stages of estrous cycle, and the morphologic observations of atretic follicles were investigated in serial sections. The results showed that the process of follicular atresia could be classified into four continuous stages: (1) the granulosa layer became loose, and some apoptotic bodies began to appear; (2) the granulosa cells were massively eliminated; (3) the theca interna cells differentiated; and (4) the residual follicular cells degenerated. In addition, the examination revealed that these morphologic criteria were accurate and feasible. In conclusion, this study provides new criteria for the classification of atretic follicles in guinea pigs, and this knowledge can inform future research in the area.

The free grazing habits of camels from various sources may cause heavy metals to bioaccumulate in their tissues and organs, possibly resulting in higher amounts of these toxic substances in their bodies over time. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure impact of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on bull camels of the Lassi breed, aged 7 to 8 years, at a site near the industrial area and another two non-industrial sites, to analyze the presence of heavy metals. Samples from three sites were collected from thirty camels (n = 10/each), soil and water (n = 30), and five different plants (n = 15/each) for analysis. Testes were collected for atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum samples were obtained to measure testosterone levels by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Samples were obtained from plants, soil, water, blood, serum and urine for AAS. According to the results, the testes’ weight, length, width, and volume significantly decreased at the industrial site compared with the other two sites as a result of exposure to Cd and Pb. Additionally, blood testosterone concentrations were considerably lower at the industrial site, indicating a detrimental impact on testicular steroidogenesis. The histological investigation of the industrial site indicated structural disturbances, including seminiferous tubule degeneration and shedding, cellular debris in seminiferous tubules, lining epithelium depletion, and vacuolation. Elevated amounts of Cd and Pb were found at the industrial site when analyzed using water, soil, plants, testes, serum, and urine. These findings demonstrate the adverse effects of Pb and Cd exposure on camel testicular function, including decreased weight and altered steroidogenesis. These findings are essential for understanding the impact of exposure to Pb and Cd on camel reproductive function and for developing successful prevention and management plans for these exposures in this species.