Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: The formation of a functional corpus luteum (CL) is integral to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The development of the CL requires tightly regulated angiogenesis, which is controlled by a plethora of pro and anti-angiogenic factors. Transforming growth factor B (TGFB) has been identified as a potential mediator of this process. This study tested the hypothesis that TGFB would adversely impact on endothelial cell (EC) development and reduce the ste...

Introduction: Luteal phase deficiency following assisted reproductive technology (ART) programmes has led to progestogen supplementation. However, there is debate over which route of progestogen administration (intramuscular or vaginal) is most beneficial and whether additional treatment with oestrogen further improves pregnancy rates. Thus, a large-scale meta-analysis was performed to investigate the benefit of these luteal phase support treatments on pregnancy outcome in wom...

Introduction: The continued decline in fertility is a multifactorial problem and has severe adverse impact on a farm’s profitability. Under-nutrition during pregnancy can subsequently affect the cardiovascular system, renal function and fertility in the offspring. This study tested the hypothesis that maternal protein restriction would adversely affect fetal ovarian development and number of germ cells.Methods: Fourteen Scottish Blackface ewes were ...

Dairy herd fertility is in decline and poses a significant economic problem, with associated animal welfare concerns. One factor that may contribute to this decline is exposure to environmental chemicals (ECs) some of which have endocrine disrupting activity and have been linked to declining fertility in other species. We hypothesised that ECs are present in bovine ovarian tissue at levels able to perturb luteal development and function. The tissue content of DEHP and a panel ...