https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/103 Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:33:57 GMT 2026-11-04T17:33:57Z https://sms.carm.es:443/ricsmur/bitstream/id/472e8d13-21a8-4630-9216-62a3e73bdc4d/ https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/103 https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29106 Buserelin Improves Ovulation-Embryo Synchrony Compared With hCG After eCG-Induced Superovulation in Donor Sows López-Jara, Adelina; García-Cánovas, Manuela; González-Ramiro, H; Gil, María-Antonia; Cuello, Cristina; Rodríguez-Martínez, H; Parrilla, Inmaculada; Martínez, Emilio-A This study directly compares hCG and buserelin as ovulation-inducing agents following eCG-based superovulation in weaned donor sows, focusing on their practical impact on ovulation-embryo synchrony under field conditions. Fifty-five multiparous sows received 1000 IU eCG 24 h after weaning and were treated at onset of estrus with either 750 IU hCG or 10 ?g BU. Embryos were recovered on Day 6 after estrus. Ovulatory response, embryo recovery, fertilization rate and viable embryo number did not differ between treatments. Embryo quality parameters were also similar. However, BU-treated sows exhibited improved ovulation-embryo synchrony, with a higher proportion of animals presenting embryos at the blastocyst stage compared with hCG-treated sows (p = 0.0051). In conclusion, BU maintains embryo yield and quality while improving ovulation-embryo synchrony compared with hCG in eCG-superovulated donor sows. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29106 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29105 Recent Advances and Emerging Applications in Embryo Vitrification for Livestock Cuello, Cristina; Torregrosa-Fuentes, Marcos; García-Cánovas, Manuela; López-Jara, Adelina; Parrilla, Inmaculada; Gil, María-Antonia; Martínez, Emilio-A Vitrification has progressively supplanted conventional slow freezing as the method of choice for embryo cryopreservation in both human medicine and animal production, particularly for in vitro-produced embryos and for species or developmental stages highly sensitive to conventional freezing. By combining very high cooling and warming rates with concentrated cryoprotectant solutions and minimal sample volumes, it largely prevents intracellular ice formation and, in experienced hands, consistently yields post-warming survival and developmental rates that exceed those obtained with traditional controlled-rate freezing. In this review, we synthesize recent technical and biological advances in embryo vitrification, with particular attention to cryoprotectant formulations, carrier devices, cooling-rate control and current strategies to enhance cryotolerance. For the main livestock species-cattle, horses, pigs and small ruminants-we outline the present state of this technology, highlighting where vitrification has become routine practice and where adoption remains limited or experimental. Despite the clear progress achieved, implementation in field conditions is still heterogeneous, and truly standardized, species-adapted protocols-ideally amenable to automation and direct transfer-are yet to be fully established. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29105 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29104 Interleukin-4 Supplementation During In Vitro Culture Modulates the Expression of Stress- and Immune-Related Genes During Porcine Blastocyst Development García-Cánovas, Manuela; Torregrosa-Fuentes, Marcos; López-Jara, Adelina; Parrilla, Inmaculada; Rodríguez-Martínez, Heriberto; Martínez, Emilio-A; Gil, María-Antonia; Cuello, Cristina The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing in vitro culture medium of porcine zygotes with interleukin-4 (IL-4) on their developmental competence and quality. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured and fertilized in vitro. The presumptive zygotes were then cultured in vitro for 7 days with different concentrations of IL-4 (25 pg/mL, 100 pg/mL, 25 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL) or without IL-4 (control). Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were evaluated on days 2 and 7 of culture, respectively. On day 7 of IVC, some control and 25 pg/mL blastocysts were used to assess the expression of a panel of genes related to embryo quality by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The results did not show any positive effect of IL-4 on embryo developmental competence, regardless of its concentration. RT-qPCR revealed a significant downregulation of genes involved in cell cycle regulation (PCNA), DNA damage response and immune pathways (STAT6 and GATA3) in blastocysts treated with IL-4. In conclusion, supplementation of IVC medium with IL-4 did not improve the developmental competence of IVP embryos; however, IL-4 modulated the expression of stress- and immune-related genes in blastocysts. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29104 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29103 Frozen Boar Semen Can Be Successfully Stored at-80°C, Reducing Need for LN2 Storage Containers López-Jara, Adelina; Toptsikioti, X; García-Cánovas, Manuela; Cuello, Cristina; Gil, María-Antonia; Rodríguez-Martínez, H; Martínez, Emilio-A; Parrilla, Inmaculada This study explores alternative freezing approaches aimed at reducing or avoiding the use of liquid nitrogen (LN(2)) to store boar semen. Sperm-rich fractions from three boars were pooled and frozen in 0.25- and 0.5-mL straws using four different protocols: a conventional method (Control; LN(2) vapours followed by immersion and storage in LN(2)), FT1 (as Control but stored at -80°C), FT2 (LN(2) vapours followed by storage at -80°C), and FT3 (direct transfer from 5°C to -80°C plus storage at this temperature). Sperm quality and intracellular H(2)O(2) production were evaluated at 30- and 150-min after thawing. Sperm motility and viability in FT1 and FT2 were similar to Control, whereas FT3 showed poorer sperm quality and higher intracellular H(2)O(2) generation. Straw size also influenced cryosurvival, being lowest in 0.5 mL straws. In addition, sperm quality deteriorated alongside post-thaw incubation time. In contrast, storage time (one week vs. one month) did not show a clear effect on the evaluated parameters. In conclusion, these findings suggest that freezing protocols based on LN(2) vapour cooling, combined with storage at -80°C, could be a practical alternative for short-term storage of boar semen, reducing LN(2) use. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://sms.carm.es/ricsmur/handle/123456789/29103 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z