Tarique Hussain

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on bovine sperm cryopreservation by assessing post‐thaw spermatological and biochemical parameters. Twenty‐four ejaculations were collected from four Simmental bulls using the artificial vagina method. Ejaculates exhibiting over 70% motility were pooled to eliminate individual variations and allocated into five experimental groups: antibiotic‐free control group, antibiotic group, LA, BL and LR groups, respectively. Three probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) and Bifidobacterium longum (BL), were incorporated into a Tris egg yolk‐based semen extender at a concentration of 10 ⁹ CFU/mL. Following dilution, samples were equilibrated and subsequently stored in liquid nitrogen. Post‐thaw evaluations were conducted for sperm motility and kinematic parameters using CASA, hypo‐osmotic swelling test, fluorescent staining for chromatin integrity, acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers. Additionally, apoptosis and metabolism related proteins were quantified by ELISA. The results exhibited that probiotic treated groups had significantly higher total and progressive motility as compared with controls ( p < 0.001). In comparison with the control group, BL supplementation showed significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities, along with lowered TGF‐β and Caspase‐3 levels, indicating attenuated oxidative stress and apoptotic signalling ( p < 0.001). In contrast with the control group, LR supplementation resulted in elevated MDA and apoptosis‐related markers, suggesting strain specific pro‐oxidative effects ( p < 0.001). There were no significant differences observed in STAR or ATP synthase levels across the treatments. Altogether, the results exhibited that strains of probiotics, particularly BL, have the potential to serve as an alternative to antibiotics in bovine semen cryopreservation. Nevertheless, strain‐dependent responses and limitations, especially with respect to DNA integrity, require further investigation.

Background and Aim: Pregnancy and early lactation in small ruminants are characterized by heightened metabolic activity and increased production of reactive oxygen species, predisposing animals to oxidative stress and reduced productivity. Despite extensive research in dairy cattle, evidence is limited for subtropical small-ruminant systems. This study evaluated whether dietary antioxidant supplementation during mid- and late-gestation improves oxidative status, milk quality, and neonatal growth in crossbred Beetal goats. Materials and Methods: Forty healthy multiparous Beetal goats were allocated to mid- (n = 20) and late-gestation groups (n = 20), each further divided into control and antioxidant-supplemented subgroups (120 mg/kg BW/day of a tocopherol–rosemary extract blend). The 90-day trial included serial blood sampling (gestation days 60–165) and milk/colostrum collection (0, 15, and 30 days postpartum). Enzymatic (Catalase [CAT], Superoxide dismutase [SOD], and Glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (phenolics, flavonoids, lycopene, carotenoids), total protein, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were quantified. Kid birth weight, growth, litter size, and survival were recorded. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Antioxidant supplementation significantly increased CAT, SOD, and GPx activities during both gestational phases (p < 0.05), with parallel improvements in colostrum and milk enzymatic antioxidant profiles. Non-enzymatic antioxidant concentrations, including phenolics, flavonoids, lycopene, and carotenoids, were markedly elevated in treated animals across all sampling points (p < 0.05). Maternal TAC and total protein increased, while TOS and MDA were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), demonstrating enhanced redox homeostasis. Milk from supplemented goats exhibited higher antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative damage markers. Neonatal outcomes showed increased birth weight in male kids (p < 0.05), although litter size, growth rates, and survival remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Maternal antioxidant supplementation effectively strengthened oxidative defense mechanisms, improved colostrum and milk biochemical quality, and enhanced neonatal birth weight in Beetal goats. These findings support the strategic use of natural antioxidant blends as a nutritional intervention to mitigate periparturient oxidative stress and improve productivity under subtropical management conditions. Keywords: antioxidant supplementation, transition period, oxidative stress, enzymatic antioxidants, colostrum quality, milk biochemical profile, neonatal growth, Beetal goats.

This study investigated the effects of fetal programming induced by early weaning (EW) of the previous calf on the serum metabotype of Nelore heifers. A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed, considering maternal category (multiparous vs. second-parity) and weaning strategy [EW vs. conventional weaning (CW)]. A total of 55 heifers were evaluated, including 25 born to cows subjected to EW (15 multiparous, 10 second-parity) and 30 born to cows subjected to CW (15 multiparous, 15 second-parity). Serum samples were collected from heifers at an average age of 14 months prior to the initiation pf the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol, and metabolomic profiling was conducted using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Data analysis was performed using R software and MetaboAnalyst 6.0. The effects of weaning strategy and maternal category were assessed through partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and differential abundance analysis, while enrichment analysis was applied to identify biological pathways associated with the observed metabolic changes. The results demonstrated significant effects of weaning strategy, maternal category, and their interaction on the serum metabotype. Heifers born to second-parity cows subjected to EW exhibited elevated concentrations of glutamate, acetate, citrate, and hippurate compared to those subjected to CW, whereas no significant differences between weaning strategies were observed in heifers born to multiparous cows. Weaning strategies modulated metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism, amino acid utilization, and gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, heifers born to multiparous cows displayed higher serum levels of phenylalanine, creatine phosphate, and glutamine, indicating enhanced nutrient availability for growth, development, and metabolic programming compared to their counterparts born to second-parity cows. These findings underscore the potential of EW to improve metabolic efficiency and nutrient reallocation, particularly under conditions of limited feed availability or heightened physiological demands. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the metabolic programming of beef cattle, supporting strategies to optimize weaning protocols and enhance productivity in cattle production systems.

Rumen bypass fat (RBF) is increasingly recognized as a valuable energy source for dairy animals but their impact on various biochemical and growth performance of kids requires optimizing dietary strategies during the periparturient period in goat farming. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of RBF supplementation on blood plasma and milk composition, as well as productive potential of Beetal goats. The results exhibited that plasma protein and glucose contents of goats and kids showed non-significant (P > 0.05) changes, while plasma calcium level was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by supplementation in response to control group. Furthermore, RBF supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced plasma total antioxidant capacity in the T₂ group and their kids in relative to control group. Treatments significantly (P < 0.05) improved cholesterol, high-density lipids (HDL) and antioxidant enzyme activities while triglycerides and low-density lipids (LDL), remained unaffected ((P > 0.05) compared with control group. Different levels of treatments significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced kid growth performance in accordance with control group from day 0 to 60 of post-lactation period. In addition, beetal goats treated with 5% RBF demonstrated significantly (P < 0.05) pronounced effects on plasma and milk biochemical indices in relative to control group. The findings offer insights for optimizing dietary management in goat farming practices, emphasizing the importance of considering RBF supplementation for improved productivity in goat farming systems.

This study investigated the antioxidant effect of quercetin-treated semen on frozen–thawed spermatozoa quality and in-vivo fertility in crossbred Kamori goats. In total, 32 ejaculates from four fertile bucks were diluted in Tris-based egg yolk extender with varying levels of quercetin (0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 μM). Qualified semen samples were pooled and frozen in French straws. The results revealed that the addition of quercetin in the semen extender increased (p < 0.05) frozen–thawed sperm total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), rapid velocity (RV), average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and amplitude of lateral head (ALH) displacement in contrast to the control group. Quercetin supplementation had no effect on beat cross frequency (BCF), straightness (STR), and linearity (LIN) (p > 0.05). Quercetin showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) plasma membrane and acrosome integrity and viability (p < 0.05) of spermatozoa in contrast to the control group. Quercetin in the semen extender significantly increased (p < 0.05) superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels while reduced (p < 0.05) the contents of total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which were in contrast to the control group. Ultrasound results revealed that 24 out of 30 (80%) goats were found pregnant when semen was treated with 5 μM quercetin while the control group showed 18 out of 30 (60%) animals were pregnant. Thus, the study concluded that 5 μM quercetin-treated semen was found to be efficient, showed increased antioxidant status, and reduced oxidant production, leading to improved spermatozoa quality and in-vivo fertility in goats.

Humans and wildlife, including domesticated animals, are exposed to a myriad of environmental contaminants that are derived from various human activities, including agricultural, household, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products. Excessive exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and phthalates consequently causes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. The equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system is preserved to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Mitochondria play a key role in cellular function and cell survival. Mitochondria are vulnerable to damage that can be provoked by environmental exposures. Once the mitochondrial metabolism is damaged, it interferes with energy metabolism and eventually causes the overproduction of free radicals. Furthermore, it also perceives inflammation signals to generate an inflammatory response, which is involved in pathophysiological mechanisms. A depleted antioxidant system provokes oxidative stress that triggers inflammation and regulates epigenetic function and apoptotic events. Apart from that, these chemicals influence steroidogenesis, deteriorate sperm quality, and damage male reproductive organs. It is strongly believed that redox signaling molecules are the key regulators that mediate reproductive toxicity. This review article aims to spotlight the redox toxicology of environmental chemicals on male reproduction function and its fertility prognosis. Furthermore, we shed light on the influence of redox signaling and metabolism in modulating the response of environmental toxins to reproductive function. Additionally, we emphasize the supporting evidence from diverse cellular and animal studies.