AUTHOR=Xavier Marcelo Cunha , Martins Leticia Prates , Moura Rodrigo Martins , Morais Divino Fabio , Barbosa Joao Vitor Lima , Figueiredo Ricardo Alamino , Peixer Mauricio Antonio Silva , Andrade Rosangela Vieira de , Viana Joao Henrique Moreira 

TITLE=Evaluation of the effects of the recommended oral dose of diflubenzuron on bovine sperm and oocyte quality using CASA and OPU-IVEP

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1215722

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2023.1215722

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate potential effects of diflubenzuron on the production and quality of gametes, and on <italic>in vitro</italic> embryo production (IVEP) outcomes, in cattle.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Two experiments were performed, the first to evaluate effects on semen, and the second on <italic>cumulus</italic>-oocyte complexes (COC) and on IVEP. Nelore (<italic>Bos taurus indicus</italic>) bulls (<italic>n</italic> = 14) or heifers (<italic>n</italic> = 16) were allocated into control (CG) or treatment (DIF) groups. All groups received a mineral mix supplement added (DIF) or not (CG) with diflubenzuron (30 mg/head/day), during 8 weeks. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected throughout the experimental period. Every other week, bulls were subjected to semen collection and heifers to transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration sessions. Semen underwent physical and morphological evaluation, and samples were stored for further computer-assisted sperm analysis. The COC recovered were evaluated according to morphology and those classified as viable were sent to an IVEP laboratory.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Diflubenzuron had no effect (<italic>P</italic> &gt; 0.05) on average body weight or in any blood hematological or biochemical endpoints, regardless of gender. In experiment 1, there was no difference (<italic>P</italic> &gt; 0.05) between DIF and CG groups for sperm concentration, morphology, or kinetics. In experiment 2, there was also no effect of diflubenzuron on the number of total, viable, or grade I oocytes, as well as on cleavage or blastocyst rates (<italic>P</italic> &gt; 0.05).</p></sec><sec><title>Discussion</title><p>In summary, the oral administration of diflubenzuron, within the recommended dose, has no short-term negative effects on sperm production and quality or on oocyte yield and developmental potential <italic>in vitro</italic>, in cattle.</p></sec>