Prevention of periconceptional reproductive failure in animals via supplementation of diet with various sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids

In recent decades, many studies have reported a worrisome decrease in the reproductive performance of farm animals. Dietary lipid supplementation can be a good strategy to reduce the extent of reproductive failure. Oilseed meals and cakes, derived from seed oil extraction, represent interesting co-products usable for such purposes. The main aim of the project will be to evaluate the effect of diet supplementation with flaxseed and camelina cake, important sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), on the ability to conceive and to reduce early embry o loss in two model animals - pubertal gilts and mouse females. Experimental animals will be fed a PUFAs supplemented diet for several weeks during the preconception period. After assessment of basic reproductive parameters, biochemical alterations in the microenvironment of developing germ cells and the impact of such alterations on antioxidant activity and membrane integrity of oocytes and proliferative and reparative activity of preimlantation embryos will be evaluated. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the impact of diet supplementation, expression of relevant molecules (receptors for hormones, prostaglandins, biosynthetic enzymes, regulatory proteins, etc.) in oocytes, embryos and tissues of the reproductive tract will be assessed. Furthermore, the protective potential of diet supplementation by PUFAs in reproductive disorders related to aging and oxidative stress in vitro will be assessed. Study will bring novel information on the mechanisms underlying the impact of PUFAs on ovulation and early embryonic development. Furthemore, acquired knowledge would result in targeted use in livestock production and veterinary practice.