title: Enhancing bull sexual behavior using estrus-specific molecules identified in cow urine.
abstract: Deficiencies in bull mating behavior have implications for bovine artificial insemination activities. The aim of this study was to identify the compounds present in fluids emitted by cows during estrus, which could enhance bull libido. Chemical analysis of urine samples from cows led to the characterization of molecules varying specifically at the preestrous and estrous stages. The synthetic counterpart molecules (1,2-dichloroethylene, squalene, coumarin, 2-butanone, oleic acid) were used to investigate the biological effects on male sexual behavior and sperm production. When presented to males, 2-butanone and oleic acid synthetic molecules significantly lowered mounting reaction time and ejaculation time (-33% and 21% after 2-butanone inhalation, respectively, P < 0.05). The "squalene +1,2-dichloroethylene" combination induced a 9% increase of sperm quantity (P < 0.05). This study suggests that the identified estrous-specific molecules could be part of the chemical signals involved in male and female mating behavior and may be used for a wide range of applications. The identification of these molecules may have implications for the cattle breeding industry.
authors: UNCEIA, UMR CNRS/USTL 8576, UGSF, Villeneuve D'Ascq, France. Electronic address: chrystelle.le-danvic@unceia.fr.
authors: Chrystelle
authors: C
authors: Le Danvic
authors: UNCEIA, Département R&D, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Gérard
authors: UNCEIA, Département R&D, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: Eli
authors: E
authors: Sellem
authors: UNCEIA, Département R&D, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: Claire
authors: C
authors: Ponsart
authors: INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, Haras Nationaux, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France.
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Chemineau
authors: UNCEIA, Département R&D, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: Patrice
authors: P
authors: Humblot
authors: INRA, UMR CNRS/USTL 8576, UGSF, Villeneuve D'Ascq, France.
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Nagnan-Le Meillour
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002074:Butanones / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology* / Q000652:urine; D003463:Cues; D004971:Estrus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D008297:Male; D019301:Oleic Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D002074:Butanones; D019301:Oleic Acid; C005222:methylethyl ketone
keywords: Bull; Chemical signal; Cow; Estrus; Sexual behavior; Urine