Zinc (Zn) has important functions in mammalian reproductive processes. In cattle, Zn status can be classified as deficient, marginal, and adequate, depending on the plasma Zn concentration. In addition, Zn deficiency can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal Zn status at the beginning of a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) treatment regimen on pregnancy rate in cattle, and evaluate the effect of supplementing in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium with Zn concentrations within the reference range for Zn status on sperm quality and IVF performance. Pregnancy rates of animals with marginal and adequate Zn status did not differ, and there were no Zn-deficient animals detected. Supplementation of 0.8 μg/mL Zn to IVF medium enhanced progressive motility, sperm viability, functional sperm membrane integrity (HOST), acrosomal integrity and sperm-zona binding, without modifying pronuclear formation, or development of embryos to the cleavage or blastocyst stage after IVF. In conclusion, the present results indicate pregnancy rates are not associated with maternal Zn status at the beginning of the FTAI treatment regimen if Zn status is marginal or adequate. Furthermore, supplementation of IVF medium with Zn at concentrations which is considered adequate for Zn status in cattle led to improved sperm quality, without having effects on embryo development in cattle.

锌 (Zn) 在哺乳动物的生殖过程中具有重要作用。在牛中，锌状态可分为缺乏、边缘和充足，这取决于血浆锌浓度。此外，缺锌会导致生殖障碍。本研究的目的是研究固定时间人工授精 (FTAI) 治疗方案开始时母体锌状态对牛妊娠率的影响，并评估体外补充锌的效果。受精 (IVF) 培养基中的锌浓度在锌对精子质量和试管婴儿性能的参考范围内。处于边缘和足够锌状态的动物的妊娠率没有差异，并且没有检测到缺锌的动物。向 IVF 培养基中添加 0.8 μg/mL Zn 可增强进行性运动、精子活力、功能性精子膜完整性 (HOST)、顶体完整性和精子带结合，而不会改变原核形成，或在 IVF 后胚胎发育至卵裂或囊胚阶段. 总之，目前的结果表明，如果锌状态处于边缘或充足，妊娠率与 FTAI 治疗方案开始时母亲的锌状态无关。此外，