Quercetin (Que) possesses diverse biological activities and has been extensively investigated in various fields, but its impact on rooster reproductive performance and the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the effect of quercetin on reproductive performance of roosters and preliminarily explored its underlying regulatory mechanism. Forty-eight 100-day-old roosters were randomly divided into control group and three quercetin groups (Que_5mg/d, Que_10mg/d, and Que_20mg/d). Daily gavage was conducted continuously for 60 days. Semen quality was evaluated using a sperm analyzer. Then, metabolomics, proteomics, network pharmacology, molecular dynamics simulation, hormone detection, qRT-PCR, and their combination analysis was employed for mechanism validation. The result of semen quality evaluation and testicular tissue morphology observation showed that quercetin can significantly increase the semen collection volume, semen motility (P < 0.05), sperm density was significantly higher in the Que_5mg/d and Que_10mg/d groups than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the height of the seminiferous epithelium of the testes (P < 0.05). Consistently, both testicular metabolomics and hormone detection results indicated that quercetin significantly increased testosterone levels (P < 0.05). Metabolite KEGG enrichment analysis revealed a significant upregulation of the steroid hormone biosynthesis. Proteomics and qRT-PCR assays confirmed that quercetin upregulated the expression of genes such as CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further indicate that quercetin has a favorable binding with steroid hormone biosynthesis related protein CYP11A1. These results demonstrates that supplementation with quercetin at a dosage of 10 mg/d can enhances reproductive performance in roosters by targeting steroid hormone biosynthesis-related proteins to promote hormone synthesis.

Reproductive performance in breeder roosters is a critical determinant of egg fertilization rates and the long-term sustainability of poultry breeding enterprises. Lasia spinosa Thw. (LST) possesses bioactive potential to modulate hormonal profiles and spermatogenic functions in male animals. However, research on the functional roles of its specific phytochemical constituents remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with polyphenols extracts from Lasia spinosa Thw. (LST_PP) on rooster reproductive performance and to elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Forty roosters were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group receiving a basal diet and three treatment groups receiving the same basal diet supplemented with LST_PP at 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg, respectively, for 60 consecutive days. Results showed that dietary supplementation with LST_PP had no significant effect on body weight, feed intake or general health status. However, the group supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg LST_PP exhibited a significant increase in comb height compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Semen quality analysis revealed that LST_PP supplementation improved semen parameters in roosters, including semen volume, sperm density, and sperm motility, with the 1,000 mg/kg group exhibiting significantly higher values than the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, testicular weight and the testicular index in the 1,000 mg/kg group were significantly higher compared to the control (P < 0.05). Hormonal assays revealed significantly elevated serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the 1,000 mg/kg LST_PP group, whereas testicular testosterone content was significantly increased in both the 1,000 mg/kg and 2,000 mg/kg groups (P < 0.05). Histological evaluation demonstrated that LST_PP significantly increased the diameter of seminiferous tubules and the height of spermatogenic epithelium (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary supplementation with LST_PP also significantly enhanced testicular antioxidant capacity. Network pharmacology analysis identified steroid hormone biosynthesis and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways as the key mediators regulating the pro-reproductive effects of LST_PP’s, with quercetin and kaempferol proposed as the core bioactive components. In conclusion, dietary LST_PP supplementation effectively enhances rooster reproductive performance, and the optimal dosage was found to be 1,000 mg/kg.

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) is widely adopted as a tool to genetically improve the livestock, including cattle and buffalo; however, the substantial scope remains which demands further optimization. It has been observed that embryos exhibit variable developmental kinetics during in vitro culture (IVC); therefore, it is crucial to identify their developmental potential and the underlying biological mechanisms. So, developmental competence and pregnancy outcomes of embryos that attained the blastocyst stage on days 5, 6, and 7 post-insemination were compared in present study. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling of fast-developing (Day 5) and slow-developing (Day 7) embryos was evaluated. The present data revealed that percentage of embryos developed to blastocyst stage was significantly higher on day 5 as compared to day 6 and 7. Morphological analysis revealed higher percentage of code 1 embryos on day 5 compared to day 6 and day 7. Embryo staining analysis showed that day 5 blastocysts contained significantly more cells per blastocyst than day 6 or day 7 blastocysts. Furthermore, the pregnancy rate for day 5 (36.5 ± 5.9%) blastocysts was significantly higher than that for day 7 (9.8 ± 5.3%) blastocysts, whereas it showed non-significant trend with day 6 (20.1 ± 4.6%) blastocysts. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes between day 5 and day 7 blastocysts, particularly those associated with cell proliferation, transcriptional regulation, positive regulation of proliferation, and CTNNB1-mediated cell adhesion. The findings suggest that day 5 blastocysts, which develop more rapidly, exhibit increased expression of adhesion-related genes, potentially enhancing their implantation capacity. This study introduces an innovative approach for selecting embryos in buffalo embryo transfer practices and offers valuable insights for optimizing embryo culture protocols.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the stem-cell population of adult animal gametes, which develop into sperm or eggs. It can be propagated in vitro and injected into the host chicken for genome editing to obtain germline chimeric chicken. However, it has the limitation that the host embryo contains endogenous PGCs, which raises complications, resultantly donor PGCs fail to compete, and transmission efficiency reduced. Therefore, to increase the transmission efficiency, we generated a novel sterile chicken with the inducible elimination of endogenous PGCs in the host. This is the first study that applied the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) cell ablation system in avian. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair was performed to localize the HSV-TK suicide gene to the last exon of the deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) gene, and ganciclovir (GCV) was added to induce the apoptosis in the germ cells of the host embryo. The sterilized host embryo introduced genome-edited PGCs to produce chimeric chicken carrying exogenous germ cells only. It was observed that the germline transmission efficiency was 100% achieved, and the obtained chicks were purely from donor breeds. The technologies established in the current study have important applications in germplasm conservation and gene editing in chicken.

Melatonin (MLT) is a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress (OS)-induced sperm damage. However, few studies have explored its effects in the field investigated here. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MLT supplementation in extenders used for staining, sorting, and freezing on the quality of sorted Nili-Ravi buffalo sperm, embryo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF), and pregnancy outcomes following artificial insemination (AI). Computer-aided sperm analyzer (CASA) showed that progressive motility (PM) and velocity parameters of sorted, frozen-thawed sexed sperm were higher in the MLT-treated groups (p < 0.05). Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that MLT significantly improved sperm plasma membrane integrity after staining and increased the proportion of frozen-thawed sex-sorted sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) (p < 0.05). Raman spectroscopy further identified several distinctive Raman bands at 936, 1300, and 1651-1652 cm(-1), which may serve as biomarkers for assessing sperm quality. Additionally, cleavage rate, blastocyst formation, and pregnancy rates following IVF and AI were higher in the MLT-treated group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MLT can serve as a valuable additive during sperm sex-sorting procedures to enhance sperm quality, thereby improving embryo developmental competence and pregnancy outcomes.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) derived from Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EG&K) stage X embryos (XPGCs) represent the earliest germ cells in poultry. However, little is known about the XPGCs due the difficulty in the isolation and propagation of these cells. In this study, we report a method for the stable isolation and efficient in vitro propagation of XPGCs. We conducted a thorough analysis of the characteristics exhibited by XPGCs. First, we identified an average of 42 PGCs at this stage by using an DAZL-2a-mCherry genetically modified chickens. Three stable cell lines, one male and two female, were established from eight isolates using a filter paper ring and differential adhesion. Germ cell-related protein markers, including DAZL, CVH, and SSEA-1, were detected in the established XPGCs. Re-introduction of the XPGCs into the blastoderms of EG&K stage X embryos or the cardiovascular systems of Hamilton and Hamburger (HH) stage 14 embryos showed that the XPGCs retained the ability to migrate to the gonads after long-term culture. XPGCs demonstrated a lower growth rate in vitro but a higher potential of migrating to the gonads than PGCs derived from the embryonic gonads of HH stage 27-31. The ability to isolate, culture, and characterize XPGCs advances our knowledge of early-stage germ cell development and provides a valuable cell tool for genetic conservation and genome editing in chickens.

ABSTRACTOocyte quality is crucial for determining the subsequent embryo developmental capacity and reproductive outcomes. However, aging is detrimental to oocyte quality. Previous studies have demonstrated that soy isoflavones have positive effects on the reproductive performance of female pigs. Equol, the primary metabolite of soy isoflavones, is renowned for its antioxidant properties and its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the potential role of equol in reversing aging‐mediated oocyte decline has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we treated the porcine oocytes with different concentrations of equol (2.5, 5 and 10 μM) during prolonged in vitro culture. Our findings showed that aging led to decreased embryonic developmental capacity, indicating the decline of oocyte quality. We further found that aging disrupted spindle assembly and chromosome arrangement, impaired actin polymerisation and reduced mitochondrial activity and function. Moreover, aging increased ROS levels; thereafter, DNA damage and apoptosis was induced in the porcine oocytes. Interestingly, treatment with 2.5 μM equol during the aging process significantly mitigated the above‐mentioned defective parameters in porcine oocytes and finally improved embryo development rates. Collectively, these results imply that equol has potential benefits in attenuating the aging‐mediated defects on porcine oocytes.

Lipids in cumulus-oocyte complexes are important actors in molecular signalling pathways and are influenced by maturation conditions. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a carrier involved in fatty acid transport and is a promoter of beta-oxidation. Although the embryonic development potential of oocytes can be improved when ALC is added to the maturation medium, the effects of ALC on the lipid content and composition of oocytes and cumulus cells remain unknown. In this study, the effect of ALC supplementation on the lipid profiles of buffalo oocytes and cumulus cells after in vitro maturation was evaluated using positive-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis was used to analyse the data. The lipid profiles of oocytes and cumulus cells differed following ALC treatment. Four lipids were significantly different in oocytes and eight in granulosa cells. ALC treatment significantly reduced the cellular content of these lipids, with the exception of phosphatidylcholine [PC(36:3) + H] + in oocytes and triacylglycerol [TAG(58:8) + NH4] + in granulosa cells. Further staining experiments confirmed that ALC treatment reduced the total lipid content in oocytes. Therefore, ALC treatment alters lipid metabolism in oocytes and cumulus cells during their maturation and accelerates lipid metabolism in oocytes. The findings of this study demonstrate that ALC enhances the rate of oocyte maturation by altering lipid metabolism in oocytes, providing both a clear direction for further research into regulatory mechanisms as well as a foundation for further improving oocyte maturation rates.

In domestic hens, the atresia of large white follicles (LWFs) directly affects the number of follicles that enter the hierarchical development and ovulation. Figuring out factors responsible for LWFs atresia is helpful to improve egg production of hens. At the LWF stage, yellow yolk begins to be deposited into the follicles via receptor mediated endocytosis, which requires large amounts of ATP. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the primary source of ATP for follicular development. However, it is not clear whether the OXPHOS is changed along LWFs atresia. In this study, firstly, differences in morphological appearance, histology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, OXPHOS and mitochondrial dynamics between LWFs and atretic large white follicles (ALWFs) in hens at the peak laying stage (35W) were determined to elucidate whether OXPHOS changes in ALWFs. Then, these differences of LWFs between the peak laying hens (35W-LWFs) and the late laying hens (70W-LWFs) were detected to confirm whether OXPHOS changes during LWFs atresia. The results showed that ALWFs exhibited a wrinkled surface with several hemorrhage spots, and numerous intercellular vacuoles, as well as severe nuclear pyknosis. Compared to LWFs, a higher cell apoptosis rate and a lower proliferation rate were observed in ALWFs. In ALWFs, OXPHOS declined as manifested by reductions in ATP levels, ATP synthetase abundance, NAD+, NADH and NAD+/NADH ratio, and mRNA levels of genes associated with OXPHOS complexes I-V. Meanwhile, mitochondrial dynamics disequilibrium was detected in ALWFs as the expression levels of proteins and genes related to mitochondrial fusion (MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1) decreased, while the expression levels of proteins and genes related to mitochondrial fission (DRP1 and FIS1) increased. Further, compared to 35W-LWFs, 70W-LWFs showed a histology resembling to ALWFs, manifested as a slightly loosen structure of granulosa layers, and a lower cell proliferation rate. Moreover, both lower OXPHOS and impaired mitochondrial dynamics were detected in 70W-LWFs. In conclusion, our results indicated that OXPHOS decline and mitochondrial dynamics disequilibrium are involved in LWFs atresia in laying hens.

Buffalo colostrum is the initial mammary secretion after parturition, consisting of nutritional and bioactive components. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of buffalo colostrum whey to identify bioactive proteins and peptides. A total of 107 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in buffalo colostrum whey compared to those in mature milk. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that DEPs were primarily associated with immune response and tissue development. KEGG pathway enrichment suggested that colostrum actively enhances nascent immunity involved in interleukin and interferon signaling pathways. Furthermore, candidate antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of whey protein hydrolysates from buffalo colostrum were characterized, which exhibits broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Overall, this study improves our understanding of protein variations in buffalo lactation, and contributes to the development of AMPs from buffalo colostrum.

Heat stress (HS) is a stressor that negatively affect female reproduction. Specially, oocytes are very sensitive to HS. It has been demonstrated that some active compounds can protect oocyte from HS. We previously found that Mogroside V (MV), extracted from Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo Han Guo), can protect oocyte from many kinds of stresses. However, how MV alleviates HS-induced disruption of oocyte maturation remains unknown. In this study, we treated the HS-induced porcine oocytes with MV to examine their maturation and quality. Our findings demonstrate that MV can effectively alleviate HS-induced porcine oocyte abnormal cumulus cell expansion, decrease of first polar body extrusion rate, spindle assembly and chromosome separation abnormalities, indicating MV attenuates oocyte mature defects. We further observed that MV can effectively alleviate HS-induced cortical granule distribution abnormality and decrease of blastocyst formation rate after parthenogenesis activation. In addition, MV treatment reversed mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid droplet content decrease, reduced reactive oxygen species levels, early apoptosis and DNA damage in porcine oocytes after HS. Collectively, this study suggests that MV can effectively protect porcine oocytes from HS.

Context There are still comparatively few methods for the detection of drug residues in buffalo milk. Aims This study aims to develop a method for the detection of drug residues in buffalo milk. Methods In this study, we developed an analytical method for veterinary drug residues in buffalo milk using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The multi-residue method was established for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of eight common veterinary drugs, including metronidazole, salbutamol, atropine, trimethoprim, hydrocortisone, kitasamycin, roxithromycin and tylosin. Key results The sample processing method for buffalo milk was compared and optimised. The precision, recovery and matrix effects of the method were validated. The precision and accuracy of all analytes ranged from 1.81% to 12.35% and 1.25% to 14.57%, respectively. The average recovery percentages varied between 93.59% and 114.57%, and the average matrix effect ranged from 87.12% to 103.76%. All eight analytes in buffalo milk exhibited stability under different treatment conditions. Conclusions The developed method was successfully applied to laboratory analysis and routine sample analysis. The method was demonstrated to be rapid, sensitive and reliable for the rapid monitoring of veterinary drug residues in buffalo milk. Implications The findings of this study contribute to the risk assessment of veterinary drug residues for preventing the human consumption of contaminated buffalo milk and its derivatives.

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was used to examine the sensitivities of Typhoon Fitow (2013) to the variations in horizontal mesh spacing ranging from 9 km to 1 km and to different microphysics schemes. The minimum sea level pressure decreased by 5 hPa and the maximum wind speeds increased by 20 m s(-1) near the typhoon center as the horizontal grid spacing decreased from 9 km, 3 km, and 1 km in both PurdueLin and National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) microphysics. The strengthening of the tropical cyclone may have been due to similar physical processes in the Purdue-Lin and NSSL simulations. Fine-resolution simulations produced localized and intense rainfall, in correspondence to localized and intense upward motions. Moreover, as the horizontal mesh spacing reduced from 9 km to 1 km, the distributions of the upward and downward motions broadened and the radar reflectivity bins with contour frequencies >10% increased. The simulated rainfall in the NSSL with a horizontal grid spacing below 3 km and in Purdue-Lin with a 1 km grid spacing reproduced spatial and temporal distributions similar to the actual observations. This suggested that the elaborate microphysics may compensate for the lack of horizontal resolution, to some extent. The precipitation budget analysis further suggested that the diminishment of rainfall was attributed to the reduced net condensation and hydrometeor convergence respectively in the Purdue-Lin and NSSL scheme as the mesh spacing reduced, which was further attributable to the decreased condensation or deposition.

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an important growth factor that supports the culture and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by suppressing spontaneous differentiation. Different LIF sequences may lead to differences in function. The protein sequences of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF differed by 65.5% according to MEGA software analysis. The PB-LIF-GFP-Puro vector was constructed, and the CHO-K1 cell line was established. The final LIF protein concentration in the CHO-K1 cell culture medium was approximately 4.268 ng/mL. Here, we report that buffalo LIF effectively maintains the self-renewal of buffalo spermatogonia during culture. Buffalo spermatogonia were cultured in conditioned medium containing no LIF (0 ng/mL), mouse LIF (1 ng/mL), mouse LIF (10 ng/mL), or buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL). Furthermore, the effects of mouse LIF and buffalo LIF culture on the maintenance of buffalo spermatogonia were determined by analyzing cell colony formation, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, cell immunofluorescence, and cell counting. The buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL) group showed similar maintenance of the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia to that in the mouse LIF (10 ng/mL) group. These results demonstrated that the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia can be maintained in vitro by adding a low dose of buffalo LIF. This study provides a foundation for the further optimization of in vitro buffalo SSC culture systems.

With increasing attention on sibling relationship studies in China, one problem that has been neglected is the limited validation of instruments used to assess these relationships. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Sibling Inventory of Behavior to measure Chinese children's sibling relationships using a stratified random sample of 590 parents of three- to six-year-olds in three economic regions. The confirmatory factor analysis obtained an adequate fit, suggesting that the Chinese version of the instrument had a six-factor structure (i.e., Companionship, Empathy, Teaching, Rivalry, Aggression, and Avoidance). It demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency as well as test-retest reliability. Results of discriminant, convergent, and criterion-related validity test also fulfilled psychometric requirements. Furthermore, the residual measurement invariance across regions was discovered. Given the importance, emergence, and tendency of sibling studies in China, having a reliable and valid instrument with robust psychometric properties is essential and impactful.

Background Exosomes are nanosized membranous vesicles secreted by various types of cells, which facilitate intercellular communication by transporting bioactive compounds. Exosomes are abundant in biological fluids including semen, and their protein composition and the potential of seminal plasma exosomes (SPEs) as fertility biomarkers were elucidated in humans, however, little information is available regarding buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Here, we examined protein correlation between spermatozoa, seminal plasma (SP), and SPEs, and we compared and analyzed protein differences between high-motility (H-motility) and low-motility (L-motility) SPEs in buffalo.Results SPEs were concentrated and purified by ultracentrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation, followed by verification using western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Protein composition in spermatozoa, SP and SPEs, and protein difference in H-and L-motility SPEs were identified by LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis and were functionally analyzed through comprehensive bioinformatics. Many SPEs proteins originated from spermatozoa and SP, and nearly one third were also present in spermatozoa and SP. A series of proteins associated with reproductive processes including sperm capacitation, spermatid differentiation, fertilization, sperm-egg recognition, membrane fusion, and acrosome reaction were integrated in a functional network. Comparative proteomic analyses showed 119 down-regulated and 41 up-regulated proteins in L-motility SPEs, compared with H-motility SPEs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) showed that most differential proteins were located in sperm and vesicles, with activities of hydrolase and metalloproteinase, and were involved in sperm-egg recognition, fertilization, single fertilization, and sperm-zona pellucida binding processes, etc. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly involved in the PPRP signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway, among others. Furthermore, 6 proteins associated with reproduction were validated by parallel reaction monitoring analysis.Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive description of the seminal plasma exosome proteome and may be of use for further screening of biomarkers associated with male infertility.

In hens, egg production depends on the development of germ cells in the ovary. Germ cells are established before birth, and their number gradually decreases during their lifespan. Therefore, it is essential to determine the time points of massive germ cell loss and the underlying mechanism. In this study, a gene-edited chicken with mCherry fluorescence specifically expressed in the germline was generated by the integration of the mCherry gene into the 3'-end of the DAZL locus, which facilitated the isolation of germ cells from the gonads of DAZL-mCherry embryos or chicks and quantification using flow cytometry based on the observation of red fluo-rescence. The results demonstrated the dynamics of germ cell development from embryos at 17 d of hatching (dh) to chickens at 7 d post-hatch (dph) and revealed a substantial loss of germ cells in the late embryonic stage (18 -19 dh) and post-hatch period (2 -3 dph). Addition-ally, the number of germ cells in DAZL x Guangxi Ma chicken was significantly higher than that in DAZL x Lohmann Pink chicken at 19 dh and 3 dph (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the numbers of germ cells posi-tively correlated with the body weight in DAZL x Lohmann Pink chicken. In conclusion, our results showed the dynamics of germ cell development in chicken ovaries during peri-hatch periods and indicated the time point of substantial germ cell loss. The results provide evidence for further exploration of the underlying mechanism and serve as a reference for chicken breeding and management.

Handwriting represents personal education and physical or psychological states. This work describes a chemical imaging technique for document evaluation that combines laser desorption ionization with post ultraviolet photo-induced dissociation (LDI-UVPD) in mass spectrometry. Taken the advantages of chromophores in ink dyes, handwriting papers were subjected to direct laser desorption ionization without additional matrix mate-rials. It is a surface-sensitive analytical method that uses a low intensity pulsed laser at 355 nm to remove chemical components from very outermost surfaces of overlapped handwritings. Meanwhile, the transfer of photoelectrons to those compounds leads to the ionization and the formation of radical anions. The gentle evaporation and ionization property enable the dissection of chronological orders. Paper documents maintain intact without extensive damages after laser irradiation. The evolving plume resulting from the irradiation of the 355 nm laser is fired by the second ultraviolet laser at 266 nm that is in parallel to the sample surface. In contrast to collision activated dissociation in tandem MS/MS, such post ultraviolet photodissociation generates much more different fragment ions through electron-directed specific cleavages of chemical bonds. LDI-UVPD can not only provide graphic representation of chemical components but also reveal hidden dynamic features such as alterations, pressures and aging.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the main virulence factor of gram-negative bacteria, severely impairs the function of the female reproductive system. It has especially harmful effects on oocytes and subsequent embryonic development. The use of active plant substances to ameliorate the damage caused by LPS exposure is a strategy worthy of attention. In this study, porcine oocytes were used to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of allicin, an extract derived from garlic, on LPS-exposed oocytes in vitro. Our data indicated that supplementation with 1 μM allicin significantly attenuated the LPS-mediated reductions in the first polar body extrusion rate and the subsequent blastocyst formation rate. Allicin also mitigated the abnormalities in spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, actin polymerization, and cortical granule distribution caused by LPS exposure. Furthermore, allicin restored reactive oxygen species (ROS), early apoptosis and autophagy to normal physiological levels in LPS-exposed oocytes. In conclusion, our findings confirm that allicin can protect oocytes against LPS-induced damage. The results of this study will help promote the application of plant-derived bioactive substances to ameliorate oocyte maturation defects.