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Negative energy balance (NEB) caused by restricted feed intake leads to body condition loss (BCS), increased metabolic stress and reduced fertility in dairy cows. Propylene glycol (PG) is a precursor of ruminal propionate for gluconeogenesis used to increase metabolic adaptation to the early postpartum period. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of daily drenching of PG during the fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol on beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, adiponectin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF1) concentrations, follicle size and pregnancy rate in dairy cows. Cows (n = 148) were randomly divided into two groups and received either 300 mL of PG (PG‐OVS, n = 76) or 300 mL of water (CON‐OVS, n = 72) each day of the Ovsynch protocol (GnRH‐7 days‐PGF2α‐56 hours‐GnRH‐16‐18‐hour FTAI) between days 57 ± 3 to 67 ± 3 postpartum for the first service. Body condition scores (14 days before expected calving, at calving, on days 21 and 42 postpartum) were recorded. Blood samples were collected days 7 ± 3, 21 ± 3 postpartum, at the beginning of the Ovsynch (days 57 ± 3) and at the time of FTAI (days 67 ± 3) for measurements of BHBA, glucose, adiponectin and IGF1 concentrations. Ultrasonographic examinations were done to measure follicle size at the beginning of Ovsynch and FTAI and to determine pregnancy on days 30 and 60 following FTAI. There were no differences (p >.05) in glucose, adiponectin and IGF1 concentrations between the groups during the study. Although there was no difference (p >.05) in BHBA concentrations on postpartum day 7 ± 3, 21 ± 3 and 57 ± 3 between the groups, BHBA concentrations at the time of insemination was lower (p <.05) in the PG‐OVS group (0.72 ± 0.03 mmol/L) than in the CON‐OVS group (0.81 ± 0.03 mmol/L). Follicle sizes at the beginning of Ovsynch (PG‐OVS, 14.5 ± 0.48 mm; CON‐OVS, 14.3 ± 0.59 mm) and FTAI (PG‐OVS, 17.8 ± 0.52 mm; CON‐OVS, 17.7 ± 0.42 mm) were not different (p <.05). Pregnancy rate of the cows in the PG‐OVS group (46.1%, 35/76) was higher (p =.05) than in the CON‐OVS group (30.6%, 22/72) on day 30 following FTAI. In conclusion, decreasing serum BHBA concentrations at the time of FTAI by means of daily drenching of PG during the Ovsynch protocol, increased the pregnancy rate at first service in lactating dairy cows. On the other hand, blood glucose was not related with pregnancy rates in our study, probably as a result of our sampling time and more rapid fluctuations of blood glucose concentrations when compared to BHBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to identify the bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility from surgical site cultures in queens and bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy via ventral midline and lateral flank approaches. Healthy 22 queens and 21 bitches were assigned randomly either ventral midline or lateral flank approach for routine ovariohysterectomy. Surgical site samples were collected before the surgery and on the 1st, 2 nd, and 3 rd days after the surgery for microbiological analysis. A total of 70 different strains were isolated from 50 (29%) of 172 samples. In both queens and bitches the total number of bacteria isolated from the midline approach (n = 50) was found to be higher than in the flank approach (n = 20). The most frequently isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) (38.5%), followed by Enterococcus faecium (10%) and Staphylococcus lentus (8.5%). Of the isolated Staphylococcus spp. strains were positive 64% for beta-lactam resistance while 52% of that strains were also methicillin-resistant. Multidrug resistance to methicillin, beta-lactamase, and clindamycin was determined in two Staphylococcus spp. isolates. A high level of streptomycin resistance was observed in three Enterococcus faecium isolates. Overall, this study revealed that choosing the surgical site for ovariohysterectomy affected the bacterial profile and more than half of the isolates were resistant to antimicrobials. Thus, the lateral flank approach might be better than the ventral midline approach to prevent possible complications such as a surgical site infection in queens and bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquired skin fragility syndrome (ASFS) is a rare condition, which is characterized by spontaneous fragility of the skin and an absence of hyperextensibility. Even though the real pathogenesis of ASFS remains unknown that is reported generally with some iatrogenic causes and severe diseases. Thus, based on the clinical findings this is the first report of describes the case and treatment of feline acquired skin fragility syndrome following a routine ovariohysterectomy. Case: An 8-month-old domestic shorthair female cat was brought to the Siirt University Animal Health Application and Research Center for ovariohysterectomy operation. Before the operation physical examination of the animal revealed body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, the color of mucosas, and lymph nodes were determined normally. Besides, there is no hematological and biochemical problem detected. The cat had no previous history of several infections or systemic disease. A routine ovariohysterectomy procedure was applied under general anesthesia and the cat was discharged on the same day. Three days after that a spontaneously developed cutaneous laceration below the left scapular region was determined by the cat owner. During the clinical examination, it was determined that the cat was sensitive to touch against the left scapular area. Multiple spontaneous skin tear was revealed over the left scapular region while shaving for better inspection but did not obtain any problem with incision line. To identify the underlying cause of skin tearing, hematological and biochemical tests were done but the animal's results were found within the normal references. Also, rapid blood tests were performed for feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus, and none of them were positive. Additionally, the skin was not hyperextensible. Although the clinicopathological abnormalities were observed on the skin, there were no abnormalities in the vital signs of the cat. Based on the clinical status of the cat, daily regular wound cleaning and a wet-to-dry bandage were applied for two weeks. Skin therapy based on the use of dexpanthenol, vitamin E, and vitamin C with zinc was preferred to improve skin health. All lesions on the skin of the cat completely recovered and a follow-up visit for several weeks was recommended to the cat owner. Discussion: There have been reports that acquired skin fragility syndrome may be related to hepatic diseases, some feline viral infections, hyperadrenocorticism, or use of a long time progestational drugs. Also, acquired skin fragility syndrome can be seen in a congenital disorder known as cutaneous asthenia which is described generally in young cats. Cutaneous asthenia and acquired skin fragility syndrome are difficult to distinguish from each other even though histological examination was made. Although the cat in this report is young, there was no history of skin problems and skin hyperextensible until presentation. No specific treatment protocol described for this skin problem has been reported. Moreover, vitamins and minerals may be used for wound treatment and strengthening the skin. Ovariohysterectomy is the most common surgical technique used for sterilization of cats however; it can cause some complications, such as acute stress. Unfortunately, the exact etiology is not detected in this case report but it is thought to be that stress of ovariohysterectomy might be triggered to spontaneous skin tearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac troponin I, a particular biomarker, is released into the bloodstream in response to myocardial injury. Objectives: To evaluate perioperative changes in high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) concentration during ovariohysterectomy in cats undergoing three different anaesthesia protocols. Methods: Twenty‐one female mixed‐breed cats owned by clients aged (2.2 ± 0.7 years) and weight (3.2 ± 0.5 kg) were included in our study. The cats were divided into three groups: propofol–isoflurane (PI) group (n = 7), xylazine–ketamine (XK) group (n = 7) and xylazine–isoflurane (XI) group (n = 7). After pre‐anaesthetic propofol (6 mg/kg IV) was administered to cats in Group PI, a mask was placed, and anaesthesia was maintained with 3.0% isoflurane in oxygen. Cats in Group XK underwent general anesthetization with xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM) and, 10 min later, ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg IM). Cats in Group XI were administered xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM), and then anaesthesia (3.0% isoflurane and oxygen) was continued with a mask. Blood samples were collected from all cats; preoperatively and postoperatively at 0 and 12 h (Pre‐, Post‐0 h and Post‐12 h, respectively). Serum hs‐cTnI concentrations were measured with the Advia Centaur TnI‐Ultra. Results: In all 21 cats, hs‐cTnI concentration increased at Post‐0 h and 12 h measurement points compared to Pre‐. In the XK group, hs‐cTnI concentrations exhibited a significant increase at the Post‐0 h (51.30 ng/L) and Post‐12 h (157.70 ng/L) time points compared to Pre‐ (6.70 ng/L) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The XK group increased the concentration of hs‐cTnI more than other protocols. In the PI group, the increase in hs‐cTnI concentrations at Post‐0 and 12 h increased less than the other two groups (p < 0.05). The PI group was found to induce less myocardial damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives were the determine the effects of presynchronization with PGF 2α 2 days before the 5-d timed artificial insemination (AI) protocol on ovarian responses and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in dairy heifers. The hypothesis was that PGF 2α would induce responsive heifers to be in proestrus at the initiation of the timed AI protocol, which was expected to improve ovulatory responses and P/AI. Weekly cohorts of Holstein heifers were blocked by age and, within block, randomly assigned to remain as control (CON; n = 255) or receive PGF 2α on experiment Day −10 (PG; n = 255). All heifers were subjected to the 5-d timed AI protocol (Day −8, GnRH + intravaginal progesterone controlled internal drug release insert; Day −3, PGF 2α and insert removal; Day −2, PGF 2α ; and Day 0, GnRH and AI). A subset of 22 blocks of heifers (n = 43) had their ovaries scanned by ultrasonography on experiment Days −8, −3, 0, and 2 and blood was sampled and analyzed for concentrations of progesterone on experiment Days −8, −7, −5, and −3. Pregnancy was diagnosed on experiment Days 32 and 60. On the day of the first GnRH of the timed AI protocol, PG heifers had smaller concentration of progesterone in plasma (CON = 4.5 ± 0.5 vs. PG = 0.5 ± 0.5 ng/mL), but larger follicular diameter (CON = 9.1 ± 0.5 vs. PG = 11.0 ± 0.5 mm), and a greater proportion of them had a follicle with at least 8.0 mm in diameter (CON = 61.9 vs. PG = 90.9%) than CON heifers, which resulted in increased ovulation to GnRH (CON = 19.0 vs. PG = 86.3%). Ovulation to the initial GnRH of the protocol increased as the concentration of progesterone in plasma decreased, from less than 20% when progesterone was greater than 5.0 ng/mL to more than 65% when progesterone was less than 1.0 ng/mL. More CON than PG heifers spontaenously ovulated before the day of timed AI. Detection of estrus on the day of timed AI did not differ between treatments (CON = 50.9 vs. PG = 46.6%), but P/AI on Days 32 (CON = 52.9 vs. PG = 61.1%) and 60 (CON = 49.0 vs. PG = 57.1%) after insemination tended to be greater for PG than CON; however, the benefit to presynchronization was observed in heifers inseminated with conventional (CON = 54.7 vs. PG = 67.4%), but not in heifers inseminated with sex-sorted semen (CON = 50.9 vs. PG = 52.8%). Administration of PGF 2α 2 days before initiating the timed AI protocol induced heifers to be in proestrus, which enhanced ovulation to the initial GnRH and favored pregnancy per AI, particularly in heifers inseminated with conventional semen. • Administration of PGF 2α 2 days before the timed AI protocol induced heifers to be in proestrus and increased ovulation to GnRH. • Ovulation to the initial GnRH increased linearly as concentration of progesterone in plasma decreased. • Heifers that ovulated to the initial GnRH had increased synchronized ovulation within the first 48 h of AI. • Presynchronization with PGF 2α increased P/AI, but the benefits were observed in heifers inseminated with conventional semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5-year-old Swedish Red cow, pregnant for 465 days according to the last insemination record, was presented in this case. She conceived by artificial insemination at spontaneous estrus using frozen-thawed sperm of Swedish Red sire. No abnormalities were detected during gestation and no clinical signs of parturition at the expected time of delivery were noted. She was reexamined several times to eliminate breeding records error and, once prolonged gestation was confirmed, parturition was induced. The calf survived birth but died 10 min after birth. A macroscopically giant fetus was diagnosed. Following necropsy, some congenital anomalies were noticed. While the structure of the right adrenal gland was normal, disorganized soft tissue was observed in the left one, in which cortical and medullar regions could not be distinguished. The calf 's pituitary gland was also normal. Thus, prolonged gestation was attributed to a case of unilateral adrenal gland dysgenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: The objective was to compare pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) with conventional (CS) or sex‐sorted semen (SS) in dairy cows subjected to one of the three timed AI protocols. Cows (n = 356) were randomly assigned to synchronization with Ovsynch (OVS), Presynch–Ovsynch (PO) or Double‐Ovsynch (DO) and inseminated on Day 77 ± 3 postpartum with either frozen‐thawed SS (n = 182) or CS (n = 184) of the same bull. More cows were cyclic at the beginning of breeding Ovsynch increased (p < 0.01) with presynchronization and it was greater for DO than PO (OVS = 78.5%, PO = 85.1%, DO = 95.6%). Overall, P/AI for SS and CS increased with presynchronization (p < 0.05) on Days 31 (OVS = 35.5%, PO = 47.1%, DO = 48.3%) and 62 (OVS = 30.1%, PO = 43.8%, DO = 43.9%). Regardless of synchronization treatments, insemination with SS reduced P/AI (p < 0.02) on Days 31 (38.1% vs. 50.6%) and 62 (34.5% vs. 45.6%) compared with CS. No interaction was observed between synchronization treatment and type of semen for P/AI, although in cows receiving CS, P/AI was numerically greatest for PO (OVS = 42.0%, PO = 59.3%, DO = 49.0%), and in cows receiving SS, it was numerically greatest for those inseminated following DO (OVS = 27.9%, PO = 35.5%, DO = 47.6%). Thus, presynchronization improved P/AI in cows inseminated with sex‐sorted or conventional semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) supplemented in the Ovsynch protocol on pregnancy per timed artificial insemination (P/TAI) in cyclic dairy cows. All cows (n = 383) included in the study received the Ovsynch protocol. The cows in FSH3 (n = 92), FSH4 (n = 88), and FSH3&4 (n = 91) were administered 20 mg FSH on day 3, or day 4, or both on days 3 and 4 of the protocol, respectively, whereas the control group (n = 112) did not receive any FSH treatment. The mean follicle number at TAI and ovulation number after TAI were similar among the FSH groups. However, the mean follicular size was smaller (~14.9 mm, P = 0.02) in FSH4 compared to the other groups (~15.9 mm). Pregnancy/TAI of the FSH4 group on day 31 (59.1%) and day 62 (53.4%) was higher than those of other groups on day 31 (45.5% in control, 45.7% in FSH3, and 46.2% in FSH3&4) and day 62 (42.9% in control, 43.5% in FSH3, and 40.7% in FSH3&4), but the difference was non-significant. Likewise, FSH4 (62.7%) had more (P = 0.05) P/TAI than the other groups (48.6% in control, 47.7% in FSH3, and 49.4% in FSH3&4) in synchronized cows. The cows which responded to the first gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) of Ovsynch in the FSH4 group (64.8%) had higher (P < 0.02) P/AI rate than the responding control cows (44.6%). We concluded that application of FSH on day 4 in cyclic cows which were responsive to the Ovsynch protocol can yield higher pregnancy rates, but more studies are needed to better demonstrate this potential effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on determining the success of inducing endogenous progesterone source (by formation of accessory corpus luteum) by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on day 4 post timed artificial insemination (TAI) and on evaluating the effect of the day of hCG administration (day 4 or 5 post TAI) on pregnancy rates in repeat breeder cows according to their responses to hCG administrations. Non-pregnant cyclic lactating Holstein dairy cows with more than three services despite no clinical reproductive abnormalities were enrolled in the study. All cows (n = 192) received the Ovsynch protocol (GnRH-7d-PGF2α-56h-GnRH-16/18h-TAI) and hCG administration (1500 IU, i.m.) was performed in group hCG4 (n = 64) on day 4 and in group hCG5 (n = 68) on day 5 post TAI. The control group (CON, n = 60) did not receive any hCG treatment. The responses (ovulation rate) to hCG (~64%) were similar on days 4 and 5 post TAI. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 31 days was similar among the groups (48.3% in CON, 48.4% in hCG4, and 42.6% in hCG5). Regardless of the day of the treatment (hCG4 + hCG5), the cows had an ovulatory response to hCG (54.1%), and a greater P/AI (P = 0.007) at 31 days than those without a response (29.8%). The administration of hCG on either day 4 or 5 post TAI did not increase overall pregnancy rates, however, the ovulatory response to the post TAI hCG administration on day 4 improved fertility in repeat breeder cows. Further studies are needed with a larger number of animals to reveal this potentiallly beneficial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the interval from onset of oestrus to time of artificial insemination (AI) to obtain the optimum pregnancy rate with sex‐sorted semen in Holstein heifers. Heifers in oestrus were detected and inseminated only by using heat–rumination neck collar comprised electronic identification tag at the age of 13–14 months. Heifers (n = 283) were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to the timing of insemination at 12–16 hr (G1, n = 97), at 16.1–20 hr (G2, n = 94) and at 20.1–24 hr (G3, n = 92) after reaching the activity threshold. The mean duration of oestrus was 18.6 ± 0.1 hr, and mean peak activity was found at 7.5 ± 0.1 hr after activity threshold. The mean interval from activity threshold to ovulation was 29.4 ± 0.4 hr. The overall pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was 53.0% at 29–35 days and 50.9% at 60–66 days after AI. There was a significant reduction between G1 (13.8 ± 1.4 hr) and G3 (7.9 ± 1.4 hr) related to the intervals from AI to ovulation time. Sex‐sorted semen resulted in significantly higher P/AI at 29–35 days when heifers inseminated in G3 (60.9%) after oestrus than those inseminated in G1 (49.5%) and G2 (48.9%). In terms of fertility, when the temperature–humidity index (THI) was below the threshold value (THI ≤65) at the time of AI, there was a tendency (≤65; 57.2% vs. > 65; 47.1%) for high pregnancy rate. There was no effect of sire on P/AI. In addition, the interaction of the technician with the time of AI was found significant, and three‐way interaction of technician, sire and time of AI was tended to be significant on pregnancy rate. Thus, in addition to delaying the time of insemination (between 20.1 and 24 hr) after oestrous detection, THI and experienced technician were also found to be critical factors in increasing fertility with the use of sex‐sorted semen in Holstein heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]