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To evaluate the effects of a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol on the reproductive efficiency of 400 dairy cows, two artificial insemination protocols were evaluated: fixed-time AI with the Ovsynch protocol and AI at estrusdetected by visual observation. Cows that returned to heat 21 days after artificial insemination were treatment with Ovsynch protocol until they were considered pregnant. The pregnancy diagnosis was by ultrasound. The Ovsynch protocol to perform fixed-time AI improves the pregnancy rate and reduces services per conception, during the first, second and third service, compared to AI at detected heat. In all 3 services. The AI at fixed-time increased the pregnancy rate from 35.3% to 45.6%, and services per conception reduced (P ≤ 0.05) from 2.82 to 2.18 as compared toAI at estrusdetected. Therefore, the implementation of the Ovsynch protocol forAI at a fixed-time is analternative to IA estrusdetected, Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de un programa de sincronización para inseminación artificial (IA) a tiempo fijo sobre la eficiencia reproductiva de 400 vacas lecheras, se compararon dos protocolos de inseminaciónartificial: IA a tiempo fijo con protocolo Ovsynchy IA a celo detectadopor observación visual.Las vacas que repitieron celo, 21 días posteriores a la inseminación artificial, se sometieron a un nuevo tratamiento con un máximo de dos ocasiones hasta confirmar preñez. El diagnostico de gestaciónse realizó por ecografía.El protocolo Ovsynch para realizar la IA a tiempo fijo, mejora la tasa de gestación y reduce los servicios por concepción, durante el primero, segundo y tercer servicio, en comparación con la IA a celo detectado. En los 3 servicios,la IA a tiempo fijo aumentó la tasa de preñez de 35.3% a un 45.6%, mientras que los servicios por concepción los redujo (P≤ 0.05) de 2.82 a 2.18 en comparación con IA a celo detectado. Por ello, la implementación del protocolo Ovsynch para realizar IAa tiempo fijo es una alternativa viable en sustitución de un protocolo de inseminación a celo detectado

Estrus synchronization (ES) is a valuable technology that can help beef cow-calf producers to overcome infertility caused by prolonged anestrus. Protocols for ES that use progesterone (P4) supplementation are of particular value to cows with prolonged postpartum anestrus as P4 triggers them to begin cycling and allows them to have fertility similar to that of cycling cows. Supplementation of P4 intravaginally with the use of a controlled internal drug release device (CIDR) improves cycle induction when compared to oral administration of P4. Vaginitis has been reported as a side effect to CIDR use in cattle, which raises concerns about its downstream effects on fertility. More specifically, the effects of CIDR use on the vaginal environment requires exploration, as no studies have explored the changes in vaginal microbiome in response to CIDR based ES protocols. In cattle, the vaginal microbiome has not been widely explored. On the contrary, the human vaginal microbiome is a well-defined environment, rich in bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus, which are responsible for promoting an environment of acidic pH. The dominance of Lactobacillus in the human vagina, however, fluctuates according to steroid hormone concentrations, and disruptions in the vaginal environment will cause depletion of Lactobacillus species, increase in vaginal pH and decreased fertility. Based on this data in humans, our objectives were to describe incidence of vaginitis caused by the CIDR in beef cows, as well as the vaginal microbiome changes in response to CIDR based protocols, and explore their relation to fertility. We found high incidences of vaginitis caused by CIDR use, yet CIDR-induced vaginitis did not negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. However, at CIDR withdrawal, there was decreased bacterial diversity, increased vaginal pH, increased bacterial abundance, and increased vaginal inflammation when compared to what was observed prior to CIDR insertion. Furthermore, abundance of bacte

The combination of estrus synchronization and superovulation (SS) treatments causes alterations in ovarian and endometrial gene expression patterns, resulting in abnormal follicle and oocyte growth, fertilization, and embryo development. However, the impact of combined SS treatments on the transcriptome of the surviving embryos remains unidentified. In this study, we examined gene expression changes in day 6 blastocysts that survived a brief regimen of synchronization treatment combined with superovulation. The sows were included in one of three groups: SS7 group (n = 6), sows were administered Altrenogest (ALT) 7 days from the day of weaning and superovulated with eCG 24 h after the end of ALT treatment and hCG at the onset of estrus; SO group (n = 6), ALT nontreated sows were superovulated with eCG 24 h postweaning and hCG at the onset of estrus; control group (n = 6), weaned sows displaying natural estrus. Six days after insemination, the sows underwent a surgical intervention for embryo collection. Transcriptome analysis was performed on blastocyst-stage embryos with good morphology. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups were detected using one-way ANOVA with an un-adjusted p-value < 0.05 and a fold change 1.5. The effect of SO treatment on the number of altered pathways and DEGs within each pathway was minimal. Only four pathways were disrupted comprising only a total of four altered transcripts, which were not related to reproductive functions or embryonic development. On the other hand, the surviving blastocysts subjected to SS7 treatments exhibited moderate gene expression changes in terms of DEGs and fold changes, with seven pathways disrupted containing a total of 10 transcripts affected. In this case, the up-regulation of certain pathways, such as the metabolic pathway, with two up-regulated genes associated with reproductive functions, namely RDH10 and SPTLC2, may suggest suboptimal embryo quality, while the down-regulation of others

This investigation was executed to determine effect of buck exposure on estrus response, onset of standing estrus, ovulation rate, conception rate and pregnancy rate in goats synchronized with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponges. Sponges were placed inside the vagina for fifteen days in buck exposed and isolated groups. Post sponge withdrawal, estrus activities were continuously observed. The interval between sponge withdrawal and the onset of standing estrus were 32.3±10 h (18-51 h) and 45.2±10.9 h (27-51h) in buck isolated and exposed group respectively (p<0.05). Ovulation and conception rates were confirmed by serum progesterone level using radioimmunoassay. Ovulation rates were 100% in both groups and conception rates were 93% and 100% in buck exposed and in isolated group respectively (p>0.05). Pregnancies were confirmed by ultrasound on day 35 post mating which were 93%, was and 69% in buck exposed and isolated group respectively (p>0.05). Based upon the evidence, it was inference that post sponge removal sudden buck exposure cause markedly earlier estrus onset while the continuous buck exposure was unable to show significantly impact on conception and pregnancy rates compare to isolated group., Esta investigación se llevó a cabo para determinar el efecto de la exposición al macho cabrío sobre la respuesta al estro, el inicio del estro permanente, la tasa de ovulación, la tasa de concepción y la tasa de preñez en cabras sincronizadas con esponjas de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP). Se colocaron esponjas dentro de la vagina durante quince días en grupos aislados y expuestos a machos. Después de retirar la esponja, se observaron continuamente las actividades estrales. El intervalo entre la retirada de la esponja y el inicio del estro permanente fue de 32.3±10 h (18-51 h) y 45.2±10.9 h (27-51 h) en el grupo de machos aislados y expuestos respectivamente (p<0.05). Las tasas de ovulación y concepción se confirmaron mediante el nivel de progesterona sérica mediante radioinmunoensayo. Las tasas de ovulación fueron del 100% en ambos grupos y las tasas de concepción fueron del 93% y del 100% en los machos expuestos y en el grupo aislado, respectivamente (p>0.05). Los embarazos fueron confirmados por ultrasonido en el día 35 después del apareamiento, que fueron 93%, fue y 69% en el grupo expuesto y aislado de machos, respectivamente (p>0.05). Sobre la base de la evidencia, se infirió que la exposición repentina al macho después de la extracción de la esponja provocó un inicio del estro notablemente más temprano, mientras que la exposición continua al macho no pudo mostrar un impacto significativo en las tasas de concepción y preñez en comparación con el grupo aislado.

This investigation was executed to determine effect of buck exposure on estrus response, onset of standing estrus, ovulation rate, conception rate and pregnancy rate in goats synchronized with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponges. Sponges were placed inside the vagina for fifteen days in buck exposed and isolated groups. Post sponge withdrawal, estrus activities were continuously observed. The interval between sponge withdrawal and the onset of standing estrus were 32.3±10 h (18-51 h) and 45.2±10.9 h (27-51h) in buck isolated and exposed group respectively (p<0.05). Ovulation and conception rates were confirmed by serum progesterone level using radioimmunoassay. Ovulation rates were 100% in both groups and conception rates were 93% and 100% in buck exposed and in isolated group respectively (p>0.05). Pregnancies were confirmed by ultrasound on day 35 post mating which were 93%, was and 69% in buck exposed and isolated group respectively (p>0.05). Based upon the evidence, it was inference that post sponge removal sudden buck exposure cause markedly earlier estrus onset while the continuous buck exposure was unable to show significantly impact on conception and pregnancy rates compare to isolated group., Esta investigación se llevó a cabo para determinar el efecto de la exposición al macho cabrío sobre la respuesta al estro, el inicio del estro permanente, la tasa de ovulación, la tasa de concepción y la tasa de preñez en cabras sincronizadas con esponjas de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP). Se colocaron esponjas dentro de la vagina durante quince días en grupos aislados y expuestos a machos. Después de retirar la esponja, se observaron continuamente las actividades estrales. El intervalo entre la retirada de la esponja y el inicio del estro permanente fue de 32.3±10 h (18-51 h) y 45.2±10.9 h (27-51 h) en el grupo de machos aislados y expuestos respectivamente (p<0.05). Las tasas de ovulación y concepción se confirmaron mediante el nivel de progesterona sérica mediante radioinmunoensayo. Las tasas de ovulación fueron del 100% en ambos grupos y las tasas de concepción fueron del 93% y del 100% en los machos expuestos y en el grupo aislado, respectivamente (p>0.05). Los embarazos fueron confirmados por ultrasonido en el día 35 después del apareamiento, que fueron 93%, fue y 69% en el grupo expuesto y aislado de machos, respectivamente (p>0.05). Sobre la base de la evidencia, se infirió que la exposición repentina al macho después de la extracción de la esponja provocó un inicio del estro notablemente más temprano, mientras que la exposición continua al macho no pudo mostrar un impacto significativo en las tasas de concepción y preñez en comparación con el grupo aislado.

peer-reviewed, In sheep, cervical artificial insemination (AI) involves depositing semen at the cervical opening, as it is not possible to traverse the cervix due to its complex anatomy. However, internationally this method yields low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed semen is used. An exception to this is in Norway, in which vaginal deposition of frozen-thawed semen to a natural estrus yields pregnancy rates around 70%. As the cervix and its secretions are the principal factors influencing sperm transport to the site of fertilization the aim of this study was to characterise the differences in the cervical anatomy as well as the cervicovaginal mucus properties of six European ewe breeds across three countries known to have differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These were Suffolk and Belclare in Ireland, Fur and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) in Norway and Ile de France and Romanov in France (n ¼ 28e30 ewes/breed). Cervicovaginal mucus was collected at the follicular and luteal phases of both a synchronized and natural cycle and assessed for mucus weight, viscosity and colour. The anatomical characteristics of the cervix (length of the cervix, number of cervical rings and the appearance of the external os) were assessed post-mortem. There was a type of the cycle by ewe breed interaction represented by no differences in mucus production between ewe breeds at the natural cycle for both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. However, there were differences between ewe breeds at the synchronized cycle (P < 0.05). Belclare had the lowest mucus production at the follicular phase while NWS had the lowest amount of mucus at the luteal phase of the synchronized cycle. Overall, across all ewe breeds, mucus production was higher at the follicular than at the luteal phase (P < 0.05). Despite reports of Suffolk and NWS having the most divergent pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen, both breeds had the lowest overall mucu, PUBLISHED, peer-reviewed

Gastrointestinalparasites should be periodical controlled in horses to maintain their productive performance and adequate health. The objective of the research was to know the effect and safety of closantel combined with fenbendazole on the eggs of gastrointestinal parasites in horses. The drug combination was administered to 102 horses of different breed, age, sex and body weight at a dose of 10 mg per kg each drug. Physiological constants were measured before and 90 minutes after the drug was administered. Additionally,a sample was collected directly from the rectum of the horses during the physical examination to determine the presence and quantity of eggs.In positive animals, samples were taken 15, 30 y 45 days after treatment to determine the time that the administrated drugs can protect the horses. In the results, 53 horses were positive for parasites, the drug showed efficacy of 99% at 15 days after treatment and 89.79 at 45 days, in the 102 treated horses therewas no effect on the physiological variables evaluated. It is concluded that the combination of closantel with fenbendazole at 10 mg per kg of body weight has efficacy of 99% post application and is safe for horses., Los parásitos gastrointestinales deben controlarseperiódicamenteen los caballos para mantener su rendimiento productivoy adecuado estado de salud. El objetivo de la investigación fue conocer el efecto einocuidad delclosantel combinado con fenbendazolsobre huevos de parásitos gastrointestinales en equinos. La combinación delfármaco seadministró a102 caballos de diferente raza, edad, sexo y peso corporal a dosis de 10 mg por kgcada fármaco. Lasconstantes fisiológicas se midieron antes y 90 minutos después deadministrado el gel.Adicionalmente, se colectóuna muestra de heces directamente al rectode los caballosdurantela exploración físicapara determinar la presencia y cantidad de huevos.En animalespositivos se tomaron muestrasa los 15, 30 y 45 díasposteriores al tratamientopara conocer el tiempo que pueden proteger a los caballos los fármacos administrados.En los resultados53 caballos fueron positivosa parásitos, el fármaco presentó eficacia del 99% a los 15 días post tratamiento y del89.79% a los 45 días,enlos 102 caballosque recibieron el tratamiento no presentaron ningún efecto sobre las variables fisiológicas evaluadas. Seconcluye que la combinación de closantelcon fenbendazola 10 mg por kgde peso corporal tiene eficacia del99%post aplicaciónyno causoefectonegativopara loscaballosindependientemente del sexo y la edad.

Gastrointestinalparasites should be periodical controlled in horses to maintain their productive performance and adequate health. The objective of the research was to know the effect and safety of closantel combined with fenbendazole on the eggs of gastrointestinal parasites in horses. The drug combination was administered to 102 horses of different breed, age, sex and body weight at a dose of 10 mg per kg each drug. Physiological constants were measured before and 90 minutes after the drug was administered. Additionally,a sample was collected directly from the rectum of the horses during the physical examination to determine the presence and quantity of eggs.In positive animals, samples were taken 15, 30 y 45 days after treatment to determine the time that the administrated drugs can protect the horses. In the results, 53 horses were positive for parasites, the drug showed efficacy of 99% at 15 days after treatment and 89.79 at 45 days, in the 102 treated horses therewas no effect on the physiological variables evaluated. It is concluded that the combination of closantel with fenbendazole at 10 mg per kg of body weight has efficacy of 99% post application and is safe for horses., Los parásitos gastrointestinales deben controlarseperiódicamenteen los caballos para mantener su rendimiento productivoy adecuado estado de salud. El objetivo de la investigación fue conocer el efecto einocuidad delclosantel combinado con fenbendazolsobre huevos de parásitos gastrointestinales en equinos. La combinación delfármaco seadministró a102 caballos de diferente raza, edad, sexo y peso corporal a dosis de 10 mg por kgcada fármaco. Lasconstantes fisiológicas se midieron antes y 90 minutos después deadministrado el gel.Adicionalmente, se colectóuna muestra de heces directamente al rectode los caballosdurantela exploración físicapara determinar la presencia y cantidad de huevos.En animalespositivos se tomaron muestrasa los 15, 30 y 45 díasposteriores al tratamientopara conocer el tiempo que pueden proteger a los caballos los fármacos administrados.En los resultados53 caballos fueron positivosa parásitos, el fármaco presentó eficacia del 99% a los 15 días post tratamiento y del89.79% a los 45 días,enlos 102 caballosque recibieron el tratamiento no presentaron ningún efecto sobre las variables fisiológicas evaluadas. Seconcluye que la combinación de closantelcon fenbendazola 10 mg por kgde peso corporal tiene eficacia del99%post aplicaciónyno causoefectonegativopara loscaballosindependientemente del sexo y la edad.

The foreseen shortage of eCG for estrus synchronization in sheep makes necessary the development of alternative protocols. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the reproductive response of sheep in breeding season to the administration of GnRH using propylene-glycol as a cosolvent and the subcutaneous route for slowing and extending the release of GnRH, as well as the most adequate timing for such administration. In the present study, protocols based on a short-term CIDR treatment and a single subcutaneous dose of GnRH in propylene-glycol at 36 h after CIDR removal induced a similar ovarian response to protocols based on administration of eCG at CIDR removal or intramuscular GnRH in distilled water at 56 h after. In such protocol, 80% of the animals developed estrus in a narrow timing (75% between 36 and 48 h after CIDR removal), and all of them also ovulated in a narrow window (87.5% between 72 and 76 h after CIDR removal, with 62.5% between 72 and 76 h) and showed a similar ovulation rate and plasma progesterone concentrations at the induced estrous cycle. Hence, administration of GnRH in propylene-glycol may constitute an alternative to traditional protocols based on the administration of eCG., Sección Deptal. de Farmacología y Toxicología (Veterinaria), Fac. de Veterinaria, TRUE, pub

The present study aimed to set up a short-term protocol for synchronization of follicular wave emergence in sheep, concomitant with estrus synchronization, which would improve ovarian response in assisted reproductive technologies. Administration of a single GnRH dose, concomitant with the insertion of a progesterone-loaded CIDR device, caused regression of gonadotrophin-dependent follicles ≥4 mm in all the GnRH-treated sheep and in around 80% of the controls treated only with CIDR (p < 0.05). Similar percentages of ewes lost all follicles (around 70%) or only the largest one (around 30%) in both groups. Hence, 54.1% and 70% of the sheep lost all large follicles and initiated a new follicular wave in the control and GnRH groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The remaining sheep showed follicles that were still not dependent of luteinizing hormone (LH). So, in fact, all the sheep had non-dominant follicles after treatment. In conclusion, a treatment including GnRH at CIDR insertion would offer a time- and cost-efficient protocol for inducing follicular turnover and synchronizing a new follicular wave at any stage of the estrous cycle., Sección Deptal. de Farmacología y Toxicología (Veterinaria), Fac. de Veterinaria, TRUE, pub

The foreseen shortage of eCG for estrus synchronization in sheep makes necessary the development of alternative protocols. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the reproductive response of sheep in breeding season to the administration of GnRH using propylene-glycol as a cosolvent and the subcutaneous route for slowing and extending the release of GnRH, as well as the most adequate timing for such administration. In the present study, protocols based on a short-term CIDR treatment and a single subcutaneous dose of GnRH in propylene-glycol at 36 h after CIDR removal induced a similar ovarian response to protocols based on administration of eCG at CIDR removal or intramuscular GnRH in distilled water at 56 h after. In such protocol, 80% of the animals developed estrus in a narrow timing (75% between 36 and 48 h after CIDR removal), and all of them also ovulated in a narrow window (87.5% between 72 and 76 h after CIDR removal, with 62.5% between 72 and 76 h) and showed a similar ovulation rate and plasma progesterone concentrations at the induced estrous cycle. Hence, administration of GnRH in propylene-glycol may constitute an alternative to traditional protocols based on the administration of eCG.

The present study aimed to set up a short-term protocol for synchronization of follicular wave emergence in sheep, concomitant with estrus synchronization, which would improve ovarian response in assisted reproductive technologies. Administration of a single GnRH dose, concomitant with the insertion of a progesterone-loaded CIDR device, caused regression of gonadotrophin-dependent follicles ≥4 mm in all the GnRH-treated sheep and in around 80% of the controls treated only with CIDR (p < 0.05). Similar percentages of ewes lost all follicles (around 70%) or only the largest one (around 30%) in both groups. Hence, 54.1% and 70% of the sheep lost all large follicles and initiated a new follicular wave in the control and GnRH groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The remaining sheep showed follicles that were still not dependent of luteinizing hormone (LH). So, in fact, all the sheep had non-dominant follicles after treatment. In conclusion, a treatment including GnRH at CIDR insertion would offer a time- and cost-efficient protocol for inducing follicular turnover and synchronizing a new follicular wave at any stage of the estrous cycle.

Background: Coffee pulp has a high content of antioxidants capable of modifying the oxidative status in small ruminants. However, high amounts for a prolonged time can reduce fertility. Objective: To determine the effect of two inclusion levels of coffee pulp during estrous synchronization on reproductive variables and oxidative status of primiparous ewes. Methods: Sixty Suffolk x Dorset primiparous ewes were distributed into three treatments in a completely randomized design; T0: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet, Tl: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 5% coffee pulp, T2: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 10% coffee pulp. Supplementation was given for 16 days before estrus synchronization and until the beginning of the breeding season. A progestogen (CIDR®) was inserted for ll days and a dose of PGF2a was applied two days prior to its withdrawal. Estrus detection started 12 hours after CIDR withdrawal. Blood samples were obtained during the supplementation period to measure oxidative status, antioxidant capacity, glucose and insulin, and up to 9 days after breeding to determine progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 and 60 days post-breeding. An analysis of repeated measures of mixed effects and frequency analysis were carried out. Results: Inclusion of coffee pulp for a short period prior to breeding did not affect reproductive parameters, nor progesterone, glucose or insulin concentrations (p>0.05); however, antioxidant capacity increased, while lipid oxidation showed an opposite trend (p<0.05). Conclusion: Inclusion of up to 10% coffee pulp in the diet of ewe lambs for 16 days prior to breeding improves oxidative status without causing adverse effects on pregnancy, estrus or prolificacy., Antecedentes: A polpa de café tem alto conteúdo de antioxidantes capazes de modificar o estado oxidativo em pequenos ruminantes; no entanto, em doses elevadas e por um tempo prolongado reduz a fertilidade. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito de diferentes niveis de inclusão de polpa de café durante a sincronização do estro em diferentes variáveis reprodutivas e estado oxidativo das ovelhas primíparas. Métodos: Sessenta ovelhas primíparas dos cruzamentos Suffolk x Dorset foram distribuidas em três tratamentos em um design completamente aleatório; T0: (n=20) com 1,5 kg de dieta completa, Tl: (n=20) com 1,5 kg de dieta completa contendo 5% de poipa de café, T2: (n=20) com 1,5 kg de dieta completa contendo 10% de poipa de café. A suplementação realizou-se por 16 dias, antes do inicio da sincronização de estros e até o momento do acasalamento. O progestogênio (CIDR) foi inserido nas ovelhas durante 11 dias e uma dose de PGF2a foi aplicada dois dias antes da sua retirada. Doze horas após a retirada do CIDR iniciou-se a detecção de estros. Foram obtidas amostras de sangue durante o período de suplementação, para medição do estado oxidativo, capacidade antioxidante, glicose e insulina e até 9 dias posteriores ao inicio da estação de monta para determinar as concentrações de progesterona. O diagnostico de gestação realizou-se aos 30 e 60 dias post-monta. Uma análise de medidas repetidas de efeitos mistos e análise de freqüência foi realizada. Resultados: A inclusão de polpa por um período curto antes da estação de monta nao afetou os parámetros reprodutivos nem as concentrações de progesterona, glicose e insulina (p>0,05); porém, a capacidade antioxidante nas ovelhas foi aumentada, enquanto a oxidação lipídica seguiu uma tendência inversa (p<0,05). Conclusão: Inclusão de polpa de café na dieta de ovelha até 10% durante 16 dias antes do acasalamento melhora o estado oxidativo, sem causar efeitos adversos na porcentagem de gravidez, estro e prolificidade., Antecedentes: La pulpa de café tiene un alto contenido de antioxidantes capaces de modificar el estado oxidativo en pequeños rumiantes. Sin embargo, a dosis elevadas y por un tiempo prolongado puede reducir la fertilidad. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de dos niveles de inclusión de pulpa de café durante la sincronización del estro en variables reproductivas y el estado oxidativo de ovejas primerizas. Métodos: Se utilizaron 60 ovejas primalas Suffolk x Dorset que fueron distribuidas en tres tratamientos en un diseño completamente al azar; T0: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral, Tl: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral y 5% de pulpa de café, T2: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral y 10% de pulpa de café. La suplementación se realizó por 16 días, previo a la sincronización del estro y hasta el empadre. El progestágeno (CIDR® se insertó en las ovejas por 11 días y se aplicó una dosis de PGF2a dos días antes de su retiro. La detección de estro comenzó a las 12 horas post-retiro del CIDR®. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas durante el periodo de suplementación para medir estado oxidativo, capacidad antioxidante, glucosa e Insulina, y hasta 9 días posteriores al empadre para determinar las concentraciones de progesterona. El diagnóstico de gestación se realizó a los 30 y 60 días post-monta. Se realizaron análisis de medidas repetidas utilizando un modelo de efectos mixtos, además de análisis de frecuencias. Resultados: La inclusión de pulpa por un periodo corto previo al empadre no afectó los parámetros reproductivos ni las concentraciones de progesterona, glucosa o insulina (p>0,05); sin embargo, la capacidad antioxidante se incrementó, mientras que la oxidación lipídica siguió una tendencia inversa (p<0,05). Conclusión: La inclusión hasta de 10% de pulpa de café en la dieta de ovejas por 16 días previo al empadre mejora el estado oxidativo sin ocasionar efectos adversos en el porcentaje de preñez, estro o prolificidad.

The present study characterizes, for sheep, the occurrence and timing of the onset of estrus behavior and ovulation and the yields obtained (ovulation rate, progesterone secretion, and fertility) after Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) insertion for five, six, seven, or fourteen days, with or without equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) in ewes of the Segureña meat breed. All the treatments showed above 80% of females displaying estrus, but the onset of estrus was earlier and more synchronized when using eCG and, among groups with eCG, onset of estrus was earlier in the sheep treated for 14 days than in the short-term treatments (p < 0.05 for all). Administration of eCG after either short- or long-term treatments assured the occurrence of fertile ovulations in all the animals. Conversely, ovulatory success without eCG was found to be dependent on treatment length, with a high percentage of animals ovulating after five days of treatment (83.3%) and very low percentages after treatment for six or seven days (40% and 20%, respectively). Ovulation rate and progesterone secretion were similar among animals ovulating, but ovulation failures predetermined the fertility yields obtained in response to the treatments. Hence, the best results were found after treatment for 14 days plus eCG, and for 5 days without eCG (83.3 for both, p < 0.05 when compared to the other groups with different treatment lengths and with or without eCG).

Background: Coffee pulp has a high content of antioxidants capable of modifying the oxidative status in small ruminants. However, high amounts for a prolonged time can reduce fertility. Objective: To determine the effect of two inclusion levels of coffee pulp during estrous synchronization on reproductive variables and oxidative status of primiparous ewes. Methods: Sixty Suffolk x Dorset primiparous ewes were distributed into three treatments in a completely randomized design; T0: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet, Tl: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 5% coffee pulp, T2: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 10% coffee pulp. Supplementation was given for 16 days before estrus synchronization and until the beginning of the breeding season. A progestogen (CIDR®) was inserted for ll days and a dose of PGF2a was applied two days prior to its withdrawal. Estrus detection started 12 hours after CIDR withdrawal. Blood samples were obtained during the supplementation period to measure oxidative status, antioxidant capacity, glucose and insulin, and up to 9 days after breeding to determine progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 and 60 days post-breeding. An analysis of repeated measures of mixed effects and frequency analysis were carried out. Results: Inclusion of coffee pulp for a short period prior to breeding did not affect reproductive parameters, nor progesterone, glucose or insulin concentrations (p>0.05); however, antioxidant capacity increased, while lipid oxidation showed an opposite trend (p<0.05). Conclusion: Inclusion of up to 10% coffee pulp in the diet of ewe lambs for 16 days prior to breeding improves oxidative status without causing adverse effects on pregnancy, estrus or prolificacy., Antecedentes: A polpa de café tem alto conteúdo de antioxidantes capazes de modificar o estado oxidativo em pequenos ruminantes; no entanto, em doses elevadas e por um tempo prolongado reduz a fertilidade. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito de diferentes niveis de inclusão de polpa de café durante a sincronização do estro em diferentes variáveis reprodutivas e estado oxidativo das ovelhas primíparas. Métodos: Sessenta ovelhas primíparas dos cruzamentos Suffolk x Dorset foram distribuidas em três tratamentos em um design completamente aleatório; T0: (n=20) com 1,5 kg de dieta completa, Tl: (n=20) com 1,5 kg de dieta completa contendo 5% de poipa de café, T2: (n=20) com 1,5 kg de dieta completa contendo 10% de poipa de café. A suplementação realizou-se por 16 dias, antes do inicio da sincronização de estros e até o momento do acasalamento. O progestogênio (CIDR) foi inserido nas ovelhas durante 11 dias e uma dose de PGF2a foi aplicada dois dias antes da sua retirada. Doze horas após a retirada do CIDR iniciou-se a detecção de estros. Foram obtidas amostras de sangue durante o período de suplementação, para medição do estado oxidativo, capacidade antioxidante, glicose e insulina e até 9 dias posteriores ao inicio da estação de monta para determinar as concentrações de progesterona. O diagnostico de gestação realizou-se aos 30 e 60 dias post-monta. Uma análise de medidas repetidas de efeitos mistos e análise de freqüência foi realizada. Resultados: A inclusão de polpa por um período curto antes da estação de monta nao afetou os parámetros reprodutivos nem as concentrações de progesterona, glicose e insulina (p>0,05); porém, a capacidade antioxidante nas ovelhas foi aumentada, enquanto a oxidação lipídica seguiu uma tendência inversa (p<0,05). Conclusão: Inclusão de polpa de café na dieta de ovelha até 10% durante 16 dias antes do acasalamento melhora o estado oxidativo, sem causar efeitos adversos na porcentagem de gravidez, estro e prolificidade., Antecedentes: La pulpa de café tiene un alto contenido de antioxidantes capaces de modificar el estado oxidativo en pequeños rumiantes. Sin embargo, a dosis elevadas y por un tiempo prolongado puede reducir la fertilidad. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de dos niveles de inclusión de pulpa de café durante la sincronización del estro en variables reproductivas y el estado oxidativo de ovejas primerizas. Métodos: Se utilizaron 60 ovejas primalas Suffolk x Dorset que fueron distribuidas en tres tratamientos en un diseño completamente al azar; T0: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral, Tl: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral y 5% de pulpa de café, T2: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral y 10% de pulpa de café. La suplementación se realizó por 16 días, previo a la sincronización del estro y hasta el empadre. El progestágeno (CIDR® se insertó en las ovejas por 11 días y se aplicó una dosis de PGF2a dos días antes de su retiro. La detección de estro comenzó a las 12 horas post-retiro del CIDR®. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas durante el periodo de suplementación para medir estado oxidativo, capacidad antioxidante, glucosa e Insulina, y hasta 9 días posteriores al empadre para determinar las concentraciones de progesterona. El diagnóstico de gestación se realizó a los 30 y 60 días post-monta. Se realizaron análisis de medidas repetidas utilizando un modelo de efectos mixtos, además de análisis de frecuencias. Resultados: La inclusión de pulpa por un periodo corto previo al empadre no afectó los parámetros reproductivos ni las concentraciones de progesterona, glucosa o insulina (p>0,05); sin embargo, la capacidad antioxidante se incrementó, mientras que la oxidación lipídica siguió una tendencia inversa (p<0,05). Conclusión: La inclusión hasta de 10% de pulpa de café en la dieta de ovejas por 16 días previo al empadre mejora el estado oxidativo sin ocasionar efectos adversos en el porcentaje de preñez, estro o prolificidad.

Induction and synchronization of estrus and ovulation in sheep is based on intravaginal progestagen-impregnated polyurethane sponges or progesterone-loaded silicon-based devices (CIDR), in either short- (6⁻7 days) or long-term (12⁻14 days) protocols. Bearing in mind that the use of intravaginal sponges in long-term protocols has been related to the presence of vaginitis at removal, we compared the effects of sponges and CIDRs, maintained during either 7 or 14 days, on vaginal features (characteristics of vaginal mucus discharge, pH and microbiota) and fertility under field conditions. Almost all the ewes treated with intravaginal sponges showed vaginal discharge at device withdrawal, which was purulent and/or bloody in around 15% and 80% of the females treated for 7 and 14 days, respectively. The vaginal pH and microbiota changed in both groups when compared to control sheep, especially in ewes treated for 14 days, which showed a pH value around 8 and a higher incidence of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. On the other hand, independently of the length of the treatment, only around 15⁻20% of the sheep treated with CIDRs evidenced vaginal discharge (p < 0.00005 when compared to sponge groups), and such discharge was scarce, clear, and showed no changes in vaginal pH and microbiota when compared to control sheep. Fertility yields were associated with vaginal features, being higher in both short-term treatments (75%) and the long-term CIDR-based treatment (70%) than in the long-term sponge-based treatment (45%).

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of biostimulation (Male Effect) through kidding rate of artificially inseminated goats during rainy (March-April) and dry (August-September) seasons of 2012 at Ceara, Brazil. The male effect was effective regardless of season, resulting in 94.5% of goats in estrus. The pregnancy rate for the dry season (57.6%) was proportionally higher than the rainy season (44.4%). However, the kidding rate has tended (P = 0.074) to be higher in the dry season. In general, the second estrus was more conducive to pregnancy, either to rainy or dry season. Thus, the artificial insemination of goats with estrus induced and synchronized by the male effect can be a feasible management resulting in satisfactory productive and reproductive index.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of biostimulation (Male Effect) through kidding rate of artificially inseminated goats during rainy (March-April) and dry (August-September) seasons of 2012 at Ceara, Brazil. The male effect was effective regardless of season, resulting in 94.5% of goats in estrus. The pregnancy rate for the dry season (57.6%) was proportionally higher than the rainy season (44.4%). However, the kidding rate has tended (P = 0.074) to be higher in the dry season. In general, the second estrus was more conducive to pregnancy, either to rainy or dry season. Thus, the artificial insemination of goats with estrus induced and synchronized by the male effect can be a feasible management resulting in satisfactory productive and reproductive index.

The U.S. hog industry's shift to vertically-integrated, intensively-managed operations brought about a variety of management systems for breeding herds, including batch farrowing. In this system, groups of sows are weaned in 2- to 5- week intervals, making estrus synchronization of new gilts and sows critical to maintaining reproductive efficiency in the herd. The use of commercially available hormones to synchronize estrus in this system has not been extensively studied. This experiment was conducted to determine whether the use of commercially available hormones (MATRIX® and P.G. 600®; Merck Animal Health, De Sota, KS) in a 5-week batch management system had a positive impact on reproductive efficiency in gilts and sows over the course of 3 parities. Gilts were allocated to an Entry Group (A, B, or D) and then assigned to a treatment, Hormone-Assisted (HA) (5 mL P.G. 600 injection 5 days and/or fed 15 mg/day of MATRIX for 14 consecutive days prior to the breeding week) or Control (no exogenous hormones). Gilts and sows were checked daily for estrus with a mature boar, and a group was bred using AI during a 7-day breeding period every 5 weeks and allowed to farrow up to 3 parities. Among groups, there was a tendency (P = 0.08) for more HA than control gilts to display estrus and be mated on schedule. For gilts within Group A, more (P < 0.01) HA than control females displayed estrus and were mated. Body weight at first service for gilts in Groups A and B were higher than Group D (P < 0.01). Overall, there was no effect of treatment on (P = 0.20) non-productive days. There was a strong tendency for HA sows to have a greater (P = 0.07) number of parities completed than control sows; Total pigs born (P < 0.05) and total pigs born alive (P < 0.05) were greater for HA sows than control sows. In Parity 1, Group D sows had a lesser number of pigs born (P < 0.01) and pigs born alive (P < 0.02) than Groups A and B; The number of pigs weaned differed between entry groups (P

An appropriate management of reproduction allows ewes to breed at a more intensive rhythm, more compatible with economic efficiency of farms. Hence, the objectives of the present work were to evaluate a traditional estrus synchronization protocol (based on medroxyprogesterone acetate-impregnated intravaginal sponges combined or not with equine chorionic gonadotropin) on a Merino sheep herd during the breeding season, in order to determine the best working protocol for this breed. A total of 277 sheep, blocked by age (200 ewes and 77 ewe lambs) were randomly allocated to four groups, two of ewes (E and Ee) and two of ewe lambs (L and Le). All females received 60 mg MAP (medroxyprogesterone acetate) sponges on the first day. At the day of removal the animals of groups Ee and Le received 450 IU of eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin). Mean estrus synchronization rate was 92.06% and similar among groups. Time to estrus was shorter for Ee (46.93±12.44 h) and Le (44.34±10.76 h), when compared to treatments without eCG (60.60±20.46 h and 58.68±17.72 h for E and L, respectively; P<0.05 for both). Pregnancy rates were 71.35 and 72.86% for ewes and ewe lambs, respectively, and similar among groups. Lambing rates were lower in ewes (1.36) than in ewe lambs (1.85) with no significant effect of eCG. The study demonstrates the efficacy of the synchronization method with MAP and the reduction in the time to estrus induced by eCG in Spanish Merino ewes and ewe lambs during the breeding season. © 2015 by Salvador Ruiz.

An important part of reproductive management programs on dairy farms is identification of nonpregnant cows and early re-insemination to achieve higher pregnancy rates. The objective of this study was to compare the effect on reproductive performance and pregnancy loss of 2 pregnancy diagnosis protocols: (1) pregnancy diagnosis performed 31±3 d after artificial insemination (AI) by ultrasonography (ULTRA), and (2) resynchronization started 31±3 d after AI but with pregnancy diagnosis performed 38±3 d after AI by palpation per rectum (PALP). Cows were randomly allocated into 1 of the 2 management programs. For cows enrolled in ULTRA, the initial pregnancy diagnosis (P1) was performed by transrectal ultrasonography at 31±3 d after AI, and nonpregnant cows were enrolled in the Ovsynch protocol for resynchronization of ovulation to receive timed AI (TAI). For cows enrolled in PALP, the Ovsynch protocol for resynchronization of ovulation to receive TAI was initiated at 31±3 d after AI regardless of pregnancy status, with the initial pregnancy diagnosis (P1) performed by palpation per rectum at 38±3 d after AI. For both groups, reconfirmation of pregnancy was performed by palpation per rectum at 63±3 d after AI (P2). Cows were inseminated after detection of estrus by use of activity monitors at any time during the study. Two levels of activity were used as a reference for cows AI after detection of estrus based on activity: an activity level of ≥2 when a cow was coded in DairyComp 305 (Valley Agricultural Software, Tulare, CA) as open (nonpregnant) and an activity level of ≥3 when the pregnancy status of the cow was unknown. Our findings showed that the odds of pregnancy loss cows in ULTRA was 2 times higher between P1 and P2 compared with that of cows in PALP. Furthermore, pregnancy diagnosis method (ULTRA vs. PALP) did not have a significant effect on the Cox proportional hazard of pregnancy at P2. The occurrence of assisted parturition, metritis, or retained placenta wa

Summary. The present study compares two protocols for ovine estrus synchronization by assessing the caruncular angiogenic response to the establishment of pregnancy. The analysis consisted of the immunohistochemical evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) and Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in ovine caruncular stroma. A flock of thirty-eight adult ewes was divided in two groups and synchronized with either progestagens (Group P) or prostaglandin analogues (Group PG). Immunohistochemistry was performed in uterine samples obtained from pregnant ewes (P, n=15; PG, n=13) on days 15 post coitus (pc), 17pc and 21pc (day 0 =day of estrus). Each factor was assessed by total vascular density (TVD, total positive blood vessels/mm2), capillary vascular density (CVD, positive blood capillaries/mm2) and arteriolar vascular density (AVD, positive arterioles/mm2). Group P demonstrated higher VEGF-CVD (P=0.045) when compared to prostaglandin treated animals. Vascular CD31-expression decreased on days 15pc and 21pc (TVD, P=0.007 and CVD, P=0.014) in both groups. vWF analysis did not show significant differences between groups or days of study. These results demonstrate a different influence of progestagen-based and prostaglandin analogues-based synchronization treatments over VEGF vascular expression during caruncular development taking place in response to pregnancy establishment. In addition, observations pointed out in this study support the involvement of CD31 in the angiogenic stimulus that occurs during early maternal placentation in the ewe.

The objective of the present study was to compare estradiol/progesterone ratios of different age categories of red deer hinds and use it as a predictor of estrus synchronization success and consequently conception rate. To accomplish this we used 38 red deer hinds to establish serum progesterone and estradiol levels in young (21 animals), mature (10 animals) and old (7 animals) hinds during the estrus synchronization procedure (transvaginal/cervical AI). The following estrus synchronization was used: at the start of the experiment each hind received a controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand) containing 0.3 g of progesterone. The device was removed on day 11, simultaneously with an application of 250 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holland). Transvaginal/ cervical AI (artificial insemination) was performed 48 hours after CIDR withdrawal (day 13). Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein using a Venoject® vacutainer without an anticoagulant for hormonal tests on the same experimental day (0, 11th and 13th day). A statistically (p lt 0.01) higher progesterone level was found in young hinds on the 11th day after controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device insertion. A significantly higher (p lt 0.01) estrogen level was observed in the young in regard to mature and old hinds on the expected day of estrus (13th day). Estradiol/progesterone ratios showed a statistically significant difference (p lt 0.01) on insemination day (13th day) between old and young hinds (98.67 : 46.59) and between old and mature hinds (98.67 : 51.79). Out of a total of 38 hinds only 9 had their offspring, 6 of the young and 3 of the mature hinds., Farmski držani jeleni podvrgavaju se različitim tehnikama asistirane reprodukcije, kako bi se dobile genetski vredne životinje. Između ostalog ove tehnike uključuju i sinhronizovanje estrusa i veštačko osemenjavanje. Malo se zna o odnosu između estradiola i progesterona kod košuta. Cilj ovoga rada je bio da se uporede odnosi estradiola i progesterona različitih starosnih kategorija košuta crvenog jelena i da se koristite za predviđanje uspeha sinhronizovanja estrusa i koncepcije. Da bi smo ovo postigli proveli smo postupak sinhronizacije estrusa (0. dan aplikacija intravaginalnih uložaka progesterona (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand), 11. dan uklanjanje intravaginalnih uložaka i aplikacija 250 IU seruma ždrebnih kobila (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holand). Košute su umjetno osjemenjene 48 sati nakon aplikacije (13. dan) duboko smrznutim sjemenom uvezenim iz Novog Zelanda. Uzorci krvi za analizu hormona uzeti su iz jugularne vene pomoću Venoject® vacutainera bez antikoagulansa u iste dane tretmana (0., 11. and 13. dan) i pri tome smo određivali nivo progesterona i estradiola u serumu mladih, zrelih i starih košuta. Koncentracija hormona odeređena je imunoenzimskom kemiluminiscencijom 'ECLIA' (Roche Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Statistički (p lt 0.01) veći nivo progesterona primećen je kod mladih košuta 11 dana posle aplikacije progesteronskog intravaginalnog implantata. Statistički vrlo značajno viši (p lt 0.01) nivo estrogena primećen je kod mladih košuta u odnosu na druge. Trinaestog dana eksperimenta, odnosno na dan estrusa, odnos estrogen/progesteron se vrlo značajno razlikovao (p lt 0.01) između starih (98,67) i mladih (46,59) košuta, kao i između starih i zrelih košuta (98,67:51,79). Od ukupno 38 obrađenih košuta, 9 je imalo potomstvo, od čega je 6 iz kategorije mladih košuta i 3 iz kategorije zrelih.

The objective of the present study was to compare estradiol/progesterone ratios of different age categories of red deer hinds and use it as a predictor of estrus synchronization success and consequently conception rate. To accomplish this we used 38 red deer hinds to establish serum progesterone and estradiol levels in young (21 animals), mature (10 animals) and old (7 animals) hinds during the estrus synchronization procedure (transvaginal/cervical AI). The following estrus synchronization was used: at the start of the experiment each hind received a controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand) containing 0.3 g of progesterone. The device was removed on day 11, simultaneously with an application of 250 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holland). Transvaginal/ cervical AI (artificial insemination) was performed 48 hours after CIDR withdrawal (day 13). Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein using a Venoject® vacutainer without an anticoagulant for hormonal tests on the same experimental day (0, 11th and 13th day). A statistically (p lt 0.01) higher progesterone level was found in young hinds on the 11th day after controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device insertion. A significantly higher (p lt 0.01) estrogen level was observed in the young in regard to mature and old hinds on the expected day of estrus (13th day). Estradiol/progesterone ratios showed a statistically significant difference (p lt 0.01) on insemination day (13th day) between old and young hinds (98.67 : 46.59) and between old and mature hinds (98.67 : 51.79). Out of a total of 38 hinds only 9 had their offspring, 6 of the young and 3 of the mature hinds., Farmski držani jeleni podvrgavaju se različitim tehnikama asistirane reprodukcije, kako bi se dobile genetski vredne životinje. Između ostalog ove tehnike uključuju i sinhronizovanje estrusa i veštačko osemenjavanje. Malo se zna o odnosu između estradiola i progesterona kod košuta. Cilj ovoga rada je bio da se uporede odnosi estradiola i progesterona različitih starosnih kategorija košuta crvenog jelena i da se koristite za predviđanje uspeha sinhronizovanja estrusa i koncepcije. Da bi smo ovo postigli proveli smo postupak sinhronizacije estrusa (0. dan aplikacija intravaginalnih uložaka progesterona (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand), 11. dan uklanjanje intravaginalnih uložaka i aplikacija 250 IU seruma ždrebnih kobila (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holand). Košute su umjetno osjemenjene 48 sati nakon aplikacije (13. dan) duboko smrznutim sjemenom uvezenim iz Novog Zelanda. Uzorci krvi za analizu hormona uzeti su iz jugularne vene pomoću Venoject® vacutainera bez antikoagulansa u iste dane tretmana (0., 11. and 13. dan) i pri tome smo određivali nivo progesterona i estradiola u serumu mladih, zrelih i starih košuta. Koncentracija hormona odeređena je imunoenzimskom kemiluminiscencijom 'ECLIA' (Roche Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Statistički (p lt 0.01) veći nivo progesterona primećen je kod mladih košuta 11 dana posle aplikacije progesteronskog intravaginalnog implantata. Statistički vrlo značajno viši (p lt 0.01) nivo estrogena primećen je kod mladih košuta u odnosu na druge. Trinaestog dana eksperimenta, odnosno na dan estrusa, odnos estrogen/progesteron se vrlo značajno razlikovao (p lt 0.01) između starih (98,67) i mladih (46,59) košuta, kao i između starih i zrelih košuta (98,67:51,79). Od ukupno 38 obrađenih košuta, 9 je imalo potomstvo, od čega je 6 iz kategorije mladih košuta i 3 iz kategorije zrelih.

The objective of the present study was to compare estradiol/progesterone ratios of different age categories of red deer hinds and use it as a predictor of estrus synchronization success and consequently conception rate. To accomplish this we used 38 red deer hinds to establish serum progesterone and estradiol levels in young (21 animals), mature (10 animals) and old (7 animals) hinds during the estrus synchronization procedure (transvaginal/cervical AI). The following estrus synchronization was used: at the start of the experiment each hind received a controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand) containing 0.3 g of progesterone. The device was removed on day 11, simultaneously with an application of 250 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holland). Transvaginal/ cervical AI (artificial insemination) was performed 48 hours after CIDR withdrawal (day 13). Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein using a Venoject® vacutainer without an anticoagulant for hormonal tests on the same experimental day (0, 11th and 13th day). A statistically (p lt 0.01) higher progesterone level was found in young hinds on the 11th day after controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device insertion. A significantly higher (p lt 0.01) estrogen level was observed in the young in regard to mature and old hinds on the expected day of estrus (13th day). Estradiol/progesterone ratios showed a statistically significant difference (p lt 0.01) on insemination day (13th day) between old and young hinds (98.67 : 46.59) and between old and mature hinds (98.67 : 51.79). Out of a total of 38 hinds only 9 had their offspring, 6 of the young and 3 of the mature hinds., Farmski držani jeleni podvrgavaju se različitim tehnikama asistirane reprodukcije, kako bi se dobile genetski vredne životinje. Između ostalog ove tehnike uključuju i sinhronizovanje estrusa i veštačko osemenjavanje. Malo se zna o odnosu između estradiola i progesterona kod košuta. Cilj ovoga rada je bio da se uporede odnosi estradiola i progesterona različitih starosnih kategorija košuta crvenog jelena i da se koristite za predviđanje uspeha sinhronizovanja estrusa i koncepcije. Da bi smo ovo postigli proveli smo postupak sinhronizacije estrusa (0. dan aplikacija intravaginalnih uložaka progesterona (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand), 11. dan uklanjanje intravaginalnih uložaka i aplikacija 250 IU seruma ždrebnih kobila (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holand). Košute su umjetno osjemenjene 48 sati nakon aplikacije (13. dan) duboko smrznutim sjemenom uvezenim iz Novog Zelanda. Uzorci krvi za analizu hormona uzeti su iz jugularne vene pomoću Venoject® vacutainera bez antikoagulansa u iste dane tretmana (0., 11. and 13. dan) i pri tome smo određivali nivo progesterona i estradiola u serumu mladih, zrelih i starih košuta. Koncentracija hormona odeređena je imunoenzimskom kemiluminiscencijom 'ECLIA' (Roche Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Statistički (p lt 0.01) veći nivo progesterona primećen je kod mladih košuta 11 dana posle aplikacije progesteronskog intravaginalnog implantata. Statistički vrlo značajno viši (p lt 0.01) nivo estrogena primećen je kod mladih košuta u odnosu na druge. Trinaestog dana eksperimenta, odnosno na dan estrusa, odnos estrogen/progesteron se vrlo značajno razlikovao (p lt 0.01) između starih (98,67) i mladih (46,59) košuta, kao i između starih i zrelih košuta (98,67:51,79). Od ukupno 38 obrađenih košuta, 9 je imalo potomstvo, od čega je 6 iz kategorije mladih košuta i 3 iz kategorije zrelih.

We evaluated the sexual behavior of 26 Brahman cows pharmacologically induced to the estrus. Two treatment groups of 13 animals were formed and randomly assigning each group the following treatments: Treatment 1 (T1): Day zero: subcutaneous implant on the outside of the ear with 3 mg of norgestomet plus muscular injection of 3 mg of norgestomet and 5 mg of estradiol valerate. Day seventh: muscular injection of 0,15 mg of (D+) cloprostenol. Day ninth: it was removed the implant and temporary interruption of suckling of the calves for 48 hours through the separation of mother and calf. Treatment 2 (T2): Same as described in T1, but after we removed the implant, it was introduced a subgroup of four cows previously induced by estrus. Estrus, duration of estrus, made mounts, received mounts, made butting, made smelling, received smelling, genital licking, flehmen, urination, defecation and vaginal discharge were recorded. The average interval between implant removal and onset of estrus was 29 ± 4 and 36 ± 4 hours for T1 and T2 respectively (P>0.05). The average of mounts done was of 11 ± 8 and 20 ± 9 for the T1 and T2 (P<0.05). The average of received mounts was of 26 + 24 and 11 ±11 (P>0.05) for the T1 and T2. The average of received smelling was of 13 ± 10 y 3.4 ± 2.8 (P>0.05) for the T1 and T2. No statistical differences were found in the rest of sexual behavior evaluated in this study (P>0.05). We conclude that the introduction of a subgroup of cows in estrus at the time of implant removal in a group of cows synchronized, significantly affect the made mounts and received smelling, but did not affect the presentation or the duration of estrus., Se evaluó el comportamiento sexual de 26 vacas Brahman inducidas al celo farmacológicamente. Se conformaron dos grupos de 13 animales cada uno, asignándole al azar a cada grupo uno de los siguientes tratamientos: Tratamiento uno (T1): Día cero: implante subcutáneo en la cara externa de la oreja con 3 mg de Norgestomet, más inyección muscular de 3 mg de Norgestomet y 5 mg de Valerato de Estradiol. Día siete: inyección muscular de 0,15 mg de (D+) Cloprostenol. Día nueve: Retiro del implante e interrupción temporal del amamantamiento de los terneros por 48 horas mediante la separación de madre y cría. Tratamiento 2 (T2): Igual a T1, pero después del retiro del implante, se le introdujo un subgrupo de cuatro vacas en celo. Se contabilizaron el número de vacas en estro, duración del estro, montas realizadas, montas recibidas, topeteos realizados, olfateos realizados y recibidos, lamidos de genitales, flehmen, micción, defecación y flujo vaginal. El tiempo promedio entre el retiro del implante y el estro fue de 29 ± 4 horas y 33 ± 9 (P>0.05) para el T1 y T2 respectivamente. El promedio de montas realizadas fue de 11 ± 8 y 20 ± 9 (P<0.05) para el T1 y T2. El promedio de montas recibidas para T1 y T2 fue de 11 ± 11 y 26 ± 24 (P>0.05). El promedio de los olfateos recibidos fue de 13 ± 10 y 3.4 ± 2.8 para T1 y T2. No se encontró diferencia en el resto de las conductas consideradas en este estudio (P>0.05). Se concluye que la introducción de un subgrupo de vacas en celo al momento de retirar los implantes en el grupo de vacas sincronizadas, afectó significativamente las montas realizadas y los olfateos recibidos, pero no afectó la presentación ni la duración de los estros.

We evaluated the sexual behavior of 26 Brahman cows pharmacologically induced to the estrus. Two treatment groups of 13 animals were formed and randomly assigning each group the following treatments: Treatment 1 (T1): Day zero: subcutaneous implant on the outside of the ear with 3 mg of norgestomet plus muscular injection of 3 mg of norgestomet and 5 mg of estradiol valerate. Day seventh: muscular injection of 0,15 mg of (D+) cloprostenol. Day ninth: it was removed the implant and temporary interruption of suckling of the calves for 48 hours through the separation of mother and calf. Treatment 2 (T2): Same as described in T1, but after we removed the implant, it was introduced a subgroup of four cows previously induced by estrus. Estrus, duration of estrus, made mounts, received mounts, made butting, made smelling, received smelling, genital licking, flehmen, urination, defecation and vaginal discharge were recorded. The average interval between implant removal and onset of estrus was 29 ± 4 and 36 ± 4 hours for T1 and T2 respectively (P>0.05). The average of mounts done was of 11 ± 8 and 20 ± 9 for the T1 and T2 (P<0.05). The average of received mounts was of 26 + 24 and 11 ±11 (P>0.05) for the T1 and T2. The average of received smelling was of 13 ± 10 y 3.4 ± 2.8 (P>0.05) for the T1 and T2. No statistical differences were found in the rest of sexual behavior evaluated in this study (P>0.05). We conclude that the introduction of a subgroup of cows in estrus at the time of implant removal in a group of cows synchronized, significantly affect the made mounts and received smelling, but did not affect the presentation or the duration of estrus., Se evaluó el comportamiento sexual de 26 vacas Brahman inducidas al celo farmacológicamente. Se conformaron dos grupos de 13 animales cada uno, asignándole al azar a cada grupo uno de los siguientes tratamientos: Tratamiento uno (T1): Día cero: implante subcutáneo en la cara externa de la oreja con 3 mg de Norgestomet, más inyección muscular de 3 mg de Norgestomet y 5 mg de Valerato de Estradiol. Día siete: inyección muscular de 0,15 mg de (D+) Cloprostenol. Día nueve: Retiro del implante e interrupción temporal del amamantamiento de los terneros por 48 horas mediante la separación de madre y cría. Tratamiento 2 (T2): Igual a T1, pero después del retiro del implante, se le introdujo un subgrupo de cuatro vacas en celo. Se contabilizaron el número de vacas en estro, duración del estro, montas realizadas, montas recibidas, topeteos realizados, olfateos realizados y recibidos, lamidos de genitales, flehmen, micción, defecación y flujo vaginal. El tiempo promedio entre el retiro del implante y el estro fue de 29 ± 4 horas y 33 ± 9 (P>0.05) para el T1 y T2 respectivamente. El promedio de montas realizadas fue de 11 ± 8 y 20 ± 9 (P<0.05) para el T1 y T2. El promedio de montas recibidas para T1 y T2 fue de 11 ± 11 y 26 ± 24 (P>0.05). El promedio de los olfateos recibidos fue de 13 ± 10 y 3.4 ± 2.8 para T1 y T2. No se encontró diferencia en el resto de las conductas consideradas en este estudio (P>0.05). Se concluye que la introducción de un subgrupo de vacas en celo al momento de retirar los implantes en el grupo de vacas sincronizadas, afectó significativamente las montas realizadas y los olfateos recibidos, pero no afectó la presentación ni la duración de los estros.

An estrus synchronization trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of adding an injection of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) at initiation of the controlled intravaginal drug releasing device (CIDR®) progesterone synchronization protocol in heifers. Nulliparous (n=121) beef heifers were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. All heifers received a CIDR® implant at the initiation of the breeding season. Half of the heifers (Select Synch) received an injection of GnRH. Heifers in the Select Synch treatment group had a lower numerical response (76.7% versus 88.3%) to treatment (detected in heat) and an overall lower artificial conception rate (46.0% versus 53.3%), but no statistical difference was detected. Days to conception and artificial insemination conception rates for both groups were similar for all heifers inseminated. Three hundred multiparous Hereford, crossbred and composite beef cows were assigned to one of two breeding groups (Early and Late) based on calving date and randomly assigned to receive an injection of GnRH at the time of CIDR® insertion (Select Synch). The addition of GnRH did not impact the percentage of cows detected in estrus or days to conception. Conception rates were not affected by the addition of GnRH (Select Synch), however cows in the early breeding group were more likely to become pregnant (58% versus 45%) by artificial insemination (P<0.02). An experiment evaluated the efficacy of the CIDR® protocol to synchronize estrus in Arizona Holstein dairy cows (n=696). Cows assigned to the CIDR® protocol (n=337) received a CIDR® insert at the end of the voluntary waiting period (55 days). CIDR®s were removed and an injection of prostaglandin was administered seven days after insertion. There was no difference due to CIDR® treatment in number of services per conception or first service conception rate. CIDR® treatment reduced days to first service, days open at first service, and days open (P<0.02). Warm season had a dele

There are many factors that can influence reproduction of the dairy cow such as management, physiologic factors, nutrition, genetics, and diseases Reproductive efficiency. Reproductive performance is therefore a major concern in dairy herds to success, and it has to be subject of continuous and accurate evaluation in reproductive herd health programs, in order to detect problems and implement adequate solutions. Controlled breeding programs have allowed dairy producers to optimize service rate with little impact on conception and pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows., Existen muchos factores que pueden influenciar la reproduccion en ganaderías de leche, tales como el manejo, factores fisiológicos, la nutrición, genéticos, y la presentación de enfermedades, entre otros. Por esta razon la eficiencia reproductiva es de gran importancia en las ganaderías para ser exitosas y debe ser continua y adecuadamente evaluada en los programas reproductivos de salud de hato, con el fin de detectar los problemas y establecer las soluciones adecuadas. Los programas de reproduccion controlados, han permitido a los productores optimizar las tasas de servicios con un muy pequeño impacto en las tasas de concepción y perdida gestacional en ganaderías de leche.

In dairy herds, the interval between calving and pregnancy depend on many factors including preparation of the cow for calving, dietary management before and after calving. Factors such as hypocalcemia and body condition are determinant in the presentation of postpartum pathologies and ovarian activity resumption. Additionally, management of the dairy cattle should include fixed time artificial insemination protocols to increase the number of animals bred close to the voluntary waiting period and pregnancy rates. The following review will address topics related with cattle body condition and puerperal hypocalcemia that affect negatively postpartum reproductive performance and also will, address management alternatives to improve pregnancy rates y to reduce days open., Los días abiertos en el hato lechero dependen de muchos factores, dentro de los cuales se debe considerar, la preparación de la vaca preparto incluyendo el manejo dietario pre y postparto. Factores como la hipocalcemia y la condición corporal son determinantes en la presentación de patologías puerperales y en el inicio de la ciclicidad. Adicional a este manejo, se debe considerar la utilización de protocolos de inseminación a tiempo fijo que incrementa el número de animales servidos cerca del tiempo voluntario de espera y genera un incremento en las tasas de preñez. La presente revisión discutirá temas relacionados con la condición corporal y la presentación de hipocalcemia puerperal que afectan la fertilidad posparto de la vaca, así como alternativas para mejorar las tasa de preñez y reducir los días abiertos.

There are many factors that can influence reproduction of the dairy cow such as management, physiologic factors, nutrition, genetics, and diseases Reproductive efficiency. Reproductive performance is therefore a major concern in dairy herds to success, and it has to be subject of continuous and accurate evaluation in reproductive herd health programs, in order to detect problems and implement adequate solutions. Controlled breeding programs have allowed dairy producers to optimize service rate with little impact on conception and pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows., Existen muchos factores que pueden influenciar la reproduccion en ganaderías de leche, tales como el manejo, factores fisiológicos, la nutrición, genéticos, y la presentación de enfermedades, entre otros. Por esta razon la eficiencia reproductiva es de gran importancia en las ganaderías para ser exitosas y debe ser continua y adecuadamente evaluada en los programas reproductivos de salud de hato, con el fin de detectar los problemas y establecer las soluciones adecuadas. Los programas de reproduccion controlados, han permitido a los productores optimizar las tasas de servicios con un muy pequeño impacto en las tasas de concepción y perdida gestacional en ganaderías de leche.

In dairy herds, the interval between calving and pregnancy depend on many factors including preparation of the cow for calving, dietary management before and after calving. Factors such as hypocalcemia and body condition are determinant in the presentation of postpartum pathologies and ovarian activity resumption. Additionally, management of the dairy cattle should include fixed time artificial insemination protocols to increase the number of animals bred close to the voluntary waiting period and pregnancy rates. The following review will address topics related with cattle body condition and puerperal hypocalcemia that affect negatively postpartum reproductive performance and also will, address management alternatives to improve pregnancy rates y to reduce days open., Los días abiertos en el hato lechero dependen de muchos factores, dentro de los cuales se debe considerar, la preparación de la vaca preparto incluyendo el manejo dietario pre y postparto. Factores como la hipocalcemia y la condición corporal son determinantes en la presentación de patologías puerperales y en el inicio de la ciclicidad. Adicional a este manejo, se debe considerar la utilización de protocolos de inseminación a tiempo fijo que incrementa el número de animales servidos cerca del tiempo voluntario de espera y genera un incremento en las tasas de preñez. La presente revisión discutirá temas relacionados con la condición corporal y la presentación de hipocalcemia puerperal que afectan la fertilidad posparto de la vaca, así como alternativas para mejorar las tasa de preñez y reducir los días abiertos.

This study assessed the efficacy of a protocol combining short-interval cloprostenol-based protocols and "male effect" for estrous synchronization in hair sheep. In Experiment 1, 24 ewes were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 8) and treated with cloprostenol on Days 3, 5 and 7 after ovulation, respectively. Estradiol secretion during the follicular phase was similar among groups. Onset of estrus (P < 0.001) and the timing of maximum LH concentration (P < 0.01) were earlier in group D3 than in D5 and D7 groups. During the subsequent cycle, the number and size of corpora lutea were higher (P < 0.05) in ewes of the groups D3 (1.9 ± 0.3 and 115.1 ± 14.3 mm2) and D5 (1.8 ± 0.2 and 100.2 ± 11.2 mm2) than in group D7 (1.3 ± 0.2 and 75.6 ± 6.4 mm2) group. In Experiment 2, 24 ewes were treated with two cloprostenol injections (7 days apart). Twelve ewes were exposed to "male effect" previous to an isolation period (ME group), whereas the remaining ewes were controls without male exposure (CTR group). Male effect induced earlier preovulatory LH surge (P < 0.05) and ovulation (P < 0.001) than CTR group. In Experiment 3, the estrus was synchronized in 68 ewes. Nineteen of them (group FGA) were treated using intravaginal sponges impregnated with fluorogestone acetate for 12 days and inseminated at 55 h. Forty-nine females (group ME) were treated like ME group. Twenty-four (ME48 group) and 25 ewes (ME55 group) were inseminated at 48 and 55 h after treatment, respectively. The fertility rate was numerically higher in ME48 than ME55 and FGA groups (62.5, 44.0 and 47.4%, respectively). In conclusions, the combined use of short-interval cloprostenol treatment and "male effect" may be an adequate alternative for synchronizing estrus and applying artificial insemination in hair sheep throughout the entire year. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This study describes the effectiveness of a method to synchronize ovulation in Spanish ibex for artificial insemination, based on one previously described for use in domestic goats. Estrus and ovulation were synchronised in eight adult ibex females (aged 3-5 yr old) during the breeding season (January) by i.m. injection of 25 mg of progesterone in olive oil plus an 100 ¿Êg i.m. of cloprostenol on day 0 followed by a single dose of 100 ¿Êg cloprostenol i.m. 9 days later (day 10). Ibexes were inseminated by laparoscopy with 200 ¿~ 106 spermatozoa at 52 h after the second cloprostenol injection. Two of the eight treated ibex (25%) conceived and carried their pregnancies to term. The protocol described here minimizes animal handling (in contrast to synchronization methods utilizing intravaginal progestins and equine chorionic gonadotropin injections), which greatly facilitates the application of reproductive technologies in Spanish ibex captive breeding programs.

This study describes the effectiveness of a method to synchronize ovulation in Spanish ibex for artificial insemination, based on one previously described for use in domestic goats. Estrus and ovulation were synchronised in eight adult ibex females (aged 3-5 yr old) during the breeding season (January) by i.m. injection of 25 mg of progesterone in olive oil plus an 100 ¿Êg i.m. of cloprostenol on day 0 followed by a single dose of 100 ¿Êg cloprostenol i.m. 9 days later (day 10). Ibexes were inseminated by laparoscopy with 200 ¿~ 106 spermatozoa at 52 h after the second cloprostenol injection. Two of the eight treated ibex (25%) conceived and carried their pregnancies to term. The protocol described here minimizes animal handling (in contrast to synchronization methods utilizing intravaginal progestins and equine chorionic gonadotropin injections), which greatly facilitates the application of reproductive technologies in Spanish ibex captive breeding programs.

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of varying the interval from follicular wave emergence to progestin removal on follicular dynamics and the synchrony of estrus. The experimental design was a 2x2x2 factorial with GnRH or estradiol-17 beta (E2) + progesterone (P4), controlled internal drug-releasing device (CIDR) treatment duration, and PG or saline treatment as main effects. Cycling, Angus cows (n=49), on d 6 to 8 of the estrous cycle, were randomly assigned to receive a CIDR treatment for 7 or 9 d. Approximately half of the cows from each CIDR group received either GnRH (100 mcg) or E2+P4 (1 mg E2 + 100 mg P4) at CIDR insertion. Cows in GnRH or E2+P4 groups were further divided into those that received PG (37.5 mg) or saline at CIDR insertion. All cows received PG (25 mg) 1 d prior to CIDR removal. The interval from follicular wave emergence to CIDR removal was longer for cows treated with GnRH (6.6 d) or a CIDR for 9 d (6.5 d) compared to those treated with E2+P4 (4.7 d) or a 7-d CIDR (4.8 d) (P < 0.05). Cows treated with PG or GnRH at CIDR insertion or a 9-d CIDR had a larger dominant follicle (DF) at CIDR removal than those treated with saline, E2+P4, or a 7-d CIDR. (P < 0.07). Altering the interval from wave emergence to progestin removal created differences in size of the DF at CIDR removal but did not affect the synchrony of estrus.

Observing cows in estrus and inseminating them at the optimal time are necessary steps for effective reproductive management of a dairy herd. However, increasing herd sizes can lead to reproductive inefficiency resulting in decreased profits on dairy herds. Synchronization of estrus, through pharmacological control, has been used to improve reproductive efficiency. Systematic breeding programs provide an organized approach for administering artificial insemination (AI) at first service. Moreover, reproductive management is based on a methodical approach for the entire herd rather than for the individual cow. Seven-hundred and thirty four Holstein cows from 16 commercial dairy herds were used to conduct this study evaluating three systematic breeding protocols; 14-d PGF2a, timed AI (TAI), and GnRH-PGF2α, in comparison with an untreated control group. Eight herds relied on visual observation as their primary method for detection of estrus, and 8 herds utilized the HeatWatch® (DDx, Inc., Denver, CO) electronic estrus detection system. The average days to first postpartum AI were longer for untreated control cows when compared to the other breeding protocols. First AI conception rates did not differ among control, 14-d PGF2a, or GnRH-PGF2a protocols, but were higher than the TAI protocol. However, first AI pregnancy rates were higher for untreated controls versus hormonally treated cows. Estrus characteristics associated with each protocol were also evaluated and no difference was detected across treatments. An economic analysis determining cost per pregnancy for each protocol when considering drug costs, and pregnancy rates, resulted in the highest cost per pregnancy for TAI followed by GnRH-PGF2a and 14-d PGF2a. These programs should be considered as tools for convenience and efficiency of estrus detection; however, reduced labor costs from less time spent on estrus detection may be offset by the cost of the drug protocols. Cost effectiveness must be calculated on a

A 5-yr study was conducted beginning in 1983 with 460 cows to evaluate the effects of three breeding seasons (30,45, and 70 d in length) and two times of spring calving, March (early) and April (late), on cattle production under Nebraska Sandhills range conditions. Criteria evaluated included pregnancy and weaning percentages, calving date and distribution, cow weights and body condition at four intervals, calf birth and weaning weights, and cow productivity. The 30-d breeding season included a 10-d estrus synchronization and AI period; in the other breeding seasons only natural breeding was used. The same sires were used over the entire study period. Percentage of cows pregnant and percentage of calves weaned were lower (P < .01) for cows bred for 30 d than for cows bred for 45 or 70 d. Average calving dates were similar among the breeding groups within the early and late calving herds. Pregnancy rates from AI were higher (P < .01) for the cows calving in April (64%) than for the cows calving in March (41%). Cows calving in April lost less weight between precalving and prebreeding and were heavier (P < .05) at prebreeding time than the cows calving in March. Calf weaning weights were not different (P > .10) among any of the breeding season groups or between the two calving herds when calves were weaned at a similar age. Cow productivity (calf weaning weight per breeding female) was highest (P < .05) for the cows bred for 70 d (186 kg), intermediate for the cows bred for 45 d (172 kg), and lowest for cows bred for 30 d (162 kg). No difference in cow productivity was found between the two calving herds (early, 172 kg and late, 175 kg). We concluded that cows bred for 70 d had the highest productivity and that an April calving season was as productive as a March calving season in the Nebraska Sandhills.