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Context: New animal welfare legislation and ethical guidelines encourage alternative approaches for canine contraception, instead of surgical gonadectomy which is considered invasive and unjustified in healthy dogs. Aims: Reversible contraception might be achieved by inhibition of aromatase (CYP19), an enzyme catalysing the conversion of androgens to oestrogens. This study provides insights into the spatio-temporal expression and distribution of aromatase in canine ovarian tissue. Methods: Ovarian tissue was collected from 39 healthy and sexually mature bitches during different stages of the oestrous cycle: pro-oestrus (n = 8), oestrus (n = 12), dioestrus (n = 9) (luteal phase) and anoestrus (n = 10). Localisation of cytochrome P450 aromatase was determined by immunohistochemistry. Key results: Aromatase activity in the dog is high during pro-oestrus, ovulation and early dioestrus. Comparing types of follicles and corpora lutea, the highest aromatase abundance was found in antral follicles and luteinising follicles, whereas corpora lutea and early antral follicles showed an intermediate presence of the enzyme. Interesting was the high abundance of aromatase in luteinising theca interna cells, prevailing over granulosa cells. Conclusions and implications: Understanding of cells involved in oestradiol production is important for targeted inhibition of oestradiol synthesis, possibly offering an approach for contraception and suppression of oestrus. In clinical practice, contraception in female dogs is traditionally achieved by surgical gonadectomy. As this method is discouraged by new animal welfare legislation in some parts of the world and is also related to several side effects, alternative possibilities for contraception are needed. Here, we report the distribution of aromatase in the canine ovary during different stages of the oestrous cycle. In-depth knowledge of oestrogen synthesis in the female dog is mandatory for targeted inhibition of oestradiol, possibly by the use of aromatase inhibitors. Photograph by M. P. Kowalewski. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Indigenous cattle breeds in northern Eurasia have adapted to harsh climate conditions. The local breeds are important genetic resources with cultural and historical heritages, and therefore, their preservation and genetic characterization are important. In this study, we profiled the whole‐blood transcriptome of two native breeds (Northern Finncattle and Yakutian cattle) and one commercial breed (Holstein) using high‐throughput RNA sequencing. More than 15 000 genes were identified, of which two, 89 and 162 genes were significantly upregulated exclusively in Northern Finncattle, Yakutian cattle and Holstein cattle respectively. The functional classification of these significantly differentially expressed genes identified several biological processes and pathways related to signalling mechanisms, cell differentiation and host–pathogen interactions that, in general, point towards immunity and disease resistance mechanisms. The gene expression pattern observed in Northern Finncattle was more similar to that of Yakutian cattle, despite sharing similar living conditions with the Holstein cattle included in our study. In conclusion, our study identified unique biological processes in these breeds that may have helped them to adapt and survive in northern and sub‐arctic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Carnivora is one of the most species-rich order of Mammalia. Some species, e.g. domestic cats, dogs and ferrets, are among the most popular pets; others, such as minks and farmed foxes, have economic value for the fur breeding industry. Still others, such as tigers, bears and other top predators, have great impact on the health of natural ecosystems. Most if not all Carnivora species have great cultural and aesthetic importance for man. There are enormous differences between mammalian species in reproductive physiology, and it is not surprising that reproductive technologies can be used with high efficiency with some animal groups, e.g. most farm animals and laboratory rodents, but are very laborious when used with Carnivora species, which often possess unique reproductive traits. The efficiency of assisted reproductive technology (ART) applied to semi-domestic, non-domestic and especially to endangered species of Carnivora remains extremely low in most cases, and often the first positive result reported is the only instance when ART has been successful with that species. Although there are approximately 270 species in the Carnivora order, to the best of our knowledge, successful published attempts to apply ART have been reported for only four families: Mustelidae, Felidae, Canidae and Ursidae. The main achievements in ART, embryo technology in particular, for these families of Carnivora, together with challenges and problems, are reviewed in the relevant sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Despite efforts undertaken to conserve the endangered European mink, its reproduction is still poorly studied. The aim was to study its reproductive cyclicity, faecal progesterone concentration and ovarian changes during early pregnancy, with the emphasis on the pre-implantation period and implantation. During the 2004 breeding season, oestrous cycle was monitored in 39 females as well as ovarian changes during early pregnancy in 22 females. During the 2007 breeding season, faecal progesterone concentration measured by radioimmunoassay was monitored during pregnancy in 10 females throughout their pregnancy. The breeding season 2004 started on March 18 and ended on May 10, with the peak recorded in April. The duration of first oestrus was 1–12 days. If not mated, the vast majority of females entered second oestrus after 12–55 days. In general, relatively low faecal progesterone values were detected in European mink; an average of 42.69 ± 4.70 ng/g faeces in oestrous females with a maximum of 176.44 ± 23.01 ng/g faeces on pregnancy day 12.anova indicated a significant effect of the pregnancy stage. Post hoc comparisons with Fisher least significant difference (LSD) test revealed that faecal progesterone concentrations on days 8 and 12 post coitum (p.c.), but not at the end of pregnancy (day 40), were higher when compared with the initial oestrous level. Implantation in this species occurs on day 12 p.c. and was indicated by prominent uterine swellings and failure to flush the uterine horns beyond this day. Advanced luteogenesis was observed with prominent corpora lutea found in ovaries around the time of implantation. To conclude, European mink is a seasonally polyoestrous species; the early pregnancy of European mink resembles that of European polecat, i.e. in both species, implantation occurs on day 12 p.c. without any implantation delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The European mink ( Mustela lutreola) is a small mammal, which belongs to the Mustelidae family ( Carnivora). Earlier, the range of distribution of this species encompassed much of the European continent. During the 20th century, the numbers of European mink declined and the range of its distribution became reduced to three fragmented populations; today this species faces extinction. The urgent necessity for effective conservation efforts to protect the European mink is accepted by the governmental organizations as well as scientific communities of most European countries. In this paper, the reasons for the disappearance of European mink are reviewed and results of past conservation efforts based on captive breeding and reintroduction programmes are critically evaluated in the broad context of modern concepts of conservation genetics and reproductive biology. The data recently obtained on the reproduction and pre-implantation development of European mink and the prospects of incorporation of modern reproductive technologies into the conservation programme of this species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The domestic ferret is a seasonally polyoestrous species. Females reach puberty at the age of 8–12 months. Females exhibit a constant oestrus between late March and early August if they are not bred. Increasing tumescence in the pink-coloured vulva is a sign of pro-oestrus. Oestrus can persist for up to 5 months, but once ovulation is induced, either pregnancy or pseudopregnancy ensues. Follicular development and atresia overlap in such a manner that there is a recent cohort of follicles available for ovulation whenever copulation might occur. Copulation may last from 15 min to 3 h, the average being 1 h. Ovulation is induced by pressure on the cervix associated with copulation. After sufficient LH release, the pre-ovulatory follicles mature and an average of 12 oocytes (5–13) per female are ovulated 30–40 h after copulation into the ovarian bursa. The ferret oocytes are most capable of being fertilized up to 12 h after ovulation, i.e. 42–52 h after copulation. Ferret oocytes ovulate at the metaphase of the second meiotic division (MII) embedded in three layers of corona radiata cells. Embryos enter the uterus over a period of several days starting on day 5 after mating. Between days 12 and 13 after mating, the embryos have become implanted in the endometrium. Implantation in the ferret is central with rapid invasion of the uterine epithelium by the trophoblast over a broad area that eventually becomes a zonary band of endotheliochorial placenta. Gestation length is 41 days (39–42 days). The domestic ferret gives birth to an average of eight kits (1–18 kits), which weigh 6–12 g at birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in the use of assisted reproductive technology in reindeer husbandry has gradually increased during the last decades. This article reviews Western and Russian literature on reindeer semen collection, semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination. In addition, literature on the synchronisation of the stage of reindeer oestrous cycle among females, recovery of in vivo embryos, embryo transfer, the production of in vitro -produced embryos and pregnancy diagnosis is reviewed. • Several of the reindeer subspecies are regarded as vulnerable or near threatened. • Genome resource banking would be possible for reviving endangered deer species. • Five reindeer offspring have been produced by AI of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. • One reindeer offspring has been produced by transfer of fresh in vivo -produced embryos. • The first reindeer IVP blastocysts have been produced using the bovine IVP protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of addition of glycine betaine to a lactose-EDTA freezing medium on the post-thaw motility of stallion semen was determined. The first three semen-rich fractions of nine stallions were collected with an open-end Krakow artificial vagina on consecutive weekdays. Semen was frozen using the Hannover method with freezing media containing glycine betaine in various concentrations from 0 to 5 %. After thawing, sperm motility was analysed both by a light microscope and by a Hamilton-Thorn Motility Analyser. Total and progressive post-thaw motilities of semen containing 0.25–3 % glycine betaine did not differ significantly from the total and progressive post-thaw motilities of semen frozen without glycine betaine. The total and progressive post-thaw motilities of semen containing 4 or 5 % glycine betaine were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those of semen without glycine betaine. In conclusion, glycine betaine did not show any beneficial effect on the post-thaw motility of stallion semen when semen was frozen using the Hannover method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

126 hasal ccli carcinomas from 7 patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome were examined histologically and - using a scoring system - compared with 54 solitary basal cell carcinomas. The solid subtype formed 78.9% of all tumors in the head and neck region and 48.9% of those located elsewhere. A broader spectrum of histological subtypes was noticed in tumors from patients with the syndrome. As multiple, keratinizing odontogenic and epidermal cysts are often seen in the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome it was interesting to see that multiple keratinizing cysts within skin tumors were recorded more often in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a first experiment, 11 Finnhorse mares were examined every six hours during late oestrus by rectal palpation and ultrasonography to determine the time of ovulation. The mares were inseminated over one to three subsequent cycles, 6-12 (n=5), 12-18 (n=5), 18-24 (n=5) and 24-30 (n=5) hours after ovulation. Pregnancies were terminated by prostaglandin injection 21 days after insemination. All mares inseminated within 18 hours of ovulation conceived but no mare inseminated 24 hours or more after ovulation conceived. In a second experiment, 14 mares were examined every day at about the same time and inseminated after ovulation had been detected, within 0-27 hours of ovulation. Pregnancies were terminated by prostaglandin injection 25 days after insemination and the animals inseminated again. Forty-six per cent of the mares (13 out of 28) were pregnant 16 days after insemination but there was early embryonic death in five mares, i. e. only 29% of the mares became and remained pregnant. The equine ovum seems to be capable of being fertilized for at least 18 hours after ovulation. However, the high incidence of early embryonic death in the second experiment suggests that the viability of the embryo may have decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular growth and hormone determinations were used to predict ovulation in the mare. Thirty Finnhorse mares were used for the investigation and 38 oestrous cycles were studied. The mares were examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonography every 6 hours during late oestrus. Daily blood samples were obtained for progesterone and oestrone sulphate determination. The preovulatory follicle grew 3 mm a day up to 2 days before ovulation. The size then remained constant, before diminishing by 2-3 mm during the last 12 hours. The maximal diameter of the follicle was 43 ± 4 mm. In 89 % of the follicles the round shape became more irregular before ovulation. During the last 24 hours before ovulation 37 of 38 follicles were regarded as mature on rectal palpation. The oestrone sulphate level was highest 24-48 hours before ovulation, the first decrease being observed most commonly around ovulation (± 1 day). The size of the follicle was the most reliable criterion in the prediction of ovulation. Zusammenfassung Vorhersage der Ovulation bei der Stute aufgrund des Follikelwachstums, der östronsulfat- sowie der Progesteronkonzentration des Serums Zur Vorhersage der Ovulation wurden bei der Stute das Follikelwachstum sowie Hormonbestimmungen herangezogen. Für die Untersuchungen wurden 30 Stuten verwendet. Insgesamt wurden 38 Brunstzyklen untersucht. Die Stuten wurden während der späten Phase des östrus alle 6 Stunden mittels rektaler Palpation und Ultraschall untersucht. Für die Progesteron- und östronsulfatbestim-mungen wurde täglich Blutproben entnommen. Der präovulatorische Follikel wuchs bis 2 Tage vor der Ovulation 3 mm pro Tag. Die Größe blieb dann konstant, bevor sich der Follikel in den letzten 12 Stunden um 2-3 mm verkleinerte. Der maximale Follikeldurchmesser betrug 43 ± 4 mm. Bei 89% der Follikel wurde die runde Form vor der Ovulation unregelmäßig. Bei rektaler Palpation wurden während der letzten 24 Stunden vor der Ovulation 37 von 38 Follikeln als reif beurteilt. Der östronsulfatspiegel war 24-48 Stunden vor der Ovulation am höchsten; die erste Abnahme wurde gewöhnlich um die Ovulation herum (± 1 Tag) beobachtet. Die Follikelgröße war für die Vorhersage der Ovulation das verläßlichste Kriterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reindeer exhibit a short intense rutting season. • Males have an annual cycle of sexual maturation and involution, similar to other cervids. • A deeper understanding of the male reproductive physiology is crucial for developing better strategies in reindeer husbandry. The present review provides a comprehensive assessment on the basic aspects of the reproduction of the Rangifer male with a special focus on pubertal development, and the seasonal dynamics of gametogenesis, androgenesis, antler cycle and other physiological and behavioural characteristics of the rutting male. A greater understanding of the reproductive physiology of the males is needed to improve existing management strategies of semi-domestic stocks in the changing climate and to develop species-specific assisted reproductive technologies for improving the in situ and ex situ conservation programs to preserve endangered subspecies as well as to facilitate the transfer of genetic resources between fragmented wild or semi-domestic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]