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Objectives were to determine relative ovary location of follicles, GnRH-induced corpora lutea (CL), and older CL present in ovaries as part of ovulation synchronization and their associations with progesterone concentration and risk for luteolysis, ovulation, and pregnancy. Cows were exposed to a timed artificial insemination (AI) program [GnRH-1-7 d-PGF2α (1 dose or 2 doses 24 h apart)-56 h after first or only dose of PGF2α-GnRH-2-16 h-timed AI at 72 ± 3 d in milk]. Blood was collected to assess progesterone when ovarian structures were mapped in 694 cows before GnRH-1 and before and 48 h after PGF2α and, in a subset of cows, size of CL (n = 599) and progesterone (n = 380) at 6 d after AI. Dominant follicles and CL in single-ovulating cows were detected more often in right than left ovaries (follicles before GnRH-1: 60.6% right and GnRH-2: 61.2% right; and CL before GnRH-1: 58.6% right and GnRH-2: 66.4% right). Dominant follicles in single-ovulating cows before GnRH-1 tended to be ipsilateral to the CL more often than contralateral (54.8 vs. 45.2%) with co-dominant follicles identified in both ovaries (19.3%). In response to GnRH-1 or GnRH-2, more left-ovary follicles ovulated contralateral to CL (left to right, 54.7%; right to left, 34.7%) than right-ovary follicles, but fewer left-ovary follicles ovulated ipsilateral to CL (left to left: 45.3%) than right-ovary follicles ovulated ipsilateral (right to right: 65.3%). Preovulatory follicles in single-ovulating cows before PGF2α tended to be detected more often ipsilateral than contralateral to CL induced by GnRH-1 (younger CL; 56.5 vs. 43.6%), but were of equal frequency ipsilateral or contralateral to older CL present before GnRH-1. Luteolytic risk was less in cows bearing co-dominant follicles in both ovaries compared with those in either right or left ovaries. Luteolytic risk in single-ovulating cows did not differ between ovaries. Luteolytic risk was greater for cows bearing older CL (86.5%) than for cows bearing younger GnRH-1-induced CL (65.3%) or both (79.6%). Pregnancy risk at 60 d after AI was or tended to be greater in cows having both CL types compared with either younger or older CL, respectively, partly because of greater embryonic loss in the latter 2 cases. More female calves tended to be carried in right horns when conception occurred after first service, whereas the opposite greater female frequency occurred in left horns after repeat services. Right-ovary dominance is evident before and after GnRH treatment.

Equine embryos tolerate an unusually large degree of negative uterine asynchrony (recipient mare up to 5 days behind the donor mare). By contrast, positive asynchrony of more than 2 days results in a high incidence of early embryonic loss (EEL). Day 8 embryos range in diameter from approximately 130-1300 μm, with embryos smaller than 300 μm reported to suffer an increased incidence of EEL. However, it is not known whether this reduced viability is due to intrinsically poor embryo quality, or to inadvertent recipient uterine stage-embryo (positive) asynchrony. To examine whether small embryos survive better in Day 4-5 recipients than in recipients with a more advanced uterine stage, the likelihood of pregnancy (PR) and EEL for 62 small ( 0.1). The EEL for small embryos transferred into Day 4-5, 6-7 and 8-9 recipients was 20.8, 18.7 and 25.0%, respectively. We conclude that embryos recovered on Day 8 with a diameter

Submitted by Sandra Pereira (srpereira@ufrrj.br) on 2021-08-25T12:20:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2018 - Samuel Rodrigues Bonamichi do Couto.pdf: 859288 bytes, checksum: 8dd3d99612faf4101067f41d654bd477 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-08-25T12:20:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2018 - Samuel Rodrigues Bonamichi do Couto.pdf: 859288 bytes, checksum: 8dd3d99612faf4101067f41d654bd477 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-28 Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior, CAPES, Brasil. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da suplementa??o de progesterona de longa a??o na concep??o e na perda gestacional de f?meas da ra?a Nelore submetidas ? Insemina??o Artificial em Tempo Fixo (IATF). Para tanto, foram utilizadas 732 f?meas com escore de condi??o corporal m?dio de 4,4?1,2 (escala 1 a 9), livres de doen?as que afetam a reprodu??o. Em dia aleat?rio do ciclo estral, foi inserido dispositivo intravaginal 0,5g de progesterona (Primer?, Tecnopec, S?o Paulo, Brasil.) associado ? aplica??o de 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (Fertilcare?, Vall?e S.A), por via intramuscular. O dispositivo foi mantido por oito dias e, na sua retirada, foram aplicados 500?g de cloprostenol (Ciosin?, MSD Sa?de Animal, S?o Paulo, Brasil) + 400UI de gonadotrofina cori?nica equina (Folligon?, MSD Sa?de Animal, S?o Paulo, Brasil) por via intramuscular. Um dia ap?s a remo??o do dispositivo, foi aplicado 1mg de Benzoato de Estradiol (Fertilcare?, Vall?e S.A), por via intramuscular. Dois dias ap?s a retirada do dispositivo, foi realizada a IATF, sendo esse considerado D0. Ap?s a IATF, os animais foram divididos em tr?s grupos: 1) Grupo P4-D5 (n=235); 2) Grupo P4-D11 (n=245); e 3) Grupo Controle (n=252). Os animais do grupo P4-D5 e do grupo P4-D11 foram suplementados com 150mg de progesterona injet?vel de longa a??o (Sincrogest LA?, Ourofino, Uberaba/MG), em dose ?nica, sendo os animais do grupo P4-D5 no D=5 (5 dias p?s IATF), e os animais do grupo P4-D11 no D=11 (11 dias p?s IATF). Os animais do grupo controle n?o receberam nenhum tipo de suplementa??o de progest?geno. O diagn?stico de gesta??o foi realizado 30 dias ap?s a insemina??o. A perda gestacional (PG) foi avaliada em dois momentos: de 30 a 60 dias e de 60 a 90 dias. A taxa de concep??o e perdas gestacionais em fun??o dos tratamentos foram testadas pelo m?todo n?o param?trico qui-quadrado (?2) com 5% signific?ncia. A taxa de concep??o aos 30 dias ou aos 90 dias n?o diferiu (P=0,23) entre os grupos controle, P4-D5 e P4-D11. No entanto, houve diferen?a significativa na perda gestacional de 30 aos 60 dias entre os grupos tratados com P4 em rela??o ao grupo controle (P=0,01), mas n?o foi observada diferen?a entre os tratamentos com rela??o ?s perdas entre 60 e 90 dias e perdas totais (P=0,057). Com rela??o ? perda gestacional, considerando animais que estavam ciclando no in?cio do protocolo, os grupos suplementados com progesterona 5 dias e 11 dias ap?s a insemina??o obtiveram perdas significativamente menores (P=0,04) que o grupo controle (P4-D5=2%; P4-D11=2%, Controle=14%). No entanto, os animais que se encontravam em anestro e receberam suplementa??o 5 dias ap?s a IATF tiveram perdas significativamente menores (P=0,049) que os demais (P4D5=3%, P4D11=7%, Controle=10%). Conclui-se que a utiliza??o da progesterona injetavel de longa a??o, 5 dias e 11 dias ap?s IATF em f?meas da ra?a Nelore, n?o altera a taxa de concep??o, mas quando utlilizada aos 5 dias ap?s a IATF em animais c?clicos ou em anestro diminui significativamente a perda gestacional mostrando-se como uma alternativa interessante no aux?lio de uma melhor efici?ncia reprodutiva e produtiva. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da suplementa??o de progesterona de longa a??o na concep??o e na perda gestacional de f?meas da ra?a Nelore submetidas ? Insemina??o Artificial em Tempo Fixo (IATF). Para tanto, foram utilizadas 732 f?meas com escore de condi??o corporal m?dio de 4,4?1,2 (escala 1 a 9), livres de doen?as que afetam a reprodu??o. Em dia aleat?rio do ciclo estral, foi inserido dispositivo intravaginal 0,5g de progesterona (Primer?, Tecnopec, S?o Paulo, Brasil.) associado ? aplica??o de 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (Fertilcare?, Vall?e S.A), por via intramuscular. O dispositivo foi mantido por oito dias e, na sua retirada, foram aplicados 500?g de cloprostenol (Ciosin?, MSD Sa?de Animal, S?o Paulo, Brasil) + 400UI de gonadotrofina cori?nica equina (Folligon?, MSD Sa?de Animal, S?o Paulo, Brasil) por via intramuscular. Um dia ap?s a remo??o do dispositivo, foi aplicado 1mg de Benzoato de Estradiol (Fertilcare?, Vall?e S.A), por via intramuscular. Dois dias ap?s a retirada do dispositivo, foi realizada a IATF, sendo esse considerado D0. Ap?s a IATF, os animais foram divididos em tr?s grupos: 1) Grupo P4-D5 (n=235); 2) Grupo P4-D11 (n=245); e 3) Grupo Controle (n=252). Os animais do grupo P4-D5 e do grupo P4-D11 foram suplementados com 150mg de progesterona injet?vel de longa a??o (Sincrogest LA?, Ourofino, Uberaba/MG), em dose ?nica, sendo os animais do grupo P4-D5 no D=5 (5 dias p?s IATF), e os animais do grupo P4-D11 no D=11 (11 dias p?s IATF). Os animais do grupo controle n?o receberam nenhum tipo de suplementa??o de progest?geno. O diagn?stico de gesta??o foi realizado 30 dias ap?s a insemina??o. A perda gestacional (PG) foi avaliada em dois momentos: de 30 a 60 dias e de 60 a 90 dias. A taxa de concep??o e perdas gestacionais em fun??o dos tratamentos foram testadas pelo m?todo n?o param?trico qui-quadrado (?2) com 5% signific?ncia. A taxa de concep??o aos 30 dias ou aos 90 dias n?o diferiu (P=0,23) entre os grupos controle, P4-D5 e P4-D11. No entanto, houve diferen?a significativa na perda gestacional de 30 aos 60 dias entre os grupos tratados com P4 em rela??o ao grupo controle (P=0,01), mas n?o foi observada diferen?a entre os tratamentos com rela??o ?s perdas entre 60 e 90 dias e perdas totais (P=0,057). Com rela??o ? perda gestacional, considerando animais que estavam ciclando no in?cio do protocolo, os grupos suplementados com progesterona 5 dias e 11 dias ap?s a insemina??o obtiveram perdas significativamente menores (P=0,04) que o grupo controle (P4-D5=2%; P4-D11=2%, Controle=14%). No entanto, os animais que se encontravam em anestro e receberam suplementa??o 5 dias ap?s a IATF tiveram perdas significativamente menores (P=0,049) que os demais (P4D5=3%, P4D11=7%, Controle=10%). Conclui-se que a utiliza??o da progesterona injetavel de longa a??o, 5 dias e 11 dias ap?s IATF em f?meas da ra?a Nelore, n?o altera a taxa de concep??o, mas quando utlilizada aos 5 dias ap?s a IATF em animais c?clicos ou em anestro diminui significativamente a perda gestacional mostrando-se como uma alternativa interessante no aux?lio de uma melhor efici?ncia reprodutiva e produtiva.

The main objective of the present study was to compare milk production in pregnant versus nonpregnant dromedary camels. In addition, we described the effect of embryonic mortality on lactation and measured serum progesterone levels until d 60 to 90 of gestation. Twenty-five multiparous camels were selected in midlactation for 2 studies in consecutive years. Camels were mated naturally when the size of the dominant follicle reached 1.2 to 1.5cm. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography and progesterone determination. In the first experiment (Exp 1), 8 of 11 animals conceived at 284±21.5d postpartum. Three pregnant dromedaries were given PGF2α to induce luteolysis and pregnancy loss on d 62 and spontaneous embryonic loss was detected in 2 camels (on d 27 and 60). Animals were allotted to 3 groups retrospectively: nonpregnant camels (group 1, n=4), pregnant camels (group 2; n=3), and camels with embryonic loss after d 55 (group 3; n=4). In the second study (Exp 2), 14 dromedaries were mated during midlactation. Seven of them failed to conceive (group 1) and 7 became pregnant (group 2). No embryonic loss was detected in Exp 2. Turning points in milk production were identified by change point analysis. In nonpregnant dromedaries (group 1), milk decreased slowly over time without significant change point. In pregnant camels (group 2), a gradual decline until 4 wk after mating was followed by a sudden drop, and the change point model resulted in one breakpoint at d 28±7 and 35±3 of gestation in Exp 1 and Exp 2, respectively. In camels with embryonic mortality (group 3, Exp 1), milk yield started to decline similarly as in pregnant animals, but milk production increased gradually after embryonic loss and reached similar levels as in their nonpregnant herdmates. Change point analysis for group 3 resulted in 2 turning points at 30±4 and 48±4d after conception. Mean length of lactation was shorter by 230 (34.2%) and by 249d (37.6%) and mean total lactation production was decreased by 1,532 (31.6%) and 2,151 kg (44.3%) in pregnant compared with nonpregnant camels in Exp 1 and Exp 2, respectively. We concluded that the calving interval can be shortened by mating during midlactation. However, pregnancy has a strong negative effect on milk production as dromedaries stop lactating by the fourth month of gestation. Following embryonic mortality within 3mo of conception, milk production is restored.

OBJECTIVE: This work aims to investigate the predictive value of fetal fibronectin (fFN) in embryonic loss of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in early pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients with RSA in early pregnancy were selected as the test group and 31 healthy women in early pregnancy were selected as the control group. The ages and number of previous abortions, along with other information, were recorded. These patients underwent a fFN test, and their pregnancy outcome was followed up until 14 weeks. RESULTS: The incidence of spontaneous abortion was 20.24% in the test group and 9.68% in the control group. The positive fFN [fFN (+)] rate was 57.14% in the test group and 12.90% in the control group, indicating a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01, chi2 = 17.89). The incidence of spontaneous abortion was 29.17% (14/48) in the fFN (+) group and 8.33% (3/36) in the fFN (-) group, indicating a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05, chi2 = 5.53). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in the prediction of abortion in fFN (+) patients of the test group were 82.35%, 49.25%, 29.17%, and 91.67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: If detected at an early stage of pregnancy, fFN in patients with RSA is largely related to the prediction of abortion and facilitates the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes.

Peripheral blood samples from a 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare were submitted for chromosome analysis. The mare had a poor reproduction record only producing four live foals during her 10 years as a broodmare. She had remained barren or experienced early embryonic loss in the other 6 years. Chromosomal analysis revealed the mare carried a rare nonreciprocal translocation involving chromosomes 2 and 13 [64,XX,t(2;13)]. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes specific for horse chromosomes 2 and 13 were used to confirm the nonreciprocal translocation. Both conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques are important for identifying and characterizing chromosomal abnormalities in horses with poor reproductive performance, particularly in mares experiencing repeated early embryonic loss.

The objective of this study was to elucidate the efficiency of Ovsynch protocol, new (N-CIDRsynch) and once-used (U-CIDRsynch) controlled internal drug-release (CIDR) devices to synchronize the ovulation time of primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows. The current study was performed on a total of 2207 cows using three different synchronized groups. Conception [pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at day 28] and pregnancy (P/AI at day 75) rates using the N-CIDRsynch and U-CIDRsynch regimens (35.9% and 29.6%; 29.2% and 25.1%, respectively) were significantly greater than those in the Ovsynch group [Odds ratio (OR)=1.88 and 1.44; 1.92 and 1.52, respectively]. Embryonic loss rate did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the Ovsynch, N-CIDRsynch and U-CIDRsynch regimens. In primiparous cows, no significant differences were found in conception and pregnancy rates between the U-CIDRsynch and N-CIDRsynch groups (OR=0.95 and 1.12; p=0.693 and 0.451, respectively). In multiparous cows, conception and pregnancy rates in the N-CIDRsynch group were significantly greater than those observed in the U-CIDRsynch group (OR=0.66 and 0.71; p=0.016 and 0.027, respectively) and embryonic loss rate in multiparous cows was lower for the U-CIDRsynch treatment than for the N-CIDRsynch treated cows (COR=0.58; p=0.048). The present study indicates that the use of a progesterone device in a synchronization protocol may improve fertility in dairy cows compared to the Ovsynch treatment. The use of U-CIDRsynch regimen may achieve satisfactory fertility results compared to those reported with N-CIDRsynch in primiparous Holstein cows.

Early pregnancy loss occurs in 6–10% of equine pregnancies making it the main cause of reproductive wastage. Despite this, reasons for the losses are known in only 16% of cases. Lack of viable conceptus material has inhibited investigations of many potential genetic and pathological causes. We present a method for isolating and culturing placental cells from failed early equine pregnancies. Trophoblast cells from 18/30 (60%) failed equine pregnancies of gestational ages 14–65 days were successfully cultured in three different media, with the greatest growth achieved for cells cultured in AmnioChrome™ Plus. Genomic DNA of a suitable quality for molecular assays was also isolated from 29/30 of these cases. This method will enable future investigations determining pathologies causing EPL.

The aims of this study were to determine the factors that affect follicle size at the time of artificial insemination (AI) and to detect the relationship between ovulatory follicle size at the time of AI and pregnancy rate in dairy cows. A total of 1428 follicle size measurements were obtained from Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Swedish Red (SR) cows that were inseminated with the fixed-timed AI protocols used in this study. Follicle size was affected by breed (P = 0.0001), milk production (P = 0.01), parity (P = 0.05), and season (P = 0.04). Follicle size was greater (P = 0.0001) in the HF (15.55 mm) than the SR cows (14.88 mm). Multiparous cows had larger (P = 0.04) follicles (15.35 mm) than the primiparous cows (15.07 mm). Cows with follicle sizes between 13.5 and 17.5 mm were more likely to be pregnant than cows with other sizes follicles (P < 0.01). Embryonic loss was lower (P < 0.01) in cows with follicle sizes between 13.5 and 16.5 mm. Thus, the follicle size was affected by breed, milk production, parity, and season. Pregnancy and embryonic loss in lactating dairy cows were significantly related to follicle size.

In our previous study (Tsuji et al., 2010 ), administration of hCG to recipients around the timing of implantation significantly increased the in vivo development of mouse embryos after somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) until day 10.5, but did not increase the development to full term. The present study was undertaken to examine whether cotransfer of fertilized embryos or parthenogenetic embryos prevents the embryonic loss of SCNT embryos after day 10.5, allowing them to develop to full term. We found that compared with SCNT embryo transfer alone, full-term development of SCNT embryos slightly, but not significantly, increased by cotransfer of mouse hybrid blastocysts derived from BDF1 (C57BL/6×DBA) female×ICR male into the oviducts of recipients administered hCG (2.0% vs. 5.5%). This was not the case with the cotransfer of blastocysts from an ICR female×ICR male (2.5% vs. 2.2%) or parthenogenetic blastocysts from BDF1 female (3.0% vs. 2.0%). Furthernore, when SCNT blastocysts were transferred into the uteri of recipients, full-term development did not increase even with the cotransfer of hybrid blastocysts. The mechanisms of the effect of cotransfer of fertilized and parthenogenetic embryos on the full-term development of SCNT mouse embryos are discussed.

The impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic on human fertility has been subject to significant scholarly debate. The current study characterizes the inter-temporal association between excess deaths during the pandemic and the subsequent birth deficit by identifying the length of time between these two phenomena using cross-correlations of monthly death and birth data from Taiwan from 1906 to 1943. The analysis demonstrates a strong and negative correlation between deaths (d) at time t and births (b) at time t + 9 (r(db)(9) = -0.68, p < .0001). In other words, a significant drop in births was observed nine months after pandemic mortality peaked. The findings suggest that the 1918 influenza pandemic impacted subsequent births primarily through the mechanism of reduced conceptions and embryonic loss during the first month of pregnancy rather than through late-first-trimester embryonic loss.

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 34 (2014) 196 196 degenerate conceptuses recovered (Fig 1d,f-h) were very similar, each with a shrunken avascular yolk sac and a complete capsule. Fig. 1. Maternal plasma progesterone concentrations (closed symbols, lefthand scale of each panel, ng/ml) and mean conceptus diameters (open symbols, right-hand scales, mm) at various days after ovulation (bottom scales) in 11 cases of spontaneous embryonic loss or degeneration in singletons before fixation (a-c), singletons after fixation (d-h), and twins(i-k). Proteomic analyses of four uterine flush fluids (two from mares with singletons, Fig 1d,f; two from twin pregnancies, (Fig 1i,j) revealed several major proteins known to be expressed by the endometrium [2] in amounts that were correlated with mean P4 concentrations (Fig 2). Several major endometrial proteins were increased more than 2fold over amounts detected in uterine flushes from normal day-20 pregnancies (Fig 3). Some of these increases corresponded to increases observed 2 days after a luteolytic dose of cloprostenol. Fig. 2. Plasma progesterone relationship with several major endometrial proteins detected by LC-MS/MS in flush fluids from four mares after spontaneous loss of conceptuses. Fig. 3. Mean amounts of some proteins that were increased in flush fluids from four mares with spontaneously failing pregnancies, in comparison with flush fluids from day-20 normal pregnancies (N 1⁄4 5) and day-20 pregnancies from mares given cloprostenol on day 18 (N 1⁄4 5).

Summary Two mares being monitored in a project concerning early foetal death failed to maintain their pregnancies despite improved management. They repeatedly lost their conceptuses so one was treated with allyl trenbolone and the other with flunixin meglumine from Day 10 of gestation. Treatment with allyl trenbolone until Day 70 of gestation maintained pregnancy despite regression of the primary corpus luteum and the resulting low levels of endogenous progesterone in peripheral plasma during one month; secondary corpora lutea developed at the expected time. In the other mare with a history of premature release of prostaglandin F2α, treatment with flunixin meglumine until Day 60 of gestation inhibited prostaglandin F2α synthesis and luteal function was maintained.

Summary In the mare, there is a high incidence of early embryonic mortality which corresponds to early conceptus development and the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy. The need for synchrony between the developing conceptus and the uterine environment emphasises the delicate processes of establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Further research is necessary to investigate the environments of the conceptus and uterus, and their interaction, for a better understanding of these processes and ultimately a reduction in early embryonic loss.

The objective of this study was to determine the association between circulating (Progesterone, oestradiol-17β and P4/E2 ratio) concentrations and embryonic loss in Friesian cows under Egyptian condition. On day 25 by both progesterone (P4) level and sonography, 65.71% (69/105) cows were continued their gestation normal and 17.14% (18/105) cows not conceived. While, 17.14% (18/105) of inseminated cows showed high P4 level firstly and decline before day 25 suspecting early pregnancy loss, EPL. Also, 5 cows (7.25%) of the pregnant cows lost their feti from day 25 to day 45 (late pregnancy loss, LPL) were detected. Progesterone concentrations was noticed that increased P4 level starting from day 4 to day 7after AI in cows diagnosed pregnant (P

Among embryos and neonates produced by pigs heterozygous for the reciprocal translocation rcp(13q-;14q+) were recovered: Preimplantation embryos: (1) From a heterozygous boar mated to 10 normal gilts, 109 embryos, 36 karyotyped (14 balanced normal, 11 balanced heterozygous, 11 unbalanced). (2) From a normal boar mated to 10 heterozygous gilts, 81 embryos, 33 karyotyped (10 balanced normal, 14 balanced heterozygous, 9 unbalanced). (3) From a heterozygous boar mated to 2 heterozygous gilts, 24 embryos, 11 karyotyped (2 balanced normal, 4 balanced heterozygous, 5 unbalanced). Postimplantation embryos: (1) From a heterozygous boar mated to 3 normal gilts, 19 embryos (7 balanced normal, 12 balanced heterozygous). (2) From a normal boar mated to 4 heterozygous gilts, 17 embryos (5 balanced normal, 10 balanced heterozygous, 2 degenerated). (3) From a heterozygous boar mated to a heterozygous gilt, 4 embryos (2 balanced heterozygous, 2 degenerated). Embryonic mortality estimated from numbers of corpora lutea and of living implanted embryos in heterozygous gilts mated with a normal boar, and in normal and heterozygous gilts mated with a heterozygous boar was 72.3 %, 68 %, and 85.5 %, respectively. The average litter size in the latter two types of matings was 7 and 5.1. The results are discussed in relation to meiotic behaviour, gametic products and embryonic mortality.

Cytogenetic analyses of horses have benefited the horse industry by identifying chromosomal aberrations causing congenital abnormalities, embryonic loss and infertility. Technical advances in cytogenetics enabled the identification of chromosome specific aberrations. More recently, advances in genomic tools have been used to more precisely define chromosome abnormalities. In this report we review the history of equine clinical cytogenetics, identify historical landmarks for equine clinical cytogenetics, discuss how the current use of genomic tools has benefited this area, and how future genomics tools may enhance clinical cytogenetic studies in the horse.

Repeated early embryonic loss (REEL) represents a considerable economic loss to the horse industry. Mares that experience REEL may be overlooked as poten- tial carriers of a chromosome abnormality. Here we report three different autosomal translocations in Thoroughbred mares presented for chromosome analysis because of REEL. The karyotypes were 64,XX,t(1;21), 64,XX,t(16;22), and 64,XX,t(4;13), respectively. In order to confirm the chromosomes involved in the translocations, to map the breakpoints, and to determine if the translocations were reciprocal, genes surrounding the breakpoints were identified using existing maps and from the newly assembled horse genome sequence. Bacterial artificial chromosomes containing the genes of interest were identified and mapped to the translocation chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH confirmed that the t(16;22) and t(4;13) translocations were reciprocal, while the t(1;21) was not. The breakpoints on horse chromosomes 1 and 16 appear to be the same or near breakpoints previously identified in translocations. These breakpoints are at the fusion boundary of human chromosomes 10 and 15 on horse chromosome 1 and at human chromosome 3p and 3q on horse chromosome 16. These sites may represent ancient breakpoints reused during equid evolution. Overall, chromosome abnormalities may have a greater influence on mare fertility than previously known. Thus, it is important to karyotype subfertile mares exhibiting REEL.

Contents Over a 25-month period 8118 blood samples were assayed for the presence of the serum pregnancy specific-protein B (PSPB) and progesteron (P4) concentrations on three Hungarian large-scale dairy farms. Pregnancy (n = 4085) was checked by BioPRYN assay at 30–36 days post-insemination (PI). Samples from all cows that tested not pregnant and from cows with an optical density (OD) reading in the BioPRYN test that was between 0% and 30% above the cutoff OD value were tested for serum P4 concentration. According to serum P4 concentration, cows were assigned to three categories: high (>4 ng/ml), medium (2–4 ng/ml) and low (

In buffalo species embryonic mortality is considered one of the major causes of fertility loss, especially in the animals that are not mated during their reproductive period. Embryonic loss in animals mated by artificial insemination (AI) is 20-40% during seasons characterized by high number of light hours. Also in buffalo naturally mated the incidence of embryonic mortality is about 20% and a higher incidence is observed between 28- 60 days of gestation in buffaloes that conceive during increasing daylight length. A reduced capacity to secrete progesterone seems to explain in part this embryonic mortality but other as yet unidentified factors contribute between 40-50% to the embryonic losses. Treatments with hCG, GnRH agonist or progesterone on Days 5 after AI not always reduce embryonic mortality in buffalo species. Embryonic mortality in buffaloes appears to occur later (Day 25-40) than in cattle and P4 treatments should perhaps be applied later in buffaloes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of thermal stress on the efficiency of three different protocols to synchronize time of ovulation in purebred Holstein cows under subtropical Egyptian conditions. The influence of temperature humidity index (THI) on the conception, pregnancy, embryonic loss and early abortion rates were investigated. Conception and pregnancy rates using the CIDRsynch and Presynch (37.5% and 33.9%; 29.5 and 29. 6%, respectively) were significantly greater than that for cows expressing spontaneous estrus (SE) and with use of the Ovsynch (28.5% and 24.3%; 21.6% and 24.6%, respectively) treatment regimen. Conception and pregnancy rates using the Ovsynch protocol were significantly decreased from 31.6% and 26.3% at the lesser THI to 11.5% and 9.9%, respectively than at the greater THI [crude odds ratio (COR) = 0.28 and 0.32; P = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively]. However, conception (P/AI at 28 days) and pregnancy (P/AI at 75 days) rates using the Presynch protocol were significantly reduced at either the lesser or greater THI (COR = 0.47 and 0.42; 0.48 and 0.34, respectively). Embryonic loss rate with the Presynch group was significantly increased from 11.5% at the lesser THI to 22.2% at the greater THI (COR = 2.28; P = 0.039). In contrast, conception, pregnancy and embryonic loss rates did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) with the CIDRsynch protocol at the different THI. Results from the present study indicate that use of the CIDRsynch protocol may provide consistent and satisfactory conception and pregnancy rates in Holstein cows under subtropical environmental conditions.

Alpha-fetoprotein has proved to be a good indicator of fetal well-being in human medicine for decades. Although this molecule is present in most of the mammalian species including horses, reference values in healthy and high-risk pregnant mares have not yet been published. The aim of the present study was to determine whether equine alpha-fetoprotein (eqAFP) is a good indicator of complicated pregnancies in Lipizzaner mares. A total of 111 serum samples from 30 mares have been analyzed for eqAFP levels throughout gestation (Days 60-325). After the pregnancy was confirmed, 23 mares had normal pregnancies with viable foals, six had late embryonic loss, and one of the mares aborted in the ninth gestational month. Equine alpha-fetoprotein concentrations significantly differed in the normal group (72.93 ± 49.25 pg/mL; mean ± standard deviation) and in the complicated pregnancy loss group (152 ± 36.48 pg/mL; mean ± standard deviation). The mares' age, gestational age, and the conception rate significantly affected the alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in the normal group. Furthermore, notable individual differences occurred in eqAFP concentrations between mares. Equine alpha-fetoprotein seems to be an important indicator of fetal well-being in horses, but there are still some unanswered questions (levels in foals of different age, ponies, and draft horses) regarding this serum protein. Large-scale studies are needed to assess the specificity, sensitivity, and reliability of this test as a possible future diagnostic tool for fetal well-being in horses.

Embryonic loss occurring in the first week of the incubation is termed early embryonic mortality. Environmental, technological and genetic factors can be responsible for its appearance. The examina...

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of flunixin meglumine (FM; a non-steroid antiflammatory drug) on the length of the estrous cycle and luteal phase, with the aim of increasing lambing rate and prolificacy in Pelibuey ewes. Two groups of females under a natural mating system were allotted to two groups: a FM-2 group, with ewes (n = 46) treated with 2.2 mg/kg of FM twice a day (06:00 and 18:00 h); a control group, with ewes (n = 50) given a placebo once a day (06:00 h). Both groups were treated for 8 days, starting at day 11 following mating. Blood samples from 10 ewes per group were collected every 3rd day, and from day 15 (mating = day 0) blood samples were taken daily, until ewes showed estrus or until day 21, whichever was first. The lambing rate was 58.0% and 56.5% for the control and FM-2 group respectively, while the length of the estrous cycle (19.4 ± 0.8 days) and luteal phase (15.3 ± 0.4 days) was longer (P

For the embryo to successfully complete development it must be capable of executing its developmental program within a microenvironment largely established by the mother. Mortality results either because of intrinsic defects within the embryo, an inadequate maternal environment, asynchrony between embryo and mother, or failure of the mother to respond appropriately to embryonic signals. To some extent, the embryo’s fate is dictated by events before fertilization: embryos formed from incompetent oocytes have a low probability of successful development. For example, embryos have reduced developmental competence when formed from oocytes from persistent ovarian follicles or from cows during the summer in Florida. Chromosomal abnormalities, caused by incompetent gametes or other causes, and homozygous recessive genes, exacerbated by inbreeding, represent additional types of intrinsic errors responsible for embryonic loss. Alterations in the maternal environment can cause embryonic mortality, as has been shown for heat stress and feeding diets high

Estudou-se o efeito da idade sobre a fertilidade de éguas inseminadas com sêmen asinino diluído, resfriado e armazenado. Os ciclos foram acompanhados por palpação transretal e rufiação, sendo as inseminações realizadas às terças, quintas e sábados, a partir da detecção de um folículo de 3,0 a 3,5cm de diâmetro, em um dos ovários, até a ovulação. O sêmen de cinco jumentos da raça Pêga foi diluído nos diluidores de leite em pó desnatado-glicose ou glicina-gema de ovo, resfriado a 5ºC e armazenado por 12 horas, sendo a dose inseminante de 400 x 106espermatozoides móveis (no momento da diluição final, pré-resfriamento). Os resultados de 195 ciclos estrais, referentes a 141 éguas, foram agrupados em classes, de acordo com a idade das éguas: 2,5 a 6 anos, 6,5 a 10 anos, 10,5 a 14 anos e 14,5 a 19 anos. As taxas de concepção, ao primeiro ciclo, foram de 68,42%, 50,75%, 46,88% e 52,17% e, após quatro ciclos, de 69,57%, 47,92%, 46,34% e 45,71% para as faixas etárias de 2,5 a 6, 6,5 a 10, 10,5 a 14 e 14,5 a 19 anos, respectivamente (P>0,05). A idade não teve efeito sobre a fertilidade das éguas inseminadas com sêmen asinino diluído e resfriado. The effect of the mare age on fertility of mares inseminated with diluted, cooled and stored jackass semen was studied. The females were controlled by transrectal palpation and teasing, and inseminated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, since the detection of a 3.0 to 3.5cm follicle diameter, in one of the ovaries, until ovulation. The semen of five Pêga jackasses was diluted in skim milk-glucose or in egg yolk-glicine extender and cooled at 5ºC for 12 hours, with the inseminate dose of 400 x 106motile spermatozoa (at the moment of the final dilution, before cooling). The results of 195 cycles of 141 mares were grouped, in accordance with the age: 2.5 to 6 years, 6.5 to 10 years, 10.5 to 14 years and 14.5 to 19 years. The pregnancy rates for the first cycle were 68.42%, 50.75%, 46.88% and 52.17%, and after four cycles, the pregnancy rates/cycle were 69.57%, 47.92%, 46.34% and 45.71%, respectively for 2.5 to 6, 6.5 to 10, 10.5 to 14 and 14.5 to 19 years (P>0,05). The mare age had no influence on fertility, using diluted and cooled jackass semen.

Summary The overall live foaling percentage per cycle on 4 Kentucky Thoroughbred farms was 42.0%. The rate varied with mare reproductive status, mare age, cycle number and stallion. The most pronounced effect was associated with mare age. Estimates of the relative importance of embryonic loss as a factor limiting reproductive success for young and old mares. suggest that young mares lose half of their embryos from fertilisation to term, and the loss rate increases with mare age to the point that old mares lose all or nearly all of their embryos.

Purpose : To characterize the effects of ionizing radiation on the immature oocytes of prepubertal rats aged 16-20 days old. Materials and methods : The abdomen of Sprague Dawley (SD) female rats was exposed to 0, 1 and 2 Gy of X-rays. The effects were analysed when the animals became adults (80 days old) using as parameters the number of implantation sites, embryonic loss, dominant lethality and the synaptonemal complex (SC) analysis of F1 female foetuses. Results : A statistically significant decrease in the fertility of the 2 Gy irradiated rats was observed. However, the SC analysis of F1 female foetuses showed no cytogenetic damage that could be attributed to radiation. Conclusions : A reproductive effect was demonstrated but no inherited genetic damage was detected by SC analysis in female foetuses of irradiated mothers.

Reproductive tracts were collected from 870 ewes slaughtered at an abattoir in County Dublin over a 9-mo period from September 1993 to June 1994. Ovarian activity was evident in 59.3% of the tracts examined. The mean ovulation rate was 1.26 ± 0.045 (mean ± SEM). The spatial relationship between corpora lutea (CL) and dominant follicles was established. Ten percent of the ewes examined were pregnant. Embryonic transuterine migration was observed in 12% of the single ovulating ewes and in all ewes pregnant with twins which had double ovulations on one ovary. Based on the observation of tracts with contemporaneous double ovulations and a single fetus, the prevalence of embryonic loss was 17.2%. Overall, 9.4% of the tracts showed evidence of pathological change, and 5.5% of the tracts had abnormalities likely to impair fertility.

Poor reproductive efficiency is a worldwide problem that has affected the dairy industry during the last several decades. In an attempt to explain the changes in reproductive physiology caused by high milk production, a model of elevated steroid metabolism in lactating dairy cows has been proposed. A slow increase in levels and low peak levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) characterize endocrine changes in high producing cows. Similar changes have been reported in the repeat breeder cows. The abnormal changes in E2 and P4 concentrations of these cows may cause an improper uterine environment due to disturbed expression of growth factors and cytokines in the endometrium. This review focuses on the alteration in epidermal growth factor (EGF) profile in the endometrium during the estrous cycle. The normal cow has two peaks of EGF concentrations on days 2–4 and 13–14. Low concentrations of EGF on these days distinguished both high-producing and repeat breeder cows from normal cows. Alteration of the EGF profile could be found in 70 and 40% of the repeat breeder and high-producing cows, respectively. Treatment with a high dose of estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device restored the normal EGF profile in about 70% of the affected cows. The cows having a normal EGF profile after treatment showed a higher pregnancy rate than the cows with the altered profile. Further studies to understand the etiology of the alteration in the EGF profile are needed to develop another treatment option and preventive management for this problem.

Epidemiological and laboratory studies have indicated various biological effects resulting from exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. The possibility of early embryonic loss and fetal malformations arising from such exposures required investigation. A replicate study, using large numbers of animals, was conducted to determine if 60-Hz magnetic fields would produce developmental toxicity in rats. Systems used previously for electric field exposures were retrofitted to provide magnetic field exposures to small laboratory animals. Large coils, separated from the rat cages, were energized by computer-controlled function generators providing a relatively pure, 1000-μT, 60-Hz, horizontal magnetic field for the high exposure group. Leakage fields to a second system provided a second exposure group with average exposures of 0.61 μT. Ambient fields within a third (control) system were 0.09 μT. Field intensities utilized in this study represent a range of exposures encountered by humans; how...

Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is detectable in sera of pregnant cattle within 24 to 48 h after fertilization. It has been considered that the repeat breeder is relatively sterile as a result of fertilization failure and the early embryonic loss. This study used the rossete inhibition test to clarify whether repeat breeding is a result of early embyronic loss. We measured serum EPF in cattle that were diagnosed as repeat breeders to examine the incidence of early embryonic losses after artificial insemination (AI) (n=20). There were no significant differences in the presence of EPF on day 3 after AI for 20 repeat breeders and controls. Furthermore, EPF-positive rates decreased about 60% by day 21 after AI for both repeat breeders and a control group. It is suggested that a high incidence of early embryonic losses takes place in cattle, and we attempted embryo transfer (ET) as the treatment of choice.

Para determinar a teratogenicidade de Mimosa tenuiflora, 15 ovelhas, distribuídas em dois grupos, foram introduzidos em área invadida pela planta. O Grupo 1, com seis ovelhas prenhes, foi introduzido na área experimental 20 dias após o acasalamento. O Grupo 2, formado por nove ovelhas não prenhes e um carneiro, foi introduzido na área experimental no início do experimento. O experimento começou no mês de outubro de 2009, período de estiagem, quando M. tenuiflora estava sementando. Nesse período as plantas foram rebaixadas a 40 cm de altura e os galhos com folhas e sementes foram disponibilizados para os ovinos na mesma área onde M. tenuiflora foi rebaixada. M. tenuiflora começou a rebrotar ainda na estação seca antes do período de chuvas. No período de rebrota, as ovelhas ficavam livres para pastar M. tenuiflora e recebiam concentrado em quantidade equivalente a 1% do peso vivo. Após as primeiras chuvas, em meados de janeiro do ano seguinte, quando o estrato herbáceo apareceu, essas ovelhas foram confinadas em baias, onde M. tenuiflora foi fornecida até o fim do experimento. A cada 15 dias eram realizados exames ultrassonográficos para acompanhamento da gestação. No Grupo 1, três ovelhas abortaram, cada uma um feto sem malformações. Outra ovelha pariu dois cordeiros, um com hiperflexão na articulação inter-falangeana proximal no membro torácico direito e outro sem malformações. Outra ovelha pariu um cordeiro com hiperflexão dos dois membros pélvicos na região da articulação tarso-metatársica. No grupo formado pelas ovelhas que foram acasaladas na área experimental, uma ovelha abortou um feto sem malformações e cinco pariram cordeiros normais. Três das ovelhas desse grupo não emprenharam durante todo o período experimental, mostrando retornos repetidos ao cio, sugerindo perda embrionária. Trinta e duas ovelhas e um carneiro, que permaneceram numa área vizinha a área experimental e foram utilizados como controle, pariram cordeiros normais. Conclui-se que M. tenuiflora, além de causar malformações causa, também, mortalidade embrionária e abortos em ovelhas. To determine the teratogenicity of Mimosa tenuiflora, 15 sheep, divided into two groups, were introduced into an area invaded by the plant. Group 1 consisted of six pregnant ewes that were introduced into the experimental area 20 days after mating. Group 2 consisted of nine non pregnant sheep and a ram introduced into the area at the start of the experiment. The experiment began in October 2009, during the dry season, when M. tenuiflora was seeding. During this period the M. tenuiflora plants were pruned to 40cm tall and the branches with leaves and seeds were provided to the experimental sheep in the same area. After prunning M. tenuiflora began to sprout even in the dry season, and the sheep were free to graze the plant. They also received concentrate ration in amount equivalent to 1% of their body weight. After the first rains in mid-January 2010, when the herbaceous layer appeared, the pregnant sheep were confined in stalls, and M. tenuiflora was cut in the field and given to the sheep until the end of the experiment. Every 15 days each sheep was examined by ultrasound to control pregnancy. In Group 1, three sheep aborted single fetuses without malformations. One sheep delivered two lambs, one with hyperflexion of the proximal inter-phalangeal joint of the right forelimb and another without malformations. Another sheep delivered a lamb with a hyperflexion of both hindlimbs in the region of the tarsal-metatarsal joint. Only one sheep delivered a normal lamb. In Group 2, one sheep aborted a fetus without malformations and five delivered normal lambs. Three sheep of this group returned to estrus repeatedly and did not get pregnant during the mating period, suggesting embryonic loss. Thirty two ewes and one ram, that stayed in a paddock neighbor to the experimental paddock and were used as control group, delivered normal lambs. It is concluded that M. tenuiflora cause malformations, embryonic mortality and abortion in sheep.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of presynchronization with GnRH and PGF(2 alpha) or with progesterone on overall Ovsynch (OVS) outcomes in noncyclic dairy cows. Cows were scanned 7 d apart with ultrasonography to determine cyclicity. Noncyclic cows (n = 281; no corpus luteum on ovaries at both examinations) were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the GP group (n = 108), the cows received GnRH and PGF(2 alpha) (PGF) administrations 7 d apart, and OVS was started 11 d after PGF (GnRH-7 d-PGF-11 d-OVS). In the P4 group (n = 90), the cows were treated for 7 d with an intravaginal progesterone (P4) implant (PRID), and then OVS was started 11 d after removal of the implant (7 d PRID-11 d-OVS). The control group (CON, n = 83) did not receive any presynchronization, and OVS was started at the same time as in the other groups (18 d-OVS). The percentage of cows that became cyclic at the beginning of OVS was lower in the CON group (38.6%; 32/83) than in the presynchronization groups (66.7%, 72/108 in GP; 71.1%, 64/90 in P4). The response to the first GnRH of OVS did not differ among groups (63.9%, 53/83 in CON; 67.6%, 73/108 in GP; 63.3%; 57/90 in P4), and synchronization rates were similar among the groups (74-82%). The cows that responded to presynchronization treatments (GP or P4) had higher pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) than did nonresponding cows. Pregnancy per AI at 31 d did not differ between groups (30.1%, 25/83 in CON; 43.5%, 47/108 in GP; and 35.6%, 32/90 in P4). However, CON cows (24.1%, 20/83) had lower P/AI at 62 d than GP cows (41.7%, 45/108). Embryonic loss was higher in CON (20%, 5/25) compared with the P4 group (3%, 1/32). The administration of GnRH followed by PGF or exogenous progesterone (PRID) similarly increased the percentage of cows that became cyclic before Ovsynch in noncyclic cows, but fertility did not improve. However, the cows that responded to presynchronization had higher fertility rates than the nonresponding cows.

A study was done to evaluate the effect of using progesterone (P4) intravaginal device (CIDR: controlled internal drug-releasing dispenser) to synchronise the return to oestrus of previously timed inseminated (TAI) dairy heifers, and to evaluate embryo survival and pregnancy rate (PR) in the return to oestrus heifers. At the onset of the artificial insemination (AI) breeding period (day −9), heifers were randomly assigned into two groups (treated group CGPG, n = 79) and (control group GPG, n = 83). Every heifer in both groups was injected with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF2α) as follows: GnRH on day −9; PGF2α on day −2; GnRH and TAI on day 0. Heifers in both groups received TAI within 30 min after the second GnRH injection. Artificial insemination at first breeding was conducted for all heifers during 55 days from day 0. On day 14 after timed insemination, every heifer in the CGPG group received CIDR device for 6 days. Within 3 days after CIDR removal, more heifers in CGPG group showed oestrus within 1.9 days compared to heifers that showed oestrus within 2.9 days in the control. Within 10 days after CIDR removal, more heifers in the CGPG group showed oestrus within 2.4 days compared to heifers that showed oestrus within 6.7 days in the control. PRs on days 30 and 55 were not different between both groups, while PR on day 55 during September were higher (P = 0.032) in CGPG group (58.0%) than GPG group (37.0%). In addition, PR from first to second AI was higher (P = 0.037) for CGPG group (79.8%) than for GPG group (65.1%) but it was similar after that. Pregnancy losses between days 30 and 55 tended to be lower (P = 0.089) for the CGPG group (12.7%) compared to 25.1% for the GPG group. Interval between first and second AI was lower (P = 0.052) for the CGPG group (27.5 ± 1.6 days) compared to 31.6 ± 1.3 days for heifers in the GPG group but no differences were detected for intervals from second to third AI and from third to fourth AI between the two groups. Number of services per pregnancy was not different between CGPG and GPG groups. Results indicate that the CIDR device improved synchronisation to return to oestrus and increased PR to first AI during high temperature months by reducing embryonic losses.

Early embryonic loss (EEL) negatively affects the reproductive efficiency of equine reproduction. A sign of future EEL is when the embryo proper (EP) fails to develop within the embryonic vesicle after 30 days of gestation. The earlier the identification of impending EEL, the earlier the mare can be rebred to allow a second chance of pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to determine the percentage of embryonic vesicles with a visible EP at 18-28 days of gestation and to study the association between the presence/absence of the EP at different days of gestation and the future viability of the pregnancy. A total of 1,256 pregnancies were identified and followed by transrectal B-mode ultrasonography 12-45 days post ovulation in mares of the same Thoroughbred farm. The identification of the EP was attempted once during days 18-28. Pregnancy reconfirmation was performed on days 35-45. The percentage of vesicles with an EP increased gradually from days 18 (2.8%) to 21 (86.9%) (P 71%) on day 20 of gestation. The lack of a positive identification of an EP from day 20 onward is associated with a higher EEL rate.

Human gamete chromosome studies using 702 oocytes and 15,864 spermatozoa were reviewed. These studies were chosen because they were carried out with our improved chromosomal technique, the gradual fixation-air drying method, which has been proven to be very reliable. The incidence of aneuploidy was about eight times as high in the oocytes (11.0%) as in the spermatozoa (1.4%), whereas that of structural chromosome aberrations was three times as high in the spermatozoa (14.1%) as in the oocytes (4.7%). In the spermatozoa, segregation errors leading to aneuploidy were found randomly among eight chromosome groups (A-G and sex chromosome). In contrast, they did not occur randomly in the oocytes. The observed frequency was significantly higher in group G and significantly lower in group A, as compared with the theoretical frequencies which were calculated according to the assumption that the segregation errors had taken place with an equal chance in each of 23 chromosomes. About 60% of the segregation errors were found to be due to so-called nondisjunction (loss or gain of dyads) and about 40% were due to so-called predivision (loss or gain of monads). The incidence of aneuploid oocytes increased slightly with the increase of donor age, although showing no statistical significance. The incidence of spermatozoa with structural chromosome aberrations vaned considerably from donor to donor (3.6–24.8%). However, there was no positive correlation between the occurrence of these spermatozoa and the age of donors or the habit of smoking. Incidences of chromosome aberrations in the human gametes (22.8% in oocytes and 15.5% in spermatozoa) were far higher than those in experimental animals. These seem to be associated closely with the characteristics of human reproduction and are responsible for a great part of human embryonic loss and developmental anomalies.

The effects of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue on luteal function, pregnancy rates, and embryonic loss rates were compared between treated mares (n=18) and untreated controls (endophyte-free, n=12). Mares grazing endophyte-infected fescue demonstrated significantly (P0.01) prolonged luteal function (22.9 vs 15.8 d) than those grazing endophyte-free fescue. Continuous grazing of endophyte-infected fescue resulted in a decreased (P=0.30) per cycle 14-d viable pregnancy rate (14/31, 45.2%) compared with that of endophyte-free grazing (12/16, 75.0%). Early embryonic death rates were higher (P=0.20) in the endophyte-infected group (6/20, 30.0%) than the endophyte-free group (1/13, 7.7%). Cumulative pregnancy rates after a 60-d breeding period did not differ between the 2 groups. Embryonic development based on mean vesicle height at 14-d was not significantly different between treatment groups for embryos that maintained viability. Embryos that underwent early embryonic death were smaller (P0.10) at Day-14 than embryos that maintained viability. Mean plasma progesterone concentrations were significantly (P0.01) greater at Day-21 postovulation in endophyte-infected mares in which the embryo remained viable (15.8 ng/ml) than in endophyte-free mares that experienced early embryonic death (9.8 ng/ml) or that demonstrated prolongation of luteal function (11.2 ng/ml). The results of this study suggest that grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue can have a detrimental effect on reproductive efficiency in the mare due to an increase in cycles bred per pregnancy rate, increased early embryonic death rate and prolongation of luteal function.

The vanishing twin syndrome is a relatively frequent finding, especially since the widespread use of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Both an earlier follow-up of pregnancy and the use of transvaginal ultrasound, providing a better ultrasound resolution, have brought us closer to the real incidence of this phenomenon, which was underestimated prior to the introduction of these techniques. Thanks to this, we can establish the real incidence of early embryonic loss, from its early ultrasound identification, as well as study the incidence of complications, clinical management, and perinatal prognosis associated with these pregnancies.

A total of 240 pregnant genitalia of Iraqi goats consisting of 193 single, 46 twin and one triplet pregnancies were studied. Distribution of 288 fetuses in the right and left horns was in the ratio of 54 t0 46, respectively. Volume of allantoic and amniotic fluids increased with advancing pregnancy. Consistency of allantoic fluid was watery throughout gestation, and colour changed from colourless to yellow and turbid as pregnancy advanced. The amniotic fluid was watery until crown rump length (CRL) was 20 cm, subsequently becoming mucoid and gelatinous. Incidence of early embryonic loss was 8.3% in single pregnancies. Trans-uterine migration was 37.8% in single and 19.6% in twin pregnancies. Mean (±SD) length, width, thickness and weight of the right ovary were 2.2±0.5 cm, 1.6±0.3 cm, 1.0±0.2 cm and 2.3±0.9 g, respectively; and those of the left ovary were 2.2±0.4 cm, 1.5±0.3 cm, 0.9±0.9 cm and 2.1±0.9 g, respectively. Mean diameter and weight of corpora lutea in the right ovary were 1.5±0.3 cm and 1.1±0.2 g, respectively, and 1.4±0.3 cm and 1.1±0.3 g for the left ovary. This study indicated that the right ovary was more active than the left, whereas fetal migration was toward the left horn. Low twinning percentage was also observed.

Mifepristone is a synthetic selective progesterone-receptor modulator (SPRM) that is widely used around the globe in the field of reproductive medicine. At present mifepristone is approved in a number of countries for early termination of pregnancy (TOP), cervical dilatation before surgical TOP, and management of early embryonic loss or fetal death. A number of new clinical applications are being developed in gynecology, endocrinology and oncology. Mifepristone has also served as an invaluable tool in the study of steroid hormone biology.Current indications for mifepristone are reviewed. New applications for mifepristone under clinical investigation are discussed. In addition, the unique molecular and cellular effects of mifepristone are described.The reader will understand the mechanisms of action of mifepristone and the underlying steroid hormone biology. The reader will know the approved clinical indications for mifepristone and appreciate the ongoing basic and clinical research into new applications.Mifepristone is the first-discovered and still most widely used antiprogestin. It has several indications in reproductive medicine and is under investigation for a variety of potential applications in other fields of medicine. The molecular and cellular effects of mifepristone illuminate important aspects of steroid hormone biology.