In vitro maturation in synthetic oviductal fluid increases gene expression associated with quality and lipid metabolism in bovine oocytes.

Traditionally, in vitro oocyte and embryo culture progresses through a series of varying culture medium. To investigate simplifying the in vitro production of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), this study used synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Special interest was placed on gene expression linked to lipid metabolism and oocyte maturation. COCs were matured in different media: Medium 199 (M199 group), M199 with 100 µM CLA (M199 + CLA group), SOF (SOF group), and SOF with 100 µM CLA (SOF + CLA group). COCs matured with SOF showed a higher relative abundance of mRNA of quality indicators gremlin 1 (GREM1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in oocytes, and GREM1 in cumulus cells compared with in the M199 group. SOF medium COCs had a higher relative abundance of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) compared with the M199 group, which is essential for lipid metabolism in oocytes. Furthermore, the abundance of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) in oocytes matured with SOF was not influenced by the addition of CLA, whereas the relative abundance of SCD1 was reduced in M199 medium with CLA. We concluded that maturation in SOF medium results in a greater abundance of genes linked to quality and lipidic metabolism in oocytes, regardless of the addition of CLA.

Different nutritional systems influence the tenderness and lipid oxidation of ewe lamb meat without altering gene expression.

Feeding is a determining factor in the various characteristics of sheep meat and animal performance, the objectives were to evaluate the effect of supplementation of ewe lambs finished in different nutritional planes on the gene expression of CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST and its possible association with meat quality. Samples of the Longissimus lumborum muscle of 24 ewe lambs were used, distributed in 3 groups (n=8): P (pasture), PS (pasture and supplement) and F (feedlot). Physicochemical analyses were performed for centesimal analysis, pH, lipid oxidation, Warner-Bratzler shear force and RT-qPCR for the analysis of relative gene expression of the following genes: CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST. There is an increase in daily weight gain and ethereal extract values in the meat of confined animals, due to the greater energy intake in the nutrition of these animals. Animals kept only on pasture have lower lipid oxidation in meat than other treatments because of the lower percentage of lipids. The Warner-Bratzler shear force is considerably higher in the meat of animals kept only on pasture but is still considered tender. The different nutritional systems do not interfere with the gene expression of CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST in ewe lambs.

Nutrient intake, digestibility and ruminal characteristics of lambs supplemented with probiotic.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of probiotic in the diets of lambs, on ruminal characteristics, intake and digestibility of nutrients. The treatments were 0 (control group), 2, 4 and 6 g/day of probiotic doses, supplied orally and individually to the lambs. Four crossbred Santa Inês X Texel lambs were used, and the experimental design was a Latin square, with four treatments and four periods. Samples of diet, orts, feces, and ruminal fluid were collected from each animal. Intake and apparent digestibility variables were not different (p > 0.05) among the levels of probiotic evaluated. The average daily feed intake of lambs ranged from 1.27 to 1.28 kg of DM/day, and no significant differences (p > 0.05) were obtained between the levels of probiotics used in the diet. The percentage distribution of protozoa was not significant according to the different doses of probiotics used. A positive linear effect was obtained between the pH of the rumen fluid and the probiotic used, indicating that the highest pH values were obtained when the animals received the higher dose of 6 g probiotic; indicative that its use provides a ruminal environment closer to neutrality. The methylene blue reduction test in ruminal fluid samples did not differ between the different doses of probiotics used. The increasing levels of the probiotic in the diet of lambs are related to an increase in ruminal pH, without changing the levels of intake and digestibility of nutrients.

Serum Progesterone and Conception Rates in Acyclic Embryo Recipient Mares Using a Bovine Progesterone-Releasing Intravaginal Device.

The objective of this study was to quantify serum progesterone levels, uterine features, and pregnancy rates in acyclic, embryo recipient mares using a bovine progesterone-releasing intravaginal device in a commercial embryo transfer (ET) program. The study included 73 recipient mares of unknown breed, aged 3-10 years, weighing 350-500 kg, and kept under an intensive management system on Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) pastures with water and mineral salt ad libitum. The horses were divided into two groups: a group with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (1 g progesterone, G-IVP4, n = 24) and a control group (G-iP4, n = 49) receiving an injection of 1,500 mg long-acting progesterone. Jugular blood was collected for the G-IVP4 group for subsequent progesterone measurement by radioimmunoassay on three occasions: Day 0 (D0), intravaginal device was placed; Day 5 (D5), day of the ET; and Day 9 (D9), day of pregnancy diagnosis. There was an increase (P < .0001) in serum progesterone levels on D5 and D9 compared with D0 (4.09 ± 0.81 and 6.45 ± 1.03 ng/mL vs. 0.71 ± 0.14 ng/mL). There were no differences among groups in the pregnancy rate (P > .05), with rates of 83.33% and 73.46% for G-IVP4 and G-iP4, respectively. In conclusion, the intravaginal route for absorption of 1 g of progesterone device increased the serum level of progesterone sufficiently to prepare the uterus of acyclic recipient mares for ET, and the conception rate was similar to the standard protocol using long-acting injectable progesterone.

Peripartum Phenomenon in Crioula Lanada Sheep Susceptible and Resistant to Gastrointestinal Nematodes.

This study aimed at evaluating parasitological and blood variables in native breed Crioula Lanada sheep belonging to the same herd, to identify and compare susceptible or resistant individuals to gastrointestinal nematodes during gestation and lactation phases. For this purpose, 18 Crioula sheep were used within 2 years of evaluation, in which blood and feces samples and weight of the animals were taken from their 4th month of gestation until the weaning of their lambs, in the 4th month postpartum. Feces samples were used for counting eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and, thus, to identify 12 resistant ewes (EPG < 1,000) and 6 susceptible (EPG > 1,000) to gastrointestinal nematodes. The identification of infective larvae was also performed. Blood was used for analysis of packed cell volume (PCV), eosinophil count, total plasma protein, and immunoglobulin G level against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric comparison test was used to evaluate the differences between days of parturition and linear mixed-effects model using package lme4 in R to evaluate the groups. The main parasite species observed in the feces samples were Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, Ostertagia, and Cooperia in similar proportions in both groups. Susceptible ewes presented peaks of EPG at the beginning of lactation and lower PCV values throughout the study. No difference between groups was observed concerning other blood variables or body weight, but some changes were observed along with the gestation and lactation phases within each group. The physiological response of sheep to nematode infection is a useful tool to identify the most susceptible individuals within the same breed and herd and to select the most genetically resistant individuals.

Synchronization of stage of follicle development before OPU improves embryo production in cows with large antral follicle counts.

In the present study, there was an evaluation of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in Bos indicus donor cows with small or large antral follicle counts (AFCs) when there was synchronization of follicular dynamics among cows before ovum pick-up (OPU). Donor cows classified as having small or large AFC were submitted to OPU/IVEP program (Experiment-I) or had follicular-stage synchronization imposed before OPU/IVEP (Experiment-II). In Experiment-I, the cows with a large AFC had a greater (P < 0.01) mean of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage compared to those with a small AFC. In Experiment-II, percentage of viable oocytes/OPU were not affected (P = 0.33) by synchronization of follicular dynamics, but the AFC had an effect (P < 0.0001). There was an interaction (P = 0.01) indicating the larger AFC, with or without imposing of a synchronization treatment regimen, resulted in the most desirable outcome. The number of embryos was affected (P < 0.001) by follicular-stage synchronization and AFC, with there being an interaction (P = 0.002) with the most desirable results for the large AFC-synchronized group. Number of pregnancies was greater (P ≤ 0.02) for recipient females with embryos from synchronized donors and with a large AFC. There was an interaction (P = 0.03) with there being a greater pregnancy percentage for cows with synchronized follicular stages and the large AFC. Bos indicus donor with a large AFC when associated with the synchronization of stage of follicular dynamics pre-OPU results in improvement of the efficacy of IVEP.

Effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin on pregnancy per artificial insemination, corpus luteum cellular composition and endometrial gland morphometry in beef cattle.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) on pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI), cellular composition of the corpus luteum (CL) and endometrial gland morphometry. In Experiment 1, Nelore cows (n = 587) received a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and, at insemination, received 0, 250 or 500 mg of bST subcutaneously (SC). In Experiment 2, Nelore cows (n = 243) received 0 or 500 mg of bST, SC, on D7 (D0 = day of FTAI). Blood samples were collected on D7 and D16 to measure progesterone (P4) concentrations. In Experiments 1 and 2, pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days after FTAI. In Experiment 3, Nelore heifers (n = 20) received a FTAI protocol, but were not inseminated, and on D0 (ovulation day), they received 0 (bST 0; n = 9) or 500 mg of bST (bST 500; n = 11), SC. The heifers were slaughtered on D15 (D0 = ovulation day), at which time the CL was evaluated for diameter, weight, a percentage of large (LLC) and small (SLC) luteal cells, and the concentration of progesterone in plasma measured. The number, perimeter and area of superficial and deep endometrial glands were evaluated. There was no difference in P/AI when bST was applied on D0 and D7. In Experiment 1, P/AI did not differ among treatments, with 59.28% (115/194), 58.38% (115/197) and 65.82% (129/196) for the bST 0, 250 and 500 treatments, respectively. In Experiment 2, P/AI did not differ between treatments, with 57.3% (71/124) and 60.5% (62/119) for the bST 0 and 500 treatments, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentrations on D16 was greater in the bST 500 (11.63 ±â€¯0.84 ng/mL) than bST 0 (9.83 ±â€¯0.88 ng/mL). In Experiment 3, there was no difference in ovarian diameter and weight, CL diameter, percentage of SLC, P4 concentrations and endometrial gland morphology. Heifers in the bST 500 treatment had heavier CL (3.11 ±â€¯0.32 vs. 2.25 ±â€¯0.20 g); however, the bST 0 treatment heifers had a greater percentage of LLC than did the bST 500 treatment (13.72 ±â€¯1.16% vs. 8.60 ±â€¯1.52). It was concluded that the doses of bST used in this study do not increase P/AI; however, they do cause changes in P4 concentration and the cellular composition of the CL.

Avaliação distribuição mitocondrial na maturação in vitro de oócitos bovinos de ovários com baixa e alta contagem de folículos antrais / Mitochondrial distribution evaluation in vitro maturation of ovarian bovine oocytes with low and high antral follicle count

A Produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) depende das etapas de maturação, fertilização e cultivo in vitro, sendo a maturação a etapa decisiva para o oócito atingir o estádio de mórula e blastocisto. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de maturação in vitro, de acordo com a distribuição mitocondrial de oócitos provenientes de ovários de fêmeas de abatedouro, com baixa ou alta contagem de folículos antrais (CFA). Foram aspirados 243 ovários dos quais se selecionou 334 oócitos perante de cinco repetições para cada grupo. Os ovários foram separados em dois grupos: 1-baixa CFA (n=19), 2-alta CFA (n= 53) e os oócitos recuperados corados com a sonda MitoTracker Red. Os dados obtidos foram analisados pelo teste não paramétrico exato de Fisher (α=5%) mediante o software Statistical Analysis System for Windows (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC).Em relação a localização das mitocôndrias o presente trabalho apresentou diferenças (p<0,001) entre oócitos imaturos e maturados, o que é desejável. Oócitos maturados apresentaram maior porcentagem de mitocôndrias dispersas no citoplasma e oócitos imaturos na periferia, independente do grupo experimental (baixa e alta CFA). Em oócitos imaturos, não houve diferença (p=0,1542) na localização das mitocôndrias entre os grupos baixa e alta CFA. No entanto, o grupo baixa CFA, após a maturação, apresentou menor quantidade de oócitos com mitocôndrias na periferia em relação aos de alta CFA (p = 0,0355), indicando melhor aquisição de competência desses oócitos para PIVE.

In vitro embryo production (PIVE) depends on the stages of maturation, fertilization and in vitro cultivation, being the decisive stage for the oocyte to reach the morula and blastocyst stage. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of in vitro maturation, according to the mitochondrial distribution of oocytes from ovaries of slaughter females with low or high antral follicle count (CFA). A total of 243 ovaries were aspirated from which 334 oocytes were selected for five replicates for each group. The ovaries were separated into two groups: 1-low CFA (n = 19) 2-high CFA (n = 53) and stained with the Mito Traker Red probe. Data obtained were analyzed by Fisher's exact nonparametric test ( α= 5%) using the Statistical Analysis System for Windows software (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC). Regarding the location of mitochondria, the present study showed significant differences (p <0.001) between immature and mature oocytes, which is desirable. Mature oocytes had a higher percentage of dispersed mitochondria in the cytoplasm and immature oocytes in the periphery, regardless of the experimental group (low and high CFA). In immature oocytes, there was no difference (p = 0.1542) in the location of mitochondria between the low and high CFA groups. However, the oocytes of the low CFA group, after maturation, presented smaller number of oocytes with mitochondria in the periphery compared to the high CFA (p = 0.0355), indicating for this parameter a better competence of these oocytes for PIVE.

Avaliação distribuição mitocondrial na maturação in vitro de oócitos bovinos de ovários com baixa e alta contagem de folículos antrais / Mitochondrial distribution evaluation in vitro maturation of ovarian bovine oocytes with low and high antral follicle count

A Produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) depende das etapas de maturação, fertilização e cultivo in vitro, sendo a maturação a etapa decisiva para o oócito atingir o estádio de mórula e blastocisto. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de maturação in vitro, de acordo com a distribuição mitocondrial de oócitos provenientes de ovários de fêmeas de abatedouro, com baixa ou alta contagem de folículos antrais (CFA). Foram aspirados 243 ovários dos quais se selecionou 334 oócitos perante de cinco repetições para cada grupo. Os ovários foram separados em dois grupos: 1-baixa CFA (n=19), 2-alta CFA (n= 53) e os oócitos recuperados corados com a sonda MitoTracker Red. Os dados obtidos foram analisados pelo teste não paramétrico exato de Fisher (α=5%) mediante o software Statistical Analysis System for Windows (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC).Em relação a localização das mitocôndrias o presente trabalho apresentou diferenças (p<0,001) entre oócitos imaturos e maturados, o que é desejável. Oócitos maturados apresentaram maior porcentagem de mitocôndrias dispersas no citoplasma e oócitos imaturos na periferia, independente do grupo experimental (baixa e alta CFA). Em oócitos imaturos, não houve diferença (p=0,1542) na localização das mitocôndrias entre os grupos baixa e alta CFA. No entanto, o grupo baixa CFA, após a maturação, apresentou menor quantidade de oócitos com mitocôndrias na periferia em relação aos de alta CFA (p = 0,0355), indicando melhor aquisição de competência desses oócitos para PIVE.(AU)

In vitro embryo production (PIVE) depends on the stages of maturation, fertilization and in vitro cultivation, being the decisive stage for the oocyte to reach the morula and blastocyst stage. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of in vitro maturation, according to the mitochondrial distribution of oocytes from ovaries of slaughter females with low or high antral follicle count (CFA). A total of 243 ovaries were aspirated from which 334 oocytes were selected for five replicates for each group. The ovaries were separated into two groups: 1-low CFA (n = 19) 2-high CFA (n = 53) and stained with the Mito Traker Red probe. Data obtained were analyzed by Fisher's exact nonparametric test ( α= 5%) using the Statistical Analysis System for Windows software (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC). Regarding the location of mitochondria, the present study showed significant differences (p <0.001) between immature and mature oocytes, which is desirable. Mature oocytes had a higher percentage of dispersed mitochondria in the cytoplasm and immature oocytes in the periphery, regardless of the experimental group (low and high CFA). In immature oocytes, there was no difference (p = 0.1542) in the location of mitochondria between the low and high CFA groups. However, the oocytes of the low CFA group, after maturation, presented smaller number of oocytes with mitochondria in the periphery compared to the high CFA (p = 0.0355), indicating for this parameter a better competence of these oocytes for PIVE.(AU)

Replacing oat hay with coffee husk in the feed of finishing lambs / A casca de café em substituição ao feno de aveia na alimentação de cordeiros em terminação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of replacing oat hay with coffee husk for the feeding of confined lambs. In this study, 24 male Texel lambs of approximately 60 days of age and with a mean ± standard error weight of 21.95 ± 5.81 kg were examined. Their diet was composed of 30% oat hay and 70% concentrated feed per kilogram of dry matter. The experimental design was randomized and included four treatments (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5% of coffee husk in the total dry matter), with six replicates of each treatment. The animals were slaughtered when they reached a mean live weight of 32 kg. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake and mean daily weight gain (which were 197 g day-1) among treatments. The mean daily weight gain (DWG) was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the replacement of oat hay with coffee husk in the diet, with the overall mean DWG being 215.05 g day-1. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among treatments in any of the studied carcass variables, and the mean true carcass yield was 53.9%. The lambs presented a mean finishing score of 2.96 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and a conformation of 4.21 (on a scale of 1 to 6), characterizing them as good carcasses. In terms of economic viability, the 7.5% diet stood out as the one that had the highest profitability, generating a profit of $ 3.25 USD per kg of carcass produced. Coffee husk can therefore replace oat hay in the feed of finishing lambs in concentrations of 0.075 to 0.225 kg kg-¹ of total dry matter with biological and economical efficacy and generating good commercial carcasses.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na alimentação de cordeiros confinados. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos da raça Texel, com aproximadamente 60 dias de idade e pesando em média (21,95 kg ± 5,81). As rações foram compostas por 30% de feno de Aveia e 70% de concentrado por kg de matéria seca. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (0; 7,5; 15 e 22,5 % de casca de café na matéria seca total da dieta) e seis repetições. O abate dos animais foi realizado quando atingiram a média de 32 kg de peso vivo. Não foram observadas variações no consumo de nutrientes, assim como no ganho de peso médio diário (197 g dia-1). O ganho de peso médio diário (GPD) não foi alterado (P > 0,05) com a substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na dieta, ficando com média de 215,05 g dia-1. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis de carcaça estudadas e o rendimento verdadeiro da carcaça foi em média 53,9%. Os cordeiros apresentaram média de 2,96 para grau de acabamento (escala de 1 a 5) e 4,21 de conformação, caracterizando boas carcaças. Com relação à viabilidade econômica, a dieta com 0,075 kg de casca de café teve destaque em lucratividade, gerando 3,25 U$ de lucro por kg de carcaça produzida. A casca de café pode substituir o feno de aveia na terminação de cordeiros, em teores de 7,5 a 22,5% da matéria seca total da dieta com eficácia biológica e econômica, gerando boas carcaças para a comercialização.

Replacing oat hay with coffee husk in the feed of finishing lambs / A casca de café em substituição ao feno de aveia na alimentação de cordeiros em terminação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of replacing oat hay with coffee husk for the feeding of confined lambs. In this study, 24 male Texel lambs of approximately 60 days of age and with a mean ± standard error weight of 21.95 ± 5.81 kg were examined. Their diet was composed of 30% oat hay and 70% concentrated feed per kilogram of dry matter. The experimental design was randomized and included four treatments (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5% of coffee husk in the total dry matter), with six replicates of each treatment. The animals were slaughtered when they reached a mean live weight of 32 kg. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake and mean daily weight gain (which were 197 g day-1) among treatments. The mean daily weight gain (DWG) was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the replacement of oat hay with coffee husk in the diet, with the overall mean DWG being 215.05 g day-1. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among treatments in any of the studied carcass variables, and the mean true carcass yield was 53.9%. The lambs presented a mean finishing score of 2.96 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and a conformation of 4.21 (on a scale of 1 to 6), characterizing them as good carcasses. In terms of economic viability, the 7.5% diet stood out as the one that had the highest profitability, generating a profit of $ 3.25 USD per kg of carcass produced. Coffee husk can therefore replace oat hay in the feed of finishing lambs in concentrations of 0.075 to 0.225 kg kg-¹ of total dry matter with biological and economical efficacy and generating good commercial carcasses.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na alimentação de cordeiros confinados. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos da raça Texel, com aproximadamente 60 dias de idade e pesando em média (21,95 kg ± 5,81). As rações foram compostas por 30% de feno de Aveia e 70% de concentrado por kg de matéria seca. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (0; 7,5; 15 e 22,5 % de casca de café na matéria seca total da dieta) e seis repetições. O abate dos animais foi realizado quando atingiram a média de 32 kg de peso vivo. Não foram observadas variações no consumo de nutrientes, assim como no ganho de peso médio diário (197 g dia-1). O ganho de peso médio diário (GPD) não foi alterado (P > 0,05) com a substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na dieta, ficando com média de 215,05 g dia-1. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis de carcaça estudadas e o rendimento verdadeiro da carcaça foi em média 53,9%. Os cordeiros apresentaram média de 2,96 para grau de acabamento (escala de 1 a 5) e 4,21 de conformação, caracterizando boas carcaças. Com relação à viabilidade econômica, a dieta com 0,075 kg de casca de café teve destaque em lucratividade, gerando 3,25 U$ de lucro por kg de carcaça produzida. A casca de café pode substituir o feno de aveia na terminação de cordeiros, em teores de 7,5 a 22,5% da matéria seca total da dieta com eficácia biológica e econômica, gerando boas carcaças para a comercialização.(AU)

Effectiveness of a low-dose Norgestomet ear implant in short-term protocols to induce estrus in ewes during the non-breeding season in Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes subjected to a short-term protocol for estrus induction using 1 mg of Norgestomet during the non-breeding season in Brazil. A total of 84 ewes were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 42 per group). Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) containing 330 mg progesterone was inserted into the vagina in the first 42 ewes, and for the other 42 ewes in the second group, 1 mg of Norgestomet was placed subcutaneously in the convex surface of the ear. Implants and devices were removed in both groups on day 6. Following the removal of implants and devices, 10 mg of PGF2α and 300 IU of eCG were injected in all the ewes. After 48 h of application, three fertile rams were added to the herd. Ewes and rams were kept together for four days. Rams were removed on day 12, and after 42 days, pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound scanning. Short-term protocols using either an intravaginal device or ear implant were similarly effective to estrus induction (95.23 vs. 92.85%), and all ewes from both groups had estrus manifestation within 72 h after implant removal (72±9 h). In addition, no significant difference in pregnancy rate was observed between ewes treated with the intravaginal device and ear implant protocols (52.38 vs. 57.14%). These results suggest that 1 mg of Norgestomet is a good alternative for short-term protocols for estrus induction/synchronization during the non-breeding season in ewes. It is possible to replace the progesterone-releasing intravaginal device by the ear implant and obtain the same reproductive effectiveness in ewes.(AU)

Characterization of the LH peak after short and long fixed-time artificial insemination protocols in sheep raised in the tropics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the peak in luteinizing hormone (LH) and the pregnancy rate of sheep (Texel × Santa Inês) in the tropics using short- (6 days) and long-term (12 days) progesterone protocols followed by artificial insemination (AI) both in and out of the breeding season. Experiment 1 was conducted within (IN) the breeding season (autumn, n = 36), and experiment 2 was conducted outside (OUT) of the breeding season (spring, n = 43). In each experiment, the sheep were divided into two groups (6 or 12 days) according to the duration of treatment with a single-use progesterone release vaginal device (CIDR® , Pfizer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil), and blood samples were collected from 10 animals per group every 4 hr to measure the LH and progesterone concentrations. In the spring, the characteristics of the LH peak did not differ between groups; but in the autumn, there were differences between groups at the beginning (G-6 IN: 36.44 ± 5.46 hr; G-12 IN: 26.57 ± 4.99 hr) and end of the LH peak (G-6 IN: 46.22 ± 7.51 hr; G-12 IN: 34.86 ± 8.86 hr). The results showed alterations in the LH peak during the breeding season only in the sheep undergoing the short-term protocol.

Evaluation of cell proliferation and endometrial thickness of bitches in different periods of diestrus

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the histological features of the endometrium of bitches, as well as the cell proliferation at specific moments of diestrus, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days post ovulation, correlating the endometrial thickness with the uterine cell proliferation and the metabolic state (weight, blood glucose and plasma cholesterol) of the animals. Therefore, the right and left uterine horns of 26 clinically healthy bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy were histologically analyzed 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days post ovulation. The hematoxylin-eosin and AgNOR staining techniques were performed. All parameters were evaluated by ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test (p<0.05). The correlation between endometrial thickness and uterine cell proliferation, weight, blood glucose and plasma cholesterol of animals was observed using the Pearson method (p<0.05). In the present study, it is concluded that endometrial thickness does not differ at any of the moments analyzed in diestrus. The endometrial thickness is not influenced by hormones, weight, blood glucose or serum cholesterol of bitches in this phase of the estrous cycle. However, there is greater cell proliferation in the endometrium at day 40 compared to day 60 post ovulation under the influence of the endocrine profile.

Maturação Oocitária Em Bovinos: Efeito Dos Ácidos Graxos Poli-Insaturados / Oocyte Maturation In Cattle: The Effect Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids / Maturación Oocitaria En Bovinos: Efecto De Los Ácidos Graxos Poliinsaturados

Objetivou-se com a presente revisão descrever os eventos que compõe a maturação de oócitos bovinos, pois esta é uma fase crucial da produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) e o efeito da adição de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) nos meios de cultivo ou na alimentação de bovinos. Dentre os diversos, o ácido linolênico (C18:3; ômega-3) e linoléico (C18:2; ômega-6) são os mais importantes no contexto reprodutivo. A PIVE é uma biotécnica reprodutiva em que todo o processo ocorre mediante etapas sincrônicas, sendo maturação in vitro (MIV), fertilização in vitro (FIV) e cultivo de embriões in vitro (CIV) e para que todo o processo obtenha sucesso é necessária que haja interação e sincronismo entre as etapas cuja maturação oocitária é uma fase essencial e limitante para a PIVE, visto que é através da maturação nuclear e citoplasmática que ocorre o controle sistêmico de todo potencial de desenvolvimento oocitário e, consequentemente garantia do desenvolvimento embrionário.

The objective of this review was to describe the events that compose the maturation of bovine oocytes, as this is a crucial phase of in vitro embryo production (IVP) and the effect of the addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on culture media or in feed for cattle. Among them, linolenic acid (C18: 3; omega-3) and linoleic acid (C18: 2; omega-6) are the most important in the reproductive context. IVP is a reproductive biotechnology in which the whole process takes place through synchronic stages, being in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) and for the whole process to be successful it is necessary that there is interaction and synchronism between the stages whose oocyte maturation is the essential and limiting phase for IVP since it is through nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation that the systemic control of any oocyte development potential occurs and consequently warranty of embryonic development.

En el presente trabajo se describen los eventos que componen la maduración de ovocitos bovinos, pues esta es una fase crucial de la producción in vitro de embriones (PIVE) y el efecto de la adición de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (AGPI) en los medios de cultivo o En la alimentación de bovinos. Entre los diversos, el ácido linolénico (C18: 3, omega-3) y linoleico (C18: 2, omega-6) son los más importantes en el contexto reproductivo. La PIVE es una biotécnica reproductiva en que todo el proceso ocurre mediante etapas sincrónicas, siendo maduración in vitro (MIV), fertilización in vitro (FIV) y cultivo de embriones in vitro (CIV) y para que todo el proceso obtenga éxito es necesario que haya interacción y sincronismo entre las etapas cuya maduración oocitaria es la fase esencial y limitante para la PIVE, ya que es a través de la maduración nuclear y citoplasmática que ocurre el control sistémico de todo potencial de desarrollo oocitario y por consiguiente, garantía del desarrollo embrionario.

Sincronização Do Estro E Ovulação Com Progesterona Em Ovelhas / Estrus And Ovulation Synchronization With Progesterone In Sheep / Sincronización Del Estro Y Ovulación Con Progesterona En Ovejas

Com a atual expansão da criação de ovinos no Brasil e a necessidade de melhoramento genético dos rebanhos, a alternativa mais benéfica disponível é a inseminação artificial (IA), sendo sua adoção facilitada pelo uso concomitante da sincronização do estro e ovulação visando à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). O ciclo estral nas ovelhas tem duração de 17 dias, que se divide em fase luteal e fase folicular. A ovelha é uma poliéstrica estacional caracterizado por períodos de atividade sexual durante os dias curtos (outono e inverno) com ciclos regulares. Durante os dias longos (primavera-verão), a atividade sexual diminui com os animais apresentando desde completo anestro até irregularidade dos ciclos. Para escolha da técnica de sincronização deve ser considerada a estacionalidade reprodutiva dos ovinos, uma vez que, dependendo da época do ano, será peculiar a técnica a ser empregada. Existem basicamente dois conjuntos de métodos de manipulação do ciclo estral em ovinos, um natural, o chamado efeito macho, outro que inclui métodos artificiais, que empregam progestágenos e as prostaglandinas. Progesterona e progestágenos são amplamente utilizados para sincronização do estro em ovelhas. Em ovinos: as esponjas vaginais de liberação lenta impregnadas com 50 mg MAP são muito utilizadas e existe também o dispositivo intravaginal de liberação de drogas (CIDR®).

With the current expansion of sheep farming in Brazil and the need for genetic improvement of livestock, the most beneficial alternative available is artificial insemination (AI), and its adoption was facilitated by concomitant use of synchronization of estrus and ovulation in order to time artificial insemination fixed (IATF). The estrous cycle in sheep lasts 17 days, which is divided into luteal phase and follicular phase. The sheep is an animal with reproductive seasonality characterized by periods of sexual activity during the short days (autumn and winter) with regular cycles. During the long days (spring-summer), sexual activity decreases with animals displaying complete anestrus up from irregularity of cycles. To choose the synchronization technique, the reproductive seasonality of the sheep should be considered, since, depending on the time of year, the technique to be used will be peculiar. There are basically two methods of manipulating the estrous cycle in sheep, a natural one, the so-called male effect, another that includes artificial methods that employ progestogens and prostaglandins. Progesterone and progestagens are widely used for synchronization of oestrus in ewes. In sheep: vaginal sponges impregnated withslow-release 50 mg MAP are widely used and there is also the intravaginal drug delivery device (CIDR®).

Con la actual expansión de la cría de ovinos en Brasil y la necesidad de mejoramiento genético de los rebaños, la alternativa más beneficiosa disponible es la inseminación artificial (IA), siendo su adopción facilitada por el uso concomitante de la sincronización del estro y la ovulación visando la inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF). El ciclo estral en las ovejas tiene una duración de 17 días, que se divide en fase luteal y fase folicular. La oveja es poliésica estacional caracterizado por períodos de actividad sexual durante los días cortos (otoño e invierno) con ciclos regulares. Durante los días largos (primavera-verano), la actividad sexual disminuye con los animales presentando desde completo anestro hasta irregularidad de los ciclos. Para elegir la técnica de sincronización debe ser considerada la estacionalidad reproductiva de los ovinos, ya que, dependiendo de la época del año, será peculiar la técnica a ser empleada. Hay básicamente dos métodos de manipulación del ciclo estral en ovinos, un natural, el llamado efecto macho, otro que incluye métodos artificiales, que emplean progestágenos y las prostaglandinas. Progesterona y progestágenos son ampliamente utilizados para la sincronización del estro en ovejas. En ovinos: las esponjas vaginales de liberación lenta impregnadas con 50 mg MAP son muy utilizadas y existe también el dispositivo intravaginal de liberación de drogas (CIDR®).

Anomalias Congênitas De Bezerros Oriundos De Embriões Produzidos In Vitro: Relato De Caso / Congenital Defects In Calves From Embryos Produced In Vitro: Case Report / Anomalías Congenitas De Terneros Originarios De Embriones Producidos In Vitro: Informe Del Caso

Um estudo de anomalias congênitas foi realizado em uma propriedade no município de Presidente Epitácio - SP em bezerros da raça Nelore, nascidos de receptoras de embriões produzidos in vitro. Foram analisados partos ocorridos entre 24 de outubro de 2010 e 24 de janeiro de 2011. A ocorrência das anomalias foi de 7,5% dos 200 partos ocorridos, diferindo da média mundial que é 3%. Das anomalias encontradas, houve predomínio das que afetam o sistema nervoso e muscular. Foram encontrados animais com hidrocefalia, espinha bífida, diprosopia, aracnomelia, “paunch calf”, deformidades articulares e protrusão permanente da língua. Múltiplos são os fatores que desencadeiam as anomalias, como agentes infecciosos, tóxicos, falhas de manejo e os processos realizados in vitro nos embriões. Poucos trabalhos fazem abordagens sobre a ocorrência de anomalias congênitas, mostrando a importância deste relato de caso.

A study of congenital defects was carried out in a property in the municipality of Presidente Epitácio – SP in Nellore calves born of recipients of embryos produced in vitro. Births occurred between October 24, 2010 and January 24, 2011 were analyzed. The occurrence of the anomalies was 7.5% of the 200 births occurred, differing from the world average which is 3%. Among the anomalies found, there were predominance of those affecting the nervous and muscular systems. Animals with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, diprosopia, arachnomelia, “paunch calf”, articular deformities and permamnent tongue protrusion were found. Multiples are the factors that trigger the anomalies, such as infectious agents, toxic, defects of management and the processes performed in vitro on the embryos. Few papers make an approach on the occurrence of congenital defects, showing the importance of this case report.

Se realizó un estudio de anomalías congénitas ocurridas en una propiedad en el municipio de Presidente Epitacio - SP en terneros de la raza nelore, nacidos de receptores de embriones producidos in vitro. Se analizaron partos ocurridos entre el 24 de octubre de 2010 y el 24 de enero de 2011 La ocurrencia de las anomalías fue del 7,5% de los 200 partos ocurridos, diferente del promedio mundial que es el 3%. De las anomalías encontradas, hubo predominio de las que afectan el sistema nervioso y muscular. Se encontraron animales con hidrocefalia, espina bífida, diprosopia, aracnomelia, "paunch calf", deformidades articulares y protrusión de la lengua. Múltiples son los factores que desencadenan las anomalías, como agentes infecciosos, tóxicos, fallas de manejo y los procesos realizados in vitro en los embriones. Pocos trabajos hacen abordajes sobre la ocurrencia de anomalías congénitas, mostrando así la importancia de este relato de caso.

Anomalias Congênitas De Bezerros Oriundos De Embriões Produzidos In Vitro: Relato De Caso / Congenital Defects In Calves From Embryos Produced In Vitro: Case Report / Anomalías Congenitas De Terneros Originarios De Embriones Producidos In Vitro: Informe Del Caso

Um estudo de anomalias congênitas foi realizado em uma propriedade no município de Presidente Epitácio - SP em bezerros da raça Nelore, nascidos de receptoras de embriões produzidos in vitro. Foram analisados partos ocorridos entre 24 de outubro de 2010 e 24 de janeiro de 2011. A ocorrência das anomalias foi de 7,5% dos 200 partos ocorridos, diferindo da média mundial que é 3%. Das anomalias encontradas, houve predomínio das que afetam o sistema nervoso e muscular. Foram encontrados animais com hidrocefalia, espinha bífida, diprosopia, aracnomelia, “paunch calf”, deformidades articulares e protrusão permanente da língua. Múltiplos são os fatores que desencadeiam as anomalias, como agentes infecciosos, tóxicos, falhas de manejo e os processos realizados in vitro nos embriões. Poucos trabalhos fazem abordagens sobre a ocorrência de anomalias congênitas, mostrando a importância deste relato de caso.(AU)

A study of congenital defects was carried out in a property in the municipality of Presidente Epitácio SP in Nellore calves born of recipients of embryos produced in vitro. Births occurred between October 24, 2010 and January 24, 2011 were analyzed. The occurrence of the anomalies was 7.5% of the 200 births occurred, differing from the world average which is 3%. Among the anomalies found, there were predominance of those affecting the nervous and muscular systems. Animals with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, diprosopia, arachnomelia, “paunch calf”, articular deformities and permamnent tongue protrusion were found. Multiples are the factors that trigger the anomalies, such as infectious agents, toxic, defects of management and the processes performed in vitro on the embryos. Few papers make an approach on the occurrence of congenital defects, showing the importance of this case report.(AU)

Se realizó un estudio de anomalías congénitas ocurridas en una propiedad en el municipio de Presidente Epitacio - SP en terneros de la raza nelore, nacidos de receptores de embriones producidos in vitro. Se analizaron partos ocurridos entre el 24 de octubre de 2010 y el 24 de enero de 2011 La ocurrencia de las anomalías fue del 7,5% de los 200 partos ocurridos, diferente del promedio mundial que es el 3%. De las anomalías encontradas, hubo predominio de las que afectan el sistema nervioso y muscular. Se encontraron animales con hidrocefalia, espina bífida, diprosopia, aracnomelia, "paunch calf", deformidades articulares y protrusión de la lengua. Múltiples son los factores que desencadenan las anomalías, como agentes infecciosos, tóxicos, fallas de manejo y los procesos realizados in vitro en los embriones. Pocos trabajos hacen abordajes sobre la ocurrencia de anomalías congénitas, mostrando así la importancia de este relato de caso.(AU)

Sincronização Do Estro E Ovulação Com Progesterona Em Ovelhas / Estrus And Ovulation Synchronization With Progesterone In Sheep / Sincronización Del Estro Y Ovulación Con Progesterona En Ovejas

Com a atual expansão da criação de ovinos no Brasil e a necessidade de melhoramento genético dos rebanhos, a alternativa mais benéfica disponível é a inseminação artificial (IA), sendo sua adoção facilitada pelo uso concomitante da sincronização do estro e ovulação visando à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). O ciclo estral nas ovelhas tem duração de 17 dias, que se divide em fase luteal e fase folicular. A ovelha é uma poliéstrica estacional caracterizado por períodos de atividade sexual durante os dias curtos (outono e inverno) com ciclos regulares. Durante os dias longos (primavera-verão), a atividade sexual diminui com os animais apresentando desde completo anestro até irregularidade dos ciclos. Para escolha da técnica de sincronização deve ser considerada a estacionalidade reprodutiva dos ovinos, uma vez que, dependendo da época do ano, será peculiar a técnica a ser empregada. Existem basicamente dois conjuntos de métodos de manipulação do ciclo estral em ovinos, um natural, o chamado efeito macho, outro que inclui métodos artificiais, que empregam progestágenos e as prostaglandinas. Progesterona e progestágenos são amplamente utilizados para sincronização do estro em ovelhas. Em ovinos: as esponjas vaginais de liberação lenta impregnadas com 50 mg MAP são muito utilizadas e existe também o dispositivo intravaginal de liberação de drogas (CIDR®).(AU)

With the current expansion of sheep farming in Brazil and the need for genetic improvement of livestock, the most beneficial alternative available is artificial insemination (AI), and its adoption was facilitated by concomitant use of synchronization of estrus and ovulation in order to time artificial insemination fixed (IATF). The estrous cycle in sheep lasts 17 days, which is divided into luteal phase and follicular phase. The sheep is an animal with reproductive seasonality characterized by periods of sexual activity during the short days (autumn and winter) with regular cycles. During the long days (spring-summer), sexual activity decreases with animals displaying complete anestrus up from irregularity of cycles. To choose the synchronization technique, the reproductive seasonality of the sheep should be considered, since, depending on the time of year, the technique to be used will be peculiar. There are basically two methods of manipulating the estrous cycle in sheep, a natural one, the so-called male effect, another that includes artificial methods that employ progestogens and prostaglandins. Progesterone and progestagens are widely used for synchronization of oestrus in ewes. In sheep: vaginal sponges impregnated withslow-release 50 mg MAP are widely used and there is also the intravaginal drug delivery device (CIDR®).(AU)

Con la actual expansión de la cría de ovinos en Brasil y la necesidad de mejoramiento genético de los rebaños, la alternativa más beneficiosa disponible es la inseminación artificial (IA), siendo su adopción facilitada por el uso concomitante de la sincronización del estro y la ovulación visando la inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF). El ciclo estral en las ovejas tiene una duración de 17 días, que se divide en fase luteal y fase folicular. La oveja es poliésica estacional caracterizado por períodos de actividad sexual durante los días cortos (otoño e invierno) con ciclos regulares. Durante los días largos (primavera-verano), la actividad sexual disminuye con los animales presentando desde completo anestro hasta irregularidad de los ciclos. Para elegir la técnica de sincronización debe ser considerada la estacionalidad reproductiva de los ovinos, ya que, dependiendo de la época del año, será peculiar la técnica a ser empleada. Hay básicamente dos métodos de manipulación del ciclo estral en ovinos, un natural, el llamado efecto macho, otro que incluye métodos artificiales, que emplean progestágenos y las prostaglandinas. Progesterona y progestágenos son ampliamente utilizados para la sincronización del estro en ovejas. En ovinos: las esponjas vaginales de liberación lenta impregnadas con 50 mg MAP son muy utilizadas y existe también el dispositivo intravaginal de liberación de drogas (CIDR®).(AU)

Maturação Oocitária Em Bovinos: Efeito Dos Ácidos Graxos Poli-Insaturados / Oocyte Maturation In Cattle: The Effect Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids / Maturación Oocitaria En Bovinos: Efecto De Los Ácidos Graxos Poliinsaturados

Objetivou-se com a presente revisão descrever os eventos que compõe a maturação de oócitos bovinos, pois esta é uma fase crucial da produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) e o efeito da adição de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) nos meios de cultivo ou na alimentação de bovinos. Dentre os diversos, o ácido linolênico (C18:3; ômega-3) e linoléico (C18:2; ômega-6) são os mais importantes no contexto reprodutivo. A PIVE é uma biotécnica reprodutiva em que todo o processo ocorre mediante etapas sincrônicas, sendo maturação in vitro (MIV), fertilização in vitro (FIV) e cultivo de embriões in vitro (CIV) e para que todo o processo obtenha sucesso é necessária que haja interação e sincronismo entre as etapas cuja maturação oocitária é uma fase essencial e limitante para a PIVE, visto que é através da maturação nuclear e citoplasmática que ocorre o controle sistêmico de todo potencial de desenvolvimento oocitário e, consequentemente garantia do desenvolvimento embrionário.(AU)

The objective of this review was to describe the events that compose the maturation of bovine oocytes, as this is a crucial phase of in vitro embryo production (IVP) and the effect of the addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on culture media or in feed for cattle. Among them, linolenic acid (C18: 3; omega-3) and linoleic acid (C18: 2; omega-6) are the most important in the reproductive context. IVP is a reproductive biotechnology in which the whole process takes place through synchronic stages, being in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) and for the whole process to be successful it is necessary that there is interaction and synchronism between the stages whose oocyte maturation is the essential and limiting phase for IVP since it is through nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation that the systemic control of any oocyte development potential occurs and consequently warranty of embryonic development.(AU)

En el presente trabajo se describen los eventos que componen la maduración de ovocitos bovinos, pues esta es una fase crucial de la producción in vitro de embriones (PIVE) y el efecto de la adición de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (AGPI) en los medios de cultivo o En la alimentación de bovinos. Entre los diversos, el ácido linolénico (C18: 3, omega-3) y linoleico (C18: 2, omega-6) son los más importantes en el contexto reproductivo. La PIVE es una biotécnica reproductiva en que todo el proceso ocurre mediante etapas sincrónicas, siendo maduración in vitro (MIV), fertilización in vitro (FIV) y cultivo de embriones in vitro (CIV) y para que todo el proceso obtenga éxito es necesario que haya interacción y sincronismo entre las etapas cuya maduración oocitaria es la fase esencial y limitante para la PIVE, ya que es a través de la maduración nuclear y citoplasmática que ocurre el control sistémico de todo potencial de desarrollo oocitario y por consiguiente, garantía del desarrollo embrionario.(AU)