ABSTRACT
Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that has been linked to fertility in bulls. However, the exact mechanism by which OPN contributes to fertilisation is yet unknown. The biotechnological use of OPN in bovine reproduction is promising but some gaps remain unfilled. The present work aimed: (a) to verify whether the seminal plasma OPN is associated with seminal traits and a standard breeding soundness exam; (b) to predict OPN interactions with integrins, CD44 and glycosaminoglycans through molecular docking; and (c) to develop a protocol for recombinant expression of OPN from vesicular gland cDNA. Ejaculates from top ranked bulls had higher amounts of seminal plasma OPN in comparison with bulls classified as questionable (p < .01). The structural modelling and molecular docking predictions indicated that bovine OPN binds to heparin disaccharide, hyaluronic acid and hyaluronan. In addition, docking studies described the binding complexes of OPN with CD44 and the integrin heterodimers α5ß1 and αVß3. Finally, expression of rOPN-6His was successfully obtained after 3 hr of induction with 0.5 mM IPTG at 37°C and a denaturing purification protocol resulted in efficiently purified recombinant OPN. The present results contribute to the development of biotechnological uses of OPN as a biomarker in bovine reproduction.
Subject(s)
Osteopontin , Semen Analysis/veterinary , Semen , Animals , Cattle , Fertility , Male , Molecular Docking Simulation , Osteopontin/geneticsABSTRACT
Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequentl
ABSTRACT
Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequentl
ABSTRACT
Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequentl
ABSTRACT
Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequentl
ABSTRACT
Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequentl
ABSTRACT
Background: The marker assisted selection (MAS) is indicated as an auxiliary strategy to increase the productive performance in cattle. The principle consists in the identification and selection of molecular markers associated with genes involved directly or indirectly with the expression of a desired trait, usually multifactorial and polygenic. The pregnancy rate is a form of expression fertility, with great economic importance in cattle production systems. The pregnancy rate is a multifactorial trait, which is influence by genetics, environment and their interactions. In the current study was search for an association between the reproductive response, expressed by pregnancy rate at insemination and pregnancy rate at the end of the mating season, and molecular markers of genes related to IGF-1 receptor, LH, Leptin, receptors of FSH and LH. Materials, Methods & Results: Data were evaluated from 249 beef heifers of British breeds, Angus, Devon and crosses. The animals at fourteen or twenty seven months were subjected to different protocols for artificial insemination (AI) and fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI), followed by clean up bulls. The protocols AI and TAI, called AI/TAI, were: Group 1 -Ovsynch protocol (27th months). At day zero the animals received an injection of a GnRH at a dose of 10 µg buserelin, at seventh day received 500 µg of cloprostenol sodium, at
Fertilidade é uma característica complexa que representa diversos componentes e estágios exigidos em machos e fêmeas para considerá-los funcionalmente capazes de superar todas as fases críticas do ciclo reprodutivo: formação de gametas, fertilização, implantação embrionária, desenvolvimento fetal e nascimento. De modo geral, as características consideradas indicativas de fertilidade apresentam baixa herdabilidade e são expressas tardiamente na vida do animal, além de sofrerem controle poligênico e possuírem forte influência ambiental. [...]
ABSTRACT
Background: The marker assisted selection (MAS) is indicated as an auxiliary strategy to increase the productive performance in cattle. The principle consists in the identification and selection of molecular markers associated with genes involved directly or indirectly with the expression of a desired trait, usually multifactorial and polygenic. The pregnancy rate is a form of expression fertility, with great economic importance in cattle production systems. The pregnancy rate is a multifactorial trait, which is influence by genetics, environment and their interactions. In the current study was search for an association between the reproductive response, expressed by pregnancy rate at insemination and pregnancy rate at the end of the mating season, and molecular markers of genes related to IGF-1 receptor, LH, Leptin, receptors of FSH and LH. Materials, Methods & Results: Data were evaluated from 249 beef heifers of British breeds, Angus, Devon and crosses. The animals at fourteen or twenty seven months were subjected to different protocols for artificial insemination (AI) and fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI), followed by clean up bulls. The protocols AI and TAI, called AI/TAI, were: Group 1 -Ovsynch protocol (27th months). At day zero the animals received an injection of a GnRH at a dose of 10 µg buserelin, at seventh day received 500 µg of cloprostenol sodium, at
Fertilidade é uma característica complexa que representa diversos componentes e estágios exigidos em machos e fêmeas para considerá-los funcionalmente capazes de superar todas as fases críticas do ciclo reprodutivo: formação de gametas, fertilização, implantação embrionária, desenvolvimento fetal e nascimento. De modo geral, as características consideradas indicativas de fertilidade apresentam baixa herdabilidade e são expressas tardiamente na vida do animal, além de sofrerem controle poligênico e possuírem forte influência ambiental. [...]
ABSTRACT
Background: The success of fixed-time artifi cial insemination (FTAI) is linked to several factors that affect pregnancy rates. The use of different hormones, estrus expression and body condition score (BCS) are variables that can infl uence the results of the technique. The increased production of calves provides greater amount of steers to slaughter. The productive intensifi cation of the beef cows breeding depends on factors related to reproductive technique used and the physiological conditioning of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of GnRH, estrus manifestation, re-use of progesterone intravaginal devices and BCS on pregnancy rates of cows subjected to FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Were analyzed the effects of GnRH injection and re-use of intravaginal device, estrus manifestation and body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of 222 Montana beef cows subjected to fixedtime artifi cial insemination (FTAI). The FTAI protocol was based on the placement of intravaginal progesterone device (1st, 2nd or 3rd use) and application of estradiol benzoate (E.B.) (2 mg) on day 0. On day 8 was applied sodium cloprostenol (500 µg), removed the intravaginal device and performed the separation of calves. On day 9 was applied E.B. (1 mg) and started the observation of estrus in the morning, afternoon and morning of day 10
Background: The success of fixed-time artifi cial insemination (FTAI) is linked to several factors that affect pregnancy rates. The use of different hormones, estrus expression and body condition score (BCS) are variables that can infl uence the results of the technique. The increased production of calves provides greater amount of steers to slaughter. The productive intensifi cation of the beef cows breeding depends on factors related to reproductive technique used and the physiological conditioning of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of GnRH, estrus manifestation, re-use of progesterone intravaginal devices and BCS on pregnancy rates of cows subjected to FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Were analyzed the effects of GnRH injection and re-use of intravaginal device, estrus manifestation and body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of 222 Montana beef cows subjected to fixedtime artifi cial insemination (FTAI). The FTAI protocol was based on the placement of intravaginal progesterone device (1st, 2nd or 3rd use) and application of estradiol benzoate (E.B.) (2 mg) on day 0. On day 8 was applied sodium cloprostenol (500 µg), removed the intravaginal device and performed the separation of calves. On day 9 was applied E.B. (1 mg) and started the observation of estrus in the morning, afternoon and morning of day 10
ABSTRACT
Background: The success of fixed-time artifi cial insemination (FTAI) is linked to several factors that affect pregnancy rates. The use of different hormones, estrus expression and body condition score (BCS) are variables that can infl uence the results of the technique. The increased production of calves provides greater amount of steers to slaughter. The productive intensifi cation of the beef cows breeding depends on factors related to reproductive technique used and the physiological conditioning of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of GnRH, estrus manifestation, re-use of progesterone intravaginal devices and BCS on pregnancy rates of cows subjected to FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Were analyzed the effects of GnRH injection and re-use of intravaginal device, estrus manifestation and body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of 222 Montana beef cows subjected to fixedtime artifi cial insemination (FTAI). The FTAI protocol was based on the placement of intravaginal progesterone device (1st, 2nd or 3rd use) and application of estradiol benzoate (E.B.) (2 mg) on day 0. On day 8 was applied sodium cloprostenol (500 µg), removed the intravaginal device and performed the separation of calves. On day 9 was applied E.B. (1 mg) and started the observation of estrus in the morning, afternoon and morning of day 10
Background: The success of fixed-time artifi cial insemination (FTAI) is linked to several factors that affect pregnancy rates. The use of different hormones, estrus expression and body condition score (BCS) are variables that can infl uence the results of the technique. The increased production of calves provides greater amount of steers to slaughter. The productive intensifi cation of the beef cows breeding depends on factors related to reproductive technique used and the physiological conditioning of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of GnRH, estrus manifestation, re-use of progesterone intravaginal devices and BCS on pregnancy rates of cows subjected to FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Were analyzed the effects of GnRH injection and re-use of intravaginal device, estrus manifestation and body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of 222 Montana beef cows subjected to fixedtime artifi cial insemination (FTAI). The FTAI protocol was based on the placement of intravaginal progesterone device (1st, 2nd or 3rd use) and application of estradiol benzoate (E.B.) (2 mg) on day 0. On day 8 was applied sodium cloprostenol (500 µg), removed the intravaginal device and performed the separation of calves. On day 9 was applied E.B. (1 mg) and started the observation of estrus in the morning, afternoon and morning of day 10
ABSTRACT
Foi avaliado o efeito da aplicação de um luteolítico em dois momentos distintos sobre a taxa de concepção na inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) de vacas com cria ao pé, além de verificar a eficácia de implantes com 1 grama de P4 de primeiro e segundo uso. Foram utilizadas 210 vacas de corte lactantes da raça Montana divididas em dois lotes de 105 vacas, comparando oito grupos distribuídos nos lotes. O lote D6,5 foi tratado no dia zero com 2mg de benzoato de estradiol i.m. (BE, Estrogin®) juntamente com implante intravaginal de progesterona de 1º uso (G1- Sincrogest®, n=29; G2- Primer®, n=26) e de 2º uso (G3- Sincrogest®, n=26; G4- Primer®, n=24), no dia 6,5 foi aplicado 150mcg i.m. de Cloprostenol Sódico (Sincrocio®), sendo a retirada do implante de P4 no dia 8. Dia 9, ocorreu a aplicação de 1mg de BE i.m. e no dia 10 a tarde a IATF. O lote D8 iniciou o protocolo de IATF e foi tratado da mesma forma, à exceção da aplicação do luteolítico que ocorreu no oitavo dia. Os grupos foram formados: implante de 1º uso (G5- Sincrogest®, n=27; G6- Primer®, n=28) e de 2º uso (G7-Sincrogest®, n=26; G8- Primer®, n=24). As taxas de prenhez dos grupos do lote D6,5 foram de 55,17%(G1), 69,23%(G2), 57,67%(G3), 70,83% (G4) (p=0,263). No lote D8 os grupos G5, G6, G7, G8 deste lote apresentaram 44,44%, 67,86%, 46,15%, e 58,33% de prenhez (p=0,573). As taxas de prenhez para os
ABSTRACT
Foi avaliado o efeito da aplicação de um luteolítico em dois momentos distintos sobre a taxa de concepção na inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) de vacas com cria ao pé, além de verificar a eficácia de implantes com 1 grama de P4 de primeiro e segundo uso. Foram utilizadas 210 vacas de corte lactantes da raça Montana divididas em dois lotes de 105 vacas, comparando oito grupos distribuídos nos lotes. O lote D6,5 foi tratado no dia zero com 2mg de benzoato de estradiol i.m. (BE, Estrogin®) juntamente com implante intravaginal de progesterona de 1º uso (G1- Sincrogest®, n=29; G2- Primer®, n=26) e de 2º uso (G3- Sincrogest®, n=26; G4- Primer®, n=24), no dia 6,5 foi aplicado 150mcg i.m. de Cloprostenol Sódico (Sincrocio®), sendo a retirada do implante de P4 no dia 8. Dia 9, ocorreu a aplicação de 1mg de BE i.m. e no dia 10 a tarde a IATF. O lote D8 iniciou o protocolo de IATF e foi tratado da mesma forma, à exceção da aplicação do luteolítico que ocorreu no oitavo dia. Os grupos foram formados: implante de 1º uso (G5- Sincrogest®, n=27; G6- Primer®, n=28) e de 2º uso (G7-Sincrogest®, n=26; G8- Primer®, n=24). As taxas de prenhez dos grupos do lote D6,5 foram de 55,17%(G1), 69,23%(G2), 57,67%(G3), 70,83% (G4) (p=0,263). No lote D8 os grupos G5, G6, G7, G8 deste lote apresentaram 44,44%, 67,86%, 46,15%, e 58,33% de prenhez (p=0,573). As taxas de prenhez para os
ABSTRACT
The effect of the anticipation of the application of prostaglandin F2alfa (PGF2a) was evaluated for the use of fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI). Three hundred and six Aberdeen Angus cows, aged between 3 and 6 years old, with calves at side had been used. The animals were randomly distributed in 4 groups. All animals were synchronized through intravaginal device with progesterone for 8 days (CIDR®), estradiol and PGF2a. The treatments was designed in a factorial arrangement 2 x 2 (CIDR® 1º x 2º use) and the day of the PGF2a application (6.5th x 8 th day). Seven days after the FTAI clean up bulls were joined until the ending of the breeding season. The conception rate to the FTAI and final pregnancy rate were evaluated. The anticipation of the application of the PGF2a (6.5th day) had significant effect (P
Avaliou-se o efeito da antecipação da aplicação da prostaglandina F2alfa (PGF2a) em programa de sincronização do estro com progesterona para o uso de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Foram utilizadas 306 vacas Aberdeen Angus, com cria ao pé e idade entre 3 e 6 anos. Os animais foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em 4 grupos sincronizados através de dispositivo intravaginal à base de progesterona por 8 dias (CIDR®), benzoato de estradiol e PGF2a, com arranjo fatorial de tratamentos 2 x 2 (CIDR® 1º x 2º uso), e o dia da aplicação da PGF2a após a inserção do dispositivo intravaginal (6,5o x 8º dia). Sete dias após a IATF, touros foram soltos no rebanho até o término da estação de acasalamento. Foram avaliadas as taxas de concepção à IATF e prenhez final. A antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a (dia 6,5) teve efeito significativo sobre a taxa de concepção à IATF e prenhez final, respectivamente, de 60,9% e 89,1% em comparação aos animais que receberam PGF2a no 8º dia, respectivamente de 49,3% e 76,7%. Os dispositivos de 1º e 2º uso apresentaram diferenças na taxa de concepção à IATF (61,1% e 49,7%), entretanto, sem efeito na prenhez final, respectivamente, de 82,6 e 83,4%. A antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a aumentou significativamente a taxa de prenhez à IATF e prenhez final. O uso prévio do CIDR® afetou o percentual de prenhez à IATF, mas não afetou a prenhez final. A idade
ABSTRACT
The effect of the anticipation of the application of prostaglandin F2alfa (PGF2a) was evaluated for the use of fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI). Three hundred and six Aberdeen Angus cows, aged between 3 and 6 years old, with calves at side had been used. The animals were randomly distributed in 4 groups. All animals were synchronized through intravaginal device with progesterone for 8 days (CIDR®), estradiol and PGF2a. The treatments was designed in a factorial arrangement 2 x 2 (CIDR® 1º x 2º use) and the day of the PGF2a application (6.5th x 8 th day). Seven days after the FTAI clean up bulls were joined until the ending of the breeding season. The conception rate to the FTAI and final pregnancy rate were evaluated. The anticipation of the application of the PGF2a (6.5th day) had significant effect (P
Avaliou-se o efeito da antecipação da aplicação da prostaglandina F2alfa (PGF2a) em programa de sincronização do estro com progesterona para o uso de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Foram utilizadas 306 vacas Aberdeen Angus, com cria ao pé e idade entre 3 e 6 anos. Os animais foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em 4 grupos sincronizados através de dispositivo intravaginal à base de progesterona por 8 dias (CIDR®), benzoato de estradiol e PGF2a, com arranjo fatorial de tratamentos 2 x 2 (CIDR® 1º x 2º uso), e o dia da aplicação da PGF2a após a inserção do dispositivo intravaginal (6,5o x 8º dia). Sete dias após a IATF, touros foram soltos no rebanho até o término da estação de acasalamento. Foram avaliadas as taxas de concepção à IATF e prenhez final. A antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a (dia 6,5) teve efeito significativo sobre a taxa de concepção à IATF e prenhez final, respectivamente, de 60,9% e 89,1% em comparação aos animais que receberam PGF2a no 8º dia, respectivamente de 49,3% e 76,7%. Os dispositivos de 1º e 2º uso apresentaram diferenças na taxa de concepção à IATF (61,1% e 49,7%), entretanto, sem efeito na prenhez final, respectivamente, de 82,6 e 83,4%. A antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a aumentou significativamente a taxa de prenhez à IATF e prenhez final. O uso prévio do CIDR® afetou o percentual de prenhez à IATF, mas não afetou a prenhez final. A idade
ABSTRACT
During semen cryopreservation, sperm cells were submitted to several deleterious events leading to membrane damage which result in fertility decrease. This study was designed to compare the effects of two freezing techniques (conventional and automated), and the use of two commercial extenders as cryoprotectants (FR-5® and Botu-Crio®) on total and progressive motility, integrity and functionality of spermatic membranes during the cryopreservation of equine semen. Twenty ejaculates from two stallions were analyzed. The total and progressive motility of fresh and post-thawing semen samples were evaluated by patterns assays. Function of plasmatic membrane was measured by the hipoosmotic swelling test. Integrity of plasmatic membrane was evaluated using carboxifluorescein diacatate and iodidium propide fluorescent probes. There were significant differences between the two freezing techniques and/or between cryoprotectants for all assessed parameters. The combination of Botu-Crio® and automated curves showed better results on total and progressive post-thawing motility. The extender Botu-Crio®, alone, showed to better preserve the membrane integrity and function.
Durante o processo de criopreservação de sêmen, os espermatozóides sofrem alguns danos que resultam na diminuição da fertilidade deste. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da utilização combinada de duas curvas de congelamento com dois diluentes comerciais (FR-5® e Botu-Crio®) sobre a criopreservação de sêmen eqüino. Foram analisados 20 ejaculados de dois garanhões. As amostras foram avaliadas por microscopia de contraste de fase e microscopia de epifluorescência, observando-se a motilidade progressiva e total do sêmen pós-descongelamento e a integridade e a funcionalidade da membrana dos espermatozóides. A combinação entre curva automatizada e Botu-Crio® apresentou as maiores médias nas análises de motilidade total e progressiva, após o descongelamento. O diluente Botu-Crio®, isoladamente, preservou também as membranas destes, quando foram realizadas as análises de integridade utilizando teste com diacetato de carboxifluoresceína e iodeto de propídio e funcionalidade de membrana pelo teste hiposmótico.
ABSTRACT
During semen cryopreservation, sperm cells were submitted to several deleterious events leading to membrane damage which result in fertility decrease. This study was designed to compare the effects of two freezing techniques (conventional and automated), and the use of two commercial extenders as cryoprotectants (FR-5® and Botu-Crio®) on total and progressive motility, integrity and functionality of spermatic membranes during the cryopreservation of equine semen. Twenty ejaculates from two stallions were analyzed. The total and progressive motility of fresh and post-thawing semen samples were evaluated by patterns assays. Function of plasmatic membrane was measured by the hipoosmotic swelling test. Integrity of plasmatic membrane was evaluated using carboxifluorescein diacatate and iodidium propide fluorescent probes. There were significant differences between the two freezing techniques and/or between cryoprotectants for all assessed parameters. The combination of Botu-Crio® and automated curves showed better results on total and progressive post-thawing motility. The extender Botu-Crio®, alone, showed to better preserve the membrane integrity and function.
Durante o processo de criopreservação de sêmen, os espermatozóides sofrem alguns danos que resultam na diminuição da fertilidade deste. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da utilização combinada de duas curvas de congelamento com dois diluentes comerciais (FR-5® e Botu-Crio®) sobre a criopreservação de sêmen eqüino. Foram analisados 20 ejaculados de dois garanhões. As amostras foram avaliadas por microscopia de contraste de fase e microscopia de epifluorescência, observando-se a motilidade progressiva e total do sêmen pós-descongelamento e a integridade e a funcionalidade da membrana dos espermatozóides. A combinação entre curva automatizada e Botu-Crio® apresentou as maiores médias nas análises de motilidade total e progressiva, após o descongelamento. O diluente Botu-Crio®, isoladamente, preservou também as membranas destes, quando foram realizadas as análises de integridade utilizando teste com diacetato de carboxifluoresceína e iodeto de propídio e funcionalidade de membrana pelo teste hiposmótico.
ABSTRACT
O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar a taxa de prenhez de éguas PSC apresentando boa conformação perineal,natural ou corrigida cirurgicamente, no momento da cobertura com a taxa obtida em éguas com falhas no fechamento vulvar ecuja correção cirúrgica ocorreu somente após a ovulação. Foram utilizadas 293 éguas Puro Sangue de Corrida, sendo 47virgens, 96 falhadas e 150 com produto ao pé. Durante os exames de rotina para o controle folicular, a região perineal eraavaliada quanto à sua conformação. Quando necessária, a sutura dos lábios vulvares era realizada o mais rapidamentepossível, após a ovulação. Os diagnósticos de gestação foram realizados através de ultra-sonografia entre 12 e 14 dias apósa ovulação. Foi observada diferença significativa (p=0,072) entre as éguas com bom fechamento vulvar e com mau fechamentovulvar. Conclui-se que correções dos defeitos de períneo efetuadas antes do início do cio em que se efetuará a coberturaapresentam melhores resultados de prenhez do que quando a correção é realizada após a ovulação.
ABSTRACT
O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar a taxa de prenhez de éguas PSC apresentando boa conformação perineal,natural ou corrigida cirurgicamente, no momento da cobertura com a taxa obtida em éguas com falhas no fechamento vulvar ecuja correção cirúrgica ocorreu somente após a ovulação. Foram utilizadas 293 éguas Puro Sangue de Corrida, sendo 47virgens, 96 falhadas e 150 com produto ao pé. Durante os exames de rotina para o controle folicular, a região perineal eraavaliada quanto à sua conformação. Quando necessária, a sutura dos lábios vulvares era realizada o mais rapidamentepossível, após a ovulação. Os diagnósticos de gestação foram realizados através de ultra-sonografia entre 12 e 14 dias apósa ovulação. Foi observada diferença significativa (p=0,072) entre as éguas com bom fechamento vulvar e com mau fechamentovulvar. Conclui-se que correções dos defeitos de períneo efetuadas antes do início do cio em que se efetuará a coberturaapresentam melhores resultados de prenhez do que quando a correção é realizada após a ovulação.
ABSTRACT
This research was aimed at verifying the pregnancy rate in beef heifers submitted to a protocol for estrus induction and synchronization on the parturition period and its effect on the repetition of pregnancy at the second reproductive season. The experimental animals where composed of 194 Hereford and Braford heifers divided in two groups. The treatment group included a protocol of estrus observation and synchronization and fixed-time insemination (FTAI). The control group was submitted to a conventional artificial insemination management, with estrus observation and insemination in the next turn. Both groups were submitted to a natural mating period with clean-up bulls. The heifers were also observed as primiparous on the next reproductive season. The pregnancy rate was 91.7% in the first season for both groups. In the treatment group, 82% of the treated cows calved on the first 40 days of the groups calving season, against 51.7% of the control animals, resulting in a better conception rate in treated heifers (73 vs. 55%) in the second breeding season. The estrus synchronization and FTAI management on the first breeding season of beef heifers produce better pregnancy results also on the second breeding season.
O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o índice de prenhez em novilhas de corte submetidas a um protocolo de indução e sincronização de estros sobre a cronologia das parições e seu efeito sobre a repetição de crias na estação reprodutiva subseqüente como vacas primíparas. Foram utilizadas 194 novilhas Hereford e Braford divididas em dois grupos. O grupo tratamento constou de um protocolo misto de observação e sincronização de estros e inseminação artificial a tempo fixo (IATF). O grupo controle foi submetido ao manejo convencional de inseminação artificial, com observação de estros e inseminação no turno seguinte. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos a repasse com touros. A porcentagem de prenhez na primeira estação reprodutiva para os dois grupos foi de 91,7%. No grupo tratamento, 82% das vacas pariram dentro dos primeiros 40 dias da estação reprodutiva, contra 51,7% dos animais controle. A repetição de crias nas primíparas do grupo tratamento em comparação às do controle foi significativamente maior (73% x 55%). O manejo com sincronização de estros e IATF na primeira estação monta em novilhas, apesar de apresentar índices idênticos de prenhez ao final da temporada, proporcionou, porém, diferença significativa nos índices de prenhez na segunda estação reprodutiva.
ABSTRACT
This research was aimed at verifying the pregnancy rate in beef heifers submitted to a protocol for estrus induction and synchronization on the parturition period and its effect on the repetition of pregnancy at the second reproductive season. The experimental animals where composed of 194 Hereford and Braford heifers divided in two groups. The treatment group included a protocol of estrus observation and synchronization and fixed-time insemination (FTAI). The control group was submitted to a conventional artificial insemination management, with estrus observation and insemination in the next turn. Both groups were submitted to a natural mating period with clean-up bulls. The heifers were also observed as primiparous on the next reproductive season. The pregnancy rate was 91.7% in the first season for both groups. In the treatment group, 82% of the treated cows calved on the first 40 days of the groups calving season, against 51.7% of the control animals, resulting in a better conception rate in treated heifers (73 vs. 55%) in the second breeding season. The estrus synchronization and FTAI management on the first breeding season of beef heifers produce better pregnancy results also on the second breeding season.
O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o índice de prenhez em novilhas de corte submetidas a um protocolo de indução e sincronização de estros sobre a cronologia das parições e seu efeito sobre a repetição de crias na estação reprodutiva subseqüente como vacas primíparas. Foram utilizadas 194 novilhas Hereford e Braford divididas em dois grupos. O grupo tratamento constou de um protocolo misto de observação e sincronização de estros e inseminação artificial a tempo fixo (IATF). O grupo controle foi submetido ao manejo convencional de inseminação artificial, com observação de estros e inseminação no turno seguinte. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos a repasse com touros. A porcentagem de prenhez na primeira estação reprodutiva para os dois grupos foi de 91,7%. No grupo tratamento, 82% das vacas pariram dentro dos primeiros 40 dias da estação reprodutiva, contra 51,7% dos animais controle. A repetição de crias nas primíparas do grupo tratamento em comparação às do controle foi significativamente maior (73% x 55%). O manejo com sincronização de estros e IATF na primeira estação monta em novilhas, apesar de apresentar índices idênticos de prenhez ao final da temporada, proporcionou, porém, diferença significativa nos índices de prenhez na segunda estação reprodutiva.