Effects of preovulatory follicle size on estradiol concentrations, corpus luteum diameter, progesterone concentrations and subsequent pregnancy rate in buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis).

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of preovulatory follicle (POF) size on estradiol concentrations, luteal profile (CL diameter and progesterone concentration) and subsequent pregnancy rate in Murrah buffalo cows. The buffalo cows (n = 49) were synchronized for estrus by two doses of PGF2α given 11 days apart. The buffalo cows were inseminated during standing estrus and again after 24 h. Ovaries were scanned at estrus and 24 h intervals until ovulation, thereafter on days 5, 12 and 16 post-ovulation to examine the POF and CL diameter. Size of POF at estrus was divided into three categories; I: 10 to ≤12; II: >12.0 to ≤14.0; III: >14.0-16.0 mm. Blood samples were collected for estradiol (on day of estrus) and progesterone concentration (on days 5, 12 and 16). The estradiol concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in category II than category I with the greatest (P < 0.05) concentrations estimated in category III. A positive correlation (P < 0.05) between POF and progesterone concentration, CL diameter and progesterone concentration was observed on all sampling day. Pregnant buffalo cows exhibited greater (P < 0.05) plasma progesterone as compared with their non-pregnant counterpart. Greater pregnancy rates were observed with an increased size of POF (χ2 = 2.9, P > 0.05). It was concluded that the POFs having diameters between 12 and 16 mm are mature enough to be transformed into CL of such optimum diameter and can secrete optimum progesterone concentrations that can sustain the pregnancy in Murrah buffalo cows.

Feline bartonellosis associated with some clinicopathological conditions in a veterinary hospital in Selangor, Malaysia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of feline bartonellosis and the associated clinicopathological findings in cats presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia from 2013-2014. Out of 284 cats examined, Bartonella DNA was detected in 48 (16.9%) cats using a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer of Bartonella species. Bartonella henselae strain Houston was identified through BLAST analyses of randomly selected amplicons. Univariable analysis showed significant association of feline bartonellosis with cats < 2 years of age (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.982-1.927, p = 0.036) and those presenting with ocular discharge (OR 3.211, 95% CI 1.422-7.248, p = 0.003). Significant associations of neutrophilia (OR 2.244, 95% CI 1.131-4.452, p = 0.019) and monocytosis (OR 2.476, 95% CI 1.154-5.312, p = 0.017) with bartonella infection in cats were observed. This study reports for the first time the prevalence (approximately 17%) of feline bartonellosis in Malaysia and highlights several clinicopathological factors associated with the disease.

Feline bartonellosis associated with some clinico- pathological conditions in a veterinary hospital in Selangor, Malaysia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of feline bartonellosis and the associated clinicopathological findings in cats presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia from 2013–2014. Out of 284 cats examined, Bartonella DNA was detected in 48 (16.9%) cats using a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer of Bartonella species. Bartonella henselae strain Houston was identified through BLAST analyses of randomly selected amplicons. Univariable analysis showed significant association of feline bartonellosis with cats < 2 years of age (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.982–1.927, p = 0.036) and those presenting with ocular discharge (OR 3.211, 95% CI 1.422–7.248, p = 0.003). Significant associations of neutrophilia (OR 2.244, 95% CI 1.131–4.452, p = 0.019) and monocytosis (OR 2.476, 95% CI 1.154–5.312, p = 0.017) with bartonella infection in cats were observed. This study reports for the first time the prevalence (approximately 17%) of feline bartonellosis in Malaysia and highlights several clinicopathological factors associated with the disease.

Impact of Buserelin Acetate or hCG Administration on the Day of First Artificial Insemination on Subsequent Luteal Profile and Conception Rate in Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

This study was designed to investigate the impact of buserelin acetate (BA) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on the day of first artificial insemination (AI) on subsequent luteal profile (diameter of corpus luteum (CL) and plasma progesterone) and conception rate in Murrah buffalo. The present experiment was carried out at two locations in 117 buffalo that were oestrus-synchronized using cloprostenol (500 µg) administered (i.m.) 11 days apart followed by AI during standing oestrus. Based on treatment (i.m.) at the time of AI, buffalo were randomly categorized (n = 39 in each group) into control (isotonic saline solution, 5 ml), dAI-BA (buserelin acetate, 20 µg) and dAI-hCG (hCG, 3000 IU) group. Out of these, 14 buffalo of each group were subjected to ovarian ultrasonography on the day of oestrus to monitor the preovulatory follicle and on days 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation to monitor CL diameter. On the day of each sonography, jugular vein blood samples were collected for the estimation of progesterone concentrations. All the buffalo (n = 117) were confirmed for pregnancy on day 40 post-ovulation. The conception rate was better (p < 0.05) in dAI-BA (51.3%) and dAI-hCG (66.7%) groups as compared to their control counterparts (30.8%). Furthermore, the buffalo of dAI-hCG group had improved (p < 0.05) luteal profile, whereas the buffalo of dAI-BA group failed (p > 0.05) to exhibit stimulatory impact of treatment on luteal profile when compared to control group. In brief, buserelin acetate or hCG treatment on the day of first AI leads to an increase in conception rate; however, an appreciable impact on post-ovulation luteal profile was observed only in hCG-treated Murrah buffalo.

Impact of buserelin acetate or hCG administration on day 5 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The present study aimed to establish the impact of buserelin acetate or hCG administration on day 5 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffalo. The buffalo (n=45) were subjected to an estrous synchronization protocol (synthetic analog of PGF2α administered, through intramuscular route, 11 days apart), followed by artificial insemination (AI) during mid to late estrus. On day 5 post-ovulation, buffalo were administered (i.m.) normal saline (Control, n=14), buserelin acetate (20µg, d5-BA, n=14) or human chorionic gonadotropin (3000IU, d5-hCG, n=17). Ovarian ultrasonography was conducted on the day of induced estrus and on days 0, 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation to assess preovulatory follicle or corpus luteum (CL) diameter. Also, on these days, jugular vein blood sampling was conducted for the estimation of plasma progesterone. First service conception rate was greater (χ(2)=5.18, P>0.05) in d5-BA and d5-hCG groups (71.4% and 47.1%, respectively) as compared to control (28.6%). Both treatment groups had a greater (P<0.05) CL diameter and plasma progesterone during the post-treatment period in comparison to that control treatment group. Treatment-induced accessory CL formation was observed in 92.9% and 76.5% buffalo of d5-BA and d5-hCG groups, respectively. In conclusion, buserelin acetate and hCG administration on day 5 post-ovulation leads to accessory CL formation that may have a role in enhancing conception rate.

Comparative efficacy of E-17ß and GnRH administration on day 0 of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) based protocol on synchrony of wave emergence, ovulation and conception rates in Murrah buffalos (Bubalus bubalis).

The study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of an estradiol-17ß + CIDR based protocol with the conventional ovsynch + CIDR based protocol for synchrony of wave emergence and ovulation in Murrah buffalos. In group I (n=25), on day 0 (beginning of experiment), buffaloes were administered a CIDR device (1.38 g P4) and concurrently received 1.5 mg E-17ß. On day 9, the CIDR was removed and a prostaglandin (PG) F2α analogue (500 µg) was administered. On day 11, buffaloes were administered a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue (20 µg) and inseminated twice at 12 h and 24 h following GnRH injections. Group II (n=25) protocol was based on an ovsynch regimen plus CIDR for 7 days followed by double insemination at induced estrus. Group III (n=10) served as control and was not given any hormone on day 0 of the protocol. In groups I, II and III, the duration of new follicular wave emergences were observed on days 4.22 ± 0.12, 3.12 ± 0.33 and 5.14 ± 0.42, respectively. In group I, synchrony of wave emergence was more and the diameter of pre-ovulatory follicles was larger (P<0.05) compared to groups II and III. The first service conception rate (FSCR) was higher (P<0.05) in group I while ovulation rates were not different between groups I and II. In conclusion, more synchrony of wave emergence, larger diameter of dominant follicles and higher first service conception rate was observed following the E-17ß + CIDR based protocol in buffalos.

Comparison of follicular dynamics, superovulatory response, and embryo recovery between estradiol based and conventional superstimulation protocol in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

AIM: To evaluate the follicular dynamics, superovulatory response, and embryo recovery following superstimulatory treatment initiated at estradiol-17ß induced follicular wave emergence and its comparison with conventional superstimulatory protocol in buffaloes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six normal cycling pluriparous buffaloes, lactating, 90-180 days post-partum, and weighing between 500 and 660 kg were superstimulated twice with a withdrawal period of 35 days in between two treatments. In superstimulation protocol-1 (estradiol group) buffaloes were administered estradiol-17ß (2 mg, i.m.) and eazibreed controlled internal drug release (CIDR) was inserted intravaginally (day=0) at the random stage of the estrous cycle. On the day 4, buffaloes were superstimulated using follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) 400 mg, divided into 10 tapering doses given at 12 hourly intervals. Prostaglandin F2α analogs (PGF2α) was administered at day 7.5 and day 8, and CIDR was removed with the second PGF2α injection. In superstimulation protocol - 2 (conventional group) buffaloes were superstimulated on the 10(th) day of the estrous cycle with same FSH dose regimen and similar timings for PGF2α injections. In both groups, half of the buffaloes were treated with luteinizing hormone (LH) 25 mg and other half with 100 ug buserelin; gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog at 12 h after the end of FSH treatment. All buffaloes in both protocols were inseminated twice at 12 and 24 h of LH/GnRH treatment. Daily ultrasonography was performed to record the size and number of follicles and superovulatory response. RESULTS: Significantly higher number of small follicles (<8 mm) was present at the time of initiation of superstimulatory treatment in the estradiol group compared to the conventional group (12.5±0.80 vs. 7.3±1.21, respectively, p=0.019), however, the number of ovulatory size follicles (≥8 mm) did not differ significantly between the respective groups (15.5±1.24 vs. 12.2±1.30; p=0.054). Total embryos and transferable embryos recovered were non-significantly higher in the estradiol group compared to the conventional group (5.83±0.86 vs. 4.67±1.16, p=0.328, and 3.67±0.93 vs. 2.67±0.68, p=0.437, respectively). The significant higher proportion of transferable embryos were recovered in buffaloes treated with LH compared to GnRH (73.3% vs. 48.5%; p=0.044). CONCLUSION: The average number of ovulatory size follicles (>8 mm), corpora lutea, and transferable embryos was higher in buffaloes superstimulated at estradiol-induced follicular wave compared to the conventional protocol: Further the percentage of transferable embryos was significantly higher in buffaloes administered with LH compared to GnRH.

Improvement of conception rate in postpartum flaxseed supplemented buffalo with Ovsynch+CIDR protocol.

The present study was conducted on lactating Murrah buffalo to assess the effect of crushed flaxseed (a source of omega-3 fatty acids) supplementation (300g/100kg bwt/day for 60 days), over and above the routine feed, on luteolytic signal (PGF2α), luteal function (progesterone) and conception rate. In first experiment, on day 50 post-calving, six non-supplemented buffalo were treated to synchronize time of ovulation using an Ovsynch+Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) protocol followed by intravenous oxytocin treatment (OT; 100IU) on day 15 post-ovulation. Blood samples were collected at 15min interval, 1h before to 4h after OT challenge. Thereafter, the same buffalo were supplemented with flaxseed, treated to synchronize time of ovulation starting on day 35 post-supplementation using the same protocol and subjected to OT treatment and blood sampling on day 15 post-ovulation. The PGF2α response was measured as the venous concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2α (PGFM). The mean hourly concentration of PGFM subsequent to flaxseed supplemented was less (P<0.05) than in the pre-supplementation period at all the occasions. Flaxseed supplementation did not affect plasma fatty acids and other plasma metabolites except for an increase (P<0.05) in plasma cholesterol and plasma alanine transaminase. In the second experiment, 31 buffalo were randomly assigned to a control (n=16) and flaxseed supplemented (n=15) group. The latter group was supplemented with flaxseed starting from day 15 post-calving. On day 50-post-calving, buffalo of both groups were treated to synchronize time of ovulation among animals as described for the first experiment followed by artificial insemination (AI). Post-AI luteal phase plasma progesterone was greater (P<0.05) in the supplemented group compared to controls. Conception rate on day 63 post-AI was 66.7% in supplemented and 31.2% in controls (P<0.05). The present study indicated the beneficial impact of dietary supplementation of crushed flaxseed on conception rate through attenuation of luteolytic signal and improvement in post-breeding luteal profile.

Impact of buserelin acetate or hCG administration on day 12 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The present study investigated the impact of gonadotropic hormone administration on day 12 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffaloes. All the buffaloes (n=48) were estrus synchronized by a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α)), administered 11 days apart, followed by insemination during mid to late estrus. To examine the effect of mid-luteal phase hormonal treatment, buffaloes were randomly divided into control (normal saline, n=14), d12-BA (buserelin acetate, 20µg, n=17) and d12-hCG (hCG, 3000IU, n=17) groups. Ovaries were scanned on the day of induced estrus to measure the preovulatory follicle (POF) diameter and on days 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation to examine the alterations in corpus luteum (CL) diameter. On the day of each sonography, blood samples were collected for the estimation of plasma progesterone. In treatment groups, luteal profile (CL diameter and plasma progesterone) on day 16-21 post-ovulation was better (P<0.05) as well as first service conception rate was higher (52.9% in each treatment group vs. 28.6%, P>0.05) compared to controls. All the pregnant buffaloes exhibited higher (P<0.05) plasma progesterone on various post-ovulation days than their respective non-pregnant counterparts. Treatment-induced accessory corpus luteum (ACL) formation was observed in 58.8 per cent and 70.6 per cent buffaloes of d12-BA and d12-hCG group, respectively, that also had higher (P<0.05) plasma progesterone compared to controls. Compared to the spontaneous CL, the diameter of ACL was less (P<0.05) in the treatment groups. In conclusion, buserelin acetate and hCG administration on day 12 post-ovulation leads to accessory CL formation, improves luteal profile and consequently increases conception rate in buffaloes.

l-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation to optimize health and reproduction in cattle.

Cattle can synthesize L-ascorbic acid (or Vitamin C) from either D-glucose or D-galactose through glucuronic acid pathway in the liver. L-Ascorbic acid present in cattle diet is almost totally destroyed by rumen microorganisms making them essentially dependent on its endogenous synthesis, which is assumed sufficient to meet the physiological requirement. Therefore, the role of vitamin C in cattle health and disease has remained widely overlooked. However, there is mounting evidence that the level of L-ascorbic acid in blood and other tissues decreases in association with stress and disease, and Vitamin C supplementation revealed favorable response as evident from early recovery. The present review is an attempt to summarize the existing literature pertaining to the physiological role of L-ascorbic acid and the scope of its supplementation in the prevention and treatment of diseases in cattle. It should be realized that the aqueous solution of vitamin C is highly acidic and subcutaneous or intramuscular administration may cause tissue irritation and inflammation, whereas the sodium ascorbate solution is less acidic and might be used for intramuscular administration.

Efficacy of four density gradient separation media to remove erythrocytes and nonviable sperm from canine semen.

The objective was to compare four commercially available density gradient centrifugation (DGC) media (ISolate [Irvine Scientific; Santa Ana, CA, USA], Percoll [Pharmacia; Uppsala, Sweden], PureCeption [SAGE In-Vitro Fertilization, Inc.; Trumbull, CT, USA], PureSperm 100 [Nidacon International AB; Molndal, Sweden]) for their ability to separate viable, motile sperm from contaminant nonviable (immotile and/or dead) sperm and red blood cells (RBC). Pooled sperm-rich fractions from four healthy dogs were assessed using Spermvison SAR (Minitube of America). For this, 1 mL of the blood/sperm admixture was pipetted over 4 mL of DGC media: 50%/90% ISolate (Irvine Scientific), 45%/90% Percoll (Pharmacia), 40%/80% PureCeption (SAGE In-Vitro Fertilization, Inc.), and 40%/80% PureSperm 100 (Nidacon International AB). After centrifugation, five 1-mL fractions (A, B, C, D, and E) and the sperm pellet (bottom fraction F) were separated. Sperm morphology and red blood cell/sperm ratio (RBC/S) per fraction were determined on stained slides. All DGC media separated RBC from sperm; the highest red blood cell/sperm ratio was present in ISolate (Irvine Scientific) and Percoll (Pharmacia) fraction A (29.4±29.7 and 28.2±20.8, respectively), and in fractions A and B of both PureCeption (SAGE In-Vitro Fertilization, Inc.) (37.0±22.8 and 39.6±24.3, respectively) and PureSperm 100 (Nidacon International AB) (25.2±5.9 and 23.0±3.9, respectively). The fractions with the highest total sperm recovery, motile sperm recovery, as well as overall motility were ISolate (Irvine Scientific) and Percoll (Pharmacia) fraction D (33.9±29.4%; 40.99±27.9%; 71.2±21.8% and 36.4±14.5%; 39.3±15.8%; 88.6±2.3%, respectively), and for PureCeption (SAGE In-Vitro Fertilization, Inc.) and PureSperm 100 (Nidacon International AB), the sperm pellet, fraction F (78.8±28.3%; 88.0±17.4%; 70.2±11.1% and 73.1±21.0%; 75.4±24.6%; 80.6±17.1%, respectively). In the pellet for PureCeption (SAGE In-Vitro Fertilization, Inc.), more sperm and motile sperm were recovered than in ISolate (Irvine Scientific) and Percoll (Pharmacia) fractions D (P<0.0163). Therefore, DGC media should be considered for canine semen purification when contaminated with blood or when separation of motile versus immotile sperm is needed.

A randomized trial of hypothesis-driven vs screening neurologic examination.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that trainees would perform better using a hypothesis-driven rather than a traditional screening approach to the neurologic examination. METHODS: We randomly assigned 16 medical students to perform screening examinations of all major aspects of neurologic function or hypothesis-driven examinations focused on aspects suggested by the history. Each student examined 4 patients, 2 of whom had focal deficits. Outcomes of interest were the correct identification of patients with focal deficits, number of specific deficits detected, and examination duration. Outcomes were assessed by an investigator blinded to group assignments. The McNemar test was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the 2 examination methods. RESULTS: Sensitivity was higher with hypothesis-driven examinations than with screening examinations (78% vs 56%; p = 0.046), although specificity was lower (71% vs 100%; p = 0.046). The hypothesis-driven group identified 61% of specific examination abnormalities, whereas the screening group identified 53% (p = 0.008). Median examination duration was 1 minute shorter in the hypothesis-driven group (7.0 minutes vs 8.0 minutes; p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized trial comparing 2 methods of neurologic examination, a hypothesis-driven approach resulted in greater sensitivity and a trend toward faster examinations, at the cost of lower specificity, compared with the traditional screening approach. Our findings suggest that a hypothesis-driven approach may be superior when the history is concerning for an acute focal neurologic process.

Attenuation of luteolytic response following fish meal supplementation in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Luteolysis of corpus luteum, due to un-inhibited PGF(2α) secretion, has been reported to be a cause of early embryonic mortality in dairy animals. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fish meal (FM) supplementation on the uterine secretion of PGF(2α) and hence establish its supplementation as an antiluteolytic strategy in dairy buffaloes. Five cycling Murrah buffaloes were supplemented with 250g FM daily for 55 days in addition to their routine feed and seven buffaloes were kept as non-supplemented control. After 30 days of FM supplementation, the oestrus was synchronized in all the buffaloes using Ovsynch protocol. On day 15 of synchronized cycle, animals were challenged with oxytocin (OT; 100IU) intravenously and blood samples were collected at 15min interval, 1h before to 4h after OT challenge. The PGF(2α) response was measured as the venous concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2α) (PGFM). The mean hourly concentration of PGFM in FM supplemented buffaloes was lower than in the control buffaloes at all the occasions. During peak response (1h post-OT challenge), PGFM concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) in FM supplemented buffaloes than in the control (197.4±41.7pg/ml versus 326.3±33.5pg/ml, respectively). Also the percent rise in PGFM after OT-challenge in FM supplemented buffaloes was less than the control (11.73% versus 22.47%). The dietary supplementation did not affect the size of corpus luteum (CL) and plasma progesterone concentration. Plasma glucose and total protein concentrations remained within the normal physiological limits during FM supplementation. The present study indicated that supplementing FM decreased the concentrations of PGF(2α) without alterations in the size of CL and plasma progesterone concentrations in dairy buffaloes.

Impact of pre-ovulatory follicle diameter on plasma estradiol, subsequent luteal profiles and conception rate in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The present study was designed to investigate the impact of pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) diameter on the day of estrus on plasma estradiol concentration, subsequent luteal profile (corpus luteum, CL, diameter and plasma progesterone concentration) and conception rate in buffaloes. Twenty-eight buffaloes were synchronized with synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α)) administered 11 days apart. Transrectal ultrasonography and jugular vein blood sampling was carried out on the day of estrus and on days 0 (day of ovulation), 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation. Out of 28 buffaloes, 11 (39.3%) were diagnosed pregnant on day 40 post-ovulation. Retrospective analysis revealed that the buffaloes getting pregnant had larger (p<0.05) POF diameter. In fact, all the buffaloes (n=5/5) having POF diameter between >14 and 16 mm conceived, whereas, conception rate in buffaloes with POF diameter between >12 and ≤14 mm (n=6/17) or <12 mm (n=0/6) was 35.3% and 0.0%, respectively. A positive correlation (r=0.57, p<0.05) was observed between POF diameter and plasma estradiol concentration at estrus. On day 5 post-ovulation, luteal profile was positively correlated (CL: r=0.34, p<0.05; plasma progesterone concentration: r=0.27, p>0.05) with POF diameter. Further, on the same day, plasma progesterone concentration was positively correlated (r=0.47, p<0.05) with CL diameter, however, this correlation was absent (r=0.05, p>0.05) during the subsequent luteal phase. Nevertheless, the post-ovulation luteal profile of pregnant buffaloes was higher (p<0.05) compared to non-pregnant counterparts. In conclusion, the diameter of POF in buffaloes has positive impact on plasma estradiol concentration at estrus, post-ovulation luteal profile and conception rate. The diameter of CL can be used as an indicator of luteal function at early but not at mid or late luteal phase of estrus cycle in buffaloes.

Factors affecting the incidence of postpartum oestrus, ovarian activity and reproductive performance in Thoroughbred mares bred at foal heat under Indian subtropical conditions.

Decreased reproductive performance due to summer stress is a well known phenomenon in farm livestock. Whether this occurs in the mare and specifically how this might affect postpartum reproductive activity and performance, especially at Foal Heat (FH), is unknown. This study, therefore, aims to investigate this and the factors that might affect postpartum reproductive activity. Reproductive records of 228 Thoroughbred mares (694 mare years) bred in subtropical north-western India were retrospectively analysed. Overt oestrous activity occurred within 21 d postpartum in 92.94% (645/694) of mares. Significantly (p<0.001) more April foaling mares (97.37%, 185/190) expressed postpartum oestrous activity than those foaling in January (83.61%; 51/61) and February (88.49; 123/139). Similarly significantly (p<0.01) fewer multiparous mares failed to demonstrate oestrous activity than primiparous mares (6.12% vs.15.07%; 38/621 vs. 11/73, respectively). 190 of these 694 mares were additionally monitored to confirm ovulation; in these mares onset of FH (oestrus plus confirmed ovulation) occurred 8.42+/-0.17 d and first ovulation 13.64+/-0.20 d postpartum. Month, stud farm, year, and parity did not affect interval from parturition to FH onset or to first ovulation; or FH onset to ovulation. In FH bred mares Day 16 pregnancy rate and overall foaling rate were 53.76% (100/186) and 46.24% (86/186) respectively and were similar to those of mares bred later postpartum. FH pregnancy rates were not affected by stud, season, month, year, number of matings, or day of ovulation but were significantly (p<0.008) lowered by increasing mare age. Significantly (p<0.01) lower Day 16 pregnancy rates were observed in uterine treated mares compared to untreated mares (31.09% vs. 57.96%; 9/29 vs. 91/157, respectively), this difference was not evident during the rest of pregnancy. In conclusion, postpartum reproductive and ovarian activity appears to be affected by environment, i.e., delayed in subtropical kept Thoroughbred mares compared to those kept in temperate climates. However, resulting reproductive performance at FH and the factors affecting postpartum reproductive activity are similar.

The pattern of embryonic fixation and its relationship to pregnancy loss in thoroughbred mares.

Ultrasonographic pregnancy records of 195 mares from six Thoroughbred stud farms, over a period of 7 years were retrospectively analysed to assess the effect of various factors on embryonic vesicle (EV) fixation pattern and pregnancy outcome. Of the total of 746 pregnancies analysed, significantly (p < 0.01) more EV fixations were evident in the right uterine horn than in the left (53.35% vs 46.65% respectively). There was no significant effect of either, the side of ovulation, or age of the mare, on the side of EV fixation. However, EV fixation, was significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to occur in the right uterine horn in maiden and barren mares (65.75% vs 57.45% respectively). The age and reproductive status of the mare as well as foal heat breeding failed to demonstrate a consistent effect on pregnancy loss relative to the side of EV fixation. In lactating and foal heat bred mares, EVs were significantly (p < 0.0001) more frequently established in the contralateral horn to the one from which the mare delivered her most recent foal. In lactating mares, significantly (p < 0.05) higher embryonic and pregnancy losses were observed in the ipsilateral horn. In conclusion, (a) side of EV fixation was (i) independent of the side of ovulation and mare age (ii) significantly (p < 0.001) affected by reproductive status, (b) neither age of mare nor reproductive status had any effect on pregnancy loss rates relative to the side of EV fixation and (c) in lactating mares the EV had a greater chance of fixation and survival in the horn contralateral to the one from which the mare delivered her most recent foal.

Reproductive efficiency of Thoroughbred mares under Indian subtropical conditions: A retrospective survey over 7 years.

Service records of 253 mares (1181 mare-years) spanning over 7 consecutive years, from nine organized Thoroughbred stud farms, situated in the subtropical northwestern India were retrospectively analyzed to assess their reproductive performance. The overall per cycle pregnancy rate at Day 16 and overall foaling rates were 50.30% and 68.95%, respectively, and were significantly higher in mares aged 3-7 years than > or =18 years old mares. The late embryonic losses (9.86%) that occurred between Days 16 and 39 post-ovulation contributed more than 50% of the overall detected pregnancy losses (19.11%). The overall percent detected pregnancy losses were lower in mares at ages 3-7 years compared to those at ages > or =18 years (14.78% vs. 46.43%, respectively; P<0.0001). Chronic barren and habitual aborter mares tended to affect reproductive efficiency of mares. Fifty percent of the mares that experienced > or =2 consecutive abortions or barren years, again stayed aborted or barren in the next seasons, respectively. No effect of numbers of matings per oestrus was observed on overall fertility. Neither the induction of oestrus nor ovulation by exogenous hormonal treatment had any effect on most of the analyzed reproductive parameters. Regarding breeding month or years, the reproductive efficiency did not differ significantly. The incidence of multiple pregnancies was 5.40% and percent late embryonic loses were higher (P=0.0016) in twin (21.98%) than singleton (8.64%) pregnancies. In conclusion, comparatively lower fertility rates were recorded in Thoroughbred mares bred under Indian subtropical climatic conditions than those reported from temperate regions that might be due to difference in breeding management rather than prevailing environment.

Induction of ovulation of ovulatory size non-ovulatory follicles and initiation of ovarian cyclicity in summer anoestrous buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis) using melatonin implants.

This study was conducted on summer anoestrous buffalo heifers to monitor the efficacy of melatonin for induction of ovulation and ovarian cyclicity. During pre-treatment period of 24 days, the ovarian dynamics of five cycling and 10 summer anoestrous heifers was monitored on each alternate day using a transrectal ultrasound scanner. Thereafter, during treatment period, these 10 anoestrous heifers along with additional seven anoestrous heifers were randomly allocated into non-implanted (n = 5) and implanted (n = 12, one melatonin implant/50 kg, 18 mg melatonin/implant) group. Non-implanted heifers were monitored on each alternate day till the confirmation of second-ovulation in implanted heifers. Pre-treatment period revealed the presence of dominant follicles in anoestrous heifers which attained the diameter comparable with ovulatory follicles of cycling heifers but failed to ovulate and regressed. Between 6 and 36 days (15.3 +/- 2.9 days) post-treatment, all the implanted heifers (p < 0.05) exhibited ovulation of dominant follicles; however none of the non-implanted heifers ovulated during the corresponding period. The first-interovulatory period in implanted heifers ranged between 8 and 28 days (18.0 +/- 1.8 days). The implanted heifers with short (

Canine and feline pregnancy loss due to viral and non-infectious causes: a review.

Among the causes for pregnancy loss, viruses and non-infectious factors are among the most important. In both dogs and cats, research and clinical evidence provide proof that there is an increasing incidence of pregnancy loss associated with infectious diseases like herpesvirus, as well as the presence of toxicants or chemicals in the animal's diet and environment. Endocrine causes must be taken into consideration when dealing with pregnancy loss. This review will cover the most recent knowledge regarding viral and non-infectious of pregnancy losses in the dog and cat.

Mucometra, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, and pyometra in the bitch: advances in treatment and assessment of future reproductive success.

Pyometra is a common reproductive disorder which affects nearly one fourth of all female dogs before they reach 10 y of age. An association between pyometra and the most common uterine disease of the bitch, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, has been established, as the latter allows commensal bacteria originating from the vagina to proliferate in the uterus at the end of estrus. The progressive degenerative process in the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia is usually proposed as the initiating lesion for pyometra in bitches; this is mediated by progesterone and potentially aggravated by estrogens. However, a separate process caused by local uterine irritation to trophoblastic reaction and bacterial proliferation has been recently proposed as an alternate mechanism leading to the development of pyometra. Pyometra is clinically distinct in pathogenesis, signs, treatment and prognosis from postpartum metritis or mucometra. Treatment of pyometra has historically involved ovariohysterectomy, however, during the last 10 y, numerous effective treatments have been proposed to treat both open and closed cervix pyometra with good success and future fertility. Among the treatments available, the use of repeated low doses of prostaglandins alone or in association with either dopamine agonists or progesterone-receptor antagonists has been demonstrated to be a viable alternative for valuable breeding dogs.