ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for ovarian superstimulation on ovarian response, follicular development and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collection in llamas. For this purpose, eighteen multiparous non-lactating adult (4-7 yo) female llamas with an average body condition of 2.8 (BCS 1-5) were submitted to a follicular ablation (FA) to induce a new follicular wave emergence. Two days after FA (Day 0), synchronized llamas were randomly allocated to three treatment groups (n = 6/group) and given 500, 750 and 1000 IU of eCG (Novormon®, Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) per animal respectively to induce ovarian superstimulation. Transrectal ultrasonography were performed on Days 2, 4, and 6; and ovum pick up (OPU) was performed on Day 6. Data was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated measures ANOVA, and 2-tailed Chi-square. The average size (mm) of follicles was greater (p≤ 0.05) in the 1000 IU group compared to the other groups. There was a greater (p≤ 0.05) number of follicles ≥ 7 mm in the 1000 IU group compared to the 500 IU group. Number of COCs collected on Day 6 and the COC recovery rate were not different among groups. In conclusion, a single dose of 1000 IU of eCG induced the best ovarian response resulting in larger and greater number of follicles at the time of OPU.
ABSTRACT
The goal of this study was to investigate the age-related differences in testosterone concentration and its relation to testicular biometrics, testicular blood flow, and fertility in alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Fifteen alpaca males with different ages (young (YM; ~12-14 mo.), n = 5; intermediate (IM; ~24 mo.), n = 5; and old (OM; ≥36 mo.), n = 5) were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken from each alpaca male and the circulating plasmatic testosterone concentration (TC; ng/mL) was determined using ELISA analysis. The testicular traits related to bio-morphometric parameters (the length (L), width (W), area (A), and volume (TV)) were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography. Pulse-wave/power Doppler ultrasonography was used to obtain the circulatory dynamic values (testicular hemodynamics) before the beginning of natural service mating. Significant differences were observed in TC among the age groups, increasing as the age of the males increased (2.47 ± 0.31, 8.45 ± 1.53, and 22.66 ± 2.15 for YM, IM, and OM, respectively; p < 0.05); however, no differences were observed regarding the testicular B-mode ultrasonographic parameters (L, W, and A) (p > 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between TV and testicular L, W, and A (r = 0.96, r = 0.95, and r = 0.96, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). Pulse-wave-Doppler-derived parameters such as the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistive index (RI), as well as the total vascularity area (TVA) assessed by power Doppler, were similar in all of the age groups studied (p > 0.05). General linear model (GLM) analysis showed a relationship between TC and TV (OR = 0.95; p = 0.04), as well as between TC and TVA (OR = 0.99; p= 0.02). Finally, no differences were observed regarding the pregnancy rate among the different age groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, TC increased as the age of the alpaca males increased. Although TC was related to TV and TVA, the pregnancy rates obtained from individuals belonging to the different age groups were similar, indicating that TC, TV, and TVA were not determining factors in assessing the potential age-related fertility differences in alpaca males.