Bovine somatotropin increases the pregnancy rate in fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cattle.

This study evaluated the effect of bovine somatotropin (bST) on pregnancy rate (PR) and size of the dominant follicle (DF) on the day of intravaginal progesterone (P4) removal in protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Bos indicus (Nellore) females (n = 392) were distributed into three groups. The control group (CG; n = 92) received an intravaginal P4 device + estradiol benzoate on day (d)0; prostaglandin F2α on d7 (first application); removal of P4 + estradiol cypionate (EC) + PGF2α (second application) + ultrasound (US) of the DF on d9; the FTAI was performed on d11; and pregnancy diagnosis (PD) was performed on d45. The bST group (bSTG; n = 142) underwent the same protocol as the CG, except that the animals received 125 mg of bST on d7. The equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) group (eCGG; n = 158) underwent the same protocol as the CG, except that the animals received 300 IU of eCG on d9. The PRs of the bSTG, eCGG, and CG were 48%, 48%, and 35%, respectively (p < .05); the bSTG and eCGG showed greater PRs, with follicles 6-7.9 mm (p < .05) and 8-8.9 mm in diameter, respectively. The bSTG exhibited a greater dimension of the DF on d9 of the protocol (p < .05). The eCGG had higher PRs with a body condition score (BCS) of 2.5, and the bSTG had a BCS of 3.0 (p < .05). It was concluded that bST increased PR, bST showed better performance in smaller DF and larger follicular diameter on d9 of the protocol, eCG acted better on animals with lower BCSs, and bST can be used in FTAI.

Reprodução equina: um modelo de ensino / Equine reproduction: a teaching model

Vivemos nos últimos anos um momento difícil em relação ao ensino de qualidade na medicina veterinária brasileira. Por sua vez, a equideocultura brasileira possui destaque internacional pela alta demanda de empregabilidade e pela excelência de seu plantel. Sempre a frente do seu tempo, a Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, a PUCPR, possui um curso de 28 anos de história, onde a excelência no ensino é reconhecida de norte a sul do país. Ao longo dessa história, um dos grandes diferenciais da universidade são os grupos de estudos, que são realizados por áreas específicas no curso e que acontecem no contraturno do estudante. Um dos primeiros grupos de estudos formados na PUCPR, foi em 2003: o Grupo de Estudos em Reprodução Animal. E com um grande interesse dos estudantes pela área de equinos, em 2008 nasce o Grupo de Estudos em Reprodução de Equídeos que perdura até os dias de hoje com o nome de Liga Acadêmica em Reprodução de Equídeos lado a lado da Liga Acadêmica de Reprodução de Bovinos. Desde então, na área da reprodução equina, um trabalho realizado com os estudantes que simula a vida real de um haras de criação e um centro de reprodução equina junto ao rebanho didático da instituição. O que torna esse modelo de ensino da PUCPR especial é como ele é conduzido, levando o estudante através de trilhas ao longo da graduação que permite que ele realmente se forme podendo trabalhar e exercer na plenitude a reprodução equina. Ao longo de 23 anos, se observa que os profissionais ligados a reprodução equina e bovina, egressos do curso de medicina veterinária da PUCPR são referências em renomados criatórios de equinos no Brasil. Com todo esse trabalho desenvolvido ao longo dos 5 anos com esses estudantes temos a tranquilidade e a satisfação de entregar a sociedade profissionais extremamente capacitados, e prontos para o mercado do cavalo, de forma ética e respeitando os cavalos e todas as formas de bem-estar animal.(AU)

In recent years, we have experienced a difficult time in relation to quality teaching in Brazilian veterinary medicine. On the other hand, the Brazilian equideoculture has international prominence due to the high demand for employability and the excellence of its herd. Always ahead of its time, the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, PUCPR, has a course of 28 years of history, where excellence in teaching is recognized from north to south of the country. Throughout this history, one of the great differentials of the university are the study groups, which are carried out by specific areas in the course, and which take place in the student's after-school period. One of the first study groups formed at PUCPR was in 2003: the Animal Reproduction Study Group. And with a great interest of students in the equine area, in 2008 the Equine Reproduction Study Group was born, which lasts until today under the name of Academic League in Equine Reproduction side by side with the Academic League of Bovine Reproduction. Since then, around equine reproduction, work has been carried out with students that simulates the real life of a stud farm and an equine reproduction center with the institution's didactic herd. What makes this PUCPR teaching model special is how it is conducted, taking the student through paths throughout graduation that allow him to really graduate, being able to work and fully exercise equine reproduction. Over 23 years, it has been observed that professionals linked to equine and bovine reproduction, graduates of the PUCPR Veterinary Medicine course, are references in renowned equine breeding centers in Brazil. With all this work developed over the 5 years with these students, we have the tranquility and satisfaction of delivering extremely qualified professionals to society, ready for the horse market, ethically and respecting horses and all forms of welfare animal.(AU)

Efficiency and accuracy of different ovulation inducers after progesterone device removal in crossbred multiparous cows / Eficiência e acurácia de diferentes indutores de ovulação após a remoção do dispositivo de progesterona em vacas mestiças multíparas

The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency and ovulation time after the administration of different inducers for synchronization of ovulation in beef cows. One hundred and eight non-lactating cows were distributed into the control group (CG; untreated; n=28), estradiol benzoate (EB) group (EBG; n=28); 17 beta-estradiol (17ßE) group (17ßEG; n=28), and deslorelin (DES) group (DESG; n=24). On day minus 11 (D-11) of the protocol, the CG underwent application of cloprostenol and ultrasound examination (US); on D0, progesterone (P4) was inserted plus EB; on D7, cloprostenol was applied; on D9, P4 was removed and cloprostenol plus 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was injected. The EBG was subjected to treatment identical to that of the CG, except on D10, when the cows received EB. The 17ßE was subjected to the same protocol used in the CG except for the administration of 17ßE on D10. And, the DESG was subjected to the same treatment as the CG, except on D10, when the group received DES acetate. Twelve hours after the administration of EB, 17ßE and DES, ovarian US were performed every 6 hours. The preovulatory follicle (POF) diameters measured before ovulation were 19.5; 14.7; 18.7 and 19.8 mm respectively for CG, EBG, 17ßEG and DESG; and the time intervals between inducer application and ovulation were 20.2; 18.9; 21.0 and 22.5 hours respectively. In conclusion, all ovulation inducers were efficient in promoting ovulation; the inducers caused ovulation between 18.9 and 22.5 hours; EB promoted ovulation in a shorter time (P<0.05); 17ßE and DES showed greater variation in application/ovulation time between groups.

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a eficiência e a ovulação após a administração de diferentes indutores para a sincronização da ovulação em vacas de corte. Cento e oito vacas não-lactantes foram distribuídas em grupo controle (GC; não tratadas; n=28); grupo benzoato de estradiol (BE) (GBE; n=28); grupo 17 beta-estradiol (17ßE) (G17ßE; n=28) e grupo deslorelina (DES) (GDES; n=24). No dia menos 11 (D-11) do protocolo, o GC recebeu cloprostenol e exame ultrassonográfico (US); ao D0, dispositivo de progesterona (P4) foi inserido mais BE; ao D7, cloprostenol foi aplicado; ao D9, a P4 foi removida e cloprostenol mais 400 UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) foi injetada. O GBE foi submetido a tratamento idêntico ao do GC, exceto ao D10, quando as vacas receberam BE. o G17ßE foi submetido ao mesmo protocolo usado no CG exceto pela administração de 17ßE ao D10. E, o GDES foi submetido ao mesmo tratamento que o CG, exceto ao D10, quando o grupo recebeu o acetato de DES. Doze horas após a administração de BE, 17ßE e DES, US ovarianos foram realizados a cada 6 horas. O diâmetro do folículo pré-ovulatório (FPO) medido antes da ovulação foi de 19,5; 14,7; 18,7 e 19,8 mm respectivamente para GC, GBE, G17ßE e GDES; e o intervalo de tempo entre a aplicação do indutor e ovulação foi 20,2; 18,9; 21;0 e 22,5 horas respectivamente. Em conclusão, todos os indutores da ovulação foram eficientes em promover a ovulação; os indutores acarretaram ovulação entre 18,9 e 22,5 horas; o BE promoveu a ovulação em menor espaço de tempo (P<0,05); 17ßE e DES demonstraram maior variação em aplicação/tempo de ovulação entre os grupos.

Impact of recombinant bovine somatotropin, progesterone, and estradiol benzoate on ovarian follicular dynamics in Bos taurus taurus cows using a protocol for estrus and ovulation synchronization.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) in combination with progesterone (P4) and estradiol benzoate (EB) on ovarian follicular dynamics using a protocol for estrus and ovulation synchronization in crossbred Bos taurus taurus cows. Twenty-four non-lactating multiparous cows were randomly assigned to two groups: the recombinant bovine somatotropin group (GbST; n = 11) received an intravaginal P4 device (1.5 g), estradiol benzoate (EB = 1.0 mg IM), bST (500 mg SC), and an ovarian ultrasonography (US) on day zero (d0 = beginning of the study); d-cloprostenol (150 µg, IM), US, and P4 removal on d8; 1.0 mg of EB (IM) on d9; and US on d10 and d15. On the other hand, to the control group (GC; n = 13), the same protocol as the GbST was applied, except for the non-receipt of bST on d0. The follicles were measured and evaluated on d0, d8, and d10, as were the corpora lutea (CL) on d15 (using ultrasonography). The effect of the two treatments (GbST vs. GC) on the follicle size, CL (F-test), and ovulation rate (logistic regression) were evaluated. The GbST showed a greater follicle diameter on d10 (14.5 mm) than the GC (12.1 mm; P < 0.03), as well as a greater diameter of CL on d15 (19.7 vs. 16.9 mm, P < 0.01). In addition, in the former, the ovulation rate (90.9 vs. 69.2%, P = 0.09) was observed to be greater. It was concluded that the combination of bST, P4, and EB in synchronization for estrus and ovulation protocols significantly increased the diameter of the preovulatory follicle, produced a higher follicular growth rate, and a greater diameter of the corpus luteum. Additionally, there was a higher percentage of cows with ovulation compared to the group that did not receive bST.

Resynchronization of ovulation with new and reused intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices without previous pregnancy diagnosis in Bos taurus indicus cows subjected to timed-artificial insemination.

The study aimed to evaluate pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) of cows subjected to synchronization and resynchronization in ovulation protocols using intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (P4) before pregnancy diagnosis (PD) and the relationship of PR with the diameter of preovulatory follicles (ØPOF) before TAI. Cows (n = 378) were distributed into two groups: a resynchronization group with new devices (GRN; n = 185) and resynchronization group with used devices (GRU; n = 193). On Day 0, both groups received a new P4 and estradiol benzoate (EB). On D8, P4 removal + D-cloprostenol + eCG + estradiol cypionate (EC) was done. On d10, TAI was conducted. On d32, cows were resynchronized and divided into two groups, GRN (n = 185) and GRU (n = 193). The GRN group received a new P4 + EB, and the GRU group received a used P4 + EB. On d40, the P4 was removed + PD. The non-pregnant cows received D-cloprostenol + eCG + EC. US was done again on d42 to determine ØPOF before the second TAI. The P/AI of the GRN and GRU groups after synchronization were 56.2% and 57.0% (p = 0.87), respectively, and those after resynchronization were 58.0% and 37.3% (p < 0.008), respectively. The P/AI of the GRN and GRU groups observed after TAI (synchronization + resynchronization) were 81.6% and 73.1%, respectively (p = 0.047). No difference (p = 0.067) in ØPOF between the pregnant and non-pregnant cows in the GRN was found, whereas the GRU group showed a significant difference (p = 0.003). Resynchronization protocols optimized the P/AI in both groups. New intravaginal devices resulted in greater P/AI and P/AI accumulation in resynchronization as compared with the GRU; the ØPOF was related with P/AI.

Impact of recombinant bovine somatotropin, progesterone, and estradiol benzoate on ovarian follicular dynamics in Bos taurus taurus cows using a protocol for estrus and ovulation synchronization.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) in combination with progesterone (P4) and estradiol benzoate (EB) on ovarian follicular dynamics using a protocol for estrus and ovulation synchronization in crossbred Bos taurus taurus cows. Twenty-four non-lactating multiparous cows were randomly assigned to two groups: the recombinant bovine somatotropin group (GbST; n = 11) received an intravaginal P4 device (1.5 g), estradiol benzoate (EB = 1.0 mg IM), bST (500 mg SC), and an ovarian ultrasonography (US) on day zero (d0 = beginning of the study); d-cloprostenol (150 µg, IM), US, and P4 removal on d8; 1.0 mg of EB (IM) on d9; and US on d10 and d15. On the other hand, to the control group (GC; n = 13), the same protocol as the GbST was applied, except for the non-receipt of bST on d0. The follicles were measured and evaluated on d0, d8, and d10, as were the corpora lutea (CL) on d15 (using ultrasonography). The effect of the two treatments (GbST vs. GC) on the follicle size, CL (F-test), and ovulation rate (logistic regression) were evaluated. The GbST showed a greater follicle diameter on d10 (14.5 mm) than the GC (12.1 mm; P < 0.03), as well as a greater diameter of CL on d15 (19.7 vs. 16.9 mm, P < 0.01). In addition, in the former, the ovulation rate (90.9 vs. 69.2%, P = 0.09) was observed to be greater. It was concluded that the combination of bST, P4, and EB in synchronization for estrus and ovulation protocols significantly increased the diameter of the preovulatory follicle, produced a higher follicular growth rate, and a greater diameter of the corpus luteum. Additionally, there was a higher percentage of cows with ovulation compared to the group that did not receive bST.

Potencial da deslorelina como agente indutor da ovulação em vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus na inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / Potential of deslorelin as inductor of ovulation for timed-artificial insemination in primiparous Bos taurus indicus cows abstract / Potencial de la deslorelina como agente inductor de la ovulación en vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus en la inseminación artificial en tiempo fijo

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a eficiência da deslorelina (DES) como indutora da ovulação em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) sobre as taxas de prenhez (TP) de vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus. Foram utilizados 176 animais, distribuídos em três grupos: GNDES (Grupo Não DES; n= 59), que recebeu no dia 0 (d0) um dispositivo intravaginal com 0,558 g de progesterona (P4) + 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) (IM); no d8 remoção da P4 + 0,5 mg de cipionato de estradiol (CE) + 150 g de cloprostenol + 400 UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG); em d10 foi executada a IATF; GDES (Grupo DES; n=60) o mesmo que GNDES porém 1,0 mg (IM) de DES no momento da IATF; GDES6 (Grupo Deslorelina 6 horas; n=57) o mesmo que GDES, porém com a DES aplicada 6 horas antes da IATF. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística mediante o Programa SAS (2014). O estudo resultou em taxa de prenhez (TP) na IATF e no final da estação de monta, respectivamente para GNDES, GDES e GDES6 em 40,6; 53,3; 43,8 % e 72,9; 81,7; 70,2 %. Concluiu-se que a DES proporcionou em números absolutos indicativo de melhoria na TP à IATF nos grupos tratados frente ao controle; o ECC, dias abertos e o status reprodutivo (anestro ou ciclicidade) não influenciaram a TP à IATF, aos 60 dias e ao final da estação de monta.

The aim of the study was to verify the efficiency of deslorelin (DES) as inductor of ovulation in timed-artificial insemination (TAI) protocols on pregnancy rate (PR) in primiparous Bos taurus indicus cows. Hundred seventy six animals were divided into three groups (G): GNDES (Group No Deslorelin; n = 59) which received on day 0 (d0) an intravaginal device with 0.558 g of progesterone (P4) + 2.0 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) (IM); d8 P4 removal + 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (EC) + 150 g of cloprostenol + 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG); in d10 TAI was proceeded; GDES (DES group; n = 60) the same as GNDES + 1.0 mg (IM) DES acetate in TAI day; GDES6 (DES applied 6 hours before TAI, n = 57) the same as GDES, but DES injected 6 hours before TAI. The pregnancy rate (PR) in TAI and at the end of the breeding season (BS) was respectively 40.6; 53.3; 43.8% and 72.9; 81.7; 70.2% in GNDES, GDES and GDES6. In conclusion, the DES brought an indicative of improvement in the PR for TAI, in the treated groups (3.2 to 12.7 % more) than control, however without significance; the BCS, open days and the reproductive status of anestrous or cyclicality, did not influenced the PR in TAI at 60 days or at the end of the BS.

El objetivo del estudio ha sido verificar la eficiencia de la deslorelina (DES) como inductora de la ovulación en protocolos de inseminación artificial en tiempo fijo (IATF) sobre las tasas de preñez (TP) en vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus. Se han utilizado 176 animales, distribuidos en tres grupos: GNDES (Grupo No DES; n= 59), que recibió en el día 0 (d0) un dispositivo intra vaginal con 0,558 g de progesterona (P4) + 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) (IM); en el d8 remoción de la P4 + 0,5 mg de cipionato de estradiol (CE) + 150 mg de cloprostenol + 400 UI de gonadotrofina coriónica equina (eCG); en el d10 fue ejecutada la IATF; GDES (Grupo DES; n=60) el mismo que GNDES pero 1,0 mg (IM) de DES en el momento de la IATF; GDES6 (Grupo Deslorelina 6 horas); n=57) el mismo que GDES, con la diferencia que la DES ha sido aplicada con 6 horas de antelación relación a la IATF. Los datos han sido sometidos a un análisis estadístico, a través del Programa SAS (2014). El estudio resultó en tasa de preñez (TP) en la IATF y al final del ciclo estral, respectivamente para GNDES, GDES y GDES6 en 40,6; 53,3; 43,8 % y 72,9; 81,7; 70,2 %. Concluyese que la DES proporcionó en números absolutos un indicativo de mejoría en la TP y en la IATF en los grupos tratados frente al controle; el ECC, días abiertos y el status reproductivo (anestro o ciclicidad) no influenciaron la TP ni la IATF, ni a los 60 días ni al final del ciclo estral o periodo de celo.

Potencial da deslorelina como agente indutor da ovulação em vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus na inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / Potential of deslorelin as inductor of ovulation for timed-artificial insemination in primiparous Bos taurus indicus cows abstract / Potencial de la deslorelina como agente inductor de la ovulación en vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus en la inseminación artificial en tiempo fijo

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a eficiência da deslorelina (DES) como indutora da ovulação em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) sobre as taxas de prenhez (TP) de vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus. Foram utilizados 176 animais, distribuídos em três grupos: GNDES (Grupo Não DES; n= 59), que recebeu no dia 0 (d0) um dispositivo intravaginal com 0,558 g de progesterona (P4) + 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) (IM); no d8 remoção da P4 + 0,5 mg de cipionato de estradiol (CE) + 150 g de cloprostenol + 400 UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG); em d10 foi executada a IATF; GDES (Grupo DES; n=60) o mesmo que GNDES porém 1,0 mg (IM) de DES no momento da IATF; GDES6 (Grupo Deslorelina 6 horas; n=57) o mesmo que GDES, porém com a DES aplicada 6 horas antes da IATF. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística mediante o Programa SAS (2014). O estudo resultou em taxa de prenhez (TP) na IATF e no final da estação de monta, respectivamente para GNDES, GDES e GDES6 em 40,6; 53,3; 43,8 % e 72,9; 81,7; 70,2 %. Concluiu-se que a DES proporcionou em números absolutos indicativo de melhoria na TP à IATF nos grupos tratados frente ao controle; o ECC, dias abertos e o status reprodutivo (anestro ou ciclicidade) não influenciaram a TP à IATF, aos 60 dias e ao final da estação de monta.(AU)

The aim of the study was to verify the efficiency of deslorelin (DES) as inductor of ovulation in timed-artificial insemination (TAI) protocols on pregnancy rate (PR) in primiparous Bos taurus indicus cows. Hundred seventy six animals were divided into three groups (G): GNDES (Group No Deslorelin; n = 59) which received on day 0 (d0) an intravaginal device with 0.558 g of progesterone (P4) + 2.0 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) (IM); d8 P4 removal + 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (EC) + 150 g of cloprostenol + 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG); in d10 TAI was proceeded; GDES (DES group; n = 60) the same as GNDES + 1.0 mg (IM) DES acetate in TAI day; GDES6 (DES applied 6 hours before TAI, n = 57) the same as GDES, but DES injected 6 hours before TAI. The pregnancy rate (PR) in TAI and at the end of the breeding season (BS) was respectively 40.6; 53.3; 43.8% and 72.9; 81.7; 70.2% in GNDES, GDES and GDES6. In conclusion, the DES brought an indicative of improvement in the PR for TAI, in the treated groups (3.2 to 12.7 % more) than control, however without significance; the BCS, open days and the reproductive status of anestrous or cyclicality, did not influenced the PR in TAI at 60 days or at the end of the BS.(AU)

El objetivo del estudio ha sido verificar la eficiencia de la deslorelina (DES) como inductora de la ovulación en protocolos de inseminación artificial en tiempo fijo (IATF) sobre las tasas de preñez (TP) en vacas primíparas Bos taurus indicus. Se han utilizado 176 animales, distribuidos en tres grupos: GNDES (Grupo No DES; n= 59), que recibió en el día 0 (d0) un dispositivo intra vaginal con 0,558 g de progesterona (P4) + 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) (IM); en el d8 remoción de la P4 + 0,5 mg de cipionato de estradiol (CE) + 150 mg de cloprostenol + 400 UI de gonadotrofina coriónica equina (eCG); en el d10 fue ejecutada la IATF; GDES (Grupo DES; n=60) el mismo que GNDES pero 1,0 mg (IM) de DES en el momento de la IATF; GDES6 (Grupo Deslorelina 6 horas); n=57) el mismo que GDES, con la diferencia que la DES ha sido aplicada con 6 horas de antelación relación a la IATF. Los datos han sido sometidos a un análisis estadístico, a través del Programa SAS (2014). El estudio resultó en tasa de preñez (TP) en la IATF y al final del ciclo estral, respectivamente para GNDES, GDES y GDES6 en 40,6; 53,3; 43,8 % y 72,9; 81,7; 70,2 %. Concluyese que la DES proporcionó en números absolutos un indicativo de mejoría en la TP y en la IATF en los grupos tratados frente al controle; el ECC, días abiertos y el status reproductivo (anestro o ciclicidad) no influenciaron la TP ni la IATF, ni a los 60 días ni al final del ciclo estral o periodo de celo.(AU)

A ultrassonografia no diagnóstico de afecções nos testículos de ovinos (Ovis aries) / The ultrasonography in the diagnosis of testicular disorders in rams (Ovis aries)

Relata-se um caso de epididimite unilateral em reprodutor ovino (Hampshire Down) internado devido à claudicação às vésperas da estação de monta (EM). O relato foca a importância da ultrassonografia como meio-auxiliar ao diagnóstico de afecções no aparelho reprodutivo. A ultrassonografia das gônadas masculinas e anexos corrobora os achados obtidos pela palpação do escroto com detalhes e de maneira não invasiva. Exames de ultrassonografia testicular nos ovinos ainda são escassamente utilizados visando a detecção de afecções, e quando empregados precocemente poderão até prevenir e assegurar a não-propagação de subfertilidade de um reprodutor na EM, assegurando boas taxas de fertilidade.

It is reported a case of unilateral epididymitis in a ram (Hampshire Down) hospitalized in consequence of lameness shortly before the breeding season (BS). The report is focused on the importance of ultrasonography as an auxiliary resource to the diagnosis of reproductive tract disorders. The ultrasonography of male gonads and annexes corroborates the findings obtained by palpation of the scrotum with details and noninvasively. Testicular ultrasonography is still sparsely used in sheep in order to detect diseases and when used early may even prevent and ensure that no subfertile breeder will spread its genes in the BS, ensuring good fertility rates.

A ultrassonografia no diagnóstico de afecções nos testículos de ovinos (Ovis aries) / The ultrasonography in the diagnosis of testicular disorders in rams (Ovis aries)

Relata-se um caso de epididimite unilateral em reprodutor ovino (Hampshire Down) internado devido à claudicação às vésperas da estação de monta (EM). O relato foca a importância da ultrassonografia como meio-auxiliar ao diagnóstico de afecções no aparelho reprodutivo. A ultrassonografia das gônadas masculinas e anexos corrobora os achados obtidos pela palpação do escroto com detalhes e de maneira não invasiva. Exames de ultrassonografia testicular nos ovinos ainda são escassamente utilizados visando a detecção de afecções, e quando empregados precocemente poderão até prevenir e assegurar a não-propagação de subfertilidade de um reprodutor na EM, assegurando boas taxas de fertilidade.(AU)

It is reported a case of unilateral epididymitis in a ram (Hampshire Down) hospitalized in consequence of lameness shortly before the breeding season (BS). The report is focused on the importance of ultrasonography as an auxiliary resource to the diagnosis of reproductive tract disorders. The ultrasonography of male gonads and annexes corroborates the findings obtained by palpation of the scrotum with details and noninvasively. Testicular ultrasonography is still sparsely used in sheep in order to detect diseases and when used early may even prevent and ensure that no subfertile breeder will spread its genes in the BS, ensuring good fertility rates.(AU)

Impact of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin Associated with Temporary Weaning, Estradiol Benzoate, or Estradiol Cypionate on Timed Artificial Insemination in Primiparous Bos Indicus Cows

The study aimed to determine the impact of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) associated with different timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols on the pregnancy rate (PR) in Bos indicus cows previously treated with progesterone. Five hundred and fifty-seven primiparous cows were subjected to the following treatments: on day 0 (d0), GeCGTW (group equine Chorionic Gonadotropin+Temporary Weaning;n=178) received 0,558 g intravaginal progesterone (P4)+1.0 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) (IM); on d8 (P4 removal+0,075 mg D-cloprostenol + 400 IU eCG + TW for 48 h); on d10, TAI + calves return to dam; GeCGEB (group equine Chorionic Gonadotropin+Estradiol benzoate; n=176) the same as GeCGTW without TW + application of 1.0 mg of EB on d9; GeCGEC (group equine Chorionic Gonadotropin+Estradiol Cypionate; n=203), the same as GeCGTW without TW+1.5 mg EC (IM). On d35, post TAI, pregnancy diagnosis (PD) was performed. Non-pregnant animals remained under clean-up bulls for 90 days. After this period, the animals were subjected to PD using ultrasound. The PR of TAI was 51.1%, 47.1%, and 47.8% for GeCGTW, GeCGEB24, and GeCGEC (P>0.05) respectively. The PR under clean-up bulls was 88.3%, 47.3%, and 31.1% (P<0.05). The final PR (TAI+clean-up bulls) of the groups was 94.4%, 72.1%, and 64.0%, respectively (P<0.05). It was concluded that no differences in PR among the protocols related to TAI were detected; PR in the GeCGTW protocol under clean-up bulls was higher compared to others (P<0.05); the overall PR of cows subjected to TAI+clean-up bulls was significantly higher in GeCGTW than in the other groups.

El factor liberador de gonadotropina (GnRH) y la gonadotropina coriónica equina (eCG) mejora de la tasa de embarazo en protocolos para la inseminación artificial em tiempo fijo en ganado de carne / Gonadothopin releasing hormone (GnRH) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (ECG) improve the pregnancy rate on protocols for timed-artificial insemination in beef cattle / O fator liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH) e a gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) melhora a taxa de prenhez em protocolos para a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em bovinos de corte

El estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la influencia de la GnRH y eCG en protocolos de IATF para mejorar la tasa de preñez (TP) en ganado para carne, previamente tratados con progesterona intravaginal una acción prolongada en la temporada de cría de 90 días. El total de 660 hembras fueron divididas en cinco grupos: (TAI1) inyección de 1,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) y P4 en dia 0(d0), remoción de la P4 + 0,075 mg prostaglandina F2a en d9, 1,0 mg de EB en d10 y TAI 32h (n = 120); (TAI2) lo mismo TAI1, pero la inclusión de 500µg de GnRH en TAI (n = 120); (TAI3) lo mismo TAI1, pero la administración de 400 UI eCG en d10 (n = 120); (TAI4) lo mismo TAI3, pero la administration de 500µg de GnRH en TAI (n = 120); (5) sin la sincronización de celo, pero servida por monta natural (MN, n = 180). Cuarenta y cinco días después de la TAI, el TAI1, TAI2, TAI3, y el grupo TAI4 quedarón con los toros por 45 d. La gestatión fue determinada por ultrasonografía en 45d despues de TAI y en 120d después para todos los tratamientos. No hubo diferencias en TP entre los cuatro protocolos de TAI en d45 (vacas: TAI1 = 48,0%, TAI2 = 53,8%, TAI3 = 57,6% = TAI4 58,3%; vaquillas: TAI1 = 53,3%, TAI2 = 57,1%, TAI3 = 57,1% , TAI4 = 56,2%). El TP después de la temporada de cría de 90 días fue mayor en todos los grupos de vacas TAI (P0,05). Vacas y novillas fueran analizadas en conjunto, y no se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos. Se concluyó que el TAI usando protocolos de la GnRH o ECG solos o juntos, colaboran significativamente a mejorar la tasa de preñez en el ganado hembra cuando se somete a un tratamiento previo con la progesterona en la fase reproductiva. (AU)

The study aimed to verify the influence of GnRH and eCG in TAI protocols to improve the pregnancy rate (PR) in beef cattle, treated with previous intravaginal progesterone longacting, in the breeding season 90 days. A total of 660 females were divided into five groups: (TAI1) injection of 1.0mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and P4 on d0, P4 removal and 0.075mg prostaglandin F2α on d9, 1.0mg EB on d10, and TAI 32h (n = 120); (TAI2) same as TAI1, but inclusion of 500µg GnRH at TAI (n = 120); (TAI3) same as TAI1, but inclusion of 400IU eCG on d10 (n = 120); (TAI4) same as TAI3, but inclusion of 500µg GnRH at TAI (n = 120); (5) no estrus synchronization, but served by natural service (NS; n = 180). Forty-five days after the TAI, the TAI1, TAI2, TAI3, and TAI4 group were run with “clean-up” bulls for 45 d. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography on d45 for TAI PR and on d120 after TAI for all treatments for overall PR. There were no differences in PR among the four TAI protocols on d45 (cows: TAI1=48.0%, TAI2=53.8%, TAI3=57.6%, TAI4=58.3%; heifers: TAI1=53.3%, TAI2=57.1%, TAI3=57.1%, TAI4=56.2%). The PR after the 90-day breeding season was greater in all TAI groups of cows (P0.05). Cows and heifers were analyzed together, and no differences among groups were found. It was concluded that protocols for TAI using GnRH or eCG alone or together contribute significantly to improve the pregnancy rate in beef cattle females, when subjected to previous treatment with progesterone in the reproductive season.(AU)

O estudo teve como objetivo verificar a influência do GnRH e eCG em protocolos de IATF para melhorar a taxa de prenhez (TP) em bovinos de corte, tratados anteriormente com progesterona intravaginal de ação prolongada, em estação de monta de 90 dias. Um total de 660 fêmeas foi dividido em cinco grupos: (TAI1) injeção de 1,0mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) e P4 em d0, remoção de P4 e 0,075mg de prostaglandina F2a em d9, 1,0mg de BE no d10, e TAI 32h (n = 120); (TAI2) mesmo que TAI1, mas a inclusão de 500ug de GnRH em IA (n = 120); (TAI3) mesmo que TAI1, mas a inclusão de 400 UI de eCG no d10 (n = 120); (TAI4) mesmo que TAI3, mas a inclusão de 500ug de GnRH em IA (n = 120); (5) não sincronização do estro, mas servido por monta natural (MN, n = 180). Quarenta e cinco dias após a TAI, a TAI1, TAI2, TAI3 e grupo TAI4 foram deixados com os touros por 45 d. A prenhez foi determinada por ultrassonografia em d45 depois da TAI e em d120 após todos os tratamentos. Não houve diferenças na TP entre os quatro protocolos de TAI em d45 (vacas: TAI1 = 48,0%, TAI2 = 53,8%, TAI3 = 57,6%, TAI4 = 58,3%; novilhas: TAI1 = 53,3%, TAI2 = 57,1%, TAI3 = 57,1%, TAI4 = 56,2%). A TP, após a estação de monta de 90 dias foi maior em todos os grupos de vacas TAI (P0,05). As vacas e novilhas foram analisadas em conjunto, e não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que os protocolos de TAI, utilizando GnRH ou eCG sozinho ou em conjunto, contribuem de forma significativa para melhorar a taxa de prenhez em fêmeas bovinas, quando submetidas a um tratamento prévio com progesterona na fase reprodutiva.(AU)

El factor liberador de gonadotropina (GnRH) y la gonadotropina coriónica equina (eCG) mejora de la tasa de embarazo en protocolos para la inseminación artificial em tiempo fijo en ganado de carne / Gonadothopin releasing hormone (GnRH) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (ECG) improve the pregnancy rate on protocols for timed-artificial insemination in beef cattle / O fator liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH) e a gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) melhora a taxa de prenhez em protocolos para a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em bovinos de corte

El estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la influencia de la GnRH y eCG en protocolos de IATF para mejorar la tasa de preñez (TP) en ganado para carne, previamente tratados con progesterona intravaginal una acción prolongada en la temporada de cría de 90 días. El total de 660 hembras fueron divididas en cinco grupos: (TAI1) inyección de 1,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) y P4 en dia 0(d0), remoción de la P4 + 0,075 mg prostaglandina F2a en d9, 1,0 mg de EB en d10 y TAI 32h (n = 120); (TAI2) lo mismo TAI1, pero la inclusión de 500µg de GnRH en TAI (n = 120); (TAI3) lo mismo TAI1, pero la administración de 400 UI eCG en d10 (n = 120); (TAI4) lo mismo TAI3, pero la administration de 500µg de GnRH en TAI (n = 120); (5) sin la sincronización de celo, pero servida por monta natural (MN, n = 180). Cuarenta y cinco días después de la TAI, el TAI1, TAI2, TAI3, y el grupo TAI4 quedarón con los toros por 45 d. La gestatión fue determinada por ultrasonografía en 45d despues de TAI y en 120d después para todos los tratamientos. No hubo diferencias en TP entre los cuatro protocolos de TAI en d45 (vacas: TAI1 = 48,0%, TAI2 = 53,8%, TAI3 = 57,6% = TAI4 58,3%; vaquillas: TAI1 = 53,3%, TAI2 = 57,1%, TAI3 = 57,1% , TAI4 = 56,2%). El TP después de la temporada de cría de 90 días fue mayor en todos los grupos de vacas TAI (P0,05). Vacas y novillas fueran analizadas en conjunto, y no se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos. Se concluyó que el TAI usando protocolos de la GnRH o ECG solos o juntos, colaboran significativamente a mejorar la tasa de preñez en el ganado hembra cuando se somete a un tratamiento previo con la progesterona en la fase reproductiva.

The study aimed to verify the influence of GnRH and eCG in TAI protocols to improve the pregnancy rate (PR) in beef cattle, treated with previous intravaginal progesterone longacting, in the breeding season 90 days. A total of 660 females were divided into five groups: (TAI1) injection of 1.0mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and P4 on d0, P4 removal and 0.075mg prostaglandin F2α on d9, 1.0mg EB on d10, and TAI 32h (n = 120); (TAI2) same as TAI1, but inclusion of 500µg GnRH at TAI (n = 120); (TAI3) same as TAI1, but inclusion of 400IU eCG on d10 (n = 120); (TAI4) same as TAI3, but inclusion of 500µg GnRH at TAI (n = 120); (5) no estrus synchronization, but served by natural service (NS; n = 180). Forty-five days after the TAI, the TAI1, TAI2, TAI3, and TAI4 group were run with “clean-up” bulls for 45 d. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography on d45 for TAI PR and on d120 after TAI for all treatments for overall PR. There were no differences in PR among the four TAI protocols on d45 (cows: TAI1=48.0%, TAI2=53.8%, TAI3=57.6%, TAI4=58.3%; heifers: TAI1=53.3%, TAI2=57.1%, TAI3=57.1%, TAI4=56.2%). The PR after the 90-day breeding season was greater in all TAI groups of cows (P0.05). Cows and heifers were analyzed together, and no differences among groups were found. It was concluded that protocols for TAI using GnRH or eCG alone or together contribute significantly to improve the pregnancy rate in beef cattle females, when subjected to previous treatment with progesterone in the reproductive season.

O estudo teve como objetivo verificar a influência do GnRH e eCG em protocolos de IATF para melhorar a taxa de prenhez (TP) em bovinos de corte, tratados anteriormente com progesterona intravaginal de ação prolongada, em estação de monta de 90 dias. Um total de 660 fêmeas foi dividido em cinco grupos: (TAI1) injeção de 1,0mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) e P4 em d0, remoção de P4 e 0,075mg de prostaglandina F2a em d9, 1,0mg de BE no d10, e TAI 32h (n = 120); (TAI2) mesmo que TAI1, mas a inclusão de 500ug de GnRH em IA (n = 120); (TAI3) mesmo que TAI1, mas a inclusão de 400 UI de eCG no d10 (n = 120); (TAI4) mesmo que TAI3, mas a inclusão de 500ug de GnRH em IA (n = 120); (5) não sincronização do estro, mas servido por monta natural (MN, n = 180). Quarenta e cinco dias após a TAI, a TAI1, TAI2, TAI3 e grupo TAI4 foram deixados com os touros por 45 d. A prenhez foi determinada por ultrassonografia em d45 depois da TAI e em d120 após todos os tratamentos. Não houve diferenças na TP entre os quatro protocolos de TAI em d45 (vacas: TAI1 = 48,0%, TAI2 = 53,8%, TAI3 = 57,6%, TAI4 = 58,3%; novilhas: TAI1 = 53,3%, TAI2 = 57,1%, TAI3 = 57,1%, TAI4 = 56,2%). A TP, após a estação de monta de 90 dias foi maior em todos os grupos de vacas TAI (P0,05). As vacas e novilhas foram analisadas em conjunto, e não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que os protocolos de TAI, utilizando GnRH ou eCG sozinho ou em conjunto, contribuem de forma significativa para melhorar a taxa de prenhez em fêmeas bovinas, quando submetidas a um tratamento prévio com progesterona na fase reprodutiva.

The effects of intramuscular or intravenous injections of gonadotropin releasing hormone at fixed-time artificial insemination on pregnancy rates of Bos indicus beef cows

The effect of an intramuscular versus intravenous administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) at fixed-time AI (FTAI) on the pregnancy rates of crossbred Bos indicus beef cows was evaluated. Pluriparous nursing calv cows (n=120) were synchronized as follows: d 0 cows received a 2.0 mg injection of estradiol benzoate (EB) and insertion of a controlled intravaginal progesterone releasing device containing 0.558 g of progesterone, d 8 removal of the progesterone device , a 0.15 mg injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF), a 1.0 mg injection of EB, and 400 IU injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin. Fifty-four hr after PGF, all cows were exposed to FTAI and a 0.084 mg injection of GnRH was administered either via Vena caudalis (n=60), or via Longissimus dorsi (n=60). Cows were inseminated with the same sire and by a single AI technician. Pregnancy was determined by the transrectal ultrasonography on d 40 after AI. Cows receiving the intravenous administration of GnRH had higher (P = 0.04) pregnancy rates than the cows receiving the intramuscular injection of GnRH (65 vs 46.6%, respectively). It was concluded that the intravenous administration of GnRH at the time of AI improved the pregnancy rates of crossbred Bos indicus beef cows submitted to FTAI.

Comparison between deep intracornual artificial insemination (dIAI) and conventional artificial insemination (AI) using low concentration of spermatozoa in beef cattle

This study aimed to compare the pregnancy rate using the conventional artificial insemination (AI) or deep intracornual artificial insemination (DIAI), with low number of spermatozoa (4.0 million sperm) in 270 Nelore cows. The animals were divided in two groups (G: G1 (135 cows) conventional AI was performed (=semen deposition in the uterine body) and in G2 (135 cows) to DIAI, in ipsilateral horn where the dominant follicle in the ovary had previously been detected, by ultrasound examinations. For both the methods, a single artificial insemination was carried out after visual estrus observation, checked three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening). The pregnancy diagnosis after 45 days was conducted by ultrasound. Results showed a better pregnancy rate in the DIAI group (67.4% - p<0.01), when compared to conventional AI (48.8%) with low spermatozoa concentration.