Use of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos / Uso da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos

We aimed to assess the effects of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos. Our experiment was conducted at the Laboratório de Reprodução Animal of the Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed among treatments at concentrations of 0, 10-1, 10-3 and 10-5 µMol/L melatonin. Our experiment was further divided into two: the first was to assess the effect of different concentrations of melatonin (treatments) on the maturation rate of COCs, and the second was to assess the effects of melatonin treatments on the in vitro production of bovine embryos. The results from the first experiment demonstrated no significant difference between the in vitro maturation rate of the cultivated COCs in treatments with melatonin. In the second experiment, however, melatonin treatments yielded statistically higher cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates in the 10-5 µM group (52.9%, 52.9%, and 35.3%, respectively), and lower rates in the 10-1 µM group (19.5%, 19.5% and 7.8%, respectively), compared to the others. The control group (no melatonin) and the 10-3 µM group showed similar results. We concluded that supplementation of melatonin in the in vitro maturation medium resulted in no improvement in the oocyte maturation rate, but in the in vitro production of embryos at different concentrations, the 10-5 µM group displayed better results, but with no improvement in the variables (P < 0.05).

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Reprodução Animal da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Os complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) foram distribuídos entre os tratamentos 0, 10-1, 10-3 e 10-5 µmol/L de melatonina. A avaliação foi dividida em dois experimentos, onde o primeiro avaliou o efeito dessas diferentes concentrações de melatonina (tratamentos) sobre a taxa de maturação dos CCOs e o segundo, o efeito desses tratamentos com melatonina sobre a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. Os resultados no primeiro experimento demonstraram não haver diferença significativa na taxa de maturação in vitro dos CCOs cultivados no tratamento com melatonina. No entanto, o tratamento com melatonina no segundo experimento, as taxas de clivagens, mórulas e blastocistos, o grupo 10-5 µM foi estatisticamente superior (52,9%, 52,9% e 35,3%, respectivamente) e o grupo 10-1 µM inferior (19,5%, 19,5% e 7,8%, respectivamente) aos outros grupos. O grupo controle (sem melatonina) e o grupo 10-3 µM obtiveram resultados semelhantes. Concluiu-se que a suplementação da melatonina no meio de maturação in vitro não evidenciou melhoras na taxa de maturação dos oócitos, porém na produção in vitro de embriões em diferentes concentrações, o grupo 10-5 µM apresentou melhores resultados mesmo não havendo melhorias nas variáveis (P<0,05).

Use of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos / Uso da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos

We aimed to assess the effects of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos. Our experiment was conducted at the Laboratório de Reprodução Animal of the Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed among treatments at concentrations of 0, 10-1, 10-3 and 10-5 µMol/L melatonin. Our experiment was further divided into two: the first was to assess the effect of different concentrations of melatonin (treatments) on the maturation rate of COCs, and the second was to assess the effects of melatonin treatments on the in vitro production of bovine embryos. The results from the first experiment demonstrated no significant difference between the in vitro maturation rate of the cultivated COCs in treatments with melatonin. In the second experiment, however, melatonin treatments yielded statistically higher cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates in the 10-5 µM group (52.9%, 52.9%, and 35.3%, respectively), and lower rates in the 10-1 µM group (19.5%, 19.5% and 7.8%, respectively), compared to the others. The control group (no melatonin) and the 10-3 µM group showed similar results. We concluded that supplementation of melatonin in the in vitro maturation medium resulted in no improvement in the oocyte maturation rate, but in the in vitro production of embryos at different concentrations, the 10-5 µM group displayed better results, but with no improvement in the variables (P < 0.05).(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Reprodução Animal da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Os complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) foram distribuídos entre os tratamentos 0, 10-1, 10-3 e 10-5 µmol/L de melatonina. A avaliação foi dividida em dois experimentos, onde o primeiro avaliou o efeito dessas diferentes concentrações de melatonina (tratamentos) sobre a taxa de maturação dos CCOs e o segundo, o efeito desses tratamentos com melatonina sobre a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. Os resultados no primeiro experimento demonstraram não haver diferença significativa na taxa de maturação in vitro dos CCOs cultivados no tratamento com melatonina. No entanto, o tratamento com melatonina no segundo experimento, as taxas de clivagens, mórulas e blastocistos, o grupo 10-5 µM foi estatisticamente superior (52,9%, 52,9% e 35,3%, respectivamente) e o grupo 10-1 µM inferior (19,5%, 19,5% e 7,8%, respectivamente) aos outros grupos. O grupo controle (sem melatonina) e o grupo 10-3 µM obtiveram resultados semelhantes. Concluiu-se que a suplementação da melatonina no meio de maturação in vitro não evidenciou melhoras na taxa de maturação dos oócitos, porém na produção in vitro de embriões em diferentes concentrações, o grupo 10-5 µM apresentou melhores resultados mesmo não havendo melhorias nas variáveis (P<0,05).(AU)

Novos enfoques na avaliação andrológica de bovinos e sua contribuição no melhoramento genético do rebanho / New focuses on andrological evaluation of cattle and its contribution in the genetic improvement of the flock

O processo de fertilização é resultante de diversos mecanismos funcionais e estruturais do espermatozoide. Na andrologia veterinária, no que se refere à avaliação do potencial coeundi e generandi, estão disponíveis diversos testes laboratoriais e de imagem que servem como ferramenta de seleção de touros para a reprodução durante a estação de monta. Estas metodologias auxiliam nos protocolos de criopreservação espermática, na investigação de melhores crioprotetores e diluidores para uso in vivo ou in vitro. No entanto, são poucos utilizadas na rotina diária a campo e restritos aos centros de pesquisa. A presente revisão de literatura objetiva descrever as metodologias que estimam o potencial fecundante do sêmen criopreservado do touro.

The fertilization process is the result of several functional and structural mechanisms of the sperm. In veterinary andrology, with regard to the evaluation of the coeundi and generandi potential, several laboratory and image tests are available that serve as a tool for selecting bulls for breeding during the breeding season. These methodologies assist in sperm cryopreservation protocols, in the investigation of better cryoprotectants and extenders for use in vivo or in vitro. However, they are few used in the daily routine in the field and restricted to research centers. The present literature review aims to describe the methodologies that estimate the fertile potential of the bulls cryopreserved semen.

Análises da membrana plasmática, acrossoma e mitocôndrica de espermatozoide ovino após criopreservação com adição de Ácido Fólico no meio tris-gema / Plasma membrane, acrosome and mitochondria analysis of sheep sperm after cryopreservation with addition of folic acid in the tris-yolk medium

Folic acid is closely linked to cobalamin, which is a carrier of hydroxymethyl and ant groups. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding folic acid to the TRIS-yolk diluter and possible effect on the membrane, mitochondria and acrosome of sheep sperm after thawing the semen. There were six sheep and seven collections of each animal in sessions between 48 and 72 hours. After collection and analysis, the semen samples were mixed and submitted to the formation of a pool. Diluted in TRIS-yolk medium, and divided into 3 groups; Group control; Group 2: 10,000 µM of folic acid and in Group 3: 5000 µM of folic acid. Subsequently, the semen samples were packaged in 0.25 mL straws and processed in a semen freezing machine. After a few days, the semen was thawed and evaluated: plasma membrane integrity, acrosome function and integrity. They were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Newman-Keuls test, using SAS. The additionof a micronutrient with potential antioxidant action in the semen indicates that it can reduce the action of free radicals that alter the plasma membrane and sperm DNA. The evaluation of the plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and the acrosome integrity of post-thawed sperm were not significantly different between the groups evaluated. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of folic acid in concentrations of 5000 µM and 10000 µM to the TRIS-yolk seminal diluter does not significantly influence the variables evaluated in this experiment.

Análises de membrana plasmática, acrossoma e mitocôndria de espermatozoides ovino após criopreservação com adição do ácido fólico no meio Tris-gema / Plasma membrane, acrosome and mitochondria analysis of sheep sperm after cryopreservation with addition of folic acid in the tris-yolk medium

Folic acid is closely linked to cobalamin, which is a carrier of hydroxymethyl and ant groups. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding folic acid to the TRIS-yolk diluter and possible effect on the membrane, mitochondria and acrosome of sheep sperm after thawing the semen. There were six sheep and seven collections of each animal in sessions between 48 and 72 hours. After collection and analysis, the semen samples were mixed and submitted to the formation of a pool. Diluted in TRIS-yolk medium and divided into 3 groups; Group control; Group 2: 10,000µM of folic acid and in Group 3: 5000µM of folic acid. Subsequently, the semen samples were packaged in 0.25mL straws and processed in a semen freezing machine. After a few days, the semen was thawed and evaluated: plasma membrane integrity, acrosome function and integrity. They were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Newman-Keuls test, using SAS. The additionof a micronutrient with potential antioxidant action in the semen indicates that it can reduce the action of free radicals that alter the plasma membrane and sperm DNA. The evaluation of the plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and the acrosome integrity of post-thawed sperm were not significantly different between the groups evaluated. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of folic acid in concentrations of 5000µM and 10000µM to the TRIS-yolk seminal diluter does not significantly influence the variables evaluated in this experiment.

Análises da membrana plasmática, acrossoma e mitocôndrica de espermatozoide ovino após criopreservação com adição de Ácido Fólico no meio tris-gema / Plasma membrane, acrosome and mitochondria analysis of sheep sperm after cryopreservation with addition of folic acid in the tris-yolk medium

Folic acid is closely linked to cobalamin, which is a carrier of hydroxymethyl and ant groups. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding folic acid to the TRIS-yolk diluter and possible effect on the membrane, mitochondria and acrosome of sheep sperm after thawing the semen. There were six sheep and seven collections of each animal in sessions between 48 and 72 hours. After collection and analysis, the semen samples were mixed and submitted to the formation of a pool. Diluted in TRIS-yolk medium, and divided into 3 groups; Group control; Group 2: 10,000 µM of folic acid and in Group 3: 5000 µM of folic acid. Subsequently, the semen samples were packaged in 0.25 mL straws and processed in a semen freezing machine. After a few days, the semen was thawed and evaluated: plasma membrane integrity, acrosome function and integrity. They were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Newman-Keuls test, using SAS. The additionof a micronutrient with potential antioxidant action in the semen indicates that it can reduce the action of free radicals that alter the plasma membrane and sperm DNA. The evaluation of the plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and the acrosome integrity of post-thawed sperm were not significantly different between the groups evaluated. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of folic acid in concentrations of 5000 µM and 10000 µM to the TRIS-yolk seminal diluter does not significantly influence the variables evaluated in this experiment.(AU)

Novos enfoques na avaliação andrológica de bovinos e sua contribuição no melhoramento genético do rebanho / New focuses on andrological evaluation of cattle and its contribution in the genetic improvement of the flock

O processo de fertilização é resultante de diversos mecanismos funcionais e estruturais do espermatozoide. Na andrologia veterinária, no que se refere à avaliação do potencial coeundi e generandi, estão disponíveis diversos testes laboratoriais e de imagem que servem como ferramenta de seleção de touros para a reprodução durante a estação de monta. Estas metodologias auxiliam nos protocolos de criopreservação espermática, na investigação de melhores crioprotetores e diluidores para uso in vivo ou in vitro. No entanto, são poucos utilizadas na rotina diária a campo e restritos aos centros de pesquisa. A presente revisão de literatura objetiva descrever as metodologias que estimam o potencial fecundante do sêmen criopreservado do touro.(AU)

The fertilization process is the result of several functional and structural mechanisms of the sperm. In veterinary andrology, with regard to the evaluation of the coeundi and generandi potential, several laboratory and image tests are available that serve as a tool for selecting bulls for breeding during the breeding season. These methodologies assist in sperm cryopreservation protocols, in the investigation of better cryoprotectants and extenders for use in vivo or in vitro. However, they are few used in the daily routine in the field and restricted to research centers. The present literature review aims to describe the methodologies that estimate the fertile potential of the bulls cryopreserved semen.(AU)

Análises de membrana plasmática, acrossoma e mitocôndria de espermatozoides ovino após criopreservação com adição do ácido fólico no meio Tris-gema / Plasma membrane, acrosome and mitochondria analysis of sheep sperm after cryopreservation with addition of folic acid in the tris-yolk medium

Folic acid is closely linked to cobalamin, which is a carrier of hydroxymethyl and ant groups. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding folic acid to the TRIS-yolk diluter and possible effect on the membrane, mitochondria and acrosome of sheep sperm after thawing the semen. There were six sheep and seven collections of each animal in sessions between 48 and 72 hours. After collection and analysis, the semen samples were mixed and submitted to the formation of a pool. Diluted in TRIS-yolk medium and divided into 3 groups; Group control; Group 2: 10,000µM of folic acid and in Group 3: 5000µM of folic acid. Subsequently, the semen samples were packaged in 0.25mL straws and processed in a semen freezing machine. After a few days, the semen was thawed and evaluated: plasma membrane integrity, acrosome function and integrity. They were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Newman-Keuls test, using SAS. The additionof a micronutrient with potential antioxidant action in the semen indicates that it can reduce the action of free radicals that alter the plasma membrane and sperm DNA. The evaluation of the plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and the acrosome integrity of post-thawed sperm were not significantly different between the groups evaluated. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of folic acid in concentrations of 5000µM and 10000µM to the TRIS-yolk seminal diluter does not significantly influence the variables evaluated in this experiment.(AU)

Correlação entre o perímetro torácico, peso corporal e a circunferência escrotal de caprinos da raça anglo-nubiano observados na 59ª EXPOEMA / Correlation between scrotal circumference and thorax circumference and between scrotal circumference and body weight of Anglo-Nubian bucks from a livestock exhibition in Maranhão, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the scrotal circumference and thoraxcircumference and between the scrotal circumference and body weight of Anglo-Nubian bucks from a livestockexhibition in Maranhão, Brazil. 15 bucks were equally divided into three groups according their ages: G1 with9 to 12 months old animals –, G2 with 14 to 19 months old animals –, and G3 with 22 to 29 months oldanimals. The measurements were taken while the event was happening. The data was subjected to thecorrelation coefficient of Pearson. The measures of the scrotal circumference had a positive correlation with thethorax circumference in the groups G1 and G2. G1 group also presented a positive correlation for the bodyweight. However, in this study, it was observed a negative correlation between the scrotal circumference andthorax circumference measures for the animals from the G2 and G3 groups.(AU)

Produção in vitro de embriões bovinos oriundos de fêmeas previamente tratadas com somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) / In vitro production of bovine embryos derived from females previously treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rbST on in vitro production of Girolanda female embryos.Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) was performed to obtain the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were subjected to thePIV. Pretreatment of rbST in cows Girolando did not influence the embryo development rate in vitro production.(AU)

Avaliação andrológica de ovinos do Núcleo de Ruminantes da UEMA Campus Paulo VI / Evaluation andrologic of Ruminant Center of cattle from UEMA - Campus Paulo VI

The aim of the study was to characterize andrologicaly sheeps belonging to Ruminants Center ofUniversidade Estadual do Maranhao. The semen collection was performed by electro ejaculation. The bodycondition score from seven animals showed averaging 4.57 ± 1.13. The scrotal circumference (SC) was 30.58 ±4.91 cm, a scrotal circumference of rams presented mean length and width of the right testicle of 9.43 ± 1.16 cmand 5.44 ± 0.46 cm and the left testicle of 9.0 ± 0.81 cm and 5.51 ± 0.41 cm, respectively. The average volume ofsemen obtained was 0.89 ± 0.32 mL, appearance, color and odor sui generis were for the species. For physicalsemen parameters, the average turbulence was 3.57 ± 0.53; force of 3.14 ± 0.38; Sperm motility of 81.43 ±6.90%; sperm concentration of 0.8 ± 0.18 x109sptz / mL. The proportion of living and dead sperm stained witheosin-nigrosin averaged 74.1 ± 3.02% and 25 ± 3.46%, respectively. According to this study and the resultsobtained, sheep showed morphology and physical aspects consistent with the species and can be used asbreeders.(AU)

Efeito do pré-tratamento da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbst) sobre complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) de fêmeas bovinas / Effect of pre-treatment of somatotropin recombinant bovine (rbst) complex on cumulus-oocyte (COCs) female bovine

Objective to evaluate the effect of pre-treatment of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) oncumulus-oocyte complexes (CCOs) recovered from OPUs. Using 12 females bovine race Girolando, which theywere divided into three experimental groups: control 0mg, 250mg and 500mg rbST, applied at 12 day intervals.Then, were made five sessions of Ovum Pick Up (OPU) with the aid of ultrasound, with intervals of 7 days. Thevariables studied were submitted to normality test; normal data and standardized by mathematicaltransformations, were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) or parametric test Student-Newman-Keulstocompare means. Obtained mean and standard deviation of the total pattern CCOs and CCOs viable accordingto the following treatments.So, the pre-treatment rbST not influence both in the proportion of CCOs viable andthe morphological quality of CCOs of bovine female.(AU)

Acompanhamento ovariano de vacas Bos indicus submetidas a protocolo de superovulação / Accompaniment ovarion of cows Bos indicus under protocol superovulation

The objective was to monitor ovarian follicular development cows Gir, submitted to superovulationprotocol. Using 10 heifers, subject to three exam sessions gynecologic these being on day 0, day 4 and day 7,where on day 0 performed before beginning the superovulation protocol in order to select those that showed nochange in the reproductive tract and had corpus luteum active, while on day 4 and day 7 held in the days ofsuperstimulatory protocol, in order to quantify the follicles and evaluate follicular growth each female. With themeasurement of the follicles, it resulted three-averages 7,6 mm; 7,7mm and 10,0mm for the respective day, day0, day 4 and day 7. It was concluded that cows submitted to superovulation protocol presented ovarian folliclegrowth over the days evaluated by ultrasound and significant number of corpora lutea at the moment of embryocollection.

Efeito da categoria vaca ou novilha na qualidade dos complexos cumulus-oócito (CCOs) de fêmeas da raça Girolando / Effect of cow or heifer category on the quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from Girolando females

This study had the objective of evaluate the quality and the proportion of COCs collected by follicularaspiration Girolanda females. Eight cows and ten heifers were submitted in four OPU sessions with an intervalof 15 days. The heifer category provides a larger amount of recovered structures (GIII and AT / DG) comparedto cows, but cows had higher amount of GII.

Efeito da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) no perfil plasmático da progesterona, estradiol, hormônio do crescimento e IGF-1 de fêmeas bovinas / Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the plasma levels of progesterone, estradiol, growth hormone and IGF-1 of females bovines

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin on the plasma levels ofprogesterone, estradiol, growth hormone and IGF-1. 8 cows Girolando were divided into three groups: control,250 mg rbST and 500 mg rbST. Blood samples were collected 60 days prior to aspiration, in 12-day intervals,with the samples taken on the same days of rbST applications. For hormone measurements, ELISA commercialkits were used. The hormone concentrations were subjected to the normal pattern Cramer-von Mises and foraverage of comparison, the test Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) was used, with 5% probability. It was notpossible to measure the plasma concentration of GH hormone. The rbST administration had no effect on plasmaconcentrations of progesterone, estradiol and IGF-1 among the groups treated with 250 mg and 500 mg and theuntreated group, there was also no significant variance between the days of application and OPUs.

Efeito do pré-tratamento da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbst) sobre complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) de fêmeas bovinas / Effect of pre-treatment of somatotropin recombinant bovine (rbst) complex on cumulus-oocyte (COCs) female bovine

Objective to evaluate the effect of pre-treatment of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) oncumulus-oocyte complexes (CCOs) recovered from OPUs. Using 12 females bovine race Girolando, which theywere divided into three experimental groups: control 0mg, 250mg and 500mg rbST, applied at 12 day intervals.Then, were made five sessions of Ovum Pick Up (OPU) with the aid of ultrasound, with intervals of 7 days. Thevariables studied were submitted to normality test; normal data and standardized by mathematicaltransformations, were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) or parametric test Student-Newman-Keulstocompare means. Obtained mean and standard deviation of the total pattern CCOs and CCOs viable accordingto the following treatments.So, the pre-treatment rbST not influence both in the proportion of CCOs viable andthe morphological quality of CCOs of bovine female.

Produção in vitro de embriões bovinos oriundos de fêmeas previamente tratadas com somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) / In vitro production of bovine embryos derived from females previously treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rbST on in vitro production of Girolanda female embryos.Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) was performed to obtain the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were subjected to thePIV. Pretreatment of rbST in cows Girolando did not influence the embryo development rate in vitro production.

Avaliação andrológica de ovinos do Núcleo de Ruminantes da UEMA – Campus Paulo VI / Evaluation andrologic of Ruminant Center of cattle from UEMA - Campus Paulo VI

The aim of the study was to characterize andrologicaly sheeps belonging to Ruminants Center ofUniversidade Estadual do Maranhao. The semen collection was performed by electro ejaculation. The bodycondition score from seven animals showed averaging 4.57 ± 1.13. The scrotal circumference (SC) was 30.58 ±4.91 cm, a scrotal circumference of rams presented mean length and width of the right testicle of 9.43 ± 1.16 cmand 5.44 ± 0.46 cm and the left testicle of 9.0 ± 0.81 cm and 5.51 ± 0.41 cm, respectively. The average volume ofsemen obtained was 0.89 ± 0.32 mL, appearance, color and odor sui generis were for the species. For physicalsemen parameters, the average turbulence was 3.57 ± 0.53; force of 3.14 ± 0.38; Sperm motility of 81.43 ±6.90%; sperm concentration of 0.8 ± 0.18 x109sptz / mL. The proportion of living and dead sperm stained witheosin-nigrosin averaged 74.1 ± 3.02% and 25 ± 3.46%, respectively. According to this study and the resultsobtained, sheep showed morphology and physical aspects consistent with the species and can be used asbreeders.

Correlação entre o perímetro torácico, peso corporal e a circunferência escrotal de caprinos da raça anglo-nubiano observados na 59ª EXPOEMA / Correlation between scrotal circumference and thorax circumference and between scrotal circumference and body weight of Anglo-Nubian bucks from a livestock exhibition in Maranhão, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the scrotal circumference and thoraxcircumference and between the scrotal circumference and body weight of Anglo-Nubian bucks from a livestockexhibition in Maranhão, Brazil. 15 bucks were equally divided into three groups according their ages: G1 – with9 to 12 months old animals –, G2 – with 14 to 19 months old animals –, and G3 – with 22 to 29 months oldanimals. The measurements were taken while the event was happening. The data was subjected to thecorrelation coefficient of Pearson. The measures of the scrotal circumference had a positive correlation with thethorax circumference in the groups G1 and G2. G1 group also presented a positive correlation for the bodyweight. However, in this study, it was observed a negative correlation between the scrotal circumference andthorax circumference measures for the animals from the G2 and G3 groups.

Acompanhamento ovariano de vacas Bos indicus submetidas a protocolo de superovulação / Accompaniment ovarion of cows Bos indicus under protocol superovulation

The objective was to monitor ovarian follicular development cows Gir, submitted to superovulationprotocol. Using 10 heifers, subject to three exam sessions gynecologic these being on day 0, day 4 and day 7,where on day 0 performed before beginning the superovulation protocol in order to select those that showed nochange in the reproductive tract and had corpus luteum active, while on day 4 and day 7 held in the days ofsuperstimulatory protocol, in order to quantify the follicles and evaluate follicular growth each female. With themeasurement of the follicles, it resulted three-averages 7,6 mm; 7,7mm and 10,0mm for the respective day, day0, day 4 and day 7. It was concluded that cows submitted to superovulation protocol presented ovarian folliclegrowth over the days evaluated by ultrasound and significant number of corpora lutea at the moment of embryocollection.(AU)