Correlation between estrus onset and ovarian parameters in dairy goats / Início do estro e sua correlação com os parâmetros ovarianos em cabras leiteiras

This study assessed the effects of social dominance on the behavioral estrus and ovarian parameters of dairy goats subjected to synchronous estrus induction during the non-breeding season. Synchronous estrus was induced in 23 dairy goats allocated to collective pens. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed at 12 h intervals from device removal to ovulation. Upon estrus onset (EO) detection, the goats were immediately removed from the pens. Dominance was scored according to EO in relation to device removal in each pen, with HD - high dominants (<36 h; n = 8), MD - medium dominants (36 to 48 h; n = 10) and LD - low dominants (>48 h; n = 5). Goats in estrus underwent flexible time artificial insemination (FxTAI) according to EO. The estrus response was 100.0%. The interval to estrus was longer (P<0.05) in LD (53.7 ± 6.5 h) than in MD (37.9 ± 5.5 h) and HD goats (32.3 ± 6.6 h), while the interval from device removal to ovulation was similar (P>0.05) among all groups. The interval from EO to FxTAI was longer in HD goats compared to the other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, although social hierarchy influenced the time of EO, the ovarian parameters, including ovulation, were not affected.

Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da dominância social sobre o comportamento do estro e os parâmetros ovarianos de cabras leiteiras submetidas à indução sincronizada do estro durante a estação não reprodutiva. A sincronização foi induzida em 23 cabras leiteira alocadas em baias coletivas. A ultrassonografia foi realizada em intervalos de 12 horas desde a remoção do dispositivo até a ovulação. Após a detecção do início do estro (EO), as cabras foram imediatamente removidas dos currais. A dominância foi pontuada de acordo com EO em relação à remoção do dispositivo, sendo: HD - alto dominante (<36 h; n = 8), MD - médio dominante (36 a 48 h; n = 10) e LD - baixo dominante (>478 h; n = 5). As cabras em estro foram inseminadas artificialmente em tempo flexível (FxTAI). O intervalo de estro foi maior (P<0,05) em LD (53,7 ± 6,5 h) do que em MD (37,9 ± 5,5 h) e cabras HD (32,3 ± 6,6 h), por sua vez, o intervalo entre a remoção do dispositivo e a ovulação foi semelhante (P> 0,05) em todos os grupos. O intervalo de EO a FxTAI foi maior em cabras HD quando comparado aos outros grupos (P<0,05). Em conclusão, embora a hierarquia social tenha influenciado o tempo de início do estro, os parâmetros ovarianos incluindo a ovulação não foram afetados.

Embryo yield and quality are associated with progestogen treatment during superovulation protocol in lactating Lacaune ewes.

This study assessed the effect of progestogen treatment length on ovarian parameters and embryo yield in superovulated Lacaune ewes collected by nonsurgical embryo recovery. Twenty-three lactating ewes were superovulated 30 d apart using a cross-over design. All ewes received 60 mg of MAP intravaginal sponges for 6 (G-6 group) or 9 (G-9 group) d. A total dose of 133 mg pFSH was given in six decreasing doses (twice a day) starting at 60 h before device removal. Ultrasound examination of the ovaries was performed at the first pFSH injection and one day before embryo recovery, which was performed 6-7 d after the onset of estrus. Embryo recovery was conducted only in ewes that expressed estrus and were mated. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the total number of follicles between G-6 (15.7 ± 1.0) and G-9 (15.6 ± 0.8) at the time of the first pFSH treatment. The percentage of responding donors with ≥3 corpora lutea (CL; 78.2% [18/23] vs 69.5% [16/23]), mean (±SEM) CL number (7.0 ± 1.2 vs 8.1 ± 1.6), transcervical passage rate (94.4% [17/18] vs 83.3% [15/18], and ova/embryo recovery rate (54.5% [60/110] vs 68.0% [83/122]) were not different (P > 0.05) between the G-6 and G-9 groups. However, the mean number of viable embryos was lower (P < 0.05) in the G-6 group (1.8 ± 0.7) than in the G-9 group. (3.5 ± 1.1). In conclusion, treatment with an intravaginal MAP sponge for 9 d during a superovulation protocol is beneficial for viable embryo yield in Lacaune ewes out of the breeding season.

Mini-Percoll technique induces similar capacitation features in domestic ruminant frozen-thawed spermatozoa regardless of the presence of heparin

Background: Sperm capacitation is a process consists of a series of functional, biochemical, and biophysical modificationsthat render the ejaculated sperm competent for oocyte fertilization. Secreted by the female reproductive tract epithelium,heparin promotes capacitation by binding to and removing seminal plasma proteins, which are adsorbed to the sperm PMand would inhibit capacitation. There is substantial evidence that cryopreservation promotes capacitation-like changes inbull, ram and buck sperm. Our general hypotheses were: (a) cryopreserved ram sperm suffer capacitation more quicklythan buck and bull sperm under the same conditions; (b) the capacitation status of ruminant cryopreserved sperm is similarwhether or not heparin is present after the mini-Percoll technique; and (c) ruminant frozen-thawed sperm selected by miniPercoll and incubated within media without heparin supplementation is not impaired in terms of capacitation status andsperm agglutination. This study aimed to compare sperm parameters of ovine, caprine, and bovine frozen-thawed spermafter mini-Percoll processing followed by incubation with or without heparin supplementation.Materials, Methods & Results: Commercial semen of all species were used. Sperm samples were selected by mini-Percolland supplemented (or not) with heparin within an incubation medium for 18 h. Sperm kinematics (CASA system analyzes),capacitation status (CTC staining) and sperm agglutination were evaluated after thawing, mini-Percoll, 1.5 h, 3 h, 6 h and18 h. In comparison with post-thawing analysis, ovine species demonstrated a reduction (P < 0.05) in most of the spermmotility parameters after mini-Percoll. Conversely, ovine samples presented...(AU)

Mini-Percoll technique induces similar capacitation features in domestic ruminant frozen-thawed spermatozoa regardless of the presence of heparin

Background: Sperm capacitation is a process consists of a series of functional, biochemical, and biophysical modificationsthat render the ejaculated sperm competent for oocyte fertilization. Secreted by the female reproductive tract epithelium,heparin promotes capacitation by binding to and removing seminal plasma proteins, which are adsorbed to the sperm PMand would inhibit capacitation. There is substantial evidence that cryopreservation promotes capacitation-like changes inbull, ram and buck sperm. Our general hypotheses were: (a) cryopreserved ram sperm suffer capacitation more quicklythan buck and bull sperm under the same conditions; (b) the capacitation status of ruminant cryopreserved sperm is similarwhether or not heparin is present after the mini-Percoll technique; and (c) ruminant frozen-thawed sperm selected by miniPercoll and incubated within media without heparin supplementation is not impaired in terms of capacitation status andsperm agglutination. This study aimed to compare sperm parameters of ovine, caprine, and bovine frozen-thawed spermafter mini-Percoll processing followed by incubation with or without heparin supplementation.Materials, Methods & Results: Commercial semen of all species were used. Sperm samples were selected by mini-Percolland supplemented (or not) with heparin within an incubation medium for 18 h. Sperm kinematics (CASA system analyzes),capacitation status (CTC staining) and sperm agglutination were evaluated after thawing, mini-Percoll, 1.5 h, 3 h, 6 h and18 h. In comparison with post-thawing analysis, ovine species demonstrated a reduction (P < 0.05) in most of the spermmotility parameters after mini-Percoll. Conversely, ovine samples presented...

Comparison of different sperm selection techniques in ram frozen-thawed sperm

Background: The success of fertilization is directly associated with semen quality and the sperm preparation. Considering the common use of cryopreserved spermatozoa, there is a need to develop strategies for sperm preparation in order to achieve a sperm sample of high quality through a rigorous selection of sperm. Thus, sperm cells are being more extensively investigate. This study aimed evaluating the influence of different sperm selection techniques on ram sperm parameters in semen preparation.Materials, Methods & Results: Frozen-thawed commercial semen from 10 Santa Inês rams was subjected to either: swim-up, Percoll, mini-Percoll, sperm washing by centrifugation or a control group. After each technique, samples were incubated at 37o.C for 1 h, 2 h and 3 h. At post-selection moment (0 h) and at each interval, sperm recovery rate, motility, capacitation and plasma membrane (PM) integrity were analyzed. The lowest (P < 0.05) recovery rate was recorded after swim-up (1.0 ± 0.3%), whilst the others were similar (P > 0.05). Most part of motility parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by the technique at 0 h; just swim-up obtained higher (P < 0.05) values for VSL (41.8 ± 11.1) and VAP (46.9 ± 11.2). Overall, swim-up presented higher (P < 0.05) values for most of motility parameters over time of incubation. The control group led to more (P > 0.05) capacitated [...](AU)

Comparison of different sperm selection techniques in ram frozen-thawed sperm

Background: The success of fertilization is directly associated with semen quality and the sperm preparation. Considering the common use of cryopreserved spermatozoa, there is a need to develop strategies for sperm preparation in order to achieve a sperm sample of high quality through a rigorous selection of sperm. Thus, sperm cells are being more extensively investigate. This study aimed evaluating the influence of different sperm selection techniques on ram sperm parameters in semen preparation.Materials, Methods & Results: Frozen-thawed commercial semen from 10 Santa Inês rams was subjected to either: swim-up, Percoll, mini-Percoll, sperm washing by centrifugation or a control group. After each technique, samples were incubated at 37o.C for 1 h, 2 h and 3 h. At post-selection moment (0 h) and at each interval, sperm recovery rate, motility, capacitation and plasma membrane (PM) integrity were analyzed. The lowest (P 0.05). Most part of motility parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by the technique at 0 h; just swim-up obtained higher (P 0.05) capacitated [...]

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of bacteria from vaginitis associated with intravaginal implants in ewes following estrus synchronization / Análise qualitativa e quantitativa de bactérias da vaginite associadas com implante intravaginal em ovelhas após sincronização de estro

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the presence of vaginitis and the bacterial load associated with different intravaginal implants in ewes. Twenty-four Dorper and crossbred ewes were allocated into three groups and received intravaginal implant containing 0.3g progesterone (CIDR(r)), 60mg MAP or sponges without progesterone (CONTROL) for six days. Then, CIDR and MAP treated-ewes received 12.5mg dinoprost and 300IU eCG. Vaginal mucus samples were collected at four times: before device insertion, at the day of its removal, 24 and 48 hours after. The samples were cultured and the colonies were counted (CFU/mL) and identified. The results obtained from the counting of CFU mL-1 were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis H test, with P<0.05 being considered significant. Before device insertion, 68.2% of the samples yielded Staphylococcus spp. and 60.0% of them were Staphylococcus aureus. After implant removal, 100% of ewes had clinical signs of vaginitis. However, the level of local infection in the CONTROL-ewes was lower (P>0.05) in comparison with MAP and CIDR-treated ewes. During the occurrence of vaginitis, the predominant isolates belonged to the coliform group, mainly Escherichia coli (72.7%). Such infection was not determined by the members of the vaginal microbiota that were present before implant insertion and normal microbiota was restored between 24 to 48 hours after insert removal.

RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou a presença de vaginite e contagem bacteriana associada ao uso de diferentes dipositivos intravaginais em ovelhas. Vinte e quatro fêmeas Dorper e mestiças foram alocadas em três grupos e receberam implante intravaginal contendo 0,3g de progesterona (CIDR(r)), 60mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) ou esponjas sem progesterona (CONTROLE) por seis dias. Posteriormente, as ovelhas tratadas com CIDR e MAP receberam 12,5mg de dinoprost e 300 UI de eCG. Amostras do muco vaginal foram coletadas em quatro momentos: antes da inserção do dispositivo, no dia de sua retirada, 24 e 48 horas após. As amostras foram cultivadas e as colônias foram contadas (UFC mL-1) e identificadas. Os resultados obtidos da contagem das UFC mL-1 foram submetidos ao teste do qui-quadrado, com P<0,05 sendo considerado significativo. Antes da inserção do dispositivo, 68,2% das amostras continham Staphylococcus spp., sendo 60,0% delas Staphylococcus aureus. Após a remoção do implante, 100% das ovelhas apresentaram sinais clínicos de vaginite. Entretanto, o grau de infecção local nas ovelhas do grupo CONTROLE foi menor (P>0.05), em comparação com as ovelhas recebendo CIDR e MAP. Durante a ocorrência da vaginite, os isolados predominantes pertenciam ao grupo dos coliformes, principalmente Escherichia coli (72,7%). Tal infecção não foi determinada pelos membros da microbiota vaginal, que estavam presentes antes da inserção dos dispositivos, e a microbiota normal foi reestabelecida entre 24 e 48 horas após sua remoção.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of bacteria from vaginitis associated with intravaginal implants in ewes following estrus synchronization / Análise qualitativa e quantitativa de bactérias da vaginite associadas com implante intravaginal em ovelhas após sincronização de estro

This study evaluated the presence of vaginitis and the bacterial load associated with different intravaginal implants in ewes. Twenty-four Dorper and crossbred ewes were allocated into three groups and received intravaginal implant containing 0.3g progesterone (CIDR(r)), 60mg MAP or sponges without progesterone (CONTROL) for six days. Then, CIDR and MAP treated-ewes received 12.5mg dinoprost and 300IU eCG. Vaginal mucus samples were collected at four times: before device insertion, at the day of its removal, 24 and 48 hours after. The samples were cultured and the colonies were counted (CFU/mL) and identified. The results obtained from the counting of CFU mL-1 were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis H test, with P 0.05 being considered significant. Before device insertion, 68.2% of the samples yielded Staphylococcus spp. and 60.0% of them were Staphylococcus aureus. After implant removal, 100% of ewes had clinical signs of vaginitis. However, the level of local infection in the CONTROL-ewes was lower (P>0.05) in comparison with MAP and CIDR-treated ewes. During the occurrence of vaginitis, the predominant isolates belonged to the coliform group, mainly Escherichia coli (72.7%). Such infection was not determined by the members of the vaginal microbiota that were present before implant insertion and normal microbiota was restored between 24 to 48 hours after insert removal.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a presença de vaginite e contagem bacteriana associada ao uso de diferentes dipositivos intravaginais em ovelhas. Vinte e quatro fêmeas Dorper e mestiças foram alocadas em três grupos e receberam implante intravaginal contendo 0,3g de progesterona (CIDR(r)), 60mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) ou esponjas sem progesterona (CONTROLE) por seis dias. Posteriormente, as ovelhas tratadas com CIDR e MAP receberam 12,5mg de dinoprost e 300 UI de eCG. Amostras do muco vaginal foram coletadas em quatro momentos: antes da inserção do dispositivo, no dia de sua retirada, 24 e 48 horas após. As amostras foram cultivadas e as colônias foram contadas (UFC mL-1) e identificadas. Os resultados obtidos da contagem das UFC mL-1 foram submetidos ao teste do qui-quadrado, com P 0,05 sendo considerado significativo. Antes da inserção do dispositivo, 68,2% das amostras continham Staphylococcus spp., sendo 60,0% delas Staphylococcus aureus. Após a remoção do implante, 100% das ovelhas apresentaram sinais clínicos de vaginite. Entretanto, o grau de infecção local nas ovelhas do grupo CONTROLE foi menor (P>0.05), em comparação com as ovelhas recebendo CIDR e MAP. Durante a ocorrência da vaginite, os isolados predominantes pertenciam ao grupo dos coliformes, principalmente Escherichia coli (72,7%). Tal infecção não foi determinada pelos membros da microbiota vaginal, que estavam presentes antes da inserção dos dispositivos, e a microbiota normal foi reestabelecida entre 24 e 48 horas após sua remoção.(AU)

Ultrasonographic evaluation of hG-CSF transgenic goat conceptus / Avaliação ultrassonográfica de conceptos transgênicos para o hG-CSF

The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of transgenic (T) goat embryos and fetuses for human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (hG-CSF) by ultrasonography. Four pregnancies in non-transgenic (NT) goats were obtained after fertilization (either fixed-time artificial insemination or natural mating) using the T male for hG-CSF. Ultrasound examinations were carried out at 30, 40 (transrectal via), 50, 60, 90 and 120 days of pregnancy (transabdominal via). Some parameters were observed such as morphology, organogenesis and formation of skeletal fetuses, viability with cardiac activity and fetuses movements. Measurements were taken of the crown-rump length, diameter of embryonic vesicle, thorax, abdomen, umbilical cord and placentomes. After parturition, DNA testing was conducted in all offspring and 4 T and 2 NT kids were identified. The conceptus started their differentiation at 40 days. The heart was detected in all examinations and the heart chambers were assessed at 50 days. Gastric compartments, liver and kidneys were observed at 60 days, the same period that all bony structures were visualized. Average values of all evaluated parameters had a gradual increase with the progression of pregnancy. T and NT goat embryos and fetuses had a similar growth and all remained viable throughout the experimental period.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento de embriões e fetos transgênicos (T) para o Fator Estimulante de Colôniasde Granulócitos humano (hG-CSF) por ultrassonografia. Quatro gestações em cabras não transgênicas (NT) foram obtidas pos fecundação (inseminação artificial em tempo fixo ou monta controlada) utilizando o bode T para o hG-CSF. Exames ultrassonográficos foram realizados aos 30, 40 (via transretal), 50, 60, 90 e 120 dias de gestação (via transabdominal). Alguns parâmetros foram observados como morfologia, organogênese e formação do esqueleto fetal, viabilidade por meio de atividade cardíaca e movimento fetal. As seguintes mensurações foram realizadas: comprimento crânio caudal, diâmetro da vesícula embrionária, do tórax, do abdomen, do cordão umbilical e dos placentomas. Após o parto, o exame por PCR foi conduzido em todas as crias e 4 T e 2NT foram identificadas. O concepto iniciou sua diferenciação aos 40 dias. O coração foi detectado em todos os exames e as câmeras cardíacas foram identificadas aos 50 dias. Compartimentos gástricos, fígado e rins foram observados aos 60 dias, o mesmo período que todas as estruturas ósseas foram visualizadas. Valores médios de todos os parâmetros avaliados tiveram um aumento gradual com o avanço da gestação. Embriões e fetos T e NT tiveram um crescimento similar e todos permaneceram viáveis durante o período experimental.(AU)

Ultrasonographic evaluation of hG-CSF transgenic goat conceptus / Avaliação ultrassonográfica de conceptos transgênicos para o hG-CSF

The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of transgenic (T) goat embryos and fetuses for human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (hG-CSF) by ultrasonography. Four pregnancies in non-transgenic (NT) goats were obtained after fertilization (either fixed-time artificial insemination or natural mating) using the T male for hG-CSF. Ultrasound examinations were carried out at 30, 40 (transrectal via), 50, 60, 90 and 120 days of pregnancy (transabdominal via). Some parameters were observed such as morphology, organogenesis and formation of skeletal fetuses, viability with cardiac activity and fetuses movements. Measurements were taken of the crown-rump length, diameter of embryonic vesicle, thorax, abdomen, umbilical cord and placentomes. After parturition, DNA testing was conducted in all offspring and 4 T and 2 NT kids were identified. The conceptus started their differentiation at 40 days. The heart was detected in all examinations and the heart chambers were assessed at 50 days. Gastric compartments, liver and kidneys were observed at 60 days, the same period that all bony structures were visualized. Average values of all evaluated parameters had a gradual increase with the progression of pregnancy. T and NT goat embryos and fetuses had a similar growth and all remained viable throughout the experimental period.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento de embriões e fetos transgênicos (T) para o Fator Estimulante de Colôniasde Granulócitos humano (hG-CSF) por ultrassonografia. Quatro gestações em cabras não transgênicas (NT) foram obtidas pos fecundação (inseminação artificial em tempo fixo ou monta controlada) utilizando o bode T para o hG-CSF. Exames ultrassonográficos foram realizados aos 30, 40 (via transretal), 50, 60, 90 e 120 dias de gestação (via transabdominal). Alguns parâmetros foram observados como morfologia, organogênese e formação do esqueleto fetal, viabilidade por meio de atividade cardíaca e movimento fetal. As seguintes mensurações foram realizadas: comprimento crânio caudal, diâmetro da vesícula embrionária, do tórax, do abdomen, do cordão umbilical e dos placentomas. Após o parto, o exame por PCR foi conduzido em todas as crias e 4 T e 2NT foram identificadas. O concepto iniciou sua diferenciação aos 40 dias. O coração foi detectado em todos os exames e as câmeras cardíacas foram identificadas aos 50 dias. Compartimentos gástricos, fígado e rins foram observados aos 60 dias, o mesmo período que todas as estruturas ósseas foram visualizadas. Valores médios de todos os parâmetros avaliados tiveram um aumento gradual com o avanço da gestação. Embriões e fetos T e NT tiveram um crescimento similar e todos permaneceram viáveis durante o período experimental.