Clinical, tomographic, and postmortem aspects of a rare congenital Dicephalus Monauchenos Iniodymus in a Nelore calf produced in vitro from Brazil: case report / Aspectos clínicos, tomográficos e pós-morte de um raro Dicephalus Monauchenos Iniodymus congênito em um bezerro Nelore produzido in vitro no Brasil: relato de caso

The aim of this work was to report the occurrence of dicephalus iniodymus monauchenos in a Nellore newborn. A three-days old calf, from in vitro production, with duplication of the head and a history of cesarean birth was attended. On physical examination, the dicephalus, iniodymus and monauchenos, which were almost the same size and shape, had four eyes and four ears. Computed tomography showed the presence of two skulls fused with a common occipital foramen, two nasopharynxes, oropharynxes with the presence of a cleft lip and a cleft palate in the right head, which continued in a single esophagus and a single trachea. At necropsy, the presence of duplication of the cerebrum and cerebellum was observed, with union of the parts in the region of the trapezoid body of the brainstem and continued as a single spinal cord. This study characterizes the clinical, tomographic, and necropsy findings of a dicephalus Nelore neonate.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de Dicephalus Iniodymus Monauchenos em um neonato da raça Nelore de produção in vitro. Foi atendida uma fêmea bovina, de três dias de idade, com duplicação das cabeças e histórico de nascimento por meio de cesariana. No exame físico, observou-se a dicefalia, Iniodymus e Monauchenos, apresentando quatro olhos e quatro orelhas. Na tomografia computadorizada, constatou-se a presença de dois crânios fundidos com um forame occipital comum, duas nasofaringes, orofaringes com presença de lábio leporino e fenda palatina na cabeça direita, que continuavam em um único esôfago e em uma única traqueia. Na necropsia, observou-se a presença de duplicação do encéfalo e cerebelo, com união das partes na região do corpo trapezoide do tronco encefálico, que continuavam como uma única medula espinhal. Este estudo caracteriza os achados clínicos, tomográficos e de necropsia de um neonato Nelore dicefálico.(AU)

First occurrence of Arnold Chiari type II malformation and associated abnormalities in a Gir calf produced in vitro from Brazil - case report / [Primeira ocorrência de malformação de Arnold Chiari tipo II e anormalidades associadas em uma bezerra Gir de produção in vitro no Brasil - relato de caso]

This study characterized the clinical, radiological, ultrasound, and necroscopic findings of a case of Arnold-Chiari type II malformation in a Gir breed calf from Brazil. The animal was hospitalized at sixty days of age, in permanent sternal recumbency, cutaneous appendix at the 4th lumbar vertebra and kyphoscoliosis of the caudal and lumbosacral thoracic spine. Radiographic examination of the spine and skull revealed spina bifida and suspected occipital hypoplasia. Upon examination of myelography with an injection of lumbar and atlantooccipital contrast, it was possible to visualize the meningocele at the 4th lumbar vertebra region and findings at the rhombencephalon level of increased regional pressure with failure to fill the contrast in the posterior fossa, in the presence of clear demarcation of the circumvolutions of the cerebral cortex and the subarachnoid space of the cervical spinal cord. Ultrasonographic examination of the cerebellum showed an insinuation of the cerebellar worm through the foramen magnum. The animal did not show changes in complete blood count, biochemical series, and cerebrospinal fluid and was negative for Pestivirus. There was a worsening of the clinical conditions and the animal died. This malformation of unknown etiology must be studied as a differential diagnosis of the nervous system disorders.(AU)

Este estudo caracterizou os achados clínicos, radiológicos, ultrassonográficos e necroscópicos de um caso de malformação de Arnold-Chiari tipo II em uma bezerra Gir no Brasil. O animal foi hospilatizado aos 60 dias de idade, apresentando decúbito esternal permanente, apêndice cutâneo na altura da quarta vértebra lombar e cifoescoliose da coluna vertebral torácica caudal e lombossacra. Ao exame radiográfico da coluna e do crânio, foram observadas espinha bífida e suspeita de hipoplasia occipital. Ao exame de mielografia com injeção de contraste lombar e atlanto-occipital, foi possivel visualizar a meningocele na altura da quarta vértebra lombar e achados em nível rombencefálico de aumento da pressão regional com falha de preenchimento do contraste na fossa posterior, na presença de nítida demarcação das circunvoluções do córtex cerebral e do espaço subaracnoide da medula espinhal cervical. Ao exame ultrassonográfico do cerebelo, foi observada insinuação do verme cerebelar através do forame magno. O animal não apresentou alterações em hemograma completo, série bioquímica e fluido cérebro-espinhal e foi negativo para Pestivirus. Houve uma piora do quadro clínico e o animal morreu. Essa malformação de etiologia desconhecida deve ser estudada como um diagnóstico diferencial.(AU)

Evaluation of Chilled Dog Semen Extended With Sperm Activator.

Within modern biotechnology, different tools and methodologies have been developed to maximize canine semen conservation protocol to optimize reproductive results. In the last decades, the survival of chilled semen has been prolonged from 2 to 3 days with the first basic diluents, to 10-14 days with the modern extenders. However, their main limitation is that sperm quality decreases during cold storage. Sperm activators (SA) have been produced to provide the molecules necessary to maximize the sperm survival and quality with the aim to enhance fertility and prolificacy. In this study, the effect of commercial extender SA (Theriosolution® Canine AI extender -Chile-) was recorded by daily evaluation of chilled semen for 14 days. In this experiment, sperm-rich ejaculate fraction was collected from six adult healthy Neapolitan Mastiff dogs. The semen evaluation started immediately after collection (d0), and after that a next generation extender was added (d0) for every 24 h from d1 (with and without SA) to d14, to determine spermatozoa progressive motility, velocity of forward progression (VFP), morphology, and integrity of the spermatic membrane. The initial sperm concentration of extended semen was 417.3 ± 170.4 x 106/mL (mean ± SEM) with 85.89 ± 4.76% of MNS (morphologically normal sperm), 84.47 ± 5.22 % live sperm, and pH of 6.2 ± 2.8. The initial VFP was 3.83 ± 0.48, but after 1 min with SA, it rises to 4.45 ± 0.45 (P < 0.001). The sperm progressive motility parameter increases significantly (P < 0.05) in experimental trial, respect to control, starting to d2 at finish (except for d7). The VFP analysis significantly increases in experimental trial (P < 0.05) during most days of the study with the exclusion of d3 and d14. To evaluate the seminal characteristics over time, the experiment was divided into T1 (d0-d5), T2 (d6-d10), and T3 (d11-d14) (P < 0.001) in evaluation of morphology and membrane functionality. The MNS reached 70% at d10 and finally 65% at d14, being considered normal and possibly fertile. With Host-s, 65% of MNS were also achieved at d14. The presence of glucose and fructose in the diluents used for refrigeration can exert very important effects given the fact that metabolic routes have been found in both sugars, providing both different and complementing effects. It can be concluded that the use of SA prior to artificial insemination improves the quality of chilled semen significantly, although it does not reverse the effects of deterioration due to cellular metabolism over time.

Influência da progesterona injetável na taxa de prenhez e perda gestacional de fêmeas nelore de distintas categorias reprodutivas submetidas a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / Influence of injectable progesterone on the pregnancy rate and gestational loss of Nellore females of different reproductive categories undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination

Progesterone (P4) is essential for embryonic development and maintenance of pregnancy when deficiency causes early embryonic loss. In this study, we investigated the ability of hormonal supplementation to improve the fertility of Nellore females subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination (IATF) protocols. Here, we evaluated the effect of long-acting injectable progesterone (iP4) supplementation in the D4 after IATF on pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss in Nellore females (Bos taurus indicus) from different reproductive categories in Western Amazonia. Eight hundred thirteen Nellore females from 5 farms were selected and distributed into 2 groups: control [GC; administration of 0.5 mL of 0.9% saline solution, intramuscularly - IM] (n = 407) and a group that received injectable progesterone (iP4) that was long-acting [GiP4; administration of 0.5 mL of iP4, 300 mg, via IM four days after IATF] (n = 406). Each group contained 3 subgroups: heifers, primiparous cows, and multiparous cows. Of the 407 animals in the CG, 103 were heifers, 107 primiparous, and 197 multiparous. Of the 406 animals in the GiP4 group, there were 101 heifers, 107 primiparous, and 198 multiparous. On a random day of the estrous cycle (D0), an intravaginal device containing 1 g of P4 and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (BE) was inserted by intramuscular injection. On D8, the P4 device was removed and 150 µg of D-cloprostenol (PGF2α), 300 IU eCG, and 1 mg BE were administered IM. Cows were inseminated at D10, 48-52 h after procedure on D8. Pregnancy diagnosis was made between 35 and 40 days after insemination through ultrasound examination. Between 80 and 90 days after insemination, a new ultrasound examination was performed to assess early pregnancy loss. The data were processed using the SAS 9.2. The conception rate, pregnancy loss, and final conception rate were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX according to groups (CG and GiP4), categories (heifers, primiparous and multiparous), and their interactions as variables. The differences in the means of least squares were adjusted using the Tukey­Kramer method. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. The general conception rate was 46% (375/816). Regardless of the animal class, GiP4 animals (51.97%) had higher conception rates (P < 0.05) than CG (40.29%). In the subgroups (heifers, primiparous and multiparous cows), there was a difference (P < 0.05) between animals treated with iP4 (52.48%, 57.94%, and 48.48%, respectively) and those who were not (39.81%, 41.12%, and 40.10%, respectively). Gestational losses, regardless of the animal class, were higher in females in the CG (7.93%) [P < 0.05] compared to those in the GiP4 group (2.84%). Regardless of treatment with iP4, the percentage of gestational loss in heifers was significantly higher (10.64%) than that in primiparous and multiparous cows (3.77% and 2.86%, respectively). The final conception rates were higher in animals that received long-acting iP4, which increased the final pregnancy in all parity categories. In the present study, the use of iP4 increased the pregnancy rate in Nellore females, regardless of the category. Although there has been no consensus on the use of iP4, there is an agreement that increases in the pregnancy rate are related to the moment of exogenous P4 application. In addition to influencing the pregnancy rate, reduction in pregnancy losses is also attributed to iP4 treatment, a fact demonstrated in the present study, where animals treated with iP4 had a lower pregnancy loss rate than normally occurs in beef cattle. Supplementation with long-acting iP4 increased the pregnancy rate at D35-40, reduced pregnancy losses, and increased the conception rate on D80-90 days in Nellore females reared in the Western Amazon, regardless of the animal category.(AU)

Desafios e perspectivas na produção in vivo de embriões de pequenos ruminantes no Nordeste do Brasil / Challenges and perspectives in the in vivo production of small ruminant embryos in northeast of Brazil

Em decorrência da necessidade de aproveitamento de matrizes e reprodutores de alto mérito genético biotecnologias reprodutivas como a Multipla Ovulação e Transferência de Embriões (MOTE) vêm sendo cada vez mais utilizada, garantindo assim a produtividade mesmo diante de obstáculos. Nos últimos anos essa atividade vem apresentando um acentuado desenvolvimento e aprimoramento, principalmente em caprinos e ovinos que se constituem espécies de extrema importância para a Região Nordeste do Brasil, por serem uma das culturas mais vantajosas quando comparado com as demais culturas como a pecuária e por se tratar de uma atividade sustentável do ponto de vista ambiental, sociocultural e econômico. Dentre os principais fatores que ainda afetam o desempenho e sucesso dos programas de Transferência de Embriões (TE) em pequenos ruminantes podemos destacar a seleção de fêmeas doadoras e receptoras, variabilidade de resposta aos protocolos de superovulação, regressão prematura de corpo lúteo (CL), necessidade de etapas cirúrgicas como a laparotomia e laparoscopia e baixa disponibilidade de mão de obra especializada. Nesse sentido, este artigo aborda as principais etapas da produção in vivo de embriões em pequenos ruminantes bem como os desafios e as perspectivas de cada etapa a serem enfrentadas na Região Nordeste do Brasil.

As a result of the need to use matrices and breeders with high genetic merit, reproductive biotechnologies such as Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOTE) have been increasingly used, thus guaranteeing productivity even in the face of obstacles. In recent years, this activity has shown a marked development and improvement, especially in goats and sheep, which are extremely important species for the Northeast Region of Brazil, as they are one of the most advantageous crops for this region when compared to other crops such as livestock and because it is a sustainable activity from an environmental, socio-cultural and economic point of view. Among the main factors that still affect the performance and success of Embryo Transfer (ET) programs in small ruminants we can highlight the selection of donor and recipient females, variability in response to superovulation protocols, premature corpus luteum (CL) regression, need for surgical steps such as laparotomy and laparoscopy and low availability of specialized labor. In this sense, this article addresses the main stages of invivo embryo production in small ruminants as well as the challenges and perspectives of each stage to be faced in the Northeast Region of Brazil.

Desafios e perspectivas na produção in vivo de embriões de pequenos ruminantes no Nordeste do Brasil / Challenges and perspectives in the in vivo production of small ruminant embryos in northeast of Brazil

Em decorrência da necessidade de aproveitamento de matrizes e reprodutores de alto mérito genético biotecnologias reprodutivas como a Multipla Ovulação e Transferência de Embriões (MOTE) vêm sendo cada vez mais utilizada, garantindo assim a produtividade mesmo diante de obstáculos. Nos últimos anos essa atividade vem apresentando um acentuado desenvolvimento e aprimoramento, principalmente em caprinos e ovinos que se constituem espécies de extrema importância para a Região Nordeste do Brasil, por serem uma das culturas mais vantajosas quando comparado com as demais culturas como a pecuária e por se tratar de uma atividade sustentável do ponto de vista ambiental, sociocultural e econômico. Dentre os principais fatores que ainda afetam o desempenho e sucesso dos programas de Transferência de Embriões (TE) em pequenos ruminantes podemos destacar a seleção de fêmeas doadoras e receptoras, variabilidade de resposta aos protocolos de superovulação, regressão prematura de corpo lúteo (CL), necessidade de etapas cirúrgicas como a laparotomia e laparoscopia e baixa disponibilidade de mão de obra especializada. Nesse sentido, este artigo aborda as principais etapas da produção in vivo de embriões em pequenos ruminantes bem como os desafios e as perspectivas de cada etapa a serem enfrentadas na Região Nordeste do Brasil.(AU)

As a result of the need to use matrices and breeders with high genetic merit, reproductive biotechnologies such as Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOTE) have been increasingly used, thus guaranteeing productivity even in the face of obstacles. In recent years, this activity has shown a marked development and improvement, especially in goats and sheep, which are extremely important species for the Northeast Region of Brazil, as they are one of the most advantageous crops for this region when compared to other crops such as livestock and because it is a sustainable activity from an environmental, socio-cultural and economic point of view. Among the main factors that still affect the performance and success of Embryo Transfer (ET) programs in small ruminants we can highlight the selection of donor and recipient females, variability in response to superovulation protocols, premature corpus luteum (CL) regression, need for surgical steps such as laparotomy and laparoscopy and low availability of specialized labor. In this sense, this article addresses the main stages of invivo embryo production in small ruminants as well as the challenges and perspectives of each stage to be faced in the Northeast Region of Brazil.(AU)

Technical recommendations for artificial insemination in sheep.

Artificial insemination (AI) was the first important biotechnology applied to improve the genetics of farm animals. It allows the rapid and massive diffusion of desirable characteristics of males with high productive potential. We describe the different types of estrus induction and synchronization techniques and the use of the AI with fresh, chilled or frozen semen. Through the adequacy of the protocols of estrus synchronization and AI to the different production systems, the efficient use of reproductive techniques is possible, reaching acceptable pregnancy rates. Summary of reproductive results obtained using cervical and laparoscopic AI are presented.

Technical recommendations for artificial insemination in sheep

Artificial insemination (AI) was the first important biotechnology applied to improve the genetics of farm animals. It allows the rapid and massive diffusion of desirable characteristics of males with high productive potential. We describe the different types of estrus induction and synchronization techniques and the use of the AI with fresh, chilled or frozen semen. Through the adequacy of the protocols of estrus synchronization and AI to the different production systems, the efficient use of reproductive techniques is possible, reaching acceptable pregnancy rates. Summary of reproductive results obtained using cervical and laparoscopic AI are presented.

Technical recommendations for artificial insemination in sheep

Artificial insemination (AI) was the first important biotechnology applied to improve the genetics of farm animals. It allows the rapid and massive diffusion of desirable characteristics of males with high productive potential. We describe the different types of estrus induction and synchronization techniques and the use of the AI with fresh, chilled or frozen semen. Through the adequacy of the protocols of estrus synchronization and AI to the different production systems, the efficient use of reproductive techniques is possible, reaching acceptable pregnancy rates. Summary of reproductive results obtained using cervical and laparoscopic AI are presented.(AU)

Production, Preservation, and Transfer of South American Camelid Embryos.

The current review summarizes progress in the field of in vitro and in vivo production of South American Camelid embryos. Both methods require ovarian superstimulation (with FSH and eCG) to obtain multiple ovulations (in vivo embryo production) or to induce follicle growth for oocyte collection (in vitro embryo production). Moreover, superstimulation entails prior administration of hormones that inhibit follicular growth (progesterone, progestagens, and estrogens). Cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained must mature in vivo (buserelin administration) or in vitro to then be subjected to in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. All these techniques also require morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa to achieve fertilization. Methods used to decrease semen viscosity and to select the best spermatozoa (Percoll®; Androcoll-ETM) are described. Additionally, nuclear transfer or cloning has been applied in llamas. Up to now, embryo deep-freezing and vitrification have progressed slowly but are at the height of development. Embryos that are obtained by any of these techniques, either in vivo or in vitro, need to be transferred to synchronized recipient females. The best results are achieved after transfer to the left uterine horn with an ipsilateral ovulation. No live offspring have been obtained after the transfer of cryopreserved embryos. Applying reproductive biotechnologies, such as those described, will permit the expansion of genetically selected animals in the population and also that of wild camelid species, vicunas, and guanacos, whose embryos could then be transferred to the uterus of domestic species.

Pregnancy rates in dairy cows after the use of hormonal protocols of timed artificial insemination / Taxa de prenhez em vacas de leite após uso de protocolos hormonais de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo

This study aimed to compare the efficiency and the cost of three protocols of timed artificial insemination (TAI) in dairy cows reared in extensive production system in the North and Northwest Fluminense regions. They used 162 crossbred cows Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus, otherwise healthy, previously assessed by ultrasound examination. It used commercial semen from different bulls properly tested in insemination centers. The cows received implants intravaginal progesterone and were submitted to the protocols: BE (n = 108) - estradiol benzoate; GnRH (n = 22) - estradiol benzoate and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); and eCG (n = 32) - estradiol benzoate, GnRH and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). After 45 days of TAI was performed ultrasound examination for the detection of pregnancy. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The cows submitted to BE protocols, GnRH and eCG obtained the pregnancy rates 42.6%, 45.5% and 68.8% respectively. The protocol showed lower economic cost was the BE, followed by eCG and last GnRH. The use of the TAI in the region can be a viable alternative to increase the reproductive rates in cattle herds, especially with the use of hormonal protocols that have in their composition eCG that, according to this study showed satisfactory pregnant rates and average economic cost.(AU)

O presente estudo objetivou comparar a eficiência e o custo de três protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), em vacas leiteiras, criadas em sistema extensivo de produção nas regiões Norte e Noroeste Fluminense. Foram utilizadas 162 vacas mestiças Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus, hígidas, avaliadas previamente por exame de ultrassonografia. Foi utilizado sêmen comercial de diferentes touros devidamente testados nas centrais de inseminação. As vacas receberam implantes intravaginais de progesterona e foram submetidas aos protocolos: BE (n = 108) - benzoato de estradiol; GnRH (n = 22) - benzoato de estradiol e hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH); e eCG (n= 32) - benzoato de estradiol, GnRH e gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG). Decorridos 45 dias da IATF foi realizado exame de ultrassonografia para a detecção da gestação. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste de qui-quadrado. As vacas submetidas aos protocolos BE, GnRH e eCG obtiveram os índices de prenhez 42,6%, 45,5% e 68,8% respectivamente. O protocolo que apresentou menor custo econômico foi o BE, seguido do eCG e por último o GnRH. O uso da IATF na região pode ser alternativa viável para incrementar os índices reprodutivos em rebanhos bovinos, sobretudo com uso de protocolos hormonais que tenham em sua composição a eCG que, segundo o presente estudo, apresentaram índices de prenhes satisfatórios e custo econômico mediano.(AU)

Taxa de prenhez em vacas de leite após uso de protocolos hormonais de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / Pregnancy rates in dairy cows after the use of hormonal protocols of timed artificial insemination

O presente estudo objetivou comparar a eficiência e o custo de três protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), em vacas leiteiras, criadas em sistema extensivo de produção nas regiões Norte e Noroeste Fluminense. Foram utilizadas 162 vacas mestiças Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus, hígidas, avaliadas previamente por exame de ultrassonografia. Foi utilizado sêmen comercial de diferentes touros devidamente testados nas centrais de inseminação. As vacas receberam implantes intravaginais de progesterona e foram submetidas aos protocolos: BE (n = 108) - benzoato de estradiol; GnRH (n = 22) - benzoato de estradiol e hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH); e eCG (n= 32) - benzoato de estradiol, GnRH e gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG). Decorridos 45 dias da IATF foi realizado exame de ultrassonografia para a detecção da gestação. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste de qui-quadrado. As vacas submetidas aos protocolos BE, GnRH e eCG obtiveram os índices de prenhez 42,6%, 45,5% e 68,8% respectivamente. O protocolo que apresentou menor custo econômico foi o BE, seguido do eCG e por último o GnRH. O uso da IATF na região pode ser alternativa viável para incrementar os índices reprodutivos em rebanhos bovinos, sobretudo com uso de protocolos hormonais que tenham em sua composição a eCG que, segundo o presente estudo, apresentaram índices de prenhes satisfatórios e custo econômico mediano.

This study aimed to compare the efficiency and the cost of three protocols of timed artificial insemination (TAI) in dairy cows reared in extensive production system in the North and Northwest Fluminense regions. They used 162 crossbred cows Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus, otherwise healthy, previously assessed by ultrasound examination. It used commercial semen from different bulls properly tested in insemination centers. The cows received implants intravaginal progesterone and were submitted to the protocols: BE (n = 108) - estradiol benzoate; GnRH (n = 22) - estradiol benzoate and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); and eCG (n = 32) - estradiol benzoate, GnRH and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). After 45 days of TAI was performed ultrasound examination for the detection of pregnancy. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The cows submitted to BE protocols, GnRH and eCG obtained the pregnancy rates 42.6%, 45.5% and 68.8% respectively. The protocol showed lower economic cost was the BE, followed by eCG and last GnRH. The use of the TAI in the region can be a viable alternative to increase the reproductive rates in cattle herds, especially with the use of hormonal protocols that have in their composition eCG that, according to this study showed satisfactory pregnant rates and average economic cost.

Particularidades e possíveis vantagens no uso de mulas como receptoras de embriões / Particularites and advantages of the mule use as embryo recpients

A utilização de mulas como receptoras de embriões apresenta uma alternativa ao criador que possui dificuldade em adquirir éguas com sanidade reprodutiva para receptoras, principalmente em determinadas épocas do ano. Alguns protocolos hormonais são descritos na literatura, sendo o mais citado o uso de mulas sem a presença de corpo lúteo, aplicando-se estradiol ou seus análogos, seguida de progesterona ou seus análogos, até o dia 100 de gestação. O uso desse híbrido é possível, com a mesma eficiência que se obtém com receptoras equinas, aumentando assim a função dessa espécie, a qual era privada de seu valor reprodutivo. São animais que normalmente apresentam boa habilidade materna e docilidade, facilitando o manejo do potro, além de agregar valor econômico a criação em função da transferência de embriões em equídeos.

The use of mules as embryo recipients represent an option to the breeder that have trouble to get recipient mares of reproductive quality, usually at some periods of the year. Some hormonal protocols were available at the literature, with more reports on not cycling mules, using the estradiol or its analogs, followed by progesterone or its analogs until day 100 of gestation. The use of this hybrid is possible with the same efficiency as using recipient mares, leading to a new use to these animals, which were deprived of their reproductive value. These animals are usually docile and show a good maternal behavior, making easier the foal management, in addition could be aggregated an economic value to the farm due the use of the equine embryo transfer.

Particularidades e possíveis vantagens no uso de mulas como receptoras de embriões / Particularites and advantages of the mule use as embryo recpients

A utilização de mulas como receptoras de embriões apresenta uma alternativa ao criador que possui dificuldade em adquirir éguas com sanidade reprodutiva para receptoras, principalmente em determinadas épocas do ano. Alguns protocolos hormonais são descritos na literatura, sendo o mais citado o uso de mulas sem a presença de corpo lúteo, aplicando-se estradiol ou seus análogos, seguida de progesterona ou seus análogos, até o dia 100 de gestação. O uso desse híbrido é possível, com a mesma eficiência que se obtém com receptoras equinas, aumentando assim a função dessa espécie, a qual era privada de seu valor reprodutivo. São animais que normalmente apresentam boa habilidade materna e docilidade, facilitando o manejo do potro, além de agregar valor econômico a criação em função da transferência de embriões em equídeos.(AU)

The use of mules as embryo recipients represent an option to the breeder that have trouble to get recipient mares of reproductive quality, usually at some periods of the year. Some hormonal protocols were available at the literature, with more reports on not cycling mules, using the estradiol or its analogs, followed by progesterone or its analogs until day 100 of gestation. The use of this hybrid is possible with the same efficiency as using recipient mares, leading to a new use to these animals, which were deprived of their reproductive value. These animals are usually docile and show a good maternal behavior, making easier the foal management, in addition could be aggregated an economic value to the farm due the use of the equine embryo transfer.(AU)

Laparoscopy of the genitourinary tract of small ruminants

Laparoscopic endosurgery is an important tool for small ruminant breeding especially due to its wide versatility, both in reproductive biotechnologies and therapeutic approach. The purpose of this review is to present the applicability and advantages of endosurgery for routine use in small ruminants. Several endosurgical techniques of the genitourinary tract of small ruminants, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and oocyte retrieval for IVF, ovariectomy, cystotomy and renal biopsy are approached. The endoscopic techniques can improve the development of potential zootechnical indexes on the short-term period in comparison to traditional approaches.

Laparoscopy of the genitourinary tract of small ruminants

Laparoscopic endosurgery is an important tool for small ruminant breeding especially due to its wide versatility, both in reproductive biotechnologies and therapeutic approach. The purpose of this review is to present the applicability and advantages of endosurgery for routine use in small ruminants. Several endosurgical techniques of the genitourinary tract of small ruminants, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and oocyte retrieval for IVF, ovariectomy, cystotomy and renal biopsy are approached. The endoscopic techniques can improve the development of potential zootechnical indexes on the short-term period in comparison to traditional approaches.(AU)

Genomic selection and assisted reproduction technologies to foster cattle breeding

Genomics has been propagated as a “paradigm shifting” innovation in livestock during the last decade. The possibility of predicting breeding values using genomic information has revolutionized the dairy cattle industry and is now being implemented in beef cattle. In this paper we discuss how genomics is changing cattle breeding through genomic selection, and how this change is creating new ways to articulate assisted reproduction technologies with animal breeding. We also debate that the scientific community is still starting the long journey to reveal the functional aspects of the cattle genome, and that knowledge in this field is the frontier to a whole new venue for the development of novel applications in the livestock sector.(AU)

Genomic selection and assisted reproduction technologies to foster cattle breeding

Genomics has been propagated as a “paradigm shifting” innovation in livestock during the last decade. The possibility of predicting breeding values using genomic information has revolutionized the dairy cattle industry and is now being implemented in beef cattle. In this paper we discuss how genomics is changing cattle breeding through genomic selection, and how this change is creating new ways to articulate assisted reproduction technologies with animal breeding. We also debate that the scientific community is still starting the long journey to reveal the functional aspects of the cattle genome, and that knowledge in this field is the frontier to a whole new venue for the development of novel applications in the livestock sector.

Features and perspectives of the Brazilian in vitro embryo industry

In the last decade , in vitro fertilization emerged as an alternative to superovulation and has become the technique of choice for bovine embryo production, especially in zebu breeds. The recent growth in the commercial use of in vitro technologies in the Brazilian embryo industry is reviewed here in , highlighting the features and trends during different periods , as well as future challenges and perspectives . The data presented here w ere provided by the Statistics Committee of the Brazilian Embryo Techno logy Society and include reports from breeders associations, commercial IVF companies and ET practitioners . Three different periods were characterized for the use of IVF technologies in the Brazilian embryo industry: 1) the early years (1999 - 2003), when IV F growth was driven by the growing demand from the embryo market, although the technology was still labeled as elit ist ; 2) a period of exponential growth (2003 - 2006), when IVF overc a me conventional ET as the technique of choice for embryo production; and 3 ) a later period , when total numbers tend ed to stabilize but IVF started to increase in importance in dairy breeds. The whole picture shows IVF as an interesting example of innovation, since the development of these new embryo technologies provided new pro ducts, processes and possibilities to satisfy demands and remarkably change the scenario of the Brazilian embryo industry.(AU)

Reprodução de primatas neotropicais: avanços e perspectivas / Reproduction of New World primates: advances and perspectives

Os primatas neotropicais, assim como as demais espécies selvagens, em face das dificuldades de reprodução que o sistema de cativeiro impõe, necessitam que pesquisas sejam desenvolvidas com o intuito de viabilizar o conhecimento da sua biologia reprodutiva e o desenvolvimento de biotecnologias que, aplicadas à reprodução, possam dar um suporte na preservação e distribuição de sua diversidade genética e, assim, auxiliar na manutenção de uma população biologicamente viável. Esse trabalho aborda, em linhas gerais, os recentes avanços no âmbito da biotecnologia reprodutiva relacionados a esse grupo de primatas.(A*U)

The New World primates, as well as wildlife species, in the face of the difficulties of reproduction imposed by captivity system, need of the development of the researches to viabilize the knowledge of the reproductive biology and the development of biotechnology than, applied to reproduction, can help in the preserving and distributing of the genetic biodiversity, thus, aid in the maintenance of the biologic viable population. This paper broach, in a general line, the recent advances in the reproductive biotechnology researches to these primates.