Early puberty in short-haired Guinea pigs kept in laboratory animal facilities.

Lab animals, such as Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), are crucial for scientific development, as they play an important role in the development and quality control chain of vaccines and drugs distributed by the Brazilian public health system. Investigating their biological and physiological parameters is fundamental to raise and keep these animals, so the handling of the facilities that hold them can be updated whenever new information comes up, with the well-being of the animals and alignment with the 3 Rs in mind. In the search for understanding reproductive aspects of Guinea pigs, the present study had the main goal of studying puberty by means of estrous cycle analysis in short-haired Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a vaginal occlusive membrane that covers the vaginal orifice. Its rupture takes place gradually and naturally, moments before labor and during estrus. The present study followed 42 females as for the presentation of the vaginal occlusive membrane. Once the membranes ruptured spontaneously, a swab was collected to study vaginal cytology. Membrane rupture was observed in 39 females; six females showed membrane rupture with less than 21 days of age (17 to 21 days). Twenty-three females were characterized as being in estrus due to cytology showing a prevalence of anucleated superficial cells. One of these females was younger than 21 days old. The opening of the vaginal occlusive membrane took place most frequently in intervals between 17 and 18 days, and the membrane remained open between one and three consecutive days. It was possible to follow three cycles of membrane opening on six females. The present study showed the need to adapt handling guidelines for C. porcellus kept in research animal facilities. The early age of puberty imposes the need of separate the female daughters from their fathers at 16 days old.

Early puberty in short-haired Guinea pigs kept in laboratory animal facilities

Lab animals, such as Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), are crucial for scientific development, as they play an important role in the development and quality control chain of vaccines and drugs distributed by the Brazilian public health system. Investigating their biological and physiological parameters is fundamental to raise and keep these animals, so the handling of the facilities that hold them can be updated whenever new information comes up, with the well-being of the animals and alignment with the 3 Rs in mind. In the search for understanding reproductive aspects of Guinea pigs, the present study had the main goal of studying puberty by means of estrous cycle analysis in short-haired Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a vaginal occlusive membrane that covers the vaginal orifice. Its rupture takes place gradually and naturally, moments before labor and during estrus. The present study followed 42 females as for the presentation of the vaginal occlusive membrane. Once the membranes ruptured spontaneously, a swab was collected to study vaginal cytology. Membrane rupture was observed in 39 females; six females showed membrane rupture with less than 21 days of age (17 to 21 days). Twenty-three females were characterized as being in estrus due to cytology showing a prevalence of anucleated superficial cells. One of these females was younger than 21 days old. The opening of the vaginal occlusive membrane took place most frequently in intervals between 17 and 18 days, and the membrane remained open between one and three consecutive days. It was possible to follow three cycles of membrane opening on six females. The present study showed the need to adapt handling guidelines for C. porcellus kept in research animal facilities. The early age of puberty imposes the need of separate the female daughters from their fathers at 16 days old.(AU)

Efeito da expressão do estro sobre características morfofuncionais foliculares, luteais e fertilidade em fêmeas Bos indicus sincronizadas para IATF / Effect of the estrus expression on follicular and luteal morphofunctional characteristics and fertility in Bos indicus females synchronized for FTAI

Background: Recent studies have been conducted with the aim of improving the fertility rates in the FTAI programsin beef females. The observation of the estrus expression constitutes an important indicator of fertility in zebu females.Therefore, this work has as an objective to evaluate the impact of the estrus expression on the follicular, luteal and fertilitymorphofunctional characteristics of Nelore females synchronized for FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty five lactating female Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) were used. On a random day, denominatedday 0 (D0), the 65 Nelore females received a progesterone-releasing device associated to the application of 2.0 mg of estradiolbenzoate intramuscularly (IM). On D9, the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices were removed and was administered500 μg of cloprostenol sodium IM; 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate IM and 300 UI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin IM. At thispoint, the animals were marked with a marking stick for the determination of the estrus expression. On D11 of the synchronization protocol, the animals were characterized in two groups: without estrus expression WITHOUT ESTRUS and with estrusexpression WITH ESTRUS. The evaluation of the follicle diameter (FOLD), of the follicle wall area (FOLA), of the folliclewall vascularization (FOLV) and the percentage of vascularization in the area of the preovulatory follicle wall (%FOLV) wereconducted on D11 using B-mode ultrasonography and color Doppler and then the artificial inseminations were performed. Theevaluation of the corpus luteum diameter (CLD), the total area of the corpus luteum (CLA), of the area of vascularization of thecorpus luteum (CLV), of the percentage of vascularization of the in the area of the corpus luteum (% CLV) and the collectionof blood for the evaluation of the serum...(AU)

Efeito da expressão do estro sobre características morfofuncionais foliculares, luteais e fertilidade em fêmeas Bos indicus sincronizadas para IATF / Effect of the estrus expression on follicular and luteal morphofunctional characteristics and fertility in Bos indicus females synchronized for FTAI

Background: Recent studies have been conducted with the aim of improving the fertility rates in the FTAI programsin beef females. The observation of the estrus expression constitutes an important indicator of fertility in zebu females.Therefore, this work has as an objective to evaluate the impact of the estrus expression on the follicular, luteal and fertilitymorphofunctional characteristics of Nelore females synchronized for FTAI.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty five lactating female Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) were used. On a random day, denominatedday 0 (D0), the 65 Nelore females received a progesterone-releasing device associated to the application of 2.0 mg of estradiolbenzoate intramuscularly (IM). On D9, the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices were removed and was administered500 μg of cloprostenol sodium IM; 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate IM and 300 UI of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin IM. At thispoint, the animals were marked with a marking stick for the determination of the estrus expression. On D11 of the synchronization protocol, the animals were characterized in two groups: without estrus expression WITHOUT ESTRUS and with estrusexpression WITH ESTRUS. The evaluation of the follicle diameter (FOLD), of the follicle wall area (FOLA), of the folliclewall vascularization (FOLV) and the percentage of vascularization in the area of the preovulatory follicle wall (%FOLV) wereconducted on D11 using B-mode ultrasonography and color Doppler and then the artificial inseminations were performed. Theevaluation of the corpus luteum diameter (CLD), the total area of the corpus luteum (CLA), of the area of vascularization of thecorpus luteum (CLV), of the percentage of vascularization of the in the area of the corpus luteum (% CLV) and the collectionof blood for the evaluation of the serum...

The effect of the intensity of estrus expression on the follicular diameter and fertility of Nellore cows managed under a FTAI program / Efeito da intensidade da expressão do estro no diâmetro folicular e na fertilidade de vacas Nelore submetidas a um programa de IATF

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the intensity of estrus expression on the ovulatory follicle diameter (OFD) and its effect on the conception rate in zebu females managed under a FTAI program. On a random day of the estrous cycle, day 0, 308 Nellore females received an intravaginal progesterone device and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate were administered intramuscularly (IM). On day 8, the progesterone device was removed, and 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin, 150 g of d-cloprostenol, and 1.0 mg of estradiol cypionate were administered IM. The animals were then painted with animal marker spray between the sacral tuberosity and the tailhead. On day 10, the animals were categorized into three groups: no estrus expression (n = 78), low intensity of estrus expression (n = 66) and high intensity of estrus expression (n = 164). The OFD was then measured, and artificial insemination (AI) was performed. The results suggest that determining the intensity of estrus expression is a good parameter to identify females with greater follicular diameter and increased fertility in Nellore cows submitted to a FTAI protocol.(AU)

Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar a relação da intensidade da expressão do estro sobre o diâmetro do folículo ovulatório e seu impacto sobre a taxa de concepção em fêmeas zebuínas submetidas a um programa de IATF. Em um dia aleatório do ciclo estral denominado D0, 308 fêmeas da raça Nelore receberam um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona e foram administrados 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol intramuscular (IM). No D8, retirou-se o dispositivo de progesterona e foram aplicados 300UI de Gonadotrofina coriônica equina, 150 µg de d-Cloprostenol e 1,0 mg de cipionato de estradiol IM. Neste momento, os animais foram pintados com bastão marcador entre a tuberosidade sacral e a inserção da cauda. No D10, os animais foram caracterizados em três grupos: Grupo sem expressão do estro (n=78), Grupo baixa intensidade da expressão do estro (n=66) e Grupo alta intensidade da expressão do estro (n=164). Em seguida, procedeu-se à mensuração do diâmetro do folículo ovulatório e foi realizada a inseminação artificial. Os resultados sugerem que a detecção da intensidade da expressão do estro constitui um bom parâmetro para auxiliar na identificação de fêmeas com maior diâmetro folicular e elevada fertilidade em vacas Nelore submetidas a um protocolo de IATF.(AU)

THE EFFECT OF THE INTENSITY OF ESTRUS EXPRESSION ON THE FOLLICULAR DIAMETER AND FERTILITY OF NELLORE COWS MANAGED UNDER A FTAI PROGRAM

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the intensity of estrus expression on the ovulatory follicle diameter (OFD) and its effect on the conception rate in zebu females managed under a FTAI program. On a random day of the estrous cycle, day 0, 308 Nellore females received an intravaginal progesterone device and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate were administered intramuscularly (IM). On day 8, the progesterone device was removed, and 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin, 150 µg of d-cloprostenol, and 1.0 mg of estradiol cypionate were administered IM. The animals were then painted with animal marker spray between the sacral tuberosity and the tailhead. On day 10, the animals were categorized into three groups: no estrus expression (n = 78), low intensity of estrus expression (n = 66) and high intensity of estrus expression (n = 164). The OFD was then measured, and artificial insemination (AI) was performed. The results suggest that determining the intensity of estrus expression is a good parameter to identify females with greater follicular diameter and increased fertility in Nellore cows submitted to a FTAI protocol.

Resumo Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar a relação da intensidade da expressão do estro sobre o diâmetro do folículo ovulatório e seu impacto sobre a taxa de concepção em fêmeas zebuínas submetidas a um programa de IATF. Em um dia aleatório do ciclo estral denominado D0, 308 fêmeas da raça Nelore receberam um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona e foram administrados 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol intramuscular (IM). No D8, retirou-se o dispositivo de progesterona e foram aplicados 300UI de Gonadotrofina coriônica equina, 150 µg de d-Cloprostenol e 1,0 mg de cipionato de estradiol IM. Neste momento, os animais foram pintados com bastão marcador entre a tuberosidade sacral e a inserção da cauda. No D10, os animais foram caracterizados em três grupos: Grupo sem expressão do estro (n=78), Grupo baixa intensidade da expressão do estro (n=66) e Grupo alta intensidade da expressão do estro (n=164). Em seguida, procedeu-se à mensuração do diâmetro do folículo ovulatório e foi realizada a inseminação artificial. Os resultados sugerem que a detecção da intensidade da expressão do estro constitui um bom parâmetro para auxiliar na identificação de fêmeas com maior diâmetro folicular e elevada fertilidade em vacas Nelore submetidas a um protocolo de IATF.

The effect of the intensity of estrus expression on the follicular diameter and fertility of Nellore cows managed under a FTAI program / Efeito da intensidade da expressão do estro no diâmetro folicular e na fertilidade de vacas Nelore submetidas a um programa de IATF

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the intensity of estrus expression on the ovulatory follicle diameter (OFD) and its effect on the conception rate in zebu females managed under a FTAI program. On a random day of the estrous cycle, day 0, 308 Nellore females received an intravaginal progesterone device and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate were administered intramuscularly (IM). On day 8, the progesterone device was removed, and 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin, 150 g of d-cloprostenol, and 1.0 mg of estradiol cypionate were administered IM. The animals were then painted with animal marker spray between the sacral tuberosity and the tailhead. On day 10, the animals were categorized into three groups: no estrus expression (n = 78), low intensity of estrus expression (n = 66) and high intensity of estrus expression (n = 164). The OFD was then measured, and artificial insemination (AI) was performed. The results suggest that determining the intensity of estrus expression is a good parameter to identify females with greater follicular diameter and increased fertility in Nellore cows submitted to a FTAI protocol.

Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar a relação da intensidade da expressão do estro sobre o diâmetro do folículo ovulatório e seu impacto sobre a taxa de concepção em fêmeas zebuínas submetidas a um programa de IATF. Em um dia aleatório do ciclo estral denominado D0, 308 fêmeas da raça Nelore receberam um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona e foram administrados 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol intramuscular (IM). No D8, retirou-se o dispositivo de progesterona e foram aplicados 300UI de Gonadotrofina coriônica equina, 150 µg de d-Cloprostenol e 1,0 mg de cipionato de estradiol IM. Neste momento, os animais foram pintados com bastão marcador entre a tuberosidade sacral e a inserção da cauda. No D10, os animais foram caracterizados em três grupos: Grupo sem expressão do estro (n=78), Grupo baixa intensidade da expressão do estro (n=66) e Grupo alta intensidade da expressão do estro (n=164). Em seguida, procedeu-se à mensuração do diâmetro do folículo ovulatório e foi realizada a inseminação artificial. Os resultados sugerem que a detecção da intensidade da expressão do estro constitui um bom parâmetro para auxiliar na identificação de fêmeas com maior diâmetro folicular e elevada fertilidade em vacas Nelore submetidas a um protocolo de IATF.

Physiological and management factors related to estrus detection, time of service and subsequent fertillty of sows / Fatores fisiológicos e de manejo relacionados com a detecção do estro, momento do serviço e a fertilidade subsequente de porcas

This article briefly outline some of the major reproductive management related to estrus detection, during natural mating and or artificial insemination, as a proposal to get a better understanding about the physiological and social interactions that usually occur within one herd, between boars and female pigs, and that could represent a strategy to increase the levels of fertility of commercial swine farms. However, we must to keep in mind that maximization of prolificacy in swine operations is basically dependent on the time between insemination and ovulation, as the chance to get a high fertilization rate is determinad by the synchrony of a sperm population to reach the oviduct to fertilize the eggs.

Este artigo analisa alguns dos principais fatores de manejo reprodutivo relacionados com a detecção do estro, durante a monta natural e/ou a inseminação artificial, como uma proposta para melhor compreender as interações fisiológicas e sociais que usualmente ocorrem em um plantel, entre varrões e matrizes suínas, e que podem representar uma estratégia para elevar os indíces de fertilidade de rebanhos comerciais de suínos. Todavia, devemos ter em mente que a maximização da prolificidade em operações suinícolas depende, basicamente, do período de tempo decorrente entre a monta ou a inseminação e o momento da ovulação, considerando que a chance de se obter uma alta taxa de fertilização é determinada pela sincronia da população de espermatozóides em alcançar o oviduto e fertilizar os óvulos

Physiological and management factors related to estrus detection, time of service and subsequent fertillty of sows / Fatores fisiológicos e de manejo relacionados com a detecção do estro, momento do serviço e a fertilidade subsequente de porcas

This article briefly outline some of the major reproductive management related to estrus detection, during natural mating and or artificial insemination, as a proposal to get a better understanding about the physiological and social interactions that usually occur within one herd, between boars and female pigs, and that could represent a strategy to increase the levels of fertility of commercial swine farms. However, we must to keep in mind that maximization of prolificacy in swine operations is basically dependent on the time between insemination and ovulation, as the chance to get a high fertilization rate is determinad by the synchrony of a sperm population to reach the oviduct to fertilize the eggs.

Este artigo analisa alguns dos principais fatores de manejo reprodutivo relacionados com a detecção do estro, durante a monta natural e/ou a inseminação artificial, como uma proposta para melhor compreender as interações fisiológicas e sociais que usualmente ocorrem em um plantel, entre varrões e matrizes suínas, e que podem representar uma estratégia para elevar os indíces de fertilidade de rebanhos comerciais de suínos. Todavia, devemos ter em mente que a maximização da prolificidade em operações suinícolas depende, basicamente, do período de tempo decorrente entre a monta ou a inseminação e o momento da ovulação, considerando que a chance de se obter uma alta taxa de fertilização é determinada pela sincronia da população de espermatozóides em alcançar o oviduto e fertilizar os óvulos