Auditory enrichment with different genres of music for colony queens.

The aim was to determine changes in clinical parameters, glucose concentration, cortisol and behavior in colony queens in no music conditions compared with exposing to different genres of music. Mixed breed clinically healthy queens (N = 9) were used. Queens were studied under no music conditions (control=CON) and auditory enrichment: Soft Rock (M1), Motown (M2), Pop (M3), Frenchcore (M4) and music that was composed to be species-appropriate for cats (M5). The queens underwent auditory enrichment, including three days of silence (D1-3), five consecutive days of auditory enrichment (D4-8) and three days of silence (D9-11). We recorded clinical parameters, glucose, cortisol and behavior. Data were analyzed with GLIMMIX. Queens showed a significant increase of femoral pulse during exposure to M1, M2 and M4; and respiratory rate during exposure to M1, M2, M3 and M4 compared with CON. There was a significant increase in glucose during exposure to M2 and M5 compared with CON. However, there was a significant decrease in glucose during exposure to M4 compared with CON. There was a significant decrease in cortisol during exposure to M2 and M5 compared with CON. When we evaluated the ethogram, we observed a significant decrease in the percentage of interaction with other cats in M1 and M2 compared with CON. In addition, we found a significant decrease in the purring in M1 and M3 compared with CON. Auditory enrichment can be beneficial in situations that cause discomfort and distress in colony cats, such as in feline hospitalization; however, it should be acknowledged that there are limits to direct extrapolation.

Changes on corpus luteum structure and progesterone synthesis pathway after hCG or GnRH treatment during the early luteal phase in sheep.

This study investigated the effect of hCG or GnRH on structural changes of the corpora lutea (CL) and the regulation of the expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in P4 secretion in post-ovulatory (po-CL) and accessory CL (acc-CL). Sixty-four ewes were assigned to three groups receiving: 300 IU of hCG (hCG) or 4 µg Buserelin (GnRH) or 1 mL of saline solution (Control) on Day (d) 4 post artificial insemination (FTAI). Laparoscopic ovarian were performed on d 4, 14 and, 21 post-FTAI to determine the numbers of CL. Blood samples were collected for serum LH and P4 analysis. On d 14 post-FTAI, both CL were removed from the ovary to determine large luteal cell (LLC) number and to evaluate the expression of steroidogenic enzymes (HSD3B1, STAR, CYP11A1). Only hCG and GnRH treated ewes generated acc-CL. The LLC in both po- and acc-CL were significantly greater in the hCG group compared to GnRH and Control groups (P<0.05). Overall, hCG group showed the greatest immunodetection of HSD3B1and STAR in both po- and acc-CL (P<0.05). rnRNA expression of HSD3B1, STAR and CYP11A1 in the acc-CL tended to be greater in hCG group than in GnRH group (P<0.1). The LH concentration was increased in GnRH group (P<0.05) and P4 concentration was greater in hCG group compared to the other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, administration of hCG has a notably impact on acc-CL development and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes compared to GnRH treatment in ewes. This leads to elevated P4 concentration and improved luteal function.

Monitoring of Body Condition in Dairy Cows to Assess Disease Risk at the Individual and Herd Level.

A retrospective longitudinal study assessing the explanatory and predictive capacity of body condition score (BCS) in dairy cows on disease risk at the individual and herd level was carried out. Data from two commercial grazing herds from the Argentinean Pampa were gathered (Herd A = 2100 and herd B = 2600 milking cows per year) for 4 years. Logistic models were used to assess the association of BCS indicators with the odds for anestrus at the cow and herd level. Population attributable fraction (AFP) was estimated to assess the anestrus rate due to BCS indicators. We found that anestrus risk decreased in cows calving with BCS ≥ 3 and losing ≤ 0.5 (OR: 0.07-0.41), and that anestrus rate decreased in cohorts with a high frequency of cows with proper BCS (OR: 0.22-0.45). Despite aggregated data having a good explanatory power, their predictive capacity for anestrus rate at the herd level is poor (AUC: 0.574-0.679). The AFP varied along the study in both herds and tended to decrease every time the anestrous rate peaked. We conclude that threshold-based models with BCS indicators as predictors are useful to understand disease risk (e.g., anestrus), but conversely, they are useless to predict such multicausal disease events at the herd level.

A simplified scoring system for the diagnosis of diarrhea and respiratory diseases in dairy calves.

Objective: To compare the capacity of a simplified calf health scoring chart (SIM score) with the University of Wisconsin's calf health scoring chart (WIN score) for the diagnosis of calf diarrhea and calf respiratory disease (RD). Animals and procedures: Holstein calves (N = 222) were clinically evaluated for diarrhea and RD diagnosis using the WIN and SIM scores. The WIN score was based on fecal consistency for diagnosis of diarrhea (0 = feces of normal consistency to 3 = watery feces; score ≥ 2 = positive diagnosis); and on nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing, ear position, and rectal temperature for diagnosis of RD (each clinical sign receives a score of 0 to 3; aggregate score ≥ 5 = positive diagnosis). The SIM score was based on a hide cleanliness score for diagnosis of diarrhea [0 = negative (calf was clean) and 1 = positive (tail head region, thighs, and/or legs were soiled)]; and on nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing, and ear position for diagnosis of RD (rectal temperature measurement was not required and each clinical sign had 2 levels of severity; aggregate score ≥ 5 = positive diagnosis). Results: In the RD diagnosis, the SIM score had a sensitivity of 88.24%, a specificity of 95.01%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 55.56%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.13%. In the diarrhea diagnosis, the SIM score had a sensitivity of 94.62%, a specificity of 49.64%, a PPV of 18.22%, and an NPV of 98.73%. Conclusion: Compared with the WIN score, the SIM score is a reliable test for diagnosing RD but not for diagnosing diarrhea.

Un système de notation simplifié pour le diagnostic de la diarrhée et des maladies respiratoires chez les veaux laitiers. Objectif: Comparer la capacité d'un tableau de notation simplifié de la santé du veau (score SIM) avec le tableau de notation de la santé du veau (score WIN) de l'University of Wisconsin pour le diagnostic de la diarrhée du veau et de la maladie respiratoire du veau (RD). Animaux et procédures: Des veaux Holstein (N = 222) ont été évalués cliniquement pour le diagnostic de diarrhée et de RD à l'aide des scores WIN et SIM. Le score WIN était basé sur la consistance fécale pour le diagnostic de diarrhée (0 = fèces de consistance normale à 3 = fèces aqueuses; score ≥ 2 = diagnostic positif ); et sur l'écoulement nasal, l'écoulement oculaire, la toux, la position des oreilles et la température rectale pour le diagnostic de RD (chaque signe clinique reçoit un score de 0 à 3; score global ≥ 5 = diagnostic positif ). Le score SIM était basé sur un score de propreté de la peau pour le diagnostic de diarrhée [0 = négatif (le mollet était propre) et 1 = positif (la région de la tête de la queue, les cuisses et/ou les pattes étaient souillées); et sur l'écoulement nasal, l'écoulement oculaire, la toux et la position des oreilles pour le diagnostic de RD (la mesure de la température rectale n'était pas requise et chaque signe clinique avait 2 niveaux de gravité; score global ≥ 5 = diagnostic positif ). Résultats: Dans le diagnostic de RD, le score SIM avait une sensibilité de 88,24 %, une spécificité de 95,01 %, une valeur prédictive positive (VPP) de 55,56 % et une valeur prédictive négative (VPN) de 99,13 %. Dans le diagnostic de diarrhée, le score SIM avait une sensibilité de 94,62 %, une spécificité de 49,64 %, une VPP de 18,22 % et une VPN de 98,73 %. Conclusion: Comparé au score WIN, le score SIM est un test fiable pour diagnostiquer le RD mais pas pour diagnostiquer la diarrhée.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in histological endometritis in the bitch: An immunohistochemical study.

This work aimed to study the immunolocalization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its FLT-1 receptor (VEGFR1) in systemically healthy bitches with and without endometritis (END). Thirty-one uterine samples from mixed-breed, systemically healthy diestrous bitches, were included in the study. The bitches were divided into three groups after histological evaluation (normal endometrium [n = 8]; acute-END [n = 8]; subacute-END [n = 5]; chronic-END [n = 10]). The immunohistochemical localization of VEGF and VEGFR1 were detected following standard procedures. Data were analysed using SPSS 26.0. Immunoreactions were detected in cells from the luminal epithelium (LE), epithelium of the superficial glands (ESG) and epithelium of the deep glands (EDG), and some cells localized in the stroma. Immunostaining of VEGF in acute-END was higher than chronic-END (p < .05) and was higher in LE than EDG (p .017). Marked-area was higher in END than normal endometrium in VEGFR-1 (p < .004). The current results provide new information on the END in systemically healthy females. Data reported here indicate that VEGF could be involucrated in the pathogenesis of END. Future studies could provide more information, support our results and elucidate the role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of END.

Lameness in Early Lactation Is Associated with Lower Productive and Reproductive Performance in a Herd of Supplemented Grazing Dairy Cows.

The main aim of this study was to assess the associations between the timing of lameness clinical case occurrence in lactation with productive and reproductive performances in grazing Holstein cows. A cohort study was carried out on a dataset with records from a commercial dairy herd (Buenos Aires, Argentina) for cows that calved and were dried off from January 2010 through June 2017. The first recorded event of lameness per lactation was considered for the study. Criteria for lactation inclusion included not having uterine diseases, mastitis, or anovulatory cysts during the studied risk period (i.e., up to 200 DIM). Therefore, a total of 7156 out of 20,086 lactations were included in the statistical analysis. The association between lameness case occurrence in lactation (cows not lame (LG0) vs. lame cows between parturition and first service (LG1) vs. lame cows between first service and first pregnancy (LG2)) with productive (i.e., accumulated milk yield to 150 DIM (MILK150) and 300 DIM (MILK305)) and reproductive performances (hazard of insemination and pregnancy) was analyzed with linear regression models and proportional hazard regression models, respectively. Lame cows produced 161 and 183 kg less MILK150 and MILK305 than non-lame herd mates, respectively. Moreover, LG1 cows produced 216 kg less MILK150 and 200 kg less MILK305 than LG0 cows, and LG2 cows also produced 58 kg less MILK150 and 158 kg less MILK305 than LG0 cows. The LG1 cows had a lower hazard of service than LG0 cows (HR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.39-0.47). Furthermore, LG1 cows had a lower hazard of pregnancy than LG0 cows (HR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.46-0.59) and took longer to get pregnant than LG0 cows (median [95%CI], 139 [132-144] vs. 101 [99-103]). Moreover, LG2 cows had a much lower hazard of pregnancy than LG0 cows (HR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.05-0.12) and much longer calving to first pregnancy interval than LG0 cows (188 [183-196] vs. 101 [99-103]). In conclusion, cows that become lame in early lactation produce less milk and have lower hazards of insemination and pregnancy than herd mates that are healthy or become lame later in lactation. In addition, cows that become lame immediately after the voluntarily waiting period have the poorest reproductive performance (i.e., they have the lowest hazard of pregnancy and the longest calving to pregnancy interval).

Endometrial expression of key genes related to fertility in repeat breeder and non-repeat breeder cows.

The aim of the present study was to compare the endometrial gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), nodal growth differentiation factor (NODAL), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) in repeat breeder cows (RBC) and non-RBC during diestrus. Endometrial samples were collected by cytobrush technique and stored in RNA stabilizing solution at -20°C until RT-qPCR analysis. Differences in endometrial mRNA expression of selected genes were assessed by ANOVA and simple (r) and the partial correlations (rp) among selected genes were performed. Results demonstrated that mRNA expression of EGFR and NODAL were higher in RBC than in non-RBC (3 and 25-fold change, p < .01 and p < .01, respectively), while the mRNA expression of PTGS2 was lower (1.56-fold change, p < .01). Although there were no differences detected in the mRNA expression of ESR1 and PGR, there was a positive correlation between the expression of ESR1 and EGFR (0.84, p < .05) and a negative correlation between PGR and PTGS2 (-0.49, p < .05). In conclusion, the difference on the endometrial mRNA expression of the genes included in the study between RBC and non-RBC indicates a deregulation of important mechanisms that are vital to establish a successful pregnancy. Thus, the present study provides useful insight as a base for future studies to elucidate the causes of RBC.

Serum progesterone concentration, volume, and apoptosis of corpora lutea in early, middle and late diestrus in the bitch.

The aim was to study number, volume, apoptosis of corpora lutea (CL), and serum P4 concentrations in early, middle, and late diestrus of dogs. Thirty-six bitches were ovari-hysterectomized (OVX): Early Diestrus (Group [G]1; OVX 20 days after end of estrus [DEH]); Mid-diestrus (GII; OVX between 21 and 40 days after DEH), and Late-diestrus (GIII; OVX between 41 and 60 days after DEH). Before OVX a blood sample was collected to quantify P4. After OVX, the number of CL (NCL) was recorded, CL measured using both ultrasonography (US) and caliper (CAL), and the volume (mm3) was calculated. Based on abundances of caspase-3, apoptotic luteal cells were detected. Bitches in early-diestrus had greater P4 concentrations than bitches in mid- and late-diestrus (23.52 ±â€¯3.78 and 10.86 ±â€¯3.88 ng/mL; P < 0.05). The NCL, cumulative USCLV, and CALCLV were similar among diestrus stages (P > 0.30). Bitches with CL (≥5) had twice the serum P4 concentrations as bitches with CL1-2 and CL3-4 (22.71 ±â€¯3.70 and 10.97 ±â€¯4.06 ng/mL; P < 0.05). There were correlations between P4 concentrations with USCLV, CALCLV, and NCL (r = 0.64, r = 0.67, r = 0.44; P < 0.0001). When serum P4 concentrations were adjusted for stages of diestrus, however, there were only correlations during early diestrus. The percentage of apoptotic cells was greater in GIII compared with GI and GII (13.75 ±â€¯2.26 % compared with 4.5 ±â€¯0.68 % and 4.6 ±â€¯1.5 %, respectively; P < 0.05). As days of diestrus increased, number of apoptotic cells increased, and serum P4 concentrations decreased.

Endometritis in the bitch: Immunohistochemical localization of cyclooxygenase 2.

Background: In several mammals, subfertility or infertility associated with endometritis was reported. Although there have been studies about endometritis in bitches, the pathophysiological mechanisms are not completely known. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in clinically healthy bitches with normal uterine tissue and bitches with endometritis. Methods: Forty-eight mixed breed bitches in diestrus were used. Uterine biopsies were collected for diagnosis [normal endometrium (n = 15; NE), cystic endometrial hyperplasia (n = 1), atrophy (n= 2), acute endometritis (n = 9; AE), subacute endometritis (n = 7; SE), and chronic endometritis (n = 14; CE)]. Immunostaining and quantification of positively stained cells was performed on full-thickness uterine biopsies. Data were analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Results: COX2 immunostaining was scattered and restricted to cells in the stroma in bitches with NE. However, in bitches with endometritis, strong staining was observed in the luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, and stromal cells. Staining was also observed in inflammatory cells localized in the stroma as well as inside of the glands. The percentage of COX2 positive stromal cells in bitches with AE, SE, and CE was significantly higher compared with NE (p < 0.005). In addition, the percentage of COX2 positive stromal cells in bitches with SE, and CE was significantly lower compared with AE (p < 0.003). Conclusion: COX2 could be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms producing endometritis without the presence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia in bitches. However, further researches on this topic are required.

Analysis of puerperal metritis treatment records in a grazing dairy farm in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of antibiotic usage for the treatment of puerperal metritis (PM) and its association with reproductive performance, a retrospective cohort study including a total of 9168 records of cows from a dairy farm in Argentina was run. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cows having a PM3 (metricheck, scale 0-3) and treated with ceftiofur (ceftiofur crystalline free acid, 6.6 mg/kg) at 0-21 days postpartum (p. p.) (n = 2688), and cows having a PM 1-2 and not treated with an antibiotic at 0-21 days p. p. (n = 6480) were included in the study. All cows were reexamined with metricheck to assess the clinical cure (vaginal discharge [VD] score 0), partial cure (VD score similar or lower than previous), no cure (VD score higher than previous). Cows with a metricheck VD1-3 after 0-21 days p. p. were diagnosed as clinical endometritis (CE) 1-3. The occurrence of PM1-3, cure rate, calving to conception interval, the hazard of pregnancy, odds for non-pregnancy, and odds for CE were analyzed using SAS software. RESULTS: A total of 8876 PM1-3 records were included, 2435 records of PM3 treatments with ceftiofur (27.43 %), and 6441 records of PM1-2 (72.57 %) with no treatment. Cows having PM1 and PM2 became pregnant 14 and 12 days earlier than cows with PM3 (p < 0.001). The PM3 ceftiofur treated cows had a clinical cure of 24.85 % (PM0); 53.63 % had a partially cure; and 18.52 % no cure. Conversely, cows with PM1-2 had a 51.96 %, 20.70 %, and 24.53 % cure rate, respectively (p < 0.001). Cows having complete cure became pregnant 13 and 11 days earlier than cows having partial cure and no cure (p < 0.001). Cows that had PM3 during the first 21 days p. p. had twice the chances of developing CE compared to cows having PM1-2 (41.28 % vs. 24.14 %, p < 0.001). After 21 days p. p., less than 1 % of cows with clinical cure developed CE compared to 63.32 % that developed CE with partial cure, and 38.21 % with no cure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After ceftiofur treatment, 78 % of cows were cured when measured by disappearance of fetid VD but only 25 % of cows had clinical cure when measured by appearance of a clear VD. The cows that remained with clinical metritis had more chances of having CE after 21 days p. p. and had more days open than cows with clear normal VD.

Reestablishment of sperm quality after long-term deslorelin suppression in tomcats.

The aim of the study was to determine the time after treatment with a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant until Tomcat spermatogenesis activity was restored, and seminal parameters reached pre-implant values. Tomcats (n = 6) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Three cats (n = 3) received a deslorelin implant (4.7 mG; Suprelorin®, Virbac, France) in the interscapular subcutaneous region whereas three (n = 3) received no implant and served as control group. Semen samples were collected by electroejaculation every 4 wk from 3 mo before treatment (pretreatment samples) until reestablishment of pre-treatment sperm quality, 32 mo post-implant insertion (PI). Each semen sample was assessed for motility, velocity, concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. After semen collection, testicular volume and presence/absence of penile spines were recorded. Additionally, blood samples were taken to measure testosterone concentration. An increase in sperm concentration and total sperm count was present 1 mo PI despite of an abrupt decrease in serum testosterone concentrations after 2-4 weeks. This initial stimulatory effect was followed by a decrease in seminal parameters, reduction of testicular volume and disappearance of penile spines 2 mo PI. A single Suprelorin® 4.7 mg implant suppressed sperm production for 22-25 months. No clinically side effect was observed during the study period. All toms returned to their initial seminal quality 23-28 months after treatment. Therefore, we conclude that Suprelorin® 4.7 mg is a safe option for reversible reproduction control during long periods in tomcats.

Identification of Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes isolated from the uterus of dairy cows using routine bacteriological testing and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Uterine disorders are common postpartum diseases in dairy cows. In practice, uterine treatment is often based on systemic or locally applied antimicrobials with no previous identification of pathogens. Accurate on-farm diagnostics are not available, and routine testing is time-consuming and cost intensive. An accurate method that could simplify the identification of uterine pathogenic bacteria and improve pathogen-specific treatments could be an important advance to practitioners. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether a database built with uterine bacteria from European dairy cows could be used to identify bacteria from Argentinean cows by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Uterine samples from 64 multiparous dairy cows with different types of vaginal discharge (VD) were collected between 5 and 60 days postpartum, analyzed by routine bacteriological testing methods and then re-evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy (n = 27). RESULTS: FTIR spectroscopy identified Escherichia coli in 12 out of 14 samples and Trueperella pyogenes in 8 out of 10 samples. The agreement between the two methods was good with a Kappa coefficient of 0.73. In addition, the likelihood for bacterial growth of common uterine pathogens such as E. coli and T. pyogenes tended to increase with VD score. The odds for a positive result to E. coli or T. pyogenes was 1.88 times higher in cows with fetid VD than in herdmates with clear normal VD. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the presence of E. coli and T. pyogenes in uterine samples from Argentinean dairy cows can be detected with FTIR with the use of a database built with uterine bacteria from European dairy cows. Future studies are needed to determine if FTIR can be used as an alternative to routine bacteriological testing methods.

Strategies for the treatment of dairy cows at high risk for postpartum metritis and for the treatment of clinical endometritis in Argentina.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of (1) administering ceftiofur hydrochloride in dairy cows with calving-related disorders to prevent metritis and (2) a combination of GnRH and PGF2α for the treatment of clinical endometritis, under Argentinean dairy farming conditions. Cows at high risk (HRC) for metritis (dystocia, RFM >12 h postpartum, hypocalcaemia, twins, or stillbirth) were randomly assigned to receive either 1.1 mg/Kg of ceftiofur hydrochloride on three consecutive days (HRC treated group HRCT, n = 110) or remained untreated (HRC control group HRCC, n = 126). Cows with low risk (LRC, no calving-related disorders, n = 868) did not receive any treatment (LRC group, n = 868). All cows were examined for metritis between days 4 and 10 and for clinical endometritis between 24 and 30 days postpartum. The body condition score (BCS) was recorded at both examinations. Cows with endometritis at days 24 to 30 postpartum received either 1.5 mg of D-cloprostenol (PGF; n = 129) or 100 µg of GnRH followed by D-cloprostenol after 7 days (GnRH+PGF, n = 119). There was no overall effect of treatment on the incidence of metritis or on time to pregnancy. Treatment, however, reduced the incidence of metritis in cows with high BCS (HRCT = 24.0 %, HRCC = 38.5 %) but had no effect in cows with low BCS (HRCT = 38.7 %, HRCC = 37.5 %). The proportion of pregnant cows by days in milk was greater (P < 0.01) in LRC group compared with that of the HRCT and HRCC groups. No significant differences were found between groups PG and PG+GNRH. GnRH+PGF treatment, however, tended (P = 0.06) to increase pregnancy rate in cows with a moderate loss of BCS (76.5 vs 65.2 %) but tended to reduce pregnancy rate (54.5 vs 76.0 %) in cows with a more pronounced loss in BCS (>0.75 points).

Effect of storage media and storage time on survival of spermatozoa recovered from canine and feline epididymides.

The aim of this study was evaluate the survival ability of canine and feline spermatozoa maintained within epididymides stored at 4 degrees C for 24, 48 or 72 h in sterile isotonic saline solution (SAL) or a Tris-egg yolk (TEY) storage medium. Fifteen domestic dogs and 15 cats were neutered and their testes were placed in TEY or SAL and stored at 4 degrees C for either 24, 48 or 72 h. Sperm samples were obtained by cutting the cauda epididymides into a Tris extender and were evaluated for motility, velocity, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome morphology. In dogs, there were no significant differences between storage media for motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and velocity. However, dog sperm stored in TEY had better acrosome morphology compared to sperm stored in SAL (P < 0.05). Dog sperm recovered at 72 h had a reduction in all parameters studied compared to those recovered at 24 h (P < 0.05). In cats, sperm recovered from epididymides stored in TEY had higher motility, plasma membrane integrity and velocity at all times compared to those stored in SAL (P < 0.05). Cat sperm recovered at 72 h had reduced motility, acrosome morphology, viability and velocity compared to those recovered at 24 h (P < 0.05). The addition of TEY to canine epididymal sperm, thus, had a better protective effect than SAL only on acrosome morphology. In cats, in contrast, TEY had a better protective effect than SAL on all epididymal sperm parameters studied. In both species, sperm recovered at 72 h had a significant reduction in all parameters studied compared to those recovered at 24 h.