Combining two injectable progesterone formulas for estrous synchronization in ewes.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining two injectable progesterone (iP4) formulas for estrous synchronization in ewes and to compare it with traditional intravaginal progesterone devices. Additionally, the study assessed whether the inclusion of GnRH enhances the reproductive outcomes of the iP4 treatment. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, 20 Santa Inês ewes were divided into two groups: one group received intravaginal progesterone devices, and the other received combined long-acting and short-acting iP4. In the second experiment, 30 Corriedale ewes were divided into two groups: one received the combined iP4 with GnRH, and the other without GnRH. Estrous, ovulation, follicular populations, and progesterone concentrations were monitored. The combined iP4 treatment induced an artificial luteal phase and produced reproductive responses similar to those obtained with intravaginal devices. In the first experiment, the iP4 treatment tended to result in more synchronized ovulation compared to the control (P=0.095). In the second experiment, adding GnRH enhanced the quality of the corpus luteum, as indicated by increased diameter and vascularization on Day 23 (P=0.047 and P=0.02, respectively). The combined administration of long-acting and short-acting iP4 effectively synchronized estrous in ewes and showed similar efficacy to traditional intravaginal devices. The inclusion of GnRH improved luteal quality, suggesting potential benefits for reproductive management in ewes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the fertility outcomes of these protocols under field conditions.

Semen collection and ejaculation trigger changes in the blood flow of the reproductive system in rams.

The aim of this study was to determine if ejaculation modifies the testicular and accessory sex glands' blood flow after ejaculation, and if those changes differ according to the process that leads to ejaculation. Twelve adult Corriedale rams were used and assigned at random to the four procedures that lead to ejaculation: (G1) electroejaculation; (G2) artificial vagina; (G3) transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands; (G4) natural mating. Hemodynamic characteristics evaluation of the male reproductive system was conducted immediately before and at 30 and 90 min after ejaculation. The internal iliac artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) decreased (P=0.01) and supratesticular artery PSV increased (P=0.042) 90 min after ejaculation in all groups. In conclusion, ejaculation modifies the reproductive system's blood flow, with slight variations depending on the studied ejaculation methods. Additionally, ejaculation altered the internal iliac and supratesticular arteries PSV, and the supratesticular artery end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in rams. The supratesticular artery PSV was the only studied variable that differed according to the procedure that triggered the ejaculation.

Characterization of uterine involution using B-mode ultrasonography, color Doppler and elastography (acoustic radiation force impulse) for assessing postpartum in Santa Inês ewes.

The aim of this study was to investigate uterine involution using ultrasonography techniques during postpartum. Postpartum ultrasonography evaluation (B-mode, color Doppler and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse elastography) of the uterus was performed by transabdominal approach at immediate after birth and sequentially every 48 hours, during 30 days. The uterine echotexture did not present significant variations (P >0.05) being homogeneous in most evaluations; echogenicity of the uterus increased along the evaluation period (P =0.0452). Progressive and remarkable decrease of the total uterine diameter (UD) were observed (P <0.0001), especially during the first days postpartum. The thickness of uterine wall gradually decreased, as well the endometrial, myometrium and lumen diameters (P <0.0001). Uterine blood flow was assessed by Doppler and decreased during postpartum period, being significantly lower (P=0.0225) on the 30th day of postpartum. Uterine parenchyma presented as homogeneous dark areas (not deformable) on qualitative ultrasound elastography and the means shear velocity values of the uterine wall on quantitative elastography did not differ. This is the first study that evaluate the stiffness of uterine wall in healthy ewes, providing baseline data about quantitative and qualitative stiffness of the normal uterus, and it may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of uterine alterations during the postpartum period, using the reference parameter established for the assessment of uterine integrity during postpartum period.

Luteal Function, Biometrics, and Echotextural Attributes in Santa Inês Ewes Superovulated with Different Total Doses of Porcine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone.

Premature regression of corpora lutea (PRCL) may adversely affect the outcome of hormonal ovarian superstimulation in small ruminants, and the total dose of exogenous gonadotropins used may be one of the causes of this condition. There were two major objectives of the present study: (1) to evaluate the effects of different superovulatory doses of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH) on the biometry, blood perfusion (Doppler), and echotextural characteristics of luteal structures; and, (2) to determine the usefulness of biometric, vascular, and echotextural luteal variables, as well as measurements of circulating progesterone (P4) concentrations for early detection of PRCL in superovulated Santa Inês ewes. Twenty-seven Santa Inês ewes received an intravaginal P4-releasing device (CIDR) from Days 0 to 8 (Day 0 = random day of the anovulatory period). An IM injection of d-cloprostenol (37.5 µg) was given at the time of the CIDR insertion and withdrawal. On Day 6, all the ewes received 300 IU of eCG IM and were divided into three treatment groups (each n = 9): G100 (100 mg); G133 (133 mg); and G200 (200 mg of pFSH) administered IM every 12 h in eight injections. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and jugular blood sampling for serum P4 measurements were performed on Days 11 to 15. On the day of embryo recovery (Day 15), all the ewes underwent diagnostic videolaparoscopy and were classified, based on their luteal characteristics, into three response groups: nCL (ewes with normal CL only); rCL (ewes with regressing CL only); and ewes with both nCL and rCL following the superovulatory regimen. Our present results indicate that the total pFSH doses of 100 mg and 200 mg result in similar ovulatory responses and luteal function/biometrics, although the percentage of donor ewes with nCL was greater (p < 0.05) for G100 compared with the G200 animals. An application of 133 mg of pFSH was associated with diminished luteogenesis. Lastly, circulating P4 concentrations, ultrasonographic estimates of total luteal area, and CL pixel heterogeneity (standard deviation of numerical pixel values) are promising markers of luteal inadequacy in superovulated ewes.

Doppler sonography of the umbilical and uterine arteries blood flow of pregnant Saanen goats.

The objective was to evaluate the blood flow of the uterine artery (UA) and umbilical artery (UMB) in the physiological pregnancy of goats by means of Doppler throughout the gestational period. Twenty-five Saanen goats weighing 55 ± 10 kg and aged between 2 and 5 were evaluated weekly, from the 21st until the 143rd day of gestation, and daily from that period until parturition. Values for peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices of the uterine and umbilical arteries were determined. The values obtained were correlated with gestational age by Spearman's test, tested for adjustment to regression models and compared with the number of fetuses by ANOVA. The umbilical cord was first visualized at 28 days. Of the variables evaluated, RIUMB and PIUMB correlated with gestational age (p<0.001; and 0.046; respectively) and RIUMB had a low negative correlation with the number of fetuses per pregnancy (p = 0.003; r- Spearman = - 0.218). PSVUMB and EDVUMB values did not correlate with gestational age (p=0.737 and 0.768, respectively), but there was a decrease in the mean values throughout pregnancy (PSVUMB= 0.07; 0.31 and EDVUMB= 0.01; 0.06) as well as the change in the flow pattern of the spectral trace. The mean values of the uterine artery dopplervelocimetric variables PSVUT, EDVUT, PIUT and RIUT did not correlate with gestational age (p= 0.324; 0.372, 0.143; 0.13; respectively). It is expected that the results obtained will contribute to a broader understanding of the hemodynamic changes resulting from pregnancy in goats.

Multiple matings modify the estrous length, the moment of ovulation, and the estradiol and LH patterns in ewes.

In several species, mating reduces the estrous length and advances ovulation. The aim of this study was to determine if multiple matings reduces the estrous length and modifies the moment of ovulation, as well as the estradiol and LH patterns in ewes. The estrous cycle of Corriedale ewes was synchronized, and the onset of receptivity was monitored every 3 h with rams, avoiding mating. At the estrous onset, ewes were assigned to two experimental groups (n=10 each): 1) estrous was monitored every 3 h with a ram avoiding mating (group CON), and 2) a ram was allowed to mate and ejaculate once every 3 h (group MAT). The ovaries were scanned with transrectal ultrasonography and blood samples were collected for measuring 17ß-estradiol and LH concentrations every 3 h until ovulation. Estrus was shorter in MAT than CON ewes (24.7 ± 1.5 h vs. 30.4 ± 1.5 h, respectively; P=0.02); the proportion of animals that ovulated before the end of estrus was greater in CON ewes: (9/10 vs. 3/10, P=0.009). The area under the LH curve (AUC) was greater in MAT than CON ewes (36.1 ± 3.5 ng.h-1.mL-1 vs 24.9 ± 3.5 ng.h-1.mL-1 P=0.03). However, MAT ewes had a lower 17ß-estradiol AUC than CON ewes (41.0 ± 4.9 pg.h-1.mL-1 vs 59.4 ± 4.9 pg.h-1.mL-1 P=0.01). Mating reduced the estrous length, induced a greater secretion of LH but less total 17ß-estradiol secreted and, additionally, ovulation occurred more frequently after the end of estrus in mated ewes.

Assessment of dopperfluxometric indices of maternal-fetal structures in pregnant ewes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood flow of the uterine artery, fetal aorta and umbilical artery in the physiological pregnancy of sheep by means of pulsed Doppler throughout the gestational period. Thirty Santa Inês ewes weighing between 45.4±4.3 kg and aged 2 to 5 years were selected. The evaluations were carried out weekly from the 3rd to the 21st gestational week. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were obtained. Analysis of variance was performed, and the minimum significant comparison of means was obtained by the BH test with adjusted P<0.05. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error. For the fetal aorta, there was an increase in the EDV values and a decrease in the PSV and RI throughout pregnancy. For the uterine artery, PSV and EDV did not present significant variation, whereas the RI showed a reduction in the last week. Increased EDV values were found for the umbilical artery throughout pregnancy. For the PSV there was no significant difference, as the RI was reduced at the end of pregnancy. The results obtained are expected to contribute to a more complete understanding of the hemodynamic changes resulting from pregnancy.

Follicular dynamics and in vivo embryo production in Santa Inês ewes treated with smaller doses of pFSH.

To evaluate follicular dynamics, there was assessment of superovulatory response and in vivo embryo production in ewes treated with relatively smaller doses of exogenous pFSH than typically used in combination with a dose of eCG at the beginning of the gonadotropin treatment period. Santa Inês ewes (n = 24) were randomly divided into three groups, based on mg dose of pFSH administered: G200 (n = 8), G133 (n = 8) and G100 (n = 8) in eight decreasing doses at 12 -h intervals. All ewes were treated with 300 IU of eCG concomitantly starting with first pFSH administration. Ovulatory follicular dynamics and follicular wall vascularization (FWV) were evaluated using a B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonic machine, respectively. Superovulatory response and embryo production were evaluated 6 days after estrous detection. In the G200 group, the preovulatory follicle size (PFS) were less (P <  0.05), ovulation time later (P <  0.05), and PFS rate greater (P <  0.05); while in the G100 group ovulation rate, and number and percentage of unfertilized eggs were greater (P <  0.05) than in the G133 group (P <  0.05). Number and percentage of viable embryos were greater in the G200 and G100 compared to G133 group (P <  0.05). The dose of 100 mg of FSH was as efficacious as the traditional dose of 200 mg, in combination with a dose of eCG, for superovulatory response and viable embryo production but there was a greater percentage of unfertilized eggs with this treatment.

Comparison between single port videolaparoscopy and miniceliotomy with snock hook ovariohysterectomy techniques in bitches / Comparação das técnicas videolaparoscópica com único portal e miniceliotomia com gancho de Snook para ovário-histerectomia em cadelas

ABSTRACT: In order to use and study minimally invasive techniques to reduce side effects of ovarian-hysterectomy (OHE) in bitches, the aim of this study was to compare time, surgical complications, pain and postoperative inflammatory response, caused by single port videolaparoscopic OHE and traditional miniceliotomy with snook hook. Twenty-four healthy bitches were randomly divided in two groups: videolaparoscopy (Video) and miniceliotomy (MiniLap). Surgical time and complications, pain, need for analgesic rescue, C-reactive protein concentration, glycaemia and voluntary food ingestion were evaluated during 24 hours following the procedure and compared statistically. Surgical time (38±7min), surgical complications (17%), postoperative pain intensity, need for analgesic rescue and C-reactive protein concentration were similar between groups (P>0.05). Glycaemia was lower in Video group (P=0.03), animals fed faster and in greater proportion (P=0.02). Thus, it is concluded that both OHE techniques result in similar complications, surgical time and inflammatory response; however, animals on Video group fed more readily and presented lower glycaemia, which point to lower stress levels. These findings validated the indication of this technique.

RESUMO: Com o intuito de utilizar e estudar técnicas minimamente invasivas que permitam reduzir os efeitos adversos da ovário-histerectomia (OVH) em cadelas objetivou-se comparar: o tempo, as complicações cirúrgicas, a dor e a resposta inflamatória pós-operatória, resultantes da OVH laparoscópica por único portal e a miniceliotomia tradicional com gancho de Snook. Vinte e quatro cadelas hígidas foram aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos e realizadas a OVH por videolaparoscopia (Vídeo) ou miniceliotomia (MiniLap). Avaliaram-se e compararam-se estatisticamente: o tempo e intercorrências cirúrgicas, a dor, necessidade de resgate analgésico, concentração sérica de proteína C reativa, glicemia e o consumo voluntário de alimento durante as 24 horas subsequentes ao procedimento. O tempo operatório (38±7min), as intercorrências cirúrgicas (17%), a intensidade de dor pós-operatória, a necessidade de resgate analgésico e a concentração sérica de proteína C reativa foram similares entre os grupos (P>0,05). A glicemia foi menor nos animais do grupo Vídeo (P=0,03) e estes se alimentaram mais rapidamente e em maior proporção (P=0,02). Assim, conclui-se que as técnicas de OVH por videolaparoscopia, miniceliotomia resultam em complicações, tempos cirúrgicos e respostas inflamatórias similares, no entanto, os animais submetidos à videolaparoscopia se alimentam mais prontamente e apresentam menor índice glicêmico indicando um nível de estresse menor e este resultado considera-se válido para a indicação desta técnica.