Testicular morphometry as a tool to evaluate the efficiency of immunocastration in lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of immunocastration in lambs using testicular morphometry. Thirty lambs were randomly divided into two treatments (subcutaneous administration of 1.0 mL and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine) and a control group (1.0 mL saline solution). The animals were vaccinated at four months of age, received a second dose 30 days later, and were slaughtered 90 days after the first vaccine dose. After slaughter, testicles were collected, and samples were removed for histological processing and evaluation of testicular morphometric parameters. Analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed, with a 5% level of significance. There was a reduction in testicular weight, gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, leydigosomatic index, and total tubule length. The total length per testicular gram increased in the immunocastrated group. Intrinsic spermatogenesis yield, Sertoli cell indices, and estimates of sperm and Sertoli cell production were reduced in the immunized groups (P < 0.05). The anti-GnRH vaccine in lambs at doses of 1.0 mL and 0.5 mL is sufficient to promote immunocastration, verified through severe changes in testicular morphometry from animals.(AU)

Docosahexaenoic acid in diluent for goat semen cryopreservation

Abstract The effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diluent for cryopreservation of goat semen on seminal quality and the optimal levels to be used were evaluated. After collection, semen was pooled and physically evaluated, then divided into four aliquots with different DHA levels in the diluent: 0, 10, 20, and 30 ng mL-1. The semen was cryopreserved in a TK 3000® freezing machine and then thawed for assessment at 37 °C. Sperm motility and vigor, membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial activity, and sperm chromatin compaction were evaluated after thawing. A completely randomized design was used. For normally distributed variables, ANOVA and regression analysis were used to test for differences between treatments, and for non-parametric data, the Kruskal Wallis test was used at the 5% significance level. There were no differences among groups in terms of membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, or chromatin compaction. There was a decrease in class I mitochondrial activity with increasing DHA level (P<0.05), but no differences in classes II, III, and IV (P>0.05). The inclusion of 10 to 30 ng mL-1 of DHA in the diluent did not result in improvements in seminal quality parameters after thawing, with some impairment observed in the mitochondrial activity of the sperm cells.

Docosahexaenoic acid in diluent for goat semen cryopreservation

The effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diluent for cryopreservation of goat semen on seminal quality and the optimal levels to be used were evaluated. After collection, semen was pooled and physically evaluated, then divided into four aliquots with different DHA levels in the diluent: 0, 10, 20, and 30 ng mL-1. The semen was cryopreserved in a TK 3000® freezing machine and then thawed for assessment at 37 °C. Sperm motility and vigor, membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial activity, and sperm chromatin compaction were evaluated after thawing. A completely randomized design was used. For normally distributed variables, ANOVA and regression analysis were used to test for differences between treatments, and for non-parametric data, the Kruskal Wallis test was used at the 5% significance level. There were no differences among groups in terms of membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, or chromatin compaction. There was a decrease in class I mitochondrial activity with increasing DHA level (P<0.05), but no differences in classes II, III, and IV (P>0.05). The inclusion of 10 to 30 ng mL-1 of DHA in the diluent did not result in improvements in seminal quality parameters after thawing, with some impairment observed in the mitochondrial activity of the sperm cells.(AU)

Docosahexaenoic acid associated vitamin E in the diluent for cryopreservation of goat semen / Ácido docosahexaenoico associado à vitamina E no meio diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of and determine the optimum level of inclusion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diluent for goat semen cryopreservation. Five Boer males underwent semen collection, totaling 10 viable collections per animal. After evaluation, the ejaculates were pooled and fractionated in Tris-yolk medium with the addition of 0; 30; 45; or 60ng mL-1 of DHA and 0.4 mmol of alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E). The semen was cryopreserved in a freezing machine (TK 3000TM) and placed in a cryogenic cylinder for subsequent analysis. Data were evaluated by regression analysis at 5% significance. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in sperm kinetic parameters evaluated by computer assisted sperm analysis: total motility (79.17 ± 17.31%), progressive motility (14.04 ± 5.73%), curvilinear speed (58.82 ± 6.35µm/s), progressive linear speed (22.49 ± 3.63µm/s), mean path speed (35.17 ± 4.52µm/s), linearity (38.69 ± 5.79%), rectilinearity (63.99 ± 6.64%), and oscillation index (59.68 ± 2.99%). There were no differences (P > 0.05) found from the membrane functional integrity test for reactive spermatozoa (69.66 ± 9.76%), plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity of intact spermatozoa (29.86 ± 7.57%), mitochondrial potential of Class I cryopreserved goat semen (72.75 ± 9.81%), and chromatin compaction of intact chromatin (96.87 ± 4.37%).(AU)

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito e determinar o melhor nível de inclusão de ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) no diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Cinco machos Boer foram submetidos a coletas de sêmen, totalizando 10 coletas viáveis por animal. Após avaliação, os ejaculados foram agrupados (pool) e fracionados em meio Tris gema, acrescido de 0; 30; 45 e 60ng mL-1 de DHA e 0,4mmol de alfa-tocoferol. O sêmen foi criopreservado em máquina de congelamento TK 3000® e acondicionado em botijão criogênico para posterior análise. Os dados foram avaliados por análise de regressão a 5% de significância. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) nos parâmetros cinéticos espermáticos avaliados pela análise assistida por computador: motilidade total (79,17 ± 17,31%), motilidade progressiva (14,04 ± 5,73%), velocidade curvilínea (58,82 ± 6,35µm/s), velocidade linear progressiva (22,49 ± 3,63µm/s), velocidade média do caminho (35,17 ± 4,52µm/s), linearidade (38,69 ± 5,79%), retilinearidade (63,99 ± 6,64%) e índice de oscilação (59,68 ± 2,99%). Não foram encontradas diferenças (P> 0,05) no teste de integridade funcional da membrana para espermatozoides reativos (69,66 ± 9,76%), integridade plasmática e membrana acrossomal dos espermatozoides intactos (29,86 ± 7,57%), potencial mitocondrial do sêmen caprino de classe I (72,75 ± 9,81%) e compactação da cromatina intacta (96,87 ± 4,37%). A inclusão de até 60ng mL-1 de DHA não promoveu melhora nos parâmetros de qualidade seminal de caprinos pós-descongelamento.(AU)

Docosahexaenoic acid associated vitamin E in the diluent for cryopreservation of goat semen / Ácido docosahexaenoico associado à vitamina E no meio diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of and determine the optimum level of inclusion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diluent for goat semen cryopreservation. Five Boer males underwent semen collection, totaling 10 viable collections per animal. After evaluation, the ejaculates were pooled and fractionated in Tris-yolk medium with the addition of 0; 30; 45; or 60ng mL-1 of DHA and 0.4 mmol of alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E). The semen was cryopreserved in a freezing machine (TK 3000TM) and placed in a cryogenic cylinder for subsequent analysis. Data were evaluated by regression analysis at 5% significance. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in sperm kinetic parameters evaluated by computer assisted sperm analysis: total motility (79.17 ± 17.31%), progressive motility (14.04 ± 5.73%), curvilinear speed (58.82 ± 6.35µm/s), progressive linear speed (22.49 ± 3.63µm/s), mean path speed (35.17 ± 4.52µm/s), linearity (38.69 ± 5.79%), rectilinearity (63.99 ± 6.64%), and oscillation index (59.68 ± 2.99%). There were no differences (P > 0.05) found from the membrane functional integrity test for reactive spermatozoa (69.66 ± 9.76%), plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity of intact spermatozoa (29.86 ± 7.57%), mitochondrial potential of Class I cryopreserved goat semen (72.75 ± 9.81%), and chromatin compaction of intact chromatin (96.87 ± 4.37%).

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito e determinar o melhor nível de inclusão de ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) no diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Cinco machos Boer foram submetidos a coletas de sêmen, totalizando 10 coletas viáveis por animal. Após avaliação, os ejaculados foram agrupados (pool) e fracionados em meio Tris gema, acrescido de 0; 30; 45 e 60ng mL-1 de DHA e 0,4mmol de alfa-tocoferol. O sêmen foi criopreservado em máquina de congelamento TK 3000® e acondicionado em botijão criogênico para posterior análise. Os dados foram avaliados por análise de regressão a 5% de significância. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) nos parâmetros cinéticos espermáticos avaliados pela análise assistida por computador: motilidade total (79,17 ± 17,31%), motilidade progressiva (14,04 ± 5,73%), velocidade curvilínea (58,82 ± 6,35µm/s), velocidade linear progressiva (22,49 ± 3,63µm/s), velocidade média do caminho (35,17 ± 4,52µm/s), linearidade (38,69 ± 5,79%), retilinearidade (63,99 ± 6,64%) e índice de oscilação (59,68 ± 2,99%). Não foram encontradas diferenças (P> 0,05) no teste de integridade funcional da membrana para espermatozoides reativos (69,66 ± 9,76%), integridade plasmática e membrana acrossomal dos espermatozoides intactos (29,86 ± 7,57%), potencial mitocondrial do sêmen caprino de classe I (72,75 ± 9,81%) e compactação da cromatina intacta (96,87 ± 4,37%). A inclusão de até 60ng mL-1 de DHA não promoveu melhora nos parâmetros de qualidade seminal de caprinos pós-descongelamento.

Reproductive parameters of lambs immunocastrated with anti-GnRH vaccine

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular biometric, seminal, and plasma testosterone levels in lambs subjected to an anti-GnRH vaccine as a method of castration. Thirty entire, crossbred Santa Inês male lambs were randomly distributed into three treatment (T): T1 was the control group, with the administration of 1 mL of saline solution subcutaneously (SC); 1.0 and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine were administered SC in T2 and T3, respectively. Testicular biometric variables, physical and morphological variables of semen, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. At D60, there was a reduction in testicular length, width, thickness, and scrotal circumference of the immunocastrated animals regardless of the vaccine dose used (P < 0.05). A reduction in semen physical variables at both dosages (P < 0.05) was observed, with azoospermia, in 80% and 70% of animals in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively. At D60, the immunocastrated animals also showed an increase in spermatozoa defects (P < 0.05), whereas plasma testosterone concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Immunocastration of lambs using the Bopriva vaccine at doses of 1.0 and 0.5 mL is efficient in inducing azoospermia in up to 80% of animals, although two doses in a 30-day interval are necessary for it to be an effective and safe method. Efficacy was demonstrated through a reduction in serum testosterone levels, testicular biometry, and seminal fluid analysis. Considering the efficacy of both doses in this study, we recommend using the lower dose (0.5 mL), which will allow for a 50% reduction in vaccine costs.

Reproductive parameters of lambs immunocastrated with anti-GnRH vaccine

The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular biometric, seminal, and plasma testosterone levels in lambs subjected to an anti-GnRH vaccine as a method of castration. Thirty entire, crossbred Santa Inês male lambs were randomly distributed into three treatment (T): T1 was the control group, with the administration of 1 mL of saline solution subcutaneously (SC); 1.0 and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine were administered SC in T2 and T3, respectively. Testicular biometric variables, physical and morphological variables of semen, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. At D60, there was a reduction in testicular length, width, thickness, and scrotal circumference of the immunocastrated animals regardless of the vaccine dose used (P < 0.05). A reduction in semen physical variables at both dosages (P < 0.05) was observed, with azoospermia, in 80% and 70% of animals in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively. At D60, the immunocastrated animals also showed an increase in spermatozoa defects (P < 0.05), whereas plasma testosterone concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Immunocastration of lambs using the Bopriva vaccine at doses of 1.0 and 0.5 mL is efficient in inducing azoospermia in up to 80% of animals, although two doses in a 30-day interval are necessary for it to be an effective and safe method. Efficacy was demonstrated through a reduction in serum testosterone levels, testicular biometry, and seminal fluid analysis. Considering the efficacy of both doses in this study, we recommend using the lower dose (0.5 mL), which will allow for a 50% reduction in vaccine costs.(AU)

In vitro performance of Zebu (Bos indicus) and Taurus (Bos taurus) donor cow embryos / Desempenho de vacas doadoras zebuínas (Bos indicus) e taurinas (Bos taurus) na produção de embrião in vitro

In this study, the in vitro production of bovine embryos from zebu and taurine donors was compared. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from 167 Bos taurus and 161 Bos indicus donors by ovum pick-up. COCs were classified based on their morphological quality, matured in incubators for 22 to 24 h in maturation medium, and then fertilized for 18 to 22 h. The zygotes were transferred to the culture medium for seven days. The embryos were classified as morula (OM), initial blastocyst (BI), blastocyst (BL), and expanded blastocyst (BX), before being transferred to synchronized recipient cows. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30-45 days post-transfer. The Bos indicus donors had a higher oocyte yield (n = 2556) than Bos taurus donors (n = 1903) (P = 0.008). The COCs from zebu donors had a better morphological quality than those from taurine donors (n = 689 vs. 444 for grade 1 COC, P < 0.0001; n = 681 vs. 509 for grade 2 COC, P = 0.010, for zebu and taurine donors, respectively). There were differences in embryo production percentages obtained from OM (0.44% from zebu and 6.42% from taurine, P = 0.017), BL (14.18% from zebu and 3.74% from taurine, P < 0.0001), and BX (81.43% from zebu and 75.13% from taurine, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed for embryo production from BI and pregnancy rate (P > 0.05). The Bos indicus cows showed greater oocyte recovery, number of viable oocytes, and production of viable embryos than the Bos taurus cows.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos a partir de doadoras zebuína e taurina. Os complexos cumulus oócitos (COCs) foram obtidos de 167 doadoras Bos taurus e 161 Bos indicus, por meio de Ovum pick-up. Os COCs foram classificados quanto à qualidade morfológica, maturados em incubadora por 22 a 24h em meio de maturação, e encaminhados à fertilização entre 18 e 22h. Os zigotos foram transferidos para meio de cultivo, onde permaneceram durante sete dias. Os embriões foram classificados em mórula (MO), blastocisto inicial (BI), blastocisto (BL) e blastocisto expandido (BX), envasados em palhetas contendo meio de cultivo, e inovulados em receptoras sincronizadas. Após 30 e 45 dias da inovulação, realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação. Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior produção oocitária (n = 2556) em comparação aos Bos taurus (n = 1903) (P = 0,008). Os COCs das doadoras zebu apresentaram melhor qualidade morfológica do que das doadoras taurina (n = 689 vs. 444 para COCs grau I, P < 0,0001; n = 681 vs. 509 para COCs grau II, P = 0,010, para doadoras zebu e taurina, respectivamente). Quanto à produção de embriões, houve diferença nas porcentagens obtidas de MO (0,44% zebuínas e 6,42% taurinas, P = 0,017), BL (14,18% zebuínas e 3,74% taurinas, P < 0,0001) e BX (81,43% zebuínas e 75,13% taurinas, P < 0,0001). Não foi observado diferença para BI e taxa de prenhez (P > 0,05). Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior recuperação oocitária e maior número de oócitos viáveis em comparação às vacas Bos taurus, como também, maior produção de embriões viáveis.(AU)

In vitro performance of Zebu (Bos indicus) and Taurus (Bos taurus) donor cow embryos / Desempenho de vacas doadoras zebuínas (Bos indicus) e taurinas (Bos taurus) na produção de embrião in vitro

In this study, the in vitro production of bovine embryos from zebu and taurine donors was compared. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from 167 Bos taurus and 161 Bos indicus donors by ovum pick-up. COCs were classified based on their morphological quality, matured in incubators for 22 to 24 h in maturation medium, and then fertilized for 18 to 22 h. The zygotes were transferred to the culture medium for seven days. The embryos were classified as morula (OM), initial blastocyst (BI), blastocyst (BL), and expanded blastocyst (BX), before being transferred to synchronized recipient cows. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30-45 days post-transfer. The Bos indicus donors had a higher oocyte yield (n = 2556) than Bos taurus donors (n = 1903) (P = 0.008). The COCs from zebu donors had a better morphological quality than those from taurine donors (n = 689 vs. 444 for grade 1 COC, P 0.05). The Bos indicus cows showed greater oocyte recovery, number of viable oocytes, and production of viable embryos than the Bos taurus cows.

O objetivo foi avaliar a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos a partir de doadoras zebuína e taurina. Os complexos cumulus oócitos (COC’s) foram obtidos de 167 doadoras Bos taurus e 161 Bos indicus, por meio de Ovum pick-up. Os COC’s foram classificados quanto à qualidade morfológica, maturados em incubadora por 22 a 24h em meio de maturação, e encaminhados à fertilização entre 18 e 22h. Os zigotos foram transferidos para meio de cultivo, onde permaneceram durante sete dias. Os embriões foram classificados em mórula (MO), blastocisto inicial (BI), blastocisto (BL) e blastocisto expandido (BX), envasados em palhetas contendo meio de cultivo, e inovulados em receptoras sincronizadas. Após 30 e 45 dias da inovulação, realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação. Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior produção oocitária (n = 2556) em comparação aos Bos taurus (n = 1903) (P = 0,008). Os COCs das doadoras zebu apresentaram melhor qualidade morfológica do que das doadoras taurina (n = 689 vs. 444 para COCs grau I, P 0,05). Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior recuperação oocitária e maior número de oócitos viáveis em comparação às vacas Bos taurus, como também, maior produção de embriões viáveis.

Spermatogenesis in sheep supplemented with detoxified castor bean (Ricinus communis L. ) as a replacement for soybean meal / Espermatogênese de ovinos suplementados com torta de mamona (Ricinus communis L. ) destoxificada em substituição ao farelo de soja

The objective was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal with the detoxified castor bean cake on testicular morphometry and spermatogenesis of sheep. Were used 24 uncastrated, 9-month old sheep weighing 29±0.8 kg they were randomly distributed among three treatments: T1 = 0%, T2 = 50%, and T3 = 100% substitution of soybean meal with detoxified castor bean cake. The animals were fed with Aruana grass pastage (Panicum maximum Aruana) and a ration for 90 days. After slaughtering, the testicles were collected and histological slides were prepared with tissue fragments. The data were evaluated for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and analysis of variance was carried out at 5% level of significance. Substitution of soybean meal with detoxified castor bean cake had no effect on any of the assessed variables at the tested levels (P >0.05). The mean yield of spermatogenesis was 72.91 rounded spermatids per spermatogonium; the mean of total number of germ cells held by a Sertoli cell was 12.09; the mean of the testicular spermatic reserve was 31.82×109 and that per testicular gram was 238.28×106; the mean of daily spermatic production was 3.03×109 and that per testicular gram was 22.69×106; and the total number of Sertoli cells was 4.15×109 and that per testicular gram was 34.51×106. The results show that it is possible to replace 100% of the soybean meal with detoxified castor bean cake in sheep diet without any effects on spermatogenesis; however, it is important to perform seminal evaluations in future studies.(AU)

O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada sobre a espermatogênese em ovinos. Foram utilizados 24 ovinos, com peso médio de 29±0,8kg e 9 meses de idade, distribuídos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1= 0%, T2= 50% e T3= 100% de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada. Os animais foram alimentados com pastagem de capim Aruana (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) e ração durante 90 dias. Por ocasião do abate, coletou-se os testículos para mensurações e avaliação da espermatogênese. Os dados foram avaliados quanto à normalidade por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk e utilizou-se a Análise de Variância com 5% de significância. Não houve efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada nos níveis testados (P>0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis avaliadas. O rendimento médio da espermatogênese foi de 72,91 espermátides arredondadas produzidas a partir de uma espermatogônia; a média do número total de células germinativas sustentadas por uma de célula de Sertoli foi 12,09; a média da reserva espermática testicular total foi de 31,82x109 e de 238,28x106 por grama de testículo; a média da produção espermática diária foi de 3,03x109 e de 22,69x106 por grama de testículo e o número total de células de Sertoli foi de 4,15x109 e de 34,51x106 por grama de testículo. Os resultados demonstram que é possível substituir 100% do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada na dieta de ovinos sem prejuízos no processo de espermatogênese.(AU)

Spermatogenesis in sheep supplemented with detoxified castor bean (Ricinus communis L. ) as a replacement for soybean meal / Espermatogênese de ovinos suplementados com torta de mamona (Ricinus communis L. ) destoxificada em substituição ao farelo de soja

The objective was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal with the detoxified castor bean cake on testicular morphometry and spermatogenesis of sheep. Were used 24 uncastrated, 9-month old sheep weighing 29±0.8 kg they were randomly distributed among three treatments: T1 = 0%, T2 = 50%, and T3 = 100% substitution of soybean meal with detoxified castor bean cake. The animals were fed with Aruana grass pastage (Panicum maximum Aruana) and a ration for 90 days. After slaughtering, the testicles were collected and histological slides were prepared with tissue fragments. The data were evaluated for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and analysis of variance was carried out at 5% level of significance. Substitution of soybean meal with detoxified castor bean cake had no effect on any of the assessed variables at the tested levels (P >0.05). The mean yield of spermatogenesis was 72.91 rounded spermatids per spermatogonium; the mean of total number of germ cells held by a Sertoli cell was 12.09; the mean of the testicular spermatic reserve was 31.82×109 and that per testicular gram was 238.28×106; the mean of daily spermatic production was 3.03×109 and that per testicular gram was 22.69×106; and the total number of Sertoli cells was 4.15×109 and that per testicular gram was 34.51×106. The results show that it is possible to replace 100% of the soybean meal with detoxified castor bean cake in sheep diet without any effects on spermatogenesis; however, it is important to perform seminal evaluations in future studies.

O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada sobre a espermatogênese em ovinos. Foram utilizados 24 ovinos, com peso médio de 29±0,8kg e 9 meses de idade, distribuídos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1= 0%, T2= 50% e T3= 100% de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada. Os animais foram alimentados com pastagem de capim Aruana (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) e ração durante 90 dias. Por ocasião do abate, coletou-se os testículos para mensurações e avaliação da espermatogênese. Os dados foram avaliados quanto à normalidade por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk e utilizou-se a Análise de Variância com 5% de significância. Não houve efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada nos níveis testados (P>0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis avaliadas. O rendimento médio da espermatogênese foi de 72,91 espermátides arredondadas produzidas a partir de uma espermatogônia; a média do número total de células germinativas sustentadas por uma de célula de Sertoli foi 12,09; a média da reserva espermática testicular total foi de 31,82x109 e de 238,28x106 por grama de testículo; a média da produção espermática diária foi de 3,03x109 e de 22,69x106 por grama de testículo e o número total de células de Sertoli foi de 4,15x109 e de 34,51x106 por grama de testículo. Os resultados demonstram que é possível substituir 100% do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada na dieta de ovinos sem prejuízos no processo de espermatogênese.

Application of low dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin at acupoint Hou Hai for fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cows / Aplicação de baixa dose de gonadotrofina coriônica equina no acuponto Hou Hai em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo para vacas de corte

This study evaluated the efficiency application of low dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) using Hou Hai acupoint for fixed-term artificial insemination (FTAI) in beef cows. Seventy cows received intravaginal devices with progesterone, and 3 mg of estradiol benzoate on day zero (D0) of FTAI. On D9, the devices were removed, and 150 μg of prostaglandin F2α was applied; the animals were then randomly distributed to three treatment groups: T1 (n = 23), 300 IU of eCG intramuscularly (IM); T2 (n = 23), 90 IU of eCG at acupoint Hou Hai; and T3 (n = 25), 90 IU of eCG at false acupoint IM. On D10, the animals received 1 mg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone IM, and FTAI was performed, 52 h after the devices were removed. The quantitative variables with normal distribution were assessed using analysis of variance at 5% probability. For variables that did not show normal distribution, Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% probability was used. No significant difference was noted among the groups (P > 0.05) for the interval between device withdrawal at ovulation (58.2 ± 12.2 h), diameter of the largest follicle on D9 (9.9 ± 2.2 mm), diameters of the ovulatory follicle (12.2 ± 3.0 mm) and the second largest follicle (6.7 ± 2.1 mm), follicular growth rate (0.8 ± 0.3 mm/d), ovulation rate (82%), corpus luteum size (2.32 ± 0.35 cm2), and pregnancy rate (58.67%). The protocol cost per animal was US$ 10.67 (T1) and US$ 8.50 (T2 and T3). The use of 90 IU of eCG applied at Hou Hai acupoint or at false acupoint caused satisfactory synchronization of estrus in beef cows. In addition, this procedure was cost-effective.(AU)

Avaliou-se a eficiência da aplicação de subdose gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) utulizando como via de administração o acuponto Hou Hai em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) para vacas de corte. Setenta vacas receberam no dia zero (D0) do protocolo dispositivos intravaginais com progesterona, e 3mg de benzoato de estradiol. No D9 foram retirados os dispositivos, aplicado 150µg de prostaglandina F2α e distribuídos os animais aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1 (n=23) - 300UI de eCG por via intra muscular (IM); T2 (n=23) - 90UI de eCG no acuponto Hou Hai e T3 (n=25) - 90UI de eCG em falso acuponto, IM. No D10 os animais receberam 1mg de GnRH por via IM e foi realizada a IATF, 52 horas após a retirada dos dispositivos. Para as variáveis quantitativas com distribuição normal foi utilizada ANOVA, a 5% de probabilidade. Para as variáveis que não apresentaram distribuição normal, utilizou-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis, a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve diferença (P >0,05) para o intervalo entre a retirada do dispositivo à ovulação (58,2 ± 12,2h), diâmetro do maior folículo no D9 (9,9 ± 2,2mm), diâmetros do folículo ovulatório (12,2 ± 3,0mm) e do segundo maior folículo (6,7 ± 2,1mm), taxa de crescimento folicular (0,8 ± 0,3mm/d), taxa de ovulação (82%), área de corpo lúteo (2,32 ± 0,35 cm2) e taxa de prenhez (58,67%). O custo do protocolo por animal foi de US$ 10,67 (T1) e US$ 8,50 (T2 e T3). Sugere-se que a utilização de 90UI de eCG aplicada no acuponto Hou Hai ou em falso acuponto foram satisfatórios na sincronização de estro de vacas de corte. Além disso, possibilita a redução do custo do protocolo.(AU)

Application of low dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin at acupoint Hou Hai for fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cows / Aplicação de baixa dose de gonadotrofina coriônica equina no acuponto Hou Hai em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo para vacas de corte

This study evaluated the efficiency application of low dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) using Hou Hai acupoint for fixed-term artificial insemination (FTAI) in beef cows. Seventy cows received intravaginal devices with progesterone, and 3 mg of estradiol benzoate on day zero (D0) of FTAI. On D9, the devices were removed, and 150 μg of prostaglandin F2α was applied; the animals were then randomly distributed to three treatment groups: T1 (n = 23), 300 IU of eCG intramuscularly (IM); T2 (n = 23), 90 IU of eCG at acupoint Hou Hai; and T3 (n = 25), 90 IU of eCG at false acupoint IM. On D10, the animals received 1 mg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone IM, and FTAI was performed, 52 h after the devices were removed. The quantitative variables with normal distribution were assessed using analysis of variance at 5% probability. For variables that did not show normal distribution, Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% probability was used. No significant difference was noted among the groups (P > 0.05) for the interval between device withdrawal at ovulation (58.2 ± 12.2 h), diameter of the largest follicle on D9 (9.9 ± 2.2 mm), diameters of the ovulatory follicle (12.2 ± 3.0 mm) and the second largest follicle (6.7 ± 2.1 mm), follicular growth rate (0.8 ± 0.3 mm/d), ovulation rate (82%), corpus luteum size (2.32 ± 0.35 cm2), and pregnancy rate (58.67%). The protocol cost per animal was US$ 10.67 (T1) and US$ 8.50 (T2 and T3). The use of 90 IU of eCG applied at Hou Hai acupoint or at false acupoint caused satisfactory synchronization of estrus in beef cows. In addition, this procedure was cost-effective.

Avaliou-se a eficiência da aplicação de subdose gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) utulizando como via de administração o acuponto Hou Hai em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) para vacas de corte. Setenta vacas receberam no dia zero (D0) do protocolo dispositivos intravaginais com progesterona, e 3mg de benzoato de estradiol. No D9 foram retirados os dispositivos, aplicado 150µg de prostaglandina F2α e distribuídos os animais aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1 (n=23) - 300UI de eCG por via intra muscular (IM); T2 (n=23) - 90UI de eCG no acuponto Hou Hai e T3 (n=25) - 90UI de eCG em falso acuponto, IM. No D10 os animais receberam 1mg de GnRH por via IM e foi realizada a IATF, 52 horas após a retirada dos dispositivos. Para as variáveis quantitativas com distribuição normal foi utilizada ANOVA, a 5% de probabilidade. Para as variáveis que não apresentaram distribuição normal, utilizou-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis, a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve diferença (P >0,05) para o intervalo entre a retirada do dispositivo à ovulação (58,2 ± 12,2h), diâmetro do maior folículo no D9 (9,9 ± 2,2mm), diâmetros do folículo ovulatório (12,2 ± 3,0mm) e do segundo maior folículo (6,7 ± 2,1mm), taxa de crescimento folicular (0,8 ± 0,3mm/d), taxa de ovulação (82%), área de corpo lúteo (2,32 ± 0,35 cm2) e taxa de prenhez (58,67%). O custo do protocolo por animal foi de US$ 10,67 (T1) e US$ 8,50 (T2 e T3). Sugere-se que a utilização de 90UI de eCG aplicada no acuponto Hou Hai ou em falso acuponto foram satisfatórios na sincronização de estro de vacas de corte. Além disso, possibilita a redução do custo do protocolo.

Fetal sexing in small ruminants through visualization of the genital tubercle / Sexagem fetal em pequenos ruminantes por meio da visibilização do tubérculo genital

The objective of this study was to verify the accuracy of sexing and fetal number estimation in small ruminants by ultrasonographic examination. Fifty fetuses from 36 sheep and 23 fetuses from 11 goats were evaluated. In the case of sheep, twenty-four, ten, and two pregnancy were single, double, and triple, respectively. Regarding the goats, three, five, two, and one simple pregnancy were single, double, triple, and quadruple, respectively. The evaluations were performed on days 55 and 65 of gestation, by means of transrectal ultrasonographic examination, using a dual-frequency linear transducer, (6.0 and 8.0 MHz). Fetal sex was diagnosed by the location of the genital tubercle or visualization of external genitalia. The accuracy of fetal sexing was evaluated using the Chi-square test (X2) considering a 5% significance level. The gestational period interfered in the accuracy of fetal sexing in both species (P 0.05). Obtained results showed 30% and 82.61% accuracy on day 55 of gestation, and 90% and 95.83% on day 65 for goats and sheep, respectively. The fetal sex and the type of pregnancy did not interfere in the sexing accuracy in both species during the evaluated periods (P> 0.05). Thus, B-mode ultrasonography is an efficient method to perform an early diagnosis of fetal sex and to determine the number of fetuses in the studied small ruminants on day 65 of gestation. In addition, the accuracy of fetal sexing is not influenced by the type of pregnancy or fetal sex.(AU)

O objetivo com este estudo foi verificar a acurácia da sexagem e da estimativa do número fetal em pequenos ruminantes por meio de exame ultrassonográfico. Foram avaliados 50 fetos de 36 ovelhas e 23 fetos de 11 cabras. No caso das ovelhas, 24, 10 e duas gestações foram simples, duplas e triplas, respectivamente. Enquanto nas cabras, três, cinco, duas e uma gestação foram simples, duplas, triplas e quádrupla, respectivamente. As avaliações foram realizadas aos 55 e 65 dias de gestação, por meio de exame ultrassonográfico transretal, utilizando-se um transdutor linear de dupla frequência (6,0 e 8,0 MHz). O sexo fetal foi diagnosticado pela localização do tubérculo genital ou visibilização da genitália externa. A acurácia da sexagem fetal foi avaliada por meio do teste Qui-quadrado (X2) considerando 5% de significância. O período gestacional interferiu (P 0,05) na acurácia da sexagem fetal. Obteve-se 30% e 82,61% de acurácia aos 55 dias de gestação, e 90% e 95,83% aos 65 dias, para cabras e ovelhas, respectivamente. O sexo fetal e o tipo de gestação não interferiram (P>0,05) na acurácia da sexagem em ambas as espécies nos períodos avaliados. Desta forma, a ultrassonografia em modo-B é um método eficiente para realização de diagnóstico precoce do sexo fetal e para determinação do número de fetos nos pequenos ruminantes no 65° dia da gestação, além disso, a acurácia da sexagem fetal não é influenciada pelo tipo de gestação, nem pelo sexo fetal.(AU)

Fetal sexing in small ruminants through visualization of the genital tubercle / Sexagem fetal em pequenos ruminantes por meio da visibilização do tubérculo genital

The objective of this study was to verify the accuracy of sexing and fetal number estimation in small ruminants by ultrasonographic examination. Fifty fetuses from 36 sheep and 23 fetuses from 11 goats were evaluated. In the case of sheep, twenty-four, ten, and two pregnancy were single, double, and triple, respectively. Regarding the goats, three, five, two, and one simple pregnancy were single, double, triple, and quadruple, respectively. The evaluations were performed on days 55 and 65 of gestation, by means of transrectal ultrasonographic examination, using a dual-frequency linear transducer, (6.0 and 8.0 MHz). Fetal sex was diagnosed by the location of the genital tubercle or visualization of external genitalia. The accuracy of fetal sexing was evaluated using the Chi-square test (X2) considering a 5% significance level. The gestational period interfered in the accuracy of fetal sexing in both species (P 0.05). Obtained results showed 30% and 82.61% accuracy on day 55 of gestation, and 90% and 95.83% on day 65 for goats and sheep, respectively. The fetal sex and the type of pregnancy did not interfere in the sexing accuracy in both species during the evaluated periods (P> 0.05). Thus, B-mode ultrasonography is an efficient method to perform an early diagnosis of fetal sex and to determine the number of fetuses in the studied small ruminants on day 65 of gestation. In addition, the accuracy of fetal sexing is not influenced by the type of pregnancy or fetal sex.

O objetivo com este estudo foi verificar a acurácia da sexagem e da estimativa do número fetal em pequenos ruminantes por meio de exame ultrassonográfico. Foram avaliados 50 fetos de 36 ovelhas e 23 fetos de 11 cabras. No caso das ovelhas, 24, 10 e duas gestações foram simples, duplas e triplas, respectivamente. Enquanto nas cabras, três, cinco, duas e uma gestação foram simples, duplas, triplas e quádrupla, respectivamente. As avaliações foram realizadas aos 55 e 65 dias de gestação, por meio de exame ultrassonográfico transretal, utilizando-se um transdutor linear de dupla frequência (6,0 e 8,0 MHz). O sexo fetal foi diagnosticado pela localização do tubérculo genital ou visibilização da genitália externa. A acurácia da sexagem fetal foi avaliada por meio do teste Qui-quadrado (X2) considerando 5% de significância. O período gestacional interferiu (P 0,05) na acurácia da sexagem fetal. Obteve-se 30% e 82,61% de acurácia aos 55 dias de gestação, e 90% e 95,83% aos 65 dias, para cabras e ovelhas, respectivamente. O sexo fetal e o tipo de gestação não interferiram (P>0,05) na acurácia da sexagem em ambas as espécies nos períodos avaliados. Desta forma, a ultrassonografia em modo-B é um método eficiente para realização de diagnóstico precoce do sexo fetal e para determinação do número de fetos nos pequenos ruminantes no 65° dia da gestação, além disso, a acurácia da sexagem fetal não é influenciada pelo tipo de gestação, nem pelo sexo fetal.