Efeito da aplicação de flunixin meglumine sobre a taxa de gestação de ovelhas inseminadas via transcervical / Effect of Flunixin Meglumine Injection on Pregnancy Rate of Ewes Inseminated by Transcervical Technique

ABSTRACT

Background: In livestock animals, which artificial insemination (AI) is widely spread, a healthy uterine environment is an important factor that should be taken into account for an adequate fertilization and establishment and development of pregnancy. The main limitation to spread the frozen semen insemination in sheep is the high costs of the laparoscopy AI and the difficulty of traversing the cervix. To overcome problems associated with transcervical artificial insemination, new techniques and instruments have been proposed. The manipulation of cervix during transcervical artificial insemination in sheep can lead to a local inflammatory reaction that releases inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and cytokines, that either can negatively affect the uterine environment and consequently, the conception. In this regard, the injection of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) at the moment of AI could reduce the secretion of inflammatory mediators, promoting a healthier uterine environment favorable to conception. The flunixin meglumine is a NSAI which reduces the synthesis of PGF2α by the inibition of the cyclooxigenase. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of flunixin meglumine (non-steroid antiinflammatory) injection on pregnancy rate of ewes inseminated by the transcervical technique. Materials, Methods & Results: In this experiment 69 pluriparous ewes were used, 29 in control group (CG) and 40 in flunixin meglumine group (FMG). The estrus detection was performed twice daily for 5 days. The ewes detected with paint in the low back were considered in estrus. The AI procedure was performed 8 h after the estrus detection. At the AI time, the ewes were separated according to body condition score in two experimental groups. The ewes of the FM Group were injected with 1.1 mg/ Kg of flunixin meglumine, im, 1 h before the AI procedure. In order to locate the ostium, a vaginal speculum and a source of external light were used;(...)