Cultural considerations and beliefs surrounding preterm birth in Kenya and South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth (PTB) is a global health epidemic, sub-Saharan Africa is severely impacted due to its limited healthcare resources. Pregnancy knowledge, cultural beliefs and practices play a role in the identification of risk and management of PTB. This study explored knowledge, understandings, cultural beliefs and attitudes to pregnancy and PTB, as well as cultural considerations for the introduction of an intravaginal device which could be used to identify PTB risk. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted in South Africa and Kenya. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured guides with women with a history of PTB (n = 10), healthcare providers (n = 16) and health systems experts (n = 10); and 26 focus group discussions with pregnant women seeking antenatal care (n = 132) and community male partners/fathers (n = 54). Interviews/discussions were transcribed, translated, and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Pregnancy knowledge, especially for first time pregnancies was poor, with many reporting late entry to antenatal care. Knowledge about PTB was understood in terms of gestational age, weight or small size of baby, with concerns about long term health and stigma. Various risk factors for PTB were described, including those related to traditions and beliefs of witchcraft/curses. Cultural practices, such as the use of traditional medicines and pica, and religion and its impact on health seeking behaviour were also viewed as risk factors. Although insertion of intravaginal devices was not widely acceptable in traditional communities, especially during pregnancy, it was felt that the use of one to detect risk of PTB would be accepted if proven effective in reducing PTB risk. CONCLUSIONS: Various culturally-informed beliefs exist which explain understandings of and attitudes toward pregnancy, pregnancy risk, and PTB. An inclusive exploratory process is critical to facilitate an understanding of the beliefs and traditions which could impact the introduction and design of a product to detect the risk of PTB.

Use of injectable progesterone to replace the intravaginal progesterone device on the ovulation synchronization protocol reduces the pregnancy rate in Bos indicus cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using different doses of injectable progesterone (P4i) in a new ovulation synchronization protocol in place of progesterone (P4)-releasing intravaginal devices in Bos indicus cows. For this, three experiments were carried out. To determine the P4-release curve (Experiment 1), 55 Bos indicus cows were distributed into 5 experimental groups for the administration of different doses of P4i at D0 (P4i60, n = 11; P4i105, n = 11; P4i150, n = 11; P4i195, n = 11 and P4i240, n = 11) and submitted to the ovulation synchronization protocol (D0: P4i + EB; D8: PGF2α + EC + eCG). Daily blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from D0 to D12 for analysis of the serum P4 profile. To evaluate ovarian follicular dynamics and the timing of ovulation (Experiment 2), three studies were conducted with different doses of P4i at the beginning of the ovulation synchronization protocol (Study a: 150 mg and 105 mg P4i; Study b: 75 mg P4i; Study c: 60 mg P4i). At the end of the ovulation synchronization protocol, after ovulation inducing administration, ultrasound examinations were performed every 24 h until 96 h or until ovulation was detected (Studies a, b and c). To evaluate the pregnancy rate (Experiment 3), 132 Bos indicus cows were subjected to an ovulation synchronization protocol using either a 75 mg progesterone injection (Group P4i75) or an intravaginal P4 device (control group) on D0. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasound 30 days after the end of the ovulation synchronization protocol. All statistical analyses were performed by SAS®. In the P4-release curve, the peak occurred on D1 and on D3 all concentrations remained below 1 ng/mL until the end of the study (D12) in all groups. The ovulation rates were similar between the 75 mg dose group and the Control group (P = 0.24 - Experiment 2 - study b), result not observed with other doses of P4i (study a and c). The pregnancy rate (Experiment 3) was greater [P4i Group 27% and Control Group 72.7% (P = 0.0001)] in cows receiving the intravaginal P4 device. In conclusion, the use of long-acting P4i (75 mg) to replace the intravaginal P4 device negatively affects the conception rate of Bos indicus cows submitted to ovulation synchronization protocol.

Current State of Non-surgical Devices for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize and assess the current non-surgical devices for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). RECENT FINDINGS: Devices for SUI can generally be divided into two categories. One category is the augmentation of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), wherein devices such as vaginal cones, intravaginal biofeedback, and electrical or magnetic stimulation are used to strength the pelvic floor musculature, though none are more effective than traditional PFMT. The second category of devices mechanically occludes the outlet and includes incontinence pessaries, intravaginal occlusion devices, and urethral plugs and patches. While these are palliative rather than curative, they share similar rates of improvement in leakage. A number of novel devices exist for the treatment and management of SUI. Though no single device has been shown to be more effective than PFMT alone, they may be beneficial for women who have difficulty isolating their pelvic floor muscles, desire accountability, or prefer technology-based engagement. Outlet occlusion devices are less comfortable for the patient, but remain an option for women who do not desire surgery.

Assessment of Sensitivity and Profitability of an Intravaginal Sensor for Remote Calving Prediction in Dairy Cattle.

One critical point of dairy farm management is calving and neonatal first care. Timely calving assistance is associated with the reduction of calf mortality and postpartum uterine disease, and with improved fertility in dairy cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and profitability of an intravaginal sensor for the prediction of stage II of labor in dairy farms, thus allowing proper calving assistance. Seventy-three late-gestating Italian Holstein cows were submitted to the insertion of an intravaginal device, equipped with light and temperature sensors, connected with a Central Unit for the commutation of a radio-signal into a cell phone alert. The remote calving alarm correctly identified the beginning of the expulsive phase of labor in 86.3% of the monitored cows. The mean interval from alarm to complete expulsion of the fetus was 71.56 ± 52.98 min, with a greater range in cows with dystocia (p = 0.012). The sensor worked correctly in both cold and warm weather conditions, and during day- or night-time. The intravaginal probe was well tolerated, as any cow showed lesions to the vaginal mucosa after calving. Using sex-sorted semen in heifers and beef bull semen in cows at their last lactation, the economic estimation performed through PrecisionTree™ software led to an income improvement of 119 € and 123 €/monitored delivery in primiparous and pluriparous cows, respectively. Remote calving alarm devices are key components of "precision farming" management and proven to improve animal welfare, to reduce calf losses and to increase farm incomes.

Timed artificial insemination in crossbred mares: Reproductive efficiency and costs.

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) has boosted the use of conventional artificial insemination (CAI) by employing hormonal protocols to synchronize oestrus and ovulation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a hormonal protocol for TAI in mares, based on a combination of progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID), prostaglandin (PGF2α ) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); and compare financial costs between CAI and TAI. Twenty-one mares were divided into two groups: CAI group (CAIG; n = 6 mares; 17 oestrous cycles) and TAI group (TAIG; n = 15 mares; 15 oestrous cycles). The CAIG was subjected to CAI, involving follicular dynamics and uterine oedema monitoring with ultrasound examinations (US), and administration of hCG (1,600 IU) when the dominant follicle (DF) diameter's ≥35 mm + uterine oedema + cervix opening. The AI was performed with fresh semen (500 × 106 cells), and embryo was recovered on day 8 (D8) after ovulation. In TAI, mares received 1.9 g PRID on D0. On D10, PRID was removed and 6.71 mg dinoprost tromethamine was administered. Ovulation was induced on D14 (1,600 IU of hCG) regardless of the DF diameter's, and AI was performed with fresh semen (500 × 106 cells). On D30 after AI, pregnancy was confirmed by US. The pregnancy rate was 80.0% in TAIG and 82.3% in CAIG (p > .05). The TAI protocol resulted in 65% reduction in professional transport costs, and 40% reduction in material costs. The TAI was as efficient as CAI, provided reduction in costs and handlings, and is recommended in mares.

Research and development of a silicone letrozole-releasing device to control reproduction in cattle.

Two experiments were conducted to test the effectiveness of a silicone matrix as an intravaginal drug delivery device for letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor used for synchronization protocols in cattle. A wax dip-coat formulation of the intravaginal device used in previous studies was effective in releasing letrozole but was cumbersome to manufacture and deploy, resulting in unwanted variation in drug delivery and circulating concentrations of letrozole. In Experiment 1, a 3 × 3 design was used to test the release kinetics of letrozole from silicone in vitro. Silicone was mixed with 3 different letrozole drug loads (5%, 10%, 15%) and 3 different mineral oil loads (5%, 10%, 15%), and letrozole release into 62.5% ethanol was compared with the wax dip-coat formulation (positive control) by UV spectrophotometry. Letrozole was released from silicone in a dose-dependent manner, with no effect of mineral oil. Release kinetics were then examined in vivo (Experiment 2) in nulliparous beef heifers assigned randomly to six groups (n = 6/group) and given either a large surface area (LSA) with 5% or 15% drug load, a standard surface area (SSA) intravaginal silicone device impregnated with 10% or 15% drug load, a wax dip-coat device (positive control), or a blank device (negative control). Devices were inserted on Day 3 (Day 0 = ovulation) until Day 11. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h, and twice daily until Day 11 to determine letrozole plasma concentrations by LC-MS/MS and estradiol plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay The ovaries were examined once daily from Day 3-13 by ultrasonography to determine follicular and luteal responses to treatment. Letrozole plasma concentrations were higher in heifers given a device with an LSA vs SSA (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of estradiol decreased the most in heifers given the 15% LSA device (P = 0.06). The interval between emergence of successive follicular waves was longest (P < 0.05) in the positive control and the 15% LSA groups. As well, the diameter profiles of the dominant follicle and the corpus luteum were largest (P < 0.01) in the positive control and 15% LSA groups. In conclusion, letrozole was released from a silicone matrix in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and the 15% LSA devices achieved target effects on ovarian function. Results may be used to manufacture a silicone intravaginal device for delivering aromatase inhibitors in a novel synchronization protocol for cattle.

[Conservative management of genital prolapse]. / Traitement non chirurgical des prolapsus génitaux.

Conservative management of genital prolapse may be an alternative to surgical treatment, if prolapse is moderate or has few symptoms, and for frail patients when surgery is contraindicated. Non-surgical management consists of several measures. Topical hormonal treatments improve patients' comfort, but their efficiency was not proven. Pessaries achieve anatomical reintegration of prolapse and reach up to 80% satisfaction rate. Cube-shaped pessaries have to be changed daily, permanent ring pessaries require to be changed by a doctor every 3 months. Pelvic floor muscle training can improve symptoms in moderate forms and delays the prolapse worsening. Prevention is important, associating measures such as fighting obesity, constipation, coughing, eviction of heavy loads carrying and avoiding pelvic floor high solicitating sports.

TRAITEMENT NON CHIRURGICAL DES PROLAPSUS GÉNITAUX Le traitement conservateur des prolapsus des organes pelviens peut être une alternative au traitement chirurgical lorsque le prolapsus est modéré ou peu symptomatique, et chez des patientes fragiles, lorsque la chirurgie est contre-indiquée. Plusieurs mesures s'intègrent dans une prise en charge non chirurgicale. Les traitements hormonaux améliorent le confort des patientes sans que leur efficacité puisse être démontrée. Les pessaires permettent la réduction anatomique du prolapsus. En forme de cube pour un changement quotidien ou d'anneau conservé à demeure avec changement par un médecin tous les 3 mois, ils permettent d'obtenir jusqu'à 80 % de satisfaction des patientes, et sont le plus souvent associés aux estrogènes. La rééducation périnéale améliorerait les symptômes dans les formes modérées, et retarderait l'aggravation du prolapsus. Les mesures préventives sont importantes, et réunissent la lutte contre l'obésité, la constipation, la toux, et l'éviction du port de charges lourdes et de certains sports.

Effect of body condition score and reuse of progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices on conception rate following timed artificial insemination in Nelore cows.

This study had the aim of investigating the efficiency of timed artificial insemination (TAI) through the progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID), used in new condition and for the second and third times in Nelore cows. The effects of device reuse and body condition score (BCS) on the conception rate (CR) were evaluated in 1,122 multiparous Nelore cows (mean BCS of 2.7 ± 0.4), which were randomly distributed into three groups that received new (n = 330), once (n = 439) and twice used (n = 353) PRID. Among the 1,122 females that underwent TAI, 573 became pregnant, thus representing an overall CR of 51.06%. Cows with BCS between 2.75 and 4.0 had greater (p < .0001) CR (69.75%) than cows with BSC of 2.0-2.5 (32.98%). It was observed that the CR through using PRID was 60.00%, 51.71% and 41.93% for new, once and twice used PRID, respectively, with difference between all groups (p < .0001). Under tropical conditions, animals with BCS greater than 2.5 had a higher CR, and the CR decreased proportionally with the number of times that the PRID had been used.

Prepartum progestagen supplementation in swine: a strategy to facilitate piglet care and prevent early parturition / Suplementação de progestágenos no pré-parto em suínos: estratégia para facilitar assistência aos leitões e evitar partos precoces

ABSTRACT: Gestation length in swine has a considerable amplitude and both early and delayed parturition are common. This variation increases the occurrence of unassisted farrowing and could lead to a wide-ranging age at weaning for piglets born from one batch. Supervision of sow parturition is crucial to reduce mortality of neonate piglets. To facilitate assistance, induction of farrowing using prostaglandin F2α (PGF) has been widely used in batch farrowing systems, whereby synchronization would concentrate the time of farrowing, allowing for better organization of employees. However, a viable alternative method that can be implemented to manage farrowing is to sustain high progestagen levels in the final days of gestation and, consequently, prevent early parturition. Efficient techniques to delay farrowing such as using oral progestagen supplementation have been previously described, but are only recently being considered for commercial use. The present manuscript reviews publications regarding delaying parturition and discusses the use of intravaginal devices (IVDs) containing progestagen. There is limited data addressing the effect of progestagen treatment during gestation on productive and reproductive performance. Therefore, future studies should focus on improving synchronization protocols following progestagen supplementation and evaluating piglet viability and sow fertility, before widely using progestagen supplementation to manipulate parturition.

RESUMO: Como a duração da gestação de suínos pode ter ampla variação, é comum a ocorrência de partos antecipados ou gestações prolongadas. Isso aumenta as chances de partos sem assistência e leva a uma grande variação de idade dos leitões dentro do lote de produção. Portanto, a supervisão do parto é indispensável para reduzir as perdas neonatais. Para facilitar o auxílio aos leitões, a indução do parto com prostaglandina F2α (PGF) é eficaz e amplamente utilizada, sendo indicada para concentrar os partos em momentos mais adequados, preferencialmente durante o horário com maior disponibilidade de colaboradores. Uma alternativa viável é manipular o momento do parto, através da manutenção de níveis plasmáticos elevados de progestágeno durante o final da gestação, a fim de evitar partos antecipados. Formas eficientes de evitar o parto através de suplementação oral de progestágenos foram descritas há décadas, mas apenas recentemente tem sido cogitada a utilização comercial. A presente revisão aborda estudos disponíveis na literatura relacionados ao protelamento do parto, incluindo a utilização de dispositivos intravaginais (DIVs) impregnados com progestágeno. São poucos os dados disponíveis relacionados ao uso de progestágenos na gestação com índices produtivos e reprodutivos. Portanto, alguns pontos ainda devem ser melhor avaliados, especialmente com relação à determinação da sincronia dos partos após o fim da suplementação com progestágenos, à viabilidade dos neonatos e à fertilidade subsequente das fêmeas antes da ampla adoção desta técnica.

Impact of a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device and inflammatory reaction on ovarian activity in embryo-recipient anestrus mares.

This study aimed to correlate the inflammatory reaction (IR) caused by a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (P4) with ovarian activity and pregnancy rate (PR) in embryo-recipient anestrus mares (to decrease the spring transitional period). 50 animals were assigned to three groups: GP4 (P4 group; n = 16), GP4OH (P4 + oxytetracycline hydrochloride and hydrocortisone sprayed onto the device; n = 14), and GNP4 (no intravaginal P4; n = 20). The administration protocol for GP4 was: Day 0, 750 mg P4 + ovarian examination by ultrasonography (US) + vaginal sample collection; Day 8, US; Day 11, P4 removal + 7.5 mg PGF2α + US + second vaginal sample collection; Days 13 to 16, US; Days 17 to 21, US + 750 IU hCG to mares with follicles 35 mm or more in diameter; Days 19 to 23 US (ovulation check); Days 24 to 28, embryo transfer + intravenous flunixin meglumine; and Days 30, US pregnancy diagnosis. The GP4OH and GNP4 mares received the same administration protocol as GP4, except that no P4 device was administered to the GNP4 group on Day 0. Although neutrophil-mediated IR occurred in the GP4 and GP4OH groups, the IR was significantly reduced in GP4OH as compared with that in GP4 (P < 0.0001). From Day 0 to Day 17, the GP4 and GP4OH mares developed a greater number of follicles per animal than did the GNP4 mares (P < 0.05), and the average diameter of the follicles was larger in the GP4 and GP4OH mares. The ovulation rates in GP4, GP4OH, and GNP4 mares were, respectively, 43.7%, 64.3%, and 30.0%, and ovulation occurred at 6.8, 6.5, and 23 days after P4 removal (P < 0.05). On Day 17, endometrial edema was verified in 50%, 64.2%, and 35.0% of the GP4, GP4OH, and GNP4 mares, and the PRs after embryo transfer were 80%, 100%, and 66.6%, respectively. Although intravaginal devices caused IR in both the device-recipient groups (P = 0.0001), IR and vaginitis had no negative impact on follicle diameter, ovulation rate, period to ovulation after the removal of P4, endometrial edema, or PR. In addition, P4 reactivated the ovarian function and the IR eliminated a large percentage of bacteria (Bacillus spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus spp.), especially in GP4; the application of oxytetracycline hydrochloride and hydrocortisone on the devices reduced the severity of vaginitis.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of bacteria from vaginitis associated with intravaginal implants in ewes following estrus synchronization / Análise qualitativa e quantitativa de bactérias da vaginite associadas com implante intravaginal em ovelhas após sincronização de estro

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the presence of vaginitis and the bacterial load associated with different intravaginal implants in ewes. Twenty-four Dorper and crossbred ewes were allocated into three groups and received intravaginal implant containing 0.3g progesterone (CIDR(r)), 60mg MAP or sponges without progesterone (CONTROL) for six days. Then, CIDR and MAP treated-ewes received 12.5mg dinoprost and 300IU eCG. Vaginal mucus samples were collected at four times: before device insertion, at the day of its removal, 24 and 48 hours after. The samples were cultured and the colonies were counted (CFU/mL) and identified. The results obtained from the counting of CFU mL-1 were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis H test, with P<0.05 being considered significant. Before device insertion, 68.2% of the samples yielded Staphylococcus spp. and 60.0% of them were Staphylococcus aureus. After implant removal, 100% of ewes had clinical signs of vaginitis. However, the level of local infection in the CONTROL-ewes was lower (P>0.05) in comparison with MAP and CIDR-treated ewes. During the occurrence of vaginitis, the predominant isolates belonged to the coliform group, mainly Escherichia coli (72.7%). Such infection was not determined by the members of the vaginal microbiota that were present before implant insertion and normal microbiota was restored between 24 to 48 hours after insert removal.

RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou a presença de vaginite e contagem bacteriana associada ao uso de diferentes dipositivos intravaginais em ovelhas. Vinte e quatro fêmeas Dorper e mestiças foram alocadas em três grupos e receberam implante intravaginal contendo 0,3g de progesterona (CIDR(r)), 60mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) ou esponjas sem progesterona (CONTROLE) por seis dias. Posteriormente, as ovelhas tratadas com CIDR e MAP receberam 12,5mg de dinoprost e 300 UI de eCG. Amostras do muco vaginal foram coletadas em quatro momentos: antes da inserção do dispositivo, no dia de sua retirada, 24 e 48 horas após. As amostras foram cultivadas e as colônias foram contadas (UFC mL-1) e identificadas. Os resultados obtidos da contagem das UFC mL-1 foram submetidos ao teste do qui-quadrado, com P<0,05 sendo considerado significativo. Antes da inserção do dispositivo, 68,2% das amostras continham Staphylococcus spp., sendo 60,0% delas Staphylococcus aureus. Após a remoção do implante, 100% das ovelhas apresentaram sinais clínicos de vaginite. Entretanto, o grau de infecção local nas ovelhas do grupo CONTROLE foi menor (P>0.05), em comparação com as ovelhas recebendo CIDR e MAP. Durante a ocorrência da vaginite, os isolados predominantes pertenciam ao grupo dos coliformes, principalmente Escherichia coli (72,7%). Tal infecção não foi determinada pelos membros da microbiota vaginal, que estavam presentes antes da inserção dos dispositivos, e a microbiota normal foi reestabelecida entre 24 e 48 horas após sua remoção.

Pathways of the dominant follicle after exposure to sub-luteal circulating progesterone concentrations are different in lactating dairy cows versus non-lactating heifers.

With the increased use of different synchronization programs in cattle, attention is given to the progesterone concentration during development of the ovulatory follicle. It has been shown that low peripheral progesterone concentrations during follicular development may lead to decreased fertility. To investigate the effect of low progesterone concentrations on the fate of the dominant follicle, a study was conducted where cycles of dairy cows and heifers were manipulated to induce the development of the first dominant follicle without progesterone (PLACEBO) or under sub-luteal progesterone concentrations from a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID Delta(®)). After insertion of the devices, daily follow up was performed by transrectal ultrasonography to identify and measure follicular development and blood samples were taken to determine the circulating progesterone concentration. Follow up was continued until the ovulation of a follicle occurred. After ovulation, the fate of the first dominant follicle was identified as arrested, atretic or ovulatory. Arrest was defined as persistence of the dominant follicle followed by ovulation whereas atresia was defined as regression of the dominant follicle and subsequent growth and ovulation of a new follicle. During PLACEBO treatment, heifers ovulated earlier and smaller follicles in comparison to cows. During PRID Delta(®) treatment, heifers had greater progesterone concentrations compared to cows and arrest of the dominant follicle occurred more in cows in comparison to heifers. In cycles where the dominant follicle was arrested, the ovulatory follicle was larger in comparison to cycles where the dominant follicle was atretic.

Sincronização de estro em vacas Nelore utilizando-se dispositivos de progesterona de preparação artesanal e comercial / Oestrus synchronization using craft and commercial device progestin in Nelore cows / Sincronización de estro en vacas Nelore utilizándose dispositivos de progesterona de preparación artesanal y comercial

Objetivando-se avaliar a dinâmica ovariana, a concentração de progesterona e a taxa de gestação, em setenta e quatro vacas da raça Nelore, mantidas em pastejo de Brachiaria sp, suplementadas com sal proteinado e água ad libitum, submetidas aleatoriamente dois protocolos de sincronização de estro e ovulação. No Grupo I, utilizou-se um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona de preparação artesanal (ESTRO FORTE), e no Grupo II, um comercial (CIDR®). Colheu-se sangue de 15 animais, escolhidos ao acaso, para dosagem de progesterona sérica por RIA de fase sólida, no dia do implante, na retirada, no dia dois, 10, 15, 18 e 23 após a retirada do implante. Esses 15 animais também foram submetidos à ultrassonografia por via transretal, duas vezes ao dia, desde a retirada do implante até a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), para avaliação dos ovários, quanto ao número de folículos e do diâmetro maior folículo. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado 35 dias após a IATF, por ultrassom e pela palpação transretal 25 dias após. Os resultados da dinâmica ovariana e concentração de progesterona foram submetidos à análise de variância, e testados pelo Teste F e Student-Newman-Kewls, respectivamente, enquanto a taxa de gestação comparada pelo Teste Qui-quadrado. O número médio de folículos não diferiu entre os tratamentos e entre os ovários (p>0,05). No entanto, observou-se efeito de interação entre o dispositivo de preparação artesanal (ESTRO FORTE) e o ovário esquerdo, que apresentaram maior número médio total de folículos. O diâmetro médio diário do maior folículo foi semelhante entre os grupos e ovários (p>0,05), e também se observou efeito de interação entre o dispositivo de preparação artesanal (ESTRO FORTE) e o ovário direito, que apresentaram maior diâmetro folicular médio total...

In order to assess ovarian dynamics, the concentration of progesterone and the rate of gestation, 74 Nelore cows, held in paste of Brachiaria sp, supplemented with protein salt and water ad libitum, were submitted randomly two estrous synchronization and ovulation protocols. In Group I, had a device intravaginal small-scale of progesterone preparation (ESTRO FORTE), and group II, a commercial (CIDR ). Blood of 15 animals was collected, chosen at random to dosage progesterone for RIA solid phase, on the day of implantation, withdrawal, on the day two, 10, 15, 18 and 23 following withdrawal of implant. These 15 animals also have undergone ovarian transretal ultrasonography twice a day, the withdrawal of implant onto the TFAI, to evaluate the number of follicles and larger diameter in each ovarian follicle. The diagnosis of pregnancy was performed 35 days after the TFAI, ultrasonic and confirmed by palpation transretal 25 days. The results of dynamic ovarian and concentration of progesterone were submitted to the analysis of variance, and tested by F test and Student-Newman-Kewls, respectively, whereas the rate of pregnancy compared Chi-Square test. The average number of follicles not differed in the treatment and in the ovaries (p>0.05). However, effect of interaction between the small-scale (ESTRO FORTE) and the left ovary, which have greater total average number of follicles. The average daily from largest diameter follicle was similar between the groups and ovaries (p> 0.05), and also observed effect of interaction between the small-scale (ESTRO FORTE) and right ovary, which have greater total medium follicular diameter. The average concentration of progesterone on the days studied and the rate of pregnancy were similar among the experimental groups. Under the conditions of this study, it is evident that the Nelore cows estrous synchronization using intravaginal device of progesterone (ESTRO FORTE) and commercial (CIDR®) shows similar.

Buscando evaluar la dinámica ovárica, la concentración de progesterona y la tasa de preñez, 74 vacas de la raza Nelore, mantenidas en pastaje de Brachiaria sp, suplementadas con sal proteico y agua ad libitum, fueron sometidas al alzar a dos protocolos de sincronización de estro y ovulación. En el Grupo I, se utilizó un dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona de preparación artesanal (ESTRO FUERTE), Y EN EL Grupo II, un comercial (CIDR®). Se recolectó sangre de 15 animales, elegidos al alzar, para dosificación de progesterona sérica por RIA de fase sólida, en el día del implante, en la remoción, en los días 2, 10, 15, 18 y 23 tras la remoción del implante. Esos 15 animales también fueron sometidos a ecografía por vía transrectal, dos veces al día, desde la remoción del implante hasta la inseminación artificial en tiempo fijo (IATF), para evaluación de los ovarios cuanto al número de folículos y del diámetro mayor folicular. El diagnóstico de preñez fue realizado 35 días tras la IATF, por ecografía y después de 25 días palpación transrectal. Los resultados de la dinámica ovárica y concentración de progesterona fueron sometidos a análisis de variancia, y testados por el Test F y Student-Newman-Kewls, respectivamente, mientras la tasa de preñez fue comparada por el Test Qui-cuadrado. El número medio de folículos no difirió entre los tratamientos y entre los ovarios (p>0,05). Sin embargo, se observó efecto de interacción entre el dispositivo de preparación artesanal (ESTRO FUERTE) y el ovario izquierdo, que presentaron mayor número medio total de folículos. El diámetro medio diario del mayor folículo fue semejante entre los grupos y ovarios (p>0,05), también se observó efecto de interacción entre el dispositivo de preparación artesanal (ESTRO FUERTE) y el ovario derecho, que presentaron mayor diámetro folicular total. La concentración media de progesterona en los días estudiados, y la tasa de preñez fueron semejantes entre los grupos experimentales...

Sincronização de estro com CIDR reutilizado em cabras lactantes da raça Toggenburg tratadas com somatotropina bovina recombinante (r-bST) / Estrous synchronization with recycled CIDR in lactating Toggenburg does treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (r-bST)

Avaliou-se a resposta de cabras tratadas com r-bST no protocolo de sincronização de estro. Foram utilizadas 26 cabras Toggenburg, divididas em dois tratamentos: T1 (n=13), tratadas com quatro injeções de 250mg de r-bST, a intervalos de 14 dias, e T2 (n=13), tratadas com solução salina (controle). Na semana seguinte à última injeção da r-bST, colocou-se o dispositivo intravaginal com progesterona (dia 0), previamente utilizado por cinco dias, e injetou-se PGF2alfa (22,5µg) nos animais dos dois tratamentos, e o dispositivo foi retirado no dia 6. Todas as fêmeas em estro foram submetidas à monta natural. A porcentagem de animais em estro e a taxa de gestação foram 76,9 e 70,0 e 84,6 e 72,7 por cento, no T1 e T2, respectivamente. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) na duração do estro, no intervalo tratamento-início do estro, no número de ovulações, nos intervalos: início e final do estro à ovulação e retirada do dispositivo à ovulação entre os animais dos dois tratamentos. O diâmetro médio dos folículos ovulatórios das fêmeas não diferiu (P>0,05). Durante a permanência do dispositivo, as concentrações séricas de progesterona apresentaram valores semelhantes (P>0,05) entre as cabras de T1 e T2. A r-bST não afetou a sincronização de estro.

The response of goats treated with r-bST in the estrous synchronization protocol was evaluated. Twenty-six Toggenburg females were divided in two treatments: T1 (n=13) treated with four injections of 250mg r-bST, at 14 days intervals, and T2 (n=13) treated with saline solution (control). The intravaginal device previously used by five days was inserted (day 0) one week after the last injection of r-bST and PGF2alpha (22.5µg) was injected in the animals of both treatments. The device was removed on day 6. All the females in estrus were bred by fertile bucks. The percentage of animals in estrus and the pregnancy rate were: 76.9 and 70, and 84.6 and 72.7 percent for goats in T1 and T2, respectively. The estrous cycle length; the interval from treatment to the onset of estrus; the ovulation number; and the intervals from the onset of estrus to ovulation, end of estrus to ovulation, and from device removal to ovulation were not affected by r-bST injection. The r-bST did not affect the diameter of the ovulatory follicles (P>0.05). Progesterone concentration showed similar values (P>0.05) among the goats of T1 and T2 during the treatment with device. The r-bST administration did not affect estrous synchronization.