Use of coenzyme Q-10 to improve the pregnancy rate in sheep.

One of the factors responsible for less pregnancy rates is the use of frozen semen in sheep due to the oxidative stress created by the process. The aim of this experiment was to test the effects of adding coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) to the seminal extender on sperm quality and the pregnancy rate of sheep. In this study, ejaculates from eight Dorper rams of reproductive age were used and tested in four treatments: Control (pure BotuBov®), C1 (175 µM of CoQ10), C3 (350 µM of CoQ10), and C7 (700 µM of CoQ10). Samples were collected in triplicate from each animal, and sperm analysis was performed by CASA after thawing at 0 h and 2 h. The samples were also analyzed by flow cytometry for plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, stability, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial potential, and superoxide anion production. In total, 198 ewes were inseminated by laparoscopy and divided into two groups: control (n=98) and C7 (n=100). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days. Coenzyme Q10 proved to be safe for semen cryopreservation, not altering sperm kinetic values between the groups post-thawing. In flow cytometry, the C1 and C7 groups achieved a better index of plasma membrane integrity and membrane stability (P<0.05). A increased pregnancy rate was observed in C7 (52 %) compared to the control (38 %). In conclusion, coenzyme Q10 assists in the cryopreservation process, protecting the sperm cell and improving pregnancy rates in ewes.

Effects of treatment with quercetin on the quality of cryopreserved bovine semen

Background: Semen cryopreservation is one of the most common biotechnologies in the reproduction of animals ofagricultural interest, especially bulls. However, cryopreservation can be harmful to sperm cells, with susceptibility tooxidative stress being one of the causes. The addition of antioxidants such as quercetin may inhibit and/or reduce suchdamage, reducing fertility. Quercetin can increasing sperm motility and interaction capacity between spermatozoa-oocyte,to increase cellular metabolism and reduced DNA fragmentation and oxidation following thawing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of quercetin on the metabolism of bovine semen following thawing.Materials, Methods & Results: Three Brahman bulls in reproduction age and previously considered fit for reproductionwere used. The semen samples were collected via the electroejaculation method, and the samples were homogenized toform pooled semen from three ejaculates, which was diluted in Tris-yolk egg-glicerol diluent medium. Quercetin was addedto diluent, to final concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg.mL-1 in each group. The samples were kept frozen in strawsof 500 μL, with concentration of 40,000,000 spermatozoid / mL for 15 days and were thawed in water at 36°C for 30 s.All the tests was performed in five replicates. The cell metabolism status was evaluated by quantification of superoxideradical production with a nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) and scanning spectrophotometry. By spermatic evaluation, thefollowing parameters were evaluated via the computerized system of sperm analysis (CASA): total motility (TM, %),progressive motility (PM, %), velocity curved line (VCL, mm/s), velocity straight line (VSL, mm/s), velocity averagepath (VAP, mm/s), distance curved line (DCL, mm), distance straight line (DSL, mm), distance average path (DAP, mm),amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, mm), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), wobble...(AU)

Effects of treatment with quercetin on the quality of cryopreserved bovine semen

Background: Semen cryopreservation is one of the most common biotechnologies in the reproduction of animals ofagricultural interest, especially bulls. However, cryopreservation can be harmful to sperm cells, with susceptibility tooxidative stress being one of the causes. The addition of antioxidants such as quercetin may inhibit and/or reduce suchdamage, reducing fertility. Quercetin can increasing sperm motility and interaction capacity between spermatozoa-oocyte,to increase cellular metabolism and reduced DNA fragmentation and oxidation following thawing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of quercetin on the metabolism of bovine semen following thawing.Materials, Methods & Results: Three Brahman bulls in reproduction age and previously considered fit for reproductionwere used. The semen samples were collected via the electroejaculation method, and the samples were homogenized toform pooled semen from three ejaculates, which was diluted in Tris-yolk egg-glicerol diluent medium. Quercetin was addedto diluent, to final concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg.mL-1 in each group. The samples were kept frozen in strawsof 500 μL, with concentration of 40,000,000 spermatozoid / mL for 15 days and were thawed in water at 36°C for 30 s.All the tests was performed in five replicates. The cell metabolism status was evaluated by quantification of superoxideradical production with a nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) and scanning spectrophotometry. By spermatic evaluation, thefollowing parameters were evaluated via the computerized system of sperm analysis (CASA): total motility (TM, %),progressive motility (PM, %), velocity curved line (VCL, mm/s), velocity straight line (VSL, mm/s), velocity averagepath (VAP, mm/s), distance curved line (DCL, mm), distance straight line (DSL, mm), distance average path (DAP, mm),amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, mm), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), wobble...

Biometria testicular e sua influência no comportamento sexual de búfalos (Bubalus buballis) / Testicular parameters and its influence in buffaloes (Bubalus buballis) sexual behaviour

Background: Brazil is one of the greatest bovine meat exporter in the world. However, the technologies applied at buffalos reproduction is not specific for this specie, adapted technics were established from the cattle breed. When the animalshows weight gain, gonadal and behavioral physiology fallow this tendency and the reproductive status become good andsatisfactory. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the reproduction characteristics of male buffaloes and its testicularparameters with sexual behavior.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven males Murrah breed with 67.29 ± 11.4 months of age were maintained at confinement for artificial shading. The testicular parameter was performed in restraint trunk and the sexual behavior evaluationwas done with an estrus female. The sexual behavior was performed with an estrous female as a dummy. The testicularbiometry was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experimental design, with the follow parameters: length,width, depth/thickness, scrotal circumference and the total volume. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance,and the means was compared with the Student-Newman-Keuls test, with significance difference P < 0.05 between themedians. The differences in the parameters were scrotal circumference (23.36 cm vs 24.86 cm), testicular length (8.71 cmvs 9.77 cm), right testicular width (8.57 cm vs 9.53 cm) and testicular volume (1.627.40 cm3 vs 2.149,68 cm3), respectively.The sexual behavior showed an increase in the Flehmen reflex, mounts...(AU)

Biometria testicular e sua influência no comportamento sexual de búfalos (Bubalus buballis) / Testicular parameters and its influence in buffaloes (Bubalus buballis) sexual behaviour

Background: Brazil is one of the greatest bovine meat exporter in the world. However, the technologies applied at buffalo’s reproduction is not specific for this specie, adapted technics were established from the cattle breed. When the animalshows weight gain, gonadal and behavioral physiology fallow this tendency and the reproductive status become good andsatisfactory. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the reproduction characteristics of male buffaloes and its testicularparameters with sexual behavior.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven males Murrah breed with 67.29 ± 11.4 months of age were maintained at confinement for artificial shading. The testicular parameter was performed in restraint trunk and the sexual behavior evaluationwas done with an estrus female. The sexual behavior was performed with an estrous female as a dummy. The testicularbiometry was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experimental design, with the follow parameters: length,width, depth/thickness, scrotal circumference and the total volume. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance,and the means was compared with the Student-Newman-Keuls test, with significance difference P < 0.05 between themedians. The differences in the parameters were scrotal circumference (23.36 cm vs 24.86 cm), testicular length (8.71 cmvs 9.77 cm), right testicular width (8.57 cm vs 9.53 cm) and testicular volume (1.627.40 cm3 vs 2.149,68 cm3), respectively.The sexual behavior showed an increase in the Flehmen reflex, mounts...

Contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) dos ovários de búfalas Murrah provenientes de abatedouro / Counting of anthropological follicles (CFA) of Murrah buffalo ovars from abatedouro / Cuenta de folículos antropológicos (CFA) de Murrah buffalo ovars de abatedouro

O estudo da contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) é difundido na espécie bovina com intuito de obter este como parâmetro para identificação de fêmeas com melhor eficiência reprodutiva. Assim, de acordo com a CFA da fêmea, essa é classificada conforme o número de folículos presentes no par de ovários, resultando em grupos de alta, média ou baixa CFA. Os parâmetros relacionados à CFA para búfalas ainda são desconhecidos. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar um parâmetro de classificação da CFA para os pares de ovários da espécie bubalina provenientes de abatedouro. Os pares de ovários bubalinos (n=26) foram coletados no abatedouro de São José do Rio Preto e transportados em recipiente térmico a temperatura de 36º C com solução fisiológica 0,9%. Esses foram identificados (esquerdo/direito) e mantidos no banho maria até a contagem folicular conforme visualização macroscópica. Logo, mensurou-se o diâmetro do maior folículo antral presente no ovário, com auxílio da régua Trident®. Folículos antrais ≥ 1 mm (visíveis a olho nu) presentes nos ovários foram contados para obtenção dos grupos de alta contagem (G-Alta), média (G-Média) e baixa (G-Baixa). A análise estatística para comparação entre a CFA de alta, média e baixa foi realizada utilizando o teste de Fisher, com nível de 5% de significância através do programa estatístico Action 3.1 versão do R 3.0.2 (Campinas, SP, Brasil). Para comparação entre a CFA dos ovários direito e esquerdo utilizou-se o teste T através do mesmo programa estatístico supracitado. Os parâmetros obtidos para CFA do G-Alta foi ≥ 19, assim como para G-Média foi 9 ≥ 18 ≤ e o G-Baixa resultou em ≤ 8 folículos, segue respectivamente a quantidade de animais classificados nos grupos: n=7; n=11 e...(AU)

The study of antral follicle count (AFC) is widespread in the bovine species with order to get this as a parameter to identify females with better efficiency. Thus, according to the AFC of the female, this is classified as the number of follicles present in pair of ovaries, resulting in groups of high, medium or low AFC. The parameters related to the AFC for buffaloes are still unknown. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine a sort parameter of AFC to the ovaries pairs of the buzzard species from slaughter. The pair of ovaries buffaloes (n= 26) were collected in the slaughterhouse of São José do Rio Preto and transported in thermal container temperature of 36°C with 0.9% saline solution. These have been identified (left/right) and kept in the water bath until the follicular count as macroscopic visualization. Soon, measure the diameter of the largest follicle present in ovarian antral, Trident® with the help of the ruler. Antral follicles ≥ 1 mm (visible to the naked eye) present in the ovaries were counted for obtaining high counting groups (G-I), medium (G-average) and low (G-low). Statistical analysis for comparison between the AFC of high, medium and low was performed using the test of Fisher, with 5% level of significance through the Statistical Programme Action 3.1 R version 3.0.2 (Campinas, SP, Brazil). For comparison between the AFC of the right and left ovaries used T test using the same statistical programme referred to above. The parameters obtained for AFC G-high was ≥ 19, as well as for G-9 average ≥ 18 ≤ and the G-Low resulted in ≤ 8 follows follicles respectively the amount of animals classified in groups: n= 7; n= 11 and n= 8. On comparison between the buffaloes with high, medium and low AFC there was no significant difference (p>0.05). In relation to the...(AU)

El estudio del recuento de folículos antrales (AFC) está muy extendido en la especie bovina con el fin de obtener esto como un parámetro para identificar a las hembras con mayor eficiencia. Por lo tanto, de acuerdo con la AFC de la hembra, esto se clasifica como el número de folículos presentes en pares de ovarios, lo que resulta en grupos de AFC alto, medio o bajo. Los parámetros relacionados con el AFC para búfalos aún se desconocen. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar un parámetro de clasificación de AFC para los pares de ovarios de la especie de ratonero de sacrificio. El par de búfalos de los ovarios (n= 26) se recogió en el matadero de São José do Rio Preto y se transportó en una temperatura decontenedor térmico de 36° C con solución salina al 0,9%. Estos se han identificado (izquierda / derecha) y se mantienen en el baño de agua hasta que el recuento folicular se visualiza macroscópicamente. Pronto, mida el diámetro del folículo más grande presente en el antral ovárico, Trident® con la ayuda de la regla. Los folículos antrales ≥ 1 mm (visibles a simple vista) presentes en los ovarios se contaron para obtener grupos de conteo altos (G-I), medio (promedio G) y bajo (G-bajo). El análisis estadístico para la comparación entre la AFC de alta, media y baja se realizó con la prueba de Fisher, con un nivel de significación del 5% a través del Programa Estadístico Acción 3.1 R versión 3.0.2 (Campinas, SP, Brasil). Para la comparación entre el AFC de los ovarios derecho e izquierdo se utilizó la prueba T utilizando el mismo programa estadístico mencionado anteriormente. Los parámetros obtenidos para AFC G-high fueron ≥ 19, así como para G-9 promedio ≥ 18 ≤ y el G-Low resultó ≤ 8 sigue folículos respectivamente la cantidad de animales clasificados en grupos: n= 7; n= 11 yn= 8. En la comparación entre los búfalos con...(AU)

Contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) dos ovários de búfalas Murrah provenientes de abatedouro / Counting of anthropological follicles (CFA) of Murrah buffalo ovars from abatedouro / Cuenta de folículos antropológicos (CFA) de Murrah buffalo ovars de abatedouro

O estudo da contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) é difundido na espécie bovina com intuito de obter este como parâmetro para identificação de fêmeas com melhor eficiência reprodutiva. Assim, de acordo com a CFA da fêmea, essa é classificada conforme o número de folículos presentes no par de ovários, resultando em grupos de alta, média ou baixa CFA. Os parâmetros relacionados à CFA para búfalas ainda são desconhecidos. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar um parâmetro de classificação da CFA para os pares de ovários da espécie bubalina provenientes de abatedouro. Os pares de ovários bubalinos (n=26) foram coletados no abatedouro de São José do Rio Preto e transportados em recipiente térmico a temperatura de 36º C com solução fisiológica 0,9%. Esses foram identificados (esquerdo/direito) e mantidos no banho maria até a contagem folicular conforme visualização macroscópica. Logo, mensurou-se o diâmetro do maior folículo antral presente no ovário, com auxílio da régua Trident®. Folículos antrais ≥ 1 mm (visíveis a olho nu) presentes nos ovários foram contados para obtenção dos grupos de alta contagem (G-Alta), média (G-Média) e baixa (G-Baixa). A análise estatística para comparação entre a CFA de alta, média e baixa foi realizada utilizando o teste de Fisher, com nível de 5% de significância através do programa estatístico Action 3.1 versão do R 3.0.2 (Campinas, SP, Brasil). Para comparação entre a CFA dos ovários direito e esquerdo utilizou-se o teste T através do mesmo programa estatístico supracitado. Os parâmetros obtidos para CFA do G-Alta foi ≥ 19, assim como para G-Média foi 9 ≥ 18 ≤ e o G-Baixa resultou em ≤ 8 folículos, segue respectivamente a quantidade de animais classificados nos grupos: n=7; n=11 e...

The study of antral follicle count (AFC) is widespread in the bovine species with order to get this as a parameter to identify females with better efficiency. Thus, according to the AFC of the female, this is classified as the number of follicles present in pair of ovaries, resulting in groups of high, medium or low AFC. The parameters related to the AFC for buffaloes are still unknown. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine a sort parameter of AFC to the ovaries pairs of the buzzard species from slaughter. The pair of ovaries buffaloes (n= 26) were collected in the slaughterhouse of São José do Rio Preto and transported in thermal container temperature of 36°C with 0.9% saline solution. These have been identified (left/right) and kept in the water bath until the follicular count as macroscopic visualization. Soon, measure the diameter of the largest follicle present in ovarian antral, Trident® with the help of the ruler. Antral follicles ≥ 1 mm (visible to the naked eye) present in the ovaries were counted for obtaining high counting groups (G-I), medium (G-average) and low (G-low). Statistical analysis for comparison between the AFC of high, medium and low was performed using the test of Fisher, with 5% level of significance through the Statistical Programme Action 3.1 R version 3.0.2 (Campinas, SP, Brazil). For comparison between the AFC of the right and left ovaries used T test using the same statistical programme referred to above. The parameters obtained for AFC G-high was ≥ 19, as well as for G-9 average ≥ 18 ≤ and the G-Low resulted in ≤ 8 follows follicles respectively the amount of animals classified in groups: n= 7; n= 11 and n= 8. On comparison between the buffaloes with high, medium and low AFC there was no significant difference (p>0.05). In relation to the...

El estudio del recuento de folículos antrales (AFC) está muy extendido en la especie bovina con el fin de obtener esto como un parámetro para identificar a las hembras con mayor eficiencia. Por lo tanto, de acuerdo con la AFC de la hembra, esto se clasifica como el número de folículos presentes en pares de ovarios, lo que resulta en grupos de AFC alto, medio o bajo. Los parámetros relacionados con el AFC para búfalos aún se desconocen. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar un parámetro de clasificación de AFC para los pares de ovarios de la especie de ratonero de sacrificio. El par de búfalos de los ovarios (n= 26) se recogió en el matadero de São José do Rio Preto y se transportó en una temperatura decontenedor térmico de 36° C con solución salina al 0,9%. Estos se han identificado (izquierda / derecha) y se mantienen en el baño de agua hasta que el recuento folicular se visualiza macroscópicamente. Pronto, mida el diámetro del folículo más grande presente en el antral ovárico, Trident® con la ayuda de la regla. Los folículos antrales ≥ 1 mm (visibles a simple vista) presentes en los ovarios se contaron para obtener grupos de conteo altos (G-I), medio (promedio G) y bajo (G-bajo). El análisis estadístico para la comparación entre la AFC de alta, media y baja se realizó con la prueba de Fisher, con un nivel de significación del 5% a través del Programa Estadístico Acción 3.1 R versión 3.0.2 (Campinas, SP, Brasil). Para la comparación entre el AFC de los ovarios derecho e izquierdo se utilizó la prueba T utilizando el mismo programa estadístico mencionado anteriormente. Los parámetros obtenidos para AFC G-high fueron ≥ 19, así como para G-9 promedio ≥ 18 ≤ y el G-Low resultó ≤ 8 sigue folículos respectivamente la cantidad de animales clasificados en grupos: n= 7; n= 11 yn= 8. En la comparación entre los búfalos con...

Laparoscopic-assisted approach to the pelvic flexure for surgical treatment of sand impaction in a horse

Background: Laparoscopy provides good visualization of horses abdominal cavity, besides providing minimal invasiveness and meticulous manipulation intra-abdominal organs. Laparoscopy is suitable for both diagnosing and treating acute abdomen in horses. The purpose of this study was to report a successful case of laparoscopic-assisted surgery for treating sand impaction in a horse.Case: A 3-year-old horse, weighing 460 kg, was admitted following chronic intermittent episodes of diarrhea and colic. Physical exam revealed mild abdominal pain and liquid/pasty diarrhea. There was negative survey of gastrointestinal helminthes and microbiological analyses. Fecal sedimentation test revealed sand impaction. Surgical approach was opted for both accomplishment of the abdominal exploration and resolution of the impactation. The patient was anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency. Laparoscopy was performed through an 11-mm trocar placed right cranially to the umbilicus. There were no apparent adhesions, bowel inflammation nor visceral displacement. A 15-cm celiotomy was carried out caudally to the umbilicus, under laparoscopic guidance, for initial inspection of the gastrointestinal tract. Incision enlargement was required for exteriorizing the pelvic flexure. Afterwards, enterotomy was carried out for drainage of the impactating content, followed by enterorraphy. The pelvic flex...(AU)

Laparoscopic-assisted approach to the pelvic flexure for surgical treatment of sand impaction in a horse

Background: Laparoscopy provides good visualization of horses abdominal cavity, besides providing minimal invasiveness and meticulous manipulation intra-abdominal organs. Laparoscopy is suitable for both diagnosing and treating acute abdomen in horses. The purpose of this study was to report a successful case of laparoscopic-assisted surgery for treating sand impaction in a horse.Case: A 3-year-old horse, weighing 460 kg, was admitted following chronic intermittent episodes of diarrhea and colic. Physical exam revealed mild abdominal pain and liquid/pasty diarrhea. There was negative survey of gastrointestinal helminthes and microbiological analyses. Fecal sedimentation test revealed sand impaction. Surgical approach was opted for both accomplishment of the abdominal exploration and resolution of the impactation. The patient was anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency. Laparoscopy was performed through an 11-mm trocar placed right cranially to the umbilicus. There were no apparent adhesions, bowel inflammation nor visceral displacement. A 15-cm celiotomy was carried out caudally to the umbilicus, under laparoscopic guidance, for initial inspection of the gastrointestinal tract. Incision enlargement was required for exteriorizing the pelvic flexure. Afterwards, enterotomy was carried out for drainage of the impactating content, followed by enterorraphy. The pelvic flex...