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We hypothesized that the coasting time may be beneficial to the quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes recovered from live ewes, as reported in cattle. The present study assessed the effect of coasting times on the quantity and quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. All ewes were subjected to the "Day 0 protocol", followed by an ovarian stimulation (80 mg of pFSH in three decreasing doses), varying only the coasting time [12 (G12), 36 (G36), or 60 h (G60]. In Experiment 1, data regarding follicular population was assessed. In Experiment 2, the COC quality was checked by their morphology, brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test, evaluation of chromatin condensation pattern, and oocyte diameter. In Experiment 3, genes related to oocyte developmental competence were evaluated in BCB + COCs. The oocytes in the G60 group had more (P < 0.05) large follicles than the other groups and oocytes with a greater diameter than the G12. Oocyte morphology was similar (P > 0.05) among groups, as well as the BCB + COCs quantity. The G60-oocytes presented a better (P < 0.05) configuration of chromatin condensation compared with the other groups and a greater (P < 0.05) gene expression of BMP15, MATER, ZAR1, and PTGS2 compared with G12, and PTGS2 and HAS2 compared with G36 group. In conclusion, 60 h of coasting time positively affects the quality of COCs recovered after subjecting ewes to the "Day 0 protocol" and ovarian superstimulation. Implementing the appropriate coasting time to a given protocol can positively impact the in vitro embryo production outcomes in sheep.

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We described an outbreak of abomasal bloat in goat kids. Increased mortality with a history of abdominal bloating, dullness, and death was reported. Postmortem exanimation revealed dehydration, pale mucosa, ascites, abomasal tympanism and intestinal meteorism and congestion, and emphysematous abomasitis. Cytological evaluation from abomasum revealed gram-positive bacteria with a cuboid shape suggestive of Clostridium ventriculi, gram-positive bacilli suggestive of Clostridium perfringens, and ovoid basophilic yeasts. C. ventriculi and C. perfringens type A were confirmed by anaerobic culture and molecular tests. Histopathological findings revealed emphysematous abomasitis, necrosis of the gastric and intestinal walls, gastroenteritis, and intestinal thromboembolism. The possible associated factor was erroneous use of the milk replacer associated with inadequate kid management. Finally, the prophylactic measures suggested such as hygiene care, proper use of milk replacer, clostridial vaccination plan, and a good colostrum management were able to control the outbreak.(AU)

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The aim of this work was to determine whether a cervical dilation protocol (CDP) composed of only oxytocin can be used to perform transcervical (non-surgical) embryo transfer in sheep (NSET) without affecting the viability of the corpus luteum (CL). Likewise, we evaluated whether a cervical transposing test with a Hegar dilator (CT Hegar test), performed at oestrous time, could be used to screen ewes for NSET (greater or lower chances to transpose the cervix). For that, oestrous and ovulation synchronization was performed in 25 Santa Inês ewes to induce the dioestrous condition. Animals went through the following CDP in a crossover design: E + OX, oestradiol benzoate (100 µg intravenously [IV]) and oxytocin (100 IU IV); OX, oxytocin (100 IU IV); and SAL, saline solution (IV). Using a Hegar dilator, cervical transposing attempts were performed at oestrous (D0) and dioestrous time (D8). The viability of the CL (morphology, luteal blood flow and progesterone values) was evaluated by ultrasonography (colour Doppler and B-mode) and by serum progesterone measurement from D7 to D13. The cervical transposing rate was lower for the SAL group (64%; 16/25; p < .05) and did not differ between the E + OX (88%; 22/25, p > .05) and OX (84%; 21/25, p > .05) groups. No treatment affected the CL viability. The CT Hegar test showed a high sensitivity (85.7%-93.3%), satisfactory accuracy (72%-84%), low false-negative rate (6.7%-14.6%), but high false-positive rate (46%-66.7%). In conclusion, a CDP protocol composed exclusively of oxytocin can lead to good cervical transposing rates and does not affect the viability of the CL. In addition, a screening test (CT Hegar) performed at oestrus can identify ewes for which cervical transposing will likely not occur at NSET.

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This study aimed to verify the reproductive seasonality in Saanen goats from distinct parity orders (nulliparous, primiparous, and pluriparous) throughout an entire year in the Southeast Region of Brazil. In addition, it was also verified the influence of environmental indexes, metabolic profile, body weight, and social interactions on the reproductive seasonality of these animals. Forty Saanen goats kept under intensive system at latitude 22° 52' 30″ s and tropical photoperiod (11-13 h of light per day) were used. Every 15 days, blood from 24 animals (8 animals per group) was collected for assessment of serum progesterone levels. Monthly, environmental data (rainfall index, maximum and minimum temperature, and time of natural daylight) and blood were collected to evaluate the metabolic profile. Weighting and body condition score measurement were also carried out every 2 months. There was no difference in body weight and body condition score in primiparous and pluriparous goats. Nulliparous goats showed natural breeding season in the winter season while the primiparous and pluriparous goats remained cyclical in autumn and winter season. Regardless of the parity order, all goats showed a seasonal anestrus in the spring season. From December, social interactions were able to reestablish, in distinct degrees, the cyclical state in the goats. Likewise, environmental and weight indexes had low and moderate influence, respectively, on the reproductive seasonality in the Saanen goats kept under tropical conditions.

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The present study evaluated the effect of four ovarian stimulation protocols on the follicular population and molecular status of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Twelve Santa Inês ewes (in a cross-over design) received 80 or 120mg FSH alone in a multiple-dose (MD80 and MD120) regimen or in combination with 300IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) in a one-shot (OS80 and OS120) protocol. The follicular population, COC recovery rate, mean COCs per ewe and the rate of brilliant Cresyl blue-positive (BCB+) COCs were similar among treatments (P>0.05). The expression of markers of oocyte competence (ZAR1, zygote arrest 1; MATER, maternal antigen that embryo requires; GDF9, growth differentiation factor 9; BMP15, bone morphogenetic protein 15; Bcl-2, B-cell lymphoma 2; BAX, Bcl-2 associated X protein) and the steroidogenic pathway (ERα, oestrogen receptor α; LHr, LH receptor; FSHr, FSH receptor; STAR, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) was affected by stimulation. Specifically, the expression of markers of the steroidogenic pathway was reduced with increasing FSH dose in the OS protocol. FSH at a dose of 80mg reduced the expression of FSHr and ERα in the OS versus MD protocol. Conversely, in MD protocol, only LHr was affected by increasing FSH dose. In conclusion, 80mg FSH in the MD or OS protocol was sufficient to promote the development of multiple follicles and obtain fully grown (BCB+) oocytes. The MD protocol may be more appropriate for the production of better-quality oocytes.

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Brazil has presented tremendous progress in non-surgical embryo transfer (NSET) in sheep and goats. New instruments and techniques for non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) and NSET in small ruminants were implemented. Recent improvements include refinement of the protocols for cervical relaxation combining oestradiol-oxytocin-cloprostenol treatment at specific times before NSER in sheep; recipient goats do not require any hormonal drugs to induce cervical dilation and direct embryo transfer by the cervical route yields excellent results. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography (B-mode but especially colour Doppler) have proven to be accurate methods to localise and enumerate corpora lutea and luteinised unovulated follicles in recipient and donor does and ewes. An array of new criteria for selecting superior animals for NSER and NSET (e.g. cervical mapping) have been developed by Brazilian researchers. Extensive studies on both technologies were initially conducted in commercial breeds of goats and sheep but have been gradually extended to some native breeds of sheep (germplasm conservation) and dairy goat operations. It is speculated that, in future, NSER and NSET may become methods of choice for caprine and ovine embryo recovery and transfer in Brazil, and then globally. Due primarily to the efficiency of NSET in goats, a novel interspecies (e.g. bovine) IVP method may soon be developed on a large scale. The Brazilian experience is an invaluable source of information and know-how promoting the replacement of conventional surgical assisted reproductive technologies with non-surgical procedures and hence supporting the rapid development of the embryo transfer industry in small ruminants.

RESUMO

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do útero de éguas gestantes de diferentes idades, de jumento e garanhão, utilizando a técnica de ultrassonografia Doppler Espectral, visando caracterizar os índices de resistência (RI) e pulsatilidade (PI) até 154 dias de gestação. Foram utilizadas 20 éguas em idade reprodutiva, sem raça definida. As avaliações foram realizadas nas artérias uterinas. Não foi constatada interação entre os valores de RI e PI obtidos nos cornos uterinos (que iniciaram ou não a gestação) com o tempo da gestação (P>0,05), desta forma os dados foram discutidos separadamente. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as avaliações de RI e PI quando comparado os cornos que iniciaram ou não a gestação (P>0,05). Verificou-se efeito de tempo (P<0,05) sobre o PI, onde no D70 foi constatada a menor média quando comparado aos tempos D0, D7, D14 e D21. Não f oi encontrado efeito de tempo sobre o RI (P>0,05). As éguas gestantes de jumento apresentaram maior vascularização uterina no corno não gestante, que as éguas gestantes do garanhão. Com exceção do RI no lado não gravídico, foi verificado efeito de idade da fêmea sobre o lado da gestação (P<0,05), onde as éguas idosas, tanto no corno que iniciou a gestação e o contralateral, tiveram PI e RI mais altos, ou seja, menos vascularizados. Concluiu-se que a vascularização uterina não apresentou diferença entre os cornos uterinos. Há um aumento da vascularização uterina no 70º dia de gestação. Éguas gestantes de jumentos apresentaram maior vascularização uterina, quando comparada às éguas gestantes de garanhões. Éguas com idade acima de 15 anos apresentaram menor vascularização uterina, quando comparadas com idade inferior a 15 anos.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate and describe the ultrasonographic findings of uterus of pregnant mares of different ages, mated by either ass or stallion, using the spectral Doppler ultrasonography, aiming to characterize the resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) Doppler indices up to 154 days of pregnancy. A total of 20 mares in reproductive age of non-defined breed were used. The evaluations were performed in uterine arteries. There was no interaction between RI and PI values obtained in uterine horns (that initiated or not the pregnancy) with time of pregnancy (P>0.05), thus, data were discussed separately. There were no differences between RI and PI evaluations when compared to the uterine horns that initiated or not the pregnancy (P>0.05). A time effect was observed (P<0.05) on PI, when D70 presented lower averages than D0, D7, D14 and D21. There was no time effect (P>0.05) on RI. Pregnant mares mated by asses presented higher uterine vascularization in non-pregnant horn than pregnant mares mated by stallions. With the exception of RI in non-pregnant horn, there was a female age effect on the side of pregnancy (P<0.05), where aged mares in both - pregnant and non-pregnant horns - showed higher PI and RI, so less vascularized. It is possible to conclude that the uterine vascularization did not present any difference between uterine horns. There is an increase in the uterine vascularization on the 70th day of pregnancy. Pregnant mares mated by assess presented higher uterine vascularization when compared to those mated by stallions. Mares aging over 15 years old presented lower uterine vascularization, when compared to those younger.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do útero de éguas gestantes de diferentes idades, de jumento e garanhão, utilizando a técnica de ultrassonografia Doppler Espectral, visando caracterizar os índices de resistência (RI) e pulsatilidade (PI) até 154 dias de gestação. Foram utilizadas 20 éguas em idade reprodutiva, sem raça definida. As avaliações foram realizadas nas artérias uterinas. Não foi constatada interação entre os valores de RI e PI obtidos nos cornos uterinos (que iniciaram ou não a gestação) com o tempo da gestação (P>0,05), desta forma os dados foram discutidos separadamente. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as avaliações de RI e PI quando comparado os cornos que iniciaram ou não a gestação (P>0,05). Verificou-se efeito de tempo (P<0,05) sobre o PI, onde no D70 foi constatada a menor média quando comparado aos tempos D0, D7, D14 e D21. Não f oi encontrado efeito de tempo sobre o RI (P>0,05). As éguas gestantes de jumento apresentaram maior vascularização uterina no corno não gestante, que as éguas gestantes do garanhão. Com exceção do RI no lado não gravídico, foi verificado efeito de idade da fêmea sobre o lado da gestação (P<0,05), onde as éguas idosas, tanto no corno que iniciou a gestação e o contralateral, tiveram PI e RI mais altos, ou seja, menos vascularizados. Concluiu-se que a vascularização uterina não apresentou diferença entre os cornos uterinos. Há um aumento da vascularização uterina no 70º dia de gestação. Éguas gestantes de jumentos apresentaram maior vascularização uterina, quando comparada às éguas gestantes de garanhões. Éguas com idade acima de 15 anos apresentaram menor vascularização uterina, quando comparadas com idade inferior a 15 anos.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate and describe the ultrasonographic findings of uterus of pregnant mares of different ages, mated by either ass or stallion, using the spectral Doppler ultrasonography, aiming to characterize the resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) Doppler indices up to 154 days of pregnancy. A total of 20 mares in reproductive age of non-defined breed were used. The evaluations were performed in uterine arteries. There was no interaction between RI and PI values obtained in uterine horns (that initiated or not the pregnancy) with time of pregnancy (P>0.05), thus, data were discussed separately. There were no differences between RI and PI evaluations when compared to the uterine horns that initiated or not the pregnancy (P>0.05). A time effect was observed (P<0.05) on PI, when D70 presented lower averages than D0, D7, D14 and D21. There was no time effect (P>0.05) on RI. Pregnant mares mated by asses presented higher uterine vascularization in non-pregnant horn than pregnant mares mated by stallions. With the exception of RI in non-pregnant horn, there was a female age effect on the side of pregnancy (P<0.05), where aged mares in both - pregnant and non-pregnant horns - showed higher PI and RI, so less vascularized. It is possible to conclude that the uterine vascularization did not present any difference between uterine horns. There is an increase in the uterine vascularization on the 70th day of pregnancy. Pregnant mares mated by assess presented higher uterine vascularization when compared to those mated by stallions. Mares aging over 15 years old presented lower uterine vascularization, when compared to those younger.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate and describe the ultrasonographic findings of uterus of pregnant mares of different ages, mated by either ass or stallion, using the spectral Doppler ultrasonography, aiming to characterize the resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) Doppler indices up to 154 days of pregnancy. A total of 20 mares in reproductive age of non-defined breed were used. The evaluations were performed in uterine arteries. There was no interaction between RI and PI values obtained in uterine horns (that initiated or not the pregnancy) with time of pregnancy (P>0.05), thus, data were discussed separately. There were no differences between RI and PI evaluations when compared to the uterine horns that initiated or not the pregnancy (P>0.05). A time effect was observed (P 0.05) on PI, when D70 presented lower averages than D0, D7, D14 and D21. There was no time effect (P>0.05) on RI. Pregnant mares mated by asses presented higher uterine vascularization in non-pregnant horn than pregnant mares mated by stallions. With the exception of RI in non-pregnant horn, there was a female age effect on the side of pregnancy (P 0.05), where aged mares in both - pregnant and non-pregnant horns - showed higher PI and RI, so less vascularized. It is possible to conclude that the uterine vascularization did not present any difference between uterine horns. There is an increase in the uterine vascularization on the 70th day of pregnancy. Pregnant mares mated by assess presented higher uterine vascularization when compared to those mated by stallions. Mares aging over 15 years old presented lower uterine vascularization, when compared to those younger.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do útero de éguas gestantes de diferentes idades, de jumento e garanhão, utilizando a técnica de ultrassonografia Doppler Espectral, visando caracterizar os índices de resistência (RI) e pulsatilidade (PI) até 154 dias de gestação. Foram utilizadas 20 éguas em idade reprodutiva, sem raça definida. As avaliações foram realizadas nas artérias uterinas. Não foi constatada interação entre os valores de RI e PI obtidos nos cornos uterinos (que iniciaram ou não a gestação) com o tempo da gestação (P>0,05), desta forma os dados foram discutidos separadamente. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as avaliações de RI e PI quando comparado os cornos que iniciaram ou não a gestação (P>0,05). Verificou-se efeito de tempo (P 0,05) sobre o PI, onde no D70 foi constatada a menor média quando comparado aos tempos D0, D7, D14 e D21. Não f oi encontrado efeito de tempo sobre o RI (P>0,05). As éguas gestantes de jumento apresentaram maior vascularização uterina no corno não gestante, que as éguas gestantes do garanhão. Com exceção do RI no lado não gravídico, foi verificado efeito de idade da fêmea sobre o lado da gestação (P 0,05), onde as éguas idosas, tanto no corno que iniciou a gestação e o contralateral, tiveram PI e RI mais altos, ou seja, menos vascularizados. Concluiu-se que a vascularização uterina não apresentou diferença entre os cornos uterinos. Há um aumento da vascularização uterina no 70º dia de gestação. Éguas gestantes de jumentos apresentaram maior vascularização uterina, quando comparada às éguas gestantes de garanhões. Éguas com idade acima de 15 anos apresentaram menor vascularização uterina, quando comparadas com idade inferior a 15 anos.

RESUMO

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance, and has a worldwide distribution. Equine leptospirosis is commonly manifested by recurrent uveitis, reproductive disorders, as abortions, embryonic absorption, stillbirth and the birth of weak foals. The aim of this study was to verify the presence of Leptospira sp or its DNA in genital tract of mares with reproductive problems. A total of 38 mares with reproductive problems were studied. All the mares were sampled for blood (for serology), urine (for culturing and qPCR), vaginal fluid-VF and endometrial biopsy-EB (for culturing, qPCR and indirect immunofluorescence). PCRs products were sequenced for secY gene. Seventeen (44.7%) serum samples were reactive, predominantly against serogroups Australis (76.4%) and Pomona (23.6%). No positive culture was obtained, but DNA was detected by qPCR on urine samples (26.3%), VF (44.7%) and EB (18.4%) collected 2 months or longer following diagnosis of early fetal death and endometritis. Leptospira cell aggregations were visible by indirect immunofluorescence on 57.1% (4/7) EBs and 17.6% (3/17) VFs. A total of 18 amplicons showed interpretable sequences. Out of those 18 amplicons, 15 presented 100% of identity with the species L. interrogans (sv Bratislava and Pomona), while three were L. borgpertersenii. This study suggests the presence of leptospires in the uterus of mares with reproductive problems. Moreover, serology was shown not to be indicated for the diagnosis of presumptive Leptospira infection in early gestation. The most common agent of the genital infection in those mares was L. interrogans, most probably sg Australis.

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