Embryonic Vesicle Diameter Research Articles

The effectiveness of Ultrasonography in predicting Pregnancy, litter size, viability and embryo/fetal age during first three months post-breeding in Iraqi Shami does

This study aimed to evaluate the detection efficiency of early pregnancy by Ultrasonography (ULR), and also to estimate embryo/fetal age, embryo/fetal count and viability in Iraqi Shami Does. Thirty-five mature does were synchronized using progesterone intra-vaginal sponges for 12 days+ equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin (eCG) (500 IU) after sponge removal. Estrus was detected after two days in only 28 does, therefore, seven does were excluded. All does (n=28) were mated by four breeding bucks. Pregnancy monitoring, embryo/fetus number and developmental stages during the does gestation was carried out with B-mode Transrectal ultrasonography (TRU) (Transrectal probe) on days 17-29 Post mating (PM) using a frequency 6.5-7.5 MHz, and Transabdominal Ultrasonography (TAU) with in days 36-90 PM with frequency 3.5-4.5 MHz. The results revealed that the conception rate was 85.71% (24/28) and the Predicted +value (PV+), Predicted –value (PV-), Sensitivity (Se), Specificity (Sp) and Accuracy (Acc) were low on days 17-20 PM, which recorded 50%, 4%, 12%, 25% and 14% respectively. All detection values between 96-100% in the period 36-50 PM, and 100% in day 60 onwards. The efficiency in predicting embryo/fetal number was 77% and 75% for estimating twin (Se) and singleton (Sp) pregnancies in days 23-29 PM, and the detection parameters reached 100% by day 60, then declined after that. The embryo/fetal viability was 60% in the early gestational period and reached 96% between days 36–50 PM, and 100% after that. The correlation coefficient between embryo/fetal age and Embryonic Vesicle Diameter (EVD), Crown Rump Length (CRL) and Trunk Diameter (TD) was recorded as very high in different gestational ages; R² = 0.99 (23-42 days), R² = 0.97 (23-60 days) and R² = 0.98 (42-90 days). It was concluded that ULR (by using both TRU and TAU) was reliable, very efficient and safe to predict pregnancy, embryo/fetal count, viability and age between days 23-35 and 35-90 PM, respectively.

63 Impact of Supplementing Rumen-Protected Methionine During the Periconceptional Period in Fetal and Postnatal Growth in Beef Cattle

Abstract Previous evidence has suggested that fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development are sensitive periods that can be influenced by changes in maternal nutrition. We hypothesized that feeding rumen-protected methionine (RP-Met) during the periconceptional period will program bovine gestation in a manner that enhances fetal and postnatal growth. A total of 114 cows were fed a roughage-based diet and randomized to receive corn gluten supplemented with 15 g of RP-Met (RP-Met; Smartamine, Adisseo) or not (Con) from d -7 to +7 relative to artificial insemination (AI) with sex-sorted semen. Estrus synchronization was conducted using the 7-day CoSynch + CIDR protocol. Pregnancy diagnosis, embryo, and fetal morphology were conducted using transrectal ultrasonography 30, and 60 days after AI. After calving, 40 calves (Cont = 19; RP-Met = 21) were considered for birth weight (BW) analysis. Female calves (n=34) were weighed at 2 months of age. Pregnancy per AI at day 30 (Con = 50%, RP-Met = 55%) and day 60 (Con = 50%; RP-Met = 53.4%) were not different between groups (P ≥ 0.05). At 30 days of pregnancy, embryonic vesicle diameter (Con=11.0 ± 0.7 mm; RP-Met =11.6 ± 0.7 mm; P < 0.05) and circumference (Con=0.88 ± 0.09 cm2; RP-Met =0.99 ± 0.09 cm2 P < 0.05) were larger in the RP-Met group but embryo length and abdominal cavity were not different between groups. No difference was observed in fetal morphology at d 60. A treatment by sex interaction was observed (P =0.04). Male calves (n=6) from cows fed RP-Met showed greater BW than those from Con group (Con=31.9 ± 2.3 kg; RP-Met =41.4 ± 2.3 kg) but no difference was observed in females (n=34). There was no difference in BW at 2 months of age between groups. In conclusion, using RP-Met increased embryonic vesicle diameter and circumference, and BW in males.

Ultrasonographic and macroscopic study of pregnancy in golden hamster

BackgroundHamster is widely used as an experimental model in the study of reproductive system. However, pregnancy diagnosis and aging always have been a challenge. ultrasonography have been used in diagnosis of pregnancy in some small laboratory animals, such as rabbits, rats, and mice. Current study describes use of trans-abdominal ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis and fetal age estimation in golden hamster. Furthermore, a macroscopic examination was performed to evaluate the embryonic vesicle diameter, crown-rump length, and fetal head diameter. Ten adult female golden hamsters were selected and maintained under controlled light conditions (14 h light/10 h darkness). The estrous cycle was synchronized using eCG and hCG. During estrous (18 h after hCG injection), the hamsters were naturally mated. After seven days of mating, the hamsters were examined daily for pregnancy diagnosis and aging with an ultrasound scanner equipped with an 8.5-MHZ linear probe. On each day of the experiment, at least one of the pregnant hamsters was euthanized and dissected for macroscopic fetal measurements using a digital caliper.ResultsThe gestational sac and crown-rump length were identified and measured by ultrasonographicly on day 7 of pregnancy and head could be visible after day 10 of gestation. Statistical analysis revealed that the ultrasound estimation of gestational age was significantly correlated with the actual age of the fetus (r = 0.98; p < 0.05).ConclusionsReal-time ultrasound can be used for the diagnosis of pregnancy and estimation of fetal age in golden hamster from day 7 of gestation.

Ultrasound characteristics and pregnancy loss in bovine IVF-derived pregnancies

We compared ultrasound characteristics during the first trimester of Girolando female bovine IVF gestations that reached term or not. Pregnant recipients (n = 35) were followed up by ultrasonography every 6 days from D37 up to D90 or until the fetal heartbeat ceased. Embryonic vesicle diameter (EVD), fetometry parameters crown rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD), and fetal heart rate (FHR) were assessed in fetuses from recipients that completed gestational development (n = 30) (Control group) or experienced pregnancy loss (n = 5) (Pregnancy Loss group). Results were analyzed by ANOVA repeated measurements. A detection of embryonic vesicle was not possible at D31 in gestations that did not reach term. CRL was decreased in pregnancy loss group and differed at D37 (16.17 ± 0.30 vs 13.14 ± 0.77 mm, for control and pregnancy loss group, respectively) and D55 (46.13 ± 0.51 vs 41.88 ± 2.74 mm, for control and pregnancy loss group, respectively). BPD values were similar between groups. FHR decreased at D49 (181.52 ± 0.82 vs 164.75 ± 9.29 bpm, for control and pregnancy loss group, respectively) and D55 (175.41 ± 2.19 vs 150.80 ± 15.10 bpm, for control and pregnancy loss group, respectively) in early pregnancy losses. These findings indicate that embryonic vesicle, CRL and FHR monitoring of IVF-derived gestations at days 31, 37 and 55 could be useful to predict an increased risk of pregnancy loss.

Luteal vascularity and embryo dynamics in mares during early gestation: Effect of age and endometrial degeneration.

The present study characterized the luteal status and the dynamic of the conceptus during the first 20days of gestation in mares with different ages and degrees of endometrial degeneration. Total area of the corpus luteum (CL), luteal vascularity, CL area with blood signals, progesterone concentrations (P4), embryonic vesicle diameter, number of embryonic location changes, embryonic fixation position and uterine contractility were evaluated. In Experiment 1, mares ≤6years of age (Young group, 5.6±0.2years, n=7 mares) and mares ≥15years of age (Old group, 17.2±0.9years, n=6 mares) were used to investigate the effect of age. In Experiment 2, the luteal and embryonic parameters were compared between mares with minimal (Mild group, endometrial category I, n=9 mares) and severe (Severe group, endometrial category III, n=7 mares) endometrial degeneration. The Old and Severe groups had greater (p≤0.04) total CL area and reduced luteal vascularity (p≤0.04) than the Young and Mild groups, respectively. However, P4 levels and CL area with blood signals were similar (p≥0.8) between the groups. A negative effect of age (p<0.01), but not of endometrial degeneration (p=0.6), was found for the embryonic vesicle diameter. The conceptus mobility was high (p>0.1) until day 14 of gestation in the Severe group, while a reduced number of changes of the embryo location was detected earlier (p<0.05) in the Old group. In conclusion, the newly formed CL of aged mares and mares with severe endometrial degeneration suffered a structural remodelling to safeguard the local blood supply and the continuous P4 output during early gestation. Moreover, an earlier reduction of the embryonic mobility and a delayed development of the conceptus were associated with advanced age, regardless of the degree of endometrial degeneration.

Sonogram Pemeriksaan Kebuntingan Dini pada Kambing Kacang (Capra hircus)

This study was conducted to determine the earliest day of pregnancy diagnosis in kacang goat using transrectal ultrasonography. The goat were synchronized by using prostaglandin in the luteal phase. Pregnancy was determined by isoechogenic visualization surrounded by hypoechogenic. Early pregnancy was detected on days 20 of embryonic vesicle diameter 1.2±0.1 cm. Fetus was detected on days 22 with a long gestation fetus 0.4±0.1 cm. Average increase until days 30 pregnancy was 0.19 ± 0.1 cm per day. Development of fetus was followed by an increasing the diameter and thickness of uterus. The diameter of uterus increased from days 14 (0.8 ± 0.3 cm) until days 30 (3.6 ± 0.2 cm), and thickness of uterus increased from days 14 (0.4 ± 0, 2 cm) until days 30 (1.8 ± 0.2 cm). It could be concluded that the earliest pregnancy diagnosis showed positive sign on days 20 and fetus was earliest observed on days 22.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of hG-CSF transgenic goat conceptus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of transgenic (T) goat embryos and fetuses for human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (hG-CSF) by ultrasonography. Four pregnancies in non-transgenic (NT) goats were obtained after fertilization (either fixed-time artificial insemination or natural mating) using the T male for hG-CSF. Ultrasound examinations were carried out at 30, 40 (transrectal via), 50, 60, 90 and 120 days of pregnancy (transabdominal via). Some parameters were observed such as morphology, organogenesis and formation of skeletal fetuses, viability with cardiac activity and fetuses’ movements. Measurements were taken of the crown-rump length, diameter of embryonic vesicle, thorax, abdomen, umbilical cord and placentomes. After parturition, DNA testing was conducted in all offspring and 4 T and 2 NT kids were identified. The conceptus started their differentiation at 40 days. The heart was detected in all examinations and the heart chambers were assessed at 50 days. Gastric compartments, liver and kidneys were observed at 60 days, the same period that all bony structures were visualized. Average values ​​of all evaluated parameters had a gradual increase with the progression of pregnancy. T and NT goat embryos and fetuses had a similar growth and all remained viable throughout the experimental period.

Akkaraman ırkı koyunlarda transrektal ve transabdominal muayene tekniği kullanılarak embriyonik ve fötal yaşın belirlenmesi

This study was performed in order to determine gestational age in ewes by fetometry. For this purpose, a total of 10 Akkaraman ewes were examined by using ultrasonography supported by a linear array transducer. In order to find an equation to calculate the gestational age (GA) by using fetometric method, the parameters of diameter of embryonic vesicle (EVD), crown-rump length (CRL), occipito-nasal diameter (OND), biparietal diameter (BPD), orbital diameter (OD), thoracic diameter (TD), cotyledon diameter (CD), transversal heart diameter (THD), stomach diameter (SD) and kidney diameter (KD) were calculated. At the end of the study gestation age equations was produced depending on correlations which were statistically significant. In this sense, GA=25,131 + (0,375 x CRL) equation between CRL and GA, GA=23,155 + (0,993 x OND) equation between OND and GA, GA=20,862 + (1,715 x BPD) equation between BPD and GA, GA=22,187 + (3,895 x OD) equation between OD and GA, GA=25,634 + (1,259 x TD) equation between TD and GA, ln(GA)=ln(25,987) + (0,032 x CD) equation between CD and GA are produced according to linear model and GA=27,029 + (1,645 x SD) equation according to linear model and GA=141,569 – (5,916 x SD) + (0,123 x SD2) equation according to quadratic model are produced. As a result, it was shown that gestational age could be calculated by using these formulas. It was seen that OND, BPD, OD parameters were found to be most effectively 36-95 days to determine gestational age

448 RELATION BETWEEN GESTATIONAL AGE AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS OF CONCEPTUS PARAMETERS IN ANGLO-NUBIAN GOATS RAISED IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMIARID REGION

The aim of this study was to determine the relation of gestational age with embryonic/fetal measurements in goats through the real-time ultrasound method. Ultrasonographic examinations began on the 25th day after first mating in eight Anglo-Nubian nulliparous goats, using a Falco 100 ultrasound scanner fitted to 6/8 MHz linear-array and 3.5 MHz convex probe. On recorded scanning images, the embryonic vesicle diameter (EVD) and crown-rump length (CRL), head length (HL), bi-parietal diameter (BPD), thoracic diameter (TD), umbilical cord diameter (UCD), long axis of heart (LAH), and short axis of heart (SAH) and placentomes of embryo/fetus were measured using computer software. The relationships between gestational age and each parameter of the ultrasonic measurements were expressed as straight-line equations and plotted as linear regression using Statistica 7.0 software, being statistically significant at a level of P &lt; 0.05. Mean values were correlated to fetal age, and inverse regression equations were created for each parameter. Results obtained showed the following values: EVD (r = 0.94), CRL (r = 0.94), HL (r = 0.74), BPD (r = 0.70), TD (r = 0.88), UCD (r = 0.73), LAH (r = 0.77), SAH (r = 0.80), and placentome (r = 0.71). Additionally, embryonic size increased from the first detection of the embryo to the end of the study. In conclusion, the ultrasonographic technique is a reliable method to estimate gestational age through the embryonic/fetal measurement once its increase follows a linear regression standard. CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - Brasil).

Non-invasive ultrasonographic characterization of phenotypic changes during embryo development in non-anesthetized mice of different genotypes

This study aimed to determine phenotypic changes during embryo development in the mouse, and the influence of genetic background, by non-invasive real-time ultrasonography. Serial scannings were performed from Day 4.5 after the appearance of the vaginal plug in a total of 34 adult mice of different strains (9BALB/c, 10C57BL/6 and 15 CD1). Embryonic vesicle diameter was measurable from Day 4.5 of pregnancy. Images of embryos were obtainable from Day 5.5 of gestation onwards, and crown-rump length and trunk parameters (diameter and area) were measured. At more advanced stages, the positions of fetuses prevented accurate measurement of crown-rump length; therefore, head diameters (occipito-snout length and biparietal diameter) were used as an alternative index of fetal size. All measurements correlated highly with gestational age (P<0.0005). No significant differences were observed between genotypes in early pregnancy, but during the last week of gestation trunk measurements were larger in CD1 embryos (P<0.05) while head diameters were larger in C57BL/6 conceptuses (P<0.05). There was a significant effect of genetic background on heart rate throughout pregnancy; although heart rate was similar in CD1 and C57BL/6 embryos (154.5+/-2.8 and 147.8+/-4.5 beats/min, respectively), it was significantly lower in BALB/c mice (127.0+/-2.1; P<0.005 vs. CD1 and C57BL/6).

USO DE EXAMES ULTRA-SONOGRÁFICOS PARA DETERMINAR A DATA DE PARTURIÇÃO EM CADELAS DA RAÇA YORKSHIRE

, ,²Oobjetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a eficácia do método ultra-sonografico visando prever a data departo em cadelas da raça Yorkshire. Também foi objetivo determinar um padrão de mensurações de vesículagestacional, comprimento do feto, diâmetro biparietal, diâmetro do corpo, diâmetro do tórax, diâmetro deabdome e comprimento do fêmur, além de estabelecer uma fórmula de regressão linear para ser utilizada poroutros veterinários ultra-sonografistas nesta raça.Aduração da gestação a partir da data de primeira cópula atéos primeiros sinais de parto resultou numa média de 63,57 dias. Para poder predizer a data de gestação foirealizada uma análise de regressão linear multivariada. Foi possível determinar uma fórmula para prever a datade parturição em cadelas da raça Yorkshire utilizando o comprimento fetal diâmetro biparietal e comprimentodo fêmur obtendo-se significativa correlação (R =0,998).

Estimation of fetal age in sheep by measurement of the embryonic vesicle diameter and umbilical cord diameter by using real-time ultrasonography

This experiment includes 72 local Awassi ewes aged between 2 to 5 years old. The aim of this study was to estimate the fetal age by the measurement of the embryonic vesicle and diameter of umbilical cord diameters during the different periods of gestation by using 5MHz real-time ultrasonography. Results of this study indicated that the embryonic vesicle could be seen at 14 days post breeding, and this can be the first sign of early pregnancy diagnosis. The embryo could be successfully seen at 20 days post breeding. The umbilical cord was first diagnosed at 23 days post breeding. Linear, quadratic and cubic equations were described, which adjust the relationship between the fetal age and diameter of embryonic vesicle and umbilical cord. In a conclusion, linear equation of the relationship between diameter of embryonic vesicle and fetal age was the best. equation to estimate the fetal age, while the cubic equation was the best equation to estimate the relationship between fetal age, and diameter of the umbilical cord.

The effect of age on multiple ovulation rates, multiple pregnancy rates and embryonic vesicle diameter in the mare

Numerous and conflicting reports exist regarding factors that may effect mare reproductive performance, in particular multiple ovulation (MO) and its consequences. Sequential ultrasonic examination was used to monitor 3075 ovulations in 1581 mainly Thoroughbred mares to ascertain: whether increasing age is associated with an increase in MO; whether this is counteracted by an increase in embryo mortality (EM) prior to Day 13; and whether this embryonic loss may be associated with small-for-age embryonic vesicles (Days 13/14). Overall ovulation rate was 1.31, MO occurring in 29.3% of cycles. MO incidence significantly ( p < 0.05) increased with age (20.7% in 2–4-year olds compared to 35.6% in 17–19-year olds). 25.2% of MO were apparent as multiple pregnancies (MP) (40.0% of all pregnancies arising from MO) and 37.8% as single pregnancies (SP) at Days 13/14. Older mares demonstrated significantly ( p < 0.001) lower pregnancy rates and of those pregnant, significantly ( p < 0.01) fewer were MP than younger mares. Observation of 1442 embryonic vesicles failed to demonstrate any consistent significant association between age and vesicle size in single ovulating (SO) or MO mares on Days 13/14. We conclude that: (i) increasing age was significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with increasing incidence of MO; (ii) increasing age was significantly associated with a decreasing incidence of pregnancy/ovulation ( p < 0.001), and MP ( p < 0.01), at Days 13/14; (iii) there was no consistent significant association between mare age and vesicle size.

Accuracy of canine parturition date prediction using fetal measurements obtained by ultrasonography

The length of canine gestation is 65 days from the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Early and accurate determination of canine gestational age is useful for predicting and managing parturition. We performed a retrospective study on fetal measurements obtained by transabdominal ultrasonographic examination of 83 bitches (32 breeds) to estimate gestational age. Gestational age was estimated using two published tables correlating either (1) embryonic vesicle diameter (EVD), crown-rump length (CRL), body diameter (BD), and biparietal diameter (HD) to the LH surge in mid-gestational beagles or (2) BD and HD to parturition in late-gestation retrievers. Parturition date was predicted by obtaining the difference between the gestational age estimate and 65 days. Bitches were divided into four body weight (BW) groups based on nonpregnant body weight: small (≤9 kg), medium (>9–20 kg), large (>20–40 kg), and giant (>40 kg). Mean±S.D. litter size (LS) was calculated for each BW group. The BW groups were then divided into small, average, or large LS groups. The accuracy of the prediction was not affected by LS but was affected by maternal body weight for small and giant BW groups only. When adjusted for weight, the accuracy of prediction within ±1 day and ±2 day intervals was 75 and 87%, respectively. Using stepwise logisitic regression, the most accurate prediction of parturition date was obtained when fetuses were measured at 30 days after the LH surge, regardless of body weight or LS. Parturition date predictions made after 39 days of gestation using only biparietal and BD fetal measurements were <50% accurate within ±2 days.

Estimation of fetal development in Manchega dairy ewes by transrectal ultrasonographic measurements

Serial transrectal ultrasonographies were performed during the first three months of gestation measuring different structures of ovine fetuses to establish their gestational age. Data were obtained from 23 Manchega ewes that became pregnant after oestrous synchronization. Embryonic vesicle diameter, from day 12 to 29 of pregnancy, showed high correlation with gestational age ( p<0.01). From day 19 of gestation onwards, the crown-rump length and the trunk diameter of the embryo were estimated. Later, when the foetal organs and structures could be distinguished, several measurements were done in the skull (occipito-snout length and biparietal and orbit diameters), the trunk (thoracic diameter, width of three vertebrae and width of three ribs), and the abdominal cavity (stomach and kidney longitudinal diameters); femur length was determined too. All measurements were correlated with gestational age ( p<0.005), but the parameters showing the highest correlation coefficients with time (up to 0.92) were the crown-rump and occipito-snout lengths, and the thoracic, biparietal and orbit diameters. No significant differences were observed in pregnancies with one or two fetuses in the period studied.

Effects of time of insemination relative to ovulation on pregnancy rate and embryonic‐loss rate in mares

The effects of pre-ovulatory and post ovulatory insemination on pregnancy rate and embryonic-loss rate were studied in 268 mares in two experiments. Within each experiment mares were randomised within replicates as follows: to be inseminated on the day the pre-ovulatory follicle reached 35 mm (pre-ovulatory group), to be inseminated on the day of ovulation (Day 0 group), and to be inseminated on the day after ovulation (Day 1 group). Ultrasonic pregnancy diagnoses were performed on Days 11, 12, 13 and 14 (Experiment 1) and Days 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 40 (Experiment 2). Combined for the two experiments, pregnancy rates were different (P less than 0.01) among the three groups. For Experiment 2, pregnancy rate within the pre-ovulatory group was lower (P less than 0.05) for insemination 4 days or more before ovulation than for up to 3 days before ovulation. Pregnancy rate was lower (P less than 0.05) for the Day 0 group than for the pre-ovulatory group inseminated up to 3 days before ovulation. In Experiment 2, ovulation was detected by examinations every 6 h; pregnancy rate was greater (P less than 0.05) for mares inseminated 0 to 6 h after ovulation than for mares inseminated at 18 to 24 h. No pregnancies occurred when mares were inseminated 30 h or more after ovulation. The mean day of first detection of the embryonic vesicle was different (P less than 0.0001) among the three groups. Diameter of embryonic vesicle averaged over Days 11 to 15 also differed (P less than 0.0001) among groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)