Estrous Signs Research Articles

Vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy of ewes

Changes in vaginal epithelial cells and blood progesterone and estrogen concentrations were compared between estrous cycle and early pregnancy in multiparous Sanjabee ewes. Twenty non-pregnant ewes were synchronized with intravaginal insertion of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device which was in place for 7 days, intramuscular administration of a GnRH analog (Alarelin acetate; 12.5 µg) at the time of CIDR insertion (Day -7), a PGF2α analog (D-cloprostenol sodium; 125 µg) and 500 I.U. of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the time of CIDR removal (Day 0). At Day 0, all ewes were introduced to four fertile rams and observed for estrous signs. Ewes exhibiting estrous signs were divided into two groups: MATED (confirmed pregnant with transrectal ultrasound scanning at Day 35) and NOT-MATED (confirmed non-pregnant with transrectal ultrasound scanning at Day 35). Vaginal smears and blood samples were taken daily and every other day, respectively, from the beginning of estrus for 20 days for cytology and hormone assay. Based on the results, during days 0 and 1 of the estrous cycle, only the percentages of intermediate cells differed between the groups (P < 0.05). During days 2 to 4, there was no difference in the cell populations between the groups (P ≥ 0.05). During days 5 to 16, the percentages of all cell types except the parabasal cells differed between the groups (P < 0.05). During days 17 to 20, the percentages of all types of vaginal epithelial cells differed between the groups (P < 0.05). Progesterone concentrations increased gradually from days 0 to 14 of the estrous cycle in both groups, however, they decreased significantly afterward in the NOT-MATED group. Estrogen concentrations changes showed an opposite pattern to that of progesterone in the study groups. Collectively, vaginal cytology can be used as a useful tool in assessing hormonal and physiological characteristics of the female reproductive system and thus provides a more accurate understanding of the physiology of estrous cycle and early pregnancy in ewes, which can be used to improve reproductive management.

APPLICATION OF OVASCAN AND PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION FOR PREDICTION OF OVULATION DURING ESTRUS IN THE MARE

The estrous cycle of 8 Arabian mares was followed for one year, by visual observation of the estrous behaviour and by teasing with a stallion. Serum progesterone concentration was determined by RIA, Vaginal electric resistence was studied with aid of Ovascan, comapared with the changes in the reproductive tract as determined by rectal examination for prediction of ovulation. The changes in the reproductive tract and the behavioural manifestations expressed during the cycle indicated that the experimental mares were exhibiting estrous year arround, however, 75% of the cycles were observed during the months from March to August and 25% during the. rest of the year. The total number of cycles exhibited by the mares averaged 68 cycles, of these 22 cycles were observed during Summer, 20 during Spring, decreased to 13 cycles during Fall and 13 during Winter. the length of the estrous cycle ranged between 24-26. 31 days, the average estrus length ranged between 5.5-8.6 days andthe luteal phase ranged from 19.04-24.87 days. The ovascan readings showed decline by 50 degrees, constantly, a day preceeding ovulation, compared to the readings during the rest of estrus days and this finding was confirmed by rectal palpation of the reproductive tract in succeeding day which disclosed the disappearance of the mature follicle and the: presence of the ovulation site on the ovary, consequently, the estrous signs faded away gradually within 24-48 hours of the ovuletion. Serum progesterone concentration, during’ the estrus and one day before ovulation ranged between 0.58 -1.05 ng/ml, while mean luteal phase concentration was 10.2820.89 ng/ml. The results of the present study disclosed that the mares in Iraq could be bred any time of the year and it is most probable that measurement of progesterone concentration will have more practical application for monitring ovarian activity and estrus prediction, if. a rapid system of measurment made avilable (as progesterone strip). The application of Ovascan proved effecient tool for prediction of ovulation in the mare, providing information for synchroniztion of service with ovulation, a mean augmenting fertility and avoiding rectal palpation which hinder service.

Sexual development disorder in a dog

A 1-year intact, phenotypic female Doberman Pinscher dog, was evaluated for suspected sexual development disorder. Patient had a history of white mucoid vaginal discharge with no estrous signs or behavior. Clitoral hypertrophy with a palpable os clitoris were noted. Transabodminal ultrasonography revealed a right gonad and tubular structures (possibly uterus). Exploratory laparotomy revealed 2 underdeveloped gonads in caudodorsal abdomen and a markedly underdeveloped right uterine horn. Histopathology confirmed bilateral ovotestes. Karyotyping (number and morphology of chromosomes) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (XX and XY cells) results were normal. Samples were PCR positive for sex-determining region Y (SRY) and X-linked androgen receptor gene. We concluded that the patient was either a mosaic or chimera with normal female 78,XX and normal male 78,XY cells and genetically a mix of male and female. Final diagnosis was sex chromosome (78,XX/XY), SRY-positive, ovotesticular, disorder of sexual development with female phenotype.

Social effects on behaviorally-scored and pedometer-detected estrus in beef cattle.

The number of cows in estrus often influences estrus behavior; however, the effects of social order are not well documented. This study examined the effects of social order on the expression of behaviorally-scored and pedometer-detected estrus, combined with the effects of the number of cows in estrus. In a herd comprising 13 or 15 beef cattle, cows with orders 1st-7th were defined as dominant and the remaining cows as subordinate. Sole or simultaneous estrus was induced by prostaglandin F2α analog injection and/or intravaginal progesterone treatment. Ovulation timing was determined using ultrasonography at 6-hour intervals. Estrous signs and steps of the cows were recorded 49 h before ovulation using video monitoring and a pedometer, respectively. Among the 59 treated cows, 56 behaviorally-scored estruses (27 sole and 29 simultaneous) were detected. In the sole estrus, 61.5% of the dominant-rank cows had no zero-point period; however, 35.7% of the subordinate-rank cows had that period. The dominant-rank cows in estrus alone had a significantly shorter duration of scored estrus than those in simultaneous estrus (P < 0.05). Among the 50 pedometer-detected estruses (24 sole and 26 simultaneous), the subordinate-rank cows in sole estrus had a shorter interval from estrus onset to ovulation than the dominant-rank cows in simultaneous estrus (P < 0.05). The effects of social order varied in response to the number of cows in estrus, which might have influenced determining the optimal time for artificial insemination.

Influence of Ovarian Follicle Sizes and Estrous Signs on Pregnancy Following Progesterone-Based Fixed Time Artificial Insemination in Water Buffaloes

The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the importance of follicle sizes and estrous signs during Controlled Internal Drug Release-Synch-human Chorionic Gonadotropin (CIDR-Synch-hCG) protocol for Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) and to evaluate their association with pregnancy in water buffaloes. Data from riverine buffaloes (n = 207) under the CIDR-Synch-hCG protocol were analyzed. Buffaloes were administered with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) with insertion of CIDR on Day 0. Prostaglandin (PGF2α) was given on Day 7 with the removal of CIDR. hCG was given on Day 9, and AI was performed on Day 10. Follicle measurements by ultrasonography were done on Days 0, 7, and 10, and follicle sizes on those days were categorized into I, II, and III. Estrus signs were taken on the day of AI. The pregnancy diagnosis was done on Day 30-35 post-AI. The average size of follicles in Category III is significantly higher than those of Categories I and II, regardless of the Days of the protocol. Pregnancy is significantly (P&lt;0.001) associated with Pre-Ovulatory Follicle (POF) size and uterine tonicity on the Day of AI but not with follicle sizes on Days 0 and 7, nor with mucus discharge discharge (P&gt;0.05). The overall pregnancy rate is 44.44% while performing AI with POF size ≥12.0 mm increased the probability of pregnancy rate to 56.25%. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a follicle size-based CIDR-Synch-hCG protocol providing new fertility indicators to improve FTAI efficiency in buffaloes with huge application in other livestock species.

Ovulation Synchronization, Changes in Ovaries, Blood Progesterone and Estradiol, and Estrous Signs with a 20-Day Progesterone Releasing Intra-Vaginal Device Treatment in Holstein Cows

Ovulation Synchronization, Changes in Ovaries, Blood Progesterone and Estradiol, and Estrous Signs with a 20-Day Progesterone Releasing Intra-Vaginal Device Treatment in Holstein Cows

Comparison of 5 Versus 7-Day Ovsynch + Progesterone Releasing Intravaginal Device Protocols (PRID) and a Modified G7G with an Option of Heat Detection Protocol for 1st Service in Lactating Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryThe efficacy of two timed-AI protocols (5- and 7- Ovsynch + PRID) and a modified G7G protocol, that included intermediate heat detection, was evaluated. There was no difference in Pregnancy per AI between the two timed-AI protocols. The modified G7G protocol resulted in higher P/AI compared to the pooled data from the two TAI protocols. As a conclusion, enhancing detection of estrus within a synchronization protocol, by increasing the proportion of cows eligible to show estrus (e.g., by pre-synchronization) or by using activity-monitoring systems, could improve the reproduction indices of dairy cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two timed-AI (TAI) protocols (Group G5D, GnRH and PRID -5d- PGF2a -1d- PGF2a -1d- GnRH, n = 105 and Group G7D, GnRH and PRID-7d- PGF2a -1d- PGF2a -1d- GnRH, n = 98) and a modified G7G protocol combining heat detection (HD) and AI or TAI if HD failed (Group HD, GnRH and PRID -7d- PGF2a -1d- PGF2a -5d- HD or 5d TAI if no HD, n = 92). Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) did not differ between G5D and G7D protocol (G5D: 33.8% vs. G7D: 35.2%, P = 0.85). Cows assigned to G5D and G7D group were pooled as TAI group (GTAI) and further compared to GHD. Within the GHD, more primiparous cows exhibited estrous signs compared to multiparous cows (70.4% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.03). Furthermore, 49 cows (53.3%) were served after HD, whereas 43 cows (46.7%) were served after TAI. There was no difference in P/AI between cows served after HD (51.6%) or after TAI (43.0%, P = 0.49). GHD showed higher P/AI at 1st service compared to GTAI (49.1% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.04), whilst, median days to pregnancy did not differ between the two groups. Overall, P/AI of primiparous cows tended to be better in comparison with multiparous cows (48.3% vs. 37.2%, P = 0.06). In conclusion, there was no significant difference regarding the efficacy of 5- and 7-day Ovsynch + PRID protocols. Moreover, a modified G7G protocol, with intermediate heat detection, resulted in overall better P/AI compared to TAI protocols and appears as a promising strategy to optimize estrus detection for 1st AI.

Validation of salivary ferning based estrus identification method in a large population of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using Foldscope

Missing an estrus event is an economic problem in buffaloes because of lack of a simple and accurate estrus identification method. Saliva, a non-invasive fluid available every time, showed typical fern-like crystallization patterns at early estrus in buffaloes. However, to implement this salivary ferning based estrus identification method in the field conditions, the present study, for the first time, validated this method in four buffalo population samples (PS) representing four different field scenarios, an organized herd (PS1, 10 buffaloes monitored daily for a year (149 estrus events)), artificial insemination (AI) centers (PS2, 114 buffaloes brought for AI), induced estrus condition (PS3, 44 buffaloes) and farmers’ doorsteps (PS4, 275 random buffaloes with unknown reproductive history and no estrous signs). Totally, 582 saliva samples were collected from 443 buffaloes. Salivary smears were observed under a simple microscope and/or a less expensive (< 1USD) paper microscope, Foldscope. On the basis of salivary fern-like patterns, the proportions of estrus identification were significantly different among PS. Specifically, the proportions in the PS1 (0.74, P < 0.0001) and PS4 (0.08, P < 0.05) were significantly higher than their population proportion estimates, 0.5 and zero, respectively. Therefore, this estrus identification method is much useful in the PS1 and PS4, the practical field scenarios requiring an accurate estrus prediction method, compared to the PS2 and PS3. Especially, this method is 91 % confirmatory to detect early estrus in PS4. Therefore, salivary ferning is a useful technique to identify early estrus in buffaloes in the field conditions at farmers’ doorsteps.

Risk Factors for the Efficiency of Artificial Insemination in Dairy Cows and Economic Impact of Failure of First Service Insemination in and around Haramaya Town, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020 in and around Haramaya Town to study the risk factors of artificial insemination (AI) in dairy cattle and evaluate the economic impact of failure of first service AI. A questionnaire survey and field follow-up were employed for collecting data from cattle owners and artificial insemination technicians (AITs) who were selected purposively. Out of the 221 inseminated cows and heifers, the overall conception rate was 60.2% (n = 133). The conception rate was statistically different between breed (P=0.019) and insemination time (P=0.049). From a total of 133 conceived cows and heifers, the conception rate was 68 (53.54%) in local breeds and 65 (69.15%) in cross breeds. Parity, age of cows, inseminator experience, and body condition of cows did not create a significant difference in conception rate (P > 0.05). Failure to conceive at their first AI results in an extra cost of 440 ETB per day until conception. Therefore, to increase the conception rate, dairy cows should be inseminated early when they show signs of estrous; the owners of dairy cows should be trained on how to detect estrous signs in dairy cows and AI technicians should also take training in order to improve their skills.

Clinicopathological and Reproductive Studies on The Use of Ivermectin in Ewes

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ivermectin (IVM) on the reproductive hormones and hemato-biochemical parameters of twenty apparently healthy ewes weighing 30-40 kg and 2-3 years old. Ewes were randomly divided into two groups (ten for each). The first group was left without treatment (control group), and the second was treated with the recommended therapeutic dose of IVM (0.2 mg/kg, S/C) one day after parturition (treated group). The study continued for three months. Blood samples were collected from the two groups at the 1st, 30th, 60th, and 90th days after IVM treatment. The current study revealed that IVM injection delayed estrous for up to 3 months (absence of estrous signs and no ovarian structures were observed by sonar examination). There was a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs) count, andpacked cell volume (PCV), with a significant increase in total leukocytic count (TLC) at 30th and 60th days post-treatment (p.t.). In addition to a significant decreased at (P<0.05) in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and concentrations of total antioxidants (TAC), copper (Cu), phosphorus (P), estradiol, triiodothyronine(T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4) for up to 3 months. In contrast, a significant increase in concentrations of calcium (Ca), progesterone and cortisol, and activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes were recorded at 30th and 60th days p.t. It has been concluded that IVM delayed estrous in ewes for three months via disturbing the female reproductive hormones and the hemato-biochemical parameters. Therefore, it is recommended that IVM not be injected at least three months before the reproductive season.

Estrous Signs and Progesterone Profile of Ongole Grade Cows Synchronized at Different Ages Fed Different Level of Dietary Crude Protein

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of concentrate supplementation containing different protein levels on estrous signs and progesterone profiles of two age groups of Ongole Grade cow. Thirty females cows were grouped according to their ages (G1= 25±1.6 months; G2= 37±1.7 months), where each group received 3 dietary treatments with 5 replicates. The dietary treatment was based on CP levels of total mixed ration (TMR) (T1= 7.41% CP; T2= 8.23% CP; and T3= 9.17% CP). The cows were synchronized using PGF2α and GnRH, followed by time-fixed artificial insemination (TAI) using frozen semen. Data on nutrient intake and progesterone concentration were subjected to a randomized complete block design of ANOVA following a factorial arrangement of 2×3 while data of estrous signs were analyzed using non-parametric methods of Kruskal-Wallis and independent t-test. The results showed that there was a significant interaction effect between age group and dietary TMR treatment on CP intake and TDN intake in which the highest intakes were found in older cows (G2) fed TMR at 7.41% CP (T1) (p<0.01). Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected either by age group or level of concentrate supplementation. Results also suggested that estrous signs, including vulva redness, swollen vulva, and mucus discharge, were higher in older cows (G2) than in younger cows (G1). In addition, interactions were also found on progesterone levels, whereas younger cows (G1) fed TMR with 9.17% CP (T3) showed the highest concentration of progesterone on d 5, 17, and 21 (p<0.01). In conclusion, this study suggests that younger cows receiving the highest CP diet (T3) result in higher progesterone concentration during the experimental period. Therefore, it is important to fed sufficient dietary CP especially for cattle in early reproduction period to optimize the reproductive performance.

FERTILITAS KERBAU LUMPUR MENGGUNAKAN INSEMINASI BUATAN DAN KAWIN ALAM PASCA SINKRONISASI BIRAHI

This study was conducted to evaluate the fertility of swamp buffalo synchronized by prostaglandin administration prior to both natural mating and artificial inse-mination (AI). Thirty six swamp buffalo cows were intramuscularly injected by 35 mg prostaglandin (Lutalyse ® , Pfizer, Puurs, Belgium) twice in eleven consecutive days. The buffaloes that exhibit estrous signs allotted into 2 treatments i.e. T1 (natural mating) and T2 (AI). Next to second prostaglandin injection, T1 cows were caged together with bull at 72 h for 2 d, and T2 cows were artificially inseminated at 72 h and 96 h. All cows were observed for next estrous emergence determining non return status. Pregnancy was examined 60 days after insemination by recto-vaginal palpation. The variables measured were non return rate (NRR) and concep-tion rate (CR), analyzed statistically using chi-square test. The results showed that NRR and CR of T1 and T2 had no significant difference. The NRR of T1 and T2 were 88.9% and 83.3% respectively, CR were 72.2% (T1) and 55.6% (T2). In conclusion, natural mating and AI give equal fertility to estrous synchronized swamp buffalo.

Development of the Timed Re-Insemination (TRI-synch) program re-inseminating 24 days after the initial service in dairy cows.

For the timed re‐insemination at the minimal interbreeding interval, cows were treated with a progesterone (P4)‐releasing intravaginal device from Days 13–15 to 21 post‐insemination (Day 0 = estrus), followed by plasma P4 assay on Day 23 and then subjected to the Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiment 1, of 18 cows, 6 cows were determined as luteolysis with low (<1 ng/ml) plasma P4 concentrations on Day 23 and ovulated on Days 24 (3 cows), 25 (1 cow), and 26 (1 cow) except a cow affected by ovarian quiescence. In Experiment 2, all cows were treated with GnRH on Day 23. Cows with low (<1 ng/ml) plasma P4 concentrations on Day 23 were diagnosed as non‐pregnant and subjected to the re‐insemination in the morning of Day 24 irrespective of estrous signs. Of 36 cows, 15 cows were diagnosed as being non‐pregnant on Day 23. Fourteen cows of the non‐pregnant animals were re‐inseminated in the morning of Day 24 irrespective of estrous signs and the pregnancy rate of re‐insemination was 36%. The conception rates of initial and re‐inseminations were 50% (18/36) and 36% (5/14), respectively. The overall pregnancy rate by adding the rates of initial and re‐inseminations was 64% (23/36).

In silico characterization of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG15) as a biomarker for early pregnancy diagnosis in Bubalus bubalis

Reproductive management of livestock is the foremost requirement for increasing production from any dairy animal. High reproductive efficiency can be achieved by implementation of one of the crucial management practices which involves early differentiation of pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The early and precise pregnancy diagnosis is the major problem in Bubalus bubalis (buffalo) due to absence of estrous signs instead of normal cyclicity of reproductive organs. Therefore, in the present study, one of the conceptus derived protein interferon stimulated protein (15 kDa) released during 18 to 21 days after insemination in response to implantation of embryo was in silico characterized. The protein expressed by interferon-stimulated gene-15 (ISG15) was analyzed by isolation and sequencing of coding region of mRNA. The primary and secondary structures were predicted from the protein sequence to decipher the interaction of ISG15 protein with other molecules. The functional characterization identifies various motifs present in ISG15 protein which are responsible for its interaction with other proteins. Physiochemical properties predicted the ISG15 protein nature during in vitro conditions which are required for any of the assays development. In addition, immunogenic studies revealed ISG15 protein is strongly antigenic in nature and can be used for antibody production. In conclusion, ISG15 protein expression from buffalo is a good indicator of conceptus implantation and has suitable properties for being used as target to develop early pregnancy diagnostic kits.

Impact of heat stress on the reproduction of farm animals and strategies to ameliorate it

ABSTRACTAnimals are susceptible to heat stress under tropical environmental conditions. Exposure of growing male and female animals to severe heat stress during summer adversely affects their growth and reproductive traits, reduces the resistance to diseases and induces infertility in farm animals and represents a major source of economic loss to the livestock sector. During the summer season, animals usually suffer from summer sterility due to prevailing hot and humid conditions. In female animal’s age at puberty, estrous signs, ovulation time, ova quality, conception rate, embryonic development, embryo size, embryo weight and hormonal balance are affected by exposure to heat stress. The most sensitive to heat stress are growing ovarian follicles. Heat stress–induced changes in growing follicles can be expressed later as compromised maturation and developmental capacity of the ovulating oocyte. In males, sex hormone levels, spermatogenesis, temporary sterility, libido, ejaculate volume, macroscopic as well as microscopic semen characteristics in an ejaculate are affected, and sperm abnormalities and dead sperm increase by exposure to the heat stress. Various heat stress amelioration technologies have evolved to circumvent the fertility reduction in dairy cattle and other livestock animals. New breakthroughs such as estrus synchronization, embryo transfer technique, cryopreservation of gametes and genetic manipulation, nutraceuticals (feed additives, pre and probiotics) and managerial changes may exist to improve summer fertility. This review summarizes the most up-to-date information on the effects of heat stress on the male and female reproduction especially under tropical conditions.

Detecting estrus in Canindé goats by two infrared thermography methods

The aim of study was to evaluate the diagnosis of estrous in Canindé goats used infrared thermographic images. The Canindé goats used in experiment, belong to Production Center of Small Ruminants. The goats were subjected to estrus induction and monitored with regard to their behavior and blood levels of hormones. Temperature measurements were continuous during estrous signs and even disappearance of behavioral characteristics. Were evaluated different areas in females: vulva, perivulvar, dorse and venter regions, delimited by a quadrant that allowed the specification of assessed region. In addition to specific behavior of estrus in ruminants were observed in vulvar region perivulvar signals swelling and redness and parallel identified the temperature rise of region by thermographic images. Were observed in vulvar region perivulvar signals swelling and redness and parallel identified the temperature rise of that region by thermographic images in goats in estrus. There was a significant effect for all temperatures of the regions evaluated for the thermographic images and infrared thermometer, except for the temperature of the vulvar region. The temperatures measured using the thermographic camera submitted a difference in the data set, allowing measurements observed higher temperatures compared with the temperatures measured with an infrared thermometer. So, due the precision and speed of the method the thermographic images used for detecting estrus is applicable and important. In animal production, thermography has seen used in detection of metabolic disorders, diseases and infections. In addiction, is used in understanding thermoregulation due to chenges in temperature and the impact of environmental conditions.

Estrous Behavior in Mules—An Owner's Perspective

Estrous behavior in mules can cause a difficult situation for the owner, molly, and veterinarian just as in horses. However, compared to the horse, the estrous behavior in mules is a topic that is relatively untouched in the veterinary literature. The survey in this study was designed to determine if mule owners notice signs of estrous in their mollies and whether these behavioral changes affect performance. Another aim of the survey was to determine if the owners are aware of the available options to help manage or eliminate estrous behavior. A total of 100 responses were received. Many owners (71%) recognized estrous behavior in their mules. A significant number of these owners (24%) said that the estrous signs were severe enough to warrant seeking veterinary advice. Hormonal treatment and ovariectomy are used in mares that show estrous-related behavioral changes and could be considered in mollies. Owners and veterinarians should be educated both on awareness of estrous behavior and the options for suppressing this behavior in mollies.

Induce estrus with ultrasonography examination and progesterone hormone assay for pregnancy diagnosis in Iraqi goats

The aim of present work is to induce ovulation in 40 female goats in non-breeding seasons and pregnancy diagnosis using RIA of progesterone serum level and trans abdominal ultrasonography with 3.5 MHz prop. The 40 Iraqi goats were naturally inseminated during estrous phase, using fertile backs, after withdrawal of intravaginal impregnated sponges with 20 mg of cronolone (Fluorogestone Acetate progestagen) kept for eleven days and 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin inject I/M 24hrs. before sponge withdraw. The results indicated that all does were showed (100%) estrous sign, the estrous time was 24-66 hrs. after sponge withdrawal and the pregnancy rate 67.5%. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein before progesterone treatment, at the time of insemination and after 21 day of insemination. Early pregnancy diagnosis by RIA of progesterone concentration was performed and showed progesterone hormone value as were increasing significantly (P&lt;0.01) from 0.26±0.12 ng/ml before insemination to 3.29±1.10 ng/ml in 21 days after insemination. Pregnant animal was examined using transabdominal ultrasonography during 45, 60 and 90 days after insemination. In conclusion, estrus could be efficiently induced in female goats during non-breeding season using 20 mg cronolone impregnated sponge and 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin I/M at 24 hrs. before spongy withdrawal. The effective of early detection of pregnancy by progesterone assay in 21 days after insemination and ultrasonography by abdominal 3.5 MHz transducer after 45 days of pregnancy.

Association of luteal blood flow with follicular size, serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations, and the inducibility of luteolysis by PGF2α in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to investigate the compatibility of the visual evaluation result of the blood flow characteristics and the blood flow measurements of the CL and the predictability of the responses given by corpora lutea with varying levels of blood flow to an induction of luteolysis by a PGF2α injection and to determine the possibility of increase in serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations in parallel with increased luteal blood flow (LBF). The cows, bearing a CL (n = 60; postpartum 35 days), were injected with PGF2α and were monitored for signs of estrous following the first injection. The cows, which did not show estrous signs, were examined for the presence of a CL on Day 14, whereas those that showed signs of estrous were examined on Day 10 following the onset of estrous. The level of LBF was visually graded as + (low; GI), ++ (medium; GII), +++ (high; GIII), and ++++ (very high; GIV). Immediately after the examination of LBFs, a second intramuscular injection of PGF2α was injected. In the cows, which were determined to be in estrous, the diameter of the Graafian follicles was measured by B-mode ultrasonography. Subsequently, these animals were artificially inseminated. The animals, which did not show estrous after the second injection, were examined as previously described and monitored for signs of estrous. A strong correlation (r = 0.654; P < 0.001) was determined to exist between the results of the visual examination of the images and the results obtained for the LBF area with the use of the Pixel Flux software. GIII (0.83 ± 0.15 cm2) and GIV (1.03 ± 0.48 cm2) were found to differ from GI (0.47 ± 0.23 cm2) and GII (0.51 ± 0.12 cm2) for the size of the LBF (P < 0.001). Serum progesterone levels in groups (GI, GII, GIII, and GIV) were determined to be 4.44 ± 2.42 ng/mL, 6.03 ± 2.37 ng/mL, 7.01 ± 2.94 ng/mL, and 7.17 ± 1.69 ng/mL, respectively. The comparative evaluation of the study groups showed that the groups did not statistically differ for the period between PGF2α injection and the onset of estrous, mean Graafian follicle size and estrogen levels. No direct correlation existed between these reproductive parameters and LBF.

Saliva ferning, an unorthodox estrus detection method in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Estrus detection is a major problem in buffalo husbandry because of inconsistent expression of estrous signs at different seasons, and a high prevalence of the silent heat and postpartum anestrus in this species. Around 50% of the estrus events in buffaloes are currently undetected in the field conditions, resulting in a huge economic loss. Although the cervicovaginal fluid fern patterns confirm the estrus for a breeding decision, the fluid discharge is absent during the silent-heat condition. Therefore, the present study focused on the crystallization patterns of the saliva as an alternative method for estrus detection in buffaloes. Saliva is a body fluid available regularly, and its ferning ability before ovulation was established in women. In this study, eight female nonpregnant Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) were considered during two experimental periods of 3 months each. One period was in summer with five animals, and another period was in rainy season with three animals. Estrus was determined by the estrus symptoms, ovarian ultrasonography, and salivary estradiol (E2) to progesterone (P4) ratio. A total of 450 saliva samples were collected from these animals on the daily basis. The salivary smear was prepared with 20 μL of the cell-free saliva on a clean glass slide, and its microscopic images were captured at a magnification of × 200. The images were used for fractal analysis as the salivary crystallization or fern patterns follow the fractal geometry. Saliva at estrus showed a typical symmetrical fern-like crystallization patterns with significantly (P < 0.05) lower fractal dimension values. Salivary estradiol levels and E2/P4 ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at the estrus stage than those at the diestrus stage. An average period of an estrous cycle was 21.7 ± 2.7 days (n = 18 estrous cycles) in buffaloes on the basis of distinct salivary crystallization patterns. The proportion of estrus detection by the salivary fern patterns was very significantly (P < 0.01) higher (0.84) than the proportion of estrus detection (0.5) in the field conditions. Altogether, salivary fern patterns along with the current methods can help reduce estrus detection problem in buffaloes.