Intravaginal Progesterone Sponges Research Articles

Evaluation of the efficiency of estrus synchronization protocols combined with natural service and ultrasonography on ewe reproductive performance during non-breeding season.

Estrus synchronization is an important assisted reproductive technology to improve the reproductive performance in ewes. Various protocols have been used with variable success rates, however; literature regarding field applicable estrus synchronization is meagre. The present study was designed with the aim to evaluate the estrus synchronization protocols on reproductive performance in ewes using different hormones. Experimental ewes were divided randomly into three groups (n=15). Ewes of all groups received intravaginal sponge for 12 days. Subsequently, NP4-GnRH and NP4-eCG groups received 8 µg of buserelin acetate or 200 IU of eCG intramuscularly, respectively on day 12 whereas NP4-Insulin group received insulin 0.2 IU/kg body weight subcutaneously for three consecutive days started on the day of sponge removal. Estrus detection commenced 24 h after sponge removal in NP4-GnRH and NP4-eCG groups and 24 h following last injection of insulin in NP4-Insulin group. The ewes in estrus were separated and pen mated. The conception rate was determined by ultrasonography. The estrus response and conception rates were 71.43, 92.86 and 53.85%, and 70.00, 84.61, and 71.43%, respectively in NP4-GnRH, NP4-eCG, and NP4-Insulin groups. The lambing rates were the same as the conception rates. The single and multiple birth rates were 71.41, 36.36 and 60.0%, and 28.57, 63.64, and 40.0% whereas prolificacy was 128.57, 190.91, and 140.00%, respectively in NP4-GnRH, NP4-eCG, and NP4-Insulin groups. In conclusion, the estrus synchronization protocol including intravaginal progesterone sponge and eCG was found to be more effective under field conditions.

Effect of Self Made Intravaginal Progesterone Sponge on Fertility in Goat

Comparative studies of intravaginal sponges containing three different doses of progesterone on estrous synchronization; fertility, fecundity and prolificacy of synchronized does by natural mating were conducted during the breeding season at Central Sheep Breeding Farm, Hisar. A total of 60 Beetal does selected randomly and divided into group I, II and III with 20 does in each, and subsequently intravaginal sponges containing 50, 100 and 150 mg P4 were inserted respectively for 14 days and an i/m injection of PMSG (@200IU/doe) was injected just after sponge removal in each doe. Effective number of animals remained 55 as 5 does dropped their sponges. Forty eight to sixty hrs after sponge removal, 14, 16 and 15 does from group I, group II and group III respectively were synchronized to estrus and subsequently hand mated individually with bucks of proven fertility. The fertility, fecundity and prolificacy per cent after synchronization of oestrus in group I, group II and group III was 78.57, 87.50 and 86.66; 128.57, 156.25 and 166.66; 163.63, 178.57 and 192.30 respectively. Eighteen animals (6 does from each group) selected randomly out of 60 animals for progesterone estimation. Blood samples were collected immediately before insertion of intravaginal sponges (day 0) and then subsequently on day 7, 14 after sponge insertion and 48 and 72 hrs after sponge removal. Progesterone concentration was above basal level in most of animals on day 0 in all the groups. Increase in plasma progesterone concentration (with in group) was recorded on day 7 and decreased on day 14 & 48 hrs after sponge removal. These changes were significant in group II & III while non-significant in group I. Progesterone concentration decreased non-significantly 72 hours after sponge removal in all the three groups. Significant difference in plasma P4 concentration was reported in between group I and group II & III on day 7 & 14.

Comparative evaluation of natural tupping with fixed-time laparoscopic and cervical insemination techniques using chilled semen in estrous synchronized sheep

The present study was conducted in crossbred ewes to compare the efficiency of different artificial insemination techniques with natural tupping following fixed time artificial insemination using fresh semen. Crossbred ewes (n=29) were randomly divided into three groups with 10 animals in natural tupping (NT) and laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) groups and nine animals in cervical artificial insemination (CAI) group. Ewes in all the treatment groups were subjected to the same estrus induction protocol: insertion of intravaginal progesterone sponges for 10 days followed by an intramuscular injection of 500 IU eCG at the time of sponge withdrawal. Immediately after removal of sponges, animals of NT group were kept with proven breeding rams up to 72 h. Fixed time cervical or laparoscopic insemination was done at 48 h after sponge removal. The insemination was repeated 12 h later in CAI group. The pregnancy and lambing rates were significantly higher in NT group (90%, 90%), than CAI group (55.5%, 55.5%) and LAI group (20%, 10%). The prolificacy rate was significantly higher in CAI group (180%) than NT group (111.1%) and LAI group (100%). The serum progesterone concentration was higher in pregnant ewes on day 10, day 17 and day 35 than non-pregnant ewes. The fixed time cervical insemination following intravaginal progesterone sponges for 10 day+eCG protocol resulted in better pregnancy rate and prolificacy rate in crossbred ewes during breeding season.

Effect of Progestin based Estrus Synchronization Protocol on Estrus Parameters, Hormonal Profile and Vaginal Cytology in Surti Goats

This investigation was conducted to study the effect of progestin and prostaglandin-based estrous synchronization protocol on estrus parameters, hormonal profile and vaginal cytology in Surti goats. Ten non-pregnant Surti goats were selected and subjected to estrus synchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone sponges (60 mg Medroxyprogesterone acetate, MAP) for 11 days followed by PGF2α injection (125 μgCloprostenol). Whole blood was collected on day 0 (before treatment), day 5, 11 (after treatment), at proestrus, estrus and diestrus for analyzing progesterone as well as estrogen hormone concentration. The vaginal exfoliative cytology was studied at proestrus, estrus and diestrus. Estrus parameters such as induction rate was 100%, time of onset of estrus from PG injection was 29.70 ± 1.06 h and duration was 30.74 ± 0.19 h. Significantly higher population of parabasal cells and superficial cells were observed during proestrus, intermediate cells in diestrus and cornified cells during estrus. At estrus, level of progesterone was lowest and estrogen was highest. Combination of progestin and prostaglandin-based protocol is successful in synchronization of estrous cycle with 100% estrus induction rate in Surti goats. Further in addition to other signs, vaginal exfoliative cytology can also be used for determining different phases of estrous cycle.

Estrus and fertility responses in acyclic ewes treated with short, medium or long-term GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH protocols supplemented with intra-vaginal progesterone therapy

The present study was conducted with the aim to compare the effectiveness of the short-term (5 days), moderateterm (8 days) and long-term (12 days) progesterone therapy in the form of intravaginal AVIKESIL-S® progesterone sponge developed by CSWRI, Avikanagar (Rajasthan), during modified GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH treatments during non-breeding season (May-July) in crossbred (Nali×Rambuillet) ewes. The seasonal anestrus ewes were enrolled into four groups. In Group 1 (n=50), ewes were treated with GnRH on day 0, PGF2α on day 5, and second GnRH on day 7 plus progesterone supplementation with intravaginal progesterone sponge from day 0 to day 5 while in Group-2 (n=50), ewes were treated with GnRH on day 0, PGF2α on day 8, and second GnRH on day 9 plusprogesterone supplementation with intravaginal progesterone sponge from day 0 to day 8. Further, in Group 3(n=50), ewes were treated with GnRH on day 0 and PGF2α on day 12 and second GnRH on day 13 plus progesteronesupplementation with intravaginal AVIKESIL-S® sponge from day 0 to day 12. Group 4 (n=50), comprised ofuntreated control animals. Results showed that estrus synchronization rate (%) was significantly higher in Group 2and Group 3 in comparison to Group 4 (control). There was significant difference in the duration of estrus, pregnancy rate, lambing rate in Group 2 as compared to Group 4 (control) but prolificacy and fecundity were not statistically significant (p>0.01) among the groups during out of breeding season. Thus, modified Ovsynch protocol with 8-day progesterone therapy is better for augmenting fertility in crossbred ewes during non-breeding season.

Etawa Goat Estrus Quality with Estrus Synchronization

Background: Estrus synchronization is a way to get a herd of cattle estrus at the same time. This method can increase the reproductive success of livestock, thereby increasing production and population. Purpose: To determine the estrus quality from estrus synchronized Boerja goats, in Trawas District, Mojokerto Regency. Method: Estrus synchronization using an intra-vaginal sponge contains hormone progesterone, combined with the injection of the hormone GnRH. an intra-vaginal progesterone sponge was inserted for 14 days. After 14 days, the goats were injected with the GnRH hormone, then placed in a cage with the male and observed for estrus quality. Result: the average onset of estrus was 40.6 hours, the average color of the goat's vulvar mucosa when estrus was 2.3 (dark pink), the average presence of mucus was 1.9 (excess vulvar mucus), the average mucus color is 2.8 (white), and the average temperature increase of the vulva when the goat is in estrus is 0.4 ° C. Conclusion: The observations showed that the estrus quality of the goats was very diverse and not all goats were able to show the maximum estrus quality. It can be due to genetic factors, body condition, and feed nutrition.

Comparison of Success Rate of Estrus and Pregnancy between Laser Puncture and Intra Vaginal Progesterone Sponge in Bali Cattle

The purpose of this study was to find a method of determining laser models and intra vaginal progesteronesponge in Bali Cattle. An assessment was carried out at Sapi Loka Grati, Pasuruan, Indonesia. The parametersobserved included the symptoms of estrus, response of estrus, and the level of pregnancy. Twenty Balinesecows were divided at random in two groups. P1 treated with laser puncture at a certain point and P2 treatedwith 1.5 g of progesterone + 10 mg of estradiol benzoate intra vaginal sponge. The diagnosis of subsequentpregnancies was done by ultrasonographic examination on day 40th after artificial insemination (AI). Thelaser used in this study was a soft laser with power supply specifications as follows: 50 Hz, 220 Volts, 50Watts, ranging from 0.2 Joules to 0.5 Joules. These lasers include semiconductor lasers and laser probes.Three acupuncture points were used (GV 4, BL-22, and GV-2). Furthermore, the intra vaginal progesteronesponge used was made from silicone plastic similar to the drugs containing medroxyprogesterone acetate.Data testing was done by using the T-test. Results demonstrated that the P1 responses of estrus appeared onday 3rd, while P2 on day 9th. There was no significant difference (p >0.05) in the accumulation of estrus andpregnancy. In conclusion, estrus synchronization and pregnancy rate could be efficiently achieved in Balicattle using either laser puncture or intra vaginal progesterone sponge. However, laser puncture treatmentinduced more spread estrus with higher pregnancy rate.

Effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization and artificial insemination success in farmers flock in sheep under semi-arid tropical region.

Environmental cues in the different seasons might influence the estrus and lambing percentages. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination success in sheep. During the period from 2012 to 2017, a total of 1,197 ewes of Kheri and Malpura breeds of 34 farms originating from 10 villages were synchronized for estrus and then fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was done. Oestrous synchronization was done by intravaginal progesterone sponges and eCG protocol. Fixed-time cervical insemination was performed 48 and 56hr after sponge removal in ewes exhibiting estrus, using liquid chilled semen containing 100 million sperm per dose of Patanwadi/Malpura rams. Mean sunshine hours, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures, temperature amplitude, mean relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), mean temperature during sponge-in to sponge-out-12-day period, sponge-out and next day, AI day and AI to next 15days have been calculated. The estrus response and lambing percentage were higher (p<.05) when ES and FTAI were done during hot-humid with rainfall season. Successful (p<.05) ES occur when the minimum temperature was higher in cold-humid season, and the sunshine hour was higher in hot-humid with scanty rainfall season during sponge-in to sponge-out period. The success of the lambing percentage was higher (p<.05) when maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and THI was higher on the day of AI and the next 15-day period, irrespective of the season. The success of FTAI indicates the adaptability of the local breed to tolerate the harsh climate of the hot semi-arid region without much hindrance in lambing percentages.

Effect of n-3 PUFA rich fish oil supplementation on the reproductive performance of seasonally acyclic goats

In the present study, effect of dietary supplementation of fish oil during the non-breeding season on the reproductive performance of the goats was investigated. Experimental does were fed an isocaloric diet of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) rich fish (FO; n=12) or palm oil (PO; n=12) for 71 days. Periodical ovarian scanning for 21 days from the day of supplementation (day 0) confirmed acyclicity. Estrus induction was done by intra-vaginal progesterone (P4) sponge for 14 days from day 22 to 35 of supplementation. Dietary FO did not affect serum P4 throughout the period of supplementation. Ovarian scanning studies revealed that neither the number of surface follicles nor the diameter of largest surface follicle was significantly different between the groups at any point of supplementation. Similarly, the concentration of serum estradiol (E2) and P4 on the day of induced estrus was comparable between the groups. However, supplementation of FO decreased the PGFM significantly on day 16–18 post-estrus. In conclusion, supplementation of EPA and DHA rich FO for about 10 weeks inhibited the endometrial PGF2α production during the luteolytic window at induced estrus; however, it did not improve the ovarian function and fertility in the seasonally acyclic goat.

Effect of different short term synchronization protocols on estrus and fertility in non-pregnant ewes during the breeding season

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of different short term synchronization protocols on estrus and pregnancy rates in merino ewes that had not become pregnant after at least three matings during the breeding season. Three different protocols were used as follows: Group I: Ewes (n=30) were inserted intravaginal progesterone sponge (florogestan asetate; 30 mg) for 6 days plus PGF2α (125 μg, i.m.) at the time of sponge removal, Group II: Ewes (40) were treated same as in group 1 plus eCG (250 IU, i.m.) at time of sponge removal, and Group III: Ewes (n=38) were only injected with PGF2α at the same time with the ewes in the other two groups. Estrus was detected by rams (n=4), 24 hours after PGF2α and ewes detected in estrus were mated. Ten rams were used for mating. Pregnancy was diagnosed 60 days after mating by ultrasonography. Estrus, conception and pregnancy rates were: for Group I 100%, 73.3% and 73.3%, for Group II 92.5%, 89.2% and 82.5% and for Group III 81.6%, 100% and 81%. In Group III, pregnancy loss after pregnancy diagnosis was significantly higher (35.4%) compared with the other groups (Group I: 13.6% and Group II: 15%).

Oestrus synchronization in goats using impregnated intravaginal progesterone sponge and buck effect

A study was conducted with the objective to compare the efficacy of the intravaginal progesterone sponge and buck effect on oestrus synchronization, conception rate and oestrous behaviour during non-breeding season in non-descript goats. The study was carried out from November, 2015 to February, 2016 and does (n=18) were divided into three equal groups. T1 group was treated with intravaginal progesterone (P4) sponge kept in situ for 15 d (350mg P4/sponge) and T2 group was teased with a sexually active aproned buck for 6 h/dy for 15 d. The does in control group were kept without any treatment. The does in T1 group exhibited 100% oestrus as against 50% in T2 group within 72 h of treatment. The interval between removal of sponge and onset of oestrus was significantly (P<0.05) shorter in T1 (36.00±5.58 h) than introduction of buck in T2 (174.5±73.52 h) and control (245.30±79.90 h) groups. The conception rate (CR) between control (50%) and T1 (100%) group differed significantly (P<0.05). The study revealed that the intravaginal progesterone sponge synchronized the oestrus and fertility.

Effect of selenium-yeast feeding on amelioration of simulated heat stress and reproductive performance in Malpura ewe under semi-arid tropical environment

The present study was carried out for 35 days to assess the effect of selenium (Se)-yeast feeding on amelioration of simulated heat stress and reproductive performance of sheep. Twelve adult Malpura ewes were divided into two groups viz., G1 (n=6, control) and G2 (n=6, Se-yeast supplemented). The ewes of G2 were provided with Se at 0.3 mg/kg feed dry matter (DM) through Se-enriched yeast (Saccharomyces cerevesiea). The animals were stall fed individually with a diet consisting of 70% roughage (Cenchrus ciliaris) and 30% concentrate. All the ewes were estrus synchronized using intra-vaginal progesterone sponges+eCG protocol. To simulate heat stress, the ewes were kept inside the psychometric chamber and were exposed to different temperature at different hours of the day. Supplementation of Se-yeast had no significant effect on physiological response. Higher glucose and a lower protein level was found in the Se-yeast supplemented group under heat stress. Plasma metabolic hormone and cortisol level was higher in G1 as compared to Se-yeast supplemented ewes. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was 10.62% higher in G2 as compared to the G1. Estrus percentage and estradiol level was higher in G2 as compared to the G1. From the findings of the present experiment, it is pertinent to conclude that the level of Se enriched yeast fed in this study have limited potential to ameliorate heat stress. However, different doses of Se could be tried in sheep to improve resilience against heat stress.

Effect of breeding season on fertility of sheep following estrus synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination under field conditions in semi-arid tropical region

Accelerated lambing system is heavily reliant on reproductive technologies meant to enable off the season breeding in sheep. Therefore, the present study was programmed to assess the effect of breeding season (BS) on fertility of sheep following estrus synchronization (ES) and fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI). A total of 248 and 365 ewes were synchronized and inseminated during the BS (Febuary–March and July–September) and non-breeding season (NBS) respectively, during 2012–14. Synchronization of estrus was done by AVIKESIL-S, intra-vaginal progesterone sponges kept in situ in vagina for 12 days. 200 IU eCG was administered intramuscularly on 12th day after sponge withdrawal. FTAI was performed twice in ewes exhibiting signs of estrus at 48 and 56h after sponge removal, using liquid chilled semen of Patanwadi/Malpura rams containing 100 million sperm. Breeding season had no significant (p<0.05) effect on estrus synchronization. The estrous responses during the BS and NBS were 84.68% and 83.29% respectively. The lambing percentage during BS was 66.67%, which is significantly (p<0.05) higher than the lambing percentage of NBS (57.57%). Although, the lambing percentage in NBS maneuvered ewes were lower than the BS ewes but still the technology can be used to offset the effect of anestrus and to augment production in sheep.

Returning of cyclicity in infertile Corriedale sheep with natural progesterone and GnRH based strategies

Abstract Objective To evaluate the return of ovarian cyclicity with four hormone based protocols during non-breeding season in infertile Corriedale sheep. Methods The return to ovarian cyclicity was considered in terms of percent estrus response rate (ERR). The time of exhibition of estrus after either sponge removal or last PGF2α injection, was considered as time to onset of estrus. Infertile Corriedale ewes were randomly selected and distributed into four groups corresponding to four hormonal protocols such as PsE (intravaginal progesterone sponges for 12 days and eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin) at 24 h before sponge removal; n = 6), GP (GnRH on day 0 and PGF2α on day 5; n = 7), GPG (GnRH on day 0, PGF2α on day 5 and second injection of GnRH on day 7; n = 7) and PsPG (Intravaginal progesterone sponges for 12 days, PGF2α and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) respectively, at 24 h before and after sponge removal; n = 8). Results PsPG protocol produced significantly (P 0.05) higher than GP (85.71%) and PsE (66%). Estrus was compact and more synchronized in PsPG group because 75% of ewes exhibited estrus during the first 48 h. The collective incidence of estrus (78.94%) was also maximum during the first 48 h. Conclusion PsPG estrus induction strategy has a potential to replace eCG based protocols for returning of ovarian cyclicity in infertile Corriedale sheep.

Effect of long-term or short-term supplementation of high energy or high energy-protein diets on ovarian follicles and blood metabolites and hormones in ewes

This study was conducted to compare the effect of high energy or high energy-protein diets in long-term (16 days, flushing) or short-term (6 days, focus feeding) supplementation period on ovarian performance and serum metabolites and hormones of ewes. For this purpose 40 cyclic Naeini ewes (40±1kg BW and 2–3 years of age) were randomly assigned to experimental groups: 1—Control (CON), 2—long-term high energy diet (LE), 3—short-term high energy diet (SE), 4—long-term high energy-protein diet (LEP), and 5—short-term high energy-protein diet (SEP). Ewes were housed in the individual pens with free access to food and water. The estrous cycle of ewes was synchronized with insertion of intravaginal progesterone sponges for a 12-day period. Follicular development was observed by ultrasound four days before to one day after sponge removing (−4 to +1) and blood was sampled once a day during this time. Results showed that LE and SE groups had more large-size (>5mm) follicles (P<0.05) than those the other group on day +1. Double ovulation rate was high in ewes fed with high energy diets. The LE and SE groups had higher (P<0.05) serum glucose, cholesterol and insulin, but lower urea concentration compared to the other groups. Feeding high energy caused low serum oestradiol before the sponge removing. However, the LE and SE groups had the highest (P<0.05) oestradiol concentration before the estrus time. Results of the present study revealed that change in dietary energy levels for a short-term or long-term period just before ovulation could improve the blood metabolites and reproductive performance of the ewes.

Effect of feeding greater amounts of dietary energy for a short-term with or without eCG injection on reproductive performance, serum metabolites and hormones in ewes

This study was conducted to compare the effect of transient high-energy diet in a short-term period with or without eCG injection on ovarian follicle development, twining rate, serum metabolites and hormones in ewes. A total of 45 estrous cyclic Naeini ewes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: 1—Control (control), 2—High energy short-term feeding (HE), and 3—high energy short-term feeding+eCG injection (HEe). Ewes were housed in individual pens with free access to feed and water. The stage of the estrous cycle of all ewes was synchronized by insertion of intravaginal progesterone sponges. Focus feeding started from 4 days before until 1 day after sponge removal. Follicle development was monitored from 4 days before until 1 day after sponge removal and blood samples were taken during this time. Results showed that ewes fed high energy diets (HE and HEe) had greater (P<0.05) large follicle numbers compared with the control group. Feeding high energy diets increased (P<0.05) serum glucose, cholesterol and insulin, but had lesser (P<0.05) serum urea nitrogen concentrations near the time of ovulation. After the start of experiment, ewes fed high energy diets had less (P<0.05) serum estradiol. However, 1 day after sponge removal, serum estradiol in HE and HEe groups increased (P<0.05). It was concluded that short-term (6-day) changes in amount of dietary energy with or without eCG injection increased twin births and had beneficial effects on the blood metabolites and hormone concentrations in Naeini ewes.

Induction of Estrus and Fertility Response in True Anoestrus Buffaloes Using Intravaginal Progesterone Sponge During Summer

Present study was carried out to study the efficacy of intravaginal progesterone sponge for induction of estrum in post partum anoestrus buffaloes during summer. True anoestrus animals were identified by repeated rectal examinations twice at 10 days interval apart having the small and smooth ovaries without any follicular activity. Out of 40 animals identified, 30 were treated with intravaginal progesterone sponge for 10 days and PGF2 injection was given one day prior to removal of sponge. Remaining 10 animals were kept as anoestrus control without treatment. The animals were watched closely for change in external gentallia after sponge removal and for estrus symptoms. The animals exhibiting estrus were inseminated artificially. Estrus was induced in 80% of animals (24/30) and the conception rate was 66.66% (16/24). This result indicates the better possibilities of inducing ovarian cyclicity in functionally anoestrus buffaloes by cost effective intravaginal progesterone sponge.

Conception Rate and Frequency of Single and Multiple Births in Estrus Synchronized Nari Suwarna Ewes Maintained Under Two Different Systems of Feeding Strategies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the conception rate and frequency of single and multiple births in estrus synchronized NARI Suwarna ewes maintained under two different systems of feeding strategies. Fifty adult ewes of same age were randomly divided into two groups as per the type of feeding management. Ewes in both the groups were subjected for estrus synchronization protocol for 12 days by using intravaginal progesterone sponges with PGF2α and PMSG. Ewes were inseminated with freshly collected & diluted semen and pregnancy was diagnosed with the aid of ultrasonograpy 30 days of post AI. The mean conception rate recorded was 83.3 & 55% for scientific feeding and pastures grazing respectively. Similarly, single & multiple births recorded were 20% & 80% and 45.45% & 54.55% for scientific feeding and pasture grazing respectively. In conclusion, significantly higher (83.3%) conception rate and multiple births (80%) were observed in ewes maintained under scientific system of feeding than pasture grazed ewes.

Factors influencing the success of an artificial insemination program in Florida goats

An artificial insemination (AI) program using cooled semen was evaluated over a 7-year period in Florida goats. The effect of the following variables on pregnancy rates was analysed: production system, year and season of AI, synchronisation treatment, bucks, AI technicians, semen deposition site, days in milk at AI, milk yield and parity. Animals were reared under field conditions on commercial farms in southern Spain. Semen was collected from nine bucks and cooled at 4ºC until use. A total of 3941 goats were synchronised using intravaginal progesterone sponges and inseminated 46.0 ± 0.5 h. after sponge removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography 42-46 days after AI, obtaining an average pregnancy rate of 48.7%. Logistic regression showed that production system, AI year and season, bucks and semen deposition site had a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on pregnancy rate, while the other variables analysed were removed from the model. The final statistical model accounted for 59.7% of the cases analysed, suggesting that other factors not studied here may influence pregnancy rates in Florida goats.

Regulation of the prostaglandin enzymatic system by estradiol and progesterone in nonpregnant sheep cervix

In the present study, we examined the in vivo effects of estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone on cyclooxygenase (COX) 2, prostaglandin F synthase (PTGFS, also known as PGFS), and membrane-associated prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPTGES1) expression at both mRNA and protein levels using a nonpregnant ovariectomized (OVX) sheep model. Sixteen ewes were OVX shortly after ovulation. After 40 days, ewes were treated with saline (Cont, n=5), or E(2) infused intravenously for 2 days (50 microg/day, n=5) or intravaginal progesterone (P) sponges for 10 days (0.3 g P, n=6). Cervical COX2, PTGFS, and mPTGES1 mRNA and protein were quantified by northern and western blot analyses respectively. In situ hybridization and/or immunocytochemistry were used to localize the cellular distribution of COX2, PTGFS, and mPTGES1 mRNAs and proteins. COX2 mRNA abundance increased significantly in the cervix after E(2) treatment (P<0.05). However, progesterone was a more potent stimulator than E(2) of COX2 mRNA and protein abundance in the cervix (P<0.01). In contrast, PTGFS and mPTGES1 mRNA and protein concentrations did not change after E(2) or progesterone treatment (P>0.05). COX2, PTGFS, and mPTGES1 mRNA and protein were only localized in cervical glandular epithelial cells. This study shows that increased cervical COX2 mRNA and protein, but not PTGFS and mPTGES1 mRNA and protein, were associated with E(2) and progesterone treatment in nonpregnant sheep. More strikingly, progesterone was a more potent stimulator of cervical COX2 expression than E(2). The expression of COX2, PTGFS, and mPTGES1 mRNA and/or protein was confined in the cervical glandular epithelial cells of nonpregnant sheep.