Optimum Time For Insemination Research Articles

A short versus a long time interval between semen collection and intrauterine insemination: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Does a short interval (i.e. ≤90 min), compared to a long interval (i.e. ≥180 min), between semen collection and intrauterine insemination (IUI) increase the cumulative chance of an ongoing pregnancy after six IUI cycles? A long interval between semen collection and IUI resulted in a borderline significant improvement in cumulative ongoing pregnancies and a statistically significant shorter time to pregnancy. Retrospective studies assessing the effect of the time interval between semen collection and IUI on pregnancy outcomes have shown inconclusive results. Some studies have indicated a beneficial effect of a short interval between semen collection and IUI on IUI outcomes, while others have not found any differences. To date, no prospective trials have been published on this subject. The study was performed as a non-blinded, single-center RCT with 297 couples undergoing IUI treatment in a natural or stimulated cycle. The study was conducted between February 2012 and December 2018. Couples with unexplained or mild male subfertility and an indication for IUI were randomly assigned for up to six IUI cycles into either the control group (long interval, i.e. 180 min or more between semen collection and insemination) or the study group (short interval, i.e. insemination as soon as possible after semen processing and within 90 min of semen collection). The study was carried out in an academic hospital-based IVF center in the Netherlands. The primary endpoint of the study was ongoing pregnancy rate per couple, defined as a viable intrauterine pregnancy at 10 weeks after insemination. In the short interval group, 142 couples were analyzed versus 138 couples in the long interval group. In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the long interval group (71/138; 51.4%) compared to that in the short interval group (56/142; 39.4%; relative risks 0.77; 95% CI 0.59-0.99; P = 0.044). The time to pregnancy was significantly shorter in the long interval group (log-rank test, P = 0.012). A Cox regression analysis showed similar results (adjusted hazard ratio 1.528, 95% CI 1.074-2.174, P = 0.019). Limitations of our study are the non-blinded design, the long inclusion and follow-up period of nearly seven years and the large number of protocol violations, especially because they predominantly occurred in the short interval group. The non-significant results in the per-protocol (PP) analyses and the weaknesses of the study should be taken into account in the assessment of the borderline significance of the results in the ITT analyses. Because it is not necessary to perform the IUI immediately after semen processing, there can be more time available to choose the optimum work-flow and clinic occupancy. Clinics and laboratories should find their optimal timing of insemination, considering the time between human chorionic gonadotropin injection and insemination in relation to the sperm preparation techniques used as well as the storage time and conditions until insemination. There were no external funding and no competing interests to declare. Dutch trial registry, trial registration number NTR3144. 14 November 2011. 5 February 2012.

In vivo embryo development in bitches inseminated laparoscopically after ovulation time estimated based on a single progesterone determination.

Logistic and economical limitations are often the causes of dog owners not accurately monitoring the estrous cycle and the optimal insemination time. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo early embryonic development in bitches, after the analysis of sequential vaginal cytologies associated to single progesterone measurement and single laparoscopic insemination with high quality semen (fresh and with high spermatozoa concentration) or low-quality semen (frozen/thawed and with low spermatozoa concentration) at 48 h post- ovulation time predicted on a single progesterone measurement. Ten bitches were inseminated with 250 x 106 fresh spermatozoa (80% motility), and ten with 80 x 106 frozen/thawed spermatozoa (60% motility) in the cranial part of each uterine horn. Seven days later, ovariohysterectomy was performed and the oviducts and uterine horns and body were flushed to recover embryos and unfertilized oocytes. In 80% of the bitches inseminated with fresh and 50% of bitches inseminated with frozen/thawed semen, embryos at 2 to 8 cells stage were recovered mostly from the, oviducts. This study indicates that pregnancies can be obtained with a single laparoscopic intrauterine insemination after single serum progesterone measurement, although with a low number of embryos. This result should be taken into account in case economic or logistic restrictions that affect the possibility of owners to plan an accurate monitoring of the optimal breeding time using fresh and frozen semen.

Determining the optimal insemination time of bitches

Nowadays, breeding dogs requires a competent, science-based approach. In particular, the choice of the optimal insemination time (both natural and artificial) is one of the important factors of successful mating or artificial insemination of bitches and is crucial in the problem of infertility. The period of fertilization (the time when ovicells can be fertilized) is 2-5 days after ovulation. Therefore, mating should be performed immediately before or during this period. The optimal time can be determied using various methods that estimate the period of fertility (when mating/inseminación can lead to conception). However, none of the diagnostic techniques is absolutely reliable, so for the most accurate result, it is recommended to use several (two or three) studies. For example: counting days, assessment of vulvar and vaginal discharge plus smear and/or vaginoscopy. Control mating increases the probability of conception and is usually performed the day after the first mating. It should be considered that the time of ovulation in the same bitch during different heat can be different. For bitches with problems of conception use the maximum number of methods with the analysis of past successful and unsuccessful matings. Choosing a specific method also implies an economic aspect, such as when owners have to carry bitches for a long distance and they need to be sure of the exact date of ovulation.

Moosense Pedometer for Oestrus Detection and Ovulation Time Prediction for Artificial Insemination in Karan Fries Cows

Background: Improper estrus detection causes huge economic losses due to inaccurate time of insemination leading to poor conception rate. So, here pedometer proved to be a promising tool in defining optimal time of insemination,improving fertilization rates based on increased number of steps. The study is to determine the relationship between increased pedometer activity for efficient estrus alert and duration of estrus for prediction of accurate time of ovulation.Methods: Oestrus detected in KF cows (N = 20) by behavioural estrus visually. Further validated by pedometer activity and confirmed by progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentration. Individual animal daily activity pattern collected, transformed and arranged to in Excel sheet for statistical analysis for determining estrus alert, estrus duration, ovulation and insemination time.Result: Based on pedometer estrus alert,duration, estrus onset and estrus end to ovulation was 15.63±1.46 h, 30.53±1.21h and 14.89±2.03h respectively. The mean activity count per hour (ACPH) for the pedometer oestrus (426.19±70.19) and E2 found associated on oestrus day. Based on oestrus alert and duration artificial insemination (A.I) can be made 10h after onset up to 5h after end of pedometer oestrus. Pedometer detects estrus slightly earlier than behavioural estrus efficiently and help in predicting the ovulation time for governing the accurate time of insemination.

Efficiency test microscope “Arbor Elite” for determining the fertile period of bitches

Choosing the optimal time of insemination of she-dogs is one of the urgent problems in the reproduction of dogs, because it causes fertility and can be the cause of artificially acquired infertility or low in fertility. To this end, a number of methods are used in practice, but none of them fully meets the requirements. Therefore, the question of choosing a method for determining the optimal time of insemination of bitches remains unresolved. In this regard, the purpose of our research was to study the effectiveness of the use of the microscope “Arbor Elite” to determine the fertile period of she-dogs. The work was performed in the Clinical Diagnostic Center “Rancho” of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University. The material for the study were female dogs of different breeds with a physiological course of sexual cycling. In order to determine the optimal time of insemination of bitches used test microscope “Arbor Elite”, the principle of which is based on the phenomenon of salivation arborization, due to the presence of salts that crystallize as a result of increasing estrogen in the body in the stage of proestrus-estrus. There are 3 types of dried saliva after crystallization: Type I – small crystals in the form of thin stems/a large number of formed crystals “twigs”. Fertilization is probable (stage of proestrus with insignificant / moderate estrogen secretion); Type II – fern leaves, crystals with a thick stem. The probability of fertilization is maximum (estrus stage with maximum estrogen production); Type III – outlines of sand or pebbles, no crystals. Fertilization is unlikely (met- / diestrus stage). It is established that the efficiency of using the test microscope “Arbor Elite” to determine the fertile period of female dogs is 85.2 %. However, the effectiveness of the method can be increased by differentiating endocrine pathology. In addition, the use of a test microscope “Arbor Elite” has other advantages, in particular, is simple, does not require special knowledge or training, so it can be used at home. But the main advantage is that its implementation in combination with other methods can reduce financial costs and reduce the impact of stressors (ie reduces the number of visits for sampling and cytological and hormonal tests). The method of determining the fertile period of she-dogs using a test microscope “Arbor Elite” needs further research and improvement, and its combination with other methods will optimize the diagnosis of optimal insemination time not only in bitches but also in females of different species.

Metabolic influenceson hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function in the pig

Oestrus is the period around ovulation in which sows show a standing response for boars, thus allowing the boars to mate with the sows. The duration of oestrus may vary between sows from 24 h up to 96 h, which is not related to systemic oestrogen concentrations. The moment of ovulation after onset of oestrus may vary from 10 h to 85 h. Consequently, onset of oestrus is not a good predictor for the time of ovulation. A reliable prediction of ovulation time would be worthwhile, since fertilization results are highly dependent on the moment of insemination relative to the moment of ovulation. However, at present, the duration of oestrus is the best 'predictor' of ovulation time and is independent of the duration of oestrus; ovulation takes place on average 70% of the way through oestrus. The following factors have been found to influence the duration of oestrus (and consequently the optimal time for insemination): boar-stimuli, stress, interval from weaning to oestrus, season and parity. Further study is needed to determine the causes of the variability in oestrus expression between sows, including the regulation of oestrus behaviour at the level of the brain.

Optimal timing of artificial insemination in gilts

In the article it is highlighted the results of research on the features of cervix permeability and optimal periods of fertilization in pubertal gilts. Five high-productive boars of the Large White breed, aged 18-36 months, were used in experiments and evaluated for the quality of sperm. The start of the estrus was carried out using a test boar. In the first experiment to determine the permeability of the cervical canal, 3 groups of the Large White breed were formed for 15 heads in each, which were inseminated at the onset: of the first (1st group), the second (2nd group) and the third period of the estrus at the age of 6 - 8 months. Gilt were fertilized with a sperm dosage of 70 ml of a diluent containing 2 billion of spermatozoa. In the second experiment to determine the optimal timing of insemination, 66 gilt of the Large White breed aged 8 to 9 months, live weight 110-130 kg, with clear signs of the start of proestrus, estrus and diestrus were used. The beginning of the estrus was set twice a day at 7 o'clock and 19 o'clock. The doses of sperm (2 billion of spermatozoa in 70 ml of diluent) were injected into the gilts according to the following scheme: Group I - after the prescribed period of the estrus - 0 hours; Group II - after 6 hours; III - group - 12 hours; Group IV - 18 hours; V - 24 hours; VI - 36 hours. It has been determined that cervical permeability increases with age of gilts and the number of reproductive cycles. In gilts, in the first reproductive cycle, the permeability of the cervical canal is 4.61 cm and intensively increases twice: 1.9 (p <0.001) (2nd estrus) and 2.5 times (p <0.001) (3rd estrus). The introduction of sperm by the intracerviсal method on the third period of the estrus allows them to be fertilized at a level of 86 % and receive 10.2 newborn piglets.Cervix permeability in gilts increases from the beginning of the estrus for the next 24 hours. The high indexes of their reproductive capacity are determined at the introduction of sperm dosage in 24-36 hours after the onset of the estrus. The number of live newborns piglets was maximal when sperm is introduced into cervix of gilts in 12; 24 and 30 hours after the start of the estrus. The live weight of newborn piglets depends on the period of the introduction of sperm into the pigs, being maximal at the start of the estrus, and in 24 and 30 hours after the introduction of sperm. The postponement of the procedure up to 36 hours leads to a decrease of this index (p <0.001). Key words: reproductive cycle, estrus, cervix, fertilization, sperm, gilt.

Methods for determining optimal insemination time in nutrients

The implementation of the state agrarian policy provides for the creation of modern production technologies based on fundamentally new theoretical and practical research and scientifi c and technical solutions that will ensure the dynamic development of various livestock industries. Low cost of maintenance, high reproduction, resistance to diseases of various etiologies – these are exactly the criteria that nutraceuticals meet. Nutria are herbivorous, multiple polycyclic animals that multiply combine periods of lactation and pregnancy. Thus, with minimal costs for feed, the farm has the opportunity to make high profi ts. Breeding nutria is cost-eff ective and requires a more detailed study, the development of this industry in all regions of Ukraine. When breeding nutria in closed conditions, the reproductive ability of young females decreases by 20–30%. Research in the direction of the reproductive function of female nutria is practically not conducted, therefore, the study of this issue is relevant. In this article, we analyzed the methods for diagnosing the optimal insemination time for nutria, taking into account their shortcomings and ease of use, and found that the earlier methods used (before 2000) have many shortcomings, as a result of which farms receive less profi t due to death, as well as spoiled quality of fur and skins during fi ghts between animals. The use of a male probe provides not only a benefi cial eff ect on the development of the reproductive system of female nutria, but also allows timely determination of the optimal time for insemination of female nutria. The disadvantage of this method is the cost of drugs for epididiotomy and the postoperative period. Colpocytoscopy is an inexpensive, convenient, non-traumatic, and highly accurate method for determining the optimal insemination period in female nutria. Key words: nutria, reproductive cycle, puberty, male probes, insemination, colpocytoscopy.

PSX-12 Comparison of transcervical and intracervical artificial insemination techniques for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in the goat

Abstract The efficacy of transcervical (TC) and intracervical (IC) semen deposition was evaluated for pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) program in the goat. Three breeds (Alpine, n = 50, Boer, n = 17 and Spanish n = 20) were synchronized by a Co-synch program and then inseminated by TCAI (n = 52) or a commercial ICAI (RamGo, TecnoGen) technique (n = 35). On d0, the goats received a CIDR insert and a single injection of GnRH. On d12, CIDRs were removed and a single injection of PGF2α was administered, followed seventeen hours by an injection of GnRH. On d14, 49–50 hours post CIDR removal, the does were inseminated with fresh, cooled (4OC) semen. For TCAI, the external os cervix was visualized and the insemination gun inserted. Following manipulation through the cervical rings, semen was deposited in the uterine body. For ICAI, the straw was loaded into a RamGo intracervical catheter (ICC) and mixed with media to increase the volume. The doe was held at 60–70 degrees (head down). The external os cervix was visualized, the tip of the ICC placed in the os cervix and manipulated into the first cervical ring. Semen was deposited intracervically. Pregnancy status was determined on day 30–35 via transrectal ultrasound. No difference in P/AI was noted between the TC or IC technique (45.7 and 30.8 %, respectively). Additionally, no interactive effect on P/AI was found between insemination method and breed. The timing of FTAI did present a significant difference in the P/AI among the breeds. Spanish does demonstrated a lower P/AI than the Boer and Alpine does (10 vs 41.2 and 46 %, respectively). In summary, ICAI requires less technical proficiency and is a practical technique for FTAI in the goat. The P/AI results further demonstrate a need for continued evaluation of the optimal timing of insemination between breeds.

Reproductive Qualities of Romanov Sheep with Regard to the Paratypic Factors

The article discusses the results of own studies of the authors, the literature data, and the best practices of Romanov sheep breeding. The research was performed at the two Romanov sheep pedigree breeding units in the Tver region, LLC Rassvet and LLC PF Pokrov. This breed has several advantages, such as the possibility of insemination in any season, early maturing, multiparity, the quality of sheepskin, and the taste of the lamb meat. The authors studied the productivity and the reproductive ability of ewes depending on the season, the age of insemination, the live weight, the birth type of the lamb crop. More lambs are obtained in the lambings during the autumn and winter from the ewes after three and more lambings. The survival rate is higher in the winter and summer lambings. The optimal time of insemination is 12 – 13 months. At these farms, three lambings were obtained in two years.

Normal progesterone profiles during estrus in the bitch: A prospective analysis of 1420 estrous cycles

Appropriate timing of insemination in the bitch, through monitoring of serial serum progesterone concentrations, has historically been based on the detection of important physiological reproductive events which include the LH surge and ovulation 2–3 days later. Previous hormone profile studies during the estrus period in the bitch, in which determination of these physiological reproductive events has been defined, have been based on low numbers of bitches of similar breeds and body weights. Therefore, the aim of this large-scale prospective study was to define the normal serum progesterone profile during the estrus period in a large number of bitches of various breeds and body weights. In addition, we investigated if the rate of change in progesterone concentrations during the fertile period affected the reproductive performance of bitches after insemination with either fresh or frozen-thawed semen. A total of 1300 individual bitches, representing 84 different breeds, contributed 1420 estrous cycles and 4213 serum progesterone values over the 11-year (2007–2017) study period. The mean (±SD) progesterone concentration at estimated LH0 was 2.7 ± 0.6 ng/ml and at the time of estimated ovulation it was 4.8 ± 0.9 ng/ml and 7.2 ± 1.3 ng/ml (LH+2 and LH+3 respectively). There was no difference in the shape of progesterone profiles for bitches of different body weights. Furthermore, mean progesterone concentrations on each day between LH-6 and LH+7 were not different amongst bitches of different breeds and body weights and there was no effect of mean progesterone concentrations on any day on whelping rate or litter size. However, there was a significant effect of the rate of change in progesterone concentrations on litter size when frozen semen was used. The litter sizes of bitches inseminated with frozen semen with slow progesterone curves were significantly smaller compared to bitches with fast progesterone curves (3.9 ± 1.8 vs 5.6 ± 3.1 pups per litter respectively; P < 0.001). There was no effect of bitch age on the normal progesterone curve, or its rate of change. This is the first report of the normal progesterone profile during estrus in the bitch derived from a large number of serial progesterone measurements obtained from bitches of various breeds and body weights. Importantly, the predictability and reliability of this progesterone profile regardless of breed or body weight gives clinicians the confidence to accurately determine the optimal time for insemination, which is critical to reproductive success, especially when frozen semen is used.

Estrous detection intensity and accuracy and optimal timing of insemination with automated activity monitors for dairy cows

The objectives of this observational study were to assess the ability of automated activity monitoring (AAM) to detect estrus for first insemination, the accuracy of detection, and the optimum interval from the estrus alert from the AAM system to insemination. Four commercial farms using 1 of 2 commercial AAM systems were studied over 1 yr. Cows were inseminated between 55 and 80 d in milk (DIM) based on AAM only, then by a combination of AAM and timed artificial insemination (AI). Blood progesterone was measured in 1,014 cows at wk 5, 7, and 9 postpartum; purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) was assessed at wk 5; and lameness and BCS at wk 7. Overall, AAM detected 83% of cows in estrus by 80 DIM. Cows that had 3 serum progesterone <1 ng/mL, had PVD, or were both lame and had BCS ≤2.5 has lesser odds of being detected in estrus by 80 DIM (62, 68, and 53%, respectively). Blood samples were collected on the day of 445 AI based on AAM and 323 timed AI. The proportion of cows not in estrus (progesterone >1 ng/mL) on the day of AI was similar between AAM (4 ± 1.8%) and timed AI (3 ± 1.2%). Managers elected, based on subjective criteria, not to inseminate 17% of cows for which an AAM estrus alert was issued, of which 43% were not in estrus. Activity data were extracted from AAM software for 1,399 AI. Onset of estrus was calculated using the same or similar data processing criteria as the AAM system. Producers recorded the time of AI. The interval from onset of estrus to AI was categorized as 0 to 8, 8 to 16, or 16 to 24 h. We found no effect of AAM system on the probability of pregnancy per AI, but noted an interaction of interval with parity. For multiparous cows, the probability of pregnancy per AI was 31%, which did not differ with the interval to AI. For primiparous cows, the odds of pregnancy were greater if AI occurred 0 to 8 h (49%) than 8 to 16 (36%) or 16 to 24 h (31%) after the estrus alert from the AAM. Automated activity monitoring can detect estrus for first AI in just over the length of 1 estrous cycle for over 80% of cows, but the remainder would likely require intervention for timely insemination. For multiparous cows, performing AI based on AAM once per day would not affect pregnancy per AI, but for primiparous cows AI within 8 h of the onset of estrus may be advantageous.

Використання колпоцитоскопії для визначення оптимального часу осіменіння у нутрій

The article is devoted to the finding a way to determine optimal time for insemination of nutria. This gives an opportunity to improve reproduction what will improve profitability of nutrition as an animal industry.Known for today’s ways to determine optimal time for insemination of nutria have shortcomings, what limits their use. To this end we tested vaginal cystoscopy (colposcopy). This method is not so expensive, it is simple and easy to use. It allows you to define a clear relationship between cytological picture of vaginal smears and hormonal status in a specific period of the sexual cycle.We installed, that in the picture of vaginal smears from the beginning to the middle of proestrus, we can see erythrocytes and parabasal cells, which have a large nucleus, which occupies almost half of the cytoplasm. With a growing level of estrogens instead of basal cells appear intermediate cells reduces the numbers of erythrocytes.During the transition period of the proestrus stage to the estrus stage vaginal swab is characterized by reducing the number of intermediate cells and increase in the number of surface cells. Also we can see non-nuclear cells. Clearly it is visible contours of cells. The appearance of surface cells coincides with the stage of ovulation of the sexual cycle.The same picture of vaginal swab with lots of surface cells we can see in second, sometimes on third day after childbirth. So, the first two days after childbirth is conductive to fertilization period in nutria.In the end of estrus the vaginal swab has changes again: appear epithelial cells with a small nucleus, also we can see many leucocytes.So, the one of the main characteristics of vaginal swab in the period of ovulation in nutria is appearance of non-nuclear surface cells with clear contours and semitransparent cytoplasm. In the development perspective the use of colposcopy to assess the condition of the fetus and the course of pregnancy for further develop methods of diagnosis and prevention of pathologies in ante-, intra- and postnatal periods of development of nutrias puppies.

Dynamics of putative sex pheromone components during heat periods in estrus-induced cows

Determination of the optimal insemination time in dairy cows is vital for fertilization success and is a challenging task due to silent or weak signs of estrus shown by some cows. This can be overcome by combining several estrus detection methods, leading to higher detection rates. However, an efficient, noninvasive method for detecting estrus in cows is still needed. Chemical cues released by the cow during estrus have been proposed to have pheromonal properties and signal readiness to mate to the bull. Such cues could be used in an industrial setting to detect cows in estrus. However, no conclusive published data show temporal changes in putative sex pheromone levels during estrus. The goal of this study was to determine the temporal pattern of putative sex pheromone components during estrus and to assess the reproducibility of changes in pheromone concentration with respect to ovulation time. Two injections of the hormone PGF2α were administered over a 2-wk interval to induce and synchronize the estrous cycles of 6 Holstein cows. The precise time of ovulation was determined by means of an ultrasound technique, and estrus was determined by visual observation. Using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, we showed that acetic and propionic acids, which have been proposed to be putative sex pheromone components in cows, were present in the headspaces of all estrous and diestrous fecal samples, whereas 1-iodoundecane was not detected by solid-phase microextraction or by solvent extraction with diethyl ether. Low levels of acids were observed until 1 d before ovulation, at which point their concentrations increased, peaking around 0.5 d before ovulation. The application of labeled synthetic standards revealed that during the peak of release, 36 ± 8 ng (average ± SD) of acetic acid and 10 ± 3 ng of propionic acid were present in 0.5-g samples of estrous-phase fecal matter compared with 19 ± 5 and 2.3 ± 1 ng of acetic and propionic acids, respectively, in the control diestrous samples. After the peak, the amounts of the compounds decreased sharply to match those of the control samples and afterward returned to the baseline readings. This decrease in the amounts of putative pheromone components was registered about 12 h before ovulation, indicating that acetic and propionic acids could be used as biomarkers for the electronic detection of ovulation.

ЦИТОМОРФОЛОГИЯ ВАГИНАЛЬНЫХ МАЗКОВ У СОБАК В РАЗНЫЕ ПЕРИОДЫ ПОЛОВОГО ЦИКЛА

The purpose of work is improving the efficiency of fertilization dog breed French Bulldog. The results of cytological examination of vaginal mucus in dogs at different periods of the sexual cycle. This will determine the optimal time for insemination. As a result of vaginal smear cytology of dogs among the signs of days favorable for breeding are the days when cytological smears appear more than 60% of the surface of pycnotic cells, a small amount of red blood cells and white blood cells, superficial cells are arranged in groups of 4-6 cells or clusters in the form of tiles. Proestrus phase corresponds to the presence of only of basal cells in a smear at the beginning. Then trend towards a decrease of intermediate and superficial cell growth. In the smears are found red blood cells and white blood cells. The duration of the stage of 6-8 days. Estrus phase is characterized by the appearance in the smear of more than 60% of the surface of pycnotic cells, a minor amount of red blood cells and white blood cells. The duration of the stage of 10-11 days. It was found that in dogs the most optimal days for mating are 3-4 day estrus. A smear diestrus phase accompanied by the presence of abrupt changes in the cellular structure. The picture a smear vaginal mucus in diestrus are signs are reducing the number of superficial cells, and increasing the number of intermediate cells; changes in the nature and appearance leukocyte, smear of mucus becomes turbid, dusky background. The duration of stage about 60 days. In anestrus cytological picture of the mucous membrane is stable. There are small cell in smears, revealed basal epithelial cells, can occur intermediate unit cells and leukocytes. The duration of the stage about 123 days.

1258 Estrus detection intensity and accuracy, and optimal timing of insemination with automated activity monitors for dairy cows

1258 Estrus detection intensity and accuracy, and optimal timing of insemination with automated activity monitors for dairy cows

Estrus detection intensity and accuracy and optimal timing of insemination with automated activity monitors for dairy cows

The use of automated activity monitoring (AAM) systems for estrus detection is increasing rapidly in the dairy industry in North America. While there is some peer-reviewed published information about the performance of these tools for management of reproduction, large-scale field studies in commercial dairy herds are needed to inform realistic expections of the performance of AAM systems and implementation of management practices to optimize their utility. The objectives were to assess the ability of AAM to detect estrus for first insemination, the accuracy of detection, and the optimum interval from the onset of estrus to insemination.

Determining Proportion of Exfoliative Vaginal Cell during Various Stages of Estrus Cycle Using Vaginal Cytology Techniques in Aceh Cattle.

The aim of this study was to investigate the period of estrus cycle in aceh cattle, Indonesia, based on vaginal cytology techniques. Four healthy females of aceh cattle with average weight of 250–300 kg, age of 5–7 years, and body condition score of 3-4 were used. All cattle were subjected to ultrasonography analysis for the occurrence of corpus luteum before being synchronized using intramuscular injections of PGF2 alpha 25 mg. A vaginal swab was collected from aceh cattle, stained with Giemsa 10%, and observed microscopically. Period of estrus cycle was predicted from day 1 to day 24 after estrus synchronization was confirmed using ultrasonography analysis at the same day. The result showed that parabasal, intermediary, and superficial epithelium were found in the vaginal swabs collected from proestrus, metestrus, and diestrus aceh cattle. Proportions of these cells in the particular period of estrus cycle were 36.22, 32.62, and 31.16 (proestrus); 21.33, 32.58, and 46.09 (estrus); 40.75, 37.58, and 21.67 (metestrus); and 41.07, 37.38, and 21.67 (diestrus), respectively. In conclusion, dominant proportion of superficial cell that occurred in estrus period might be used as the base for determining optimal time for insemination.

Pre-service ultrasonic and manual evaluation of the reproductive organs of dairy cows presumed to be in estrus.

Manual and ultrasonic evaluation of the the reproductive organs of 62 dairy cows and heifers belonging to smallholder farms was conducted. The objective was to assess the efficiency of visual estrus detection method in the dairy animals that were presented for artificial insemination. Data were collected on reproductive status, body condition, estrus signs, and findings of rectal examination. Thirty-three animals were inseminated after ultrasonic evaluation while 29 animals were inseminated after manual evaluation through rectal palpation. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed using ultrasound 30 days post insemination. The most frequently observed estrus signs by the dairy owners were mucus discharge (83.9%) and mounting (67.7%) while the most frequently confirmed physical signs of estrus by rectal examination were cervical opening (88.7%), and uterine turgidity (82.3%). The overall mean (±SD) diameter of the largest follicle was 12.9 ± 3.4 mm with an average number of 3.5 follicles per ovary. The overall pregnancy rate was 29%. Evaluation of post-insemination records showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the diameter of largest follicle between the pregnant (14.7 mm) and non-pregnant (12.1 mm) animals. The mean (±SD) time interval between the first observed estrus sign to service were 10.5 ± 7.0 hrs and 14.5 ± 10.0 hrs for pregnant and non-pregnant, respectively. The low pregnancy rate, delayed time of insemination, and the difference in the size of dominant follicle indicate the incompatibility between visual estrus detection and optimal time of insemination. This confirms the significance of improving estrus detection and the need for combining estrus signs with pre-service evaluation of the reproductive organs either manually or using ultrasound.

Dynamics of Vaginal pH in the Bitch during Proestrus and Estrus

The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of the pH of vaginal secretions during proestrus and estrus in bitches and its association with the optimal time for insemination and the values of steroid hormones. Sixteen bitches from different breeds and age were included in this investigation. Vaginal pH of each bitch was measured once daily, starting from the first day of vulval bleeding and continuing until the first day of cytological diestrus. In each bitch vaginal smears were taken to determine the onset of estrus and diestrus and blood samples were taken to determine serum progesterone (ng/ml) and estradiol-17β (pg/ml) for detection of the onset of ovulation and their influence on values and the dynamics of vaginal pH. Vaginal pH values in the bitches at the first day of proestrus were between 7.4 and 8.7. This parameter decreased with the progress of the proestrus and the entering into the estrus. Compared to the rest of the estrus, at the time of ovulation and on the next day, a consistent decrease of mean values (6.61±0.15 and 6.63±0.15 respectively) was observed (р<0,01). Individually at the time of ovulation vaginal pH ranged between 6.5 and 6.8. In the days following ovulation a gradual increase in mean values was detected. At the first day of diestrus vaginal pH values were measured significantly higher than those in estrus (р<0,001) and were between 7.4 and 8.3 (7.74±0.26). In our study we found that the vaginal pH values in the bitch are lowest at the time of ovulation, with individual variations and exceptions.