Ovulation Success Research Articles

Loss of bmp15 function in the seasonal spawner Atlantic salmon results in ovulatory failure.

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is an oocyte-specific growth factor important for successful female reproduction in mammals. While mutations in BMP15/Bmp15 cause ovulatory deficiency and/or infertility in certain mammalian species, loss of bmp15 in zebrafish, a continuous spawner and the only bmp15 knockout model in fish to date, results in complete arrest of follicle development and later female-to-male sex reversal, preventing to examine effects on ovulation/fertilization. Here, we used Atlantic salmon, a seasonal spawner, and generated bmp15 mutants to investigate ovarian development and fertility. Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that in biallelic frameshift (bmp15 fs/fs) mutant ovaries, folliculogenesis started earlier, resulting in an advanced development compared to wild-type (WT) controls, accompanied by a weaker expression of the (early) oocyte-specific factor figla. This precocious ovarian development was followed in bmp15 fs/fs females by enhanced follicle atresia during vitellogenic stages. Although genes involved in steroid synthesis and signaling (star, cyp11b, cyp17a1 and esr1) were dramatically higher in late vitellogenic bmp15 fs/fs mutant ovaries, estradiol-17β plasma levels were lower than in WT counterparts, potentially reflecting compensatory changes at the level of ovarian gene expression. At spawning, bmp15 fs/fs females displayed lower gonado-somatic index values and reduced oocyte diameter, and the majority (71.4%), showed mature non-ovulating ovaries with a high degree of atresia. The remaining (28.6%) females spawned eggs but they either could not be fertilized or, upon fertilization, showed severe malformations and embryonic mortality. Our results show that Bmp15 is required for proper follicle recruitment and growth and later ovulatory success in Atlantic salmon, providing an alternative candidate target to induce sterility in farmed salmon. Moreover, since loss of bmp15 in salmon, in contrast to zebrafish, does not result in female-to-male sex change, this is the first mutant model in fish allowing further investigations on Bmp15-mediated functions in the ovulatory period.

FRI422 The Fates Of Ovarian Dominant Follicles In The First Two Gynecologic Years: An Investigation Of Morphologic And Endocrinologic Features

Abstract Disclosure: M. Calvert: None. S. Molsberry: None. S. Denslow: None. H. Vanden Brink: None. M.E. Lujan: None. N. Shaw: None. Introduction: Irregular menses are common during the early, post-menarchal years owing to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Few studies have attempted to delineate the factors that contribute to cycle irregularity during this time. In the current study, we aimed to characterize the fate of ovarian dominant follicles in a longitudinal cohort of healthy, early post-menarchal girls. Methods: Participants contributed daily urine samples for reproductive hormone profiling (Cr-corrected LH, estrone conjugates [E1C], and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide [PdG]), and underwent periodic transabdominal ultrasound scans and body composition analysis. The current analysis includes cycles: 1) with an LH surge and ultrasounds performed 1-9 days before and/or <11 days after the surge, or 2) without an LH surge but with ultrasound documentation of a dominant follicle. LH surge requirements were > 40 mIU/mg Cr with concentrations > mean+3sd of the preceding 5 days. Ultrasounds were evaluated offline by two investigators using a standardized rubric for ovarian structures. Results: 26 participants contributed 74 ultrasound scans, spanning 45 cycles. Participants were 12.6 (range 9.8-14.7) years-old, 2.7 (range 0.3-9.6) months post-menarche, predominantly non-Hispanic White (65.4% vs. 26.9% Black, 3.8% Asian, 3.8% Multiracial), and of normal weight (76.9% with BMI <85th percentile). In 41/45 cycles, there was morphological (antral follicle diameter > 10 mm observed ultrasonographically, n=22) and/or endocrinological (LH surge, n=38) evidence for the presence of a dominant follicle. In 4/45 cycles, a dominant follicle was observed but peak LH did not meet LH surge criteria. In 17/41 cycles, dominant follicle fate could not be determined for technical reasons. In the remaining 24/41 cycles, dominant follicles fates post LH-surge were: corpus luteum (CL, 15/24, 71%), CL or luteinized unruptured follicle [LUF] (2/24, 8%), persistent dominant follicle (3/24, 13%), or no structure observed, implying follicular regression/collapse (4/24, 17%). In logistic GEE models, there was no association between peak E1C or LH, follicular phase length, gynecologic age, or free testosterone with odds of having a CL versus any other dominant follicle outcome. There were marginally significant associations between peak PdG (OR: 1.0003, 95% CI: 0.9999, 1.00008) and total body fat percent (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.01) with odds of having a CL versus any other dominant follicle outcome. Conclusion: In the first two gynecologic years, dominant follicles develop in most cycles and frequently ovulate. A variety of mechanisms, however, contribute to anovulation, including an absent LH surge, the formation of LUFs, and follicle regression. Whether degree of adiposity is related to ovulatory success of a dominant follicle early in gynecological life will be pursued in future research. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

The effect of progesterone concentrations during superovulation of Holstein heifers in a randomized trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different progesterone (P4) concentrations during the follicular growth on the intensity of estrous expression, ovarian response to the superovulatory treatment, and embryo production and quality in superovulated heifers. A total of 63 Holstein heifers were randomly assigned into 2 experimental groups: Low P4 (n = 31) and High P4 (n = 32). Animals received a pre-synchronization protocol followed by a protocol of superovulation that included the allocated P4 treatment. Activity was monitored continuously by an automated activity monitor, and estrus characteristics (maximum intensity and duration) were recorded. Embryo collection was performed 7 d post artificial insemination (AI). Embryos were counted and graded from good or excellent (1) to degenerated (4). The outcomes of interest were: number and diameter of follicles at the time of AI, ovulation success (confirmed 7 d post-AI), time to estrus event, maximum intensity and duration of estrus, number and quality of embryos. Data were analyzed according to the type of outcome variable using logistic, linear, or Poisson regression models. A total of 105 embryos (High P4: n = 42; Low P4: n = 63) were graded for quality. Different P4 levels did not affect the maximum intensity (High P4 = 497.8 ± 23.9%; Low P4 = 542.2 ± 23.5%) or the duration (High P4 = 13.5 ± 1.5 h; Low P4 = 14.3 ± 1.4 h) of estrus. Heifers in the High P4 treatment had greater number of follicles at time of AI (High P4 = 16.6 ± 1.6 follicles; Low P4 = 13.9 ± 1.2 follicles), but with smaller diameter (High P4 = 11.3 ± 0.1 mm; Low P4 = 12.0 ± 0.1 mm) compared with Low P4. High P4 heifers tended to have better embryo quality compared with Low P4 heifers (odds ratio = 1.98; 95% CI = 0.90-4.35). High P4 heifers had less embryos than Low P4 heifers, but this was modified by the CIDR (intravaginal implant of P4) removal to estrus interval (interval 0-21 h: mean ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.42-1.87; interval 22-46 h: mean ratio = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.27-0.96). Although estrous expression was not associated with embryo quality, as the duration and the maximum intensity of estrous expression increased, the number of embryos recovered 7 d post-AI increased (duration: mean ratio = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03-1.05; maximum intensity: mean ratio = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.42-1.58). In conclusion, P4 during the follicular growth, and intensity of estrus, are playing a role in regulating the quality and the number of embryos produced by superovulated heifers. This study was supported by contributions from Resilient Dairy Genome Project and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

The effectiveness of Ovaprim, Ovopel, and their combinations in artificial reproduction of common rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus under controlled conditions

In this study, a practical protocol for artificial reproduction was developed for the rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, to help to produce this fish for aquaculture industries and also for restocking programs. For this purpose, the efficiency of different hormonal agents and their combinations for spawning induction of female breeders of rudd was evaluated. Ovulations were stimulated using different treatments as: two injections of Ovaprim (Ova), two injections of Ovopel (Ovo), a priming dose of Ovopel with a resolving dose of Ovaprim (Comb1), a priming dose of Ovaprim with a resolving dose of Ovopel (Comb2), and two injections of sterile 0.9% NaCl solution as a control group. During the study, ovulation success, egg developmental competence as well as the performance of the freshly hatched larvae were recorded. There was no ovulation in females from the control group. In hormone-treated groups, 84–100% of fish ovulated, but no differences were observed in ovulation success (P > 0.05). The shortest latency period in treated fish was recorded in the Ovo group (431.6 degree-hour, P < 0.05). The best results in terms of working fecundity (number of obtained eggs per fish), relative fecundity, fertilization success, hatching rate, and embryo survival up to the eyed stage were achieved in the Ova and Comb1 groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, better survival rates up to the absorbing yolk sac stage and the lowest abnormality of larvae were observed in Ova and Comb1 groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incubation time among different groups (P > 0.05). The obtained results indicate that two injections of Ovaprim and/or a priming dose of Ovopel with a resolving dose of Ovaprim are suitable for the artificial reproduction of rudd female breeders. Due to the proper effects and ease of use, two injections of Ovaprim could be recommended for the production of this species for restocking or aquaculture programs.

Recipient maternal genotypes improved the litter size components of a paternal line involved in a MOET programme in rabbits

An essential factor in the success of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer programmes (MOET) in any species is the selection of the recipient females. In rabbit there is a notable lack of studies on the effects of recipient genotype on postnatal growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of recipient maternal genotypes on litter size components within a MOET programme applied to a commercial paternal line that appears to have exhausted its selection programme after 37 generations. The experiment was designed using 13 nulliparous donors from the R line (paternal line) to produce 453 embryos, which were transferred to two recipient maternal genotypes (A and V lines) and the own donor paternal line (R line). Litter size components and pre-and postnatal body mass of kits were evaluated. The differences between the genetic groups of recipients were estimated using a general linear model applying Bayesian analysis. The results showed that maternal lines have a high capacity to implant the embryos, maintain the pregnancy and present a favourable environment for embryo development compared to the R line. Specifically, A line dams showed the highest prenatal survival, total born and number born alive without effects on growth traits. The present study demonstrated the applicability of a MOET programme based on maternal ability recipients to improve the number of kits per cycle. Therefore, to allow the genetic improvement programme of meat rabbits to continue using the R line, we recommended applying for a MOET programme as a routine procedure. HIGHLIGHTS MOET programme based on maternal ability recipients enhanced the number of kits per cycle. The MOET programme could be a routine procedure to favour the selection of paternal lines by increasing selection pressure.

Artificial reproduction of royal carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The aim of this study was to establish an experimental protocol for the artificial reproduction of royal carp ‘Cyprinus carpio’ with the hormonal induction of spawning. For this purpose, we conducted this study at an aquaculture farm in Khemis Meliana (Ain Defla, Algeria). The study included six royal carp broodstock, 4 females and 2 males. Hormone injection was performed in the dorsal muscle under the fin. The induction of carp was done successively in females by GnRH at a dose of 3 mg/kg and in males by hCG at a dose of 500 IU per kg weight. Fertilisation was done artificially by the dry method. After incubation of eggs, a binocular magnifying glass was used to check the condition of eggs and the development of the embryos over time. The results obtained show that the artificial reproduction of this species was possible, with success of ovulation and fertilisation, and hatching and growth of the larvae. Stripping was done after 24 h of hormonal stimulation at a temperature of 21°C. Disaggregation of eggs was performed efficiently with whole milk. The total number of eggs was 552,000 eggs with a weight of 1104 g. The average latency time was 22 hours. The hatching rate after 3 days of incubation on artificial spawning grounds at 21±1°C was 441,600 larvae (80%). Larvae food follow-up started from the 3rd day post-hatching with a combination natural food (rotifers) and artificial food. At the end of this experiment, we can conclude that it is possible to improve reproduction through the proper use of hormonal stimulation techniques and by improving feeding and abiotic factors that are dominant in fish farming.

Artificial reproduction of Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus following stimulating ovulation with Ovaprim, Ovopel, and their combinations under controlled conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different hormonal agents and their combinations for spawning induction of females Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus. Five groups of fish were injected intraperitoneally as follows: two injections of Ovaprim (T1), two injections of Ovopel (T2), a priming dose of Ovopel with a resolving dose of Ovaprim (T3), a priming dose of Ovaprim with a resolving dose of Ovopel (T4), and two injections of sterile 0.9% NaCl solution as a control group. The results showed that no fish ovulated in the control group. In hormone-treated groups, no differences were observed in ovulation success (P > 0.05). The shortest latency time and highest working and relative fecundities were observed in fish stimulated with two injections of Ovaprim (T1 group). The mean values of fertilization success in treated fish were in the range of 87.9–93.1% and the highest values were observed in T3 and T1 groups (P < 0.05). The best results in terms of ovulation index (92.1%), hatching rate (93.7%), and survival up to the eyed egg stage (89.4%) were achieved after administering two injections of Ovaprim (T1 group). There were no significant differences in the incubation time and embryos survival rates up to absorbing the yolk sac among different groups (P > 0.05). Overall, the best results of controlled reproduction of Caspian roach were obtained after using two injections of Ovaprim. Consequently, the Ovaprim is more suitable for restocking and aquaculture purposes of endangered populations of Caspian roach.

Ovulation Induction and Intrauterine Insemination for Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (HH) is a rare gynae- endocrinological cause of anovulatory infertility. Gonadotropins are given to induce ovulation. Various ART techniques have been used for assisting conception in these women. In this study, we aimed to calculate the chances of success of ovulation and pregnancy rates after ovulation induction and intrauterine seminal insemination in HH women. We reviewed and analyzed the chances of success of ovulation and conception with ovulation induction and intrauterine seminal insemination in thirty two couples who underwent 56 intrauterine insemination cycles. The average age of these women was 27.2+/- 3.2 years. Ovulation was documented in 55/56 cycles. An average of 12.89+/-5.05 days of stimulation was required to induce ovulation. The pregnancy rate was 50%. Thus, intrauterine insemination offers a cheaper yet good alternate option of reproductive techniques in addition to ovulation induction with gonadotropins, in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, especially in the low resource settings.

A randomized clinical trial of sildenafil plus clomiphene citrate to improve the success rate of ovulation induction in patients with unexplained infertility.

To investigate the role of sildenafil citrate in improving ovulation induction success rate in women with unexplained infertility. A randomized clinical trial from January to December 2018 of 80 women with unexplained infertility randomized into two groups. Both groups received 100mg clomiphene citrate once daily from days 3-7 of the menstrual cycle. The study group also received 25mg oral sildenafil citrate twice daily from days 8-12 of the same cycle. Transvaginal ultrasound assessed ovulation, endometrial thickness, and number of follicles. Pregnancy was assessed 2weeks after ovulation. Primary outcome measures were endometrial thickness, number of mature follicles, and pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates (26 (65%) and 16 (40%), P=0.043) and endometrial thickness (10.4±1.4 and 9.2±1.9, P=0.007) were significantly higher in the study group. More women in the study group reported adverse effects compared with the control group (17 [42.5%] vs 9 [22.5%]; P=0.034), with headache the most common adverse effect in the study group, reported by 8 (20.0%) patients. Adding sildenafil citrate improved ovulation success rate and increased pregnancy rate. PACTR201907658492123.

223 Multiple ovulation and embryo harvest in relation to energy balance in Latvian native cow breeds

The numbers of animals of two Latvian native cow breeds are very limited because almost all cows intended to be donor cows were used to acquire embryos. Most of these cows were kept on small private farms by local farmers. Many were at an advanced age and did not meet the necessary requirements to be a good embryo donor. Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) was restarted after an interruption of more than 35 years in Latvia. The new team was educated to improve saving of these breeds using MOET in the frame of ERAF project no. 1.1.1.1/16/A/025. Energy balance (EB) and metabolic status affect ovarian function and oocyte quality, and impair early embryo development as well as endometrium and udder health. The aim of this study was to investigate success of multiple ovulation (MO), total (ToE) and transferable (TE) embryo harvest in the Latvian native breed donor cows in relation to EB and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. MO was induced using FSH in 21 cows included in this study. Cows were 6.4±3.26 years (average±s.d.; range: 2.3 to 15 years), in 4.1±2.45 lactation (range: 1 to 10 lactations), and body condition score (BCS) was in the range from 1.5 to 4.5 (5-point scale). Blood samples were taken on Day 7 after AI. The level of glucose (Glc), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), and triglycerides (TG) in blood and the SSC in milk were determined using Agricultural Data Center information. Means, standard deviations, 2 independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and bivariate correlations (two-tailed) were calculated using SPSS-21 (SPSS Inc./IBM Corp.). MO was successful in 16 cows and unsuccessful in 5 cows; the main differences were for BHB in blood (0.62±0.25 and 1.1±0.50mM, respectively) and SCC (673.2±1272.71 and 958.3±1329.66 ×103 cellsmL−1 respectively; P&amp;lt;0.05). No significant differences within groups were found regarding Glc (3.1±0.57 and 2.9±0.48mM, respectively) and TG (0.19±0.06 and 0.18±0.06mM, respectively) relative to success of MO (P&amp;gt;0.05) in our study. The ToE and TE harvested depended on success of MO (r=0.51 and r=0.39; P&amp;lt;0.05). In total, 9.7±6.5 embryos from cow were acquired, but 6.5±5.05 embryos were TE. The count of ToE was negatively correlated with TG in blood (r=−0.27; P&amp;lt;0.05). The ToE and TE count were significantly negatively correlated with SCC in milk (r=−21 and r=−0.32, respectively; P&amp;lt;0.05). Donor cows that produced TE had less SCC in milk compared with those that produced non-transferable embryos (291.8±288.11 and 917.6±1631.41 ×103 cellsmL−1, respectively) and higher BCS (2.8±0.84 and 2.1±0.37 points, respectively; P&amp;lt;0.05). SCC in milk could be one of the parameters to reject cows as embryo donors.

Evaluation of cGnRH IIa for induction spawning of two ornamental Epalzeorhynchos species

The administration of exogenous hormones for induction spawning of captive fish is a common practice throughout the finfish aquaculture industry. Induced spawning protocols for ornamental cyprinids commonly rely on sGnRH IIIa, commercially available as Ovaprim. In this study, the efficacy of an alternative spawning aid, cGnRH IIa, was evaluated relative to Ovaprim, in two commonly cultured ornamental Cyprinids: the Redtail Sharkminnow Epalzeorhynchos bicolor and the Rainbow Shark E. frenatum. Broodstock of each species were injected with either a positive control (0.5 µl/g Ovaprim), a negative control (propylene glycol) or one of three doses of cGnRH IIa (50, 100, or 200 µg/kg). Following spawning aid injection, ovulation success, fecundity, fertilization success, embryo diameter, hatch success and larval notochord length were evaluated. Ovulation success (82 ± 8%) was statistically similar to the positive control group for all experimental doses of cGnRH IIa in E. bicolor, while 50 and 100 µg/kg cGnRH IIa doses resulted in significantly higher ovulation success (100.0% and 83.0% respectively) than the positive control (17.0%) in E. frenatum. All other parameters did not vary significantly among treatments. These results indicate cGnRH IIa can be successfully used as a spawning aid in both species.

Evaluation of cGnRH IIa for induction spawning of two ornamental Synodontis species

Efficacy, reliability, and safety are of principal concern for spawning aids used in reproduction protocols for aquaculture species. Ovaprim®, a salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (sGnRH IIIa, D-Arg6-Pro9-Net, 20 μg/mL) and a dopamine antagonist (Domperidone, 10 mg/mL), is currently the preferred choice for induction spawning of ornamental fishes. However, this preparation may be unreliable or completely ineffective in some cases. cGnRH IIa (D-Arg6, Pro9-NHet) has garnered recent interest as an alternative GnRH subtype which offers increased biological activity, reliability, and may ultimately help to increase on farm productivity and expand the diversity of species able to be cultured. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cGnRH IIa and Ovaprim® on various quantitative and qualitative measures of spawning performance in Synodontis nigriventris and Synodontis eupterus.Four hormone doses were evaluated (50, 100, 200 μg/kg cGnRH IIa; 10 μg/kg sGnRH IIIa), each of which also contained an equal concentration of a dopamine antagonist (5 mg/kg domperidone). Fish were palpated to check for ovulation at 16, 20, and 24 h post injection. Upon successful ovulation, eggs were manually stripped, weighed, and fertilized. A subsample was photographed under a dissecting microscope for subsequent determination of fertilization success and egg diameter. Hatching success for individual spawns was calculated from subsamples of fertilized eggs stocked into hatching containers.Results indicated similar ovulation success among the four hormone treatments at the 16, 20, and 24 h time periods. Total fecundity, fertilization, embryo diameter, hatching success, larval notochord length, and larval mortality did not vary significantly among treatments. These results suggest that cGnRH IIa exhibits comparable spawning performance to the industry standard Ovaprim®, for induced spawning of S. nigriventris and S. eupterus.

The Effect of Altrenogest Treatment Timing and Artificial Lighting on Hastening of Ovulation in Barren Mares

Background: The mares are seasonally polyestrous animals that regular ovulatory cycles of mares occur together with increasing day length. Exposure of mares to an artificial photoperiod is the most common and predictable technique that it is used to develop follicular activity early in the year. Follicle activity is minimal in mares during two winter months of January and February in Northern Hemisphere. The main objective of this study was to investigate efficacy of artificial lighting and timing of altrenogest treatment for hastening the ovulation in Thoroughbred mares.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: One hundred and six Thoroughbred mares had different follicle sizes (&lt; 30 mm) was evaluated under four groups. Mares undergoing only reproductive examination were control group Group I (n = 18). The mares has less than 30 mm in diameter folicle applied oral altrenogest (0.044 mg / bw, for 10 days) were grouped according to the month of application: Group II [February; n = 16], Group III [March; n = 57] and Group IV [April; n = 15]. Ultrasonographical examinations performed at the day of admission and repeated twice a week for 15 days. Naturel mating was planned considering to uterine edema (&gt; 35 mm folicle size), and pregnancies were determined at 14, 28 and 50th day postovulation. Statisticaly, mean and standard deviations and general linear model procedure was performed on Minitab 17, and Anova was used to analysis of variance. The averages of the major variations were compared with the Tukey’s multiple comparison test. The factors effecting to pregnancy rate was analyzed by Chi-square test. Correlations were compared with the Pearson correlation test. The effect of initial months on the size of follicle diameter was found to be significant (P = 0.037). Artificial lighting had no effect on the initial follicle diameter (P = 0.919). The initial follicle diameter (P = 0.001) and artificial lighting (P = 0.026) had a significant effect on the time of follicle reaching in 35mm diameter. Initial follicle diameter (P = 0.001), treatment time (P = 0.000), light therapy (P = 0.026) and altrenogest application (P = 0.026) were found to be effective. Initial follicle diameter (P = 0.575), timing of treatment (P = 0.243), light therapy (P = 0.461) and application of altrenogest (P = 0.088) had no significant effect on the diameter of ovulatory follicle. There are positive correlations between the initial follicle diameter and follicle diameter at the end of treatment (P = 0.000; R = 0.399); There is a high positive correlation between the day of reaching 35mm diameter and ovulation day (P = 0.000; r = 0.777); there is a negative correlation between beginning follicle diameter and 35 mm diameter (P = 0.006; r = -0.266) and ovulation day (P = 0.000; r = -0.366). There was a negative correlation between the follicle diameter at the end of the treatment and the 35mm diameter (P = 0.000; r = -0.736) and the day of ovulation (P = 0.000; r = -0.628). These statistical results pointed out that timing of altrenogest treatment and artifial lighting had effectivity on hastening the ovulations in barren mares.Discussion: To evaluate the seasonal effect on follicle diameter, the measurement of the initial follicle diameters is important, which is smaller in February than the following months. The initial follicle diameter is effect on time to reach in 35 mm diameter and ovulation; however, in these mares, ovulation formes in a long time. Regarding the seasonal effect, the success of ovulation depends on treatment time in seasonal months. It is shown that short term altrenogest administration has not shortened interval to the posttreatment ovulation. As a limitation of this study, because there are not enough mares in control group, further studies should be planned for more evaluations.

Influence of Progesterone-Treatment Length and eCG Administration on Appearance of Estrus Behavior, Ovulatory Success and Fertility in Sheep.

Simple SummaryThis study examines the pre-ovulatory and ovulatory events (in terms of the timing of the onset of estrous and subsequent ovulation) and the yields obtained (in terms of ovulation rate, progesterone secretion, and fertility) after insertion of Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) for five, six, seven, or fourteen days, with or without equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG).The present study characterizes, for sheep, the occurrence and timing of the onset of estrus behavior and ovulation and the yields obtained (ovulation rate, progesterone secretion, and fertility) after Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) insertion for five, six, seven, or fourteen days, with or without equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) in ewes of the Segureña meat breed. All the treatments showed above 80% of females displaying estrus, but the onset of estrus was earlier and more synchronized when using eCG and, among groups with eCG, onset of estrus was earlier in the sheep treated for 14 days than in the short-term treatments (p < 0.05 for all). Administration of eCG after either short- or long-term treatments assured the occurrence of fertile ovulations in all the animals. Conversely, ovulatory success without eCG was found to be dependent on treatment length, with a high percentage of animals ovulating after five days of treatment (83.3%) and very low percentages after treatment for six or seven days (40% and 20%, respectively). Ovulation rate and progesterone secretion were similar among animals ovulating, but ovulation failures predetermined the fertility yields obtained in response to the treatments. Hence, the best results were found after treatment for 14 days plus eCG, and for 5 days without eCG (83.3 for both, p < 0.05 when compared to the other groups with different treatment lengths and with or without eCG).

Comparison of the effects of caffeine citrate and aminophylline combined with naloxone in the treatment of premature infants with apnea

Objective To compare the effects of caffeine citrate and aminophylline combined with naloxone in the treatment of premature infants with apnea. Methods From March 2015 to March 2017, 140 premature infants with apnea who were treated in neonatal intensive care unit in Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wenzhou were selected in the research.The children were randomly divided into the study group and the control group according to the digital table, with 70 cases in each group.The control group was treated with aminophylline combined with naloxone, and the observation group was treated with caffeine citrate.The adverse reaction of children during the treatment was recorded, and the level of apnea was evaluated after treatment.The blood gas index of children before and after 48h treatment was compared, the mortality rate of the children was counted, and the incidence of brain injury during the 1 year follow-up was analyzed. Results After treatment for 48h, the level of PaO2 in the two groups was significantly higher[study group: (10.54±0.41) kPa, control group: (9.66±0.39) kPa] than those before treatment[study group: (7.18±0.26) kPa, control group: (7.21±0.24) kPa], and the level of PaCO2[study group: (5.31±0.24) kPa, control group: (5.82±0.25) kPa]was significantly lower than those before treatment[study group: (6.83±0.28) kPa, control group: (6.77±0.30) kPa](t=19.153, 13.624, 11.271, 7.304; P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000), and the level of PaO2 in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the level of PaCO2 in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(t=6.029, 4.327; P=0.000, 0.000). The overall effective rate of apnea therapy in the study group(92.86%) was significantly higher than 77.14% in the control group (χ2=4.509, P=0.034). The mortality rate(1.43%) and the incidence rate of brain injury(0.00%) of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group(10.00% and 7.14%)(χ2=4.773, 5.185; P=0.029, 0.023). The incidence rate of adverse reactions(30.00%) of the study group was significantly lower than 50.00% of the control group (χ2=5.833, P=0.016). The endometrial thickness of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05). The rate of ovulation success(87.84%) and pregnancy success rate(45.94%) of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group(72.97% and 28.39%)(χ2=5.189, 4.890; P=0.023, 0.027). The rate of abortion(8.82%) of the study group was significantly lower than 33.33% of the control group (χ2=5.242, P=0.022). During the period of treatment, the incidence rate of adverse drug reactions(6.77%) of the study group was not significantly different from 8.11% of the control group (χ2=0.098, P=0.754). Conclusion Compared with aminophylline combined with naloxone treatment, caffeine citrate can significantly improve the blood gas status of apnea preterm infants, improve the overall curative effect of apnea, prevent the occurrence of neonatal death and brain injury, and reduce the adverse reactions of the children during the treatment.It is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Infant, premature, diseases; Apnea; Caffeine citrate; Aminophylline; Naloxone; Comparative effectiveness research

Evaluation of spawning aids and administration routes on ovulation success in an ornamental cyprinid

Evaluation of spawning aids and administration routes on ovulation success in an ornamental cyprinid

PROFIL HORMON ESTRADIOL 17β DAN INDUKSI HORMON OVAPRIM DALAM PEMIJAHAN BUATAN IKAN SELAIS (Ompok hypophthalmus Blkr)

The purpose of this study was analyze the amount of estradiol and tostesterone hormone in the body of the selais (O. hypophthalmus Blkr) fish the mature gonads and the number of ovaprim hormone doses used based on the amount of hormone in the fish body on ovulatory success and spawning of fish Selais. The study used a complete randomized design consisting of four treatments and three replicates consisting of controls, 0.05 mL / 100 grams of body weight, 0.07, mL / 100 gram body weight, 0.09 mL / 100 gram body weight and 0,11 mL / 100 gram body weight. The results showed that the concentrations of estradiol-17β hormone in blood ranged from 199.13 pg / mL to 236.28 pg / mL before and after ovulation of each treatment ranging from 273.97 pg / mL to 873.65 pg / mL and after ovulation ranged from 0.71 pg / mL to 1.78 pg / mL Whereas for other parameters obtained the results of the latency 11.27 ± 0.252 to 13.40 ± 1,95 hours, fecundity 1919 ± 0.546 to 3243 ± 0.420 grains, egg diameter after ovulation 1.32 ± 0.29 to 1.32 ± 0.29 mm, fertilization rate of 28.99±157 to 36.54±148 %, hatching rate of 40.79± 071 to 36.54±148 % and the survival rate 3 day 75.82 ± 047 to 84.53 ± 0.36 %.

Effect of Specific Nutrients on Ovulation, Oocytes Development, Gene Expression and Coupling Success in Mice

Introduction: The roles of genetic, epigenetic, metabolic and other environmental factors such as nutrition and stress, are becoming evident for a successful and healthy pregnancy. This raises the possibility and question, if and how, we improve the probability of pregnancy and of a healthy fetus? The present study examined the role of metabolic, antioxidant and minerals and the results suggest that these factors may positively influence the oocyte quality and the pregnancy rate. Methods: CD1 female mice aged 15 and 5 weeks were divided into four groups of ten each and treated by intragastric gavage daily for 3 weeks. G1: Vehicle; G2: Carnitines (L-carnitine 0.4 mg and acetyl-L-carnitine 0.12 mg/mouse); G3: Microelements (Zinc 4 ng, Copper 0.8 ng, Iron 7 ng/mouse); G4: G3+G2. At the end of the treatment period superovulation was induced and oocytes were collected to assess their quantity and quality. Further, in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments were performed to assess the preimplantation embryo development. The birth success rate was also analyzed in old and young female. The mice were in vivo fertilized. qRT-PCR were performed to analyze a possible modulation in key genes of the reproductive process. Results: The number of oocytes was significantly higher in groups 2 and 4 compared to the control group. The oocyte number in group 3 was not affected. The level of degraded oocytes was 29.1% and 19.3% (group 2 and 4) versus 34.3% (control). Concomitantly, the numbers of embryos arriving to successful birth were also increased in G4, both in the old and young group of mice. Preliminary analysis of genes affected evidenced that AMH was up regulated in the ovary and KITL in the uterus in group 2. Conclusion: Results showed that L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and micronutrients were able to improve both oocytes quality and success rate of pregnancy. Further studies are planned to further examine ways to improve pregnancy and fetal health.

Retracted: Effective Dose of Salmon GnRHa for Induction of Ovulation in Channel Catfish

AbstractThe present study was conducted to determine the minimum effective dose of salmon gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog (sGnRHa) to stimulate ovulation in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Four doses of sGnRHa—0, 10, 15, and 25 µg/kg body weight (BW)—were compared with the commonly used dose of 100 µg/kg BW of mammalian luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog (mLHRHa) to induce spawning in Channel Catfish. Hormone‐induced catfish yielded significantly higher levels of plasma estradiol and ovulation success than saline‐injected control fish. Ovulation ratio, relative fecundity, and number of fry per kilogram with 10 µg sGnRHa/kg were lower than those treated with 15 and 25 µg. To further refine the sGnRHa dose, spawning trials with 3‐ and 4‐year‐old Channel Catfish were compared using doses of either 10, 15, or 20 µg sGnRHa/kg BW. The relative fecundity (8,322 eggs/kg BW) and fry production (2,533 fry/kg BW) were higher in fish from the 15‐µg sGnRHa/kg BW treatment. Hence, the results of this study suggest that 15 µg sGnRHa/kg BW is the minimum effective dose comparable with widely used mLHRHa to induce spawning in Channel Catfish and produce hybrid (Channel Catfish × Blue Catfish I. furcatus) embryos in hatcheries.

Split-time artificial insemination in beef cattle: II. Comparing pregnancy rates among nonestrous heifers based on administration of GnRH at AI

This experiment was designed to evaluate split-time artificial insemination (AI) in beef heifers following administration of the 14-day controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-prostaglandin F2α (PG) protocol and to compare pregnancy rates among nonestrous heifers based on administration of GnRH at AI. Estrus was synchronized for 1138 heifers across six locations. Heifers received a CIDR insert (1.38 g progesterone) on Day 0 with removal on Day 14. Estrus detection aids (Estrotect) were applied at PG (25 mg), 16 days after CIDR removal on Day 30. Heifers were assigned to balanced treatments based on reproductive tract score and weight, and treatments were represented within each location. Split-time AI was performed at 66 and 90 hours after PG, and estrus was recorded at these times. Heifers in both treatments that exhibited estrus by 66 hours were inseminated and did not receive GnRH, whereas AI was delayed 24 hours until 90 hours after PG for heifers that failed to exhibit estrus by 66 hours. For heifers in treatment 1 that were inseminated at 90 hours, GnRH (100 μg) was administered concurrent with AI at 90 hours. Heifers in treatment 2 that were inseminated at 90 hours did not receive GnRH. Estrous response did not differ between treatments at 66 hours after PG (treatment 1 = 70%; treatment 2 = 71%; P = 0.58) or during the 24-hour delay period (treatment 1 = 59%; treatment 2 = 52%; P = 0.21). There was no effect of treatment on pregnancy rates resulting from AI for heifers inseminated at 66 hours (treatment 1 = 58%; treatment 2 = 62%; P = 0.86) or 90 hours (treatment 1 = 44%; treatment 2 = 39%; P = 0.47) after PG; and there was no difference between treatments when considering total AI pregnancy rate (treatment 1 = 54%; treatment 2 = 56%; P = 0.60). Ovulation was confirmed via ultrasonography for a subset of heifers that failed to exhibit estrus prior to 90 hours after PG. For heifers that failed to exhibit estrus by 90 hours, success of ovulation did not differ between treatments (treatment 1 = 52%; treatment 2 = 50%; P = 0.64) nor did AI pregnancy rate (treatment 1 = 24%; treatment 2 = 15%; P = 0.97). In summary, when split-time AI was used in conjunction with the 14-day CIDR-PG protocol in heifers, comparable pregnancy rates were achieved without administering GnRH.