Percentage Of Ova Research Articles

Transient heat stress during gametophyte development in Brassica napus reduces subsequent floret fecundity

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), also known as canola, is particularly sensitive to high temperatures during flowering. However, the impacts of heat stress during male and female gametophyte development, several days before anthesis and fertilisation, remain unclear. In this study we selected two cultivars, AV-Ruby and YM11, which exhibited different responses to heat stress in a previous study. Precise transient heat stress (maximum 32 ℃ day /22 ℃ night) or control (maximum 25 ℃ day /15 ℃ night) treatments were applied to evaluate the impact of heat stress during male and female gametophyte development on subsequent floret fecundity after pollination. We measured floret fecundity by pod set, number of seeds per pod and average seed size. Heat stress during male gametophyte development reduced pollen viability and germination rate, and resulted in fewer pods and seeds per pod on the main stem. However, despite these negative impacts, pollen tubes successfully traversed the style and were visible at a high percentage of ovules in both heat stress and control treatments. When heat stress was applied to the female gametophyte in the first five buds on the main stem, subsequent floret fecundity was reduced in the lower main stem, while florets in the upper main stem exhibited higher fecundity than in the control treatment. Heat stress during sporogenesis and/or gametogenesis in male and female organs across two cultivars had a lasting negative impact on subsequent floret fecundity, observed as a reduction in the number of pods and seeds per pod, but had no impact on average seed size.

Effects of dietary soybean meal levels on reproduction parameters, the growth and gonad, gut, hepatopancreas histology of female African Cichlids Pseudotropheus socolofi

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different soybean meal dietary supplementation levels on the growth, reproductive parameters, gonad, intestine and hepatopancreas histology of Pseudotropheus socolofi. Experimental groups were hand-fed to satiety with diets supplemented with soybean meal at levels of 3, 16, 27, 35, and 44% twice daily for 90 days. The results of this study showed that specific growth rate, weight gain, and survival rate were not affected by dietary soy proportions (P > 0.05). The worst FCR and final weight were found in those fed the diet containing 44% soy (P < 0.05). In female reproductive parameters, there was no significant difference between the groups in fertilization rate, egg production, hatching rate, egg diameter, gonadosomatic index and broodstock ovulation percentage (P > 0.05). However, due to pathological examinations in female individuals, a significant decrease was observed in the number of mature oocytes in the ovaries and goblet cells in the intestines with increasing soy levels in the diet (P < 0.05). As a result, using soybean meal up to 35% did not negatively affect growth. However, adding 44% soybean meal to diets caused histopathologically serious inflammatory reactions and decreased growth.

Transcriptional regulations of pollen tube reception are associated with the fertility of the ginger species Zingiber zerumbet and Zingiber corallinum.

Zingiber zerumbet and Zingiber corallinum are economically valuable species in the genus Zingiber. While Z. corallinum is sexually active, Z. zerumbet adopts clonal propagation, although it has the potential for sexual reproduction. It is unclear so far at which step during the sexual reproduction of Z. zerumbet inhibition occurs, and what are the regulatory mechanisms underlying this inhibition. Here, by comparing with the fertile species Z. corallinum using microscopy-based methods, we show that rare differences were observed in Z. zerumbet up to the point when the pollen tubes invaded the ovules. However, a significantly higher percentage of ovules still contained intact pollen tubes 24h after pollination, suggesting pollen tube rupture was impaired in this species. Further RNA-seq analysis generated accordant results, showing that the transcription of ANX and FER, as well as genes for the partners in the same complexes (e.g., BUPS and LRE, respectively), and those putative peptide signals (e.g., RALF34), were timely activated in Z. corallinum, which ensured the pollen tubes being able to grow, reorient to ovules, and receipt by embryo sacs. In Z. zerumbet, genes for these complexes were cooperatively suppressed, which would result in the maintenance of PT integrity due to the disruption of RALF34-ANX/BUPS signaling in PT and the failure of PT reception by an active synergid due to the insufficiency of the synergid-harbored FER/LRE complex. Taking the results from the cytological and RNA-seq studies together, a model is proposed to illustrate the possible regulation mechanisms in Z. zerumbet and Z. corallinum, in which the regulations for pollen tube rupture and reception are proposed as the barrier for sexual reproduction in Z. zerumbet.

Focused nutrition during oestrus synchronization in Pelibuey ewes with different body conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian follicular activity, ovulation percentage, and body weight change in response to focused nutrition during synchronization of oestrus with an intravaginal device (CIDR®) (9 days) in Pelibuey ewes with high and low body condition. Seventy-two non-pregnant ewes without offspring were randomly distributed to one of four treatments, namely T1: (n = 18) ewes without focused nutrition and low body condition; T2: (n = 18) ewes without focused nutrition and high body condition; T3: (n = 18) ewes with focused nutrition and low body condition; and T4: (n = 18) ewes with focused nutrition and high body condition. While the CIDR device was in place, the ewes with focused nutrition received a supplement of 1.5 kg ewe/day, which contained 2.9 MCal metabolizable energy, 16% crude protein, 88.5% dry matter, 11.8% crude fibre, and 6.7% of ash. The concentration of progesterone (P4) was measured to determine ovulation percentage. The follicular population was quantified (2–3 mm, 4–5 mm, and >6 mm in diameter). The number of follicles between 2–3 mm and 4–5 mm in diameter was similar among treatments. The number of follicles >6 mm in diameter was higher in T4 ewes (2.2 ± 0.2) compared with T1, T2, and T3. The response to oestrus, the onset of oestrus, and the ovulation percentage were similar among treatments. Focused nutrition increased the number of ovarian follicles >6 mm in diameter in ewes with high body condition.

Floral Quality Characterization in Olive Progenies from Reciprocal Crosses.

Despite the importance of flowering for fruit formation, it has been considered very little in breeding programs involving fruit species, including olives. We evaluated the principal morphological flower-quality components in the olive cultivars, ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Picual’, and in the progenies of their crosses. Wide ranges of variation were obtained for all the inflorescence traits and ovary tissue sizes. An analysis of variance indicated that the residual error was the main contributor to the inflorescence traits, except for the number of perfect flowers, underlining the need to evaluate adequate numbers of inflorescences for accurate measurements of these traits. However, the high repeatability obtained for the inflorescence traits suggests that simple evaluation procedures could be accurate enough for genotype characterization. The average values for ‘Arbequina’ were in the upper range for all the traits; the opposite occurred for ‘Picual’, and the values for most of the progenies were intermediate. No significant differences between the maternal and paternal effect on inheritance were found. Some interesting transgressive segregants showed a higher flower number, greater ovary and mesocarp size, or percentage of ovaries with all four fully developed ovules. The correlations among the parameters may have reflected a relatively consistent distribution of the ovaries’ structural components and a close relationship between the ovaries and their mesocarp growth.

Efficacy of long day photoperiod treatment with respect to age of bucks for stimulation of the “male effect” on does at Mediterranean latitudes

This study examines whether the photostimulation of sexual activity in young bucks improves the reproductive performance of the "male effect" in comparison to adult males. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 with to variables: age of bucks and photoperiodic treatment of bucks. Ninety-three anoestrous does were distributed into four groups depending on the kind of male used: young bucks (1.26 years old, n = 6) or old bucks (5.15 years old, n = 6). Half of each group of males were subjected to a photoperiodic treatment or a natural photoperiod. After the males were introduced, the sexual behaviour of the bucks was assessed for 10 days, and doe oestrous behaviour was recorded. Ovulation was confirmed from plasma progesterone concentration, and ovulation rate was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography. Fecundity, fertility, prolificacy and productivity were also determined. The females in contact with young bucks showed a higher percentage of ovulation (100% vs 81%, P < 0.01) and oestrous (82% vs 64%, P < 0.05) than females in contact with old bucks. The females in contact with photostimulated bucks showed higher percentages of oestrous (88% vs 60%, P < 0.01), fertility (78% vs 44%, P < 0.01) and productivity (1.08 ± 0.10 vs 0.60 ± 0.12 P < 0.01) than females in contact with control bucks. No interaction between both factors (age and photoperiod treatment) on any studied variable was observed. In conclusion, the response to the "male effect" was higher when using young bucks or photostimulated bucks. These photostimulated bucks produced 48 additional kids for every 100 females in the mating group compared to does exposed to untreated bucks.

Therapeutic Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation to Clomiphene Citrate Resistant PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting females in their reproductive age. In PCOS, an imbalance between androgens, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cause a halt of follicular growth. Insulin resistance (IR) is another important component of PCOS. There is increasing evidence that vitamin D affects insulin and glucose metabolism, Vitamin D plays a vital role in the regulation of glucose-insulin homeostasis. Objectives to assess the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in improving ovulation induction in PCOS women (1ry outcome) and increasing pregnancy rate (secondary outcome). Patients and Methods 120 women diagnosed PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and were resistant to CC treatment were randomly allocated into equal two groups: Group V: number of 60 patients received cholecalciferol + Metformin for 2 months. Group C: 60 patients received Metformin 2 months. After two months from the start:Both study groups started induction with Clomiphene Citrate added every month starting from the 3rd month to the 5th month (3 cycles of ovulation induction) in addition to previous drugs mentioned. Results In our study results, regulation of menstrual cycle occured in 63.6% of women who recieved vitamin D + metformin (group V) and ovulation was confirmed in 34.5% of the total number (55 women). Later, 18% of them got pregnant after 3 months of treatment. Added to that 16 women out of 39 (41%) got pregnant by the end of the follow up period with cumulative pregnancy rate (53%). On the other hand menstrual regularity in (group C: metformin) recorded 61% with ovulation percentage of 26.9% (n = 54). Followed by 14.8% pregnancy rate at the 3rd month., which increased to 27.5% by the end of the study out of 47.5% ovulated women (n = 40). Cumulative pregnancy rate 40%. Conclusion From the current study we can conclude that there is no significant difference of adding vitamin D to CC resistant PCOS regarding ovulation and pregnancy rates. However, it can augment metformin action and improves its outcome.

Effects of a reduction in algal nitrogen content on survival, growth, and reproduction of an herbivorous amphipod

Since nitrogen (N) is a limiting nutrient for many herbivores, variations in dietary N content will affect their fitness. In the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, the N content of green algae, Ulva spp., has in recent years shown a tendency to decrease due to the progress of oligotrophication. We investigated the effect of the reduction in N content of Ulva australis on the survival, growth, and reproduction of the herbivorous amphipod Ampithoe tarasovi under laboratory conditions. When amphipods were fed U. australis with a low N content, survivorship was not affected. However, the growth of both males and females was impaired due to the reduced molt increment and extended intermolt period. Furthermore, the low N content delayed female maturation and reduced the percentage of ovulation alongside the brood size and number of broods. These results suggest that the total number of eggs produced in the lifetime of a female in A. tarasovi is markedly reduced under low N food conditions. Therefore, in coastal waters where dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) is deficient, because the tissue N content of algae reflects the DIN concentration in the ambient water, the population density of A. tarasovi may decrease due to the reduction in the number of viable offspring.

Studies on induce breeding performance of magur (Clarias batrachus) in FRP hatchery installed at Nalbari district, Assam

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ovaprim on induced breeding of Magur (Clarias batrachus) in FRP hatcheries H-1, H-2 and H-3 installed in three farms of Nalbari district, Assam for survival of magur larvae. The Ovaprim hormone was found to be efficient in breeding operations of the hatcheries in dose combinations as 1.35±0.15, 1.95±0.15 and 1.16±0.17 used in H-1, H-2 and H-3 respectively. It was obvious that the average relative fecundity, body weight and ovulation percentage in H-2 hatchery were higher compared to H-1 and H-3 which is mainly due to proper feeding and nutrition. The highest % normal larvae was observed in H2 hatchery which was 67.72±13.01 which is due to the effect of different doses of Ovaprim during induced breeding of Magur. The study revealed that FRP hatcheries can be a potential tool for induced breeding and quality seed production of Magur.

Acetato de deslorelina y gonadotropina coriónica humana y su respuesta ovulatoria en yeguas postparto

In order to evaluate the rate of follicular growth, the response time to ovulation and the percentage of ovulation in Quarter Mile postpartum mares, two treatments (T) were applied, the first with deslorelin acetate (DA) and the second with gonadotropin human chorionic (hCG). The study was conducted during January to June 2018, with sixteen 7-year-old mares, 450 kg of weight and 4.5 deliveries on average. Ovarian follicular diameter was evaluated by real-time transrectal ultrasonography in response to experimental treatments, in mares with ovarian follicles  35 mm in diameter: T1 (n= 8): Application of 1 mg of DA intramuscularly (IM), and T2 (n= 8): Application of 2500 IU of hCG via IM. There were no differences (P> 0.05) in the rate of follicular growth (AD: 0.48 ± 0.006 mm and hCG: 0.45 ± 0.035 mm), the time of response to ovulation (AD: 46.75 ± 0.48 h and hCG: 56.00 ± 8.00 h) and the percentage of ovulation (AD: 8/8, 100% and hCG: 7/8, 87.5%) in the postpartum mares evaluated. It is concluded that deslorelin acetate and human chorionic gonadotropin respond to ovarian activity in Quarter Mile postpartum mares with ovarian follicles  35 mm in diameter.

Actividad ovárica postparto de cabras Alpinas consumiendo diferentes niveles de energía

34 Alpine goats were used with the objective of evaluating the effect of energy density in the diet, on the return to postpartum ovarian activity. Three experimental groups were formed: E80: 80% of the postpartum energy requirements, E100: 100% of the requirements and E120: 120% of the requirements. The diet was provided 3 weeks before and up to 60 days after delivery. Female weight was determined every five days and the ovaries were scanned by ultrasonography twice a week to assess follicular growth. The day the females ovulated was determined by radioimmunoassay, based on the progesterone concentration. The goats in E120, observed higher weights than in E80 and E100 (P≤0.05). In E100 the first follicle presented earlier (27.09 ± 08.5 days; P≤0.05) and presented the highest percentage of ovulation (54.54%). There were no differences in the calving-ovulation interval between E100 and E120 (P <0.05). The level of energy consumption in the diet stimulates postpartum ovarian activity; however, a low percentage of animals ovulate, which may indicate that there are other factors that can condition the complete recovery of the ovary, such as suckling.

The reproductive response to the male effect of 7- or 10-month-old female goats is improved when photostimulated males are used

The exposure of adult, female, Mediterranean goats during anoestrus to males with induced sexual activity via photostimulation, induces a very high percentage of ovulations. The present work examines the ability of photostimulated bucks to improve the male effect-induced reproductive response of young does over that induced by non-stimulated bucks. A 2×2 factorial experiment was designed, consisting of doe age and buck photoperiod treatments. During seasonal anoestrus, 41 does aged 7 (n=19) or 10 (n=22) months were subjected to the male effect on 10 April; half of each group was exposed to males rendered sexually active by prior exposure to 3 months of long days (16 h of light/day) from 31 October (PHOTO bucks), and half to males maintained under the natural photoperiod (CONTROL bucks). Oestrous activity was recorded daily by direct visual observation of the marks left by male-worn marking harnesses over the 32 days following the bringing of the sexes together (introduction). Doe body weight and body condition were determined weekly. Ovulation was detected by measuring plasma progesterone concentrations twice per week over the 3 weeks after introduction. The ovulation rate was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography. Fecundity, fertility, prolificacy and productivity were also determined. The interaction doe age × buck photoperiod treatment had no effect on any outcome. The percentage of females showing ovulation or oestrus was higher in the does exposed to PHOTO bucks (85% v. 43% for those exposed to CONTROL bucks) they also showed higher fertility (75% v. 43%) and productivity (1.05±0.17 v. 0.57±0.16 kids born per doe serviced) (all P values at least P<0.05). The 10-month-old group showed higher percentage of females showing ovulation, oestrus, fertility and productivity than the 7-month-old does after the male effect (females showing ovulation: 82% v. 42%; showing oestrus: 73% v. 42%; fertility: 73% v. 42% and productivity: 1.09±0.17 v. 0.47±0.14 goat kids born per doe serviced; respectively, all P values at least P<0.05). The present results show that the use of photostimulated males improves the reproductive performance of 7- and 10-month-old does, and may contribute towards increasing their productivity and lifetime reproductive performance.

Association of Deslorelin and Sulpiride for Double Ovulation Induction in Mares

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of deslorelin and sulpiride association on double ovulation induction in mares. Ten mares were used for this study. Eight days after ovulation, luteolysis was induced and mares were submitted a daily ultrasonographic evaluation until observation of at least two follicles measuring between 20 and 25 mm. Animals were split in two experimental groups in a crossover study. In deslorelin (DES) group, the animals received 150 μg deslorelin, intramuscularly, every 12 hours, until the second largest follicle reached at least 33 mm in diameter, at which time ovulation induction was performed with 1.500 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin, IV. In the DES + sulpiride (SULP) group, the treatment was performed in the same manner as in the DES group, associated with the administration of 1 g of sulpiride, orally, once daily until the time of ovulations induction. In both groups, ultrasound examinations were performed daily to evaluate follicular development and the detection of ovulations. Double ovulations were observed in 70% (7/10) of the animals of the DES group and 50% (5/10) of the animals in the DES + SULP group. The percentage of ovulations corresponding to the number of follicles developed was 81.8% (18/22) for the DES group and 79% (15/19) for the DES + SULP group, and no difference was observed between the groups (P > .05). We conclude that association of sulpiride with deslorelin acetate did not contribute to the increase in double ovulations in mares.

Induction of fertilizable eggs by conspecific vitellogenin implantation in captive female walking catfish,Clarias batrachus(Linn.)

The synthesis of vitellogenin (Vg) is induced by conspecific Vg (Vg1 and Vg2) and estradiol-17β (E2) as demonstrated by the pattern of 3H-serine incorporation in the liver and plasma proteins. The incorporation studies indicated that the label was first incorporated into the liver after which it appeared in the blood in both E2- and Vg-treated male catfish. Since Vg was capable of inducing its own synthesis, experiments were conducted in females during preparatory–prespawning period (March–May) to make them gravid by implanting Vg pellets. Two implantations of 4 mg Vg1 pellets into female catfish with an interval of 15 days, followed by laboratory maintenance for 45 days of initial implantation showed a significant increment in ovarian weight with concomitant formation of yolky oocytes through synthesis and incorporation of Vg, whereas Vg2 implantation was not effective in this regard. Histological observation of yolky oocytes in Vg1-treated group showed the peripheral migration of germinal vesicle (eccentric germinal vesicle), which indicates the onset of maturation. On 45th day, third implantation with 2 mg Vg pellets was performed and after 15 days, fish were hormonally induced with a single injection of hCG (2,000 IU/kg fish). Six groups were considered such as initial control, BSA-implanted control, Vg1-implanted, Vg2-implanted, catfish collected from the field on the last day of the experiment and catfish collected during spawning period in this experiment with 3–7 fish in each group. Each of the experimental fish was sexually mature and the body weight was between 100 and 125 g. The percentage of ovulation and fertilization in the eggs of Vg1-implanted group was 91% and 78%, respectively, which was almost similar to that of gravid female catfish collected during breeding period (July). The breeding performance in BSA- and Vg2-treated females was very poor. The fertilized eggs were hatched in the laboratory conditions. Thus, in the female catfish, Vg1 not only induces vitellogenesis but also makes the oocytes viable for fertilization.

Characterizing the acute heat stress response in gilts: II. Assessing repeatability and association with fertility.

Mitigating heat stress (HS) in swine production is important as it detrimentally affects multiple aspects of overall animal production efficiency. Study objectives were to determine if gilts characterized as tolerant (TOL) or susceptible (SUS) in response to HS maintain that phenotype later in life and if that phenotype influences reproductive ability during HS. Individual gilts identified as TOL (n = 50) or SUS (n = 50) from a prepubertal HS challenge were selected based on their rectal temperature (TR) during acute HS. The study consisted of 4 experimental periods (P). During P0 (2 d), all pigs were exposed to thermoneutral (TN) conditions (21.1 °C). During P1 (14 d), all gilts received Matrix (15 mg altrenogest per day) to synchronize estrus, and were maintained in TN conditions. During P2 (9 d), Matrix supplementation was terminated and gilts were subjected to diurnal HS with ambient temperatures set at 35 °C from 1000 to 2200 h and 21 °C from 2200 to 1000 h. Also during P2 gilts underwent estrus detection and artificial insemination. During P3 gilts were housed in TN conditions for 41 d at which they were sacrificed and reproductive tracts were collected. During the last 2 d of P1 and throughout the entirety of P2, TR and skin temperature (TS) were recorded. During P2, SUS had increased TR relative to TOL pigs during P2 (0.27 °C; P < 0.01). Overall, uterine wet weight, ovarian weight, corpora lutea (CL) count, and embryo survival were 5.6 ± 0.1 kg, 21.6 ± 0.3 g, 17.8 ± 0.3 CLs, and 79 ± 2%, respectively, and not influenced by prepubertal HS tolerance classification (P ≥ 0.37). Tolerant gilts had a longer return-to-estrus (6.1 vs. 5.5 d, respectively; P = 0.01) following altrenogest withdrawal and tended to have larger CL diameters (10.3 vs. 10.1 mm; P = 0.06) compared to SUS gilts. Fetal weight (25.4 vs. 23.6 g; P = 0.01) and fetal crown-rump length (74.8 vs. 72.8 mm; P < 0.01) were higher in gilts previously classified as SUS compared to those previously classified as TOL. Additionally, neither litter size nor the number of fetuses detected as a percentage of ovulations was influenced by classification. In summary, SUS gilts had a shorter return-to-estrus, increased fetus size, and tended to have smaller CL diameters compared to TOL gilts. Additionally, SUS gilts also retained their inability to maintain euthermia postpubertally relative to TOL gilts. In conclusion, there appeared to be little reproductive advantage of maintaining a lower TR during HS.

External stimuli help restore post-partum ovarian activity in Pelibuey sheep

Post-partum anestrus is a problem on farms, and its duration depends on the frequency and intensity of suckling which affects reproduction and production efficiency to become a determining economic factor. The aim of this study was to determine the post-partum reproductive response in ewe to a male effect with an ovulation induction protocol of five days using progesterone and the application of a metabolic restorative (MR; Metabolase ®). One hundred and twenty females were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: T1: Continuous suckling (CS; n = 29), T2: CS + MR (n = 29), T3: CS + Male Effect (ME; n = 32), and T4: CS + MR + ME. The percentage of females in ovulation, weight changes among females and lambs, the onset of estrus, calving, fecundity, and prolificacy were also determined. The ovulation percentage was higher in CS + ME and CS + MR + ME (75.0 and 73.3%) than in the other treatments. Weight changes in females and lambs were different among periods. The onset of estrus was similar for CS and CS + MR (25.9 ± 1.9 and 25.7 ± 0.7 h, respectively). The calving percentage was higher for CS + MR (86.2%) than other treatments. Male presence positively affected the postpartum cyclic ovarian re-establishment and the metabolic restorative could even improve the fertility of hair ewes in continuous suckling with similar hormone protocol Keywords : Male effect, metabolic stimulation, post-partum anestrus

Reproductive outcomes of anestrous goats supplemented with spineless Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck protein-enriched cladodes and exposed to the male effect.

The possible influence of the "male effect" upon reproductive outcomes of adult anestrous goats under marginal rangeland conditions and supplemented with protein-enriched Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck was evaluated. Reproductive variables included: estrus percentage (EST, %), estrus latency (ESL, hours), ovulation percentage (OP, %), ovulation rate (OR, units), average largest follicle at ovulation (LFO, mm), largest corpus luteum (LCL, mm), embryo number (EBN, units), and embryo implantation percentage (EIP, %). During early May, anestrous mix-breed adult goats (Criollo x Alpine-Saanen-Nubian; n=38, 26° N) were randomly distributed to (1) Control (CC; n=12), (2), Non-enriched Opuntia (NEO; n=14), and (3) Protein-enriched Opuntia (PEO; n=12). Neither LW (P>0.05) nor BCS (P>0.05) or any of the evaluated ovarian variables differed (P>0.05) among treatments; EST=89.66%, ESL=53.66 h, OP=70.33%, OR=1.07 units, LFO=4.5 mm, LCL=9.6 mm, EBN=0.94 embryos, and EIP=48.66%. Irrespective of nutritional supplementation regime, all goats denoted an increased response to the male effect just in the middle of the anestrous season and managed under marginal grazing conditions during the dry season (May to June; 26° N). The use of the male effect successfully invoked neurophysiological pathways to re-activate ovarian follicular and luteal pathways during the natural anestrous season in the female goat. Yet, such successful physiological scenario was not equally exerted to promote an increased embryo implantation rate; this issue claims further consideration. Therefore, it is essential to align not only the peri-conceptional but also the peri-implantation stages to the best suited environmental conditions in the rangeland, in order to increase both reproductive and economic efficiency while promoting sustainability in those rangeland-based marginal goat production systems.

Pattern of induced estrus and conception rate following Ovsynch and Ovsynch based gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle in repeat breeding crossbred cows.

Aim:The aim was to evaluate the estrus response, incidence of accessory corpus luteum formation and fertility following different hormonal protocols in repeat breeding crossbred cows.Materials and Methods:This study was carried out on 24 repeat breeding crossbred cows allotted into four groups. Cows of Group I was not given any treatment, Group II was treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection on day 6 post-estrus, Group III was treated with Ovsynch protocol, and Group IV was treated with Ovsynch based GnRH treatment. Estrus responses such as duration, onset, percentage, and intensity of estrus were recorded during the study. The incidence of accessory corpus luteum was recorded per rectally on day 7 after first and additional GnRH of Ovsynch treatment. The conception rate for all groups was calculated by the absence of estrus and on day 45 after artificial insemination (AI) per rectum. Serum samples were collected at AI and day 12 post-AI in Group I and II. Serum samples were also collected at GnRH, Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), timed AI (TAI) and day 12 post-TAI in Group III and IV.Results:Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments are resulted in 100.00% induction of estrus after the PGF2α injection. Onset of induced estrus after the PGF2α injection for Group III and IV was recorded as 48.750±0.713 and 51.472±1.989 h, respectively, and it was not significant. There was no significant difference in duration of estrus among the groups. The incidence of intermediate estrus intensity was found to be highest. All the cows showed the incidence of formation of accessory corpus luteum subsequent to GnRH treatment on day 6 of the estrous cycle in Group II, III, and IV. The conception rate was 0.00%, 16.67%, 50.00%, and 50.00% in Group I, II, III, and IV, respectively.Conclusion:Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle capable of responding with a higher percentage of ovulation and formation of accessory corpus luteum which helped in higher conception rate over single post-AI GnRH treatment in repeat breeders. These treatments responded with better estrus response but did not significantly improve estrus intensity.

Low progesterone levels and ovulation by ultrasound assessment in infertile patients.

To assess the correlation between low levels of progesterone and ovulation by ultrasound monitoring in infertile patients with regular menstrual cycles. Case-control study. The sample consisted of 302 women aged 20-40 years, treated from 2000 to 2014 in the Human Reproduction Laboratory of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Goiás and in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Goiânia, Goiás. Data collection was performed by analysis of physical records (Medical Records and Health Information Services) and electronic ones (Sisfert©, 2004) after approval by a Human Research Ethics Committee. Patients were classified according to their ovulatory status, evaluated by progesterone levels and ultrasound monitoring and divided into two groups: Group I (anovulatory cycle patients, n=74) and Group II (ovulatory patients, n=228). In both groups associations were made between the percentage of patients with normal progesterone (≥ 10 ng/ml) and percentage of patients with low progesterone (5.65 - 9.9 ng/ml). The groups were paired for comparisons related to age, body mass index, duration of infertility, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2). There was a significant association between the percentage of ovulation by ultrasound monitoring and the percentages of patients who presented low levels of progesterone. The study suggests that low serum levels of progesterone are associated with low percentage of ovulation in infertile women with regular menstrual cycles and women with unexplained infertility.

Effect of different gonadorelin (GnRH) products used for the first or resynchronized timed artificial insemination on pregnancy rates in postpartum dairy cows

Different GnRH products are used for timed artificial insemination (AI) in postpartum dairy cows. Previous studies reported greater LH release and increased ovulation percentage for gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate compared with gonadorelin hydrochloride but pregnancies per AI (P/AI) were not evaluated. The objective, therefore, was to compare P/AI for cows treated with either gonadorelin hydrochloride or gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate before the first timed AI or resynchronized timed AI. Holstein cows (n = 3938) in a confinement dairy in northeast Missouri were assigned to weekly cohorts (n = 22) on the basis of calving date. Cows were treated with “Presynch Ovsynch” (PGF2α, 14 days; PGF2α, 14 days; GnRH, 7 days; PGF2α, 56 hours; GnRH, 16 hours; timed AI) so that the first timed AI was 70 to 76 days postpartum. The PGF2α was Lutalyse (5 mL; 25 mg; Zoetis). The GnRH product was either gonadorelin hydrochloride (2 mL; 100 μg; n = 1945) or gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate (2 mL; 100 μg; n = 1993) and alternated weekly for cows assigned to cohorts. There were first timed AI (n = 1790) and resynchronized timed AI (n = 2148) cows within each cohort. The resynchronization began 32 days after timed AI (GnRH, 6 days; ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis, 1 day; and then for nonpregnant cows: PGF2α, 56 hours; GnRH, 16 hours; timed AI). The trial was conducted from January to February 2012 (n = 1203) and July to October 2012 (n = 2735). Cows were fed a total mixed ration, milked thrice daily, and milk tested monthly for volume, somatic cell count (SCC), fat percentage, protein percentage, and milk urea nitrogen. Data were analyzed by fitting the binary response data to a generalized linear mixed model for repeated measures. There was no effect of the GnRH product (treatment) on P/AI (38.4 ± 1.2 vs. 35.7 ± 1.3; gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate vs. gonadorelin hydrochloride). Treatment interactions with parity, month of breeding, or insemination number were not significant. The first-service P/AI (38.8 ± 1.4%) was greater (P < 0.05) than the resynchronized P/AI (35.3 ± 1.3%). Cows inseminated in the summer had lesser P/AI (effect of month; P < 0.001) compared with cows inseminated in the winter. There was a decrease (P < 0.002) in timed AI conception for cows with a greater milk SCC and an increase (P < 0.003) in P/AI for cows with a greater milk protein percentage. In conclusion, the GnRH product did not affect P/AI for the first or resynchronized timed AI in an Ovsynch-based program. Other factors affected P/AI including service number (lesser for the second service or greater), month (lesser in summer months), SCC (lesser for cows with greater SCC), and milk protein percentage (greater for cows with greater protein percentage).