Size Of Dominant Follicle Research Articles

Gonadotropins combined with and without 100mg Clomiphene Citrate drug on ovulation induction and role of epidural analgesia in pregnancy outcome of infertility women.

Successful ovulation induction can overcome the common condition of infertility associated with ovulatory dysfunction. Monotherapy of clomiphene citrate (CC) or combined with gonadotrophins are the best treatment modalities for ovulation induction with a successful outcome. We concentrated on evaluating the effects of 100 mg Clomiphene Citrate, both with and without gonadotrophins, on ovulation induction and the outcome of labor analgesia in women with infertility. This prospective cohort consists of 136 women with infertility who were medicated with 100 mg of clomiphene citrate alone and 100 mg of clomiphene citrate with gonadotropins. We recorded the endometrial thickness, details of the dominant follicle, and the incidence of a positive pregnancy rate. Women with positive pregnancy were managed with epidural labor with labor analgesia to relieve labor pain and evaluated the foetal outcome. In CC alone, the ovulation rate was 57%, while in CC with gonadotrophins, it was 81%. The mean dominant follicle size and endometrial thickness were high in CC with gonadotrophins (p < 0.05). The overall incidence of positive pregnancies was 28.98%. Levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the mean VAS score from baseline, resulting in a higher foetal body weight. Taking 100 mg of Clomiphene citrate with gonadotropins works better than taking Clomiphene citrate by itself at starting ovulation, increasing the size of the dominant follicle, and improving the thickness of the endometrium. With levobupivacaine plus dexmedetomidine, the labor analgesia showed better stability in hemodynamic parameters and effective control on labor pain scores.

Effect of follicle size on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing first letrozole-intrauterine insemination.

Letrozole has been proven to be an effective method for inducing ovulation. However, littleattentionhasbeenpaidto whether the lead follicle size will affect the success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovulation induction with alone letrozole. Therefore, we hope to investigate the effect of dominant follicle size on pregnancy outcomes on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) day of the first letrozole-IUI. A retrospective cohort study design was employed. We included patients with anovulation or unexplained infertility undergoing first IUI treatment with letrozole for ovarian stimulation. According to the dominantfolliclesize measured on the day of hCG trigger, patients were divided into six groups (≤ 18mm, 18.1-19.0mm, 19.1-20.0mm, 20.1-21.0mm, 21.1-22.0mm, > 22mm). Logistic models were used for estimating the odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CIs) for achieving aclinicalpregnancyor alivebirth. A restricted cubic spline was drawn to explore the nonlinear relationship between follicle size and IUI outcomes. A total of 763 patients underwent first letrozole-IUI cycles in our study. Fisherexact test showed significant differences among the six follicle-size groups in the rates of pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth (P < 0.05 in each group). After adjusting the potential confounding factors, compared with the follicles ≤ 18mm in diameter group, 19.1-20.0mm, 20.1-21.0mm groups were 2.3 or 2.56 times more likely to get live birth [adjusted OR = 2.34, 95%CI (1.25-4.39); adjusted OR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.30-5.06)]. A restricted cubic spline showed an invertedU-shaped relationship between the size of dominant follicles and pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate, and the optimal follicle size range on the day of hCG trigger was 19.1-21.0mm. When the E2 level on the day of hCG trigger was low than 200pg/mL, the clinical pregnancy rates of 19.1-20.0mm, 20.1-21.0mm groups were still the highest. The optimal dominant follicle size was between 19.1 and 21.0mm in hCG-triggered letrozole-IUI cycles. Either too large or too small follicles may lead to a decrease in pregnancy rate. Using follicle size as a predicator of pregnancy outcomes is more meaningful when estrogen on the day of hCG trigger is less than 200pg/ml.

130 Effect of an appeasing substance application on growth, stress, handling quality and reproduction of Bos indicus beef heifers synchronized to fixed-time AI

Abstract This experiment evaluated the effects of an analogue of bovine appeasing substance (BAS) on growth, stress, handling quality, and reproduction of Nellore heifers. Twenty-nine heifers [body condition score (BCS) = 4.84 ± 0.13; body weight (BW) = 371 ± 0.77 kg; 23 ± 2 months of age)] were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) Saline solution (0.9 NaCl; n = 14) or BAS (Secure Cattle, IRSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 15). Both solutions were applied topically in the nuchal skin area (5 mL/heifers) at the beginning (d -9) of the fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI). Heifers were allocated in two different pastures according to the treatment (one pasture per treatment) for 15 d (time of action of BAS) and then combined in a single group (both treatments in the same pasture). Heifers were inseminated on d 0, and BW and BCS were collected on d -9 and 40. The temperament in the squeeze chute (entry and exit scores; scale 1 – 3; chute score; scale 1 – 5; greater values mean more reactive heifers) and blood samples were collected on d -9, 0, 7, 14 and 30. The percentual of aggression, accident, and dirtiness in the perineal region were evaluated on d 0 along with time to inseminate, estrus expression scores (scale 1 – 3; 1 = no expression, 2 = low expression, 3 = greater expression), and dominant follicle size. The corpus luteum size was measured on d 7 and 14, and the pregnancy and embryo size on d 40. The BAS vs. Saline-treated heifers tended to have greater BW change (23.6 vs. 20.8 ± 1.03 kg; P = 0.09) and had greater BCS change (0.05 vs. -0.21 ± 0.05; P &amp;lt; 0.01). The BAS vs. Saline-treated heifers tended to have lesser entry scores (1.42 vs. 1.67 ± 0.09; P = 0.09) and percentual of dirtiness in the perineal region (48.3 vs. 71.1 ± 8.67 %; P = 0.06), and no effects of treatment were detected (P ≥ 0.39) for chute score, exit score, aggression, accident and time to inseminate. The BAS vs. Saline-treated heifers had greater estrus scores (2.00 vs. 1.27 ± 0.21; P = 0.03), and no effects were detected (P ≥ 0.11) for ovarian variables, pregnancy rate, and conceptus size. Furthermore, no treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.25) for serum concentration of cortisol and plasma concentration of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and progesterone. Therefore, BAS application at the beginning of the FTAI protocol could decrease the temperament and dirtiness in the perineal region and increase the growth and estrus expression of beef heifers.

Factors affecting the efficiency of equine embryo transfer (EET) in polo mares under subtropical conditions of Pakistan.

Equine embryo transfer (EET) is a prominent technology in the equine breeding industry, and its efficacy is affected by a number of factors. The current study aimed to determine the effects of the breed of donor/recipient mares, estrus/ovulation induction treatment, cooled transportation of embryos, and synchrony between donor and recipient mares on the efficiency of the EET under subtropical conditions of Pakistan. A total of eighty-four (n = 84) Polo-playing donor mares (Argentino-polo = 41 and Anglo-Arab = 43) and seventy (n = 70) recipient mares (light breed = 26 and heavy breed = 44) were used for EET. The donor mares exhibiting natural estrus (n = 28) were detected by teaser a stallion, and corpus luteum (CL) having mares (n = 56) were treated with prostaglandin (150 μg of Cloprostenol) for estrus induction. The mares' follicular growth was monitored through ultrasonography until the dominant follicle's size reached 35 mm or more with a moderate to obvious uterine edema score. Afterward, the mares were treated either with GnRH, i.e., 50 μg of Lecirelin acetate (n = 41) or Ovusyn, i.e., 1500 IU hCG (n = 43). Insemination with chilled semen was performed 24 hours later. The embryos were collected non-surgically, 7 or 8 days after ovulation, from the donor mares. The collected embryos were transferred into the well-synchronized recipient mares as fresh (n = 44) or chilled (n = 26) embryos. The pregnancy after ET was checked through ultrasonography. Statistical analysis revealed that the embryo recovery rate (ERR) remained significantly higher (P<0.05) for the Prostaglandin (PG) treated group of donors as compared to the natural heat group of donors. The breed of donor mares, type of ovulatory treatment given, and day of embryo collection did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the ERR. There was no significant effect of the type (fresh vs chilled), classification, and stage of development of embryo on pregnancy outcomes (P>0.05). ET pregnancy rate was significantly affected by the breed of recipient mares and ovulation synchrony between donor and recipient mares (P<0.05). In conclusion, under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan, PG-based estrus induction of donor mares, breed of recipient mares, and ovulation synchrony between the donor and recipient mares had a substantial effect on the efficiency of EET.

Seasonal influence on follicular and luteal dynamics in dairy cows

The objective of study was to investigate the influence of season, viz. summer, winter, and isothermic (spring and autumn season), on follicular and luteal dynamics in dairy cows. Thirty dairy cows (n=10 in each season) were subjected to the ultrasonographic examination of ovarian structures, i.e. follicle and corpus luteum, during two- and three-follicular waves in an estrous cycle using B-mode and colour doppler mode of ultrasonography. The daily temperature-humidity index (THI) was recorded to envisage its variation among different seasons. In results, the size of the dominant follicle was recorded to be significantly different in all seasons during the second follicular wave. However, all other parameters for follicle, i.e. day of wave onset, length of growth phase, duration of dominance, the maximum diameter of the largest sub-ordinate follicle, as well as luteal morphometric analysis had no significant difference among different seasons. On the other part, the THI varied significantly in different seasons with maximum THI in the summer (72.54), followed by the isothermic (64.7) and lowest in the winter season (54.12). As a part of summation, the seasonal impact was barely noteworthy on different aspects of follicular and luteal dynamics except for the size of dominant and sub-ordinate follicle in dairy cows.

Effect of interval time between hysterosalpingography and intrauterine insemination on the pregnancy outcome of infertile patients.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the most commonly applied tubal patency test in clinical practice. Although some studies have found an increased pregnancy rate after HSG, no studies to date have specifically characterized the effect of interval time between HSG and IUI on pregnancy outcome. To investigate the effect of interval time between HSG and intrauterine insemination (IUI) on live birth rates of infertile patients. Retrospective cohort study. The reproductive medical record system was used to identify patients who completed ≥1 IUI cycle between January 2017 and October 2021. According to the interval time between HSG and IUI, patients were divided into three groups: <6months interval group,6-12 months interval group and >12 months interval group. The generalized estimating equation with Poisson distribution was used to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of different groups. A total of 413 patients completed 701 IUI cycles during the study period, <6months interval group, 415 cycles; 6-12 months interval group, 138 cycles; >12 months interval group, 148 cycles. The live birth rate of <6 months group was higher than other two groups (17.35% vs. 12.32% vs. 8.11%, P=0.017); Similarly, the clinical pregnancy rate of <6 months group was also higher than other two groups (19.76% vs. 14.49% vs.11.49%, P=0.049). When adjusted separately for FSH, AMH, infertility type, duration of infertility, infertility diagnosis, total motile count (TMC) of sperm, medications, endometrium size and dominant follicle size, the live birth rate of >12 months group severally significantly decreased by 60% (adjusted RR = 0.40, 95% CI [0.19-1.40]). The cumulative clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of <6 months group were higher than other two groups (P<0.05), but the cumulative pregnancy rate among three groups were not statistically different (log rank test: P=0.06). The interval time between hysterosalpingography and IUI is related to pregnancy outcome. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were the highest when the time interval was less than 6 months. Therefore, IUI should be recommend as soon as possible after HSG if the patient couple meets the IUI indication.

DETERMINATION OF OVULATION TIME IN GAYO MARES BASED ON IMAGE OF PREOVULATORY FOLLICLE GROWTH

This study aimed to obtain the ultrasound image of preovulatory follicle growth in gayo mares to predict the ovulation time. This study used three Gayo mares and one gayo stallion for teaser aged 5-10 years and weighed 200-250 kg. Preovulatory follicle growth was observed using transrectal ultrasonography which was performed when the dominant follicle size was ≥ 3.5 cm. Observations were made for 3 consecutive estrous periods on gayo mares at relatively the same time. The absence of previous follicular appearance and the presence of hypoechoic area in the same ovary indicate that ovulation has occurred. The result revealed that the diameter of preovulatory follicle of gayo mares was 4.02±0.32 to 5.05±0.04 cm. There was no significant follicle growth in the last 48 hours before ovulation and the preovulatory follicle shape altered from spherical to pearshape. Many small follicles (2 cm in diameter) were observed in peripheral area of the ovary indicated the recruitment of follicles which form the first follicular wave. To conclude, the alteration in the size and pearshape of preovulatory follicle and the recruitment of small follicles can be used as a marker to determine the time of ovulation on gayo mares.

Observational study of changes in dominant ovarian follicle with and without administration of clomiphene citrate in primary infertility cases among eastern Indian women

Background: Changing environment and social factors with advancement of science bestowed the human population with both curse and boon. Increasing number of primary infertility is one of the many challenges which is encountered among 3.59% of Indian women population in reproductive age group. Use of clomiphene citrate (CC) is one of the commonly practiced way to find out a ray of hope. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to measure the changes of morphometric parameters of dominant ovarian follicles and their numbers and compare the same before and after administration of CC was the aim of the present study. Materials and Methods: This interventional and cohort study performed on 50 women coming to the infertility clinic at Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, with primary infertility of reproductive age group. Informed consent was taken from all. Transvaginal ultrasonography was utilized to measure the parameters related with dominant follicles. Comparison among them with respect to number, size, and time to rupture both before and after ovulation induction with CC was made. Results: Statistically significant increase in number and average size of dominant follicle is seen from 1.08 to 2 and 12.26 to 15.31 mm following CC in the third cycle. In polycystic ovarian disease, cases also ovulation has increased significantly. Conclusion: Transvaginal ultrasonography proves to be regarded as a gold standard procedure to measure and monitor the ovarian follicle status. Undoubtedly CC can be regarded as an easy and dependable solution toward treatment of primary infertility.

The importance of infertility duration and follicle size according to pregnancy success in women undergoing ovulation induction with gonadotropins and intrauterine insemination

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of infertility duration and dominant follicle size measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration on pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing ovulation induction (OI) with gonadotropin (GND). A total of 352 patients aged 20 to 41 years who were diagnosed with unexplained infertility or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were included in this study. Patients with a history of multifollicular development or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) value more than 12 IU/ml were excluded from the study. The demographic and clinical features of the patients were obtained from the patients’ files and hospital automation system and recorded for each woman. The demographic and clinical features of the patients were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups as live birth (group 1, n = 47) and non-live birth groups (group 2, n = 305). There were no statistically significant differences in regard to age, infertility type, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level, oestradiol (E2) level, antral follicle count (AFC), cycle characteristics, GND type, number of follicles, E2 level and endometrial thickness on HCG day, total GND dose, dominant follicle size (p > 0.05). Infertility duration in group 1 was 3.5 ± 2.1; in group 2, 4.7 ± 3.9 years. This difference was statistically significant (p = .014). According to this study, live birth rates after GND + IUIs(intrauterine insemination) were significantly affected by the duration of infertility. But the dominant follicle size and endometrial thickness measured on HCG day in GND and IUI cycles did not have a significant effect on pregnancy rates. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on the subject? It is thought that the timing of the ovarian triggering is vital for the success of intrauterine insemmination (IUI) treatment. What do the results of this study add? According to our results live birth rates after GND + IUIs were significantly affected by the duration of infertility. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is determined that the duration of infertility is significant and patients should be encouraged to the treatment as soon as possible.

Effect of Dietary Rumen Protected Methionine on Postpartum Fertility Parameters in Multiparous Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Present study was planned to assess dietary supplementation of rumen protected methionine (RPM) peripartum on blood profile and postpartum reproductive outcome in 18 multiparous Murrah buffaloes. Animals were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups of 6 each, and fed diets supplemented with RPM 20 g day-1 (Group 1); 10 g day-1 (Group 2), and standard control diet (Group 3). RPM feeding was introduced from day 30 prepartum till day 60 postpartum. Progesterone, estradiol, IGF-I, and biochemical parameters were estimated starting day 21 prepartum to day 57 postpartum. Size of dominant follicle and corpus luteum were assessed across the treatment days postpartum. Progesterone concentration varied from 0.32±0.06 to 3.85±0.44 ngml-1, 0.41±0.05 to 2.03±0.12 ngml-1, and 0.35±0.08 to 1.82±0.11 ngml-1 in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Corresponding estradiol levels ranged from 16.00±1.09 to 243.16±4.67 pgml-1, 13.16±0.60 to 228±5.06 pgml-1, and 13.66±0.66 to 218.9±4.36 pgml-1 and IGF-I from 77.83±8.81 to 149.50±4.69 ngml-1, 77.33±2.95 to 128.41±3.85 ngml-1, and 62.66±2.20 to 124.50±5.57 ngml-1 in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Variations in blood glucose, BUN and creatinine were observed across the days in all the treatment groups. Estrogen to progesterone (E/P) ratio varied (p&lt;0.05) among the treatment groups. Lower values of E/P in Group 1 were depictive of estrogen dominance, whereas higher E/P in Group 3 signified dominance of progesterone. Conception rates in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 83.33%, 50.00% and 33.33%, respectively. Varying (p&lt;0.05) progesterone and estradiol levels were indicative of positive role of dietary RPM. Dietary RPM improved follicular structures and increased production and reproduction outcomes.

The Effect of Metabolic Persian Diet on Ovulation Induction in Infertile Women.

Infertility is an important issue with a high social and psychological burden. From the perspective of Persian Medicine (PM), uterine cold temperament is one of the important causes of female infertility. The aim of this study was to study the effect of PM or Iranian traditional medicine on improving ovulation and fertility. From January 2017 to August 2017, sixty infertile women with eugonadotropic ovulation disorder were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups were treated with clomiphene citrate, except that the intervention group also received metabolic Persian diet (MPD). In each cycle, the dominant follicles and endometrium were investigated with ultrasound. At the end of the cycle, beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) was evaluated and if positive, another ultrasound was performed two weeks later to confirm early pregnancy. The number of dominant follicles from the first to third cycle increased from 2.15 ± 1.14 to 2.28 ± 0.61 in the intervention group and decreased from 1.86 ± 0.79 to 1.30 ± 0.47 in the control group. The dominant follicle size changed from 16.00 ± 4.08 to 18.78 ± 2.78 and from 15.05 ± 3.11 to 15.80 ± 3.89 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. But endometrial thickness did not change significantly in the intervention group. Pregnancy results based on β-HCG and ultrasound findings were positive in 19 and 16 patients in the intervention group and in 10 and 7 patients in the control group, implying significantly higher numbers in the first group. It seems that MPD may be effective in the success of ovulation induction.

Importance of preovulatory estradiol on uterine receptivity and luteal function.

Animals that exhibited estrus had greater pregnancy success compared to animals that did not exhibit estrus before fixed-time AI (FTAI). Estradiol is synthesized in bovine ovarian follicles under gonadotropin regulation and can directly and indirectly regulate the uterine receptivity and luteal function. Estradiol concentrations at FTAI impacted oviductal gene expression and has been reported to play an important role in establishing the timing of uterine receptivity. These changes have been reported to impact uterine pH and sperm transport to the site of fertilization. After fertilization, preovulatory estradiol has been reported to improve embryo survival likely by mediating changes in uterine blood flow, endometrial thickness and changes in histotroph. Cows with greater estradiol concentrations at the time of GnRH-induced ovulation also had a larger dominant follicle size and greater circulating progesterone concentrations on day 7. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the individual benefit of greater estradiol concentrations prior to ovulation and greater progesterone concentrations following ovulation to pregnancy establishment, as these two measurements are confounded. Research has indicated an importance in the occurrence and timing of increasing preovulatory concentrations of estradiol, but increasing estradiol concentrations by supplementation may not be sufficient to increase fertility. Increased production of estradiol by the preovulatory follicle may be required to enhance fertility through the regulation of sperm transport, fertilization, oviductal secretions, the uterine environment, and embryo survival.

PSV-B-14 Bovine Luteal Cell Apoptosis Following Administration of a Commercial Inactivated or Modified-Live Virus Vaccine at Time of AI

Abstract Damage to the bovine corpus luteum (CL) has been reported following modified-live virus vaccination (MLV). The objective of this study was to investigate the degree of luteal apoptosis after MLV or inactivated vaccine (IV) administration at time of artificial insemination. Beef females were estrous synchronized and on d 0 were vaccinated with a MLV or IV after being transrectally ultrasounded to record presence and location of dominant follicles and CL. Thirteen cows (MLV, n=7; IV, n=6) were selected on d 10-13 across treatment based on dominant follicle size and estrus expression for ovariectomy. Ovaries were obtained and CL were frozen in OCT and sectioned for immunohistochemistry analysis. At the time of ovary collection, some MLV animals had two CL. These were characterized into old or new CL, relative to if ovulation had occurred in response to the synchronization protocol or afterward due to an abnormal cycle, respectively. For immunohistochemistry analysis, two nonconsecutive sections were evaluated for apoptosis using a TUNEL staining kit (ab66110) according to manufacturer’s instructions, with the modification of DAPI being used as a cell marker. Two random fields of view from each section were photographed with a Keyence BZ-X810 microscope and were evaluated for number of total and apoptotic cells. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was utilized to analyze percentage of apoptotic cells with image included as a random effect. Percentage of apoptotic cells were affected by treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). MLV-new CL had the greatest percentage (35.56 ± 5.5%) of luteal cell apoptosis, while MLV-old CL (7.05 ± 4.6%) and IV (4.24 ± 4.9%) were similarly decreased. In summary, a greater degree of apoptosis in new CL which formed after an abnormal cycle following MLV administration indicates the ability of MLV to induce estrous cycle dysfunction and extend its effects to luteal cell development and function.

P-688 Combination of letrozole and clomiphene citrate versus letrozole alone for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Study question Does clinical pregnancy rate improve using combination of letrozole and clomiphene versus letrozole alone for ovulation induction in infertile women with PCOS Summary answer The present study showed that combination drugs had no added advantage over Letrozole alone in terms of ovulation induction. What is known already Letrozole can offer a benefit over CC for ovulation induction because it doesn’t block estrogen receptors in both central and peripheral target tissues, therefore normal central feedback mechanisms remain intact. As letrozole and CC have different mechanisms of action, the combination of these medications can achieve an improved ovulatory rate over letrozole alone. We aimed to test the hypothesis of whether combined therapy of letrozole and CC is effective and superior to the use of letrozole alone to achieve pregnancy in women with PCOS. Study design, size, duration Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial conducted from July 2019 to December 2020 at tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand According to studies done earlier (49), it was observed that proportion of positive outcome in letrozole and clomiphene citrate combined therapy was assumed to be 0.7700 and for letrozole therapy alone was 0.4400. With significance level of 0.05 and power 90% a sample size of 42 in each group to detect assumed 0.33 difference between the two groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods 68 patients randomised in two group. Group I received combination of Letrozole (2.5mg) and clomiphene citrate (50 mg) once daily for 5 days (day 3-7 of cycle). Group II received Letrozole 2.5mg once daily for 5 days (day 3-7 of cycle) for 4 cycles. After induction follicular monitoring done and HCG given when dominant follicle size &amp;gt; =18mm with ET &amp;gt; =8mm followed by timed intercourse. Main results and the role of chance No statistically significant difference seen between the two groups in baseline characterstics. Comparing the pregnancy rate, 9.3% in Group 1 (n = 3) &amp; 6.3% in Group 2 (n = 2) became pregnant after first cycle of ovulation induction (OVI), after 2nd cycle, 7.1% in Group 1 (n = 2) &amp; 13.8% in Group 2 (n = 4) became pregnant. 11.5 % in Group 1 (n = 3) &amp; 8.0 % in Group 2 (n = 2) became pregnant after cycle 3 and 21.7% in Group 1 (n = 5) &amp; 8.7% in Group 2 (n = 2) became pregnant after 4th cycle of OVI. Though the pregnancy rate was statistically not significant in all the cycle (p &amp;lt; 0.615,0.413,0.671,0.218 respectively). The median number of cycles required for conception in Group 1 was 3 and that of group 2 was 2. Limitations, reasons for caution Small sample size Larger multicentric randomised controlled trials required Wider implications of the findings Pregnancy rate was higher when ovulation induction was done using combination of clomiphene and letrozole but difference was not statistically significant. Mean number of cycles required for conception similar in both groups. Trial registration number CTRI no: CTRI/2020/06/025688

Effect of the locational relationship between the 1st wave dominant follicle and the corpus luteum on conception rate after embryo transfer: data analysis of 297 embryo transfers from a commercial embryo production program

The ovarian structures identified at the time of ET are important for the selection of recipients. In previous report, the first-wave dominant follicle, located ipsilateral to the corpus luteum on the ovary, was associated with reduced conception rate after artificial insemination. Thus, a similar locational relationship may affect conception rate during embryo transfer. Data from 297 transfers of fresh embryos to virgin heifers were analyzed aiming to check the effect of first-wave dominant follicle location in relation to the corpus luteum on conception rate using a multivariable logistic regression model with six confounders. The location of the first-wave dominant follicle in relation to the corpus luteum location had no significant effect on conception rate, suggesting that it is not necessary to consider the firstwave dominant follicle size and location in the ovaries for recipient selection.

Lung Function Variation during the Estrus Cycle of Mares Affected by Severe Asthma.

Simple SummaryThe estrus cycle and sex hormones influence asthma development and severity in humans, but whether the same is occurring in the asthma of horses is unknown. Severe equine asthma (SEA) is characterized by breathing difficulty, even at rest, and although it can be controlled by management and medication, it remains incurable. Stabling and hay feeding are the main contributors to disease exacerbation, but other factors could possibly alter the respiratory compromise. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the estrus cycle on airway dysfunction in five mares affected by SEA by assessing the lung function during the follicular and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle. The inspiratory obstruction improved during the luteal phase and the variation in progesterone and the dominant follicle size correlated with lung function parameters, suggesting a role for sex hormones in asthma pathophysiology. This first description of the estrus cycle’s modulation of airway obstruction in horses supports further studies to uncover the effects of sex hormones in asthma in horses and humans.While the prevalence of asthma is higher in boys than in girls during childhood, this tendency reverses at puberty, suggesting an effect of sex hormones on the disease pathophysiology. Fluctuations of asthma severity concurring with the estrus cycle are reported in women, but this phenomenon has never been investigated in mares to date. The objective of this exploratory study was to determine whether the estrus cycle modulates airway obstruction in severe equine asthma (SEA). Five mares with SEA during exacerbation of the disease were studied. The whole breath, expiratory and inspiratory resistance, and reactance were compared during the follicular and luteal phases of the estrus cycle. The reproductive tract was evaluated by rectal palpation, ultrasound, and serum progesterone levels. The inspiratory resistance and reactance improved during the luteal phase of the estrus cycle, and variation in progesterone levels and the dominant follicle size correlated with several lung function parameters. The fluctuation of airway dysfunction during the estrus cycle is noteworthy as deterioration of the disease could perhaps be expected and prevented by horse owners and veterinarians. Further studies are required to determine if the equine species could be a suitable model to evaluate the effects of sex hormones on asthma.

Impacts of body condition score at beginning of fixed-timed AI protocol and subsequent energy balance on ovarian structures, estrus expression, pregnancy rate and embryo size of Bos indicus beef cows

These two studies evaluated the effects of body condition score (BCS) at beginning of fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and subsequent BCS change on ovarian structures, estrus expression, pregnancy rate and embryo size of multiparous Nellore beef cows. In Experiment 1, 240 cows, distributed over four years (n = 40, 20, 82 and 98 cows, for years 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively) were assigned to FTAI protocol from d -11 to 0. Cow BCS (d -11 and 40), body weight (BW; d -11 and 40), dominant follicle (d 0) and corpus luteum (CL; d 7 and 14) size, plasma progesterone (d 7 and 14), pregnancy rate (d 40) and embryo size (d 40) were evaluated. In Experiment 2, 2443 cows (single year) were assigned to FTAI protocol from d -11 to 0. Cow BCS (d -11 and 30), BW (d -11 and 30), estrus expression (d 0), and pregnancy rate (d 30) were evaluated. BCS scale used ranged from 1 (extremely thin) to 9 (extremely fat) and the cows were categorized in groups (BCS ≥ 5 and < 5 and in lost, maintained and gained BCS). Experiment 1, cows with BCS ≥ 5 at beginning FTAI protocol tended (P ≤ 0.10) to have greater CL diameter (d 7), CL volume (d 7 and 14) and had greater (P ≤ 0.05) plasma concentration of progesterone (d 14) and embryo size (d 40), compared to cows with BCS < 5. Further, cows that gained BCS from d -11 to 40 tended (P = 0.10) to have greater dominant follicle size and cows that gained and maintained BCS had greater (P = 0.02) plasma concentration of progesterone (d 14), compared to cows that lost BCS. The embryo size was greater (P < 0.01) for cows that gained, intermediary to cows that maintained and lower to cows that lost BCS. In Experiment 2, cows with BCS ≥ 5 had greater (P = 0.02) estrus expression, compared to cows with BCS < 5, and the pregnancy rate increased linearly with BCS (P < 0.01; 20.0 to 69.1% for BCS 2 and 9, respectively). Further, cows that gained had greater (P < 0.01) estrus expression compared to cows that maintained and lost BCS, and cows that gained and maintained BCS had greater pregnancy rate compared to cows that lost BCS (P < 0.01; 62.2, 59.7 and 49.3 ± 10.3%, respectively). Thus, cows with greater BCS at beginning of FTAI protocol or that gained or maintained BCS during synchronization and after AI had greater ovarian structures development, estrus expression, pregnancy rate and embryo size.

Evaluation of three classification methods of antral follicle count and fertility to the timed artificial insemination in cattle.

The controversial data about antral follicle count (AFC) may be partially explained by the different criteria used to determine what is high, intermediate and low AFC. This study evaluated different classification methods for AFC groups, relating them to the conception rate, dominant follicle size and body condition score (BCS) in cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). Nelore cows (Bos indicus; n = 935), received a reproductive program consisting of TAI and natural breeding. Conception rate, BCS and dominant follicle size during TAI were evaluated by three AFC methodologies: i) mean and standard deviation: low (≤ 15 follicles); intermediate (≥ 16 to ≤ 44 follicles) or high (≥ 45 follicles); ii) quartiles: low (≤ 15 follicles); intermediate (≥ 16 to ≤ 39 follicles), or high (≥ 40 follicles); and iii) AFC score: I (low; ≤ 15 follicles); II (intermediate; ≥ 16 to ≤ 30 follicles); III (high; ≥ 31 to ≤ 44 follicles) or IV (very high; ≥ 45 follicles). Data were analyzed by a GLIMMIX and Tukey test or binary logistic regression model (P ≤ 0.05). The conception rate to TAI was influenced (P < 0.05) by AFC in the three methods classification, being the highest conception rate observed in the low AFC group regardless of method utilized: Mean (low 61.73%a, intermediate 54.02%ab and high 49.48%b), Quartiles (low 61.73%a, intermediate 53.59%ab and 51.46%b) and Score (I 61.73%a, II 54.80%ab, III 53.23%ab and IV 49.48%b). There were variations (P < 0.05) in the conception rate within the 2.50 to 2.75 BCS range for all AFC classification methods, with the low AFC females presenting the best results, regardless of the method used. Also, females with low AFC showed larger (P < 0.05) diameters of dominant follicles at the TAI regardless of method. The different methodologies used (Mean, Quartile and Score) to AFC classification showed a consistency between the main findings, and we believe that this standardization will facilitate the interpretation of data involving AFC.

Paraovarian Cyst in Repeat-breeder Buffalo heifers: Ultrasonographic, Antioxidants and Serum Cell-free RNA markers

This study aimed to (1) identify the status of reproductive tract of repeat-breeder heifers (RBH) ultrasonography, as well as (2) determinethe variations in steroid hormones, oxidative stress biomarkers, and cell-free RNA in serum.These culled animals from400 heifers at the breeding stationwere examined ultrasonography, and whole blood samples were collected. Theultrasonic diagnosed heifers as paraovarian cyst (POC, n=18) associated with genital pathological conditionswere compared with groups of control heifers at follicular(n=6), luteal (n=6), and early pregnant (n=10). The POC appeared as anechoic circumscribed masses located nearby, but separated from the ovary. Follicular number, corpus luteum size, serum cell-free RNA, and ovarian steroids were not affected by POC, although dominant follicle size tended to be lower (P= 0.069)in POC withCL absence (POC-CL). Heifers with POC-CLhad lower MDA levels than pregnant ones. Buffaloes that had POC in the presence of CL (POC+CL) were found to have higher SOD activity than luteal and pregnant cases. Total serum proteinslevels recorded lower valuesin POC+CL compared to that in follicular phase. There was a significant positive relationship between POCsize, and GPx activity and CL size, but negative correlations with dominate follicles size. The POC might interfere with ovarian function, via alterations in antioxidant levels.

250 Effect of Pre- and Post-ai Nutrition on Ovarian Dynamics, Steroidogenesis, and Expression of Estrus in Beef Heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate nutrition before and after artificial insemination (AI) on follicular dynamics, expression of estrus, and steroidogenesis. Seventy-nine beef heifers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (High;155% and Low;86% of maintenance energy) 30d prior to AI. Estrus was synchronized (PG 6-d CIDR protocol) and heifers received AI (d0) 8 to 12h following onset of estrus. On d0, heifers were randomly reassigned diets generating four Pre-x-Post-AI nutritional treatments; High-High (HH, n = 20), High-Low (HL, n = 20), Low-High (LH, n = 19), and Low-Low (LL, n = 20). Heifers remained on new diet treatments until embryo collection (flush; d7-8). Blood samples were collected daily from d-3 to d0, and on d1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 for plasma concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Dominant follicle diameter was evaluated on d-3 and d0, and CL diameter was recorded at flush. Statistical analyses were completed in SAS using the MIXED (body weight, E2, P4), GLIMMIX (expression of estrus), and GLM (ovarian parameters, interval to estrus) procedures. There were Pre-AI (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and Post-AI by time (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) interactions on body weight; heifers in high and low treatments gained and lost weight, respectively, during both periods. Estradiol concentrations increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) from d-3 (2.18±0.15pg/mL) to d0 (6.05±0.04pg/mL). Pre-AI diet increased the proportion of heifers in estrus (80±6.3% vs. 59±7.9%; P = 0.05), and dominant follicle size (11.7±1.42mm vs. 10.68±1.33mm; P = 0.0016) in High vs. Low, respectively. Additionally, High Pre-AI heifers had greater P4 after AI compared to Low Pre-AI heifers (4.85±0.37ng/mL vs. 3.53±0.38ng/mL; P = 0.015). Post-AI treatment did not influence concentrations of P4 (P = 0.88). There was no effect of Pre, Post or Pre-x-Post-AI treatment on initial follicle size, follicle growth rate, E2 concentrations, interval to estrus, or CL size at flush (P &amp;gt; 0.10). In conclusion, nutrient restriction before AI negatively impacted ovarian function, steroidogenesis, and expression of estru.