Sponge Insertion Research Articles

Progestin-impregnated intravaginal sponges for estrus induction and synchronization influences on goats vaginal flora and antimicrobial susceptibility

The objective was to characterize vaginal bacteria, their antimicrobial sensitivity, and the incidence of vaginitis, in goats before and after insertion of intravaginal sponges containing progesterone. Sponges were inserted in 37 Saanen goats and removed after 6, 9 or 12d (G6, G9 and G12). At sponge removal, all goats had clinical signs of vaginitis. Sampling was conducted just before sponge insertion and at 0, 24, 48, and 72h after sponge removal. Vaginal secretions were subjected to standard bacteriological procedures, including isolation of bacteria, subculture, and determination of sensitivity to antimicrobials (gentamicin, cefalotin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, penicillin G and cefoxitin). Ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were the most effective for coliforms (100% sensitivity), whereas ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and tetracycline were the most effective for cocci (100, 98.6 and 97.2% sensitivity, respectively). In contrast, the least effective antimicrobials were cefalotin for the coliforms, and penicillin for the cocci (37.5 and 64.4% sensitivity, respectively), regardless of duration of implant presence and interval from implant removal to sampling. In conclusion, insertion of intravaginal progestin-impregnated sponges induced clinical vaginitis in goats. Members of Staphylococcus genus were the most frequently recovered species of the vaginal samples cultured, and all isolates were resistant to several antimicrobials.

Changes in the vaginal flora of goats following a short-term protocol of oestrus induction and synchronisation with intravaginal sponges as well as their antimicrobial sensitivity

The aim of this study was to characterise the changes in the vaginal flora of goats subjected to the induction and synchronisation of oestrus using intravaginal sponges (IVSs). Mucous samples were collected from the vaginas of 32 Toggenburg goats using sterile swabs. Samples were obtained on the day that the IVSs inserted (D0), the day they were withdrawn (D6), and 24h (D7), 48h (D8), and a week (D13) after the sponges were withdrawn. The samples were transferred to the laboratory in transport medium, inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar, and incubated at 37°C (aerobic culture only). The susceptibility of the cultured bacteria to eight of the most frequently employed antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method in Mueller–Hinton agar. Fewer colony-forming units (CFUs) were obtained from the samples that were taken before sponge insertion (D0) compared with those obtained on the other days. After the sponges were inserted, the number of CFUs obtained from the vaginal samples increased, reaching the highest value at the time of sponge withdrawal (D6), when 62.1% (18/29) of the samples yielded ≥105CFU/ml. At this time, more than one type (genus) of bacterial colony was detected. The most prevalent bacterium belonged to the genus Staphylococcus sp., except at the time of sponge withdrawal, when the most prevalent bacterium was Escherichia coli. The results of this study demonstrated that changes in the prevalent bacterial isolate and the number of CFUs in the vaginal flora of goats subjected to a short-term protocol of oestrus induction and synchronisation using IVS occurred while the IVSs were present and that there was a rapid re-establishment of the normal microbiota after the IVSs were removed.

Origin and function of the repair macrophage in the murine sterile wound

Experiments were performed to define the phenotype and origin of repair macrophages (mφ). Wound cells were isolated from 1 to 14 days following subcutaneous insertion of sterile polyvinyl alcohol sponges in mice and examined for monocyte/mφ markers by flow cytometry. F4/80+Ly6Chi cells with an inflammatory monocyte signature appeared early, followed by accumulation of F4/80+Ly6Clow/int repair‐like mφ. Ly6Chi wound monocytes expressed CD64 but not the mφ marker Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK), similar to blood monocyte precursors. In contrast to blood monocytes, wound monocytes upregulated CD14 and had a proinflammatory cytokine production profile. F4/80+Ly6Clow/int mφ were CD64+MerTK+ and produced cytokines associated with repair including VEGF and TGF‐β. Examination of CX3CR1‐GFP mice and selective labeling of circulating monocyte subsets demonstrated that Ly6Chi monocytes preferentially migrated from the blood to the wound. Analysis of cells from adoptively transferred sponges suggested that Ly6Chi monocytes mature within the wound to become Ly6Clowmφ. Overall, these studies functionally and phenotypically distinguished wound monocyte/mφ subsets and identified MerTK as a potential marker for repair mφ during sterile inflammation. Research supported by R01 GM042859, K08 GM079227 and the RIH Department of Surgery.

PROGRAMMED REPRODUCTION IN SHEEP OUTSIDE THE MATING SEASON

The ewes follow the seasonal reproductive pattern which in the climate conditions of Kosovo means that the sexual activity is manifested from Junе to August. We assessed the efficiency of two hormonal protocols for the oestrus synchronization in ewes out of the sexual season (during March–April 2012). For this reason two experimental groups, each comprised of 50 Sharr breed ewes, are formed. The both groups had the same breeding and physiological status (all are over 60 days after parturition) as well as management conditions. The treatment for the first group was comprised of progestаgen vaginal sponge insertion (Fluor Geston Acetate, 40 mg, Intervet®) for 14 days and the 500 IU of eCG (equine Chorionic Gonadotropin), Foligon (Intervet®), i/m were applied at the time of vaginal sponge removal. The second group followed the similar protocol, but they were additionally treated with 0.1 mg/ewe gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH; Fertagyl, Intervet®) 36 h after the eCG application. The oestrus was detected by presentation of the ewes to ram 48 h after the vaginal device was removed. The presented ewes were mated twice in the interval of 12 hours. From the data of the study we have the rate that induced oestrus for the both groups was 94 % and 96 % respectively (P>0.05). We believe that combining hormonal treatment following an accurate methodology delivers very good results in inducing and synchronizing the estrus out of the mating season in sheep.

Surgical Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Anastomotic Leakage and Perforation of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

IntroductionEmergency operations for perforations and anastomotic leakage of the upper gastrointestinal tract are associated with a high overall morbidity and mortality rate. An endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has been established successfully for anastomotic leakage after rectal resection but only limited data exist for EVT of the upper GI tract. MethodsWe report on a series of nine patients treated with EVT for defects of the upper intestinal tract between March 2011 and May 2012. In four patients, initial endoscopic sponge placement was performed in combination with open surgical revision. Median follow-up was 189 (range, 51–366) days. ResultsIn total, 52 vacuum sponges were placed in upper GI defects of nine patients. Indication for EVT were anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection or gastrectomy (n = 5) and iatrogenic or spontaneous esophageal perforations (n = 4). The mean number of sponge insertions was six (range, 1–13) with a mean changing interval of 3.5 days (range, 2–5). A successful vacuum therapy for upper intestinal defects was achieved in eight of nine patients (89 %). ConclusionEVT is a promising approach for postoperative, iatrogenic, or spontaneous lesions of the upper GI tract. If necessary the endoscopic procedure can be combined with operative revision for better control of the local septic focus.

Vaginal bacteria flora concurred with vaginal sponges in black Iraqi goats

The aim of this study was to identify the vaginal bacteria flora in black Iraqi goats subjected to estrus synchronization. Sixteen multiparous black Iraqi goats presented in the farm of the College Veterinary Medicine, Al-Anbar University, were included in this study, during the breeding season, from May 2011 to July 2011. The ages of the animals rwere 2-4 years. A polyurethane sponge containing 20 mg of micromsed cronolone (fluorogestone acetate progestagen) was inserted in the vagina for 14 days. Standard bacteriological procedures were performed on vaginal mucus swabs obtained before application of the sponges and at sponges withdrawal. Results of this study revealed that the most bacterial flora was Gram positive Bacilli before insertion of sponges, while most of Gram negative Bacilli were present after sponges withdrawal. Bacterial culture of vaginal swabs taken before insertion of sponges showed 8 isolates (50%) G _ and 8 isolates (50%) G + , while after withdrawal of sponges the bacterial culture showed 10 isolates G _ (45.4%) and 12 isolates (54.6) G + . The most prevalent bacteria isolated were S. aureus (10 isolates) 26.3%. E. coli (6 isolates) 15.8%, P. vulgaris (6 isolates) 15.8%, C. (4 isolates)10.5% and other bacteria where having 2 isolates 5.2% for each one includes, Entercoccus fecalis, Entrococcus, Entrobacter, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Salmonella. In conclusion, using progestagen impregnated sponges in the vagina for estrus synchronization could stimulate inflammation of the vaginal mucous membrane and increase of bacterial infection.

Current concepts in the management of leakages after esophagectomy

Esophagectomy is a high-risk procedure that, despite advances over past years, is still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Anastomotic insufficiency is a devastating surgical complication as it is linked to postoperative morbidity and is the main cause for postoperative mortality. It can lead to sepsis and necessitate re-operation, further increasing morbidity and mortality through additional complications brought on by the repeated invasive procedures. However, not all anastomotic leakages entail such a critical course of events and can be sufficiently dealt with by less invasive measures. As a consequence, the approach to anastomotic leakage must be carefully selected in order to minimize additional procedure-related risks while ensuring adequate therapy. In this setting, less invasive treatments such as esophageal stents and clips, application of vicryl plugs in combination with fibrin glue, and endoscopic insertion of vacuum sponges, have emerged in recent years and become a viable alternative in the management of certain leakages. This review presents current algorithms for detection, classification and treatment of leakages after esophagectomy.

Follicle-stimulating hormone to substitute equine chorionic gonadotropin in the synchronization of ovulation in Santa Inês ewes

The substitution of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in protocols for synchronization of ovulation in Santa Inês ewes was assessed. Ten females were submitted to the insertion of intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 10 days; after this period sponges were withdrawn and the animals were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 5): intramuscular injection of 0.5 mL d-cloprostenol and 300 UI eCG; Group 2 (n = 5): intramuscular injection of 0.5 mL d-cloprostenol and 20 mg FSH. Interval between sponge withdrawal and estrus beginning was 27.7 h and 35.9 h for eCG and FSH, respectively. Interval between sponge withdrawal and the end of estrus was 55.8 h for eCG treatment and 55.6 h for FSH treatment. Estrus length was 29.3 h and 19.6 h, for eCG and FSH treatments, respectively. The biggest follicle and the second in size measured 0.74 cm and 0.54 cm for eCG treatment, whereas for the FSH treatment they measured 0.73 and 0.50 cm. The interval between the beginning of estrus and ovulation was similar within all groups: 21.0 h for eCG treated ewes and 25.2 h for the ones treated with FSH. Ewes treated with eCG presented an interval of 47.5 h between sponge withdrawal and ovulation, while the ones treated with FSH presented a 61.1 h interval. Ovulation occurred 8.3 h before the end of estrus in the eCG group. On the other hand, ewes treated with FSH ovulated 5.5 h after the end of estrus. Estrus and ovulation were efficiently synchronized in Santa Inês ewes by using long-term progestogen protocol associated to the administration of 20 mg FSH, along with Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) at the moment of sponge withdrawal, thus substituting the use of eCG.

Use of laparoscopic intrauterine insemination associated with a simplified superovulation treatment for in vivo embryo production in sheep: a preliminary report

This study evaluated the reproductive performance of sheep that were subjected to superovulatory treatment and intrauterine insemination with two different doses of semen. The main objective was to determine whether intrauterine insemination is associated with higher rates of embryo recovery than existing procedures. In the first experiment 30 Ojalada de Soria ewes were used at the end of their productive life and nine younger ewes of the same breed were used in Experiment 2. Synchronisation of oestrus was conducted with intravaginal sponges and the superovulation treatment consisted of an intramuscular injection of 210 IU pFSH and 500 IU eCG administered 24 h before sponge removal. After 48 h of sponge withdrawal, ewes were inseminated by laparoscopy. They were divided into two groups: low dose group (LD, 25 × 106 sperm; n = 14 Expt 1 and n = 5 Expt 2) and high dose group (HD, 100 × 106 sperm; n = 14 Expt 1 and n = 4 Expt 2). Embryos were recovered 7 days after the onset of oestrus by laparotomy and uterine flushing. Two blood samples were collected in order to analyse cortisol, at sponge insertion and the day the embryos were recovered. The same protocol was repeated twice in Experiment 1, with an interval of 2 months between two consecutive treatments. Results show a significant effect of the number of recovery on ovulation rate (21.7 ± 2.2 v. 11.8 ± 1.1 corpora lutea for first and second recoveries, respectively), and number of structures recovered (11.4 ± 1.6 v. 5.2 ± 1.1, P < 0.01). Differences of embryo performance in the second recovery compared with the first one were more evident in the LD group compared with the HD group. In Experiment 2, results reflected a significant superiority of the HD group compared with the LD group, especially rate of fertilisation, which was 25% higher. Sheep producing non-fertilised embryos had higher cortisol levels at the time of flushing than those with embryos (P < 0.01). It is concluded that the use of simplified and consecutive superovulatory treatments associated with intrauterine insemination is a potential means of obtaining embryos, although the response seems to depend on donor sheep age. The use of a higher number of sperm cells per millilitre results in better outcomes in terms of embryos produced.

The use of melatonin and progestagen–eCG to initiate reproductive activity in prepuberal Awassi ewe lambs

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of administering hormonal treatments (melatonin and progestagen/equine chronic gonadotropin (eCG)) on advancing puberty in Awassi ewe lambs. Fifty-one 6-month-old ewe lambs of similar body weights (around 28kg) were randomly assigned into four treatment groups; control (CON; n = 14), melatonin (MEL; n = 13), melatonin plus progestagen-eCG (MELPP; n = 11), and progestagen-eCG (PP; n = 13). Ewe lambs in the PP and MELPP groups were fitted with intravaginal progestagen sponges containing 60mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 14days; 400IU eCG were administered to each of these ewe lambs on the day of sponge removal. Ewe lambs in the MEL and MELPP groups received subcutaneous melatonin implants (Regulin®, 18mg melatonin) 36days before sponge insertion. Hormonal treatment had no effect on ewe lamb body weight change. Estrous behavior was greater (p < 0.001) in the PP and MELPP groups than in the CON and MEL ewe lambs. The duration from ram introduction to onset of estrus was shorter (p < 0.05) in the CON, PP, and MELPP than in the MEL ewe lambs. The number of ewe lambs showing luteal activity was greater (p < 0.001) in the MELPP and PP than in the CON and MEL groups. Lambing rate from mating during the first cycle following ram introduction differed significantly (p < 0.01) among treatments being greater in the MELPP and PP than in the CON and MEL groups. Based on these results, it can be concluded that progestagen-eCG appears to be more effective than melatonin in inducing reproductive activity. However, the majority of ewe lambs in the current study either failed to cycle or stopped cycling following the induced estrus. Such failure in advancing puberty may be related to body weight of ewe lambs at the time of mating.

The effects of time and dose of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on reproductive efficiency in hair sheep ewes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dose and application time of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on reproductive performance of hair sheep ewes synchronized with fluorogesterone acetate (FGA) under tropical conditions of Northeastern Mexico. Ninety-nine hair ewes (63 Blackbelly and 36 Pelibuey) were treated with intravaginal sponges during 10 days. After insertion of FGA sponges, ewes were divided into four groups, and PMSG was injected intramuscularly at doses of 100, 200, and 400 IU. Relative to FGA sponge removal, PMSG was administrated at -48 h, -24 h, and at sponge removal. PMSG was not administered to the control group. Control ewes had similar (P > 0.05) lambing rate, fertility, and fecundity than those treated with 100 IU of PMSG, but lower (P < 0.05) percentages to these variables than those treated with 200 and 400 IU of PMSG. Time to estrus decreased linearly, and ovulation rate increased quadratically as PMSG dose increased (0 to 400 IU). Administration of PMSG before sponge removal increased (P < 0.01) response to estrus and decreased (P < 0.01) interval to estrus compared with control. Ovulation rate, lambing rate, fertility, and fecundity were not affected (P > 0.05) by administration time of PMSG. Both dose and time of PMSG application did not affect (P > 0.05) pregnancy rate, percentage of single and multiple lambing, and prolificacy. In conclusion, results show that the dose of 400 IU of PMSG administered before sponge withdrawal in an estrus synchronization protocol improved reproductive efficiency of hair sheep ewes.

Azelnidipine, a New Calcium Channel Blocker, Promotes Skin Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

Impaired wound healing in diabetes is associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in wound tissue. We hypothesized azelnidipine (AZL), a new calcium channel blocker with antioxidant properties, would enhance wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by restoring NO synthesis. Twelve male rats were taken as non-diabetic group. Twenty four rats were taken and caused to be diabetic by a single streptozotocin injection. Diabetic rats were divided randomly to two groups: control and treatment. Half of non-diabetic and also diabetic rats (in each group of control and treatment) randomly served as excisional-wound model and the other half as nitrite-measurement model. Six weeks after causing diabetes, the excisional wound model underwent dorsal full-thickness excisional wounds (1 × 1 cm). After wound healing completion, full-thickness skin samples (1 × 1 cm) were taken from the wound sites for evaluation of stereological parameters. The nitrite-measurement model (6 wk after causing diabetes) underwent insertion of subcutaneous polyvinyl alcohol sponges in dorsum. The rats were killed 2 wk post-wounding, and wound fluid was analyzed. In the study, after wounding, the treatment groups were gavaged with AZL (3 mg/kg/d) and control and non-diabetic groups with AZL vehicle till euthanasia. AZL accelerated wound healing rate and also improved wound fluid NO level toward normal value in diabetic rats. Volume density of collagen fibers, numerical density of fibroblasts, and length density of vessels were increased in AZL-treated rats compared with control group. AZL administration promotes diabetic wound healing by stimulating NO production and enhancing histologic processes central to normal wound healing.

Changes in the Aerobic Vaginal Bacterial Mucous Load after Treatment with Intravaginal Sponges in Anoestrous Ewes: Effect of Medroxiprogesterone Acetate and Antibiotic Treatment Use

Intravaginal sponges (IS) impregnated with progestagens are widely used for oestrous synchronization in ewes. As progestogens depress the immuno response, the first aim was to determine whether medroxiprogesterone acetate (MAP) content affects the vaginal bacteria number (VBN) in IS-treated anoestrous ewes. The second aim was to compare the effectiveness of different antibiotic treatments to control the VBN increase caused by IS. In both experiments, IS were inserted during 14 days in anoestrous ewes. In the first, 11 ewes received commercial sponges (50 mg MAP), and 10 ewes received placebo sponges. For the second experiment, IS were inserted in three groups (n = 12/group), containing oxytetracycline im (20 mg/kg); injected into the sponge (0.02 mg), or control (no antibiotic). At sponge withdrawal, all ewes received 300 UI eCG. Mucous samples were collected from the vagina before sponge insertion, at sponge withdrawal, 24, 48 and 72 h later, and the VBN (colony-forming units per ml; CFU/ml) was counted after 48-h incubation. Medroxiprogesterone content did not affect VBN (log CFU/ml: 4.3 ± 0.2 vs 4.4 ± 0.2 with and without MAP, respectively). Bacterial number increased from 3.5 ± 0.2 at sponge insertion to 6.9 ± 0.1 at sponge withdrawal (p < 0.0001) and decreased the following day to 4.3 ± 0.2 (p < 0.0001). In the second experiment, VBN increased at sponge withdrawal (p < 0.0001) in all groups and decreased the following day (p < 0.0001). The CFU/ml at sponge withdrawal was lower in ewes treated with antibiotics (p < 0.0001), being even lower when local rather than systemic antibiotic was administered (log CFU/ml: 3.3 ± 1.8 vs 7.2 ± 1.8). The day of oestrous VBN was similar for all treatments and similar to that observed before sponge insertion. We concluded that MAP does not influence the increase in VBN, as the main effect is provoked by the sponge device itself, and local antibiotic treatment resulted in a lower bacterial growth than systemic treatments.

Plasma urea nitrogen in relation to pregnancy rate in dairy sheep

The aim of this field study was to investigate the relationship of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) with the pregnancy rate in lactating Awassi × Merino ewes. One hundred and eighty-five Awassi × Merino ewes were used in the present study. Ewes were fed a diet containing 17.4% crude protein and were milked twice a day by the milking machine. The ewes were synchronized for estrus by insertion of intravaginal sponges containing 30 mg flurogestone acetate for 14 days. At the time of sponge removal each ewe was administered eCG (600 IU). All ewes were inseminated twice with fresh semen into the external os of the cervix at 48 and 56 h after sponge removal. The day of insemination was considered as Day 0 for calculating the gestational period. Blood samples were collected from each ewe at Days 0, 18 for measurement of PUN concentrations and at Day 22 after AI for measurement of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Thirty-eight ewes (20.5%) were confirmed pregnant by PAG–RIA test at Day 22 and by ultrasonography at Day 80. The mean (±S.D.) concentration of PUN in all ewes at Day 0 was 12.7 ± 4.6 mmol/L. There were non-significant differences in the level of PUN between pregnant and non-pregnant ewes at Days 0 (12.2 ± 4.2 mmol/L vs. 12.8 ± 4.7 mmol/L, respectively) and 18 (9.6 ± 2.9 mmol/L vs. 10.4 ± 4.0 mmol/L, respectively) after AI. Mean PUN concentrations decreased significantly from Day 0 to Day 18 after AI in both pregnant and non-pregnant ewes. By using logistic regression analysis, there was no effect of PUN concentrations on the probability of pregnancy occurrence in the studied ewes (odds ratio: 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.9–1.05; P = 0.45). In conclusion, there was no evidence of a relationship between PUN concentration and pregnancy rate for lactating Awassi × Merino ewes in the present study because of low pregnancy rate observed.

Effects of halving intravaginal sponges and eCG dose on estrus response and fertility in Tahirova ewes during the breeding season

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of halving the intravaginal sponges impregnated with 20 mg of flugestone acetate (FGA; 20 or 10 mg) and a dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; 600 or 300 IU) on fertility in Tahirova ewes. A total of 200 Tahirova ewes were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups during the breeding season. Half of the ewes (n = 100) were treated with whole intravaginal sponges (WS, 20 mg of FGA) and the other half (n = 100) with halved sponges (HS, 20 mg of FGA) for 14 days. The ewes in both groups were further randomly divided into 2 subgroups (of 50 ewes each). Half of the ewes in each group received a 600 IU dose and the other half received a 300 IU dose of eCG at sponge withdrawal via IM route. As a result, 4 treatment groups, WS 600, WS 300, HS 600, and HS 300 were established. All the ewes were injected with PGF2\alpha (0.294 mg, IM) a day prior to sponge withdrawal. Blood samples were collected from 40 randomly selected ewes (20 from the WS group and 20 from the HS group) on the 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th day after sponge insertion. Serum progesterone profiles of ewes treated with whole and halved FGA sponges were similar on all sampling days. The FGA dose (whole or halved sponge) affected the pregnancy rate and the dose of eCG (600 or 300 IU) affected the fecundity significantly, while it did not affect the pregnancy rate. The data also demonstrate that FGA dose × eCG dose interaction affects estrus and lambing rates significantly. In the whole sponge groups, ewes treated with 600 IU of eCG had significantly lower lambing rates, but a significantly higher fecundity rate compared to the ewes injected with 300 IU of eCG. While the fecundity rates were similar in the 600 IU eCG groups (WS600 and HS600), estrus, pregnancy, and lambing rates were significantly higher in the HS600 group compared to the WS600 group. It was concluded from the study that the sponges containing 20 mg of FGA can be halved for a more economical estrus synchronization at the farm level in Tahirova ewes, resulting in higher pregnancy rates, but halving the recommended dose of eCG (600 IU) could decrease the fecundity rate.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate or long-acting progesterone in the biostimulation of lambs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of prepubertal ewe lambs to exogenous administration of either medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) or long-acting progesterone (LAP) together with biostimulation. Two Pool Dorset adult males and 75 mixed-breed prepubertal ewe lambs (average of 179 days-old and 30.0kg) were used. The females were randomly assigned to three different groups. In the first group the females were submitted to the insertion of intravaginal sponges containing MAP (60 mg) for 12 days and were then biostimulated for eight weeks. In the second group the females were submitted to a single injection of LAP (225 mg) and then to biostimulation for eight weeks. In the last group, the females were only submitted to biostimulation for eight weeks. Animals were considered cyclic when plasma progesterone (P4) concentration exceeded 1.0 ng/mL in at least one of two consecutive blood samples taken within a 7-day interval in three distinct experimental moments. After treatments 93.3% of the females disregarding their group started their cyclicity and most of them (92.0%), continued to be cyclic after 63 days of either MAP or LAP together with biostimulation under both male and female effect. We conclude that prepubertal ewe lambs when submitted to protocols of either MAP or LAP followed by biostimulation result in puberty at the 7 month of age. It can be deducted that some ewe lambs submitted to the administration of either MAP or LAP together with biostimulation promoted a multiplier effect upon the other young females that were then stimulated to start cyclicity.

Effect of estrus synchronization on dairy goat milk composition.

This study was aimed to observe the effects of progesterone impregnated sponge insertion on milk yield and milk composition in dairy goats. For this reason milk samples were collected before insertion and during the treatment. Sixty four Turkish Saanen goats were used in the research. Animals were milked twice daily. Reduce in milk yield was observed. Fat content of milk decreased, while lactose content, solids-non-fat, density and pH value increased during the sponge application. Protein content was not influenced by the treatment. New experiment under controlled conditions might be planned to characterize the hormonal status of animal and their effects on milk yield and composition.

Oestrus synchronization with short-term and long-term progestagen treatments in goats: the use of GnRH prior to short-term progestagen treatment

The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the synchronization of oestrus using short- and long-term progestagen treatments in Hair goats at the onset of the breeding season, and to evaluate the effect of the exogenous GnRH administration immediately prior to short-term progestagen treatment on the reproductive performance. A total of 75 Hair goats, aged 2.5–5 years-old were used in this experiment. Goats were divided equally into three groups (n=25 per group). Animals in LT-FGA (long-term progestagen treatment), ST-FGA (short-term progestagen treatment) and Gn-ST-FGA (GnRH-short-term progestagen treatment) groups received an intravaginal sponge (day 0) containing 30 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA) for 14, 8 and 8 days, respectively, plus 75 µg cloprostenol i.m. 24 h before sponge removal and 400 I.U. equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) i.m. at the time of sponge removal. In addition, the goats in the Gn-ST-FGA group received 10.5 µg busereline acetate i.m. at the time of sponge insertion (day 0). Oestrus response for all treatment groups was 100%. The mean interval from sponge removal and the onset of oestrus for the LT-FGA, ST-FGA and Gn-ST-FGA groups was 28.0±1.0 h, 28.8±1.1 h and 33.1±2.0 h, respectively. No significant difference in onset of oestrus among groups was recorded. The pregnancy rate, kidding rate, multiple kidding rates and litter size were 72.0, 61.1, 45.5% and 1.6 in the LT-FGA, 70.8, 76.5, 69.2% and 1.8 in the ST-FGA and 58.3, 78.6, 63.6% and 1.6 in the Gn-ST-FGA groups, respectively. The pregnancy rates were similar in the LT-FGA (72.0%) and ST-FGA (70.8%). However, the kidding rate, multiple kidding rates and litter size were numerically higher in the ST-FGA (76.5%, 69.2% and 1.8, respectively) group than in the LT-FGA (61.1%, 45.5% and 1.6, respectively) group. Although not statistically different, pregnancy rate and litter size was lower in the Gn-ST-FGA group (58.3% and 1.6, respectively) compared with the ST-FGA (70.8% and 1.8, respectively).In conclusion, it can be said that oestrus synhcronization with long-term progestagen treatment (14 d-FGA- PGF2α- eCG) could be replaced with short-term progestagen treatment (8 d-FGA-PGF2α- eCG) without a reduction in oestrus rate and fertility parameters in lactating goats at the beginning of breeding season. However, the use of GnRH prior to short-term progestagen treatment (8 d-FGA-PGF2α- eCG) do not have a positive effect on fertility parameters in goats.

413 EFFECT OF FLUSHING WITH DIFFERENT DEGRADABILITY PROTEIN SOURCE ON THE PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF N-UREA AND PROGESTERONE IN Santa Inês SHEEP

Protein excess in diet and or rumen degradable protein (RDP) has been associated with elevated concentrations of N-urea in blood and reduction of the concentration of progesterone (P4) in plasma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the overnutrition (flushing) effects of diets containing different rates of RDP on the plasma concentrations of N-urea and P4 in Santa InÊs ewes. Twelve ewes were assigned in a randomized block design formed by 4 body weight bands. Two isocaloric (3.10 and 2.89 Mcal/day) and isonitrogenous (13.15 and 13.46% crude protein; CP) diets with different proportions of RDP (8.43 and 6.60%) containing soybean meal and corn gluten meal, respectively, and 1 maintenance diet (1.91 Mcal/day; 11.30% CP and 6.31% of RDP) were provided for 28 days before ovulation and during the next estrous cycle. Hence, 3 treatments were compared and 4 replicates were done. On Day 17 after starting the diet treatments, intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP-60®, Tecnopec, São Paulo, Brazil) were inserted for 11 days. Nine days after sponge insertion, 240 IU of eCG (Novormon®, Syntex S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 50 μg of cloprostenol (Prolise®, ARSA S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina) were administered i.m. Blood samples for determination of N-urea were collected on Days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after starting the diets and on Days 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 after ovulation. Blood samples collected during the postovulatory interval were also analyzed for P4. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and treatment means were compared by orthogonal contrasts, where theF-testwas significant. Contrast 1 =T1 andT2 v. T3, and contrast 2 = T1 v. T2. The N-urea and P4 concentrations in plasma were analyzed according to split plot in time scheme. The sheep dry matter (DM) and CP consumption that were recorded in the flushing diet was higher (P &lt; 0.01) than in ewes receiving the maintenance diet. The DM and CP consumption of ewes did not differ between treatments T1 and T2. The plasma N-urea concentration was not different (P &gt; 0.05) between the ewes that consumed the flushing diet and ewes that received the maintenance diet, but it was higher (P &lt; 0.01) in ewes that were fed the flushing diet containing soybean meal (25.09 mg dL-1) as compared with that of ewes fed the flushing diet containing corn gluten meal (20.81 mgdL-1). The P4 concentration in plasma did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) among animals that received the flushing diet and those that received the maintenance diet, but there was a significant difference (P = 0.05) between flushing diets containing soybean meal (7.28 ngmL-1) compared with those containing corn gluten meal (4.46 ngmL-1). In summary, the nutritional level (flushing v. maintenance) did not alter the concentrations of N-urea and P4 in plasma of ewes, but the supply of a greater protein degradability source did increase their concentrations. Funded by FAPEMIG, CNPq, and TECNOPEC.

Effects of atelocollagen sponge (Teruplug®) insertion on the periodontal healing of second molars after impacted mandibular third molar extraction

Effects of atelocollagen sponge (Teruplug®) insertion on the periodontal healing of second molars after impacted mandibular third molar extraction