Ultrasonography For Pregnancy Diagnosis Research Articles

Using Cognitive Task Analysis to Develop a Protocol for Teaching Ultrasound Pregnancy Diagnosis in the Bitch to Undergraduate Veterinary Students.

Pregnancy diagnosis in the bitch is routinely performed using ultrasound and is therefore an important skill for veterinarians to have been exposed to during undergraduate training. Proficiency of this skill is difficult to achieve, due to limited exposure to suitable live patients, and animal welfare considerations limiting repeated performance on the same bitch. Models have been beneficial in allowing undergraduates to perform a range of ultrasound techniques without the use of live animals. Using clinical veterinarians and a model created at the University of Surrey, cognitive task analysis (CTA) was used to construct a list of instructional steps required to perform ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis. Experts were asked to evaluate the existing model then video recorded while demonstrating the skill on the model as if teaching a novice student. Anonymized and muted video footage along with transcribed audio files were used to create a draft teaching protocol. A group consensus for the final teaching protocol was developed following a semi-structured interview. The final teaching protocol had 23 steps to guide a novice to perform this skill, broken down into three stages: setup and preparation, pregnancy identification, and estimation of gestational age. Not all steps were both performed and verbalized by all of the experts, hence the need for a panel discussion to confirm a final teaching protocol. This study demonstrated that CTA is useful in compiling a comprehensive list of steps, for a teaching protocol, including those which may have been missed if demonstrated through a lone subject matter expert.

A meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes in the diagnosis of isolated foetal renal parenchyma by prenatal ultrasonography.

To effectively circumvent foetal structural abnormalities and serious newborn sequelae, antenatal ultrasound evaluation can support making an early diagnosis for potential prenatal management or the termination of pregnancy. This study systematically evaluated a meta-analysis of different pregnancy outcomes in the diagnosis of isolated foetal renal parenchymal echogenicity (IHEK) by prenatal ultrasonography. Two researchers conducted a literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following databases were included in the search: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Medical Network, China Academic Journals Full-text Database, PubMed, Web Of Science and Springer Link; additional library websites were also included, and the search reviewed different pregnancies among patients with IHEK. The outcome indicators were the live birth rate, the incidence of polycystic renal dysplasia and the incidence of pregnancy termination/neonatal death. The meta-analysis was performed using the Stata/SE 12.0 software. A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis (total sample content, 1,115 cases). The combined effect size of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy termination/neonatal mortality in patients with IHEK was 0.289 (confidence interval (CI) 95%; range, 0.102-0.397). The combined effect size of the live birth rate of pregnancy outcomes was 0.742 (CI 95%; range, 0.634-0.850. The combined effect size of the polycystic kidney dysplasia rate was 0.066 (CI 95%; range, 0.030-0.102). The heterogeneity of all three results was > 50%; accordingly, a random-effects model was used. The indications for eugenic labour should not be included in a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of patients with IHEK. In the results of this meta-analysis, the live birth and polycystic dysplasia rates were optimistic in terms of pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, under the condition of excluding other unfavourable factors, it is necessary to A thorough technical inspection is required to make an accurate judgment.

Relationship between quality parameters and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved sexed bull sperm

Abstract The aim of the experiment was to assess the correlation between sperm quality parameters and field fertility after AI with sex-sorted (X-bearing) bull semen. A total of 32 ejaculates from 26 Holstein-Friesian bulls were analyzed to assess sperm motility parameters (CASA), viability (SYBR-14/PI), apoptotic-like changes (YO-PRO-1/PI), chromatin structure (SCSA), and ATP content. In order to determine sperm fertilizing ability, 816 heifers and 727 cows were inseminated. Ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy was performed on day 35 after insemination. For each ejaculate, the percentage of pregnant females was calculated separately. The results revealed that the pregnancy rate ranged from 20.0 to 85.7% for heifers and from 7.7 to 66.7% for cows. On the basis of the pregnancy rate (PR) obtained, the ejaculates were divided into 3 groups: high PR (about 25% of ejaculates), medium PR (about 50% of ejaculates) and low PR (about 25% of ejaculates). Significant differences were detected for amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) between high- and low-fertility ejaculates in heifers. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the BCF and the pregnancy rate for heifers (r = 0.53, P<0.01) and there was a trend towards significance for ALH (r = −0.37, P = 0.07). There was no relationship between the sperm quality parameters and pregnancy rate of cows. In conclusion, the present study identified markers of sexed bull sperm function that were related to the fertility of inseminated heifers.

Efficiency of Two Protocols of Resynchronization of Estrus and Ovulation in High-Producing Dairy Cows at Peak Lactation

Abstract The reproductive efficiency of the cows was monitored after two resynchronization protocols: Ovsynch (OVS) and Double Ovsynch (DOS). The research initially included 70 HF cows who entered the first synchronization protocol – Presynch. Cows that did not conceive after the first synchronization were divided into two groups and introduced to two resynchronization protocols. In the first group of cows (n=35), the DOS protocol began with the application of GnRH on day 22 after the Presynch TAI (Timed Artificial Insemination), and seven days later pregnancy check-up was done and PGF2α was applied only to non-pregnant cows (n=23), which remained in the study. In the second group of cows, the OVS protocol started on day 32 after Presynch TAI only in non-pregnant animals (n=20). Progesterone (P4) concentration was determined at the time of application of GnRH1, PGF2α and GnRH2 in both groups of cows, and then 30 days after Resynch TAI, ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was done. A higher percentage of pregnant cows were recorded in the OVS group compared to the DOS group (45% and 35%, respectively). The concentration of P4 in the serum of cows in the DOS group during the first measurement (GnRH1) was significantly higher than the value in cows that did not conceive (p<0.05), while in the third measurement (GnRH2) the average concentration of P4 in conceiving cows was significantly lower (p<0.001) compared to cows that did not coincive. The open days period was significantly longer in pregnant cows that were resynchronized using the DOS protocol compared to cows from the OVS protocol. In conclusion, the OVS protocol of estrus resynchronization in dairy cows proved to be more successful than the DOS protocol. However, considering the advantages the OVS, it is needed to determine which day of the sexual cycle is the best to start resynchronization.

Ultrasonographic and macroscopic study of pregnancy in golden hamster

BackgroundHamster is widely used as an experimental model in the study of reproductive system. However, pregnancy diagnosis and aging always have been a challenge. ultrasonography have been used in diagnosis of pregnancy in some small laboratory animals, such as rabbits, rats, and mice. Current study describes use of trans-abdominal ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis and fetal age estimation in golden hamster. Furthermore, a macroscopic examination was performed to evaluate the embryonic vesicle diameter, crown-rump length, and fetal head diameter. Ten adult female golden hamsters were selected and maintained under controlled light conditions (14 h light/10 h darkness). The estrous cycle was synchronized using eCG and hCG. During estrous (18 h after hCG injection), the hamsters were naturally mated. After seven days of mating, the hamsters were examined daily for pregnancy diagnosis and aging with an ultrasound scanner equipped with an 8.5-MHZ linear probe. On each day of the experiment, at least one of the pregnant hamsters was euthanized and dissected for macroscopic fetal measurements using a digital caliper.ResultsThe gestational sac and crown-rump length were identified and measured by ultrasonographicly on day 7 of pregnancy and head could be visible after day 10 of gestation. Statistical analysis revealed that the ultrasound estimation of gestational age was significantly correlated with the actual age of the fetus (r = 0.98; p < 0.05).ConclusionsReal-time ultrasound can be used for the diagnosis of pregnancy and estimation of fetal age in golden hamster from day 7 of gestation.

Effect of follicular growth promoters on timed artificial insemination in dairy cows.

Objective. To evaluate the efficiency of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on the pregnancy rate of crossbred cows from different body condition score (BCS) in the postpartum period in timed artificial insemination (TAI). Material and methods. The cows were subjected to the same hormone protocol: Day zero (D0), progesterone-release intravaginal device (PRID) and 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB); D8, withdrawal of PRID, application 0.150 mg of prostaglandin. On D8, the animals were distributed into three treatments: 1 – (TeCG; n = 98) injection of 300 IU eCG; 2 – (TFSH; n = 84) injection of 20 mg of FSH and; 3 – (Control; n = 115) without further treatment. On D9, all animals received 1 mg of EB; D10, TAI of all the cows. After 30 days from TAI, ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy was performed. Results. Pregnancy rate did not differ among eCG (52.04%), FSH (40.47%), and Control (40.00%) treated cows (p&gt;0.05). In cows with low body condition, the pregnancy rate was higher (p&lt;0.05) for cows treated with eCG (41.46%) when compared to FSH (18.18%) and Control (17.07%) cows. The postpartum interval among treatments was similar (p&gt;0.05) (35–65 or 66–95days). Conclusions. The use of eCG or FSH did not result in an increase in the pregnancy rate when compared to the control treatment; however, eCG improved the pregnancy rate of cows with low body condition scores.

Endoscopy Guided Photoablation of Endometrial Cysts using a 980 nm Laser with a Contact Fiber in Mares.

In mares, endometrial cysts are associated with endometriosis and can cause maternal recognition failure or compromise and delay pregnancy diagnoses. Historical treatments were invasive and had adverse effects on the endometrium. Hysteroscopically guided laser therapy is easy and effective for endometrial cysts resection, with no deleterious effects for the endometrium. A 110 cm long and 1.0 cm wide endoscope is sterilely introduced in the uterus through the open cervix of an estrous mare after vulvar cleaning. The uterus is slowly infused with less than 1 L of physiologic solution and the laser fiber is inserted in the biopsy canal of the endoscope. Cysts are then cauterized with the 980 nm diode laser with a contact fiber set at 20‒2 5W in continuous mode. Each cyst is punctureduntil complete voiding of the cyst and shrinking of the cyst wall around the fiber. Uterine lavages with sterile saline solution are performed directly after the surgery and for one or two days as non-inflammatory fluid can be observed. This procedure is easy and quickly performed, with no obvious deleterious effects. Cysts resection makes ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis easier and, in some cases, could restore proper embryo migration in the uterine horns between day 6.5 and 17. However, this treatment does not improve the underlying histological lesions related to endometriosis. These considerations should be clearly expressed to the breeder before this procedure.

Positive attitudes, positive outcomes: The relationship between farmer attitudes, management behaviour and sheep welfare.

This study examined the relationships between the attitudes and the management behaviour of the farmer and the on-farm welfare of their ewes. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating these relationships in extensive sheep farming systems. Thirty-two sheep farmers and 6200 ewes were sampled across Victoria, Australia. Questionnaire interviews and on-farm animal welfare assessments were conducted. The ewes were assessed at two-time points, mid-pregnancy and weaning. To examine relationships between farmer and ewe variables, categorical principal component analyses, correlations and logistic regressions were used. The main findings of this study indicate relationships between farmer attitudes and management behaviour, consistent with findings from other more intensive livestock industries. Farmers were more likely to check the body condition of their ewes (Odds ratio = 2.37, P = 0.03), perform ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis (Odds ratio = 1.16, P = 0.02) and test for egg count before deworming sheep (Odds ratio = 2.88, P = 0.01) if they perceived these activities were important/valuable. In addition, farmers that performed these activities had a more active management style, and ewes in better welfare: fewer lame ewes at mid-pregnancy (r = -0.38 P = 0.04), and fewer ewes in need of further care at mid-pregnancy and weaning respectively (r = -0.47, P = 0.01; r = -0.50, P = 0.01). When combining the qualitative and quantitative analyses, behavioural attitudes (attitudes towards specific management behaviours) and perceived behavioural control (perceived barriers to performing the behaviour) emerged as the two main drivers underpinning farmer management behaviour. The results of this study indicate that the way farmers manage their ewes influences welfare outcomes, and management decisions are influenced by attitudes towards management practices. These findings demonstrate the opportunity to create change in farmer management behaviour and improve sheep welfare via targeted education programs.

Effect of progesterone on some reproductive performances in cattle

Our experiment was conducted at a special dairy farm in Dakahlia Governorate between the periods (March –May 2018), This farm consisted of 400 Holestien cows; from the total of the animals only 210 lactating cows. The established experiment applied on 40 cows suffered from different types of anestrum detected by ultrasonography as follow (15 cows suffer from cystic ovary, 15 cows suffer from smooth inactive ovaries and 10 cows suffer from persist corpus luteum to study the effect of progesterone device insertion in dairy cattle and its effect in fertility. On day 0, cattle at random stage of estrous cycle received controlled internal drug release vaginal insert (CIDR).We left the CIDR in the vagina for seven days as we inject PGF2 on day 6 and remove the CIDR on day 7, blood samples were collected from 25 animals at zero day, 3rd, 7th and 9th day from the tail vein, and then we follow the estrous and detected the estrus cow for AI and apply ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis after 30 day from insemination From this study it was concluded that the use of progesterone for 7 days +i.m. injection of PGF2α in the 7th day can applied to dairy cattle to restart ovarian activity and it is an effective treatment for different infertility cases like cystic ovarian disease, persist corpus luteum and smooth in active ovaries. Moreover present study provides evidence for the importance of prior exposure to progesterone for cows to express estrous behavior, increase number of pregnant animals and increase conception rate.

Clinical and laboratory prognostic indicators for fertility in sheep

With the use of technology of artificial insemination in sheep farms are not yet defined criteria for assessing the full value of the preparation of females for insemination, and hence – the possibility of prediction and correction of their fertilization, which prevents the rational use of cryopreserved semen and ensuring the maximum reception of the offspring. We have proved the prognostic importance of fertilization of the morphofunctional state of the vulva and the vagina and the quality of mucus in sheep breeds during estrus. The material of the study was 327 sheep of ascanian breeding, which during the sexual intercourse before insemination examined the vulva, vagina and evaluated the estrus slime (number, color, consistency, presence of impurities, elasticity, electrical resistance, type of crystallization, protein content). The results of ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy were determined by the fertility of sheep with different integral compositions of clinical and laboratory parameters. It has been established that in sheep, in which fertility in the first sexual cycle reached 65.1%, most often found a pink, moderately edematous vulva with clear mucus. In females with pale mucous membrane and insignificant amount of mucus, the effectiveness of inseminates declined to 53.3-58.0%. In a significant amount of estral mucus, the proportion of infertile animals increased twofold. At the same time, the selection of liquid, but cloudy, or thick mucus is a sign of an unfavorable prognosis, in which fertility decreases by 1.8-2.1 times (p &lt;0.001). Dense, white, paste-like isolates were observed in a small number of sheep, mostly bright at the beginning of the anestral season. Low fertility in the first sexual hunting (35.5%) and a high multiplicity of repeated inseminations (29.0%) indicate that sheep with thick estral slime are only beginning to enter the sexual season, and this quality of secrecy indicates an inadequate estrogenization of the body. It was also found that in the infertile sheep during sexual hunting, the protein content of cervical mucus was 4.8 times higher, and the elasticity of mucus was reduced by 2.9 times. The most prevalent was the prognosis of average fertilization (53.3-58.0%), which was recorded in 62.9% of experimental sheep. The prognosis of high fertilization, which resulted in 62.5-65.1% of oseminins, was found in 27.8% of females. At the same time, the number of females with a fertility forecast at 40% was only 3.1%, and the prevalence of an unfavorable prognosis, in which fertility was the smallest (30.0-35.5%), reached 6.2%. Key words: sheep, askanian breeding, estrus, fertility prognosis, estral mucus, vulva, vagina, artificial insemination.

ACE inhibition in goats under fixed-time artificial insemination protocol increases the pregnancy rate and twin births.

To assess the effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on the efficiency of the fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI), 69 goats were divided randomly into two groups: enalapril (n=35) and control (n=34). In the experiment, all animals underwent the protocol of fixed-time artificial insemination for 12days. Enalapril group received enalapril maleate dissolved in saline (Enalapril, Lab Teuto Ltda) subcutaneously at the following doses: 0.2mg/kg/day in D0-D2; 0.3mg/kg/day in D3-D6 and 0.4mg/kg/day in D7-D11. The control group received the corresponding volume of 0.9% saline solution. We performed a single insemination 36hr after sponge removal using frozen semen from two adult male goats with recognized fertility. The ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was 30days after the artificial insemination (AI). There was significant increase in pregnancy rates and twinning as well as a decrease in foetal loss in animals receiving enalapril (p<.01). The use of ACE inhibitors during the TAI protocol was shown to be a promising alternative to increase the efficiency of such reproductive biotechnology.

Reproductive performance of cows after fixed-time artificial insemination with ovulation synchronisation and re-synchrony in southern Australian dairy herds.

To describe reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) with ovulation synchronisation and re-synchrony in Australian dairy herds, and to compare reproductive outcomes with those of conventional mating programs. The study was conducted in two seasonally calving dairy herds in which lactating dairy cows (n = 675) were enrolled into three treatment groups: group 1, oestrus detection and AI for 34 days followed by a natural service period; group 2, FTAI on day 1 followed by re-synchrony of all cows prior to ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis at day 31 and FTAI of cows diagnosed not pregnant at day 34, then a natural service period; group 3, FTAI on day 1 followed by oestrus detection and AI for 34 days, then a natural service period. First-service conception rate (FSCR), 6-week in-calf (6WIC) rate and proportions pregnant at the end of mating were compared using logistic regression with farm fitted as a fixed effect. Times from mating start date to conception were described using survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier failure functions. FSCRs (45.3%, 49.1% and 45.6% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) and proportions pregnant at the end of mating (77.6%, 76.0% and 76.8% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) were similar for all groups. The 6WIC rate in group 2 was similar to that in group 3 (70.4% vs. 67.2%; P = 0.486), but tended to be higher than in group 1 (70.4% vs. 62.0%, P = 0.066). The median days to pregnancy for cows that conceived was 1 day in groups 2 and 3 and 10 days in group 1. Mating plans that use FTAI with ovulation synchronisation and re-synchrony during the AI period can achieve comparable reproductive performance to conventional mating programs in seasonally calving dairy herds.

Impact of vaccination on the reproductive performance of multiparous Nellore cows

ABSTRACT: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of two vaccines on the reproductive performance of multiparous beef cows in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil. In Experiment 1,765 calved multiparous Nellore cows were subjected to the same fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and rebred. Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 90 days post-FTAI (DPI). Rates of pregnancy and pregnancy loss were determined for three periods: from 30 to 90 DPI, from 30 DPI to calving, and from 90 DPI to calving. The cows were assigned to three groups with different vaccination protocols - namely, Group VACMULT (n=250): vaccine against bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and leptospirosis; Group VACL (n=245): vaccine against leptospirosis alone; Group NOVAC (n=270): no vaccination. Serum antibody titers for BoHV-1, BVDV, and leptospirosis, measured in 57 cows from each group indicated active infection, suggesting circulation of these pathogens in the herd. No differences in pregnancy rates were observed across groups. Pregnancy loss rates did not differ significantly across groups within any of the periods investigated (30 to 90 DPI, 30 DPI to calving, or 90 DPI to calving). In Experiment 2, two vaccination protocols for each vaccine were investigated. Group VACGEST was vaccinated on day zero of FTAI (D0) and again 30 days post-FTAI (30 DPI). Group VACPREV was vaccinated on D0 and again on the day of insemination (D11). No significant difference was observed between groups, or significant gestational loss in the group that received the second vaccine on the day of insemination. The results revealed that neither vaccine interfered with the reproductive performance of multiparous cows. No differences were observed between vaccination carried out on both D0 and D11 and that performed on both D0 and D30. The performance of the IBR/BVDV/Leptospirosis vaccine on the day of the artificial insemination did not cause adverse effects on the reproductive parameters.

Shearing ewes in the first third of gestation improves offspring performance

The effect of shearing ewes at 50 days of gestation on birth and weaning weight, vigour of the lambs in the first hour of life and the survival of single and twin lambs was investigated. Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was used to allocate 140 Polwarth ewes on Day 50 of gestation to one of four treatments, including two factors: shearing time (prepartum (PS) and postpartum (U)) and litter size (single (S) and twin (T)) resulting in the following treatments: single-bearing ewes shorn at 50 days of gestation (SPS, n = 39), single-bearing ewes unshorn (SU, n = 40), twin-bearing ewes shorn at 50 days of gestation (TPS, n = 28) and twin-bearing ewes unshorn (TU, n = 33). All ewes grazed together on improved pastures. Body condition score of the ewes was recorded once every 2 weeks from shearing until weaning, and plasma concentration of NEFA in ewes was measured once every 2 weeks from Day 30 postpartum until weaning (Day 104 ± 7). Gestation length, lamb behaviour during the first hour of life, lamb weight at birth and daily weight gain from birth to weaning and lamb survival were measured. Ewe body condition and plasma non-esterified fatty acids concentration was not affected by shearing time or litter size. Birthweight of the lambs was affected by shearing time (P = 0.0002), litter size (P &lt; 0.0001) and sex of the lamb (P = 0.03). Lambs born to PS ewes had higher daily growth rate (P &lt; 0.0001) than lambs born to U ewes (0.149 ± 0.07 vs 0.141 ± 0.07 kg, respectively). Birthweight affected the number of assisted lambs at birth (P = 0.01). Length of gestation was affected by shearing time (P &lt; 0.0001). Sucking ability was improved by shearing time and litter size. Lambs born to PS ewes tried to suck (P = 0.01) and successfully sucked (P = 0.009) before lambs born to U ewes (23.3 ± 2 vs 28.7 ± 2 and 37.6 ± 1 vs 38.4 ± 1 min, respectively). Attempt and success to suck was affected by litter size (P = 0.004 and P = 0.05). TPS-born lambs tried to suck before (P = 0.004) and successfully sucked earlier (P = 0.0004) than TU lambs (26.1 ± 2.5 vs 33.7 ± 2 and 38 ± 1 vs 42.1 ± 2 min, respectively). Shearing time affected lamb survival at 20 days of age (P = 0.04). The improved survival in these lambs, expressed by a higher birthweight and vigour at birth, may be explained by better nutrition in utero in response to shearing during early pregnancy. In contrast to previous research on prepartum shearing, the present experiment shearing was done at 50 days of gestation. Early shearing in gestation might coincide with a period of high cell proliferation, intense vascular development and increased uterine and umbilical blood flows in the placenta which is in rapid development, and may result in improved outcomes when compared with shearing done on Day 70 or later of gestation.

Pregnancy rate in Bulgarian White milk goats with natural and synchronized estrus after artificial insemination by frozen semen during breeding season

Abstract Objective To determine the pregnancy rate (PR) in goats with natural and synchronized estrus after artificial insemination (AI) by frozen semen during breeding season. Methods The experiment was carried out with 89 Bulgarian White milk goats divided as follows: group I ( n = 54) animals with natural estrus (NE), allocated in two subgroups treated with or not with GnRH after the last insemination and group II ( n = 35) goats with synchronized estrus by intravaginal sponges and injection of PMSG after the sponges withdrawal. Both groups were also divided according to number AI – single or double. All animals in group I were inseminated by frozen semen after proved standing estrus as a part of goats received second insemination 8 h later. Single insemination in synchronized goats was done 48 and double at 48 and 56 h after the sponge removal. Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 30 post insemination. Results The pregnant animals in both subgroups with natural estrus and single AI (33.3% and 45.2%) were less than those (58.3%) after estrus synchronization (ES). The pregnancy rate in synchronized goats with double insemination was 63.6%, whereas in animals with natural estrus varied from 40 to 50%. Overall pregnancy rate in group I (60%) was significantly ( P Conclusion The goats with natural estrus and GnRH treatment tend to enhance pregnancy rate after double artificial insemination 8 h apart. The insemination number has no significant impact on pregnancy rate in synchronized goats as the overall pregnancy rate is better than in animals with natural estrus without GnRH administration.

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).

Teaching goat clients to prevent pregnancy toxemia

Pregnancy toxemia is a frequent and important disease of prolific does in late gestation, resulting in high mortality of does and loss of valuable kids. Veterinarians can play an important role in preventing losses from pregnancy toxemia by training owners to recognize management factors predisposing to disease, and by teaching them to prioritize observations and develop management strategies to decrease the risk of pregnancy toxemia in the herd. Utilization of ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis, including staging and enumeration, accurate identification and recordkeeping, are the cornerstones of these strategies. Monitoring of body condition, adjusting timing and amount of lead-feeding according to risk, and adapting penning or identification strategies to appropriately feed and closely monitor the highest-risk animals, while providing a system for early detection and treatment of clinical disease, are key to minimizing the impact of pregnancy toxemia in the goat herd.

Relationship of Some Blood Serum Parameters with Reproductive Performance of Bulgarian Murrah Buffaloes After Hormonal Treatment During The Early Postpartum (Preliminary Study)

The aim of the present investigation was to determine the relationship between some routinely assayed blood serum biochemical parameters and the reproductive performance of hormonally treated buffaloes from the aforementioned breed during the early postpartum period. The study was conducted with 16 Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes, weighing 480-520 kg, aged 3-5 years, clinically healthy, with normal parturition, without signs of endometritis. The study was carried out from April to May, 2012. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture on days 5, 21 and 28 postpartum immediately before hormonal treatments. Blood serum parameters such as glucose, calcium, phosphorus, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, AST, ALT and total protein were measured. Each animal was treated with 500 mg PGF2α on day 5 post partum, 100 µg GnRH on day 21 and new prostaglandin injection 7 days latter. Two proven fertile bulls were introduced into the herd at the start of the experiment. Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was performed on days 30 and 40 after the last prostaglandin, respectively. During the second ultrasound six pregnancies were detected. After the last ultrasonography two groups were formed: Group I (n=10) - non-pregnant and group II (n=6) - pregnant buffaloes. The data were processed statistically and mean values for each parameter were calculated. A comparative analysis between the different days and groups was made. The results of blood analysis on day 5 post partum (first PGF2α injection) indicated absence of significant differences in mean values between the different groups. The levels of glucose, phosphorus and total cholesterol on day 2 were higher (p

Comparison of Fetal Losses from Diagnosis of Pregnancy Using Ultrasonography or Rectal Palpation in Beef Heifers by Novice or Experienced Technicians

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Pregnancy diagnosis is widely practiced in cattle production systems. Ultrasonography is an alternative technique to rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis. Fetal losses caused by rectal palpation are well documented; however, reported losses from ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis are often confounded by normal embryonic losses during early gestation. Losses caused by inexperienced technicians have been reported previously, but limited information is available on technicians that are in the learning process. Our objectives were to compare fetal losses from pregnancy diagnosis during early gestation for 1) stage of gestation at the time of diagnosis (<53 or ≥53 d), 2) method of diagnosis (ultrasonography or rectal palpation), and 3) different skill levels of the technicians (novice or experienced). Beef heifers (n=2,190) exposed to natural service for 27 d, followed by diagnosis of pregnancy between 42 and 74 d of gestation were used to evaluate these objectives. Overall loss was 1.55%. Risk of loss was greater (P<0.01) in heifers <53 d pregnant compared with heifers ≥53 d (3.46 vs. 1.26%; a 2.74-fold increase) at the time of evaluation. Greater fetal loss (P=0.051) occurred with rectal palpation than with ultrasonography (2.68 vs. 1.29%; a 2.08-fold increase). Heifers evaluated by inexperienced technicians had a 2.07% fetal loss, whereas heifers evaluated by experienced technicians had only a 1.06% loss (P<0.01; a 1.95-fold difference). Cattle producers and veterinarians should recognize the importance of stage of pregnancy, level of technician experience, and method of diagnosis used to reduce losses attributable to pregnancy diagnosis.

Seasonal infertility in sows: A five year field study to analyze the relative roles of heat stress and photoperiod

The objective of this study was to analyze the relative roles of high temperature and photoperiod as environmental factors of seasonal infertility in swine. The results of five years (2003-2007) of ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis carried out in 266 indoor farms were analyzed. For all farms, the data covered the entire study period. The farms were situated in four French regions. The data of 22,773 batches and 610,117 sows were included. Seasonal infertility was defined as the relative difference between the fertility rate in 'summer' (inseminations in weeks 25-42) and 'winter' (inseminations in weeks 1-18 of the same year). In each region, two meteorological variables were defined, based on the data of a reference weather station: the number of hot days (maximum temperature >or= 25 degrees C) and tropical days (maximum temperature >or= 32 degrees C and minimum temperature >or= 18 degrees C). The mean fertility was 85%. The median seasonal infertility was 2.8% and more than 7.1% for a quarter of farms. Seasonal infertility did not vary with areas or baseline fertility (defined for each studied farm as the average winter fertility over five years). Seasonal infertility differed with the year (p<0.001). Seasonal infertility was significantly higher during 2003 than in the other four years, which did not differ among each other. In the four regions, 2003 was the year with the highest number of hot days and 2007 with the least. Our study strengthens the hypothesis of a prominent role of photoperiod in seasonal infertility and of an additional role of heat stress the hottest years.