Efficacy of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Suppression of Estrus in Cycling Mares

The effects of compounded medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on follicular activity and estrous behavior were evaluated. Eighteen cycling mares were assigned to one of three treatment groups. Mares in the MPA group (n = 6) were injected intramuscularly with 1,600 mg MPA (week 1), then 400 mg weekly for the next 5 weeks. Saline mares (n = 6) were injected intramuscularly weekly for 6 weeks. Altrenogest mares (n = 6) received 10 mL orally daily for 7 weeks. Mares were teased daily for 60 days and categorized as displaying estrous, diestrous, or neutral behavior. Transrectal ultrasound examinations were performed three times weekly, or daily when a 30-mm follicle was identified, until ovulation. Blood samples were harvested weekly for analysis of progesterone concentration and daily from days 14 to 23 for analysis of luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration. Mares treated with saline or MPA showed normal intervals of diestrus and estrus during the study. All altrenogest mares showed behavioral diestrus during treatment. All mares in the saline and MPA groups showed normal follicular development and ovulations. No altrenogest mares ovulated during treatment; four mares returned to estrus and resumed normal follicular development after treatment ceased. Progesterone analyses agreed with transrectal ultrasonographic ovarian activity for all mares. LH levels were lower for altrenogest-treated mares compared with MPA-treated and saline-treated mares during the treatment period. In conclusion, compounded MPA at dose rates and intervals used in this study was not effective in suppression of estrus, follicular development, or LH secretion in mares.     

宝鸡地区荷斯坦奶牛发情、排卵及授精效果的比较观测

对宝鸡地区荷斯坦奶牛发情周期排卵时间、授精效果进行了调查，并对其影响因素作了分析研究。研究结果：不同产犊季节对产后第一次发情时间有显著影响，青年牛与成年牛发情后排卵时间有显著差异。产后第一、二次与三次以上发情输精受胎率有显著差异；产后母牛用药物处理和不处理，授精效果差异显著。表明，在奶牛产后子宫正常情况下，在第一、二情期授精效果最好；发情周期在19－23d受胎率提高；排卵8h内输精、受胎率最高。     

Comparison of Compounded Deslorelin and hCG for Induction of Ovulation in Mares

Ovulation-inducing agents are routinely used in broodmare practice. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two compounded deslorelin products and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in inducing ovulation in a clinical reproduction program. Breeding records of 203 mares administered an ovulation-inducing agent during the 2006 breeding season were reviewed. Estrous cycles were included for comparison if agents were administered when the largest follicle was 35 to 45 mm in diameter and endometrial edema was present. There was no significant difference (P > .05) in interval to ovulation for mares receiving deslorelin (1.9 ± 0.7 days) or hCG (2.0 ± 0.7 days). The percentage of mares that ovulated within 48 hours after treatment was also not significantly different between the agents (90.1% and 88.3%, respectively). In summary, clinical efficacy at inducing a timed ovulation in estrual mares with follicles 35 to 45 mm was similar between compounded deslorelin and hCG.     

Efficacy of Acupuncture Sites for Delivery of Agents to Control Estrus and Ovulation in Mares

This study was designed to determine if prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α) when administered on d 6 post-ovulation in a low dose in the lumbosacral space (LSS) would induce luteolysis while minimizing side effects usually associated with intramuscular administration of this analogue in mares. A second objective was to determine if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injected into the LSS would reduce time to ovulation in the mare. Ten normally cycling mares served as their own controls in a crossover design, receiving intramuscular injections of PGF₂α(10 mg), intravenous injections of hCG (3000 IU) and injections of PGF and hCG at the acupuncture site (2 mg and 3000 IU, respectively), as well as sham injections of saline. Beginning 12 h after injection, mean progesterone concentrations were less (P<0.05) in PGF₂α-treated mares than in mares receiving saline. Moreover, progesterone concentrations were similar (P<0.001) between both groups of mares receiving PGF₂α. In addition, there was no difference (P>0.1) between mares receiving the acupuncture injection of PGF₂α and the intramuscular injection in days to ovulation. However, duration and severity of side effects associated with PGF₂α administration were dramatically decreased (P<0.01) when PGF₂α was delivered to the acupuncture site compared to intramuscular delivery. The time to ovulation was similar (P>0.1) for mares receiving shams, or hCG. These data indicate that delivery of 2 mg of PGF₂α in the LSS induces luteolysis and reduces the sweating and muscle cramping associated with PGF₂α administration. There was no advantage to the delivery of hCG in the LSS.     

Dynamics of Follicular Blood Flow,Antrum Growth,and Angiogenic Mediators in Mares From Deviation to Ovulation

This study aimed to investigate dynamics of dominant and subordinate follicles' change of dimensions, vascularity, and angiogenic hormones from deviation to ovulation. Ten cyclic mares were subjected to daily blood sampling and Doppler examination along two estrous cycles. Three diameters were recorded for each follicle to estimate its area and volume. Leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1), nitric oxide (NO) and estradiol were measured. Area of color and power Doppler modes with antral area and circumference of all follicles was measured in pixels. Follicles were classified into first large preovulatory follicle (1st F-ov), second large (2nd F-ov), and third large (3rd F-ov) on the ovulating ovary and on the contralateral nonovulating ovary into first (1st F-contra) and second large (2nd F-contra). Days before ovulation significantly (P < .0001) affected all dimensions of preovulatory follicle. With the increase of diameter, area, volume, area in pixel, antrum area, and circumference of 1st F-ov, those of all subordinates were decreasing. The blue flow area, power, and power minus red blood flow area of 1st F-ov increased from day −6 till day of ovulation (day 0), but red blood flow area significantly decreased. First large follicle had the lowest percent of colored pixels and percent of the colored pixels without antrum. Estradiol and leptin increased from day −6 till day 0, but IGF-1 decreased till day −1 and NO achieved a peak on day −3 then decreased till day 0. In conclusion, antrum growth, blood flow, and angiogenic hormones play a role in maturation and ovulation of the dominant follicle in mares.     

Stimulation of Ovulation in Seasonally Anovulatory and Vernal Transitional Mares with Estradiol and Domperidone: Dose and Combination Studies

Three experiments were conducted to test the efficacy of different doses of estradiol cypionate (ECP) and domperidone for inducing ovulation in seasonally anovulatory (January; Experiments 1 and 2) and transitional period (March; Experiment 3) mares. In the first two experiments, mares in Kentucky and Louisiana were administered domperidone (3 g in biodegradable particles) alone or after pretreatment with 100 or 150 mg of ECP; another group received ECP, domperidone, and progesterone, and a fifth group received ECP and progesterone only (the latter two in Kentucky). Control mares in both states received no treatment. The proportion of mares ovulating within 35 days (for mares treated in January) was greater (P = .0002) for those receiving any combination of ECP plus domperidone relative to mares not receiving the combined treatment. Addition of progesterone to ECP plus domperidone did not enhance (P = .7) the response relative to the combination alone; domperidone by itself, or ECP plus progesterone, did not alter the response relative to controls (P > .24). Experiment 3 was conducted in Louisiana as a 2 × 3 factorial, with two doses of domperidone (1.5 or 3 g) and three doses of ECP (0, 75, or 150 mg). There was no main effect of domperidone or ECP dose; a greater proportion (P = .055) of mares receiving any combination of ECP plus domperidone ovulated in 21 days compared with those receiving no ECP. In conclusion, pretreatment with ECP before injection of domperidone 10 days later can be used to increase the proportion of mares ovulating early in the year; within the limits of the present experiments, there appears to be no difference in doses of ECP of 75, 100, or 150 mg, and no difference in doses of domperidone of 1.5 or 3 g.     

Efficacy of Deslorelin Acetate (SucroMate) on Induction of Ovulation in American Quarter Horse Mares

Equine clinicians rely on ovulation induction agents to provide a timed ovulation in mares for optimal breeding management. Numerous studies have been performed on the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation in the mare, but limited clinical data are available for the new deslorelin acetate product SucroMate. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of SucroMate (deslorelin) in comparison with hCG to induce ovulation. American Quarter horse mares (n = 256) presented to Colorado State University for breeding management were used in this study. Mares received either deslorelin or hCG when a follicle ≥35 mm was detected by transrectal ultrasound in the presence of uterine edema. Ultrasonographic examinations were subsequently performed once daily until ovulation was detected. Deslorelin was administered to 138 mares during168 estrous cycles, and hCG was given to 118 mares during 136 estrous cycles. Mares administered deslorelin had a similar (P < .05) higher ovulation rate (89.9%) within 48 hours following drug administration than mares administered hCG (82.8%). There are no effects of season or age on ovulation rates in either treatment group. Twenty-one mares administered deslorelin and 11 mares administered hCG were monitored by transrectal ultrasound every 6 hours to detect ovulation as part of a frozen semen management program. Average intervals from deslorelin or hCG administration to ovulation were 41.4 ± 9.4 and 44.4 ± 16.5 hours, respectively. Results of this study indicate that SucroMate is effective at inducing a timed ovulation in the mare.     

Effect of Deslorelin and/or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Inducing Ovulation in Mares During the Transition Period Versus Ovulatory Season

The objective of this study was to compare the rate of ovulation when deslorelin and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered in mares in both the transition period and the ovulatory season. A total of 200 Paint Horses, Quarter Horses, and crossbred mares were used during the transition season (July to September) and the ovulatory season (October to February) of the southern hemisphere. The animals were divided into four groups. In the control group (n = 72), mares received 1 mL of saline; in deslorelin group (n = 171), 1.5 mg of deslorelin was administered by intramuscular (IM) injection; in hCG group (n = 57), 1,667 IU of hCG was administered IV; and in hCG + deslorelin group (n = 438), 1.5 mg of deslorelin (IM) and 1,667 IU of hCG (IV) were administered. The drugs were administered after follicles ≥35 mm in diameter were identified and grade III uterine edema was observed. At 48 hours after application, ultrasonography was performed to detect ovulation. During the transition period, the ovulation rates were 4.3% (control), 78.6% (deslorelin), 50% (hCG), and 73.3% (hCG + deslorelin). During ovulatory season, the ovulation rates were 16.4% (control), 68.8% (deslorelin), 60% (hCG), and 73% (hCG + deslorelin). There was no significant difference (P > .05) in the ovulation rate between the groups or the periods, except that the control group was lower than all others. Furthermore, both hCG and deslorelin are viable options for inducing ovulation during the transition period before ovulation season.     

Effect of a Nonsurgical Embryo Transfer Procedure and/or Altrenogest Therapy on Endogenous Progesterone Concentration in Mares

Endogenous progesterone levels may decline after transcervical embryo transfer in some mares. Progestogen therapy is commonly used to support endogenous progesterone levels in embryo transfer recipient mares or those carrying their own pregnancy. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of the transcervical transfer procedure and/or altrenogest therapy on luteal function in mares. Mares were assigned to one of six treatment groups: group 1 (untreated control; n = 7 cycles), group 2 (sham transfer, no altrenogest; n = 8 cycles), group 3 (sham transfer plus altrenogest; n = 8 cycles), group 4 (pregnant, no altrenogest; n = 9 mares), group 5 (pregnant plus altrenogest; n = 9 mares), and group 6 (nonpregnant plus altrenogest; n = 10 cycles). Mares in groups 4-6 were bred and allowed an opportunity to carry their own pregnancy. Blood samples were collected for 22 days beginning on the day of ovulation. Sham embryo transfer (groups 2 and 3, combined) did not result in a decline in endogenous progesterone levels compared with control mares (group 6). However, sham embryo transfer did result in luteolysis and an abrupt decline in endogenous progesterone levels in one of the 16 (6.2%) sham-transferred mares. Altrenogest therapy in sham-transferred mares (group 3) was associated with lower endogenous progesterone levels on days 10, 12, and 13 postovulation when compared with sham-transferred mares that did not receive altrenogest (group 2). Administration of altrenogest to pregnant mares (group 5) was associated with lower concentrations of endogenous progesterone from days 14 to 18 and on day 21 compared with endogenous progesterone levels in pregnant mares not administered altrenogest (group 4). In conclusion, a transcervical embryo transfer procedure can cause luteolysis in a low percentage of mares. Altrenogest therapy may be associated with a reduction in endogenous progesterone secretion, presumably mediated by a reduction in pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) release and a decrease in luteotropic support.     

山羊同期发情和超数排卵方法概述

同期发情可以为山羊的集约化、工厂化生产提供保障,超数排卵是胚胎移植和山羊高产的必要保证。本文对山羊同期发情和超数排卵的几种常用方法进行概述,以期为我国各地区选择适合本地区山羊高产的处理方式提供思路。     

Effects of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin on Ovulatory and Luteal Characteristics of Mares Submitted to an P4-Based Protocol of Ovulation Induction With hCG

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at the end of progesterone (P4) treatment on follicular and luteal characteristics during transition period (TP) and reproductive breeding season (RP). A total of 13 crossbred mares were distributed in two experimental groups in the spring and summer (n = 26). The animals received intravaginal P4 (1.9 g) releasing device from D0 to D10. On removal of P4 device, the mares received 400 IU of eCG (eCG group) or saline solution (control group). Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 1.750 IU) was administered (DhCG) as soon as ovulatory follicle (OF) ≥35 mm was detected. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed from D0 until 15 days after ovulation. Blood samples were collected on D0, D5, D10, DhCG, 9 days after ovulation (CL9D), and 13 days after ovulation (CL13D). P4 and estradiol concentrations were assessed by chemiluminescence. Data were compared by Tukey test at P < .05. Ovulation rate was similar (P = .096) between seasons (RP = 100%; TP = 70%) but occurred earlier (P = .015) in RP (34.8 ± 10.1 hours) compared with TP (42.0 ± 10.4 hours). Interactions between season and treatment were observed for OF diameter (mm) (RP/control = 36.2 ± 1.8ab; RP/eCG = 32.9 ± 2.8 b; TP/control = 32.2 ± 1.2 b; TP/eCG = 37.2 ± 1.9a; P = .004) and for corpus luteum (CL) diameter (mm) on CL13D (RP/control = 25.4 ± 3.5a; RP/eCG = 22.5 ± 1.8ab; TP/control = 21.6 ± 4.9 b; TP/eCG = 27.4 ± 4.3a; P = .023), although no differences were observed for serum P4 on CL13D (RP/control = 6.0 ± 3.1 ng/mL; RP/eCG = 5.8 ± 0.9 ng/mL; TP/control = 3.6 ± 2.7 ng/mL; TP/eCG = 5.1 ± 2.3 ng/mL; P = .429) or for day of structural CL regression (RP/control = 12.8 ± 1.9; RP/eCG = 12.1 ± 1.1; TP/control = 11.0 ± 1.7; TP/eCG = 13.2 ± 2.0; P = .102). The application of eCG at the moment of P4 implant removal seemed to increase the capacity of luteal maintenance during spring TP. However, eCG treatment was worthless during the breeding season.     

胚胎移植技术在肉羊快速制种中的应用

本试验于2003年4月13日开始,随机选择6只萨福克肉羊作为供体;当地普通绵羊30只作为受体。分为2组进行诱导发情处理和超排处理,A组供体3只,诱导发情率66．7％(2／3);受体15只,诱导发情率93．3％(14／15)。B组供体3只,诱导发情率100％(3／3);受体15只,诱导发情率100％(15／15)。从6只供体中获得有效胚胎19枚,移植妊娠率68．4％(13／19)。     

Comparison of Efficacy of Two Dose Rates of Histrelin for Inducing Ovulation in Broodmares

Between February 14 and April 26, 2012, 75 broodmares (7 maiden, 11 barren, and 57 foaling) maintained on pasture in southeast Texas were examined three times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. On Tuesday or Thursday, mares in estrus with uterine edema, a relaxed cervix, and a dominant follicle ≥30-mm diameter were alternately assigned to treatment with 0.5 mg of intramuscular (IM) histrelin (group 1) or 0.25 mg IM histrelin (group 2). Ovulation was confirmed by ultrasound examination. No differences in proportion of maiden plus barren (96%) compared to foaling (86%) mares ovulating within 2 days was found (P > .10); therefore, responses for all mares were combined for analysis. No differences in ovulation rates within 2 days were noted for 0.5 mg histrelin compared to those for 0.25 mg histrelin treatment (42 of 46, 91%; 44 of 52, 85%; P > .10). No differences were detected between response rates to 0.5 or to 0.25 mg histrelin for any month (P > .10). The use of 0.5 or 0.25 mg histrelin were found to be effective treatments for inducing ovulation within 2 days of administration throughout the early breeding season.     

受体奶牛不同同期发情处理方法对胚胎移植效果的影响研究

本试验选择产后60天以上、空怀、无疾病、体况适宜、年龄2～10岁的182头黑白花奶牛,随机分成第1、第2两组同期发情,发情7天后胚胎移植。第1组为CUEMATETM孕酮栓 PG(n=120),第2组为PG一步法。试验结果表明,第1组牛的黄体不合格率显著高于第2组(P<0.05);产犊率低于第2组,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。从经济实用角度看,本试验初步显示:PG法比CUE-MATETM孕酮栓 PG法好,成本低、操作方便、产犊率较高。     

雄性麋鹿发情期、发情后期及休情期行为研究

对江苏大丰麋鹿国家级自然保护区半散养雄性麋鹿发情期、发情后期及休情期三个阶段的行为进行了连续观察。结果显示雄性麋鹿三个阶段各行为频次有明显差异。发惰期休息行为频次明显多于其他两个生理阶段，而摄食行为频次明显少于其他两个生理阶段。发情后期与发情期相比，休息频次减半，性行为明显减少，而运动行为和摄食行为明显增加，特别是摄食行为较发情期有36倍的增长。     

Possible causes and treatment strategies for the estrus and ovulation disorders in dairy cows

The reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined, along with an increase in their milk yield. First-service conception rates in lactating dairy cows are often lower than 50%. The precise detection of estrus is an important factor in the reproductive management of dairy cows for successful fertilization and pregnancy. However, estrus expression has been decreasing in modern dairy cows, affecting the detection rate of estrus. In addition to estrus, a high incidence of ovulation disorders affects the fertility of dairy cows. To address these problems, it is necessary to understand the changes in the endocrine functions that underlie estrus and ovulation disorders, and to develop effective treatment strategies. Recent studies have revealed that neurokinin B and neurokinin 3 receptor signaling play important roles in the regulation of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing and luteinizing hormones, suggesting a potential clinical avenue for the stimulation of gonadal function. In this review, I have discussed the problems in estrus and ovulation disorders in modern dairy cows as well as the possible applications of neurokinin 3 receptor agonists in the treatment of these disorders.     

Comparison of Efficacy of Two Dose Rates of Histrelin to Human Chorionic Gonadotropin for Inducing Ovulation in Broodmares

Between February 15 and May 17, 2011, a total of 88 broodmares (10 maiden, 10 barren, and 68 foaling) maintained on pasture in southeast Texas were examined three times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. On Tuesday or Thursday, mares in estrus with uterine edema, a relaxed cervix, and a dominant follicle ≥34 mm in diameter were alternately assigned to treatment with the following: group (1) 2,500-unit human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), intravenous; group (2) 1.0-mg BioRelease Histrelin (Biorelease Technologies, Lexington, KY), intramuscular; or group (3) 0.5-mg BioRelease Histrelin, intramuscular. Ovulation was confirmed by ultrasonographic examination. The percentage of mares ovulating within 2 days appeared to be similar between maiden, barren, and foaling mares, so responses for all mares were totaled for analysis. A nonsignificant trend for higher ovulation rates within 2 days was noted for both dose rates of histrelin compared with hCG treatment (31/37, 84%; 34/37, 92%; and 33/36, 92% for groups 1-3, respectively) (P = .45). Ovulatory responses appeared to improve for both products as the season progressed, yet no differences were detected between response rates to histrelin or hCG for any month (P ≥ .50). The use of 1.0- or 0.5-mg BioRelease Histrelin was found to be at least equally effective as hCG treatment for inducing ovulation within 2 days of treatment throughout the breeding season.