Follicular development during the prepuberal period of different morphological types of ovaries in Hampshire and Yorkshire gilts fed two planes of nutrition

Changes in follicular development of the ovary at 105, 140 and 175 d of age were observed on 48 prepuberal Yorkshire and Hampshire gilts raised on two planes of nutrition. The follicles from the left ovary were counted and measured by histological techniques. Both the nonatretic and the atretic (more than four pyknotic bodies) antral follicles were classified into six categories according to size, and each category was expressed as percentage of the total number. The proportion of nonatretic follicles belonging to the first category (.19 to .36 mm in diameter) was higher in Hampshire than Yorkshire gilts at d 105 (65.4 vs 47.6%; P less than .05), but not at d 140 and 175. The proportion of atretic follicles to the total number observed was higher in Yorkshire at d 175 than at d 140 and 105 (38.6 vs 21.9 vs 11.6%, respectively; P less than .05), whereas in Hampshire, significant differences were observed only between d 140 and 105 (25.2 vs 3.9%, respectively). The low-plane regimen reduced the percentage of nonatretic follicles of the third (.63 to 1.12 mm) and fourth (1.13 to 2.00 mm) categories in Yorkshire gilts from 14.4 and 7.2% to 9.7 and 4.0%, respectively (P less than .05). According to grouping, size and number of antral follicles, three morphological types of ovaries could be distinguished: honey-comb, grape-like and an intermediate class. Reanalyzing the data accounting for types resulted in radical reduction in the residual variation, hence many significant differences between the two breeds could be identified. At 140 and 175 d of age, Hampshires with honey-comb- and grape-like ovaries had greater numbers of medium and large follicles than Yorkshires (P less than .001). It is concluded that the slower follicular development observed at 105 d of age in Hampshire, as compared with Yorkshire gilts, allows accumulation of greater numbers of antral follicles at 140 and 175 d for both morphological types of ovaries.     

Ovarian follicle development and genital tract characteristics in different birthweight gilts at 150 days of age

In the last decades, selection for improved prolificacy has resulted in higher litter sizes and has thereby increased the proportion of low birthweight (LW) piglets. It is well documented that LW piglets have lower growth performance, muscle accretion and poor carcass quality. However, little is known about the relations of birthweight with subsequent reproductive performance in gilts. This study investigated the effects of birthweight on reproductive tract and ovarian follicle development in 150‐day‐old gilts. Twenty eight female pigs of different birthweight ranges (high‐HW: 1.8–2.2 kg; low‐LW: 0.8–1.2 kg) from higher parity commercial sows were reared until 150 days of age, and their body weights were recorded at weaning, end of nursery and end of the grower‐finisher phase. The animals were killed and their reproductive tracts collected for biometrical and histomorphometrical analysis. LW gilts showed significantly lower body weights and growth rates during all phases of production compared to their HW counterparts (p < .01). Most biometrical measurements of the reproductive tract were similar between the experimental groups, except vaginal length and the gonadossomatic index (relative ovarian weight), which were affected by birthweight class (p < .05). LW females also showed fewer medium size (3–5 mm; p < .01) ovarian follicles, pre‐antral follicles (p < .07) and more atretic follicles per ovarian cortex area (p < .05). Therefore, besides the effects on post‐natal growth performance, birthweight affects vaginal length and the follicular dynamics process, which may impair the reproductive performance of replacement gilts.     

Follicular development and maturation in gilts selected for an index of high ovulation rate and high prenatal survival

Seventy-one 10th-generation gilts from White Line-1 (WL-1 = randomly selected control line) and White Line-2 (WL-2 = selected for an index of ovulation rate and prenatal survival rate) were used to compare the pattern of follicular development and atresia during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. Gilts were treated with PGF(2alpha)on d 13 of the estrous cycle (d 0 of induced follicular development) to induce luteolysis and assigned randomly within line and sire for ovary recovery on d 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, and the day after estrus. Ovaries were evaluated for numbers of corpora albicantia and small (2 to 2.9 mm), medium (M1 = 3 to 4.9 mm; M2 = 5 to 6.9 mm), and large (>or=7 mm) follicles. The concentration of estradiol-17beta in follicular fluid was used to classify individual M2 and large follicles as estrogen-active (>or=100 ng of estradiol-17beta/mL) or inactive (<100 ng of estradiol-17beta/mL). The WL-2 gilts had a greater ovulation rate than WL-1 gilts at their pre-treatment estrus (20.4 vs. 13.8 corpora albicantia; P < 0.001). The small and M1 follicle populations decreased rapidly in both lines over time (P < 0.001). The M2 follicle population increased in both lines between d 0 to 4 and then decreased. Mean estradiol concentration of M2 follicles increased in both genetic lines over time (P < 0.02). All large follicles were estrogen-active in both lines; the number of large follicles increased with day (P < 0.001) and was similar in both lines. The number of estrogen-active M2 follicles was similar in both lines, increasing to d 3 and 4 and then decreasing (P < 0.01) thereafter. However, the total number of estrogen-active follicles (sum of estrogen-active M2 and large follicles) was greater in WL-2 than in WL-1 gilts (P < 0.04), increasing to the ovulatory potential by d 3 in WL-1 gilts, but continuing to increase through d 4 in WL-2 gilts. Selection of an additional six ovulatory follicles from the estrogen-active M2 follicle pool after d 5 was required in both lines to achieve the projected ovulation rate, and after estrus, the number of large follicles remained insufficient to attain the ovulatory potential of each line.     

Influence of vitamin A injection before mating on oocyte development, follicular hormones, and ovulation in gilts fed high-energy diets

Previous research revealed that treatment with vitamin A approximately 5 d before ovulation may increase litter size in weaned sows and improve embryonal survival in gilts fed high-energy diets that reduced embryonal survival. For the current study, the hypothesis was that administration of vitamin A before ovulation would alter development of follicles and oocytes in a way favorable to enhanced embryonal survival. (Landrace x Large White) x (Duroc x Hampshire) gilts (n = 44) were fed 11.0 Mcal ME x gilt(-1) x d(-1) beginning 7 d after second estrus and given (i.m.) corn oil or 1 x 10(6) IU of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) on d 15 after second estrus. Gilts were checked for estrus every 4 h, mated naturally at third estrus, and assigned randomly to undergo midventral laparotomy beginning at 24 to 28, 28 to 32, 32 to 36, or 36 to 40 h after onset of third estrus. At laparotomy, ovulated oocytes and early-stage embryos were recovered from oviducts, and ovaries were removed for aspiration of oocytes and granulosa cells from unovulated follicles. Oocytes and embryos were stained for assessment of stage of development. Granulosa cells were cultured to assess their ability to secrete progesterone. Follicular fluid was assayed for progesterone, estradiol-17beta, IGF-I, and PGF2alpha. Treatment with vitamin A altered development of oocytes and embryos by decreasing the percentage at the germinal vesicle stage and increasing the percentage at advanced stages. Mean stage of development was increased by vitamin A, but variation in stage was decreased. Among follicles matched by meiotic stage of oocyte, follicular fluid concentrations of progesterone, IGF-I, and PGF2alpha were greater in vitamin A-treated gilts than in controls, but treatment with vitamin A in vivo did not affect LH-stimulated or unstimulated secretion of progesterone by granulosa cells in vitro. These data provide evidence that vitamin A may influence embryonic development by advancing resumption of meiosis and altering follicular hormonal environment during follicle maturation.     

Comparison of follicular and oocyte development and reproductive hormone secretion during the ovulatory period in Hungarian native breed, Mangalica, and Landrace gilts

Only a very small amount of physiological data is available about the low fertility (mean litter size is 5.7+/-0.8) of Hungarian native breed, Mangalica (M), sows. The aim of the present paper is to reveal the differences in preovulatory follicle development and intrafollicular oocyte maturation between M and Landrace (L) gilts, with special reference to the peri- and postovulatory secretion and peripheral concentrations of estradiol-17beta (E2), progesterone (P4), and luteinizing hormone (LH). The number of preovulatory follicles was 6.8+/-1.4 and 19.6+/-6.6 in M and L gilts, respectively. A lower degree of cumulus expansion and a lower percentage of mature oocytes (TI/M II) was noted in M. Higher LH and E2 peak levels, a longer E2 to LH peak interval, and lower embryo survival was confirmed. Interestingly, despite the lower number of corpora lutea, a higher peripheral blood level of P4 was shown in M than in L gilts. Both diminished follicular development and protracted oocyte maturation may be involved in low fecundity in M, and the present findings may explain these reproductive phenomena.     

Characterization of mammary gland development in pregnant gilts

The purpose of this study was to quantify mammary gland (MG) growth during pregnancy in gilts and to determine the effect of anatomical location on gland growth. Size, composition, and histomorphology of MG were determined during gestation in 29 primigravid gilts. Gilts were allotted randomly to 6 slaughter groups: d 45 (n = 6), 60 (n = 4), 75 (n = 5), 90 (n = 4), 102 (n = 5), and 112 (n = 5) of gestation. Mammary glands were obtained at slaughter, and skin and extraneous fat pad were removed to obtain parenchymal MG tissue. Mammary glands were further separated into individual MG, and their locations were recorded. Individual MG were weighed and bisected in an approximate midsagittal section to measure cross-sectional area. Mammary glands were ground individually and pooled according to anatomical region: the first and second pairs of MG = anterior MG; the third, fourth, and fifth pairs of MG = middle MG; the sixth, seventh, and eighth pairs of MG = posterior MG. Contents of DM, CP, ether extract, and crude ash were measured. Wet weight, DM, CP, and ash content of total and individual MG increased (P < 0.01) between d 45 and 112 of gestation. Cross-sectional area of individual MG increased (P < 0.01) as gestation progressed. Percentage of CP and ash increased (P < 0.01), whereas percentage of ether extract decreased (P < 0.01) as gestation progressed. This inverse relationship between percentages of CP and ether extract (r = -0.999; P < 0.0001) was consistent with the histological shift from primarily an adipose tissue in early gestation to one containing extensive lobuloalveolar tissue in late gestation. Wet weight of middle MG was greater (P < 0.05) than that of posterior MG at d 102 and 112 of gestation, and amount of CP in middle MG was greater (P < 0.05) than that in anterior and posterior MG at d 102 and 112 of gestation, indicating that middle MG grow faster than other MG during late gestation. Rates of wet weight gain and protein accretion were accelerated (P < 0.01) after d 74 and 75 of gestation, respectively, indicating the importance of MG growth during the last trimester of gestation. The increase in rate of protein accretion after d 75 indicates a greater protein requirement for MG growth during later gestation.     

Effect of animal density on endocrine development in gilts

A study was conducted to determine the effect of social crowding on the development of endocrine organs involved in the reproductive process in growing and finishing gilts. One hundred four littermate gilts weighing approximately 30 kg were randomly assigned to treatment groups of either 8 or 16 pigs/pen. Gilts raised in pens of eight were allotted 1.06 m2 per pig from 30 to 65 kg and 1.25 m2 from 65 to 100 kg; whereas, one-half the area was provided for gilts raised in pens of 16. Littermate gilts raised in pens of 8 and 16 were slaughtered on the same day when the average weight of pigs reached 100 kg. At slaughter, the brain, adrenals, pituitary, uterus and ovaries were removed and weighted. The brain was lyophilyzed and reweighed to yield dry brain weight. Gilts raised in the low-density groups had heavier adrenal (P less than .01), pituitary (P less than .08), brain (P less than .11), dry-brain (P less than .02), uterine (P less than .09) and ovarian (P less than .07) tissues. Furthermore, significantly more gilts in the low-density, compared with the high-density groups, had ovulated at slaughter. In a second study, eight littermate gilts raised in pens of 8 or 16 and weighing approximately 100 kg were moved to individual pens and fitted with a jugular vein catheter. Following blood sample collection at 15-min intervals for 2 h, 200 IU of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) were infused into the cannula. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for an additional 2 h. There were no differences between basal or ACTH-stimulated concentrations of plasma cortisol between treatment groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ovarian activity and oocyte development during follicular development in pigs at different reproductive phases estimated by the repeated endoscopic method

The aim of the present study was to assess follicular and oocyte development in the same gilts during three phases of their reproductive life [prepuberal gilts (PP; 6.0 months of age), puberal gilts (P; 9.5 months of age) and primiparous sows (S)]. Follicular development was stimulated by the injection of 1,000 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) followed by 500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 72 h later. Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were recovered by endoscopic ovum pick up/aspiration from preovulatory follicles of the left ovary, and the follicular fluid (FF) from the right ovary was collected 34 h after the hCG treatment by endoscopy. Altogether, 19 pigs were used in the PP and P trials and 12 in the S trial. From the left ovaries, 168, 190 and 82 follicles were aspirated and 106, 125 and 42 COCs, respectively, were recovered (recovery rate 61 +/- 27, 63 +/- 21 and 53 +/- 22%, respectively). The mean number of follicles was greater in the P phase than in the PP phase (19.7 +/- 6.8 vs. 15.7 +/- 6.8; p=0.06) and S phases (14.2 +/- 4.0; p<0.05). More uniform oocytes with an expanded cumulus were aspirated in the P and PP phases than in the S phase (90 and 78 vs. 46%; p<0.05). Furthermore, the meiotic configuration in oocytes (T I/M II stage) differed between the three phases (56 and 62 vs. 0%; p<0.05). Progesterone (P4) levels in FF decreased from 590.0 +/- 333.6 (PP) to 249.1 +/- 72.6 (P) and 161.4 +/- 75.2 ng/ml (S) (p<0.05). Estradiol-17beta (E2) levels differed between PP and P gilts and S sows (9.3 +/- 2.9, 21.9 +/- 10.6 and 94.0 +/- 15.9 pg/ml, respectively; p<0.05), and the P4/E2 ratio was 72, 15 and 5, respectively. These results indicate differences in follicular and oocyte development between the reproductive phases investigated. Puberal gilts should preferably be used in IVF and breeding programs. The lower reproductive potential of primiparous sows must be taken into consideration in breeding. Any prediction of lifetime performance based on individual ovarian reactions of prepuberal gilts is unreliable.     

Follicular development in livestock: Influencing factors and underlying mechanisms

Livestock farming development has become increasingly important in recent years. It not only provides us with meat nutrition and pet feeding but also increases the economic value by providing numerous employment opportunities, which improves our life quality. The livestock farming development depends on successful animal reproduction. As a vital process in animal reproduction, folliculogenesis and its influencing factors as well as their underlying mechanisms need to be understood thoroughly. This review is aimed at summarizing the factors such as cellular processes, gene regulation, noncoding RNAs and other endocrine or paracrine regulatory factors that affect follicular development, and their underlying mechanisms of action in livestock in order to provide novel insights for future studies. The above factors were found as significant determinants influencing the follicular development in livestock through various signaling pathways.     

Follicular development in ovarian transplants in the domestic fowl

When the ovary was transplanted from the normal site to one near the posterior kidney on the body wall of a young bird, the ovary developed to maturity and appeared to be almost normal. However, using coloured dyes which were taken up by the yolks as bands of colour, it was established that the follicular development and ovarian organisation were upset, possibly due to the lack of a normal innervation of the ovary.     

Reduction in age of puberty in gilts consuming melatonin during decreasing or increasing daylength

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether oral administration of melatonin alters the onset of puberty in gilts during naturally increasing or decreasing daylength. In Exp. 1, 20 crossbred prepubertal gilts weighing 77.5 +/- .5 kg at 171.8 +/- 1.0 d of age were assigned randomly to receive either a daily oral dose of 3 mg of melatonin (MEL) or ethanol vehicle (ETH) at 1530 from August 31 to December 1, 1987 (decreasing daylength). Gilts were exposed to mature boars for 20 min thrice weekly and blood samples were collected twice weekly. Serum concentrations of progesterone were used to establish age at puberty and length of estrous cycle. In Exp. 2, 20 crossbred prepubertal gilts weighing 67.7 +/- .7 kg at 143.8 +/- 1.1 d of age received either MEL or ETH treatment from February 1 to May 15, 1988 (increasing daylength). Age of puberty was less in gilts that received MEL than in gilts that received ETH in both Exp. 1 (198 +/- 3 vs 228 +/- 7 d; P less than .01) and Exp. 2 (183.8 +/- 2.7 d vs 194.3 +/- 3.3 d; P less than .05). Gilts that received MEL reached puberty at a lighter weight than gilts that received ETH in Exp. 1 (95.6 +/- 2.1 vs 112.4 +/- 3.9 kg; P less than .01) and Exp. 2 (88.1 +/- 1.5 vs 96.0 +/- 1.8 kg; P less than .01). Serum concentrations of LH and FSH, length of estrous cycles, and percentage of muscle of carcasses were similar between MEL and ETH gilts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Genetic relationships of body composition, serum leptin, and age at puberty in gilts

Leptin produced by adipocytes acts through leptin receptors in the hypothalamus to control appetite and food intake and thus communicates information about degree of fatness. It is thought that a degree of body fat is required for initiation of puberty and maintenance of reproductive function in mammals. The objective of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms in the leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), paired box 5 (PAX5), aldo-keto reductase (AKR), and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) genes were associated with age, leptin concentration, backfat as an indicator of body condition, or BW at puberty in 3 lines of gilts and to characterize genetic relationships among these traits. The first 2 lines, born in 2001, were formed by crossing maternal White Cross (Yorkshire x Maternal Landrace) gilts to Duroc (n = 210) or (lean) Landrace (n = 207) boars. The remaining line (n = 507), born in 2002, was formed by crossing progeny of the Duroc- and Landrace-sired lines. At first estrus, age, BW (BWP), and backfat (BFP) at puberty were recorded and blood was collected for leptin assays. Nine SNP were detected in candidate genes/regions: 1 in LEP, 3 in LEPR, 1 in PAX5, 2 in AKR, and 2 in POMC. Animals were genotyped for each of the SNP; genotypes were validated using GenoProb. The association model included fixed effects of farrowing group, covariates of SNP genotypic probabilities (from GenoProb), and random additive polygenic effects to account for genetic similarities between animals not explained by SNP. Variance components for polygenic effects and error were estimated using MTDFREML. Leptin concentrations were logarithmically transformed for data analysis. All 4 traits were moderately to highly heritable (0.38 to 0.48). Age and leptin at puberty had a significant (P < 0.01) genetic correlation at -0.63 +/- 0.097, and the genetic correlation between BWP and age at puberty was 0.65 +/- 0.083 (P < 0.01). Significant additive associations (a; P < 0.05) were detected at PAX5 for age at puberty (a = 3.2 d) and for BFP (a = 0.61 mm). One SNP in LEPR was associated with leptin concentration (a = 0.31 log units; P < 0.05). The associations from PAX5 correspond to a QTL peak for age at puberty detected on SSC1. Although not necessarily the causative mutation, this result implies that a QTL that can decrease age at puberty without increasing BFP and BWP at puberty may exist in this region in commercial pigs.     

The effect of fixed-time artificial insemination protocol initiated at different stages of the estrous cycle on follicle development and ovulation in gilts

Hormonal products have been developed for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) to improve the efficiency of swine production. Here, we evaluated the effect of an FTAI protocol initiated during different phases of the estrous cycle on follicle development and ovulation in gilts. A total of 36 gilts were equally divided into three groups designated as the luteal (L), follicular (F), and post-ovulation (O) groups and fed with 20 mg of altrenogest for 18 days, followed by intramuscular injection of 1000 IU PMSG at 42 h after withdrawal of altrenogest, and 100 μg of GnRH after an 80-h interval. The L group had the highest number of follicles 4–6 mm in diameter, as well as corpora hemorrhagica. The mRNA expression of caspase-9 in the L group were significantly lower than those in the O and F groups (P < 0.05), while CYP11A1 and VEGF mRNA expression levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Moreover, FSHR mRNA levels were significantly higher in the O group than in the L, F, and control groups (P < 0.05). LHCGR and CYP19A1 mRNA levels were the highest in the F group (P < 0.05). Thus, the changes in the expression of genes associated with follicular development, maturation, and ovulation identified in this study indicated that initiation of the FTAI protocol during the luteal phase induced a better environment for follicle development and ovulation in gilts.     

快速生长小母猪较早进行人工授精后对繁殖性能的影响

本试验的目的是研究提早具有较快生长速度(GR)的小母猪的配种时间,是否会降低其头3胎的繁殖性能、提高其1～3胎的淘汰率。试验选用568头Camborough 22小母猪,按配种时的体重和年龄分成3组:第一组(G1组)164头,生长速度高于等于700g/d,配种年龄低于210d;第二组(G2)165头,生长速度高于等于700g/d,配种年龄高于210d;第三组(G3)239头,生长速度低于700g/d,配种年龄高于210d。所有试验小母猪从150d起采取自由采食,并于其第二个或随后的发情期配种。第一胎,G2组小母猪的平均产仔数多于其它组(P<0.05)。然而,在对三胎产仔数进行分析后表明,各组小母猪在总产仔数(分别为11.6、12.3和11.7头)、分娩率(分别为87.1%、88.7%和和89.8%)和淘汰率(分别为30.2%、25.3%和28.2%)上没有显著差异(P>0.05)。因此,日龄在185～210d、体重为127kg的小母猪,可以在其第二个或随后的发情期中给予配种,且配种不会影响其头3胎的生产性能。     

Mammary gland development and hormone levels in pregnant Upton-Meishan and large white gilts

Genetic differences between Upton-Meishan (UM, n = 13) and Large White (LW, n = 14) gilts were studied with regard to mammary gland development and concentrations of hormones. Gilts were weighed and their backfat measured at mating, and at d 70 and 109 of gestation. Jugular blood samples were also collected at these times and assayed for prolactin, cortisol, IGF-I, insulin, glucose, progesterone, and estradiol. Gilts were slaughtered on d 110 of gestation. One row of mammary glands was used for dissection and biochemical analyses. The other row was used for determination of prolactin receptor number and affinity. UM gilts weighed less (P<0.05) and had more backfat (P<0.01) than LW gilts at all times. Parenchymal tissue weight was less (P<0.05) in UM gilts. Percent fat (P<0.001) and dry matter (P<0.001) in parenchymal tissue were greater in UM gilts while that of protein (P<0.001) was lower. Total protein weight in parenchyma was also lower in parenchyma was also lower in UM gilts (P = 0.01). Both DNA (P<0.001) and RNA (P<0.001) contents were lower in UM gilts while RNA/DNA remained similar (P>0.1). Number of prolactin receptors were lower (P = 0.06) and affinity greater (P<0.05) in UM gilts. Cortisol levels were greater (P<0.01) in UM gilts while other hormones were not affected (P> 0.1). Results clearly demonstrate genetic differences with regard to mammogenesis in gilts and suggest that the less mammary gland development in Upton-Meishan compared with Large White breed of gilts may be related to lower number of prolactin receptors.     

Study of follicular development and heredity of morphological types of ovaries in prepuberal gilts

Two different morphological types of ovaries ("grape" and "other" types) previously described by microscopic examination were studied on 107 live gilts. The ovarian type and distribution of macroscopic follicles during the prepuberal period were determined at 140, 160 and 180 d of age by laparoscopic examination. The incidence of grape-type (GT) ovaries was higher (P less than .05) at 140 d of age (50.5%) than at 160 d (38.3%) or 180 d (35.5%). At maturity (d 19 of the first postweaning estrus), 37.7% of the ovaries were classified as GT. The proportion of gilts that maintained their initial type (at 140 d of age) at 160 d, 180 d and at maturity was higher (P less than .05) for the gilts having the other-type (OT) ovaries (49% and 25% for OT and GT, respectively). The mean number of small follicles (1 to 3 mm in diameter) was higher (P less than .05) for the OT ovaries at 140 d (71.5 vs 18.0), at 160 d (79.3 vs 26.2) and at 180 d (77.0 vs 32.8). The number of follicles of 4 to 5 mm was higher (P less than .05) for GT ovaries at 140 d (16.4 vs 4.8), at 160 d (20.9 vs 4.8) and at 180 d of age (21.4 vs 5.7). The large follicles (greater than or equal to 6 mm) were more numerous for the GT at 140 d (7.0 vs .3), at 160 d (5.7 vs .5) and at 180 d (4.4 vs .6). No statistical difference was observed at maturity in the distribution of follicles between the two types.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of aspiration pressure during oocyte harvesting on oocyte recovery and in vitro development of ovine oocytes.

Oocytes from abattoir-sourced ovine ovaries were aspirated from 2- to 4-mm follicles using 25, 50 or 100 mmHg pressure and an aspiration pump, or a needle (20-G) and syringe (2.5 ml) and subjected to in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture to determine the effect of aspiration pressure on the number and quality of oocytes recovered, and early embryonic development. Oocyte recovery rate was similar between groups (range: 57.1-73.1%; p > 0.05). The number and percentage of grade I and II oocytes recovered was reduced for 100 mm (24.5 +/- 3.6 and 31.1 +/- 6.1%) compared with 25 mm (51.4 +/- 7.0 and 60.2 +/- 7.8%) and 50 mm pressure (40.8 +/- 5.6 and 50.3 +/- 4.4%) and a syringe (40.3 +/- 12.0 and 45.2 +/- 2.1%; p < 0.05). Oocyte cleavage was similar for all groups at 24 (range: 30.9-49.6%) and 48 h post-insemination (49.7-65.5%), but blastocyst formation (% cleaved oocytes) was lower for oocytes aspirated with 25 mm (37.8%) than 50 (69.2%) or 100 mm (67.2%) pressure, and a syringe (72.0%; p < 0.05). Embryo production efficiency (% of oocytes cultured developing to the blastocyst stage) was higher for oocytes aspirated with 50 mm (45.4%) and 100 mm pressure (43.8%) and a syringe (45.0%) than 25 mm pressure (18.8%; p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the aspiration of ovine oocytes with an aspiration pressure of 50 mm, or aspiration with a needle and syringe are equally efficacious for the in vitro production of embryos.     

Luteinizing hormone secretion in ovariectomized gilts: effects of age, reproductive state and estrogen replacement

Crossbred gilts were ovariectomized (OVX) at 120, 150, 180 and 210 d of age to determine whether various characteristics of luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations are influenced by age and reproductive state (prepuberal vs postpuberal). All 120-d-old gilts were prepuberal and all 210-d-old animals were postpuberal, whereas gilts 150 and 180 d old included both prepuberal and postpuberal animals. Blood was collected at 15-min intervals for 2 h, 2 d before OVX (d -2), and 2 (d +2), 8 (d +8) and 14 (d +14) d after OVX. Mean LH concentrations for prepuberal gilts were similar among age groups (P greater than .05) on d -2 and +2; however, LH increased (P greater than .05) from d -2 to +2. No change in LH secretion was found in postpuberal gilts during these two periods. After OVX, LH increased from d +2 to +14 in both prepuberal and postpuberal gilts in all age groups. In postpuberal gilts, LH increased linearly (P less than .05) between d +2 and +14; rate of increase accelerated with advancing age (P less than .01). In prepuberal gilts, LH increased in a nonlinear manner, but it did not increase between d +2 and +8. The increase observed in prepuberal and postpuberal gilts after OVX resulted primarily from an increase in magnitude of peak concentrations of LH. Implants of estradiol-17 beta (E2) were used to determine whether the postovariectomy increase in LH is affected differently by E2 in prepuberal and postpuberal gilts during advancing ages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)