The Effect of Cloprostenol on the Incidence of Multiple Ovulation and Anovulatory Hemorrhagic Follicles in Two Mares: A Case Report

Reproductive records of the entire lives of two mares with abnormally high incidence of multiple ovulation and hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles were analyzed retrospectively. Chi-square analysis was used to test statistically the effect of cloprostenol, a prostaglandin F2 analog, on the incidence of multiple ovulations, hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles, and its ultrasonographic appearance. A total of 319 estrous cycles during a 17-year period were analyzed. Cycles induced with cloprostenol were more likely (P < .000) to develop hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles than spontaneous cycles. The incidence of multiple ovulation was higher in induced cycles than in spontaneous cycles in one of the two mares.     

Uterine Vascular Perfusion and Involution During the Postpartum Period in Mares

In horses, limited data is found regarding the vascular events during uterine involution at the puerperal period. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the morphological aspects (size of uterus and intrauterine fluid content) and the hemodynamics (endometrial and mesometrial vascular perfusion) of the uterus during its postpartum involution process. Ten mares were daily scanned by transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography from the first day postpartum (d1) to the 16th day after first postpartum ovulation (D0 = ovulation). The formerly gravid horn (GH) and formerly nongravid horn (NH) were individually evaluated. A reduction (P < .05) in the uterine diameter was observed during the first 7 days postpartum, and the rate of uterine involution decreased after this period. The involution was completed on d21 and d24 for the NH and GH, respectively. Presence of intrauterine fluid was present in large amounts between d1 and d2 postpartum, followed by a decrease (P < .05) between d4 and d7. No fluid was observed after d16 postpartum or after the third day postovulation (D3). During the early postpartum period, an increase (P < .05) in the endometrial and mesometrial vascularization was detected, respectively, between d1 and d4, and between d1 and d2. The vascular perfusion did not differ after d4 for endometrial tissue, whereas was reduced (P < .05) between d2 and d10 for mesometrium. After the first postpartum ovulation, an increase (P < .05) in vascular perfusion was observed from D0 to D5, followed by a decrease (P < .05) between D5 and D11 and an increase (P < .05) between D11 and D14. The novel vascular perfusion profile here described in the endometrium and mesometrium after ovulation is similar to the uterine vascular profile observed during estrous cycles and early pregnancy, indicating a fast return of the mare's uterus to cycling postpartum conditions.     

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.     

Assessment of Uterine Vascular Perfusion During the Estrous Cycle of Mares in Connection to Circulating Leptin and Nitric Oxide Concentrations

The objective of this study was to find difference in vascular perfusion of uterine horns or uterine body throughout the estrous cycle and their relation to circulating nitric oxide and leptin concentrations. Five cyclic mares were subjected to transrectal Doppler ultrasonography and blood sampling for 18 days. Area of color and power Doppler modes was measured in pixels. Day (P = .0001) of the estrous cycle and ovulation (P = .0001) influenced uterine blood flow. Uterine body blood flow directed away from the transducer (blue, P = .0001) increased from day −5 until day 0 (day of ovulation), and its power (P = .0001) blood flow increased from day −6 until day 0; then, both decreased until days 12 and 10, respectively. Conversely to the contralateral uterine horn, ipsilateral uterine horn blood flow directed away from the transducer (blue, P = .0001) increased from day −5 until day −1, and its power (P = .0001) blood flow increased from day −6 until day 0; then, both decreased until day 10. Nitric oxide concentrations (P = .0001) attained two major peaks; the first on day −3 and the other persisted from day 2 until day 5. Leptin concentrations increased (P > .001) with a maximum value on day 0 and then decreased until a minimum value on day 9. In conclusion, during the estrous cycle, ipsilateral uterine horn and uterine body blood vessels had similar blood flow. Both leptin and nitric oxide played a role during follicle growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum development and modulated uterine blood flow before and after ovulation.     

Evaluation of Injectable Sustained Release Progestin Formulations for Suppression of Estrus and Ovulation in Mares

Thirty-one mares were used in an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of three sustained-release injectable formulations of altrenogest and one formulation of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for long-term suppression of estrus and ovulation. Luteolysis was induced by injection of prostaglandin-F_2α (Lutalyse) on day 0 (6th day after the previous ovulation) and was immediately followed by treatment with 1) no injection (controls; n = 7), 2) 1.5 mL of an altrenogest solution in sustained-release vehicle (LA 150, 1.5 mL; 225 mg altrenogest; n = 6), 3) 3 mL (450 mg altrenogest) of the same solution (n = 6), 4) 500 mg altrenogest in lactide-glycolide microparticles suspended in 7-mL vehicle (MP 500; n = 6), or 5) 1.0 g MPA as a 5-mL suspension. Mares were checked for estrus daily, and their ovaries scanned every other day until a 25-mm or greater follicle was detected, after which they were scanned daily. Control mares returned to estrus an average of 3.9 days after Lutalyse administration; all the single-injection altrenogest formulations increased (P < .05) the days to return to estrus, with the greatest increase occurring in mares receiving MP 500. Return to estrus was not affected by MPA treatment. Time of ovulation was determined by serial ultrasound scans and confirmed by daily plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations. Control mares ovulated an average of 8.8 days after Lutalyse administration. Treatment with 1.5 or 3 mL of LA 150 increased (P < .05) the mean days to ovulation to 16.5 and 21.2 days, respectively; MP 500 increased (P < .05) the days to ovulation to 33.5 days. Administration of MPA did not affect (P > .1) days to ovulation relative to control mares. The MP 500 treatment provided long-term suppression of estrus and ovulation and could prove useful for that purpose. Treatment with the LA 150 solutions provided shorter-term suppression, and a relatively tight grouping of the individual mares around the mean days to ovulation; these one-shot formulations could be useful for synchronizing ovulation in cyclic mares and inducing normal estrous cyclicity in vernal transitional mares exhibiting erratic, anovulatory estrous periods.     

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.     

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。     

A Field Study of Serum,Colostrum, Milk Iodine,and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Postpartum Draft Mares and Foals

Iodine, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are required for normal fetal growth, maturation, and neonatal survival. There is a lack of robust information on iodine levels found in colostrum, milk, and serum of mares and foals after a healthy pregnancy. Our objective was to characterize colostrum, milk, and serum iodine levels in healthy postpartum mares and foals (n = 10) and explore relationships with thyroid hormone concentrations. Colostrum, milk, and jugular blood samples from draft breed mares and foals with an estimated average iodine daily intake of 39 mg per mare during pregnancy were obtained at Day 0 (foaling date) and/or 10 days later. Parameters studied were (1) mare basal concentrations of serum: TT3, TT4, and iodine; (2) iodine in colostrum at Day 0 and milk iodine (Day 10); and (3) foal basal: TT3, TT4, and serum iodine (Days 0 and 10). Median ± median error colostrum iodine levels (165 ± 15.1 μg/L) were higher than milk (48 ± 5.6 μg/L; P = .007) levels. Median ± median error foal serum iodine (268.5 ± 7.6 μg/L), TT4 (1,225 ± 47.8 nmol/L), and TT3 (14.2 ± 1.1 nmol/L) at foaling date were higher than at 10 days (serum iodine: 70 ± 3.6 μg/L; TT4: 69.6. ± 20.4 nmol/L; and TT3: 5.4 ± 0.3 nmol/L). In conclusion, equine mammary tissue concentrates iodine beyond plasma levels, making colostrum and milk a significant source of iodine. Foal serum iodine levels are high in the neonatal period and are positively correlated with TT4, which is important for neonatal adaptation.     

Comparison of the Cytology Brush and Cotton Swab in the Cytological Evaluation of the Endometrium in Mares with Regard to Fertility

The aim of this study was to compare the cytology brush (CB) and cotton swab (CS) in the cytological evaluation of the endometrium in mares with regard to fertility. The study was conducted on 26 mares displaying spontaneous estrus. Samples for cytological evaluation were taken from each mare by using commercially available CS and CB. After sample collection, all mares were mated in the same estrus, and pregnancy diagnosis was performed 14-18 days after last mating. No vaginal cells were found in smears, and the CB technique yielded significantly more cells/high-power field (HPF) than the CS technique. Additionally, more cases of endometritis were diagnosed using the CB than the CS. It was also shown that the degree of inflammation is more important in diagnosis of infertility in the mare than the mere presence or absence of inflammation. In conclusion, further studies are needed to establish more precise criteria for the interpretation of inflammation, especially if samples are collected using the CB.     

The Level of Prolactin,Serum Amyloid A,and Selected Biochemical Markers in Mares Before and After Parturition and Foal Heat

The aim of the study was to determine the level of prolactin (PRL), serum amyloid A (SAA), and selected biochemical markers (T-Chol, AST, TP, Mg²⁺, P⁺, and Ca²⁺) in the blood of mares during the perinatal period. The study involved 14 mares of the Polish Coldblood Horse breed, which were in the third trimester of pregnancy. Blood was collected for testing 2 weeks before parturition and then 24 hours after delivery and in the foal heat (9 days) and 9 days after ovulation and breeding. The research revealed significant differences in the level of PRL and SAA before and after delivery. The highest PRL level was found 24 hours after delivery, lowest in foal heat and 9 days after ovulation. Serum amyloid A concentration was within the accepted norms; however, on day 9 after foaling, a significant increase of this protein was observed. All biochemical markers were within physiological limits. However, significant increases in T-Chol, AST, and TP levels was observed 24 hours after the delivery, whereas in foal heat and after ovulation levels of T-Chol and TP significantly decreased and the AST level remained at a similar level. There were no significant changes in electrolyte levels such as Mg²⁺, P⁺, and Ca²⁺. The pregnancy rate in the foal heat was at 43%. Collectively, the results of this study in conjunction with clinical observations demonstrated that when the perinatal period was normal, no disturbances in health related to pregnancy, parturition, lactation, and reproductive status during the postpartum period were found.     

Blood Response to Mercury Exposure in Athletic Horse From Messina,Italy

Mercury (Hg) exists in various chemical forms, and it is different to health effects. The most toxic effects occur in the central nervous system during fetal development with irreversible alterations of the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex and, it is essential to monitor the tissue residues of Hg to protect the animal’s health. The present investigation was carried out during May 2019 in 20 horses located in equine sport center near the area of Milazzo, Messina, that is a part of Sicilian territory heavily polluted by many toxic substances. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of Hg in blood, serum, food, and water administered to horses and from the hematological profile as a biomarker of blood in relation to the bioaccumulation of Hg. The hematologic parameters (red blood cell, white blood cell, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and platelets) were processed with an automated hematology analyzer, and Hg concentrations were determined by DMA-80. To carry out the variation in the Hg levels in serum and blood, the data were subjected to paired t-test analysis; post-hoc comparisons were performed using Tukey’s test. The differences were considered statistically significant when P < .05. Paired t-test showed that in blood samples, Hg concentrations were significantly higher than the serum, and blood samples were positively correlated with serum (r = 0.99; P < .0001). The Hg contents determined in blood, serum, hay, and water samples were below the respective benchmarks, and therefore, we can exclude any toxicological risk for athletic horse.     

Turnover of Dominant Follicles prior to First Ovulation and Subsequent Fertility in Postpartum Dairy Cows

Contents: The ovaries of 64 multiparous Holstein cows were scanned twice weekly by ultrasonographyfrom Day 6 postpartum until 60 days or return to normal estrous cycle, and turnover of dominant follicles in relation to subsequent fertility were determined. The mean (SD) number of days from parturition to detection of the first postpartum dominant follicle (10 mm) was 9.0 0.5, which was predominantly located in the ovary contralateral to previous pregnancy in 54/64 cows. The first postpartum dominant follicle ovulated in 34 cows, failed to ovulate in 18, became cystic in 10, and only 2 were diagnosed as ovarian quiescent which delayed the detection of dominant follicles until days 25 and 30 postpartum. Number of dominant follicles in cows with anovulated first dominant follicle was 2.8. 1.1 prior to first ovulation (range 2–5). Growth and regression of cystic follicles were observed 24 times in 6110 cows, and a total of 20 cystic follicles persisted 32.7 9.0 days (range 18–58 days) except one which persisted for 124 days. Conception rate was 89.5% and postpartum interval to conception within 180 d after calving was 96.7 days in cows detected with less than 3 dominant follicles before first ovulation compared with those of 42.9% and 141 days in cows detected with more than 4 dominant follicles. It is concluded that the number of dominant follicles detected prior to first ovulation varied from I to 5, which positively correlated with ovulation intervals, while only those cows which first ovulated less than 3 dominant follicles resulted in reasonable reproductive performance.     

成纤维细胞生长因子FGF11、13、18对小鼠毛囊第一生长周期作用的研究

为了探究成纤维生长因子家族(Fibroblast growth factor families,FGFs)中,FGF11、13、18对毛囊的生长发育的作用,本研究以3/5/8/13/16/18/20/23日龄小鼠背部皮肤为试验样本,利用免疫组织化学技术、实时荧光定量PCR和蛋白免疫印迹技术检测FGF11、FGF13、FGF18基因及蛋白在小鼠背部皮肤的分布和表达情况。定位结果显示:FGF11、FGF13、FGF18在皮肤真皮乳头、毛基质、内根鞘、外根鞘和皮脂腺表达,而FGF13在膨大部、基底层和表皮也表达,FGF18也表达在膨大部和表皮。定量结果均显示:FGF11的表达没有一定的规律;FGF13在13日龄表达量最低,从16日龄开始上升;FGF18从3日龄表达量开始降低,16日龄降到最低,18日龄开始上升。提示:FGF11对小鼠毛囊第一生长周期可能没有明显和特定的调节作用;FGF13可能对毛囊的自我更新有一定的作用,诱导毛囊从静止期向再生长期过渡,促进毛囊生长;而FGF18在毛囊生长周期中从静止期向生长期过度有一定的作用,可促使毛囊从静止期进入再生长期。     

Follicular Dynamics,Interval to Ovulation and Fertility After AI in Short‐Term Progesterone and PGF2α Oestrous Synchronization Protocol in Sheep

The study was aimed to assess the influence that short‐term progesterone treatments have on follicular dynamics, oestrus and ovulation in sheep. The treatment was tested thereafter in a field trial to assess its fertility after AI with fresh semen. In a first experiment, 12 ewes without CL were grouped to receive a new (n = 6) or used CIDR (n = 6) for 7 days and blood samples were obtained to follow plasma progesterone profiles. In a second experiment, 39 cycling ewes were synchronized by a 7‐day P4+PGF2α protocol using a new (n = 20) or a 7‐day used CIDR (n = 19). Half of both groups received 400 IU eCG and half remained untreated as controls. Ultrasound ovarian examination and oestrous detection were used to compare follicular dynamics, oestrus and ovulation in both groups. In a third experiment, 288 ewes in 3 farms were synchronized by the short‐term P4+PGF2α+eCG protocol and ewes were AI with fresh semen 24 h after oestrous detection. Lambing performance was used to test the fertility of the treatment. In Experiment 1, ewes with new inserts presented higher P4 concentration than ewes with used inserts throughout the sampling period (p < 0.05) and exhibited a P4 peak at days 1‐2 of the treatment that was not observed in ewes with used inserts. In Experiment 2, ewes treated with new and used inserts show similar ovarian and behavioral traits (p > 0.10). However, ewes treated with eCG show shorter interval to oestrus (p = 0.004) and tend to have larger mature CL (p = 0.06). In Experiment 3, oestrous presentation and lambing performance after AI with fresh semen was considered normal compared to published results. Results suggest that the oestrous synchronization protocol based on P4+PGF2α allows little control of follicular dynamics without compromising fertility after AI with fresh semen provided that eCG is added at the end of the treatment.     

约氏乳杆菌对大鼠生长性能、血液指标及脏器指数的影响

本试验旨在研究约氏乳杆菌对大鼠生长性能、血液指标及脏器指数的影响。试验选取SD大鼠80只,雌雄各半。大鼠按照体重相近的原则随机分为4个剂量组,即阴性对照组、试验Ⅰ(5 000 mg/kg体重)、试验Ⅱ(1 000 mg/kg体重)和试验Ⅲ组(200 mg/kg体重)。试验期为30 d。结果表明:试验剂量为200~1 000 mg/kg体重时,约氏乳杆菌对大鼠体增重、总采食量、饲料转化率、血液学指标和病理学指标的影响无显著性差异(P>0.05);试验剂量为5 000 mg/kg体重时,谷草转氨酶、血糖、总胆固醇差异不显著(P>0.05);与其他剂量组相比,大鼠的体增重和总采食量显著降低(P<0.05),但饲料转化率无显著差异(P>0.05);谷丙转氨酶水平显著降低(P<0.05),白蛋白和总蛋白显著增高(P<0.05);雌性大鼠尿素氮和雄性大鼠肌酐显著增高(P<0.05)。综合分析,约氏乳杆菌剂量低于1 000 mg/kg体重时,对大鼠平均日增重、血液指标及脏器指数无影响;约氏乳杆菌剂量高于5 000 mg/kg体重时,对大鼠脏器指数有影响。     

6月龄去势对延边黄牛生长性能、血液睾酮及生长激素水平的影响

为研究6月龄去势对延边黄牛生长性能及血液激素的影响,试验选用20头6月龄体重、体况相近的延边黄牛,随机分成2组,每组10头,试验组黄牛6月龄去势,对照组不去势,试验期12个月。试验期间在试验牛6、8、10、12、14、16及18月龄的当月12号称重并测量体尺,每次称重前一天早上空腹经颈静脉采血,检测血清睾酮和生长激素的含量。结果显示,试验期间试验组黄牛去势后体重均低于对照组,其中8月龄时差异显著（P < 0.05）;试验组延边黄牛体高、胸围、体斜长均低于对照组,但差异均不显著（P > 0.05）,6~8月龄时,试验组去势黄牛体高的增长显著低于对照组（P < 0.05）,12~14月龄时,试验组显著高于对照组（P < 0.05）,其他月龄间两组差异不显著（P > 0.05）。试验组黄牛去势后血清睾酮水平极显著或显著低于对照组（P < 0.01;P < 0.05）,试验组黄牛血液生长激素水平低于对照组,其中8月龄时差异显著（P < 0.05）。综上所述,6月龄去势能够降低延边黄牛体重的增长,但对体尺影响不大,且能降低延边黄牛血清睾酮及生长激素水平。     

Effects of Castration at 6 Months Old on Growth Performance,Testosterone and Growth Hormone Levels in Blood of Yanbian Cattle

In order to study the effect of castration at 6 months old on growth performance and blood hormones of Yanbian cattle at 6 to 18 months of age, 20 Yanbian cattle that were 6 months old with similar body weight and body size indexes were randomly divided into 2 groups. The cattle in test group was castrated at 6 months old,and that in control group did not do any treatment,and the test period was 12 months. At the 12th of 6,8,10,12,14,16 and 18 months old,the body weight and body size indexes were measured,and the fasting blood sample were collected the day before 12th to detect the serum testosterone and growth hormone. The results showed that the body weight of the test group was lower than that of the control group,and there was a significant difference at 8 months old (P < 0.05). The body height,body length and chest circumference of the test group were lower than that of control group(P>0.05),and the increase of body height of test group was significantly lower than that of control group at the age of 6 to 8 months old (P < 0.05),while that was significant higher than control group at 12 to 14 months old (P < 0.05). The level of serum testosterone in the test group was extremely significantly or significantly lower than that in the control group after castration (P < 0.01;P < 0.05), and the level of serum growth hormone in Yanbian cattle was significantly lower than that in the control group at 8 months old (P < 0.05). In summary,the castration at 6 months old could reduce the growth of body weight,serum testosterone and growth hormone levels of Yanbian cattle,but had little effect on the body size.     

日粮中添加半胱胺对雄性水貂的生产性能、血液激素水平的影响

选用64只初始体重和日龄均匀的雄性美洲标准水貂,随机分成4组,每组16只。采用单因子随机试验设计,研究水貂日粮中添加半胱胺对育成期雄性水貂的生产性能、血液激素水平和冬毛生长期毛皮质量的影响。结果表明,在日粮中添加半胱胺100 mg/kg体重和200 mg/kg体重,可显著提高雄性美洲标准水貂120日龄时的体重(P<0.05),并极显著提高80~120日龄的日增重(P<0.01)。日粮中添加100 mg/kg体重和200 mg/kg体重半胱胺能提高育成期水貂血液中甲状腺素T3和T4的水平;添加200 mg/kg体重半胱胺也能提高育成期水貂血液中的生长激素水平。冬毛生长期日粮中添加200 mg/kg体重的半胱胺能明显提高冬皮的皮重/皮长指数。     

Relationship Among Follicular Growth, Oestrus, Time of Ovulation, Endogenous Estradiol 17β and Luteinizing Hormone in Bos Indicus Cows After a Synchronization Program

To determine the pattern of follicular growth during oestrus and the relationship with estradiol and luteinizing hormone in ovulating and non-ovulating cows, three groups of (n = 10), thirty cyclic, Bos indicus cows were synchronized with CIDR, consecutively at 9-day intervals. Twenty-four hours after implant withdrawal, all cows synchronized in the same group with other cows displaying estrous behaviour after implant withdrawal were subjected to an intensive period of ultrasonographic observations (every 6 h for 120 h). Blood samples were taken to evaluate LH surge and 17-beta estradiol. No differences were observed in follicular growth, ovulatory diameter and growth average in the three groups of synchronized cows. Cows ovulating (CO) had a better growth average in comparison with the group of cows not ovulating (CNO) (1.4 +/- 0.7 mm vs 0.7 +/- 0.5 mm, p < 0.06). The average time from estradiol release to LH surge was 39.3 +/- 24.6 h. Differences were also observed between CO and CNO with respect to both the first concentration (27.7 +/- 5.2 vs 58.6 +/- 31.9, p < 0.004) and last concentration (79.3 +/- 23.3 vs 99.2 +/- 27.3, p < 0.05) of estradiol above 5 pg/ml. The average time from overt signs of oestrus to LH release was 8.4 +/- 7.7 h. In the CNO, the increase in LH concentration was never above two SD from the basal average. In conclusion, there is a wide variability in follicular growth and ovulatory diameter between CO and CNO, which can affect the intervals of LH release, estradiol peak and ovulation. Yet, LH surge might be a good marker for timing ovulation in Zebu cows.     

促生长激素释放肽-2对雅南生长猪生产性能、胴体性状和血液生化指标的影响

试验研究注射促生长激素释放肽(GHRP-2)对雅南猪生产性能、胴体性状和血液生化指标的影响。试验采用单因子试验设计,试验组隔天肌肉注射20μg/kg BW GHRP-2,对照组隔天注射同等剂量的生理盐水。试验期为4周。结果表明:与对照组相比,注射20μg/kgBW GHRP-2显著提高了蛋白质的消化利用率和血清中总蛋白的水平;有提高日增重、饲料转化率的趋势,但不影响日采食量;对猪胴体性状没有明显影响。