Effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization and artificial insemination success in farmers flock in sheep under semi-arid tropical region

Environmental cues in the different seasons might influence the estrus and lambing percentages. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination success in sheep . During the period from 2012 to 2017, a total of 1,197 ewes of Kheri and Malpura breeds of 34 farms originating from 10 villages were synchronized for estrus and then fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was done. Oestrous synchronization was done by intravaginal progesterone sponges and eCG protocol. Fixed-time cervical insemination was performed 48 and 56 hr after sponge removal in ewes exhibiting estrus, using liquid chilled semen containing 100 million sperm per dose of Patanwadi/Malpura rams. Mean sunshine hours, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures, temperature amplitude, mean relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), mean temperature during sponge-in to sponge-out—12-day period, sponge-out and next day, AI day and AI to next 15 days have been calculated. The estrus response and lambing percentage were higher (p < .05) when ES and FTAI were done during hot-humid with rainfall season. Successful (p < .05) ES occur when the minimum temperature was higher in cold-humid season, and the sunshine hour was higher in hot-humid with scanty rainfall season during sponge-in to sponge-out period. The success of the lambing percentage was higher (p < .05) when maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and THI was higher on the day of AI and the next 15-day period, irrespective of the season. The success of FTAI indicates the adaptability of the local breed to tolerate the harsh climate of the hot semi-arid region without much hindrance in lambing percentages.     

半血野牦牛超数排卵研究

为提高高寒环境下牦牛的繁殖能力,选用青海大通种牛场半血野牦牛(n=12),进行了同期发情和超数排卵试验。结果表明,用氯前列烯醇处理后的发情率为(12/12)100%,用药后25~36 h之间发情的占(3/12)25%、37~48 h之间发情的占(9/12)75%。用中科院动物所生产FSH8.4 mg、FSH8.8 mg、PVP包埋FSH8.5 mg和新西兰产FSH15 mg进行超数排卵。结果表明,用中科院动物所生产FSH8.8mg超数排卵处理后,回收胚胎17枚,有效胚胎12枚,头均4枚;用新西兰产FSH15 mg超数排卵后,回收胚胎2枚,有效胚胎2枚,头均0.7枚,其他两组没有得到胚胎。     

甘肃省进口肉牛冷冻胚胎移植的研究

1999年5月至2000年12月在甘肃省武威市、平凉市、信县、灵台县开展了进口肉牛冷冻胚胎移植工作。经过对386头当地黄牛母牛及杂交母牛进行了诱导同期发情，结果获得84．9％的同期发情率和77．1％的黄体合格率。对于黄体合格的253头母牛进行了进口肉牛冷冻胚胎移植，获移植妊娠率50．9％，其中45头受体牛由甘肃省家畜繁育中心技术人员移植，获得51．1％的移植妊娠率。对同一批次经产牛与青年牛移植妊娠结果、常规法与一步法解冻胚胎移植妊娠结果进行了对比分析，结果显示，经产牛移植妊娠率（37．5％）显著低于青年牛（56．6％）常规胚胎解冻法与一步细管解冻法解冻胚胎，移植妊娠率差异显著（41．6％，69．5％，P＜0．05），后者较高。     

Effects of starch and protein sources on starch disappearance in the gastrointestinal tract of Hanwoo (Korean native) steers

Hanwoo (Korean native) steers (274.8 ± 4.6 kg) with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to examine the effects of dietary treatments on starch disappearance in the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary treatments consisted of concentrate that were based on ground corn with soybean meal (C‐SBM), ground corn with corn gluten meal (C‐CGM), ground barley with soybean meal (B‐SBM) and ground barley with corn gluten meal (B‐CGM). Although the intakes of starch and protein for steers fed experimental diets were different, it did not change ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations. Average duodenal CP flow and quantity of CP apparently digested post‐ruminally was higher (P = 0.001) for CGM‐based diets than SBM‐based diets. There were increases in quantity (P < 0.001) and percentage (P < 0.001) of corn starch digested post‐ruminally compared to barley starch. Synchronized diets showed higher percentages (P = 0.03) of starch apparently digested post‐ruminally than asynchronization. Hanwoo steers fed a corn‐based diet with a large quantity of starch reaching the duodenum and fed C‐CGM supplying great amounts of protein to the small intestine may have contributed to increased post‐ruminal starch digestion.     

Efficacy of using previously used controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insert on the reproductive performance,hormone profiles and economic measures of sheep

This study was conducted using 120 multiparous Awassi ewes during the breeding season to compare the effects of using previously used controlled internal drug release (CIDR) on the hormone profiles, reproductive performance and economic measures of ewes. Ewes were randomized to receive one of five previously used CIDR (previously used for 6, 12, 18, 24 or 30 days) or the new CIDR as a control for 6 days (CIDR6, CIDR12, CIDR18, CIDR24, CIDR30, and CIDR0 [control], respectively). Blood samples were collected on four occasions, at the time of CIDR insertion, after 3 days of insertion, and at the time of withdrawal and insemination. Serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured. Timed insemination was performed 48 hr post‐CIDR withdrawal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography 23 days after insemination and confirmed on day 35. The heat detection rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the CIDR0 and CIDR6 groups than in the CIDR18 and CIDR30 groups. The total pregnancy rate and fecundity were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the CIDR6 group than in other groups. P4 level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the CIDR0 group than in the CIDR30 group at the time of removal. At each time point, the E2 level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the CIDR6 group than at the other groups. The total variable cost, total cost, return and net profit were higher in the CIDR6 and CIDR0 groups than in the other groups. In conclusion, although previously used CIDRs are efficient at synchronizing oestrus in ewes, the duration of previously usage significantly affected the reproductive parameters and economic profit. CIDRs previously used for 6 days and new CIDRs provided the highest fertility and fecundity rates, besides return and net profit. Economically, it is not advisable to use CIDRs that previously used for 12 days or more.     

Anti-Mullerian hormone and its relationship to ovulation response and fertility in timed AI Bos indicus heifers

This study evaluated the association between plasma anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and fertility in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). At the onset of the synchronization protocol, heifers (n = 289) received a subcutaneous P4 ear implant (3 mg) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate. Eight days later, the P4 implant was removed and 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate, prostaglandin (0.265 mg, i.m.) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (300 UI, i.m.) was administered, and TAI was performed 48 hr after ear implant removal. Ovarian ultrasound evaluations were performed to measure number of ovarian follicles, dominant follicle size and ovulation response. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 30 days after AI. Heifers with greater circulating AMH had more antral follicles, a smaller dominant follicle near timed ovulation and lower ovulation response to the timed AI protocol compared to heifers with lower circulating AMH. Although AMH and pregnancy outcome had a quadratic-shaped pattern, AMH was not significantly associated with fertility. In conclusion, heifers with lower AMH had larger follicles towards the end of the synchronization protocol and greater ovulation responses, whereas greater circulating AMH was unrelated to conception success.     

性控冻精对同期发情奶牛输精效果观察

为观察奶牛养殖场应用同期发情后,实施性控冻精人工授精的效果进行试验。本试验设立性控组和常规组,分别进行人工授精,在相同饲养管理条件下观察两组试验奶牛配种、妊娠、产母犊情况。结果表明:同期发情率为81.43%,而且84.38集中在36h内;试验组奶牛产母犊率达94.12%,明显高于常规组55.56%的产母犊率,说明该性控冻精在奶牛性别控制中的效果明显,值得推广。     

Lovastatin-induced G1 phase synchronization in human endometrial cancer JEC cells

AIM: To investigate the method of inducing G₁ phase synchronization in human endometrial cancer JEC Cells by lovastatin and the cell cycle progress of JEC cells after desynchronization. METHODS: The doubling time of JEC cells was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. To determine the best lovastatin concentrations for G₁ synchronization, JEC cells were treated with lovastatin at concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 μmol/L for 1× doubling time, and the cell cycle was detected using flow cytometry (FCM). To determine the best period of lovastatin treatment to achieve G₁ synchronization, JEC cells were treated with lovastatin at the best concentration for 0.5× to 2× doubling time, and the cell cycle was detected every 4 h using FCM. Furthermore, the cell cycle progress of JEC cells after desynchronization was also observed. RESULTS: The doubling time of JEC cells was almost 24 h. Treatment with lovastatin at the concentration of 20 μmol/L for 24 h achieved maximum G₁ arrest in JEC cells. Minimum G₁ phase and maximum S phase were observed after desynchronization for 16 h. CONCLUSION: Maximum G₁ synchronization of JEC cells is induced by lovastatin at the concentration of 20 μmol/L for 24 h. The JEC cells show minimum G₁ phase and maximum S phase after desynchronization for 16 h.     

德系乳肉兼用型西门塔尔牛胚胎移植效果研究

[目的]建立德系乳肉兼用型西门塔尔牛群体,探索文山牛快速扩繁和生产性能提升技术。[方法]在马关县从600头文山黄牛、西本杂、安本杂和短本杂牛母牛中选择270头,用CIDR+PG法进行同期发情处理,选择黄体合格的受体,采用非手术法移植德系乳肉兼用型西门塔尔牛胚胎,在移植后60~90 d通过直肠检查法进行妊娠诊断,确定妊娠率,跟踪调查产犊情况,并测定胚胎移植所产犊牛的初生体重和主要体尺指标。[结果]受体牛同期发情处理270头,胚胎移植87头,妊娠28头,移植妊娠率32.18%;妊娠母牛中产犊17头,产犊率60.71%,产犊19头,成活16头,产犊成活率84.21%。公母犊牛平均的初生重33.00 kg,体高69.50 cm,体斜长62.19 cm,胸围72.69 cm,管围13.50 cm。[结论]首次在文山州开展了牛胚胎移植获得成功,杂交牛受体的移植妊娠率极显著或显著高于文山牛受体,秋季移植的妊娠率极显著高于春季和冬季的。提示以杂交牛为受体在秋季进行胚胎移植可有效提高移植成功率。     

Intravaginal administration of estradiol benzoate capsule for estrus synchronization in goats

Estrus synchronization requires multiple treatments of hormonal drugs, requiring considerable time and cost. The aim of the present study was to develop an estrus synchronization protocol using intravaginal administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) capsules in goats. Two types of capsules were prepared: an EB capsule that melted immediately after administration and a sustained-release (SR) EB capsule that dissolved slowly and reached a peak after 24 h. Goats with functional corpus lutea were intramuscularly treated with prostaglandin F_2α (PG). At 24 h after PG administration, goats were administered 1 mg of EB solution intramuscularly (PG + 24IM; n = 6) or 1 mg of EB capsule intravaginally (PG + 24EB; n = 6). The SR EB capsule was administered intravaginally at the time of PG administration (PG + SR; n = 6). The control group (n = 6) received only PG. All groups showed estrus within 72 h after PG administration. The onset of estrus did not differ significantly between the PG + 24IM and PG + SR groups but was earlier than in the control group. Estradiol concentration in the PG + SR group peaked at 11.5 ± 6.1 h after EB and PG administration. Peak estradiol concentrations were not significantly different between the PG + 24IM and PG + SR groups (78.0 ± 25.8 and 64.0 ± 38.1 pg/ml, respectively), and were higher than the PG + 24EB and control groups (27.3 ± 8.8 and 14.6 ± 6.1 pg/ml, respectively). These results suggest that intravaginal administration of an EB capsule with a sustained-drug release base is applicable for estrus synchronization, as an alternative to intramuscular administration.