The U.S. hog industry's shift to vertically-integrated, intensively-managed operations brought about a variety of management systems for breeding herds, including batch farrowing. In this system, groups of sows are weaned in 2- to 5- week intervals, making estrus synchronization of new gilts and sows critical to maintaining reproductive efficiency in the herd. The use of commercially available hormones to synchronize estrus in this system has not been extensively studied. This experiment was conducted to determine whether the use of commercially available hormones (MATRIX® and P.G. 600®; Merck Animal Health, De Sota, KS) in a 5-week batch management system had a positive impact on reproductive efficiency in gilts and sows over the course of 3 parities. Gilts were allocated to an Entry Group (A, B, or D) and then assigned to a treatment, Hormone-Assisted (HA) (5 mL P.G. 600 injection 5 days and/or fed 15 mg/day of MATRIX for 14 consecutive days prior to the breeding week) or Control (no exogenous hormones). Gilts and sows were checked daily for estrus with a mature boar, and a group was bred using AI during a 7-day breeding period every 5 weeks and allowed to farrow up to 3 parities. Among groups, there was a tendency (P = 0.08) for more HA than control gilts to display estrus and be mated on schedule. For gilts within Group A, more (P < 0.01) HA than control females displayed estrus and were mated. Body weight at first service for gilts in Groups A and B were higher than Group D (P < 0.01). Overall, there was no effect of treatment on (P = 0.20) non-productive days. There was a strong tendency for HA sows to have a greater (P = 0.07) number of parities completed than control sows; Total pigs born (P < 0.05) and total pigs born alive (P < 0.05) were greater for HA sows than control sows. In Parity 1, Group D sows had a lesser number of pigs born (P < 0.01) and pigs born alive (P < 0.02) than Groups A and B; The number of pigs weaned differed between entry groups (P < 0.05) (Group B > Group A > Group D); Control sows weaned more pigs (P < 0.02) and had a greater litter weaning weight (P < 0.01) than HA sows; HA sows had a lower (P < 0.05) wean-to-estrus interval than control sows. No significant effects of group or treatment were observed in Parities 2 and 3. The use of exogenous hormones to synchronize estrus had a positive impact on reproductive efficiency in HA gilts/sows in a 5-week batch management system. / Master of Science

Estrous synchronization (ES) protocols enhances profitability of beef cow-calf operations by improving percentage of cows pregnant early in the breeding season and increasing kg of calf weaned per cow exposed. Many factors, however, influence the fertility of cattle enrolled to ES protocols. The overall goal of this work was to determine the influences of estrus expression and timing of artificial insemination (AI), as well as temperament on fertility of Bos taurus beef females exposed to ES protocols. Multiparous cows (n = 1,676) were enrolled to the 7-d CO-Synch+ Controlled internal drug releasing device (CIDR) protocol and cows expressing estrus were inseminated. Cows not expressing estrus received a gonadotropin-releasing hormone injection and were either inseminated immediately or delayed by 8 hours. Pregnancy rates were greater for cows expressing estrus to the protocol. Delaying AI for 8 hours in cows that failed to express estrus did not improve pregnancy rates. The effects of temperament on fertility of beef heifers enrolled to the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR protocol were investigated. Heifers (n = 297) had temperament assessed by chute score and exit velocity, and classified as adequate or excitable. Hair and blood were collected for cortisol evaluation. Pregnancy rates were greater for adequate temperament heifers. Circulating cortisol concentrations were greater for excitable heifers, and overall plasma and hair cortisol concentrations were reduced from the start of the protocol to the end. Heifers with adequate temperament have improved fertility and ES protocols acclimated heifers and reduced plasma and hair cortisol concentrations due to handling. / Master of Science / Infertility is a major issue that affects profitability of beef cow-calf producers. Estrous synchronization (ES) protocols are a tool that allow artificial insemination (AI) without estrus detection and increases the proportion of females pregnant at the start of the breeding season, providing a strategy to improve profitability. However, females enrolled in the ES protocol and that fail to express estrus have reduced pregnancy rates when compared to females expressing estrus. Furthermore, beef females with excitable temperament have reduced fertility when compared to females with adequate temperament. The effects of delaying insemination to 8 hours post injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone for animals failing to express estrus during ES were determined in beef multiparous cows. Cows expressing estrus had greater pregnancy rates compared to cows not expressing estrus, and delayed insemination did not improve pregnancy rates. To determine the effects of temperament on fertility heifers were enrolled in an ES protocol and had temperament determined as adequate or excitable based on chute score and exit velocity. Hair and blood samples were collected for cortisol evaluation. Excitable heifers had reduced pregnancy rates and greater circulating cortisol concentrations, but hair cortisol did not differ between temperaments. Overall cortisol profiles indicate that heifers became acclimated to handling during ES protocol. Development of ES that maximizes estrus expression prior to AI and selection of cattle with adequated temperament can enhance profitability of cow-calf operations.

<p>Determinacija reproduktivnog statusa priplodnih nazimica je važan faktor u tehnologiji njihovog odgoja i reproduktivnog iskori&scaron;tavanja. Zbog toga je, u intenzivnoj proizvodnji svinja, potrebna primena efikasnih metoda dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa nazimica. Klasična metoda testiranja pojave estrusa, kontaktom nazimica sa polno zrelim nerastom nije dovoljno precizna. Pokazalo se, naime, da se, zbog nepreciznosti ove metode, oko 30 do 40% priplodnih nazimica izlučuje iz priploda, sa dijagnozom &bdquo;prolongirani preinseminacioni anestrus&ldquo;, iako su ove nazimice uspostavile cikličnu ovarijalnu aktivnost. Ovo ima za posledicu značajne zootehnolo&scaron;ke i ekonomske gubitke. Metoda real-time ultrazvučne dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa je precizna, ali je skupa i nepraktična za masovnu primenu. Zbog toga je cilj ovog rada bio da se ispita mogućnost dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa nazimica, na onsovu ovarijalnog i estrusnog reagovanja posle tretmana gonadotropnim, luteolitičkim i progestagenim hormonskim preparatima. Dobijeni rezultati pokazuju da postoji vrlo specifično ovarijalno i estrusno reagovanje polno nezrelih i polno zrelih nazimica, zavisno od primenjenog hormonskog tretmana. Rezultati primene luteolitičkih tretmana (PGF2&alpha;), pokazuju da ovaj tretman nije dovoljno precizan za dijagnozu reproduktivnog statusa nazimica. Tretman gonadotropnim hormonima (eCG i hCG) daje samo delimično precizne rezultate dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa. Naime, polno nezrele nazimice reaguju dobrom sinhronizacijom estrusa, unutar prosečno 4 dana posle injekcije eCG. Međutim, trajanje intervala od injekcije eCG do pojave estrusa značajno varira, između 4 i 25 dana, kod polno zrelih nazimica. Vrlo precizna diferencijalna dijagnoza reproduktivnog statusa nazimica se postiže tretmanom sa progestagenim preparatima (Altrenogest, Regumate&reg;). Polno nezrele nazimice ne reaguju sinhronizovanom ovulacijom i pojavom estrusa, posle tretmana progestagenim preparatom. Polno zrele nazimice, međutim, reaguju vrlo viskim stepeno sinhronizovane ovulacije i pojave estrusa, posle progestagenog tretmana. Dobijeni rezultati predstavljaju doprinos boljem poznavanju ovarijalnog i estrusnog reagovanja nazimica, posle tretmana egzogenim gonadotropinima, luteoliticima i progestagenima. Osim toga, ovi rezultati pružaju mogućnost precizne dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa nazimimica u proizvodnim uslovima. Na taj način je moguće formulisati efikasniju tehnologiju reproduktivne eksploatacije nazimica i, time, povećati efikasnost intenzivne proizvodnje svinja.</p> / <p>Determination of the replacement gilts reproductive status is an important factor of gilts reproductive utilization efficiency. Therefore, the intensive pig production, require the application of effective methods of gilts diagnosis reproductive status. Classical method for estrus manifestation testing, by gilts contact with sexually mature boar is not precise enough. It has been proved that, due to the inaccuracy of this method, about 30 to 40% gilts are culled from the breeding, with a diagnosis of &quot;prolonged preinsemination anestrus,&quot; although these gilts was established cyclical ovarian activity. This results in significant zootechnical and economical losses. Method of real-time ultrasound diagnosis of reproductive status was accurate, but it is expensive and impractical in productive conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of gilts reproductive status diagnose, based on ovarian and estrous response after treatment with gonadotropin, luteolytic and progestogen hormonal preparations. Obtained results show that there is a very specific ovarian and estrous response of sexually immature and sexually mature gilts, depending on the applied hormonal treatment. Results of the luteolytic (PGF2&alpha;) treatment application, show that this treatment is not specific enough for the gilts reproductive status diagnosis. Treatment with gonadotropins (hCG and ECG) gives only a partial accurate diagnosis of gilts reproductive status. The sexually immature gilts respond with high level of estrus synchronization, within average 4 days after eCG injection. However, the interval from eCG injection to estrus manifestation varied between 4 and 25 days, in sexually mature gilts. Very accurate differential diagnosis of gilts reproductive status was achieved by treatment with progestogen preparations. Sexually immature gilts was not respond by synchronized estrus and ovulation, after treatment with progestogen preparation. Buth, sexually mature gilts respond with highly synchronized ovulation and estrus, within average 5 days after progestagenog treatment. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of gilts ovarian and estrous responses to exogenous gonadotropins, luteolytics and progestagens treatment. In addition, these results provide an accurate ability for gilts reproductive status diagnosis in farms production conditions. On this way it is possible to formulate a more efficient technology of gilts reproductive exploitation and,thus, increase the efficiency of intensive pig production.</p>

Poor estrus detection can limit the reproductive performance of a dairy herd. One objective of this research was to evaluate an alternative method to traditional estrus detection in the form of automated monitoring technologies. To accomplish this, the first study considered the ability of automatically monitored parameters (activity, number of steps, lying bouts, lying time, feeding time, rumination time, and temperature) to detect estrus. A second study compared automated activity monitoring to timed artificial insemination as reproductive management strategies on commercial herds. The other objective of this research was to evaluate the economic potential of automated estrus detection technologies. This was accomplished by creating and evaluating a farm specific decision support tool to determine the net present value of adopting an automated estrus detection technology.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-20T12:31:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 vania capitulos.pdf: 1822618 bytes, checksum: 888509f8a26f1ccfc9848eb7bbe9bab7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-05-11 / Known for the excellence of the flavor of your meat paca (paca Cuniculus L.), suffers from intense hunting pressure in the tropics. This factor combined with a low reproductive rate and habitat destruction in some states of Brazil, poses as regionally threatened species. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hormonal treatment on fertility, pregnancy characterize and determine the genetic variability of a population of Cuniculus paca L. in captivity as a contribution to the economic management to conserve the species. In the first study, the effect of progestin implants (Norgestomet) associated with two different doses of gonadotropins, in synchronization and induction of the heats in two groups of cavies (G1 and G2), which received 25 and 50 IU of eCGrespectively, and 0.5 ml of prostaglandin, compared with control (G3), which received no hormone treatment. Females in estrus showed G1 day five, seven, 10.11 (a paca / day) and 14 (two cavies) after implant removal. G2 Females had three days in estrus (two cavies), eight, 11 (three cavies). Pregnancy rates for G1, G2 and G3 were 100%, 66% and 50% respectively. In G1 and G3, 100% of the females produced a litter / delivery, while 50% of the G2 females produced two litters per delivery. In the second study, we described the cell types present in vaginal smears at 30, 60 and 90 days of pregnancy, we determined the plasma concentration of progesterone and the measures of cephalic fetuses. The results showed that there was no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the cell types found at 60 and 90 days of pregnancy. There were significant differences (p <0.05) between the navicular and superficial cells at 30 days compared to other groups. Progesterone quantified presented an average of 0.54 ± 0.65 and 0.53 ± 0.77 ng / mL at 60 and 90 days. Cephalic measurements (BPD), and the increase of these measures in 30 days were 1.25 (± 0.16) and 2.34 (± 0.25), 1.09 cm (± 0.30). In the third study, 48 individuals were assessed for variability and genetic structure, using as a molecular marker ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats). These markers were efficient in the amplification of genomic DNA of cavies, generating 50 polymorphic loci. The greatest genetic distance between populations forming the squad was among the population of Rio Branco - AC and Tarauacá / Envira - AC (0.5280) and lower in Rio Branco - AC and Belém-PA (0.0421). Genetic analysis generated by the software Structure showed a tendency to cluster among individuals belonging to the same geographic region. The results of this work contributes greatly to a better understanding of the species favoring its use and conservation. / Conhecida pela excelência do sabor de sua carne a paca (Cuniculus paca L.), sofre intensa pressão de caça nas regiões tropicais. Este fator associado a uma baixa taxa reprodutiva e a destruição de seus habitats em alguns estados do Brasil a coloca como espécie regionalmente ameaçada. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de tratamentos hormonais sobre a fertilidade, caracterizar a gestação e determinar a variabilidade genética de uma população de Cuniculus paca L. em cativeiro como forma de contribuir com o manejo econômico a conservação desta espécie. No primeiro estudo, verificou-se o efeito de implantes de progestágenos (Norgestomet) associados a duas diferentes dosagens de gonadotrofinas, na sincronização e indução de cios em dois grupos de pacas (G1 e G2), os quais receberam 25 e 50 UI de eCG respectivamente e 0,5 ml de prostaglandina, comparados ao controle (G3), que não recebeu tratamento hormonal. As fêmeas do G1 apresentaram estro nos dias cinco, sete, 10,11 (uma paca /dia) e 14 (duas pacas) após a retirada do implante. As fêmeas do G2 apresentaram estro nos dias três (duas pacas), oito, 11 (três pacas). As taxas de prenhezes para G1, G2 e G3 foram 100%, 66% e 50%, respectivamente. No G1 e G3, 100% das fêmeas produziram uma cria/parto, enquanto 50% das fêmeas do G2 produziram duas crias por parto. No segundo estudo, descreveu-se os tipos celulares presentes nos esfregaços vaginais aos 30, 60 e 90 dias de prenhez, determinou-se a concentração plasmática de progesterona e as medidas cefálicas dos fetos. Os resultados evidenciaram que não houve diferença significativa (p > 0,05) entre os tipos celulares encontrados aos 60 e 90 dias de prenhez. Houve diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre as células naviculares e superficiais aos 30 dias em relação aos demais grupos. A progesterona quantificada apresentou-se em média de 0,54 ± 0,65 e 0,53 ± 0,77 ng/mL, aos 60 e 90 dias. As medidas cefálicas (DBP), e o incremento destas medidas em 30 dias foram de 1,25 (± 0,16) e 2,34 (± 0,25), 1,09 cm (± 0,30). No terceiro estudo, 48 indivíduos foram avaliados com relação à variabilidade e estrutura genética, utilizando-se como marcador molecular ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats). Estes marcadores mostraram-se eficientes na amplificação de DNA genômico de pacas, gerando 50 locos polimórficos. A maior distância genética entre as populações formadoras do plantel foi entre a população de Rio Branco - AC e Tarauacá / Envira - AC (0,5280) e a menor entre Rio Branco AC e Belém-PA (0,0421). As análises genéticas geradas pelo software Structure demonstraram a tendência de agrupamento entre indivíduos pertencentes a mesma região geográfica. Os resultados deste trabalho contribuem sobremaneira para um melhor conhecimento da espécie favorecendo seu uso e conservação.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 M52 / Master of Science

In CBA/NJ mice, splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity varies with stages of estrous. Susceptibility of ICR mice to intravaginal inoculation of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) decreases with age. Susceptibility of female ICR and CBA/NJ mice to HSV-2 inoculated intravaginally and intraperitoneally was examined during the estrous cycle. In cycling ICR mice, greatest susceptibility to intravaginal inoculation was observed during diestrous and the least during metestrous. CBA/NJ mice were most susceptible to intravaginal inoculation of HSV-2 during diestrous. ICR mice were ovariectomized to mimic diestrous and found to be highly susceptible to intravaginal inoculation at all virus doses. No difference in susceptibility among phases of the estrous cycle was seen following intraperitoneal inoculation.

To improve the knowledge on progesterone (P4)-based hormonal protocols for synchronization of ovulation in Bos indicus, three studies were performed. The first study, consisting of three experiments (two in non-lactating cows, and one in Nelore heifers), were based on daily ultrasound evaluation and blood sampling for circulating P4 at specific times [onset of the protocol (D0) and first prostaglandin F2&#945; (PGF) administration] of P4-based protocols differing in: inducer of the follicle wave emergence; protocol lengths; and ovulation inducer at the end of the protocol. Administration of 16.8 &#181;g of buserelin acetate (GnRH) at the beginning of the protocol was associated with better ovulation rate after D0 (~55%), and higher number of corpus luteum (CL) at PGF. In addition, sometimes GnRH-based protocols were associated to early emergence of the follicle wave (~1.9 d after D0) and/or bigger ovulatory follicle, as well as greater circulating P4 at the time of PGF, especially in females that ovulated after GnRH administration. Nevertheless, protocols based on estradiol benzoate (EB) promoted delayed follicular wave emergence (~2.4 d after D0), but both (GnRH and EB) were associated to satisfactory synchronization rate of follicular wave emergence between D0 and D5 (~92%). In contrast, short protocols (5 d of P4 implant) only with insertion of a P4 implant on D0 were associated to low follicle wave emergence between D0 and D5 (~30%). However, the three strategies mentioned above promoted high ovulation rate at the end of the protocol (~85%), and did not differ in relation to the time of ovulation. The second study, consisting of two experiments (one in Nelore heifers, and the second in Nelore cows), evaluated fertility and some physiological variables of P4-based 7 d protocols beginning with EB (conventional protocol) or GnRH (16.8 &#181;g of buserelin acetate) with adaptations (eCG and PGF on D6, and an additional PGF on D7), and with or without GnRH (8.4 &#181;g) administration at the time of AI. As expected, higher ovulation rate after D0 (~67%) and more CL at PGF were observed in protocols starting with GnRH. Administration of EB at the beginning of the protocol was associated to greater luteolysis rate between D0 and PGF (~33%). At the time of implant withdrawal (D7), GnRH-based protocols induced bigger dominant follicles, and more estrus expression by the time of AI. However, only in heifers it was observed a bigger dominant follicle at the time of AI for GnRH group. Both (GnRH and EB) obtained satisfactory ovulation rate after AI (~92%). In heifers, no treatment effect was observed (EB vs. GnRH on D0, with vs. without GnRH at the time of AI) or interactions on pregnancy/AI (P/AI). However, in cows EB-based protocols obtained great P/AI when GnRH was administered at the time of AI (60.2% vs. 69.5%). In addition, this administration also increased P/AI of cows that did not express estrus during the protocol (no estrus: no GnRH = 48.2% vs. GnRH = 59.1%), although this effect was not observed in heifers. The third study evaluated ovarian dynamics and fertility of Nelore cows submitted to a P4-based 7 d FTAI protocol using 0.5 or 1.0 mg of estradiol cypionate (EC) at the time of implant removal (D7). Although 1.0 mg EC induced a smaller preovulatory follicle and lower ovulation rate after AI in multiparous, the P/AI was similar for both doses in this parity (multiparous: 0.5 mg = 58.4% vs. 1.0 mg = 59.0%). However, primiparous had lower P/AI when receiving 0.5 mg EC (primiparous: 0.5 mg = 30.2% vs. 1.0 mg = 53.6%). Therefore, both studies allowed a more refined knowledge regarding P4-based protocols in Bos indicus, especially on the efficiency of 7 d protocols and the inclusion of GnRH at the start or in the end of this type of synchronization protocol. / Com o intuito de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre protocolos hormonais de sincronização da ovulação à base de progesterona (P4) em Bos indicus, três estudos foram realizados. O primeiro estudo, composto por três experimentos (dois em vacas Nelore não-lactantes, e um em novilhas Nelore), baseou-se em avaliações ultrassonográficas diárias e colheitas de sangue para P4 circulante em momentos pontuais [início do protocolo (D0) e administração da primeira prostaglandina F2&#945; (PGF)] de protocolos à base de P4 diferindo em: indutor de emergência de onda folicular; duração do protocolo; e indutor da ovulação ao final do protocolo. A administração de 16,8 &#181;g de acetato de buserelina (GnRH) ao início do protocolo promoveu maiores taxas de ovulação após o D0 (~55%) e também maior número de corpos lúteos (CL) no momento da PGF. Em alguns momentos, protocolos à base de GnRH estiveram associados a antecipação da emergência de onda folicular (~1,9 d após D0) e/ou maior folículo ovulatório, bem como maior P4 circulante no momento da PGF, e pontualmente em fêmeas que ovularam após a administração deste fármaco. Não obstante, protocolos à base de benzoato de estradiol (BE) promoveram atraso na emergência da onda folicular (~2,4 d após D0), porém ambos (GnRH e BE) estiveram associados a alta taxa de sincronização da emergência de onda folicular entre D0 e D5 do protocolo (~92%). Em contrapartida, protocolos curtos (5 d de implante de P4), apenas com a inserção de implante de P4 no D0, estiveram associados à baixa taxa de emergência de onda folicular (~30%). Entretanto, as três estratégias citadas acima promoveram alta taxa de ovulação ao final do protocolo (~85%), e não diferiram em relação ao horário da ovulação. O segundo estudo, composto por dois experimentos (um em novilhas Nelore e o segundo em vacas Nelore), testou a fertilidade e variáveis fisiológicas de protocolos à base de P4 com duração de 7 d iniciando com BE (convencional) ou com GnRH (16,8 &#181;g de acetato de buserelina) com adaptações (eCG e PGF no D6, e uma PGF adicional no D7), e com ou sem a administração de GnRH (8,4 &#181;g) no momento da IATF. Ambos também receberam cipionato de estradiol (CE) no D7. Como esperado, observou-se maior taxa de ovulação (~67%) após o D0 e maior número de CL na PGF em protocolos iniciando com GnRH. A administração de BE ao início do protocolo esteve associada a maior luteólise entre D0 e PGF (~33%). No momento da retirada do implante (D7), protocolos à base de GnRH promoveram maior folículo dominante, e além disso, mais expressão de estro até a IATF. Contudo, apenas em novilhas observou-se maior folículo dominante no momento da IATF para o grupo GnRH. Ambos protocolos (iniciados com GnRH ou BE) obtiveram altas taxas de ovulação após a IATF (~92%). Em novilhas, não se observou efeito de tratamento (BE vs. GnRH no D0, com vs. sem GnRH na IATF) ou interações sobre a prenhez/IA (P/IA). Entretanto, em vacas, protocolos à base de BE obtiveram maior P/IA quando houve a administração de GnRH no momento da IATF (60,2% vs. 69,5%). Além disso, GnRH na IATF também favoreceu a P/IA de vacas que não expressaram estro durante o protocolo (Sem cio: sem GnRH 48,2% vs. com GnRH 59,1%), apesar de não ter sido observado este efeito em novilhas. O terceiro estudo avaliou a fertilidade e dinâmica ovariana de vacas Nelore submetidas a protocolo à base de P4 com duração de 7 d utilizando 0,5 ou 1,0 mg de CE no momento da retirada do implante (D7). Apesar de 1,0 mg CE produzir menor folículo preovulatório e menor taxa de ovulação após a IA em multíparas, a P/IA foi semelhante para ambas as doses nesta categoria (multíparas: 0,5 mg = 58,4% vs. 1,0 mg = 59,0%). Contudo, primíparas tiveram menor P/IA ao receber 0,5 mg CE (primíparas: 0,5 mg = 30,2% vs. 1,0 mg = 53,6%). Portanto, os estudos permitiram um conhecimento mais refinado em relação a protocolos à base de P4 em Bos indicus, especialmente quanto à eficiência de protocolos de 7 d e inclusão de GnRH tanto ao início quanto ao final.

Orientador: Celso Antônio Rodrigues / Resumo: O comportamento das mulas, durante o estro, influencia negativamente sua função zootécnica. A ovariectomia tem se apresentado como forma de torná-las mais cooperativas. Procedimentos realizados por videocirurgia se apresentam com uma possibilidade para reduzir as complicações trans e pós-operatórias. Então, foram utilizadas 9 mulas, com idade de 7,9 ± 3,2 anos, pesando 352 ± 76 kg. Realizou-se estudo do comportamento reprodutivo dos animais durante a rufiação com garanhão equino, nas diferentes fases do ciclo estral. A duração do estro foi de 6,4 ± 1,4 dias. As ovulações ocorreram 5,3 ± 2,6 dias após o início dos sinais de estro. Os sinais que apresentaram maior correlação foram micção frequente (MF) e levantamento da cauda (LC) (0,79) e imobilidade (IM) e LC (0,76) enquanto que os que apresentaram menor correlação foram aproximação do macho (AM) e LC (0,26) e AM e MF (0,29). Posteriormente foi realizada a ovariectomia por videolaparoscopia e no pós-operatório foi realizado o acompanhamento clínico-laboratorial para caracterizar possíveis complicações da técnica. Para hemostasia dos vasos presentes no pedículo ovariano utilizou-se no grupo A um bisturi ultrassônico e no grupo B um aplicador de clips de laqueação de titânio. Observou-se que o grau de dificuldade da ovariectomia foi inversamente proporcional ao tamanho do ovário. O enfisema subcutâneo foi a complicação pós-operatória mais evidente, sendo observada em todo grupo (9/9), e o hemoperitôneo foi considerado a complic... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The mules’ behavior influences their zootecnical function negatively during the estrus. Ovariectomy is an interesting way to make these animals more cooperative. Videosurgeric procedures has become a possibility to reduce operative and postoperative complications. Nine mules underwent the procedure and were followed from January to May 2017. The average age of the animals was 7,9 ± 3,2 years old and the weight approximately 352 ± 76 kg. A prospective evaluation of reproductive behavior was set during the ruffling of the stallion equine, along different phases of the estrus. Estrus length was 6,4 ± 1,4 days. Ovulation occurred 5.3 ± 2.6 days after the onset of estrus signs. The signs that presented the highest correlation were frequent micturition (MF) with tail lifting (LC) (0,79) and immobility with just LC (0,76). The least correlations were male approximation (AM) with LC and AM with MF. Subsequently, video-laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed. In post-operative days, clinical follow up and laboratory assay were performed to detect possible complications. Two groups were randomly selected for ultrasonic scalpel (group A) and titanium clips (group B) aiming the hemostasis of the vascular pedicle on the ovaries. The difficulty of the procedure was greater as smaller the ovary was. Some complications were observed. Subcutaneous emphysema was found in all mules studied, possibly caused by CO2 blowing. On the other hand, hemo-peritoneum was uncommon (just one animal developed... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da administração de diferentes doses de eCG em dois momentos distintos no protocolo de sincronização da ovulação para inovulação em tempo fixo. No dia 0, as receptoras foram tratadas com dispositivo intravaginal contendo progesterona (DIP) e 2,0 mg de Benzoato de Estradiol (BE) associados a 50 mg de progesterona (P4) IM. A partir desse momento, os animais foram divididos homogeneamente para receberem 0,15 mg de d-cloprostenol (PGF2&#945;) e 400, 500 ou 600 UI de eCG no dia 5 (G-400d5, n=101; G-500d5, n=98; G-600d5, n=100, respectivamente) ou no dia 8 (G-400d8, n=100; G-500d8, n=99; G-600d8, n=96, respectivamente; fatorial 3x2). O DIP foi retirado no dia 8 e foi administrado 1 mg de BE no dia 9. No dia 17 os animais foram submetidos a ultra-sonografia ovariana e os que apresentaram mais que um corpo lúteo (CL) ou CL único maior que 18 mm de diâmetro receberam um embrião produzido in vitro. Em um grupo de animais, colheu-se amostras de sangue no dia 17 para determinação da concentração plamática de P4 (CPP4). Os animais tratados com eCG no dia 5 apresentaram maior taxa de aproveitamento [87,0 (260/299) vs. 81,7% (241/295), P<0,05], tendência de maior taxa de concepção [51,8 (132/255) vs. 45,0% (108/295), P=0,07], maior taxa de prenhez [44,1 (132/299) vs. 36,6% (108/295), P<0,05], maior número de CL (1,74 ± 0,09 vs. 1,13 ± 0,03, P<0,05) e maior proporção de receptoras com CL único de maior tamanho [CL 22: 65,7 (111/169) vs. 43,1% (94/218), P<0,05] que os tratados no dia 8. Não se observou efeito de dose sobre a taxa de aproveitamento [400: 82,1 (165/201) vs. 500: 83,8 (165/197) vs. 600: 87,2% (171/196), P<0,05], de concepção [400: 51,8 (85/164) vs. 500: 44,1 (71/161) vs. 600: 49,4% (84/170), P<0,05], de prenhez [400: 42,3 (85/201) vs. 500: 36,0 (71/197) vs. 600: 42,9% (84/196), P<0,05] e sobre a quantidade de receptoras com CL único de maior tamanho [400: 46,8 (65/139) vs. 500: 54,9 (73/133) vs. 600: 57,4 (66/115), P<0,05]. Os animais tratados com 600 UI de eCG apresentaram maior número de CL que os que receberam 400 ou 500 UI (400: 1,17 ± 0,03 vs. 500: 1,33 ± 0,06 vs. 600: 1,82 ± 0,12, P<0,05). No grupo que se determinou a CPP4 verificou-se que os animais que receberam eCG no dia 5 apresentaram maiores CPP4 que os do dia 8 (4,68 ± 0,43 vs. 2,73 ± 0,17 ng/ml, P<0,05). As novilhas tratadas com 600 UI de eCG apresentaram maiores CPP que as tratados com 400 ou 500 UI (400: 2,96 ± 0,22 vs. 500: 3,45 ± 0,38 vs. 600: 4,69 ± 0,55, P<0,05). Receptoras com mais de 1 CL apresentaram tendência de menores perdas gestacionais entre 30 e 60 dias de gestação que as com CL único [10,2 (4/49) vs. 17,5% (33/189), P=0,0547]. Os resultados são indicativos de maior eficiência do protocolo de sincronização da ovulação para transferência de embriões em tempo fixo com o uso de eCG no dia 5. A dose de eCG não influenciou na eficiência do tratamento / The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different doses of eCG administrated at two moments in a fixed-time embryo transfer protocol. On day 0, the heifers received a progesterone releasing vaginal insert (PRVI) and an injection of 2.0 mg Estradiol Benzoate (EB) associated with 50 mg progesterone (P4) i.m. The animals were randomly assigned to six treatment groups in a tree by two factorial design to receive 0.15 mg d-cloprostenol (PGF2&#945;) i.m. and 400, 500 or 600 IU eCG on day 5 (G-400d5, n=101; G-500d5, n=98; G-600d5, n=100, respectively) or on day 8 (G-400d8, n=100; G-500d8, n=99; G-600d8, n=96, respectively). On day 8, the PRVI was removed and an injection of 1 mg EB was administered on day 9. On Day 17, all heifers were examined by ultrasonography to determine the number of CL and those with more than one CL or a single CL with a diameter ?18 mm received an in vitro produced embryo. A subset of heifers were bled on day 17 for plasma P4 determination. The animals treated with eCG on day 5 presented higher proportion of heifers selected/treated [87.0 (260/299) vs. 81.7% (241/295), P<0.05], tendency to higher proportion of heifers pregnant/transferred [51.8 (132/255) vs. 45.0% (108/295), P<0.1], higher proportion of heifers pregnant/treated [44.1 (132/299) vs. 36.6% (108/295), P<0.05], higher CL number (1.74 ± 0.09 vs. 1.13 ± 0.03, P<0.05) and higher proportion of recipients with larger single CL [CL 22: 65.7 (111/169) vs. 43.1% (94/218), P<0.05] than those treated with eCG on day 8. Dose effects were not observed in the proportion of heifers selected/treated [400: 82.1 (165/201) vs. 500: 83.8 (165/197) vs. 600: 87.2% (171/196), P<0.05], pregnant/transferred [400: 51.8 (85/164) vs. 500: 44.1 (71/161) vs. 600: 49.4% (84/170), P<0.05], pregnant/treated [400: 42.3 (85/201) vs. 500: 36.0 (71/197) vs. 600: 42.9% (84/196), P<0.05] and proportion of recipients with larger single CL [400: 46.8 (65/139) vs. 500: 54.9 (73/133) vs. 600: 57.4 (66/115), P<0.05]. The animals that received 600 IU eCG presented higher CL number than those received 400 and 500 IU (400: 1.17 ± 0.03 vs. 500: 1.33 ± 0.06 vs. 600: 1.82 ± 0.12, P<0.05). In a subset of heifers that was performed a plasma P4 determination, the group that received eCG on day 5 presented higher plasmatic P4 concentration than those received eCG on day 8 (4.68 ± 0.43 vs. 2.73 ± 0.17 ng/ml, P<0.05). The use of 600 IU eCG presented higher plasmatic P4 concentration than 500 and 600 IU (400: 2.96 ± 0.22 vs. 500: 3.45 ± 0.38 vs. 600: 4.69 ± 0.55, P<0.05). Recipients with more than 1 CL tended to present lower pregnancy losses between 30 and 60 days than those with a single CL [10.2 (4/49) vs. 17.5% (33/189), P=0.0547]. The results suggest higher efficiency in the synchronization of ovulation protocol for fixed-time embryo transfer with eCG administration on day 5. The dose of eCG did not affect the efficiency of treatment