Orientador: Ciro Moraes Barros / Banca: Sony Dimas Bicudo / Banca: Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira / Resumo: Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho verificar a relação entre diâmetro folicular, taxa de ovulação e a expressão gênica das isoformas do receptor de LH em vacas da raça Nelore. O experimento 1 foi realizado para verificar a dose mínima de LH capaz de induzir ovulação em folículos com diâmetro entre 10 e 11 mm. Vacas Nelore (n=20) foram submetidas à sincronização da ovulação e o crescimento folicular passou a ser acompanhado diariamente por ultrassonografia (US). Quando os folículos atingiram diâmetro entre 10 e 11 mm, os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos para receber diferentes doses de LH (Lutropin-V®, Bioniche, Ontario, Canada; IM): 1,56; 3,12; 6,25 e 12,5 mg. Os dados foram analisados pelo Teste Exato de Fisher (PROC FREQ, do SAS). As taxas de ovulação foram 0 (0/5), 80 (4/5), 80 (4/5) e 80% (4/5), respectivamente, ocorrendo diferença significativa entre o grupo 1,56 mg e os demais (p<0,02). No experimento 2, foram utilizados 6,25 mg de LH para induzir ovulação em vacas Nelore (n=53) submetidas a sincronização da ovulação e divididas em cinco grupos de acordo com o diâmetro folicular (mm) no momento da administração de LH: Grupo 1 (7,0 a 7,5); Grupo 2 (7,6 a 8,0); Grupo 3 (8,1 a 8,5); Grupo 4 (8,6 a 9,0) e Grupo 5 (9,1 a 10,0). Os resultados foram analisados por Regressão Logística (PROC GENMOD, do SAS). As taxas de ovulação foram 0 (0/11), 20 (2/10), 36 (4/11), 36 (4/11) e 90% (9/10), respectivamente. Houve diferença significativa entre G5 e os demais grupos (p<0,01). Ao associar G1+G2 (7,0 a 8,0 mm), G3+G4 (8,1 a 9,0 mm) e G5 (9,1 a 10,0 mm) as taxas de ovulação foram 9 (2/21), 36 (8/22) e 90% (9/10), respectivamente. Houve diferença significativa entre G1+G2 vs G5 (p<0,01), G3+G4 vs G5 (p<0,02) e G1+G2 vs G3+G4 (p<0,03). Após a administração de LH, o diâmetro do menor folículo capaz de ovular foi 7,65 mm. No experimento ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The aim of the present experiment was to verify the relationship between follicular diameter, ovulation rate and gene expression of LH receptor isoforms, in Nellore cows. Experiment 1 was performed to determine the lowest LH dose necessary to induce ovulation in follicles with 10 to 11 mm in diameter. Nellore cows (n=20) had their ovulation induced by hormonal treatment, and afterwards follicular growth was daily observed by ultrasonography (US). When the follicles reached 10 to 11 mm diameter, the cows were randomly allocated in four groups and treated with different doses of LH (Lutropin-V®, Bioniche, Ontario, Canada): Groups 1.56; 3.12; 6.25 and 12.5 mg. The data were analyzed by Fisher's Exact Test (PROC FREQ, SAS). The ovulation rates were 0 (0/5), 80 (4/5), 80 (4/5) e 80% (4/5), respectively, and it was lower in group 1.56 when compared to the others (P<0.02). In experiment 2, the 6.25 mg LH dose was chosen to induce ovulation in Nellore cows (n=53), submitted to the same hormonal treatment used in experiment 1, and randomly allocated in five groups according to follicular diameter (mm) at the time of LH administration: Group 1 (7.0-7.5); Group 2 (7.6-8.0); Group 3 (8.1-8.5); Group 4 (8.6-9.0) and Group 5 (9.1-10.0). The results were analyzed by Logistic Regression (PROC GENMOD, SAS). The ovulation rates were 0 (0/11), 20 (2/10), 36 (4/11), 36 (4/11) and 90% (9/10), respectively, for G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5. There was significant difference between G5 and the others groups (P<0.01). When data from two groups (except Group 5) were combined G1+G2 (7.0-8.0 mm), G3+G4 (8.1-9.0 mm) and G5 (9.1-10.0) ovulation rates were, respectively, 9 (2/21), 36 (8/22) e 90% (9/10). There were significant differences when comparing G1+G2 v. G5 (P<0.01), G3+G4 v. G5 (P<0.02) and G1+G2 v. G3+G4 (P<0.03). After LH application, the smallest follicle that ovulated had a diameter of 7.65 mm. In ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Orientador: Marco Antonio Alvarenga / Banca: João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira / Banca: José Antônio Dell'aqua Júnior / Banca: André Maciel Crespílho / Banca: Gustavo Mendes Gomes / Resumo: A manipulação farmacológica do ciclo estral é rotineiramente utilizada na égua, pelo fato desta apresentar grande variação na duração do estro e no intervalo entre o seu início e a ovulação. Como maiores taxas de concepção decorrem da deposição do sêmen no trato reprodutivo feminino próximo à ovulação, diversos agentes foram empregados objetivando sua indução e sincronização, em especial a gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) e o acetato de deslorelina. O mecanismo de ação destes fármacos envolve o hormônio luteinizante (LH), sendo que o hCG mimetiza suas ações e o acetato de deslorelina estimula sua liberação pela adenohipófise. Incremento semelhante às concentrações circulantes de LH tem sido observado em vacas com o uso de cipionato de estradiol (ECP), o qual é usualmente empregado na indução e sincronização de ovulações na espécie pelo seu baixo custo. A fim de auxiliar na escolha do protocolo ideal para a indução de ovulação em éguas, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito do tratamento com o hCG e/ou com o acetato de deslorelina, nas doses preconizadas ou em subdoses, sobre as concentrações plasmáticas de LH, a indução e a sincronização de ovulação, o grau de edema endometrial, o diâmetro folicular e a sua taxa de desenvolvimento. Ainda, buscou-se verificar o resultado da aplicação de ECP sobre a indução e sincronização da ovulação e as concentrações plasmáticas de LH, bem como a existência de uma correlação entre a taxa de crescimento, o diâmetro folicular e o ed... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Pharmacological manipulation of the equine estrous cycle is routinely applied, due to the fact that mares show great disparity on estrous duration and in the interval between its onset and ovulation. Since higher pregnancy rates are obtained when semen is deposited in the female reproductive tract at a time close to ovulation, several ovulation inducting agents have been used, specially human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and deslorelin acetate (DES). The mechanism of action of these drugs involves the luteinizing hormone (LH), for hCG mimics its actions and DES stimulates endogenous adenohypophyseal secretion. Similar increment in circulating LH concentrations has been observed in cows treated with estradiol cypionate (ECP), which is usually administrated as an interesting and cheaper alternative to induce and synchronize ovulations in the bovine species. In order to aid recognition of the ideal ovulation induction and synchronization protocol in the mare, the present study evaluated the effect of treatment with hCG and/or DES, using the recommended or a subdose, on ovulation induction and synchronization, plasmatic LH concentrations, grade of endometrial edema, follicular growth and diameter. Thus, this experiment intended to verify the effect of ECP administration on ovulation induction, synchronization and plasmatic LH concentrations, as well as the existence of a correlation between follicular growth, pre-ovulatory diameter and endometrial edema with fertility of mares in... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

As biotécnicas da reprodução na espécie equina avançaram na última década e os criadores de equinos começaram a questionar as possibilidades de interferência na determinação do sexo dos potros. A determinação do sexo é importante, pois o sexo do potro possui grande influência no valor comercial do mesmo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a influência do momento da cobertura em relação ao momento da ovulação no sexo dos potros e outros fatores como: idade da égua e garanhão; indutor da ovulação; ovário em que ocorreu a ovulação e o diâmetro do folículo pré-ovulatório também foram avaliados. O estudo foi realizado em Haras na região de Bagé e Aceguá (RS) – Brasil (31°24'06.1''S 54°07'47.5''W) e (31°30'16.0''S 54°07'45.5''W) nas estações de monta de 2011 a 2015. Utilizou-se 259 ciclos reprodutivos de 160 éguas e 22 garanhões da raça Puro Sangue de Corrida. Informações como agente indutor de ovulação utilizado (Deslorelina; n = 187 ou hCG; n = 72); data da cobertura (n = 259); momento da ovulação em relação a cobertura (+ 24 horas; n = 69 e - 24 horas; n = 190); idade da égua (G1: até 8 anos; n = 123, G2: 9 até 14 anos n = 110 e G3: >14 anos; n = 26); idade do garanhão (Até 14 anos; n = 11 e >15 anos; n = 11) ; ovário em que a ovulação ocorreu (Direito; n = 122 e Esquerdo; n = 137); foram registrados e avaliados No total de potros nascidos, 136 foram machos (52,51%) e 123 foram fêmeas (47,49%). O tempo decorrido após a cobertura não influenciou o sexo dos produtos, nas éguas que ovularam com – 24h após a indução da ovulação: 104 potros (54,74%) eram machos e 86 (45,26%) eram fêmeas, enquanto que nas éguas que ovularam com + 24h, 32 potros (46,38%) eram machos e 37 (53,62%) eram fêmeas. A porcentagem de fêmeas nascidas em relação a idade da égua foi de 46,34% (n=57), 47,27% (n=52) e 46,15% (n=12) nos grupos G1, G2 e G3 respectivamente. Garanhões com idade até 15 anos tiveram 44,14% (n=49) de fêmeas e com mais de 15 anos 49,66% (n=73) eram fêmeas. Não houve diferença no sexo dos produtos quanto ao agente indutor da ovulação (Deslorelina x hCG) e ovário em que ocorreu a ovulação. O presente estudo concluiu que nenhum dos fatores estudados alterou a proporção macho:fêmea dos potros nascidos. / The biotechnologies of reproduction in equine species have been improved in the last decade and the horse breeders started to inquire about the possibility of intervention regarding to the sex determination in foals. Sex determination is important because the sex of the foal has a great influence on the commercial value of the foal. The aim of the present study is was to evaluate the influence of the time of the breeding in relation to time of ovulation in the sex of the foals, besides analyzing other factors such as: the age of the mare and the stallion; ovulation inductor, ovary and the diameter of the preovulatory follicle. The study was accomplished in studs located Bagé/RS and Aceguá/RS – Brazil (31°24'06.1''S 54°07'47.5''W) and (31°30'16.0''S 54°07'45.5''W) during the breeding seasons from 2011 to 2015, using 259 reproductive cycles of 160 mares and 22 stallions of Thoroughbred breed. Information like the induction of ovulation agent that was used (Deslorelin; n = 187 or hCG; n = 72); date of breeding (n = 259); time of ovulation in relation to the breeding (+24 hours; n = 69 and -24 hours; n = 190); age of the mare (G1: up to the age of 8; n = 123 G2: from the age of 9 to the age of 14; n = 110 and G3: >14 years old; n = 26); age of the stallion (up to the age of 14; n = 11 and >15 years old; n = 11); ovary in which the ovulation occurred (Right; n = 122 and Left; n = 137) were catalogued and evaluated As result, 136 (52,51%) were born colts and 123 (47,49%) were born fillies. The elapsed time from breeding to ovulation did not influence on the sex of the product, on mares that ovulated in less than 24 hours after the ovulation induction: 104 foals (54,74%) were male and 86 (45,26%) were female, whereas in the mares that ovulated in more than 24 hours, 32 foals (46,38%) were male and 37 (53,62%) were female. The percentage of born females regarding to the age of the mare was 46,34% (n = 57), 47,27% (n = 52) and 46,15% (n = 12) in the groups G1, G2 and G3, respectively. From stallions up to the age of 15 years, 44,14% (n = 49) were females and from those which were older than 15 years old, 49,66% (n = 73) were females. There was no difference regarding the sex of the product in relation to the ovulation inducer agent (Deslorelin x hCG) and ovary in which the ovulation occurred. None of the factors studied modified the male:female proportion of the born foals.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar se o fornecimento de gordura protegida após à desmama interfere no desenvolvimento folicular e na idade à primeira ovulação em novilhas Nelore (Bos taurus indicus). E também se os ácidos graxos de cadeia longa no terço final da gestação interferem no desenvolvimento folicular e antecipa a ciclicidade no período pós-parto de primíparas com escore corporal de 2,5. No primeiro utilizamos 30 novilhas Nelore com peso 167kg, separadas em 3 grupos: Grupo Controle (GC, n=10) recebeu 500g de milho/animal/dia. Grupo Gordura (GG, n=10) recebeu 200g de gordura protegida/animal/dia. Grupo Energia (GE, n=10) recebeu 500g de milho e 200g de Megalac-E®/animal/dia. Foi realizado exame ultrassonográfico dos ovários e colhidas amostras de sangue para quantificação de FSH, LH, leptina e progesterona. Durante o tratamento o peso não variou entre os grupos, o peso vivo aumentou ao longo do tempo (p=0,0001). Após a mudança na dieta, os animais dos grupos que receberam gordura apresentaram menor (p=0,019) número de folículos que os animais do GC. Durante o período dos tratamentos nutricionais o GG apresentou maior (p=0,05) número de picos de LH que o GE e o GC foi intermediário. O GC apresentou maior área de secreção de FSH (p=0,03) quando comparado ao GG e o GE foi intermediário. O GC apresentou maior área de concentração e valor máximo máxima de FSH (p=0,06) aos 14 meses. Dentro de cada grupo, todos apresentaram menor área total de secreção de leptina antes do tratamento comparado ao período pós tratamento. Após o período de tratamento, o GE apresentou maior valor máximo máxima de leptina (p=0,08) que o GC e o GG valor intermediário. A gordura diminuiu o número de folículos, aumentou a freqüência de pulsos de LH, diminuiu a secreção de FSH durante o começo da suplementação. A dieta com a soma das energias diminuiu a área de secreção de LH e aumentou a valor máximo máxima de concentração de leptina. No segundo experimento utilizamos 19 animais, com 24 a 27 meses de idade e peso de 366kg. Os tratamentos nutricionais foram realizados de 50 a 60 dias antes do parto previsto. As novilhas foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo Controle (GC, n=9) sem adição de gordura na ração (250 g de milho/novilha/dia) e grupo Gordura (GG, n=10) com gordura na ração (100g Megalac-E®/novilha/dia). Os animais foram mantidos em um escore corporal de 3,5 no período pré-parto, e diminuíram e foram mantidos com 2,5 até os noventa dias após parto. O GC obteve maior ganho médio diário dos 91 aos 119 dias pós-parto (p=0,011) comparado ao GG.O peso à ovulação foi maior no GC que no GG (p=0,03). O diâmetro do maior folículo não diferiu (p=0,31) entre o GC e GG durante o pós-parto. O diâmetro do segundo maior folículo foi maior no GC (p=0,028) que no GG. Houve um aumento no diâmetro do maior folículo no GC (p=0,05) e uma tendência no GG. Os dois grupos apresentaram aumento na concentração de LH com o passar dos intervalos (GC p<0,0001, GG p=0,0024). Entre o 15° e 30° dia pós-parto foi o período que apresentou menor área total de concentração de LH (p<0,0001) comparado aos demais intervalos dentro de cada grupo (p=0,85). GC e GG tiveram maior valor máximo de LH no intervalo de 75 a 90 dias (p=0,03 e p=0,04) quando comparado com os intervalos de 15 a 30 e de 30 a 45 dias pós-parto (p=0,97). Não houve diferença no peso vivo ao nascimento das bezerras do GC (34,3±2,58kg, p=0,18) comparado as do GG no período pré-parto (31,75±4,62 kg). As bezerras nascidas de vacas do GC obtiveram maior ganho médio diário nos primeiros 30 dias pós-parto (p=0,05) comparadas às bezerras do GG. Não houve diferença no ganho de peso por mamada das bezerras entre os GC e GG no período pós-parto, aos 20 dias (p=0,30), aos 46 dias (p=0,46), aos 81 dias (p=0,63) e aos 108 dias (p=0,66). Animais tratados com gordura no pré-parto apresentam um maior tempo para a primeira ovulação, menor quantidade de folículos secundários, acompanhada de menor peso vivo e menor ganho de peso no final do pós-parto / This study evaluated whether protected fat supply after weaning will interfere on follicular development and age at first ovulation in Nelore heifers (Bos taurus indicus) and if fat in the final third of pregnancy increases the preovulatory follicle diameter and number of follicles, changing the cyclicity in postpartum primiparous with a body score of 2.5. For this two experiments were developed, at first 30 contemporary Nellore heifers with of 167 kg life weight were used. The animals were sorted into 3 groups: Control group (CG, n=10), 500g of corn/animal/day. Fat group (GG, n=10), 200g of Megalac-E®/animal/day. Energy group (EG, n=10), 500g of corn plus 200g Megalac-E®/animal/day. Ovaries ultrasonography was performed to characterize the diameter and number of follicles. Blood samples were collected and radioimmunoassay was performed to quantify LH, FSH, progesterone and leptin. Either during nutritional treatment (p=0.32) or after (p=0.34) there was no difference in life weight between groups, but weight increased over time (p=0.0001). Heifers that received fat had lower (p=0.02) number of follicles than the control group. During nutritional treatments Fat group had higher (p=0.05) number of LH peaks than the Energy group and Control group showed intermediate number of LH peaks. The GC showed greater FSH concentration area (p=0.03) compared to GG and GE was intermediate. The GC had higher FSH concentration area (p=0.06) and maximum valor máximo (p=0.08), than GG and GE had intermediate values at 14 months. All groups exhibited lower leptin total concentration area before compared to after nutritional treatments. After the treatment period, the GE had higher leptin maximum value (p=0.08) than control group and GG intermediate. Fat supply decreased the number of follicles, increased LH pulses frequency, decreased FSH concentration at the supplementation beggining. Energy energy diet anticipated age at puberty, decreased LH concentration area and increased leptin concentration maximum value. For the second experiment 19 animals between 24 and 27 months of age and 366kg live weight were used, fixed time artificial insemination was performed (TAI). The dietary treatments were performed during 60 days before the estimated partum. The heifers were sorted in: Control (CG, n = 9) with no added fat (250 g of corn/heifer/day) and fat group (GG, n = 10) with 100 g Megalac-E®/heifer/day. The animals were maintained in a 3.5 BSC (1 to 5) during pre-partum, and decreased and maintained with 2.5 BSC until 90 days after calving. The GC had a higher average daily weight gain from 91 to 119 days postpartum (p=0.011) compared to GG. The weight at ovulation was higher in GC (p=0.03) than GG. Largest follicle diameter did not differ (p=0.31) between the CG and GG during the postpartum period. Second largest follicle diameter was greater in the GC (p=0.028) than in GG. There was an increase in the largest follicle diameter in CG (p=0.05) and a tendency in GG during the experimental period. Both groups showed an increase in LH concentration over the intervals (p<0.0001; p=0.0024). Between the 15th and 30th day postpartum there was the lowest LH concentration total area (p<0.0001) compared to other intervals within each group. LH maximum value was greater (p=0.03 and p=0.04) between 75 to 90 days compared to 15-30 and 30-45 days postpartum. There was no difference in calves birth weight between GC and GG (p=0.18). Calves born from GC cows had greater average daily weight gain in the first 30 days (p=0.05) than calves from GG. There was no difference in weight gain after 15 min suckling between GC and GG calves at 20, 46 days, 81 and at 108 days. Heifers treated with fat in pre-partum have an increased time to first ovulation, fewer secondary follicles, accompanied by a lower body weight and less weight gain in the end of postpartum

A identificação do momento mais apropriado para realizar a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) utilizando sêmen sexado pode aumentar a prenhez por inseminação (P/IA) e aumentar a utilização do sêmen sexado em fazendas de corte. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o melhor intervalo entre a inseminação e a ovulação na P/IA de vacas Nelore lactantes submetidas ao protocolo de IATF utilizando sêmen sexado. Um total de 339 vacas Nelore apresentando 30 a 60 dias pós-parto da fazenda experimental da APTA, em Colina-SP foram utilizadas. No início do tratamento as fêmeas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1g de progesterona (Sincrogest®,Ourofino Saúde Animal) e a aplicação i.m de 2mg de BE (Sincrodiol®, Ourofino). Após oito dias, o dispositivo foi removido e aplicados via i.m 0,25 mg de cloprostenol sódico (Sincrocio® , Ourofino) e 300UI de eCG (Folligon® , Intervet-Schering Plough). As vacas foram homogeneamente distribuídas para receberem IATF com sêmen sexado de um único touro da raça Angus (2.1milhões de espermatozóides por dose) às 36, 48 e 60 horas após a retirada dos dispositivos. O intervalo entre as inseminações e ovulações foi determinado e as análises realizadas comparando a taxa de prenhez entre os intervalos. Exames ultrassonográficos (7.5MHz, CTS-3300V, SIUI, China) foram realizados duas vezes ao dia, a partir da retirada do implante até 96 horas após e aos 30 pós IA para realização do diagnóstico de gestação. A P/IA foi definida como o número de fêmeas prenhes divididas pelo número de fêmeas inseminadas em cada intervalo. Os dados encontrados foram analisados usando o programa estatístico SAS. A taxa de ovulação após o protocolo foi de 92.0 % (312/339), o diâmetro do folículo ovulatório de 14,7 ± 2,3 mm e o intervalo entre retirada do dispositivo e ovulação de 71.8 ± 7.7 horas [48 horas (6.73%; 21/312), 60 horas (0.64%; 2/312), 72 horas (80.77%; 252/312), 84 horas (11.22%; 35/312), e 96 horas (0.64%; 2/312)]. A P/IA aumentou conforme se atrasou o momento da inseminação: 36 horas (5,8%; 5/86)c, 48 horas (20.8%; 27/130)b e 60 horas (30.9%; 38/123)a. A P/IA foi maior quando as inseminações foram realizadas próximas ao momento da ovulação (0 a 12 horas antes da ovulação = 37,9 %; 35/95) do que as realizadas entre 12,1 a 24 horas (19,4%; 21/108; P = 0,05) ou com mais de 24 horas (5,8%; 5/87; P = 0,0001) antes da ovulação sincronizada. Vacas recentemente ovuladas tiveram P/IA semelhante às realizadas próximo ao momento da ovulação (36,4%; 8/22; P = 0,95). Concluiu-se que a P/IA utilizando sêmen sexado é aumentada quando as inseminações são realizadas próximas a ovulação sincronizada. No experimento 2, de ressincronização, foram avaliadas, as taxas de serviço, concepção e prenhez em vacas previamente sincronizadas e inseminadas em tempo fixo. Foram formados dois grupos: observação de estro e IATF, utilizando na IA sêmen sexado e convencional. Os resultados para os grupos observação de estro e IATF foram, respectivamente: taxa de serviço [(63,5% (61/96); 100% (88/88)], taxa de concepção [(41% (25/61); 11,4% (10/88)], taxa de prenhez [(26% (25/96); 11,4% (10/88)]. Os resultados para os grupos observação de estro e IATF de acordo com o tipo de sêmen utilizado foram, respectivamente: sêmen convencional taxa de concepção [(43,3% (13/30); 14,9% (7/47))]; taxa de prenhez [(27,49% (13/61); 14,9% (7/47))]; sêmen sexado taxa de concepção [(38,7% (12/31); 7,3% (3/41))]; taxa de prenhez [(24,57% (12/61); 7,3% (3/41))]. / The identification of most appropriate moment to perform the timed artificial insemination (TAI) using sex-sorted semen following synchronization protocol can be important to improve the fertility of sex-sorted semen and increase the use sexed semen technology in commercial beef farms. The aim of this study was evaluated the better interval to perform the TAI relative to synchronized ovulation in suckled cows. A total of 339 suckled multiparous Nelore cows from an experimental farm (APTA), in Colina-SP, were evaluated in this study. The protocol started between 30 and 60 days post-partum. Cows received one synchronization protocol using an intravaginal device containing 1.0g of progesterone (Sincrogest®, Ouro Fino) plus an i.m. injection of 2.0mg of EB (Sincrodiol®, Ouro Fino). Eight days later, the device was removed and 0.25mg i.m. injection of cloprostenol sodium (Sincrocio®, Ouro Fino) and 300IU of eCG (Folligon®, Intervet-Shering Plough) were administered. Cows were homogenously assigned to receive TAI using sex-sorted semen from a single sire (2.1 millions of sperm cell per straw) at 36, 48 or 60 hours after device removal. The TAI to ovulation interval of synchronized cows was determined and the analysis was performed to compare the pregnancy for TAI performed at various intervals before ovulation using 12 hours time intervals. Ovarian ultrasonographic examinations (CTS-3300V, SIUI, China) were performed twice daily from day of the device removal to 96 hours afterwards, to evaluate ovarian follicular dynamics and interval from device removal to ovulation. All females were examined for pregnancy 30 days after AI. The data were analyzed using the SAS program.Incidence of ovulation after the estrous synchronization protocol was 92.0 % (312/339). Diameter of ovulatory follicle was 14.7 ± 2.3 mm and the interval between the P4 device removal and synchronized ovulation occurrence was 71.8 ± 7.7 hours. The distribution of the synchronized ovulation relative to the device removal was: 48 hours (6.73%; 21/312), 60 hours (0.64%; 2/312), 72 hours (80.77%; 252/312), 84 hours (11.22%; 35/312), and 96 hours (0.64%; 2/312). The pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) was increased (P <0.001) when the TAI was delayed 36 hours (5.8%; 5/86)c, 48 hours (20.8%; 27/130)b and 60 hours (30.9%; 38/123)a. Higher P/AI was achieved on TAI performed closer to ovulation (0 to 12 hours before ovulation = 37.9 %; 35/95) than TAI performed on 12.1 to 24 hours (19.4%; 21/108; P = 0.05) or > 24 hours (5.8%; 5/87; P = 0.0001) before the synchronized ovulation. Recently ovulated cows had P/AI similar to those performed around the time of ovulation (36,4%; 8/22). In conclusion, P/AI is increased when the TAI using sex-sorted is performed closer to synchronized ovulation in suckled Nelore cows. In experiment 2, resynchronization, were assessed the service rates, conception and pregnancy in cows previously synchronized and timed AI. Two groups were formed: estrous detection and TAI, using in AI, sexed and unsexed semen. The results for groups of estrus detection and TAI were, respectively, service rate [(63.5% (61/96) 100% (88/88)], conception rate [(41% (25/61), 11.4% (10/88))], pregnancy rate [(26% (25/96), 11.4% (10/88))]. The results for groups of estrus detection and TAI according the type of semen used were: conventional semen conception rate [(43.3% (13/30), 14.9% (7 / 47))] ; pregnancy rate [(27.49% (13/61), 14.9% (7 / 47))]; sexed semen conception rate [(38.7% (12/31) 7.3% (3 / 41))]; pregnancy rate [(24.57% (12/ 61), 7.3% (3 / 41))].

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Jeffrey S. Stevenson / A study was performed to determine the minimum effective dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) needed to induce ovulation of follicles in cattle (Exp. 1). Another study determined the effects of replacing the first injection of GnRH (d -7) with hCG or saline in a Resynch-Ovsynch protocol [injection of GnRH 7 d before and 48 h after PGF[subscript2alpha] before a resynchronized fixed-timed AI (TAI)] on pregnancy rates in cows diagnosed not pregnant and pregnancy survival in cows diagnosed pregnant (d 0; Exp. 2). A final study determined the ovulation potential of hCG compared with GnRH and saline (Exp. 3). In Exp. 1, ovaries of Holstein cows were mapped by using transrectal ultrasonography 7 d before pregnancy diagnosis. Cows were assigned to treatments of saline, 100 [Mu]g of GnRH, or 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 IU of hCG. Ovarian structures were monitored 7 d later and proportion of cows and follicles that ovulated were recorded. In Exp. 2, cows in 4 herds were assigned to treatments of 1,000 IU of hCG, 100 [Mu]g of GnRH, or left as untreated controls 7 d before pregnancy diagnosis. Nonpregnant cows were given PGF[subscript2alpha] (d 0), then inseminated 72 h later, concurrent with a GnRH injection. Pregnancy rates tended (P = 0.08) to be increased by GnRH (17.9%; n = 703) compared with control (12.9%; n = 505), but not hCG (16.5%; n = 541). Incidences of ovulation in nonpregnant cows (Exp. 3) were: hCG (51.6%; n = 126), GnRH (46.1%; n = 102), and control (28.1%; n = 96), whereas those in pregnant cows were: hCG (59.3%; n = 59), GnRH (24.5%; n = 49), and control (6.9%; n = 58). We concluded that: 1) a minimum dose of 1,000 IU of hCG resulted in a greater ovulatory response than saline, GnRH, or 500 IU of hCG (Exp. 1); 2) initiating a Resynch-Ovsynch protocol 7 d before pregnancy diagnosis with saline reduced timed AI pregnancy rates (Exp. 2); and 3) incidence of new CL was greater after hCG than GnRH in pregnant cows, but not in nonpregnant cows (Exp. 3).

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:55:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cyntia Monteiro dos Santos.pdf: 278759 bytes, checksum: 7115571db1dd5d0d8d3833f1fb35c6f4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-10-20 / The green tea derived from Camellia sinensis is considered a healthy drink, because it is associated with many benefits for the health, including the cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. The catechins are found abundantly in the green tea and they possess antioxidative, antibacterial and antitumoral activity, however there are not studies demonstrating if the chronic consumption of green tea could interfere in the reproduction and in biochemistry and hematological exams. Thus, the aim of this work is to verify the green tea influence in the weight, in the ovulation rate, in the blood count and in the blood biochemistry of superovulated rats. For that, the rats were divided in two groups, control and treated with green tea (n=30). The experiment had lost for three months, in the end of which 10 animals of each group were superovulated and sacrificed, after that, animals and the ovaries were weighted, corpora lutea were counted and the laboratorial exams of animals blood were realized. The chosen statistical analysis was the unpaired t test with Welch s correction and the moments in each group were analyzed by variance analysis with Tukey test, the differences were considered when p<0.05. The chronic consumption of green tea for three months avoid the increase of weight in animals with higher consumption and did not interfere with ovulation rate, but increased immune cells and lipid profile of the blood, and reduced serum creatinine in superovulated Wistar rats. / O chá verde oriundo da planta Camellia sinensis é considerado uma bebida saudável, pois está associado a vários benefícios para a saúde, incluindo a prevenção de câncer, doença cardiovascular e osteoporose. As catequinas encontradas em abundância no chá verde possuem ação antioxidativa e bactericida e também atividade anti-tumoral, porém não há estudos demonstrando se o consumo prolongado do chá verde pode interferir no corpo lúteo e nos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos. Portanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o peso corporal, o número de corpos lúteos, o hemograma e a bioquímica sérica de ratas Wistar superovuladas, sob ingestão prolongada de chá verde. Para tanto, as ratas foram divididas em dois grupos, controle e tratado com ingestão de chá verde (n=30). O experimento teve duração de três meses e ao final de cada mês, 10 ratas de cada grupo foram superovuladas e sacrificadas, foi realizada, então, a pesagem dos animais e dos ovários, a contagem dos corpos lúteos e a colheita de sangue para os exames laboratoriais. A análise estatística realizada entre os grupos foi o teste t não-pareado com correção de Welch e entre os momentos dentro de cada grupo empregou-se a análise de variância com contrastes pelo método de Tukey, diferenças foram consideradas quando p<0,05. O consumo prolongado do chá verde por três meses não aumenta o peso dos animais mesmo com maior consumo de ração, também não interfere na resposta ovulatória, porém, aumenta as células de defesa, diminui a creatinina sérica e aumenta o perfil lipídico do sangue em ratas Wistar superovuladas.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:53:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cyntia Monteiro dos Santos.pdf: 278759 bytes, checksum: 7115571db1dd5d0d8d3833f1fb35c6f4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-10-20 / The green tea derived from Camellia sinensis is considered a healthy drink, because it is associated with many benefits for the health, including the cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. The catechins are found abundantly in the green tea and they possess antioxidative, antibacterial and antitumoral activity, however there are not studies demonstrating if the chronic consumption of green tea could interfere in the reproduction and in biochemistry and hematological exams. Thus, the aim of this work is to verify the green tea influence in the weight, in the ovulation rate, in the blood count and in the blood biochemistry of superovulated rats. For that, the rats were divided in two groups, control and treated with green tea (n=30). The experiment had lost for three months, in the end of which 10 animals of each group were superovulated and sacrificed, after that, animals and the ovaries were weighted, corpora lutea were counted and the laboratorial exams of animals blood were realized. The chosen statistical analysis was the unpaired t test with Welch s correction and the moments in each group were analyzed by variance analysis with Tukey test, the differences were considered when p<0.05. The chronic consumption of green tea for three months avoid the increase of weight in animals with higher consumption and did not interfere with ovulation rate, but increased immune cells and lipid profile of the blood, and reduced serum creatinine in superovulated Wistar rats. / O chá verde oriundo da planta Camellia sinensis é considerado uma bebida saudável, pois está associado a vários benefícios para a saúde, incluindo a prevenção de câncer, doença cardiovascular e osteoporose. As catequinas encontradas em abundância no chá verde possuem ação antioxidativa e bactericida e também atividade anti-tumoral, porém não há estudos demonstrando se o consumo prolongado do chá verde pode interferir no corpo lúteo e nos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos. Portanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o peso corporal, o número de corpos lúteos, o hemograma e a bioquímica sérica de ratas Wistar superovuladas, sob ingestão prolongada de chá verde. Para tanto, as ratas foram divididas em dois grupos, controle e tratado com ingestão de chá verde (n=30). O experimento teve duração de três meses e ao final de cada mês, 10 ratas de cada grupo foram superovuladas e sacrificadas, foi realizada, então, a pesagem dos animais e dos ovários, a contagem dos corpos lúteos e a colheita de sangue para os exames laboratoriais. A análise estatística realizada entre os grupos foi o teste t não-pareado com correção de Welch e entre os momentos dentro de cada grupo empregou-se a análise de variância com contrastes pelo método de Tukey, diferenças foram consideradas quando p<0,05. O consumo prolongado do chá verde por três meses não aumenta o peso dos animais mesmo com maior consumo de ração, também não interfere na resposta ovulatória, porém, aumenta as células de defesa, diminui a creatinina sérica e aumenta o perfil lipídico do sangue em ratas Wistar superovuladas.

Reproduction is the process whereby an animal ensures the continuous existence of their genes in the population by procreation. Reproduction presents a series of obstacles for both males and females. Males have to ensure they are in peak physical condition in order to establish dominance and compete for the attention of the opposite sex. Females need enough energy to support their bodily needs whilst supplying energy to the growing foetuses and suckling young. The current thesis investigated the pattern of ovulation in female as well as the effect of photoperiod and food restriction on male gonadal development in wild caught South African spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) from the Limpopo province in South Africa by using faecal samples to measure hormone concentrations. A novel method, using faecal samples to monitor reproductive function in Acomys spinosissimus was validated during this study. It was shown that reproductive function can reliably be monitored in both sexes using enzyme immunoassays for 17-oxo-androgens in males and 20-oxopregnanes in females, respectively. Females were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. Seven females were housed completely separated from any male stimuli and represented the control group. The two experimental groups were each made up of seven females. The separated treatment was housed in visual and olfactory contact with intact males, separated by wire mesh. The paired treatment was housed with vasectomized males, allowing full contact between the two sexes. Females from all three treatment groups underwent normal follicular development with corpora lutea of ovulation recorded for one female from the control and one female from the paired treatment. Progesterone concentrations were compared between the different treatments using faecal hormone metabolite levels. The progesterone concentrations were not affected by the different treatments; however, the day of faecal sample collection influenced progesterone levels. The findings from the ovarian histology and faecal progestagens strongly suggest a spontaneous pattern of ovulation. To investigate the effects of photoperiod and food restriction, males were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. The first two groups, consisting of six males each, were subjected to a 14L: 10D (LD) photoperiod. Within the LD treatment, one group was fed ad libitum (NR) whilst the other group was subjected to a 10% food restriction (R). The remaining two cohorts were subjected to the same feeding regime as mentioned above, but they were kept on a 10L: 14D (SD) photoperiod. Male spiny mice exposed to a long photoperiod had significantly greater testes volume and seminiferous tubule diameters when compared to the males exposed to a short photoperiod. Total body fat did not differ significantly when compared between the different treatments. Males exposed to the long photoperiod also had significantly higher testosterone concentrations when compared to the males exposed to the short photoperiod. Feeding regime did not have any significant effect on any of the reproductive parameters investigated in this study. During this study it was concluded that Acomys spinosissimus is a spontaneous ovulator that is strongly photoperiodic with the availability of food resources enhancing the photoperiodic effect. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Zoology and Entomology / Unrestricted

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第20218号 / 理博第4303号 / 新制||理||1618(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科生物科学専攻 / (主査)教授 古市 剛史, 教授 Fred Bruce BERCOVITCH, 教授 平井 啓久 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM