There is an increasing interest in the manipulation of ovarian follicular populations in large domestic animals because this could prove beneficial for assisted reproductive techniques such as ovum pick-up (OPU). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of deslorelin slow-release implants (SRI) on the interovulatory interval, antral follicle count (AFC), number of follicles of different size ranges and plasma anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) concentration in mares. To synchronize their estrous cycles, Haflinger mares (n = 12) were treated twice with a PGF2α analogue. One day after the second injection (day 0), mares received a 9.4 mg deslorelin SRI (group DES, n = 6) or 1.25 mg deslorelin in a short-acting formulation (CON; n = 6), respectively. Regular transrectal ultrasonography of the genital tract was performed and blood samples were collected for the analysis of progesterone, AMH and gonadotrophins. The interval from implant insertion to the first spontaneous ovulation was 23.8 ± 10.5 days in group DES compared to 17.0 ± 3.9 days in group CON (p < 0.05). For the concentrations of LH, FSH and AMH, interactions between time and treatment were detected (p < 0.05). The AFC and the mean number of follicles with 5 to 10, 10 to 15 and 15 to 20 mm in diameter changed over time (p < 0.05). A time x treatment interaction was demonstrated for follicles of 10 to 15 mm in diameter (p < 0.05). The changes in this follicular subpopulation were reflected by increased plasma AMH concentration in group DES. In conclusion, 9.4 mg deslorelin implants show minor effects with regard to estrus suppression in mares, whereas the changes in the subpopulation of small ovarian follicles could be a promising tool for preparation of mares for OPU.
The donkey jack sex glands are larger than stallions, responsible for producing most part of seminal plasma and the second fraction of ejaculate, along with epididymis tail. Plugged ampullae occur by sperm accumulation obstructing the lumen, inducing decrease in sperm quality and may cause azoospermia. In this study, a Pêga breed donkey jack, aging 4 years, was evaluated for breeding soundness evaluation due to a sudden decrease in semen parameters and low fertility rates. Palpation, measurements, and ultrasound examinations of testicles were normal; however, rectal palpation revealed increased volume of ampullae and deferent duct, and the transrectal ultrasonography revealed distended ampullae with hyperechogenic material in the ampullae lumen. After ampullae massage, the semen was collected with artificial vagina for evaluation, resulting in high concentrated semen (1.46 Â 10 9 spermatozoa/mL) with low motility (5%), 14% of major defects, and 57% of minor defects. Plugged ampullae were suggested, and the treatment was performed by ampullae massage per rectum and three consecutive semen collections associated with the parenteral use of oxytocin 20 IU iv, aiming to discharge the semen accumulation. Daily regimen of semen collection was recommended during 10 days, and after this time, semen was collected at least three times a week. The semen parameters restored to normal (80% motility) after 30 days. The donkey jack returned to the breeding season with a regimen of 3 days a week of semen collection.
a b s t r a c tDuring the equine embryo transfer (ET), manipulation of the recipients cervix can stimulate the release of prostaglandin F2a by the uterine environment. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as flunixin meglumine (FM) are frequently used in order to prevent a potential luteolysis. However, despite the reduction of inflammatory reaction and release of prostaglandins, the benefits of FM in pregnancy rates (PRs) of mares submitted to ET are not conclusive, and there is no information about the early pregnancy loss (EPL) rate after FM injection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of FM in the PR and EPL in embryo-recipient mares. The data from 409 ET from a commercial breeding center were used, which 179 mares formed the control group (CG) and 230 recipients received the treatment of FM 1.1 mg/kg immediately after ET. There was no difference (P > .05) in PRs at 15 days (70.95% in the CG and 75.22% in treated mares) and 60 days (65.92% in CG and 65.22% in FM treated mares). However, there was a trend in the increase of early the pregnancy loss rate in mares that received FM (P ¼ .0852). From the results of the present experiment, FM does not improve the PR in embryo-recipient mares.
Here, we describe a workflow for high‐detail microCT imaging of formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) equine embryos recovered on Day 34 of pregnancy (E34), a period just before placenta formation. The presented imaging methods are suitable for large animals' embryos with intention to study morphological and developmental aspects, but more generally can be adopted for all kinds of FFPE tissue specimens. Microscopic 3D imaging techniques such as microCT are important tools for detecting and studying normal embryogenesis and developmental disorders. To date, microCT imaging of vertebrate embryos was mostly done on embryos that have been stained with an X‐ray dense contrast agent. Here, we describe an alternative imaging procedure that allows to visualize embryo morphology and organ development in unstained FFPE embryos. Two aspects are critical for high‐quality data acquisition: (i) a proper sample mounting leaving as little as possible paraffin around the sample and (ii) an image filtering pipeline that improves signal‐to‐noise ratio in these inherently low‐contrast data sets. The presented workflow allows overview imaging of the whole embryo proper and can be used for determination of organ volumes and development. Furthermore, we show that high‐resolution interior tomographies can provide virtual histology information from selected regions of interest. In addition, we demonstrate that microCT scanned embryos remain intact during the scanning procedure allowing for a subsequent investigation by routine histology and/or immunohistochemistry. This makes the presented workflow applicable also to archival paraffin‐embedded material.
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Ovarian tumours in mares represent 2.5% to 6% of the most frequent neoplasms found in the equine species, with a higher chance of benignity. This study aims to describe a case of two different tumours found in the same ovary of a mare that presented clinical signs of suppressed oestrous cycle during 5 years. After unilateral ovariectomy, the ovary was sent to the histopathology examination which determined a mixed tumour of granulosa cell and leiomyosarcoma. After treatment, the mare returned to oestrus and got pregnant in the next season.
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