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Abstract:Two ultrasound based fertility prediction methods were tested prior to embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI) in cattle. Female bovines were submitted to estrous synchronization prior to ET and AI. Animals were scanned immediately before ET and AI procedure to target follicle and corpus luteum (CL) size and vascularity. In addition, inseminated animals were also scanned eleven days after insemination to target CL size and vascularity. All data was compared with fertility by using gestational diagnosis 35 days after ovulation. Prior to ET, CL vascularity showed a positive correlation with fertility, and no pregnancy occurred in animals with less than 40% of CL vascularity. Prior to AI and also eleven days after AI, no relationship with fertility was seen in all parameters analyzed (follicle and CL size and vascularity), and contrary, cows with CL vascularity greater than 70% exhibit lower fertility. In inseminated animals, follicle size and vascularity was positive related with CL size and vascularity, as shown by the presence of greater CL size and vascularity originated from follicle with also greater size and vascularity. This is the first time that ultrasound based fertility prediction methods were tested prior to ET and AI and showed an application in ET, but not in AI programs. Further studies are needed including hormone profile evaluation to improve conclusion.

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The testicular artery is responsible for the blood supply that reaches the testis and has great importance in heat radiation. Vascular changes in the testis may lead to damage in sperm production, reflected in sperm motility and morphology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate correlations between testicular vascularity and sperm characteristic. Eight adult Santa Ines rams showing different reproductive status were used. The testicular vascularity and sperm characteristics were evaluated fortnightly during 90 days. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to evaluate the testicular hemodynamic. Resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the testicular artery were evaluated by spectral-Doppler mode. The color-Doppler mode was used to evaluate the blood flow of the pampiniform plexus and testicular parenchyma. The semen analyses assessed were volume, concentration, motility, and morphology. The data were submitted to Pearson´s linear correlations test (p < 0.05 was considered significant). No correlations were found between motility and testicular hemodynamic. The percentage of total sperm defects was positively correlated to left and right parenchymal score and to left RI and PI. On the other hand, the pampiniform plexus score was positively correlated to the number of colored pixels and negatively correlated to the RI and PI, for both sides. This study showed that the increase of sperm defect can be related to increase of testicular blood flow; however, more studies are need.

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