No abstract

Background:The success of an embryo transfer protocol in sheep depends on many factors, but the choice of drugs for the desired superovulation as well as the conception rate (CR) are most essential. Reproductive activity in sheep is characterized by a seasonality influenced by several factors such as photoperiod, latitude, temperature, nutrition and breed. Reproductive seasonality and nutritional condition are the main factors that influence embryo production in sheep. In sheep, some anatomical peculiarities limit the application of traditional reproductive biotechnologies used in cattle. Objectives:The aim of this study was to conclude on the effectiveness of a wider on farm in vivo embryo transfer development programme in Suffolk sheep by streamlining hormone therapies and optimizing technique.Methods: A total number of 60 sheep and three rams were included in this study, divided into two groups (receptors and donors). Donor Suffolk sheep were treated for superovulation using the P4-PGF-FSH multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) protocol, while the cross-bred recipients' group was synchronized with P4-PGF-PMSG.Results: On the first day after superovulation, all ovaries had more than five dominant follicles, while corpora lutea were later observed in 83.3% sheep. The recovery rate was 83.3%, while 72.9% embryos were transferable. Embryos were transferred directly into recipients. Fertility after 30 days was 68.57%, lambing rate was 91.6% and CR was 62.85%. This study showed that veterinary drugs (P4, FSH, LH, PMSG, PGF) used for superovulation optimized by us were capable of producing by this improved technique the optimization of the reproduction indices at embryo-transfer (ET) and to be able to be used successfully. Conclusions:The application of an MOET protocol has a positive effect in the production of in vivo embryo production (IVD) embryos in Suffolk sheep and can guarantee the success of embryo transfer activity to ewes with lower genetic merit. Our research aimed at representing a model for sheep farms for a rapid improvement of productive traits.

It is emphasized that the medical staff is subject to a maximum risk, and so it is. Due to permanent contact with potentially contaminated patients, carriers may be infected or carry the virus. In this context, it is highlighted that veterinarians may have a high risk of infection. In the world literature, and international epizootic forums, it reports and publishes information on the presence of COVID19 in animals. Some animals have been confirmed with this virus, generally pets that come from families where there have been several carrier members. Pets that tested positive showed clinical signs of dyspnea, fever, impaired general condition, difficulty breathing. The International Office of Epizootics cites a few scattered cases in which they tested positive in laboratory tests, but their study led to some findings essential for understanding the epidemiology of the new disease. Obviously, in the case of dogs and cats found positive, the SARS-CoV-2 infection was linked to the situation of the owners, who were also positive. The thorough investigations revealed that in fact dogs and cats had not been the source of infection of the owners, but, they contracted the infection from their owners. And more clearly, it was not humans who turned out to be victims of animals, but vice versa. Among pets, cats and ferrets are the most blamed, they were also present in clinical manifestations and may possibly transmit the disease to other cats. Dogs don’t seem to be as sensitive. Veterinary medicine is in this situation caught in the middle: on the one hand it is obliged to investigate the possible source of animal infection, using its own and specific means of investigation, but on the other hand it has the professional duty to defend the innocence of some animal species, unjustly suspected and possibly incriminated. Let’s not forget that Covid 19 is a syndrome not a specific disease, and therefore clinical confusions are not impossible.

There is little information in the literature about the fungal contamination of boar semen and its persistence during storage. The challenge of this study was to perform a mycological screening to identify the yeast in the raw semen at 12/24 h after dilution. The research was done in pig farms in the N-E area of Romania, with maximum biosecurity and state-of-the-art technology. All the examined ejaculates (101) were considered to be normal for each spermogram parameter, with microbiological determinations in T0 at the time of ejaculate collection, T1 at the time of dilution, and T2 at 24 h of storage. Microbiological determinations (mycological spermogram) were performed for quantitative (LogCFU/mL) and qualitative (typification of fungal genera) identification. Bacterial burden (×103 LogCFU/mL) after dilution (T1) decreased drastically (p <0.0001) compared to the one in the raw semen (T0). After 24 h of storage at 17 °C, the mean value of the bacteriospermia remained constant at an average value of 0.44. Mycospermia had a constant trend at T0 (raw) and T1 (0.149 vs. 0.140) and was slightly higher at T2 (0.236). The difference between T1 vs. T2 (p = 0.0419) was close to the statistical reference value (p = 0.05). Of the total genera identified (24), the fungi had a proportion of 37.4% (9/15) and a ratio of 1:1.6. Regarding the total species (34), the fungi had a frequency of 29.42% (10/24) with a ratio between the fungi and bacteria of 1:2.4. A fertility rate of 86% was observed in the L1 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T1), and an 82% rate was observed in the L2 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T2). The litter size of L1 was 9.63 piglets and 9.56 for L2. Regarding the total number of piglets obtained between the two groups, there was a slight decrease of 22 piglets in group L2, without statistical differences (p > 0.05). The predominant genera persisted after dilution during a 12 h storage at 17 °C, where yeasts, such as Candida parapsilosis and C. sake were identified in more than 92% of AI doses.

The involution of the postpartum bovine uterus is accompanied by bacterial invasion. Studies show that most, if not all, bovine uteri are bacterially contaminated in the immediate postpartum period. The culture at this time will usually produce a wide range of bacteria, including Actinomyces pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Clostridium spp., Coliforms and Gram-negative anaerobes. The research is part of a larger study that aimed to isolate and identify potentially pathogenic bacteria from uterine secretions and their role in postpartum infections. To isolate and identify the uterine flora, swabs (n=160) were collected from the lumen of 32 dairy cattle, between 3 to >21 DIM. Bacterial microflora has been monitored for 5 weeks. The samples were passed through all stages of the microbiological examination and the results revealed the presence of the species Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis. At the first examination Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated in 8 (25%) of 32 samples, and Streptococcus agalactiae in monoculture was isolated in 4 (12,5%) of 32 samples. At the second and third examination the number of Streptococcus agalactiae in monoculture decreased. At 21 days after parturition Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated in 11 (34,38%) of 32 samples and Streptococcus agalactiae in monoculture was found in 9 (28,12%) of cows. The presence of these bacterial species with pathogenic potential for cattle and humans, highlights a possible zoonotic risk. Keywords: Dairy cows; Group B Streptococcus; Enterococcus faecalis, Uterine infection

BackgroundThe success of an embryo transfer protocol in sheep depends on many factors, but the choice of drugs for the desired superovulation as well as the conception rate are most essential. Reproductive activity in sheep is characterized by a seasonality influenced by several factors such as photoperiod, latitude, temperature, nutrition and breed. Reproductive seasonality and nutritional condition are the main factors that influence embryo production in sheep. In sheep, some anatomical peculiarities limit the application of traditional reproductive biotechnologies used in cattle. MethodsIn vivo embryo production is often referred to as “multiple ovulation and embryo transfer” and involves ovarian superstimulation of the donor female, insemination or mating, uterine flushing for embryo recovery, and either cryopreservation or transfer of collected embryos to recipients. A total number of 60 sheep and 3 rams were included in this study, divided into 2 groups (receptors/donors). Donor Suffolk sheep were treated for superovulation using the P4‐PGF‐FSH protocol while the cross-bred recipients’ group was synchronized with P4-PGF-PMSG. ResultsOn the first day after superovulation, all ovaries had more than 5 dominant follicles, while corpora lutea were later observed in 83.3% sheep. The recovery rate was 83.3% while 72,9% embryos were transferable. Embryos were transferred directly into recipients. Fertility after 30 days was 68.57%, lambing rate was 91.6%, and CR 62.85%. This study showed that veterinary drugs (P4, FSH, LH, PMSG, PGF) used for superovulation were capable to induce estrus and synchronize ovulation in sheep, are topical and in increasing use worldwide. ConclusionsThe aim of this study was to conclude on the effectiveness of a wider on farm in vivo embryo transfer development program in Suffolk sheep, using several veterinary hormones. The application of a multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) protocol has a positive effect in the production of in vivo derived embryos in Suffolk sheep and can guarantee the success of embryo transfer activity to ewes with lower genetic merit. Our research aimed at representing a model for sheep farms for a rapid improvement of productive traits.

No abstract