Saliva crystallization in sheep subjected to estrus induction and synchronization protocols

Background: The crystallization of bodily fluids, primarily saliva, has been the subject of study in many species and is a simple alternative to detect estrus because it demands neither a significant financial investment nor qualified professionals to execute the examination. Fern pattern crystallization has been described in the cervical and nasal mucus, saliva and tear secretion, and in colostrum. Changes in salivary crystallization during the reproduction cycle are related to different hormonal concentrations in this period. Thus, the present study has evaluated the patterns of saliva crystallization in sheep subjected to estrus induction and synchronization protocols. Materials, Methods & Results: The sample consisted of 11 crossbreed Corriedale sheep, which were evaluated during two experimental periods (spring and autumn), and that underwent induction and synchronizing estrus protocols. In a random phase of the estrus cycle (day 0), each sheep was implanted with an intravaginal device (Primer®), impregnated with 0.36 g of progesterone for seven days. This device was inserted according to manufacturer’s instructions of the manufacturer and with the assistance of a specific applicator. On the day of device removal (day 7), the animals received 0.0375 mg of D-Cloprostenol (Prolise®) and 10 mg of Folltropin® extracted from the swine pituitary (NIH-FSH-P1 of Folltropin-V) by intramuscular administration. The saliva was collected at six points during the experimental periods: day 1 (3 days before placement of the implant); day 4 (day of insertion of the implant); day 9 (5 days after the insertion of the implant); day 11 (day of removal of the implant and application of hormones); day 12 (24 h after removal of the implant [presumable estrus]); and day 13 (48 h after removal of the implant). Smears containing 10 μL of saliva were observed under an optical light microscope (x200) for assessment of saliva crystallization. Salivary crystallization was classified in scores from 0 to 3 based on the extent of crystallization observed in the slide, also considering filling of the observation field (x200) and type of arborization pattern observed, as follows: 0= without crystallization; 1= too little crystallization; 2= low crystal¬lization; and 3= large amount of crystallization. The patterns of crystallization found in sheep demonstrated an increase in quantity, diversity, definition, and size of sheets as the period of estrus approached and were different than those tipically described in the literature. Patterns of salivary crystallization followed the phases of the estrus cycle defined by the estrus induction and synchronization protocol. Discussion: Salivary crystallization in the sheep used in this study exhibited patterns that were different than those typi¬cally described in the literature. In the spring, salivary crystallization score demonstrated variation from day1 to 11 of the protocol, when the predominant hormone was progesterone released by the implant (diestrus). However, in Autumn, on day 4 (implant placement day), an increase in crystallization score was noted. This may have occurred because the sheep were in the reproductive season and therefore, may have been nearing seasonal estrus before placement of the implant. The patterns of crystallization found in sheep demonstrated an increase in quantity, diversity, definition, and size of sheets as the period of estrus approaches and showed patterns that were different than the ones usually described in literature. The patterns of salivary crystallization followed the phases of the estrus cycle defined by the estrus induction and synchronization protocol

Variação estacional na qualidade do sêmen de carneiros Lacaune no Brasil

Existem poucos dados sobre a produção de sêmen da raça Lacaune, no sul do país. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar a produção e a qualidade do sêmen de carneiros desta raça, criados no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Foram utilizados 12 carneiros, de idades entre 1-4 anos, criados em condições intensivas. O sêmen foi colhido por vagina artificial e foram avaliadas as características quantitativas e qualitativas e a circunferência escrotal, do inverno de 2002 até a primavera de 2003. Com exceção da concentração espermática, foram observadas variações estacionais em todas as características estudadas. O volume variou de 1.1 ± 0.4 mL, no inverno de 2002, a 1.5 ± 0.4 mL no outono de 2003. O número total de espermatozóides por ejaculado variou de 4.0 ± 3.3x10(9) (inverno de 2002) a 5.7 ± 3.3x10(9) (verão de 2003). Observou-se variação estacional significativa (P &lt; 0,05) na circunferência escrotal em 2002, bem como variação significativa entre as idades dos animais, no inverno do mesmo ano. Os valores médios da produção espermática observados no verão e o outono foram superiores aos obtidos no inverno e primavera. O verão e outono foram considerados as estações mais indicadas para a utilização de machos da raça Lacaune em programas reprodutivos, no RS. Mais estudos devem ser conduzidos, para a verificação de efeitos estacionais sobre o congelamento do sêmen.Little is known regarding the seasonal semen production of Lacaune rams in southern Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate semen quality and production of Lacaune rams maintained in Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Semen was collected using an artificial vagina, from 12 rams (1 to 4 years of age), kept under intensive conditions. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the semen and scrotal circumference of each ram were recorded, from the winter of 2002 to the spring of 2003. Seasonal variations were recorded in almost all the monitored semen characteristics and in scrotal circumference. Sperm concentration was the only semen characteristic evaluated that did not show seasonal variation. Sperm volume varied between 1.1 ± 0.4 mL (winter of 2002) and 1.5 ± 0.4 mL (autumn of 2003). Total number of sperm per ejaculate varied between 4.0 ± 3.3x10(9) (winter of 2002) and 5.7 ± 3.3x10(9) (summer of 2003). For scrotal circumference records, in 2002 significant differences between seasons were observed. Significant differences were also found in accordance with the age of rams (P < 0.05) in the winter of 2002. Results showed improvement in motility, concentration and volume of the sperm during summer and autumn when compared to spring and winter. So, in this region of Brazil summer and autumn are the more indicated seasons to maximize the utilization of Lacaune rams for reproductive practices. Further studies must be done to evaluate Lacaune semen freezability in these seasons of the year

Perfil eletroforético das proteínas do plasma seminal e sua relação com a fertilidade de reprodutores eqüinos

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Perfil eletroforético das proteínas do plasma seminal de ovinos coletados através de vagina artificial e eletroejaculação

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Proteínas de baixo peso molecular do plasma seminal bovino relacionadas com a congelabilidade do sêmen através de eletroforese bidimensional em gel de poliacrilamida

A eletroforese bidimensional em géis de poliacrilamida representa uma técnica valiosa para separação e caracterização das proteínas e através deste método muitas proteínas do plasma seminal de várias espécies foram descritas e caracterizadas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi relacionar o perfil das proteínas de baixo peso molecular do plasma seminal bovino com a congelabilidade do sêmen. O plasma seminal de 16 reprodutores bovinos de maior e menor congelabilidade foram utilizados neste estudo. Foram encontradas 12 bandas protéicas nas amostras de plasma seminal analisadas nos géis SDS-PAGE a 15%. Apenas 6 das 12 bandas foram detectadas em todos os ejaculados estudados, sendo que somente as bandas protéicas 3 (15-16kDa; pI 4,7-5,2), 5 (16-17kDa; pI 4,1-4,8) e 7 (10-12kDa; pI 4,8-4,9) não apresentaram variação significativa entre as amostras de plasma seminal dos reprodutores. Das proteínas analisadas neste estudo, 4 apresentaram-se quantitativamente superiores (

Diferentes soluções diluidoras para o resfriamento do sêmen de tambaqui

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of extenders solutions in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) semen cooling at 6°C. The treatments consisted of semen dilutions with three extenders – BTS, HBSS, and ACP‑104 –, and a control with undiluted semen. Cooled semen was evaluated by 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. There were differences for the duration of motility and fertilization rates among the semen dilutions. Motility duration proved a highly variable evaluation after 72 hours. Dilution testing can be performed by the three products, and cooling storage for 72 hours is most effective with BTS extender.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de soluções diluidoras no resfriamento do sêmen de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) a 6°C. Os tratamentos consistiram de diluições de amostras de sêmen com três soluções – BTS, HBSS e ACP‑104, e de um controle com sêmen não diluído. O sêmen resfriado foi avaliado por 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas. Houve diferenças quanto à duração da motilidade e taxa de fertilização entre as diluições do sêmen. A duração da motilidade mostrou-se altamente variável depois de 72 horas. Os testes de diluição podem ser realizados pelos três diluidores, e seu armazenamento por 72 horas é mais eficaz com o diluidor BTS

Produção espermática e perímetro escrotal de carneiros da raça Lacaune, no Rio Grande do Sul

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Teste hiposmótico e sua relação com outros métodos de avaliação da integridade da membrana espermática do carneiro

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Retrospective study of clinical cases in ruminants at the UFRGS veterinary teaching hospital

Background: The pillars of animal production are sanity, genetics and nutrition. Sanitary control of the herd is important to reduce production costs and maintain health. The Veterinary Clinics Hospital (HCV) of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), located in Porto Alegre - RS, is the place of greatest casuistry of the state, with 20.000 annual attendances, between small and large animals. In view of this scenario, the present study aimed to determine the frequency and characterize the ruminants attended at HCV, in order to help in the future, in the construction of control and prevention strategies of diseases found. Materials, Methods & Results: The documents of ruminant care between January 2007 and May 2018 were searched in the archives of the Hospital of Veterinary Clinics of UFRGS. Data on species, race, sex, age and diagnosis were collected. Diagnoses were classified as conclusive and inconclusive and the cases with conclusive diagnosis were classified according to etiology: infectious and parasitic diseases, metabolic and nutritional diseases, reproductive and obstetric diseases, toxic diseases, traumatic diseases. The prevalence of diseases and characteristics of ruminants attended (species, sex, category) was calculated. During the study period, between January 2007 and May 2018, 341 ruminants were attended, with emphasis on sheep (42%), goats (39%) and cattle (18%). In addition, a camel with foreign body obstruction, a sambar deer with fracture of the first thoracic vertebra and a buffalo with ruminal impaction were attended. The care profile was mapped, with predominance of females (57%) and adults (59%). Most of the animals did not present a defined breed, but among the breeds stands out Texel, of cutting aptitude, in sheeps and Saanen and Holstein, of dairy aptitude, in goats and cattle, respectively. In the retrospective study, the diseases with infectious and parasitic etiology presented the highest prevalence with 27.5% of the attendances, followed by reproductive (17.5%), traumatic (13.5%), metabolic (10%), others (10%) and toxic (2.5%). Sixty-six animals had inconclusive diagnosis (19.5%). Discussion: The highest prevalences were infectious and parasitic diseases, with emphasis on myiasis and verminosis. So, it is perceived that management corrections are sufficient to reduce the number of occurrences of diseases and prophylactic measures such as vaccination protocol, vermifugation and adequate nutritional management are allied in this walk. Among the reproductive diseases, dystocia (42.85%), which is one of the main causes of mortality in the peripartum period, has been highlighted. Dog attack was the major cause of traumas in ruminants and urolithiasis was highlighted in metabolic diseases. In toxic diseases, copper intoxication was the most important. Sheep are extremely sensitive to this intoxication, as they tend to accumulate copper in the organism. The retrospective study made it possible to visualize the panorama of HCV UFRGS visits to ruminants in the last years, mapping the profile and determining the casuistry of the diseases. Studies of hospital veterinary casuistry are rare, mainly involving ruminants. At the end, it is concluded that studies referring to casuistry are important to know the predominant diseases in a specific area and its risk factors considering differential diagnosis and future prevention programs