RESUMO: Protocolos que induzem à lactação artificial em vacas e novilhas são eficazes e estão comercialmente disponíveis no Brasil. No entanto, esses protocolos demandam longos tratamentos hormonais, o que é discutível visto que poucas pesquisas foram feitas sobre o assunto. Para entender melhor os protocolos de indução artificial à lactação (IAL), realizamos dois experimentos. Foi testada a hipótese de que um protocolo curto (oito dias) de IAL é tão eficiente quanto o protocolo padrão de 15 dias. No experimento 1 objetivou-se caracterizar o perfil esteroidal durante um protocolo de IAL e avaliou-se os perfis séricos de estradiol (E2) e progesterona (P4) de vacas Jersey (n=6) submetidas a um protocolo convencional. No experimento 2 foram comparadas a produção de leite e as concentrações séricas de E2 de novilhas holandesas induzidas à lactação pelo protocolo padrão de IAL (15 injeções de E2 e 8 injeções de P4) e por um protocolo curto, no qual o número de injeções de E2 e, consequentemente, a dosagem geral de E2 foram reduzidas (oito injeções de E2 e oito injeções de P4). A hipótese foi confirmada, demonstrado que um protocolo mais curto induziu a lactação em novilhas holandesas sem prejudicar a produção de leite. RESUMO Brasil entanto hormonais assunto IAL, , (IAL) experimentos dias objetivouse objetivou se avaliouse avaliou E (E2 P4 P (P4 n=6 n6 n 6 (n=6 convencional (1 consequentemente P4. . confirmada (IAL (E (P n= (n= ( (n

ABSTRACT: Protocols to artificially induce cows and heifers into lactation are effective and commercially available in Brazil. However, these protocols demand long hormonal treatments, which is debatable since little research has been done in the subject. To further understand artificial induction to lactation (AIL) protocols, we conducted two experiments. In experiment 1, our objective was to better characterize steroidal profile during an AIL protocol and assess the estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) serum profiles of Jersey cows (n=6) subjected to a conventional protocol. In experiment 2, we aimed to compare milk production and serum E2 concentrations of Holstein heifers induced into lactation by the standard AIL protocol (15 injections of E2 and 8 P4 injections) and by a short protocol in which the number of E2 injections and, consequently, the overall dosage of E2, were reduced (8 injections of E2 and 8 P4 injections). We hypothesized that a short AIL protocol (8 days) would be as efficient as the long standard protocol of 15 days. Our hypothesis was confirmed, since we demonstrated that a shorter protocol was able to induce lactation in Holstein heifers without hindering milk production. ABSTRACT Brazil However treatments subject (AIL experiments 1 E (E2 P (P4 n=6 n6 n 6 (n=6 2 (1 consequently ( injections. . days confirmed (E (P n= (n= (n

Abstract Treating lactating sows with chorionic gonadotropins may allow controlling their post-weaning reproductive function, despite the occurrence of anestrous during lactation. This article reviews the potential effectiveness of treatment with both equine and human chorionic gonadotropins (eCG and hCG, respectively) during lactation on the control of estrus expression and ovulation in weaned sows. The use of 1,000 IU hCG at 24 and 48 h postpartum may induce ovulation in the treated sows, but the ovulation rate may be variable. Pregnancy rates may be improved with combined treatment after the second week of lactation with both chorionic gonadotropins: 1,500 IU eCG plus 500 – 1,000 hCG; or 1,000 IU eCG plus 1,000 IU hCG. Treatment with eCG (1,000 – 2,000 IU) at the end of lactation may result in acceptable estrus expression and ovulation rates, although with marginal benefit for pregnancy rates. The subsequent response to treatments with chorionic gonadotropins during lactation is likely influenced by the treatment period, the suckling frequency during lactation, and the boar exposure during the weaning-to-estrus interval. A better understanding of the efficiency of such steroid-free treatments is increasingly relevant due to the constraints of the use of steroid hormones in livestock reproductive management. postweaning post weaning function respectively 1000 1 000 1,00 2 4 variable 1500 1,50 50 (1,00 2000 2,00 period weaningtoestrus interval steroidfree free management 100 00 1,0 150 1,5 5 (1,0 200 2,0 10 0 1, 15 (1, 20 2, (1 (

Abstract The impact of GnRH treatment on the day of TAI in beef cows has received limited investigation, especially concerning its association with estrus expression. Consequently, two experiments were conducted to assess the potential of GnRH treatment on the day of TAI to enhance fertility according to the expression or not of estrus in beef cows. Experiment 1 aimed to determine ovulation rate and luteal function, while Experiment 2 aimed to determine the effect of the two GnRH treatment approaches on pregnancy rate. In Experiment 1, multiparous Brangus suckling cows (n = 17) were submitted to an 8-day TAI protocol. Estrus occurrence was evaluated based on chalk removal on D10 (TAI) and cows were assigned to receive GnRH (25µg lecirelin; im) according to the group: GnRH (n = 7), regardless of estrus expression; or selectGnRH (n = 10), only cows not detected in estrus. Ovulation rate occurring until 77h after IVD removal did not differ (p = 0.17) between GnRH (85.7%; 6/7) and selectGnRH (100%; 10/10). Also, corpus luteum size and serum progesterone concentration were not affected (p>0.05) by treatments. In Experiment 2, crossbred taurine suckled cows (n = 384) were submitted to the same protocol as described in Experiment 1 and were randomly allocated to GnRH or selectGnRH groups. There was no difference in P/AI between groups (selectGnRH = 55.6%; GnRH = 54.3%; p = 0.7) 30 days after TAI. As expected, there was a pronounced effect (p<0.0001) of estrus expression on P/AI (Estrus = 61.5%; No estrus = 33.0%), regardless of group. In summary, ovulation timing and rate and luteal function did not differ between groups. Also, GnRH administration only in cows that do not show estrus is recommended, considering hormone savings and similar conception rate. investigation Consequently n 17 8day 8 D D1 (TAI 25µg µg lecirelin im group 7, 7 , 7) 10, 10 10) h 0.17 017 0 85.7% 857 85 (85.7% 6/7 67 6 100% 100 (100% 10/10. 1010 10/10 . 10/10) Also p>0.05 p005 05 (p>0.05 treatments 384 PAI P AI 55.6% 556 55 54.3% 543 54 3 0.7 07 expected p<0.0001 p00001 0001 (p<0.0001 61.5% 615 61 5 33.0%, 330 33.0% 33 33.0%) summary recommended 0.1 01 85.7 (85.7 6/ (100 101 10/1 p>0.0 p00 (p>0.0 38 55.6 54.3 0. p<0.000 p0000 000 (p<0.000 61.5 33.0 85. (85. (10 10/ p>0. p0 (p>0. 55. 54. p<0.00 p000 00 (p<0.00 61. 33. (85 (1 p>0 (p>0 p<0.0 (p<0.0 (8 ( p> (p> p<0. (p<0. p<0 (p<0 p< (p<

Abstract Radiotherapy causes destruction of tumor cells, but also threatens the integrity and survival of surrounding normal cells. Then, woman submitted to irradiation for cancer treatment may present permanent ovary damage, resulting in impaired fertility. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation (IR), used for ovarian cancer treatment in humans, on bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) as experimental model. Bovine ovaries were exposed to 0.9 Gy, 1.8 Gy, 3.6 Gy or 18.6 Gy IR, and then COCs were collected and used to evaluate: (a) oocyte nuclear maturation; (b) presence of phosphorylated H2A.X (γH2AX), as an indicator of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs); and (c) expression of genes involved in DNA repair (TP53BP1, RAD52, ATM, XRCC6 and XRCC5) and apoptosis (BAX). The radiation doses tested in this study had no detrimental effects on nuclear maturation and did not increase γH2AX in the oocytes. However, IR treatment altered the mRNA abundance of RAD52 (RAD52 homolog, DNA repair protein) and BAX (BCL2-associated X protein). We conclude that although IR doses had no apparent effect on oocyte nuclear maturation and DNA damage, molecular pathways involved in DNA repair and apoptosis were affected by IR exposure in cumulus cells. cells Then damage fertility , (IR) humans cumulusoocyte (COCs model 09 0 9 0. 18 1 8 1. 36 3 6 3. 186 18. evaluate a (a b (b H2AX HAX H2A H A γH2AX, γHAX γH AX (γH2AX) doublestrand double strand DSBs (DSBs) c (c TP53BP1, TP53BP1 TPBP TP BP (TP53BP1 RAD ATM XRCC XRCC5 BAX. . (BAX) oocytes However RAD5 (RAD5 homolog protein BCL2associated BCLassociated BCL2 associated BCL protein. (IR HA (γH2AX (DSBs TP53BP (TP53BP (BAX (RAD

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre infecção crônica por Anaplasma marginale e Babesia spp. e parâmetros hematológicos de novilhas taurinas prenhes e não prenhes. Sangue de 94 fêmeas foi coletado no primeiro dia (D-10) do protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e no diagnóstico de gestação (D+34). Parâmetros hematológicos foram comparados entre novilhas prenhes (PG) e não prenhes (NPG) e dentro dos grupos entre dias de coleta. Usando-se PCR em tempo real (qPCR), determinou-se a infecção por A. marginale e Babesia bovis e quantificação absoluta de Babesia spp. Entre os grupos PG e NPG. A análise de correlação foi realizada entre o número de cópias (CN) de Babesia spp. e parâmetros hematológicos. No D-10, a concentração de hemoglobina foi maior para NPG e hematócrito, e proteína plasmática total foram maiores em D+34 para ambos os grupos. Não houve diferença para CN de Babesia spp. entre os grupos. Na primeira qPCR, todas as novilhas foram positivas para A. marginale e B. bovis. Correlações significativas foram encontradas entre hemoglobina/eritrócito e hemoglobina/hematócrito (r=0,8082 e r=0,3009, respectivamente). Baixos níveis de A. marginale e Babesia spp. não afetaram os parâmetros hematológicos de novilhas taurinas prenhes e não prenhes cronicamente infectadas. spp 9 D10 D 10 (D-10 IATF (IATF D+34. D34 . 34 (D+34) (PG (NPG coleta Usandose Usando se qPCR , (qPCR) determinouse determinou (CN D10, 10, D-10 hematócrito D+3 B hemoglobinaeritrócito eritrócito hemoglobinahematócrito r=0,8082 r08082 r 0 8082 (r=0,808 r03009 3009 r=0,3009 respectivamente. respectivamente respectivamente) infectadas D1 1 (D-1 D3 3 (D+34 (qPCR D-1 D+ r=0,808 r0808 808 (r=0,80 r0300 300 r=0,300 (D- (D+3 D- r=0,80 r080 80 (r=0,8 r030 30 r=0,30 (D (D+ r=0,8 r08 8 (r=0, r03 r=0,3 r=0, r0 (r=0 r=0 (r= r= (r

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the association between chronic Anaplasma marginale and Babesia spp. infection and hematological parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant taurine heifers. Blood samples from 94 females were collected on the first day (D-10) of timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol and on pregnancy diagnosis (D+34). Hematological parameters were determined and compared between pregnant (PG) and non-pregnant (NPG) heifers, and within group at different sampling days. Real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to determine A. marginale and Babesia bovis infection, and for absolute quantification of Babesia spp. between PG and NPG groups. Correlation analysis was performed between the number of gDNA copies (CN) of Babesia spp. and hematological parameters. On D-10, mean hemoglobin concentration was higher for NPG, and hematocrit and total plasma protein were higher on D+34 for both groups. There was no difference in Babesia spp. CN between groups. In the first qPCR, all heifers were positive for A. marginale and B. bovis. Significant correlations were found between hemoglobin and erythrocyte and between hemoglobin and hematocrit (r = 0.8082 and r = 0.3009, respectively). Low levels of A. marginale and Babesia spp. did not affect hematological parameters of chronically infected pregnant and non-pregnant taurine heifers. spp nonpregnant non 9 D10 D 10 (D-10 TAI (TAI D+34. D34 . 34 (D+34) (PG (NPG days Realtime Real time qPCR (qPCR A groups (CN D10, 10, D-10 D+3 B 08082 0 8082 0.808 03009 3009 0.3009 respectively. respectively respectively) D1 1 (D-1 D3 3 (D+34 D-1 D+ 0808 808 0.80 0300 300 0.300 (D- (D+3 D- 080 80 0.8 030 30 0.30 (D (D+ 08 8 0. 03 0.3

RESUMO: A prostaglandina F2α (PGF) pode induzir a ovulação e melhorar tanto a concepção em vacas, como a produção de embriões em búfalas, mas o efeito em vacas superovuladas é desconhecido. Esse estudo teve como objetivo verificar se a administração de uma dose de PGF na inseminação artificial (IA) após a superovulação (SOV) melhora as taxas de fecundação e produção embrionária em vacas. Em cada replicação, vacas doadoras de embriões foram equilibradamente alocadas em dois grupos: controle, não tratado, ou PGF, que recebeu 482 µg de cloprostenol no momento da primeira IA. Cada doadora (n = 35) foi submetida a duas SOV em um delineamento crossover (total = 70 coletas de embriões). Nos grupos controle e PGF, respectivamente, foram observados [medianas (IC 95%)]: 12 (10-18) e 15 (12-18) estruturas totais; 9 (7-11) e 7 (6-10) embriões viáveis; 1 (0-1) e 1 (1-3) embriões degenerados; e 1 (0-3) e 2 (0-5) ovócitos (P > 0,05). Conclui-se que uma única administração de PGF no momento da primeira IA não afeta a produção embrionária de vacas superovuladas. RESUMO Fα F α (PGF búfalas desconhecido (IA (SOV replicação tratado 48 n 35 total embriões. . embriões) respectivamente medianas IC 95% 95 95%)] 1018 10 18 (10-18 1218 (12-18 totais 711 11 (7-11 610 6 (6-10 viáveis 01 0 (0-1 13 3 (1-3 degenerados 03 (0-3 05 5 (0-5 P 0,05. 005 0,05 0,05) Concluise Conclui 4 95%) 101 (10-1 121 (12-1 71 (7-1 61 (6-1 (0- (1- 00 0,0 (10- (12- (7- (6- (0 (1 0, (10 (12 (7 (6 (

ABSTRACT: Treatment with prostaglandin F2α (PGF) induces ovulation and increases conception rates in cows, while improving embryo production in buffalos. However, its effect on superovulated cows is unknown. This study verified whether single PGF administration concurrent with artificial insemination (AI) improves fertilization and embryo production rates in superovulated cows. In each replicate, embryo donor cows were equally allocated to two groups: the untreated control and PGF groups. The latter of which received 482 µg of cloprostenol concurrent with the first AI. Each cow (n = 35) was subjected to two superovulations (SOV) in a crossover design (total = 70 embryo collections). In the control and PGF groups, respectively, the observed responses were [median (95% CI)]: 12 (10-18) and 15 (12-18) total structures, 9 (7-11) and 7 (6-10) viable embryos, 1 (0-1) and 1 (1-3) degenerated embryos, and 1 (0-3) and 2 (0-5) oocytes (P > 0.05). In conclusion, single PGF treatment concurrent with the first AI did not affect embryo production in superovulated cows. ABSTRACT Fα F α (PGF buffalos However unknown (AI replicate groups 48 n 35 SOV (SOV collections. collections . collections) respectively median 95% 95 (95 CI CI)] 1018 10 18 (10-18 1218 (12-18 structures 711 11 (7-11 610 6 (6-10 embryos 01 0 (0-1 13 3 (1-3 03 (0-3 05 5 (0-5 P 0.05. 005 0.05 0.05) conclusion 4 (9 CI) 101 (10-1 121 (12-1 71 (7-1 61 (6-1 (0- (1- 00 0.0 ( (10- (12- (7- (6- (0 (1 0. (10 (12 (7 (6

Abstract Estradiol cypionate (EC) or GnRH have been widely used for ovulation induction in timed embryo transfer (TET). EC administration increases the proportion of cows that show estrus, whereas GnRH promotes more synchronized ovulations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of combining EC and GnRH in TET. In experiment 1, no difference was observed on serum progesterone concentrations on Day 6 and 13 after GnRH treatment between GnRH and EC+GnRH groups. In experiment 2, pregnancy per embryo transfer (P/ET) did not differ (p = 0.69) between GnRH (62.8%) and EC+GnRH (58.7%) groups. In conclusion, combining EC and GnRH for ovulation induction does not increase progesterone secretion and pregnancy rate after TET in cattle.

Abstract Associations of the activity of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme with boar sperm quality still needs to be characterized, since boar ejaculates present distinct portions with differences in sperm concentration and quality. This study evaluated PON1 activity in the serum, in the distinct portions of boar ejaculates and estimated correlations with sperm quality parameters. Ejaculates and blood samples were collected from six boars for three weeks (two per week per boar; n = 36). Serum and post-spermatic portion PON1 activities were positively correlated (P = 0.01) but were both uncorrelated with the PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion and in the whole ejaculate (P > 0.05). Differences in PON1 activity among boars were only observed in the sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate (P < 0.05). The PON1 activity in the serum and in the post-spermatic portion was generally negatively correlated with parameters of spermatozoa kinetics (P < 0.05). In the sperm-rich portion, PON1 activity was positively correlated with sperm concentration (P < 0.0001), curvilinear distance and velocity (both P < 0.05) and DNA integrity (P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with straightness and linearity (P < 0.05). Thus, boar ejaculates with increased PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion may present increased concentration and spermatozoa with acceptable curvilinear velocity and distance and DNA integrity, which suggests that PON1 activity may be a biomarker for potential fertility.

Abstract The identification of mutations in the genes encoding bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) associated with phenotypes of sterility or increased ovulation rate in sheep aroused interest in the study of the role of local factors in preantral and antral folliculogenesis in different species. An additive mutation in the BMP15 receptor, BMPR1b, which determines an increase in the ovulatory rate, has been introduced in several sheep breeds to increase the number of lambs born. Although these mutations indicate extremely relevant functions of these factors, the literature data on the regulation of the expression and function of these proteins and their receptors are very controversial, possibly due to differences in experimental models. The present review discusses the published data and preliminary results obtained by our group on the participation of local factors in the selection of the dominant follicle, ovulation, and follicular atresia in cattle, focusing on transforming growth factors beta and their receptors. The study of the expression pattern and the functionality of proteins produced by follicular cells and their receptors will allow increasing the knowledge about this local system, known to be involved in ovarian physiopathology and with the potential to promote contraception or increase the ovulation rate in mammals. 1 BMP (BMP15 GDF9 GDF (GDF9 species BMP1 receptor BMPR1b BMPRb BMPR b born controversial models follicle cattle system mammals (BMP1 (GDF (BMP

RESUMO: O progestágeno sintético altrenogest (ALT) tem sido amplamente utilizado na suinocultura para agrupamento da inseminação, na transição de fluxo produtivo semanal para manejo em bandas de 14 ou 21 dias. O presente estudo investigou o efeito da duração do tratamento com ALT sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de fêmeas desmamadas na transição para o manejo em bandas. Foram coletados dados retrospectivos do desempenho reprodutivo de fêmeas primíparas e pluríparas desmamadas (n = 525) que não foram tratadas (controle, n = 165) ou tratadas diariamente com 20 mg de ALT durante 7 dias (ALT7, n = 161) ou 14 dias (ALT14, n = 199) pós-desmame. O intervalo entre o desmame ou final da suplementação de ALT e a primeira IA não diferiu entre os grupos, bem como o percentual de fêmeas inseminadas até 7 e 10 dias pós a remoção da suplementação hormonal (P ≥ 0,16). Houve uma tendência para menor taxa de parto ajustada (P = 0,06) no grupo ALT7 (77,2%), quando comparada aos grupos ALT14 (84,5%) e controle (86,3%). O número total de leitões nascidos não diferiu entre os grupos (P = 0,35). Conclui-se que, apesar do pequeno atraso no início do estro, não houve impactos na taxa de manifestação estral. Entretanto, a taxa de parto ajustada foi reduzida quando o ALT foi administrado por sete dias após o desmame na transição para o manejo em bandas de 21 dias.

ABSTRACT: The synthetic progestin altrenogest (ALT) has been widely used in sow farms to concentrate artificial inseminations (AIs) during the transition of weekly productive flow for the batch farrowing system of 14 or 21 days. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the duration of ALT treatment on the reproductive performance of weaned sows during transition to batch farrowing. Retrospective data was evaluated regarding the reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous sows that were either not treated (control, n = 165) or treated with 20 mg ALT during 7 days (ALT7, n = 161) or 14 days (ALT14, n = 199) post-weaning. The interval between weaning or the end of ALT supplementation and first AI did not differ among the groups, as well as the percentage of sows inseminated up to 7 or 10 days after the end of treatment or weaning (P ≥ 0.16). There was a tendency for a lower farrowing rate (P = 0.06) in ALT7 (77.2%) when compared to ALT14 (84.5%) and control (86.3%) groups. The total number of piglets born did not differ among groups (P = 0.35). In conclusion, despite the slight delay in the estrus onset, the proportion of estrous sows was not affected, whereas the adjusted farrowing rate was reduced when ALT was administered for 7 days after weaning in multiparous sows during transition to 21 days batch farrowing system.

Abstract The transforming growth factors beta (TGFβ) are local factors produced by ovarian cells which, after binding to their receptors, regulate follicular deviation and ovulation. However, their regulation and function during corpus luteum (CL) regression has been poorly investigated. The present study evaluated the mRNA regulation of some TGFβ family ligands and their receptors in the bovine CL during induced luteolysis in vivo. On day 10 of the estrous cycle, cows received an injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) and luteal samples were obtained from separate groups of cows (n= 4-5 cows per time-point) at 0, 2, 12, 24 or 48 h after treatment. Since TGF beta family comprises more than 30 ligands, we focused in some candidates genes such as activin receptors (ACVR-1A, -1B, -2A, -2B) AMH, AMHR2, BMPs (BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -6 and -7), BMP receptors (BMPR-1A, -1B and -2), inhibin subunits (INH-A, -BA, -BB) and betaglycan (TGFBR3). The mRNA levels of BMP4, BMP6 and INHBA were higher at 2 h after PGF administration (P<0.05) in comparison to 0 h. The relative mRNA abundance of BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, BMP4, BMP6, ACVR1B, INHBA and INHBB was upregulated up to 12 h post PGF (P<0.05). On the other hand, TGFBR3 mRNA that codes for a reservoir of ligands that bind to TGF-beta receptors, was lower at 48 h. In conclusion, findings from this study demonstrated that genes encoding several TGFβ family members are expressed in a time-specific manner after PGF administration.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on follicle population and ovulatory follicle development in non-lactating dairy cows. Twenty-one Jersey cows were allocated in rbST (n=11) or control (n=10) groups. On day -60, cows in rbST group received 500 mg of somatotropin (s.c. Lactotropin®, Elanco). On day 0, control and rbST cows received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (1.9 g, CIDR®, Zoetis) and GnRH (100 mg, IM, Factrel®, Zoetis). On day 8, cows received PGF2α (25 mg, IM, Lutalyse®, Zoetis) and the CIDR® was removed. Twelve hours after device removal (D8), serum, follicular fluid and granulosa cells samples were collected. Serum and follicular concentration of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were analyzed. Total RNA was extracted from granulosa cells to measure gene expression of LHCGR, STAR, HSD-3B1, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, CYP17A1, IGFR and PAPPA by real-time PCR. Ultrasonography was performed on days -60, -53, -46, -14, -7, 0 and 8 for antral follicle count. Results were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and t-test. There was no effect of rbST treatment on the number of follicles during the 60 days period, as well as no effect on serum and follicular fluid E2 and follicular fluid P4 at the moment of follicle aspiration. There was a reduction in PAPPA (P = 0.006), CYP11A1 (P = 0.04) and CYP19A1 (P = 0.002) mRNA levels in granulosa cells of the pre-ovulatory follicle of rbST treated cows. In conclusion, a single dose of rbST did not have long-term effects on antral follicle population, serum and follicular E2/P4 concentrations in non-lactating dairy cows. Despite that, rbST injection decreased granulosa cell expression of genes related to steroidogenesis in the pre-ovulatory follicle.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica do uso de um protocolo de indução a lactação em novilhas da raça Holandês. Foram coletados dados econômicos do manejo nutricional, reprodutivo e sanitário pré e pós lactação de 30 novilhas induzidas à lactação (IG) e 30 novilhas prenhes (CG). Todos os animais foram inseminados em torno de 14 meses de idade e iniciaram a lactação com aproximadamente 23±4 meses. Os animais do IG foram novilhas que não conceberam após duas inseminações e monta natural, e foram induzidas à lactação com o protocolo: do 1° ao 8° dia receberam aplicação de 30 mg de benzoato de estradiol juntamente com 300 mg de progesterona. A partir do 9° dia até o 14° receberam 20 mg de benzoato de estradiol. No dia 16 ocorreu uma aplicação de 0.56 mg cloprostenol sódico e nos dias 19 ao 21, de 40 mg de dexametasona. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, e 22, os animais receberam 500 mg somatotropina recombinante bovina. Os animais do CG foram manejados conforme a rotina da propriedade. Os custos do CG durante o pré e lactação (nutrição, sanidade, reprodução) foram superiores ao grupo induzido. No entanto, ao avaliar a viabilidade econômica, devido a menor produção leiteira, o grupo induzido não deixou lucro na propriedade no primeiro ano de utilização. Ao comparar a indução de lactação com a venda de animais que não conceberam e a compra de animais para reposição, este último cenário mostrou-se como uma melhor alternativa.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of the use of a lactation induction protocol in Holstein heifers. Were collected data of nutritional, reproductive and sanitary management pre and post-lactation period from 30 induction heifers (IG) and 30 pregnant heifers (CG). All animals were inseminated around 14 months of age and started lactation at 23±4 months. The animals of IG were heifers do not pregnant after two inseminations and natural service e were induced to lactation according to protocol: from the 1st to the 8th day, 30 mg of estradiol benzoate were administered daily, together with 300 mg of progesterone. From the 9th until the 14th, animals only received daily doses of 20 mg estradiol benzoate. On 16th day, 0.56 mg of sodium cloprostenol was administered and injections of 40 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate were administered daily from the 19th to the 21st day. On the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd day, the animals received a dose of sometribove zinc. The animals of CG were managed according to the farm routine. The costs of the CG during pre and post lactation (nutrition, sanitary, reproduction management) e were higher than the IG, however, when evaluating the economic viability due to lower milk production, the induced group did not leave profit in the first year of use. When comparing the lactation induction with the sale of animals that did not conceive and purchase of animals for replacement, this last scenario showed itself as a better alternative.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a motilidade de espermatozoides após inseminação artificial intrafolicular (IAIF) in vivo ou após incubação em fluído folicular in vitro. No experimento in vivo, a IAIF foi realizada com posterior recuperação do conteúdo folicular 1 a 4 horas depois, para avaliação da motilidade espermática. No experimento in vitro, os espermatozoides de um pool de doses comerciais de sêmen congelado/descongelado foram avaliados quanto à sua cinética após incubação por 1 ou 3 horas, puros (pool, controle) ou em fluído folicular (FF). Observou-se baixa motilidade dos espermatozoides nas amostras de FF, tanto in vitro como in vivo. In vitro, os principais parâmetros negativamente afetados nas células espermáticas incubadas em FF, em comparação ao controle, foram: motilidade total (MT), motilidade progressiva (MP), distância curvilínea e retilinearidade, após 1 hora de incubação; e MT, MP, velocidade média da trajetória e velocidade curvilínea, após 3 horas de incubação. O folículo ovariano e o fluído folicular não proporcionam ambiente adequado para manutenção da motilidade dos espermatozoides bovinos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate sperm cell motility after intrafollicular artificial insemination (IFAI) in vivo or after incubation in follicular fluid in vitro. In the in vivo experiment, IFAI was performed, followed by the recovery of follicular content 1 to 4 hours later, in order to assess sperm motility. In the in vitro experiment, spermatozoa from a pool of commercial frozen-thawed semen were evaluated for their kinetics after incubation for 1 or 3 hours, either pure (pool, control group) or in follicular fluid (FF). A low motility of sperm cells was observed in the FF samples, both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the main parameters negatively affected in the sperm cells incubated in FF, compared with the control, were: total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), curvilinear distance, and straightness, after 1 hour of incubation; and TM, PM, average path velocity, and curvilinear velocity after 3 hours of incubation. The ovarian follicle and follicular fluid do not provide a suitable environment to maintain bovine sperm cell motility.

RESUMO: Estudos anteriores avaliaram o efeito de diferentes procedimentos reprodutivos sobre marcadores de desconforto em bovinos e ovinos. Tais estudos podem estimular a adoção de técnicas que preservem o bem-estar animal. Entretanto, os marcadores comumente utilizados apresentam alta influência de fatores externos. Para contornar isso, a avaliação conjunta de diferentes parâmetros sistêmicos pode ser utilizada para determinar com maior precisão a presença de estresse, dor ou inflamação, como cortisol, proteínas de fase aguda, a bradicinina e a substância P. O objetivo desta revisão é relacionar potenciais marcadores de inflamação e estresse, discutindo como e quando são regulados frente aos estímulos em bovinos e ovinos. Ainda, pretende-se revisar de que forma procedimentos reprodutivos com diferentes graus de invasividade acarretam em desconforto, fornecendo informações para a elaboração de estratégias que possibilitem minimizá-lo.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have evaluated the effects of different reproductive procedures on discomfort markers in sheep and cattle. Such studies may help stimulate the adoption of techniques that are more beneficial for animal welfare. However, markers that are commonly used to evaluate discomfort are highly influenced by external factors. To overcome this, several systemic markers can be evaluated to more precisely identify stress, pain, and inflammation. Such markers include cortisol, acute phase proteins, bradykinin, and substance P. We aimed to review the potential markers of stress, pain, and inflammation, and discuss how and when they are regulated after different stimuli related to reproductive procedures in cattle and sheep. Furthermore, we aimed to review how reproductive procedures with different degrees of invasiveness cause stress and provide information that may help develop strategies to limit animal discomfort.