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Effects of level of feeding and progesterone dose on plasma and faecal progesterone in ovariectomised cows.

The effects of two levels of feeding and two doses of progesterone (P4) on plasma and faecal progesterone metabolites (FP4M) were studied using a total of 24 ovariectomised (OVX), non-lactating, Holstein-Friesian cows. Cows were grazed on improved ryegrass/white clover pastures and allowed ad libitum access to pasture or were restricted to grazing for a total of 4 h per day in two 2 h periods. Progesterone (P4) was administered as one or two, simultaneous, intravaginal progesterone devices (CIDR). The cows were adapted to their pasture supply for 2 weeks before the start of the progesterone treatments. The progesterone devices were administered for 11 days and the cows were dosed with slow release chromic oxide capsules during the P4 treatment to allow faecal output (FO) to be estimated. Daily blood samples for P4 assay and weekly samples for blood metabolite assay were collected. Faecal samples were collected per rectum daily and assayed for pregnanes containing a 20-oxo-, 20alpha- or a 20beta-OH group by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Daily FO was higher (P < 0.001) for ad libitum than pasture restricted cows (6.3 vs 4.1 kg DM) but was similar for both doses of P4. The average mass of P4 released from a CIDR device over a 11-day period was higher for cows allowed ad libitum pasture compared with those on restricted pasture (0.64 vs 0.60 g; P = 0.04). Plasma P4 concentrations, however, were higher in restricted than ad libitum fed cows (1x CIDR: 1.81 vs 1.41 ng/ml; 2x CIDR: 4.10 vs 3.46 ng/ml). Increasing the progesterone dose significantly (P < 0.001) increased both the concentrations and daily totals of the faecal pregnanes assayed and total FP4M. Restricted pasture cows had higher (P < 0.001) pregnanes and FP4M concentrations than cows fed ad libitum. Daily total faecal pregnane and FP4M did not differ between feeding levels except for faecal 20alpha-pregnane which was highest for ad libitum fed cows (P < 0.05). These results showed that the plasma concentrations of P4 in CIDR-treated OVX cows were negatively associated with the level of feeding. Level of feeding and dose of P4 affected the concentrations of FP4M, but the daily excretion rate of FP4M was not positively influenced by the level of feeding.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Induction of cyclicity in postpartum anestrous beef cows using progesterone, GnRH and estradiol cypionate (ECP).

The objective of the present study was to determine whether treatment of postpartum multiparous and primiparous anestrous beef cows with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) and PGF(2alpha), with and without the addition of GnRH or estradiol cypionate (ECP) at the time of CIDR insertion, is effective in stimulating onset of estrous cycles. Postpartum lactating Angus primiparous (n=47, 2 years of age, 495+/-6 kg) and multiparous (n=76, >or=3 years of age, 553+/-9 kg) cows were assigned by calving date to four blocks spaced 21-day apart. Cows were assigned sequentially by calving date to four treatment groups: (1) PGF(2alpha) (n=30), (2) CIDR-PGF(2alpha) (n=30), (3) GnRH-CIDR-PGF(2alpha) (n=33), and (4) ECP-CIDR-PGF(2alpha) (n=27). Intravaginal CIDR inserts were in place from days -7 to 0. A single 100 microg injection of GnRH or 2 mg ECP were administered on day -7, and 25mg PGF(2alpha) was administered on day 0. Day 0 averaged 38+/-1 day postpartum. Blood samples were collected on days -19, -9, 0, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, and 30 for determination of plasma progesterone concentrations. Pre-treatment luteal activity (progesterone>or=1 ng/ml) was detected in 19% of primiparous and 8% of multiparous cows. Progesterone concentrations on day 0 were greater (P<0.001) in primiparous (3.2+/-0.3 ng/ml) than multiparous (2.0+/-0.2 ng/ml) cows. Following CIDR withdrawal, progesterone concentrations from days 5 to 30 were used to categorize response profiles as either: (1) treatment-induced onset of estrous cycles, (2) continued anestrus, or (3) spontaneous ovulation and subsequent formation of a CL. Incidence of treatment-induced onset of estrous cycles, which was defined as progesterone concentrations >or=1 ng/ml in three or more consecutive samples from days 9 to 19, was influenced by treatment and parity. Percentages of cows initiating estrous cycles were greater (P<0.001) in the three CIDR-treated groups than in the PGF(2alpha) group (55 and 8%, respectively). Percentages of cows initiating estrous cycles in the CIDR-PGF(2alpha), GnRH-CIDR-PGF(2alpha), and ECP-CIDR-PGF(2alpha) groups were 55, 58, and 52%, respectively. Incidence of treatment-induced estrous cycles in the three CIDR-treated groups of cows was greater (P=0.008) in primiparous (76%) than multiparous (43%) cows. Treatment of postpartum anestrous primiparous and multiparous beef cows with CIDR-PGF(2alpha) approximately 40-day postpartum provides an approach to increase the percentage of cows that have reinitiated estrous cycles by the start of the breeding season.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Duration of treatment with progesterone and regression of persistent ovarian follicles in cattle.

The objective of the present study was to determine the duration of elevated concentrations of progesterone necessary to induce atresia of persistent ovarian follicles. Heifers were administered 25 mg of PGF2alpha on d 6 and 7 (d 0 = d of synchronized estrus) and a norgestomet implant from d 6 to 14. Ovaries were monitored by ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected on d 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12 and daily from d 14 until ovulation. On d 12, heifers received either two progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (PRID) for 6 h (6-h; n = 5), two PRID for 24 h (24-h; n = 5), or no treatment (CON; n = 5). Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals from h -6 to 30 (PRID insertion = h 0) and analyzed for concentrations of LH. Characteristics of LH secretion were determined for consecutive 6-h periods (Period 0 to 5). Hourly blood samples, collected from h 0 to 29, were analyzed for concentrations of 17beta-estradiol (estradiol) and progesterone. The dominant ovarian follicles present on d 7 increased in size to 15.4+/-.3 mm on d 12 ("persistent follicle"). Following removal of the PRID and norgestomet implants, atresia of persistent follicles and ovulation of new follicles were induced in one of five and in four of five heifers in the 6-h and 24-h treatments, respectively. Persistent follicles ovulated after withdrawal of norgestomet in all other heifers. Concentrations of progesterone were increased from h 1 to 7 in the 6-h and h 1 to 26 in the 24-h treatment. Frequency of LH pulses was reduced (P < .05) during Periods 1 to 2 in the 6-h and Periods 1 to 5 in the 24-h treatment relative to the CON treatment. By h 10, concentrations of estradiol in the 6-h and 24-h treatments were lower (P < . 05) than in the CON treatment. This suppression continued through h 29 in the 24-h treatment (P < .05), whereas concentrations in the 6-h treatment were intermediate to those of the CON and 24-h treatments after h 14. Suppression of pulsatile LH release and estradiol secretion was evident with 6 and 24 h of treatment with progesterone, but only the 24-h treatment induced atresia of persistent follicles in a majority of the heifers.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Effect of GnRH antagonists treatment on gonadotrophin secretion, follicular development and inhibin A secretion in goats.

The aim of this study was to determine, for goats, the effects of daily doses of GnRH antagonist on ovarian endocrine and follicular function. Ten does were given 45 mg FGA intravaginal sponges and then five were treated with daily injections of 0.5mg of the GnRH antagonist Teverelix for 11 days from 2 days after the day of sponge insertion, while five does acted as controls. Pituitary activity was monitored by measuring plasma FSH and LH daily from 2 days before the first GnRH injection to Day 12. Follicular activity was determined by ultrasonographic monitoring and by assessing plasma inhibin A levels during the same period. In treated does, the FSH levels decreased linearly (0.8 +/- 0.1 ng/ml to 0.5 +/- 0.1 ng/ml, P < 0.01) and remained lower than the mean concentration in control goats (0.8 +/- 0.1 ng/ml, P < 0.005). LH levels were also lower during the period of antagonist treatment (0.6 +/- 0.2 ng/ml versus 0.4 +/- 0.1 ng/ml, P < 0.0005). During GnRH antagonist treatment, there was a significant decrease in the number of large follicles (> or = 6 mm) from Day 3 of treatment (1.2 +/- 0.6, P < 0.0001), with no large follicles from Day 9. The number of medium follicles (4-5 mm in size) also decrease during the period of treatment (4.2 +/- 0.7 to 1.0 +/- 0.6, P < 0.0001), leading to a significant decrease in inhibin A levels when compared to the control (143.7 +/- 31.3 pg/ml versus 65.2 +/- 19.1 pg/ml, P < 0.00005). In contrast, the number of small follicles (2-3 mm) increased in treated goats from Day 4 of treatment (9.6 +/- 2.9 to 20.2 +/- 6.3, P < 0.005). Such data indicate that GnRH antagonist reduced plasma levels of FSH and LH with suppression of the growth of large dominant ovarian follicles and a two-fold increase in number of smaller follicles. The results confirm that GnRH antagonist treatment can be used in goats to control gonadotrophin secretion and ovarian follicle growth in superovulatory regimes.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

The fertility of autumn calving suckler beef cows is increased by the addition of prostaglandin to progesterone and eCG estrus synchronization treatment.

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of PGF2 alpha treatment on pregnancy and calving rates in autumn-calving suckler beef cows synchronized with progesterone and eCG. The population studied consisted of 124 Charolais and 130 Limousin cows in 13 and 12 beef herds, respectively. In each herd, pairs of cows were formed according to parity, body condition score and calving difficulty. Group 1 received a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) for 12 d with a capsule containing 10 mg estradiol benzoate at implant insertion and 500 IU eCG at PRID removal (Day 0). Group 2 received the same treatment plus 25 mg i.m. dinoprost at Day -2. Each cow was artificially inseminated 56 h after PRID removal (Day 3). Plasma progesterone concentrations were measured to determine cyclicity prior to treatment in samples take on Days -22 and -12, to confirm the occurrence of ovulation (Day 13) and to determine the early pregnancy rate (Day 26). Serum pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) concentrations were determined to assess pregnancy rate at Day 39. The effects of variation factors on pregnancy and calving rates after treatment were studied using logistic mixed models and a Cox model, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups or breeds for the rate of cyclicity before treatment nor for ovulation rate (means, 74.1 and 95.7%, respectively). Cyclicity was, however, influenced by individual factors such as body condition score (OR = 3.36, P = 0.001), parity (OR = 5.4, P = 0.001) and herd factors such as stocking rate (OR = 5.62, P = 0.001). The use of a prostaglandin injection increased pregnancy rate at Day 26 (71.7 vs 56.7%, P = 0.01) and at 39 d (67.7 vs 54.3%, P = 0.02) and the calving rate at induced estrus (64.5 vs 48.5%, P = 0.01). We observed 9 twin calvings (5.6%) which occurred in cyclic cows only before treatment. Cows in Group 2 had a 1.5 greater chance of calving before 300 d following the first AI than cows in Group 1 (P = 0.03). In conclusion, the addition of PGF2 alpha injection, 48 h before PRID removal, increased reproductive efficiency in autumn-calving Charolais and Limousin suckler beef cows compared to a classical estrus synchronization treatment using a PRID + eCG.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

Pregnancy in dairy cows after synchronized ovulation regimens with or without presynchronization and progesterone.

Two experiments examined pregnancy after synchronized ovulation (Ovsynch) with or without progesterone (P4) administered via controlled internal drug release (CIDR) intravaginal inserts. In experiment 1, 262 lactating cows in one herd were in 3 treatments: Ovsynch (n = 91), Ovsynch + CIDR (n = 91), and control (n = 80). The Ovsynch protocol included injections of GnRH 7 d before and 48 h after an injection of PGF20. Timed artificial insemination (TAI; 57 to 77 d postpartum) was 16 to 20 h after the second GnRH injection. Cows in the Ovsynch + CIDR group also received a CIDR (1.9 g of P4) insert for 7 d starting at first GnRH injection. Control cows received A-I when estrus was detected using an electronic estrus detection system. Based on serum P4, 44.1% of cows were cyclic before Ovsynch. Pregnancy rates at 29 d (59.3 vs. 36.3%) and 57 d (45.1 vs. 19.8%) after TAI and embryo survival (75.9 vs. 54.5%) from 29 to 57 d were greater for Ovsynch + CIDR than for Ovsynch alone. In experiment 2, 630 cows in 2 herds received TAI at 59 to 79 d postpartum after 6 treatments. Estrous cycles were either presynchronized (2 injections of PGF2alpha 14 d apart; n = 318) or not presynchronized (n = 312). Within those groups, Ovsynch was initiated 12 d after second presynchronization PGF2alpha, and used alone (n = 318) or with CIDR inserts for 7 d (1.38 g of P4/insert, n = 124 or 1.9 g of P4/insert, n = 188). Before Ovsynch, 80% of cows were cyclic. Presynchronization increased pregnancy (46.8 vs. 37.5%) at 29 d after TAI, but CIDR inserts had no effect on pregnancy in experiment 2. Overall embryonic survival between 29 and 57 d in experiment 2 was 57.7%. Use of CIDR inserts with Ovsynch improved conception and embryo survival in experiment 1 but not in experiment 2, in part due to differing proportions of cyclic cows at the outset. Presynchronization before Ovsynch enhanced pregnancy rate.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Preclinical studies on thiocarboxanilide UC-781 as a virucidal agent.

BACKGROUND: Thiocarboxanilide UC-781 is a highly potent and selective non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) of HIV-1, which also has virucidal properties. Recent studies have shown that UC-781 would seem an ideal candidate for application as a vaginal virucide. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antiviral potency and stability of UC-781 in a lipophilic gel formulation. METHODS: UC-781 was formulated in replens gel at different concentrations and administered intravaginally to rabbits at 5% in replens gel for 10 days. UC-781 was also exposed to temperatures of 4, 37 and 50 degrees C, and to low pH (6.0, 4.3, 2.0 and 1.2). A number of microorganisms were exposed in culture to serial dilutions of UC-781. RESULTS: The drug was stable under low pH conditions and did not lose its antiviral potency upon 4 h exposure to pH 3.5 (the estimated vaginal pH). UC-781 can be easily formulated into a lipophilic gel (replens; up to 5%) and proved fully stable at 50 degrees C for 30 days. There was no effect on the growth of microorganisms (i.e., Candida and Lactobacillus strains) that are present in the vaginal flora. Neither systemic side-effects, nor local inflammation or damage of the vaginal mucosa or epithelium were observed in rabbits to which 5% UC-781 in replens gel had been administered. UC-781, formulated as 0.5, 0.2 and 0.05% replens gel, and UC-38, alpha-APA and zidovudine, formulated as 0.5 or 0.2% replens gel, were effective in protecting CEM cells in the very beginning against productive HIV-1 replication. This points to an efficient diffusion of the drugs from the lipophilic gel to the hydrophilic culture medium. However, subsequent subcultivations at a dilution rate of 1:10 every 3-4 days resulted in a rapid breakthrough of virus with all drugs except UC-781 in its 0.5 and 0.2% gel formulation. These cultures were fully protected against HIV-1 and remained completely cleared from virus for at least 10 subcultivations. CONCLUSIONS: The virus that emerged under 0.05% UC-781 remained highly sensitive to the NNRTI, including UC-781, in cell culture, suggesting a lack of resistance development under our experimental conditions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Ultrasonography and hormone profiles of persistent ovarian follicles (cysts) induced with low doses of progesterone in cattle.

The aims of this study were to expose dominant ovarian follicles at the end of the oestrous cycle to low progesterone concentrations similar to those that occur during stress, and to examine the effect of a subsequent small increase in progesterone 10 days later. Half a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (0.5 PRID) was administered to 13 heifers from day 15 of the oestrous cycle. In group 1 (n = 7), one 0.5 PRID remained in place until day 40 or until each heifer ovulated. In group 2 (n = 6), the first 0.5 PRID was removed on day 28, and replaced immediately with a second 0.5 PRID. Ultra-sonography and blood collection (10 ml) were conducted each day for 26 days from day 14 and then on alternate days. The largest follicle that emerged during the first 5 days after insertion of the initial 0.5 PRID remained > 10 mm in diameter for 15.3 +/- 1.7 and 11.6 +/- 0.4 days in groups 1 and 2, respectively. This period of dominance, during which no other follicles emerged, was closely correlated with the duration of plasma oestradiol concentrations exceeding 10 pg ml(-1). In four heifers from group 1, the persistent follicle ovulated between days 30 and 37 (sub-group 1a; 0.5 PRID expelled). In three heifers from sub-group 1b (0.5 PRID retained), the dominant follicle secreted oestradiol for 17 +/- 5 days but remained detectable by ultrasonography for a total of 33 +/- 8 days (range 26-52 days). Monitoring continued beyond day 40 in these animals. In group 2, the new 0.5 PRID inserted on day 28 resulted in an increase in plasma progesterone concentration of 0.9 +/- 0.3 ng ml(-1). Simultaneously, oestradiol decreased by 10.1 +/- 3.3 pg ml(-1), and a new follicular wave emerged 5-7 days later. In conclusion, exposure to very low concentrations of progesterone produced persistent follicles that secreted oestradiol for 17 days. This oestradiol production could be disrupted by a second increase of 0.9 ng ml(-1) in peripheral progesterone concentration. In the absence of the second progesterone treatment, some of the persistent follicles remained detectable by ultrasonography for up to 52 days, despite cessation of oestradiol secretion.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

[Efficacy and tolerance of 200 mg of fenticonazole versus 400 mg of miconazole in the intravaginal treatment of mycotic vulvovaginitis].

OBJECTIVE: Fenticonazole is an imidazole derivative with a broad-spectrum antifungal activity mainly against Candida albicans. Fenticonazole nitrate was compared to myconazole vs. test efficacy, tolerance and treatment compliance in-patients with mycotic vulvovaginitis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Eighty outpatients with mycotic vulvovaginitis were included and randomly placed in two groups of forty patients each one. Each group was either given 200 mg of fenticonazole nitrate intravaginal ovules or 400 mg of myconazole vaginal ovules on a daily basis for three days. Before the pharmacological treatment, each patient was evaluated clinically and microbiologically, as well as at the end of treatment (day 7-10) and one-month (28 days) after treatment. All patients gave informed consent to participate in the trial. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found between either treatment group during the anthropometric and demographic evaluation, neither in the signs and clinical symptoms of infection. Both treatment groups were considered as comparable. At after treatment evaluation (7-10 days) it was observed disappearance of almost all symptoms. At the final evaluation this fact was even more evident (day 21-28). At the study's completion, clinical efficacy (symptoms relief) was considered satisfactory in 100% (40/40) of the cases in the fenticonazole group and 97.5% (39/40) of myconazole group (one way ANOVA [GLM] analysis). The microorganisms more frequently isolated as the causing agents of infection in both groups were Candida albicans, 93% in the fenticonazole group and 85% in the myconazole group. Upon the study's completion, the microbiological efficacy was considered as successful in 97.5% of the cases in both groups (chi square [x2] analysis). The patient's compliance to the treatment was considered satisfactory in 100% in the fenticonazole group and 97.5% in the myconazole group. Tolerance was considered excellent in 100% (40/40) of the fenticonazole cases and in 95% (38/40) of the myconazole cases. Nevertheless, 5% (2/40) of the patients in the myconazole group had minor adverse events that did not require treatment suspension. No adverse events were reported in the fenticonazole group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that both drugs are equally efficient in treating signs and symptoms of the infection as well as equally effective in the microbiological elimination of the causing agents of the mycotic vulvovaginitis.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Pregnancy rates of Holstein cows after postinsemination treatment with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device.

Our objective was to determine whether pregnancy rates following first services would be improved by supplementing lactating dairy cows with exogenous progesterone via a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device. Estrus was induced in cows with PGF2 alpha (3-wk clusters of cows ranging from 42 to 63 d postpartum) following a positive milk test for high progesterone. Cows were inseminated at estrus (d 0), and progesterone was administered via the device from d 5 to 13 or d 13 to 21 following estrus; untreated inseminated cows served as controls. Blood was collected from each cow on d 5, 13, and 21 to determine concentrations of progesterone in blood serum. A fourth group of inseminated cows not receiving PGF2 alpha served as an additional untreated, and nonbled, control group. Pregnancy rates at first services, which were followed by insertion of the device, were unaffected by treatments. Concentrations of progesterone in serum were higher in pregnant than nonpregnant cows on d 13 but similar in cows regardless of postinsemination treatment. By d 21, when concentrations of progesterone remained consistently higher as a result of pregnancy, cows given progesterone from d 13 to 21 had higher progesterone in their blood serum, regardless of pregnancy status, than cows receiving progesterone from d 5 to 13. Only serum progesterone in nonpregnant controls on d 21 was less than that of nonpregnant cows given progesterone on d 13 to 21. Pregnancy rates of cows returning to estrus 21 to 27 d after their first service tended to be higher (60 versus 39%) in those cows previously treated with exogenous progesterone than in controls. Furthermore, the proportion returning to estrus 17 to 27 d after first service was reduced in cows previously supplemented with exogenous progesterone (27 versus 49%). Days from calving to conception were 19 d fewer in cows previously treated with progesterone than controls, because average intervals to first service were decreased by 13 d relative to controls. We conclude that supplementing cows with progesterone after insemination initially failed to improve pregnancy rates but appeared to increase pregnancy rate at the subsequent service.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Comparison of two estrus synchronization and resynchronization treatments in lactating dairy cows.

Reproductive performance in cows following synchronization of estrus with intravaginal progesterone releasing devices (IVD) has varied with the length of treatment, cyclic status and prolonged return to estrus intervals in some cows following first AI. The objective of this study was to compare two methods of synchronizing and resynchronizing estrus on the reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows. Cows were treated with an IVD (Day 0) for 7 days (n = 350) or 8 days (n = 350), cloprostenol (0.5 mg i.m.) at the time of device removal and estradiol benzoate (EB) at the time of device insertion (1.5mg i.m.), and again 9 days later (1.0 mg i.m.). Cows were also resynchronized starting on Days 23 and 46 by reinsertion of IVDs for either 7 or 8 days and treatment with EB (1mg i.m.) at the time of device insertion and again 9 days later. Cows were inseminated on detection of estrus for 4 days after removal of devices at each of the synchronized estrous cycles. No significant differences in reproductive performance were detected between each treatment throughout the study period. Synchrony of estrus was more precise at the first and second estrus after treatment with an IVD for 8 days compared to 7 days. Cows classified as anestrous had lower reproductive performance than cows classified as cycling and had longer intervals to estrus at the second (P < 0.001) and third estrus (P < 0.06), but not at the first estrus (P = 0.09). Mean time to onset of estrus after IVD removal was less in cows treated with an IVD for 8 days compared to 7 days at each synchronized estrus (P < 0.01). More Holstein-Friesian cows were classified as non-pregnant and not detected in estrus than crossbreed cows (15.7%, 54/343 versus 9.0%, 24/266; [P < 0.05). The results of the study suggested that the main effects of the treatments that were used to synchronize and resynchronize estrus were to alter the timing and synchrony of estrus without affecting fertility.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Pregnancy rates after timed AI of heifers following removal of intravaginal progesterone inserts.

Reproductive performance of dairy heifers was compared for each of 2 synchronization protocols: The first group of 54 heifers was synchronized using intravaginal progesterone inserts (CIDR) plus estradiol cypionate (ECP) on d 0, PGF(2alpha) on d 7, and ECP again on d 8 (CIDR-ECP); a second group of 56 heifers was synchronized using CIDR and ECP on d 0, PGF(2alpha) on d 7, and GnRH on d 9 (CIDR-GnRH). All heifers received timed artificial insemination (TAI) at 48, 56, or 72 h after CIDR removal on d 7. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by ultrasonography 32 +/- 1 d post AI to confirm pregnancy and at 60 +/- 1 d post AI to determine embryo survival. Ovaries were monitored by ultrasonography daily from d 0 to 7 and twice daily from d 8 to ovulation to examine emergence of a new wave of follicles, size of the ovulatory follicle, and timing of ovulation on 15 heifers per protocol. New follicular development was detected 3.7 +/- 0.2 d after CIDR insertion. Heifers receiving CIDR-ECP had a shorter interval from CIDR removal to ovulation than heifers receiving CIDR-GnRH (63.8 +/- 3.0 vs. 71.6 +/- 2.3 h, respectively); however, ovulation occurred 39.8 +/- 3.0 h after ECP or 23.6 +/- 2.3 h after GnRH. Diameters of ovulatory follicles did not differ between treatments. Overall pregnancy rate for synchronized heifers was 60.1%, and embryo survival was 98%. Pregnancy rate for heifers synchronized with CIDR-ECP was 63.0% and similar to that in heifers synchronized with CIDR-GnRH (57.1%). Pregnancy rate was affected by time of AI for heifers synchronized using CIDR-ECP but not for those synchronized with CIDR-GnRH. Heifers in the CIDR-ECP group that were inseminated 56 h after CIDR removal had a higher pregnancy rate (81.0%) compared with heifers inseminated 48 (66.7%) or 72 h (50.0%) after CIDR removal. Either ECP or GnRH used in a CIDR-based TAI program in dairy heifers can achieve acceptable reproductive performance.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Ovarian follicular wave pattern and the effect of exogenous progesterone on follicular activity in non-mated llamas.

The aim of the present study was two-fold. First, to characterize the secretory profiles of oestradiol-17beta and progesterone in relation to the structural changes observed by ultrasonography during follicular dynamics in non-ovulating llamas. Second, to evaluate the effect of exogenous progesterone on follicular activity, in terms of follicle development and hormone production. In experiment one, six adult non-pregnant, non-lactating llamas were examined daily by rectal palpation and transrectal ultrasonography during 70 days. On day 54, intravaginal devices containing 0.33 g of progesterone (CIDR) were inserted and left in the vagina during 16 days. The mean duration of a follicular wave was 22.6+/-2.5 days. The follicular growth phase (follicles growing from 3mm to maximum size) averaged 9.2+/-2.8 days, the mature phase (follicles around maximum size) 5.2+/-1.4 days and regression phase (follicles with decreasing size) 8.2+/-2.2 days. Oestradiol-17beta plasma concentrations exhibited a similar wave pattern (P<0.05). In addition, oestradiol-17beta peak plasma concentrations (46.9+/-3.3 pmoll(-1)) were attained approximately 12 days after the beginning of the growing phase in connection with maximum follicle size (11.8+/-1.6mm). After CIDR insertion, a rapid increase in plasma progesterone concentrations was observed, with peak concentrations attained on day 1 after insertion. Thereafter, concentrations decreased gradually. Mean follicle size steadily decreased from the day of CIDR insertion to day 11 post-insertion (10.3+/-1.6 and 3.3+/-0.8mm, respectively). In order to investigate the effect of follicle size at CIDR insertion on the outcome of progesterone treatment, experiment two was designed. Sixteen adult non-pregnant and non-lactating llamas were divided into four groups according to follicle development at the time of CIDR insertion (group I: follicles < or =6 mm; group II: follicles between 6 and 9 mm; group III: follicles between 10 and 14 mm and group IV, regressing follicles). In groups II, III and IV, a significant decrease in follicle size was observed after the insertion of the CIDR device. In group I, no further development of dominant follicles was observed until the device was withdrawn. In all cases, the smallest diameter was registered between days 5 and 7 after the beginning of treatment. In conclusion, a detailed characterization of follicular waves using ultrasound and hormone determinations simultaneously in non-ovulating llamas and after the insertion of progesterone releasing devices, is presented.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Second-trimester pregnancy termination: comparison of three different methods.

The object of this study was to compare intravaginal misoprostol and dinoprostone (prostaglandin E2) for second-trimester pregnancy termination, and to examine the role of the nitric oxide donor, glyceryl trinitrate, as a possible alternative to prostaglandins to induce cervical ripening in second-trimester pregnancy termination. This was a randomised clinical trial. The trial involved pregnant women between 13 and 28 weeks' gestation admitted with clear medical or obstetric indications for pregnancy termination, and was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Assiut University Hospital, Egypt. Patients were classified into Group A, where pregnancy termination was induced by vaginal misoprostol 100 micrograms every 4 hours with a maximum dose of 500 micrograms; Group B, where induction was by vaginal dinoprostone 6 mg every 6 hours with a maximum dose of 24 mg; and Group C, where induction involved vaginal glyceryl trinitrate 500 micrograms every 6 hours with a maximum dose of 2.5 mg. Twenty-four hours after the start of induction, the rate of complete abortion in the three groups was 100%, 66.67% and 0%, respectively. The rate of complete abortion was 100% in the nitric oxide (glyceryl trinitrate)-induced group after introducing a complementary procedure. The induction-abortion interval was significantly shorter, the number of doses needed was less and the maximum Bishop score reached was greater with misoprostol than with dinoprostone. A higher rate of side effects occurred with the misoprostol-induced group (74%) compared with the other two groups (46.6% and 0%). Misoprostol is a cheap, effective drug for second-trimester pregnancy termination with short induction abortion intervals but a higher rate of side effects. Prostin E2 is also effective in termination of second-trimester pregnancy but is expensive and may require high doses to be administered. Glyceryl trinitrate is an effective drug for cervical ripening (softening) but it has no role in the stimulation of uterine contractions.

Abortifacient Agents↗

Vaginal misoprostol for induction of labour: a more effective agent than prostaglandin F2 alpha gel and prostaglandin E2 pessary.

OBJECTIVES: To compare labour outcome in women who had labour induced with PGF2 alpha gel, PGE2 vaginal pessary or misoprostol administered intravaginally or orally. STUDY DESIGN: Unmasked randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare. SUBJECTS: Women with a singleton foetus in cephalic presentation after 37 weeks gestation admitted for induction of labour who were randomised to prostaglandin F2 alpha gel (n = 76), prostaglandin E2 pessary (n = 75) and misoprostol administered either intra-vaginally (n = 128) or orally (n = 127). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was induction to delivery interval. Secondary outcomes included use of oxytocin during labour, mode of delivery, duration of labour, neonatal condition at delivery and maternal complications. METHODS: Four hundred and six women admitted for induction of labour with a singleton foetus in cephalic presentation after 37 weeks gestation were enrolled. To estimate the risk with induction using other agents the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval was calculated using the group that received prostaglandin F2 alpha gel as referents. RESULTS: The women were comparable for baseline characteristics. Compared to prostaglandin F2 alpha gel, the need for augmentation with oxytocin in labour was significantly reduced in women induced with prostaglandin E2 pessary (OR 0.46; 95%CI 0.23 to 0.93), vaginal misoprostol (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.18 to 0.63) and oral misoprostol (OR 0.42; 95%CI 0.22 to 0.78). There was no difference in mode of delivery. There was a significantly reduced risk (OR 0.20; 95%CI 0.04 to 0.86) of Caesarean section (CS) for failure to progress in the vaginal misoprostol group. Labour induced with misoprostol and prostaglandin E2 pessary was significantly shorter than in prostaglandin F2 alpha gel. Vaginal misoprostol significantly shortened the induction to delivery interval. There were more admissions to the neonatal unit in the misoprostol groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to prostaglandin F2 alpha gel, misoprostol and prostaglandin E2 pessary had reduced need for oxytocin and a shorter duration of labour. Effects of misoprostol on the foetus need further investigation before it is used as a routine agent for induction of labour.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Influence of reproductive stage at PRID insertion on synchronization of estrus and ovulation in mares.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of reproductive status, size of follicles and plasma progesterone concentrations of mares at PRID insertion on the efficacy of the treatment, estrous cycle patterns, plasma concentrations of progesterone and LH. The progesterone-releasing device (PRID) was administered intravaginally to 28 Haflinger mares for 11 days at different reproductive stages: anestrus (n=6), estrus (n=11) and diestrus (n=11). Plasma concentrations of progesterone at insertion (Day 1) of PRID differed among treatment groups (anestrus: 0.2-0.6 ng mL(-1), estrus: 0.2-0.5 and diestrus: 1.6-10.8 ng mL(-1); P<0.001). Total secretion of progesterone (area under curve (AUC)) during treatment period revealed highest values in diestrus (38.2+/-3.1 ng mL(-1)h(-1)) followed by estrus (25.1+/-2.7) and anestrus (21.0+/-0.4 ng mL(-1)h(-1); P<0.05). Progesterone area under curve (AUC) was positively correlated with initial progesterone concentrations (R=0.5; P<0.05), but it did not correlate with the interval from PRID removal to ovulation. Plasma concentrations of LH during treatment period, were significantly lower in anestrous mares (184.6+/-28.6 ng mL(-1)h(-1)) when compared to estrous and diestrous mares (349.7+/-53.3 and 370.5+/-40.3 ng mL(-1)h(-1); P<0.05). Follicular size at PRID insertion had no effects on the intervals from PRID removal to subsequent estrus and ovulation. Follicle diameters at removal of PRID were significantly correlated with the interval from coil removal to estrus (R=-0.55, P<0.05) and ovulation (R=-0.72, P<0.0004) in cyclic mares. In anestrus 0 of 6 (0%) mares, in estrus 5 of 11 (45.5%) and in diestrus 6 of 11 (54.5%) mares ovulated within a defined interval of 1 day before to 1 day after mean interval from PRID removal to ovulation. In cyclic mares, response to treatment was significantly higher when compared to anestrous mares: almost all mares responded with estrus and ovulation independent from the stage of the estrous cycle at the start of treatment. However, accuracy of synchronization was still unsatisfactory. In cyclic mares, the plasma progesterone concentrations at insertion of PRID seem to be more important for the efficacy of the treatment than the assignment to estrous cycle stages.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Fertility of N'dama and Bunaji cattle to artificial insemination following oestrus synchronization with PRID and PGF2alpha in the hot humid zone of Nigeria.

A study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2alpha) in synchronizing oestrus in N'dama and Bunaji cows and heifers and the fertility following artificial insemination at the synchronized oestrus. A total of 116 cows and heifers (58 N'dama and 58 Bunaji) were used in two separate trials. In the first trial, oestrus was synchronized using a PRID, which was inserted for 12 days; in the second trial, oestrus was synchronized by giving two injections of PGF2alpha 13 days apart. Only animals that did not respond to the first injection were given the second injection. At the end of each treatment period, the animals were observed for oestrus for 7 days and inseminated approximately 12 h following detection of oestrus. Standing to be mounted was the single criterion used to judge an animal to have been in oestrus. PGF2alpha and PRID were both effective in synchronizing oestrus in N'dama and Bunaji cows and heifers. The respective oestrus response rates, pregnancy rate and conception rates for PRID and PGF2alpha were 85.7%, 53.6% and 62.5% for PRID, and 91.7%, 68.3% and 74.6% for PGF2alpha. N'dama cattle showed significantly (p<0.05) better oestrus response rate, pregnancy rate and conception rate than Bunaji cattle following both PRID and PGF2alpha treatments. The pregnancy rate and conception rate following PGF2alpha treatment were better (p < 0.05) than for PRID, although the oestrus response rate did not differ. It is concluded that both PRID and PGF2alpha are effective in synchronizing oestrus in N'dama and Bunaji cattle in the hot humid zone of Nigeria and the fertility to artificial insemination at the synchronized oestrus was normal and acceptable. Thus, PRID and PGF2alpha can effectively be used in intensive breeding programmes for the rapid multiplication and distribution of both cattle breeds, especially the N'dama, which is a unique and beneficial animal genetic resource for the tsetse infested hot humid zone of Nigeria.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Intravaginal progesterone insert to synchronize return to estrus of previously inseminated dairy cows.

An intravaginal progesterone insert (CIDR insert; 1.38 g of progesterone) was evaluated for synchronization of returns to estrus (SR), conception rate (CR), and pregnancy rate (PR) in dairy cows previously artificially inseminated (AI). Healthy, nonpregnant, lactating Holstein cows, > or = 40 and < or = 150 d postpartum at eight commercial farms were used. Cows detected in estrus and receiving AI 2, 3, or 4 d after one injection of PGF2alpha (25 mg) were assigned as either controls (n = 945), or to receive a CIDR insert (n = 948) for 7 d (14 to 21 +/- 1 d after AI). Cows were observed for returns to estrus from 18 to 26 +/- 1 d after initial AI (resynchrony period) and were reinseminated if in estrus. Vaginal mucus on CIDR inserts (97.3% retention) at removal was scored: 1 = no mucus; 2 = clear; 3 = cloudy; 4 = yellow; and 5 = red or brown. Percentage of cows in estrus (SR) during the 3 d after CIDR insert removal was contrasted to the highest 3-d cumulative percentage in estrus for controls. Cows conceiving to initial AI were omitted in calculations of SR, CR, and PR during resynchrony. Mucous scores of 3 or 4 (mild irritation) were observed in 65% of cows and a score of 5 (more severe irritation) was observed in 2%; otherwise, health was unaffected. The PR to initial AI was lower for cows subsequently receiving CIDR inserts than for controls (32.7 vs. 36.7%). The CIDR insert increased SR (34.1 vs. 19.3% in 3 d) and overall estrus detection (43% in 4 d vs. 36% in 9 d) compared with controls. For the 9-d resynchrony period, CR and PR for CIDR-treated (26.7, 12.2%) and control (30.9, 11.1%) cows did not differ significantly. The CIDR inserts improved synchrony of returns to estrus, slightly reduced PR to initial AI, but did not affect CR or PR to AI during the resynchrony period.

Abortion, Veterinary↗