bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Experimental Intoxication with Copper from Industrial Emission on Reproductive Ability in Rams
Authors: Gamik P. , Bre J. , Vrzgula L. , Mesáko P.
Published: October 2007

Contents

The aim of our work was to evaluate the effect of feeding emissions from the copper rpoduction plant on cumulation of Cu in blood serum, ejaculate, liver and testes in six stud‐rams. Daily intake of Cu from industrial emission was 15 mgCux kg‐1 of body weight. The onset of toxic phase at intoxication with copper in the first ram was observed on day 42 and in remaining rams on day 52 of experiment. A statistically significant increase of copremia in experimental rams was observed on day 18 and lasted till day 50. Maximal Cu concentration in blood serum in the experimantal group was on day 40 or 50. Significant differences in Cu levels in ejaculats between the experimental and control rams were registrated on days 18, 30 and 40. Cu concentration in the liver dry matter (DM) of experimental animals compared to control ones was significantly different. In the right and left testes in the experimental rams as much as twofold higher amount of Cu occurred than in controls. Toxic affection of Cu on seminal plasma in the experimental group was manifested in the decrease of motile sperm percentage and in the increase of malformed spermcells. Impairment of germinal components with copper was signalized by decreasing the sperm concentration and increasing the sperm malformation.

Inhalt: Einfluß experimentell hervorgerufener Kupferintoxikationen aus Industrieemissionen auf das Reproduktionsvermögen von Schafböcken

Ziel unserer Arbeit war es, festzustellen, welchen kumulativen Effekt die Emission einer Kupferproduktionsanlage auf den Kupferspiegel im Blutserum, Ejakulat, Leber und Hoden bei männlichen Schafen ausüben kann. Die tägliche Aufnahme an Kupfer durch die Industrieemissionen betrug 15 mg Kupfer/kg Körpergewicht. Der Beginn der toxischen Belastung wurde beim ersten Tier am Tag 42, bei den anderen Böcken ab Tag 52 registriert. Ein statistisch signifikanter Anstieg der Kupferbelastung wurde in der Versuchsgruppe ab Tag 18 nach Expositionsbeginn beobachtet und dauerte bis Tag 50. Die maximalen Konzentrationen wurden zwischen Tag 40 und 50 beobachtet. Signifikant unterschiedliche Kupfergehalte in den Ejakulaten wurden am 18., 30. und 40. Tag verzeichnet. Die Kupferkonzentration in der Leber, bezogen auf die Trockenmasse, war mit 1435 mg/kg gegenüber 62,5 mg/kg signifikant erhöht. Auch im Hodengewebe war der Kupfergehalt um das Zweifache angestiegen. Die Belastung des Seminalplasmas drückte sich in einem verringerten Prozentsatz motiler Samenzellen in einem Anstieg formveränderter Samenzellen nus. Die Auswirkungen auf das germinative Ho dengewebe wurden durch eine geringere Spermienkonzentration im Ejakulat und durch primäre Formabweichungen angezeigt.
Dynamik der LH‐ und Testosteron‐Sekretion bei Beagle‐Rüden verschiedener Altersgruppen*, **
Authors: Günzel‐Apel Anne‐Rose , Brinckmann H.‐G. , Hoppen H.‐O.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt: Bei 1 7 klinisch geschlechtsgesunden Beagle‐Rüden verschiedener Altersgruppen (1: 7 bis 8 Monate; II: 12 Monate; III: 23 Monate;IV: 3 bis 4 Jahre; V: 8 Jahre) wurden die Körper‐ und Hodenmaβe sowie die Sekretionsmuster von LH und Testosteron im peripheren Blutplasma bestimmt. Von jedem Ruden wurden im Abstand von 10 bis 14 Tagen zwei Blutprobenserien à 25 Einzelproben über einen Zeitraum von jeweils sechs Stunden unter Einhaltung 15 minütiger Intervalle gewonnen. Die Hodenlange war bei den 7 bis 8 Monate alten Tieren signifikant kleiner (p ≤ 0,01) als bei den älteren Rüden. Die 8 Jahre alten Hunde hatten die gröβten Gonaden. LH und Testosteron zeigten ein ausgeprägt pulsatiles Sekretionsmuster, wobei die LH‐Werte zwischen 1,2 und 96 ng/ml und Testosteron zwischen 0,08 und 16 ng/ml varüerten. Die Pulsfrequenz unterschied sich nicht signifikant zwischen den Gruppen und lag im Mittel bei 4,5 Pulsen 16 Stunden. LH‐Pulse wurden gewöhnlich von Testosteron‐Pulsen gefolgt; der mittlere zeitliche Abstand zwischen beiden Ereignissen betrug 37 ± 15 Minuten.

Die Plasmaproben der Gruppe I enthielten die höchsten LH‐ und die geringsten mittleren Testosteronkonzentrationen (15, 7 ± 13,6 ng/ml bzw. 2,0 ± 1,2 ng/ml). Das höchste durchschnittliche Testosteronniveau (3,6 ± 1,9 ng/ml) war in Gruppe III zu beobachten. Bei den 8 Jahre alten Hunden lag die mittlere LH‐Konzentration signifikant unter derjenigen der 7 bis 8 und der 21 bis 23 Monate alten Tiere (p ± 0,01 bzw. p ± 0,05).

Contents: Dynamics of LH and testosterone secretion in male beagles of different age In 17 clinically healthy male beagles of five age groups (I: 7 to 8 months, II: 12 months, III: 23 months, IV: 3 to 4 years, V: 8 years) the body size and the testicular dimensions were measured and the concentrations of LH and testosterone were determined in the peripheral blood. Two series of blood samples were collected from each dog with an interval of 10 to 14 days, each series consisting of 25 samples, taken every 15 minutes for 6 hours. The testicular length was significantly smaller (p ± 0.01) in the 7 to 8 months old dogs than in the older animals. The 8 year old dogs had the largest gonads. LH and testosterone secretion showed a marked pulsatility, with LH values ranging from 1.2 to 96 ng/ml and testosterone ranging from 0.08 to 16 ng/ml. Pulse frequency did not differ between groups and averaged 4,5 pulses/6 hours. LH pulses usually preceded testosterone pulses by an average of 37 ± 15 minutes.

The samples of group I showed the highest mean LH concentration and the lowest mean testosterone value (15.7 ± 13.6 ng/ml and 2.0 ± 1.2 ng/ml resp.). The highest mean testosterone level (3.6 ± 1.9 ng/ml) was observed in group III. In the 8 year old dogs the mean LH‐concentration was significantly lower than that of the animals aged 7 to 8 and 21 to 23 months (p ± 0.01 and p ± 0.05 resp.).
Zusammenhang zwischen Fertilität und Kopfschwanzkoppelung bei Eberspermien
Authors: Sarlós P. , Wckcrle L. , Nagy Z.
Published: October 2007

Abstract: Relationship between the implantation of the tails and the fertility in boars In this study ejaculates of 47 different breed and age boars were examined. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the implantation of the tails and the fertility in boars. From the evaluation of 115 ejaculates it was observed that the rate of abaxial implantation of the tails in ejaculates of boars was very fluctuating. The rate of axial and abaxial implantation of the tails was stable in the ejaculates of the same boars. Although some studies indicate that abaxial implantation can be the reason for infertility the present authors observed better fertilisation results with ejaculates having higher percentages of abaxial spermatozoa.
Hygienic Applications of Biotechnical Measures in Pigs*
Authors: Hare W.C.D.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

A key factor in the hygienic application of embryo transfer (ET) and its associated technologies is effective risk management. This depends on knowing what the risks of infectious disease transmission are and how they can be reduced or removed. Risk assessment depends on a knowledge of the pathogenesis of the disease, the procedures used in ET and its associated technologies and the results from research into infectious disease transmission by embryos or through ET.

Two approaches can be taken to ensure the safe health status of the embryo: 1) by determining that the donor animals (male and female) are free from specific diseases, or 2) by ensuring that the zona pellucida (ZP)‐intact embryo is collected in a sanitary manner and handled (washed, treated, evaluated, etc.) according to recommended procedures. The former approach is applicable to diseases on which no or insufficient research has been done to determine the risk of their being transmitted by embryos or where the results of research done indicate a risk of the disease being transmitted. The latter approach is a preferred option with diseases where results of research done indicate that the risk of their being transmitted by embryos collected from infected or recovered donors is negligible. Infectious diseases for which research results indicate negligible risk of transmission by ZP‐intact (ZP‐I) embryos collected from infected or recovered donors include: pseudorabies (Aujesrky's disease), hog cholera (swine fever), foot and mouth disease, and swine vesicular disease. Infectious diseases on which insufficient research has been done include: African swine fever, vesicular stomatitis, enterovirus disease, parvouirus disease and leptospirosis. A problem associated with this approach is ensuring that procedures shown to be effective under experimental conditions are properly carried out under field conditions: the use of nationally accredited embryo collection teams may solve this problem. Healthy recipients and good record keeping are also critical factors in the hygienic application of ET.

The health status of an embryo collected from a specific disease‐free donor will not be adversely affected by damage to its ZP. Where research has shown that ZP‐I embryos that have been exposed to particular pathogens are not infected or contaminated after proper washing or washing and treatment, it can be assumed that the risks of transmission of the diseases caused by these pathogens will not be increased by deliberate (micromanipulation) or accidental damage to the ZP after the washing/treatment procedures have been carried out. The risks of infectious disease transmission when embryos are produced by in vitro fertilization or blastomere transplantation to mature oocytes, followed by culture, have yet to be determined.
Reproductive Biotechnology: Prospects and Applications in the Herd Management of Sows*
Authors: Niemann H.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

Biotechnological procedures are valuable tools for an efficient reproductive management in a commercial pig production. Artificial insemination, puberty induction, estrus synchronization, early pregnancy diagnosis and induction of parturition are routinely used since years already and have significant impact for the herd management of sows. Embryo transfer (ET) can also be efficiently applied. But surgical procedures are required for the recovery and transfer of embryos. ET related biotechniques such as cryopreservation of ova and embryos, in vitro production of embryos, cloning and gene transfer are still at an experimental stage but will most likely gain significance shortly.
Reproduction in Native Egyptian Cows: Caruncles and Placentomes
Authors: Wahid M.M. , Hemcida N.A. , Shalash M.R. , Lsmail E.M.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt:

Fortpflanzung bei einheimischen Kühen in Ägypten: Karunkel und Plazentome

Aussehen, Anzahl, Durchmesser und Anordnung der Karunkel nicht gravider Rinder‐uteri und der Plazentome tragender reinrassiger äaptischer Kühe wurden untersucht. Die Karunkel sind im allgemeinen in 3–5 Reihen über das Uterushorn verteilt, die Verteilung im Bereich des Uteruskörpers ist unregelmäβig. Ein Vergleich der Vertei‐lungsmuster zwischen beiden Hörnern weist auf keinen Unterschied hin. Allerdings ist der Durchmesser der Karunkel auf dem rechten Horn signifikant gröβ (p = 0,05) als auf dern linken Horn. Anzahl und Gröβe der Plazentome uariieren individuell je nach Trächtigkeitsstadium. Verglichen zum nicht tragenden Gebärmutterhorn sind die Plazentome auf der tragenden Seite insbesondere im mittleren Hornbereich gröβer.
Experiences of Using PCR for Sexing Bovine Embryos*
Authors: Bredbacka P. , Bredbacka K. , Peippo J.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

Bovine embryos were used to evaluate the accuracy and the efficiency of sexing embryos by amplifying male specific DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. Blind tests with biopsies and biopsied embryos suggested that the method is accurate. However, often the amplification was unsuccessful and the assay therefore uninformative. We were able to amplify male specific DNA from degenerated embryos as well as from embryos stained with Hoechst 33342.
Biopsy of Morulae and Blastocysts*
Authors: Bredbacka P.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

Embryo biopsy techniques with special reference to bovine morulae and blastocysts are reviewed. Techniques include methods involving holder pipettes and simplified methods more suitable for field use. The use of embryo biopsy for preimplantation diagnosis in combination with cattle embryo transfer is discussed.
Morphology of Day‐7 Bovine Demi‐Embryos and their Post‐transfer Viability*
Authors: Albihn A. , Gustafsson H. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

Day 7 bovine embryos were microsurgically bisected and replaced into surrogate zonae pellucidae. They were fixed immediately after bisection and at various intervals of in vitro incubation at 35 °C in modified Dulbecco's medium. At the light microscopical level, the bisected embryos restored the prebisection morphology within 30 min. after splitting. The electron microscopy confirmed these findings, suggesting that day 7 bovine demi‐embryos for transfer purposes, should be cultured for 30 min before morphologically evaluated. Eleven pairs of bisected day 7 bovine embryos were transferred to 11 synchronized heifers. The recipient heifers were slaughtered at day 15, and the recovered embryos evaluated. Nine of the demi‐embryos developed to morphologically, normal spherical to elongated, embryos.
Bovine Normal and Abnormal Reproductive and Endocrine Functions during the Postpartum Period: A Review
Authors: Hussain A.M. , Daniel R.C.W.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

The results of numerous studies on postpartum uterine involution, ovarian activity and endocrinological changes before, during and after normal and abnormal parturitions, have been reviewed in this article. Most studies have shown that abnormal parturition is the main factor which delays completion of uterine involution and occurrence of the first estrous cycle post partum. The reviewed reports also indicated that any interference (corticosteroid injection, overiectomy, etc.) with normal synchronized hormonal changes of parturition can increase the incidence of retained fetal membrane. Reports on the use of hormonal treatments and their effects on the elimination of bacterial infection, rate of uterine involution and the resumption of ovulation activity are conflicting. It is suggested that the use of natural substances such as lipopolysaccharide of E. coli, serum or hyperimmune serum, extracts of poly morphonuclear leucocytes and/or macrophage‐granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor as treatments of postpartum uterine infection may play an important role in the completion of uterine involution and the commencement of estrous cycle.
Der Einfluß der uterinen Umwelt auf Köorperlangen und Körpergewicht, untersucht an monozygoten Rinderzwillingen nach Embryotransfer auf eine oder zwei Ammen
Authors: Gärtner K. , Ostheimer C. , Rapp K.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt:

Am Rinderschlag Deutsche Schwarzbunte wurden die Phänotypen verschiede‐ner Zwillingsformen verglichen: (1) monozygote Zwillinge nach mikrochirurgischer Teilung der Blastozysten und Transfer in zwei verschiedene Empfängermütter (allo‐uterine, monozygote Zwillinge); (2) monozygote Zwillinge in einer Empfängermutter durch spontane Teilung nach Embryotransfer entstanden (isouterine, monozygote Zwillinge); (3) natürliche Geschwister, die nach Embryotransfer in unterschiedlichen Empfängermüttern aufwachsen und damit wie allouterine, dizygote Zwillinge gehand‐habt werden können.

An 105 derartigen Kälbern im Alter von 3 Wochen bis zu mehr als einem Jahr wurden wiederholt 12 verschiedene Körperlängen– und Körperbreitenmaβe und das Köorperge‐wicht bestimmt. Mittels Varianzanalyse Typ II nach Eisenhart wurden die Komponen‐ten s2within für die allouterinen und für die isouterinen Zwillingspärchen und für die Vollgeschwistergruppen errechnet und verglichen.

Sie betragen in % der gesamten phänotypischen Varianz (und zeigen damit die Gröbte des Einflusses folgender Umwelten auf diese an): Bei monozygoten, allouterinen Zwil‐lingen 5–25% (prä–+ postnatale Umwelteinflüsse), bei monozygoten, isouterinen Zwil‐lingen meist < 7% (vornehmich postnatale Umwelteinflüsse). Der uterine Einfluβ der Empfängermutter auf die postpartale Entwicklung transferierter Embryonen bis zu einem Jahr beträgt etwa 4–20% der gesam ten phänoty pischen Varianz eines Merkmales. Die additive genetische Varianzkomponente der genannten Merkmale wurde bestimmt aus dem Vollgeschwistervergleich. Sie beträgt 3366% der Gesamtvarianz. Die Sum‐me aller hier direkt bestimmten Varianzkomponentenerklärt nur 5070% der phäno‐typischen Gesamtvarianz. Der verbleibende Rest wird als dritte Varianzkomponente (“Emergenesis”, Intagible Variance) angesprochen.

Bei isouterin ausgetragenen Bullenzwillingen bedingt die Zwillingsschwangerschaft prä‐natal verursachte Differenzen, die extrem groβ und noch nach einem Jahr nachweisbar sind. Sie mahnen zur Vorsicht bet' der Verwendung solcher Zwillingskälber post partum.
Die Isolierung von Präantralfollikeln aus Eierstöcken des Rindes
Authors: Jewgenow K. , Pitra C.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt:

Beschrieben wird eine einfache Methode zur Isolierung von Präantralfollikeln aus Eierstöcken des Rindes. Nach einer dosierten Mazerierung der Rindenzone und anschlieβenden physikalischen Zellseparationsverfahren konnten aus einem Ovar durchschnittlich 300 Präanhalfollikel gewonnen werden, die anhand des Durchmessers (40–100μm) und der Zahl der Follikelepithelschichten als Primär‐ (einschichtiges Epithel) und Sekundärfollikel (mehrschichtiges Epithel) charakterisiert wurden.
Bovine Insemination Results after the Addition of two Combinations of Antibiotics to the Semen Extender
Authors: Kupferschmied H.U. , Bauer G. , Flukiger A. , Gaillard C.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

The addition of the antibiotic combinations penicillin and streptomycin on the one hand, and gentamicin, tylosin, lincomycin, and spectinomycin on the other hand, to a Tris egg‐yolk extender for bovine semen was investigated on the basis of insemination results. The nonreturn rates, calculated separately for heifers (n = 2108) and cows (n = 8930), showed no significant differences between the two combinations of antibiotics.
Bovine Embryo Sexing by a DNA Probe on the Field*
Authors: Thibier M. , Nibart M.
Published: October 2007

Contents

The aim of the present report is to describe the procedure followed for sexing embryos on the field using the french DNA probe (INRA patented).

The procedure was first tested in conjunction with Rhone Merieux (G. Kohen), the biopsies were performed in farms and sent to the Central Laboratory of ours in Maisons Alfort for sexing. The second step which started in early 1991 is to sex the embryos in laboratories included in the AI Centers facilities, close to the farms, where the embryos are collected and biopsied. The results reported here however are essentially issued from the first step of the experiment. From 241 biopsied embryos, 88% had their sex determined in the laboratory, and 8% were questionable at that stage. The accuracy of unquestionable sex determined embryos was under these circumstances 100%. The sex ratio from the 212 sexed embryos was 48% females, 52% males. From the 61 biopsied embryos that were since then born, the calving rate was 54% (fresh embryos). In addition, some in vitro fertilized embryos (n = 53) were also sexed and 36% of them were females.

Inhalt

Geschlechtsbestimmungen an Rinderembryonen unter Feldbedingungen mit Hilfe einer DNA‐Sonde

Gegenstand des Berichtes ist die Beschreibung des Embryo‐Sexing unter Feldbedingungen mit Hilfe einer in Frankreich hergestellten DNA‐Sonde (INRA patentiert). Der Vorgang wurde zunächst in Verbindung mit Rhone Merieux (G. Kohen) getestet. Die Biopsien wurden auf dem Hof durchgeführt und die Proben in unserem Zentral‐labor in Maisons Alfort zur Geschlechtsbestimmung eingeschickt. In einem zweiten Schritt, der 1991 begann, wurden die Embryonen vor Ort in den Labors der Besamungsstationen, die nahe der Höfe liegen, gewonnen und biopsiert. Die Ergebnisse, die hier vorgestellt werden, beziehen sich aber vorwiegend auf den ersten Abschnitt. Von 241 biopsierten Embryonen wurde bei 88% das Geschlecht bestimmt, 8% waren zu dem Zeitpunktfraglich. Die Gesamtzahl der eindeutig bestimmten Embryonen betrug 10%. Das Geschlechtsverhaltnis von 212 gesexten Embryonen war 48% weiblich und 52% männlich. Bei 61 biopsierten Embryonen, die seitdem geboren wurden, betrug die Abkalberate 54% (frische Embryonen). Zusätzlich wurden einige durch in vitro Befruchtung erzeugte Embryonen gesext. 36% waren weiblich.
Ultrasound in the Gynaecological Diagnosis in Bovine with Respect to Embryo Transfer*
Authors: Leidl W. , Wolff N.
Published: October 2007

Contents

The use of ultrasonography in cases of embryo transfer in cattle provides valuable additional information. Indications are the examination of uterus and ovaries, control of superovulation, ultrasound‐guided follicle punction for oocyte collecting, pregnancy diagnosis from day 20 and monitoring of early pregnancy for occurrence of embryonic death. Especially the ultrasound‐guided follicular aspiration of oocytes seems to be a successful path for a avoiding superovulation.

Inhalt: Die Sonographie in der gynäkologischen Diagnostik unter dem Aspekt des Embryotransfers

Durch die Sonographie können für Arbeiten in Zusammenhang mit dem Embryotransfer, wie am Beispiel des Rindes gezeigt wurde, wertvolle zusätzliche Informationen erhalten werden. Indikationen für den Einsatz von Ultraschall sind die Funktionsüber‐prüfung von Uterus und Ovarien, die Kontrolle der Superovulation, die Oozytengewinnung unter sonographisch überwachter Follikelpunktion mit transvaginalern Zugang, die Graviditätsdiagnose ab dem 20. Tag und die Überwachung der Frühgrauidität, wobei vor allem das frühzeitige Erkennen einer embryonalen Mortalität von Bedeutung ist. Besonders die transvaginale Follikelpunktion zur Oorytengewinnung scheint ein vielversprechender Weg zu sein, wenn eine Superovulation vermieden werden soll oder die betreffenden Tiere aufeine hormonale Stimulation nicht reagieren.
Morphokinese der Nebennierenrinde beim Rind nach ein‐oder mehrfacher Glukokortikoidapplikation zur Geburtseinleitung
Authors: Schoon H.‐A. , Tolhuysen I. , Schoon D. , Grunert E.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt:

Morphometrisch untersucht wurden die Nebennieren von 27 Kühen mit und ohne medikamentelle Geburtseinleitung bzw. nicht tragender Kontrolltiere (Gruppe I (n = 7): 10 mg Triamcirwlon −6,5 d ante partum und 10 mg Flumethason −30 h ante partum; Gruppe II (n = 6): 1 ml NaCl (Placebo) −6,5 d ante partum und 10 mg Flumethason −30h ante partum; Gruppe III (n = 4): tragend, keine Vorbehandlung; Gruppe IV (n = 10): nicht tragende Kontrolltiere). Eine Geburtsinduktion mit Glukokortikoiden führt zu einer signifikanten Verkleinerung der Kerngröβen sowie einer Zunahme der Zellkernzahl pro definierter Flächeneinheit in der Zona fasciculata und einer signifikanten Verschmälerung von Zona fasciculate/Zona reticularis. Diese Befunde werden als medikamentell induzierte regressive adrenokortikale Transformation interpretiert.

Contents: Morphokinesis of the adrenal cortex in cattle after induced parturition by single or repeated glucocorticoid application

Adrenal glands of 27 cows with or without induced parturition and non‐pregnant controls were investigated morphometrically (Group I (n = 7): 10 mg Triamcinolone ‐ 6,5 d ante partum and 10 mg Flumethasone −30 h ante partum; group II (n = 6): 1 ml NaCl (placebo) ‐ 6,5 d ante partum and 10 mg Flumethasone −30 h ante partum; group III (n = 4): pregnant, nopretreatment; group N(n= 10): non‐pregnant controls). Pretreatment with glucocorticoids results in a significant reduction of nuclear sizes and an increase in number of nuclei per area unit defined in the zona fasciculata, combined with a significant decrease of the width of zona fasciculate/zona reticularis. These findings are interpreted as indicator for a medicamentally induced regressive adrenocortical transformation.
Zur Wirkung von Follikelflüssigkeit auf die Befruchtung in vitro gereifter Oozyten des Rindes
Authors: Böttcher Martha , Kluge Benita , Tomalak Karin , Meyer Elvira , Lange W.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt Follikelflüssigkeit aus Follikeln des Rindes am Tag des Östrus gewonnen, wurde als Serumanalogon zum Kultivierungsmedium TCM 199 zugesetzt. Die Supplementierung des TCM mit 20%östrischer Follikelflüssigkeit (ÖFF) in der Reifungsphase und während der Zygotenkultivierung erbrachte 6–7 Tage post inseminationem einen Anteil an Morulae und Blastozysten von 41,7% (30,8–47,8%). Eine Reduzierung des Anteils ÖFF auf 10% zog einen Abfall transfertauglicher Rinderembryonen auf 9,2% (2,6–16,9%) nach sich. In einer Kurzzeitkultivierung von bis zu 90 h post inseminationem wurden außerdem verschiedene Serumanaloga, im Anteil von 10%, wie fetales Kälberserum (FKS), ÖFF und Follikelflüssigkeit (NÖFF) aus nicht östrischen Follikeln (≥ 10mm Durchmesser) auf ihre Wirksamkeit während verschiedener In‐vitro‐Phasen verglichen. Von den drei getesteten Seren erwies sich die ÖFF als der wirksamste Zusatz mit 19,9% morphologisch intakten 8‐ bis 16‐Zeller. Das Ergebnis scheint unabhängig davon, ob die Applikation kontinuierlich während aller In‐vitro‐Phasen oder nur in der Reifungsphase erfolgte. Eine Schlüsselposition der Oozy tenreifung für die In‐vitro‐Fertilisation wird besonders deutlich.

Contents: Influence of follicular fluid on fertilization of in vitro matured bovine oocytes

Follicular fluid obtained from bovine follicles on the day of estrus was added to TCM 199 culture medium as a serum analogue. TCM supplementation with 20% estric follicular fluid (EFF) during maturation and zygote cultivation produced a morulae and blastozyst yield of 41,7% (30,8–47,8%) 6–7 days after insemination. Reduction of the EFF fraction to 10% reduced the yield of transferable bovine embryos to 9,2% (2,6–16,9%). In a short term cultivation experiment lasting up to 90 h after insemination, the effects of 10% supplementation with different serum analogues fetal calf serum (FCS), EFF and follicular fluid (NEFF) fiom non‐estric follicles (≥10mm diameter) during various in vitro phases were compared. EFF with a yield of 19,9% morphologically intact 8 to 16 cell stages proved to be the most effective of the three sera. This yield is not apparently affected by whether the serum is applied continuously during all phases of in vitro development or only during the maturation phase. The oocyte maturation phase is obviously the key phase for successful in vitro fertilization.
Serum Progesterone Concentrations and Blood Neutrophil Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Cows Following Normal and Abnormal Parturition
Authors: Hussain A.M. , Daniel R.C.W.
Published: October 2007

Contents:

Serum progesterone concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of blood neutrophils were determined in 3 groups of cows (n = 5 each) on days 1 and 2 and then at 3‐day intervals up to 32 days post‐partum. Group I cows had a normal delivery, Group II cows had dexamethasone‐induced parturition and Group III cows were subjected to a caesarian section. All cows in Group III and 2 cows in Group II retained their fetal membranes. Mean serum progesterone concentrations declined the second day after calving (to < 0.67 ng/ml) and remained at low levels (< 0.54 ng/ml) throughout the observation period, except for the values in Group III, which were elevated on day 16 (0.94 ng/ml), declined again on day 26 (0.46 ng/ml) and peaked (1.05 ng/ml) on day 32 portpartum. Significant (P < 0.01) differences were found between serum progesterone concentrations on day 1 and on each of the other sampling days in Groups I and III. Day X parturition group interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for the progesterone concentrations. No significant differences were found between the overall means of ALP activity of blood neutrophils in the 3 parturition groups nor between days of the experiment. No significant correlation was found between serum progesterone concentrations and ALP activity values of blood PMN during the first 32 days post‐partum.

Inhalt: Serum Progesteron Konzentrat und Aktivität der alkalischen Phosphatase in neutrophilen Blutzellen bei Küken mit normalem und abnormalen Geburtsverlauf

Serum‐Progesteronkonzentrationen und alkalische Phosphatase‐ (ALP) Aktivität von neutrophilen Granulozysten, nach der Abkalbung am Tag 1 und 2 und dann im Abstand von 3 Tagen bis zum 32. Tag p.p. bei Kühen untersucht, die in drei Untersuchungsgruppen (n = 5) eingeteilt waren. Gruppe I kalbte normal ab, in Gruppe II wurde die Geburt durch Dexamethason eingeleitet, und Kälber der Gruppe III wurden via Kaiserschnitt gewonnen.

Alle Tiere der Gruppe III und 2 Kühe der Gruppe II wiesen Nachgeburtsverhaltungen auf Der mittlere Serum‐Progesterongehalt sank am 2. Tag p.p. auf < 0,67 ng/ml ab und blieb auf niederigem Niveau (< 0,54 ng/ml) während der gesamten Untersuchungs‐periode. Lediglich in Gruppe III, mit erhöhten Werten (0,94 ng/ml) an Tag 16 p.p., sanken die Werte wieder an Tag 26 p.p. (0,46 ng/ml) und erreichten einen Maximalwert an Tag 32 p.p. mit 1,05 ng/ml.

Signifikante (P 0,01) Unterschiede in der Serum‐Progesteronkonrentration wurden zwischen Tag 1 p.p. und allen anderen Untersuchungstagen in den Gruppen I und III gefunden. Interaktionen zwischen den Gruppen für Tag X waren signifikant (P 0,05). Keine signifikanten Unterschiede wurden für den Gesamtmittelwert der ALP‐Aktivität in den neutrophilen Granulorysten zwischen den Gruppen und im Vergleich der Untersuchungstage gefunden. Es wurden auch keine signifikanten Korrelationen zwischen den Serum‐Progesteronkonzentrationen und der ALP‐Aktivität der PMN während der ersten 32 Tage p.p. nachgewiesen.
In Vitro Fertilization in Hungarian Grey Cattle
Authors: Varga Zs. , Bárádi Zs. , Macháty Z. , Solti L. , Cseh S. , Seregi J. , Csáki T. , Vajta G.
Published: October 2007

Contents Experiments have been performed to investigate the potential use of in vitro fertilization for the preservation of the endangered Hungarian Grey cattle. 1018 excellent quality oocytes from 167 ovaries of slaughtered Hungarian Grey cows and heifers were matured. Out of 966 oocytes cocultivated with pre‐test and swim‐up selected Hungarian Grey frozen‐thawed semen, 386 (39.9%) cleaved and 141 (14.6%) reached the morulablastocyst stage on the 7th day of embryo culture (1.69 transferable embryos per animal). Some embryos were transferred into the uterine horn of 10 natural cycling Hereford, Hungarian Red‐spotted, Hungarian Red‐spotted x Hereford recipients. Sixty days after transfer, 4 recipients were diagnosed as being pregnant by ultrasonography (two multiple births are expected); since then one calf has been born. Our results indicate that the IVF method can be used for the preservation of endangered cattle breeds, reducing the losses caused by slaughter for various reasons.

Inhalt: In vitro Befruchtung beim ungarischen Grauvieh

Es wurden Experimente durchgeführt, um die Möglichkeiten zu erforschen, die vom Aussterben bedrohte Rinderrasse Ungarisches Grauvieh über in vitro Befruchtung zu bewahren. 1018 Eizellen sehr guter Qualität wurden von 167 Ovarien geschlachteter Ungarischer Grauer Kühe und Färsen gereift. Von diesen wurden 966 Oozyten mittels vorgeprüftem und mit swim‐up selektiertem Grauvieh‐Sperma nach dem Auftauen kokultiviert. 386 (39,9%) der Oozyten teilten sich und 141 (14,6%) erreichten das Morula‐ bzw. Blastocystenstadium nuch 7tägiger Embryokultur (1,69 transferierbare Embryonen per Tier). Einige Embryonen wurden in das Uterushorn von 10 normal zyklischen Hereford, Ungarischem Rothvieh und der Kreuzungsrasse aus beiden übertragen. Sechzig Tage nach dem Transfer wurden 4 Tiere per Ultraschalluntersuchung als tragend diagnostiziert (zwei Mehrlingsträchtigkeiten wurden erwartet). Bisher ist ein Kalb geboren. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, daβ es möglich ist, mittels in vitro Befnrchtung bedrohte Ramen, wie das ungarische Grauvieh, zu erhalten und die Schlachtverluste, die aus verschiedenen Gründen möglich sein mögen, zu reduzieren.
Drug‐metabolizing Enzymes in the Placenta and Foetus of Camel and Sheep
Authors: Homeida A. M. , Al‐Eknah M. M. , Dafalla E. A.
Published: October 2007

Contents The activities of cytochrome P‐450 and the P‐450 dependent aminopyrine ‐N‐demethylase and aniline 4‐hydroxylase (Phase I, drugmetabolizing enzymes) and UDP‐glucurony‐l‐transferase (a Phase II drug‐metabolizing enzyme) have been measured in vitro in the placenta and liver of camels and sheep during pregnancy. The placenta of late pregnancy of both species produced 50% of the activity in maternal liver of phase I drug‐metabolizing enzymes. The rate of O‐aminophenol glucuronide was low both in placenta and foetal liver. It is suggested that close to term the placenta and foetal liver are capable of metabolizing drugs by P‐450 mediated phase I reactions.

Inhalt: Arzneimittel‐metabolisierende Enzyme von Plazenta und Fötus bei Kamel und Schaf

Während der Trächtigkeit wurde die Aktivität der Cytochrom P‐450 abhängigen Aminophyrine ‐N‐Demethylase, Anilin 4‐Hydroxylase (Phase I metabolisierendes Enzym) und der UDP‐Glucuronyl‐1 Transferase (Phase II metabolisierendes Enzym) unter in vitro Bedingungen in Plazenta‐ und Lebergewebe von Kamelen und Schafen gemessen. In beiden Tierarten produzierte die Plazenta während der späten Trächtigkeit 50% der Aktivität, wie sie die mütterliche Plazenta der “Phase I—Enzyme” produziert. Die O‐Aminophenol Glucuronide waren dagegen gering in Plazenta und fetaler Leber. Es wird angenommen, daβ die Plazenta und die fetale Leber kurz vor der Geburt in der Lage sind, Arzneimittel durch die Cytochrom P‐450 abhängige Phase I‐Reaktionen zu metabolisieren.
Untersuchungen über Rassenunterschiede in der Milchleistung beim Schwein I. Mitteilung: Methodik des maschinellen Milchentzuges und Milchmengenleistung
Authors: Grün D. , Reiner G. , Dzapo V.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt: Die vorliegende Untersuchung stellt einen Beitrag zur Methodik des maschinellen Milchentzuges beim Schwein dar. Mittels einer eigens hierzu entwickelten Melkmaschine wurde die Milchleistung der in ihren Muttereigenschaften stark differierenden Rassen Pietráin (PI) und Deutsches Edelschwein (DE) ermittelt. Der Milchentzug erfolgte in 2‐stündigen Kontrollabschnitten an den Laktationstagen 3, 7,14, 21 und 28. Bei DE kam es während der 4wöchigen Laktationsphase zu einer gleichmäβigen Steigerung der Milch‐sekretion von 5,05 1 am 3. Tag auf 12,8 l am Tag 28. Die Sekretionsrate der Rasse PI folgte diesem Verlauf, quantitativ um 2 bis 3 l/d reduziert, bis zu einem Maximum am 14. Laktationstag. Danach sank sie wieder ab. Am Tag 28 betrug der Leistungsunterschied zwischen beiden Rassen über 5 l/Tag. Mit dieser überlegenen Milchsekretionsrate zogen die DE‐Sauen 3 Ferkel/Wurf mehr aufals die PI. Auch nach der Standardisierung derFerkelzahl zu Untersuchungsbeginn auf n = 10 blieb die Direrenz zugunsten der Edelschweine signifikant erhalten. Über die Milchinhaltsstoffe und ihre Abhängigkeit von Rasse und Laktationstag sowie ihre Bedeutung für die Lebendmasseentwicklung der Ferkel wird in der II. Mitteilung berichtet.

Contents: Investigations on breed differences in milk yield of swine. I. comittment: methodology of mechanical milking and milk yield.

This paper deals with the methodology of mechanical milking of sows. By a milking machine, especially developed herefore, milk yields of the breeds Pietrain (PI) and German Large White (DE) which differ a lot in weaning performance, were investigated. Milk was taken in two‐hourly control intervalls on the days 3,7,14,21 and 28 of lactation. During this period of 4 weeks, DE showed a continuous increase in milk yield from 5.05 l on day 3 to 12.8 l on day 28. Secretion rate of PI followed parallel with a quantitative decrease of 2 to 3 liters/day, till a maximum was reached on day 14. Then lactation rates decreased. The difference in yield performance between the two breeds was about 5 l on day 28. This superior milk performance of the DE‐sows allowed them to wean 3 piglets per litter more than PI. The advantage of DE over PI stays even after standardization of the litter size on n = 10 piglets. Milk composition, its relation towards breed and lactation day and its meaning for the litter performance will be topic of the second comittment.
Untersuchungen über Rassenunterschiede in der Milchleistung beim Schwein II. Mitteilung: Milchinhaltsstoffe und ihr Einfluß auf die Entwicklung der Ferkel in der Säugephase
Authors: Grün D. , Reiner G. , Dzapo V.
Published: October 2007

Inhalt: Die vorliegende Arbeit befaßt sich mit den Milchinhaltsstoffen von Sauen der Rassen Pietráin (PI) und Deutsches Edelschwein (DE). Die Milchproben wurden an den Laktationstagen 1,2,3,4,5,7,14,21 und 28 mittels einer eigens hierzu komtruierten Melkanlage gewonnen. Über die dabei sezernierten Milchmengen wurde bereits in der ersten Mitteilung berichtet. Der prozentuale Gehalt der verschiedenen Milchinhaltsstoffe variiert vor allem in Abhängigkeit vom Laktationstag, wobei der Übergang von der Kolostral‐zur Normalmilch die entscheidendste Rolle spielt. Es konntenkeine auffälligen Rassenunterschiede festgestellt werden. Hingegen treten deutliche Eiflüsse der Rasse, meist signifikant zu Tage, wenn die Gesamtmenge der pro Laktationstag sezernierten Inhaltsstoffe berücksichtigt wird. Sauen der Rasse DE sezernieren pro Laktationstag durchschnittlich 54% mehr Protein und Fett und 81 % mehr an Laktose als die PI‐Sauen. Somit steht bei DE 54 bis 91 % mehr an Brutto‐energie pro Ferkel zur Verfügung. Diese Diskrepanz tritt ab dem 14. Laktationstag verschärft auf und wird bei der Rasse Pietráin zum begrenzenden Faktor für die Gewichtsenhvicklung der Ferkel in der Säugephase.

Contents: Investigations on breed differences in milk yield of swine. II. comittment: milk composition and its relation towards piglet development during suckling period

This paper deals with milk contents of pietráin (PI) and German Large White (DE) sows. Milk probes were taken on lactation days 1,2,3, 4, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28, by a milking machine especially developed therefore. Milkyields are the objective of the first comittment. Percentage yield of the differing milk contents varied mainly due to lactation day caused by the change from colostrum to normal milk. No meaningful differences between the row breeds have been perceived. But they appeare in a clear and significant manner by taking the total quantity tof the milk contents into account. Sows of the breed DE produce on average 54% more of protein anf fat amounts and 81 % of lactose. This leads to a more of 54 to 91 % in brutto energy available for any DE‐piglet. This discrepancy gets worse from day 14 of lactation, then representing a limiting factor for the piglets development and litter performance.
Insemination with Stallion Semen Frozen in 0,5 ml Straws
Authors: Thomassen R.
Published: October 2007

Contents: An insemination trial using frozen semen is described. The freezing procedure was slightly modified from the Hannover method. The insemination dose consisted of 7 medium straws containing approx 1 109 spermatozoa. A total of 28 mares of the Norwegian Trotter breed were inseminated during the 1991 season. During oestrus the mares were examined at 12 hour intervals, and the insemination was carried out after detection of ovulation. The pregnancy rate was 43% after the first insemination, increased to 68% after second and further to 75% after the third and last insemination. The foaling rate was 61.5%.
Cystic Degeneration in Porcine Ovaries ‐ Second Communication: Concentrations of Progesterone, Estradiol‐17β, and Testosterone in Cystic Fluid and Plasma; Interpretation of the Results
Authors: Ebbert W. , Elsaesser F. , Bostedt H.
Published: October 2007

Contents: The content of progesterone, estradiol‐17β, and testosterone of plasma and cystic fluid was determined in 79 sows with ovarian cysts. The average progesterone concentration of sows with dark corpora lutea (CL) was higher than of sows with pale or absent CL (39.4 vs. 8.7 vs. 8.0 ng/ml plasma; p < 0.001; and 7512 vs. 3644 vs. 2723 ng/ml cystic fluid, respectively; p < 0.001). The cystic fluid of animals with oligocystic ovaries (10 cystslanimal) had a significant higher progesterone concentration in comparison to potycystic animals (7200 vs. 3682 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Testosterone and estradwl‐17β levels in plasma and in cystic fluid of polycystic animals were significantly higher in comparison to oligocystic animals (Plasma‐Testosterone: p < 0.01; Plasma‐Estradwl: p < 0.05; Cyst‐Testosterone: p < 0.01; Cyst‐Estradiol: p < 0.001). In oligocystic ovaries testosterone in cysts exceeded the estradiol‐17β levels, whereas in polycystic ovaries the situation was vice versa (p < 0.001).

It is suggested that cystic ovarian degeneration in the sow is not exclusively a gradually progressing process, rather then a complex syndrome with three components, were characterized by a separate course of development (oligocystic, polycystic. oligo‐polycystic syndrome).
STAINING SPERM FOR VIABILITY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Johnson L.A. , Maxwell W.M.C. , Dobrinsky J.R. , Welch G.R.
Published: October 2007

Assessing the functional capacity of sperm in vitro is of particular interest to the artificial insemination industry in order to select sires with the best fertilizing capacity. Early efforts to evaluate semen dating into the past century were based on microscopical observation of motility and abnormal morphology. Frequently, eosin stain was used to quantify live and dead sperm while giemsa stain was used for morphological evaluation. These methods along with visual inspection of the semen were useful but their repeatability was questionable. The advent of fluorescent staining improved microscopical evaluation of sperm, however, one of the major drawbacks remains, that is that one can only evaluate 100 or 200 sperm per sample. The advent of flow cytometry in the early 1970's and the development of new stains has led to more accurate means of assessing sperm viability. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA), carboxyl‐fluorescein diacetate (CFDA) in combination with propidium iodide (PI) were applied to flow cytometric assessment in the early 1980's. With flow cytometry several thousands of sperm can be analyzed quickly and without detriment. Staining sperm with FDA, CFDA and PI is useful but is time dependent leading to deterioration of the sample which can alter results. Hoechst stain, 33342 and 33258 were classed as vital stains in 1979. Hoechst 33342, a highly permeable fluorescent stain became prominent for use to differentiate X from Y sperm based on binding in a stoichiometric manner to DNA. Hoechst 33258, a useful exclusion dye, will only stain sperm with lysed membranes. More recently a new membrane permeant dye, SYBR‐14 has been used in combination with PI and is characterized by entering only those cells possessing a membrane potential. It shows a very high correlation with living sperm and a highly negative correlation with PI stained dead sperm. Initial studies show that the SYBR‐14/PI combination is time insensitive, which allows one to evaluate semen outside of a strict time regimen. The use of CTC and FITC‐PSA to ascertain the condition of the acrosome, using both the fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry has proven to be a very useful tool. Finding one single test to evaluate the fertilizing potential of sperm continues to be elusive. However, using several tests, in combination, such as motility, acrosomal integrity, and a fluorescent assessment of membrane integrity would add significant credibility to estimating sperm function.
Determining Ovulation Frequency in Individually Penned Lactating Sows using a Faecal ‘Progestin’ Assay
Authors: Hultén F. , Forsberg M. , Schubert B.
Published: October 2007

Contents

Trials were performed to evaluate the validity of a modified faecal ‘progestin’ assay for monitoring ovarian activity (Trial 1) and to determine the occurrence of ovulation among individually housed lactating sows by repeated measurements of faecal ‘progestins’ (Trial 2). In trial 1 faecal and plasma samples were collected from six multiparous sows, from the day after weaning until oestrus occurred in the third oestrous cycle. A progesterone radioimmunoassay was applied to skimmed milk extracts of the faecal samples, and plasma progesterone concentrations were determined with a chemiluminescent assay. In addition, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed on faecal extracts and the immunoreactivity in the different fractions was determined. In Trial 2, faecal samples were collected from 88 multiparous sows at weekly intervals from the day of farrowing until 2 weeks after breeding. Samples were subjected to ‘progestin’ analysis. Trial 1 showed that the excretion patterns of faecal ‘progestins’ and plasma progesterone were significantly correlated (r = 0.79, p < 0.05) during the oestrous cycles. Parallelism was obtained in the assay, but recovery was low (11.4%). The HPLC analysis revealed one major peak of immunoreactivity in a fraction, which corresponded with progesterone. This finding suggests that intact progesterone was a source for immunoreactivity in the assay. In Trial 2, a 10‐fold decrease in mean ‘progestin’ concentrations was noted from the day of farrowing to day 7 of lactation. The mean ‘progestin’ values remained low throughout lactation and started to increase 2 weeks after breeding. Large individual variations in luteal phase values were noted. Only 1.1% (one) of the sows ovulated during lactation.
Influence of Random Factors and Two Different Staining Procedures on Computer‐assisted Sperm Head Morphometry in Bulls
Authors: Boersma A.A. , Braun J. , Stolla R.
Published: October 2007

Contents

Computer‐assisted sperm analysis has the potential to improve reproducibility and objectivity in the assessment of sperm morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a computer‐assisted sperm morphometry analysis system for the determination of sperm head dimensions in bulls. Two experiments were performed to determine the variability caused by random factors and the influence of two different staining procedures. In the first experiment, three ejaculates were collected from each of five clinically healthy bulls. Air‐dried semen smears were stained using a modified Farelly staining. The slides were observed via bright field microscopy with green filter using a 100× oil immersion objective. A video camera attached to the microscope transmitted images to a personal computer. Each sperm head was identified and analysed by the computer software (Morphology Analyzer V. 1.5; Mika Medical GmbH, Ismaning, Germany). Area, length and width of each sperm head were calculated and stored in a database for further statistical analysis. A minimum of 100 sperm heads were evaluated per slide. In experiment 2, the influence of two different staining procedures (Farelly and Papanicolaou) on sperm head dimensions was determined.

The mean spermatozoal head measurements across all slides for area, length and width were 40.49 μm2, 9.70 μm and 5.30 μm, respectively. On the basis of these results, the variability between slides, ejaculates and bulls using variance component estimation was calculated. All random factors (bull, ejaculate and slide) had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on sperm head dimensions. However, the variability attributable to bull (18.89–51.72%) was considerably higher compared with that of slide and ejaculate (0.17–5.27%). Additionally, differences existed between bulls concerning the shape and normality of histograms of their sperm head dimensions. The minimum number of spermatozoa required for analysis of sperm head dimensions was found to be about 60 spermatozoa per sample. The use of Papanicolaou stain resulted in significantly smaller sperm head dimensions, e.g. sperm head area 31.48 versus 38.35 μm2 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, computer‐assisted sperm head morphometry provides an objective, precise and reproducible tool. Comparisons of results from different studies should consider the influence of random and experimental factors to avoid misinterpretation.