• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.1071-1086
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• 2003

Reproductive biotechnologies continue to be developed for genetic improvement of both river and swamp buffalo. Although artificial insemination using frozen semen emerged some decades back, there are still considerable limitations. The major problem appears to be the lack of efficient methods for estrus detection and timely insemination. Controlled breeding experiments in the buffalo had been limited and similar to those applied in cattle. Studies on multiple ovulation and embryo transfer are essentially a replica of those in cattle, however with inherent problems such as lower number of primordial follicles on the buffalo ovary, poor fertility and seasonality of reproduction, lower population of antral follicles at all stages of the estrous cycle, poor endocrine status and a high incidence of deep atresia in ovarian follicles, the response in terms of transferable embryo recovery has remained low with 0.51 to 3.0 per donor and pregnancy rates between 15 to 30%. In vitro production of buffalo embryos is a valid alternative to recovery of embryos by superovulation. This aspect received considerable attention during the past decade, however the proportion of embryos that develops to the blastocyst stage is still around 25-30% and hence the in vitro culture procedures need substantial improvement. Embryo cryopreservation procedures for direct transfer post thaw need to be developed for bubaline embryos. Nuclear transfer and embryo cloning is a technique that has received attention in various species during recent years and can be of immense value in buffaloes as they have a low rate of embryo recoveries by both in vitro and in vivo procedures. Gender pre-selection, genome analysis, gene mapping and gene transfer are a few of the techniques that have been studied to a limited extent during recent years and are likely to be included in future studies on buffaloes. Very recently, reproductive biotechnologies have been applied to feral buffaloes as well, but the results obtained so far are modest. When fully exploited they can play an important role in the preservation of endangered species.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2011

A total 5,946 cows from 24 dairy farms were carried out for the improvement of reproductive performance. Dairy cows in post-parturition 30 day were performed periodic reproductive examination to check for recovery of post-parturition ovary and uterus and for the early diagnosis of reproductive disease. The results obtained from this studies were as follow. The result of 1,126 cows with ovario-uterine disease were 579 slient heat and error of estrus detection (51.4%), 296 ovarian disease (26.3%), 248 uterine disease (22%), mummification and freematin were each 1 head (0.1%), respectively. Hormonal therapeutic effects were follicular cyst 81.5%, luteal cyst 90.7%, endometritis 86.9%, mucometra 90.1%, pyometra 60.9%, respectively. In cows, even if the 1st treatment fails, 2nd, 3rd treatment were performed. Therapeutic effect of 2nd, 3rd were reduced, but the number of cured cows were gradually increased. The cured cows after hormonal treatment were performed service repeatedly and the cumulative conception rate were increased. The cows treated with hormones at first service, the conception rate were follicular cyst 26%, luteal cyst 64.1%, endometritis 38.7%, mucometra 40%, pyometra 20.5%, respectively. The cumulative conception rates were increased by repeated service follicular cyst 57.3%, luteal cyst 84.6%, endometritis 67%, mucometra 75%, pyometra 64.1%, respectively.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.319-324
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• 2017

This study is to compare the effect of estrus synchronization and embryo transfer between Korean and Mongolian cattle. Embryos were collected from 9 donors housed in Asan city in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Embryos were collected 9 donors from Khushaat sum, Selenge province and Bayanchandmani sum, Tov province in Mongolia. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) and Prostaglandin (PG) were used for superovulation. Subsequently, Artificial Insemination (AI) was done for donor cow and embryo was collected after 7 and 8 days. Collected embryos were compared between Mongolian and Korean cattle. Finally, good quality and fresh embryos were transferred to 50 and 22 recipients of cows in Korea and Mongolia respectively. The findings show that Korean native cattle each donor cow produced on an average 16.9 embryos and, 10.9 embryos were found transferable. But in case of Mongolia the average production of embryos per donor cow was 8.6 embryos and, 6.2 embryos were found transferable. Embryo collection after 7 and 8 days was not difference in embryo production in Korea. But, in Mongolia embryo production after 8 days was found more efficient than the 7 days. Korean native recipient's cows (74.6%) and Mongolian recipient's cows (71.0%) respectively were found transferable ovarian stage. The result suggested that efficiency of embryo production from the superovulation method treated of Korean cow were higher than the Mongolian cow. The pregnancy rate of Korea native cattle was 72%, which was about 10% higher than that of Mongolia cattle.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.383-387
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• 1999

Objective: There is increasing evidence for the expression of rat in gene in several extrapituitary sites including testis and ovary. We also have demonstrated that the local LH expression in the rat epididymis and uterus, the major accessory sex organs in male and female reproductive system, respectively. Design: The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether the gene for LH receptor is expressed in rat uterus and whether the expressions of uterine LH and its receptor are differentially regulated during estrous cycle. Presence of the transcripts for rat LH receptor in the rat uterine tissue were confirmed by touchdown reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In $LH{\beta}$ semi-quantitative RT-PCR, the highest expression level was shown in estrus stage. The level of ill receptor transcripts was also fluctuated during estrous cycle. In ovariectomized rats (OVX + Oil), the expressions of both uterine LH and LH-R were markedly reduced when compared to those from normal rats. Supplement with estradiol $17{\beta}$ to the ovariectomized rats (OVX + $E_2$) restored the expression levels of LH and its receptor to the levels in uteri from normal rats. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that 1) LH and its receptor gene are expressed in the rat uterus from cycling rats, 2) the expression of uterine LH and its receptor is mainly, if not all, under the control of ovarian sex steroid(s). These results suggested that the uterine LH may act as a local regulator with auto and/or paracrine manner, though the posibility that the pituitary LH may act directly on the regulation of uterine functions could not be discarded.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2011

Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used extensively to manufacture plastics and epoxy resin liners for food and beverage cans. BPA, with properties similar to estrogen, has endocrine-disrupting effects. In the present study, we examined the effects of early prepubertal BPA exposure on the onset of puberty and reproductive parameters such as estrous cycle and reproductive organ weights in female mice. Methods: Female mice were injected subcutaneously at postnatal day (PND) 8 with BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 100 mg/kg) in sesame oil or with sesame oil alone. Body weight was measured from PND 10 to 70. Vaginal opening and estrous cycle were monitored from PND 20 to 29. Animals were sacrificed at PND 25, 30, and 70, and the ovary and uterus weights were measured. Results: Early prepubertal exposure to BPA (10 and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased body weight from PND 18 to 30. BPA treated mice at testing dose levels showed early opening of the vagina compared to the control group. The number of estrous cycle and days of estrus were significantly decreased in high dose (100 mg/kg) BPA treated mice. The ovary weight at PND 25 and 30 was significantly decreased in all BPA treatment groups. Conclusion: Early prepubertal exposure to BPA accelerated the onset of puberty but decreased reproductive parameters in female mice.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 2003

Recently a protocol was developed that precisely synchronizes the time of ovulation in Hanwoo. Cows were treated with GnRH on Day 0, PGF$_2$$\alpha$ 7 d later, GnRH 2 d later, and then time-inseminated approximately 24 h after this second treatment with GnRH. Ovarian morphology was monitored cows by trans-rectal ultrasonography 6.5MHz linear transrectal probe(Sonovet - 600., Medison co. Korea) from 24 hr to 31 hrs after second GnRH injection. The result obtained summarized as follows - 1. Induced ovulation were 24 to 31hr after the second GnRH injection, but high induced ovulation was 28hr. 2. Conception rate with HML(High meat lin) and HIL(High milk lin) treatment were 48.1％(38/79) and 43.9％(40/91), respectively. 3. Conception rate of 1∼2 parity and 3∼4 parity was 44.3％ and 55％, respectively. 4. Conception rate of spring, autumn was more increased, 47.3％ than summer.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.603-613
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• 1995

Plasma progesterone($P_4$) assay has been introduced to apply to the differential diagnosis of reproductive disorders and the monitoring of responses of ovarian dysfunction to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ or GnRH treatment in the 204 postpartum and postinsemination subestrus dairy cows. 1. The incidence rate of reproductive disorders in 204 subestrus cows, diagnosed by palpation per rectum and plasma $P_4$ determination using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 10) were as follows; silent heat or error of estrus detection 110(53.9%), persistent corpus luteum 26(12.7%), follicular cyst 16(7.8%), inactive ovary 12(5.9%), luteal cyst 11(5.4%), granulosa cell tumor of ovary 1(0.5%), fetal mummification 1(0.5%), endometritis 15(7.4%) and pyometra 12(5.9%), respectively. 2. After the $PGF_2{\alpha}$ treatment to the 76 cows with silent heat or error of estrus detection, persistent corpus luteum, or luteal cyst, plasma $P_4$ concentrations at day 3 post treatment using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 3) remained low(<1.0ng/ml) in all 76 cows. Therefore all 76 cows responded positively to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ treatment. Seventeen cows with follicular cyst or inactive ovary were treated with GnRH. All 7 cows with follicular cyst and 4 cows with inactive ovary remained high($${\geq_-}1.0ng/ml$$) a plasma $P_4$ concentrations at day 12 post treatment using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 12), but 6 cows with inactive ovary remained low(<1.0ng/ml) a plasma $P_4$ concentrations. Therefore all 7 cows with follicular cyst and 4 cows with inactive ovary responded positively, but 6 cows with inactive ovary responded negatively to GnRH treatment. 3. The mean days from treatment to first service, number of cows conceived on first service(%), mean number of services per conception, mean days from initial treatment to conception, and mean number of cows conceived by 100 days post treatment(%) were 5.0 and 26.2 days, 45(59.2%) and 6(35.3%) cows, 1.5 and 1.7 services, 13.6 and 22.6 days, and 62(81.6%) and 9(52.9%) cows in group of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and GnRH treatment, respectively. These results indicated that plasma $P_4$ assay was practical as an aid to diagnosing reproductive disorders and to monitoring responses of ovarian dysfunction to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and GnRH treatment in subestrus cows.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.69-74
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• 2007

This study was performed to determine the estrous cycles by macroscopic observation of the ovarian changes using the laparoscopy and to make use of these results for embryo transfer in Korean black goat (Copra hircus aegagrus). Laparoscopic examinations of the ovaries were performed from 2 days after $CIDR^(R)$ removal to 22 days after ovulation. The serial morphological changes of follicles and corpus luteum (CL) were observed. CL was classified corpus hemorrhagicum(CH), corpus luteum (CL) and corpus albicans (CA) by its maturation and regression. On the day before ovulation (Day 0), Graafian follicles (GF) were found on one or both ovaries. On the day (Day 1) and $2^{nd}$day (Day 2) of ovulation, and ovulation depression (OD) and an early stage corpus hemorrhagicum $(CH_1)$ were observed at the site of GF, respectively. On Days 3 to 4, more developed and enlarged corpus hemorrhagicum $(CH_2\;and\;CH_3)$ arised from the ovulation of the GF with well vascularization. On Days 5 to 6, it was identified that mature corpus luteum $(CL_3)$ was grown on the ovary, and fully developed CL with adjacent follicles were occupied most part of the ovary on Days 17 and 18. Then the size of CL was diminished, and completely luteal regression $(CL_1\;or\;CA)$ with new large follicle was identified on Days 20 and 22. From these results, the 4 stages of the estrous cycle in Korean black goats were 1) estrus (Day 0) for 1 day, 2) metestrus $(Day\;1{\sim}4)$ for 4 days (stage of CH development), 3) diestrus $(Day\;5{\sim}16/17)$ for 12 or 13 days (luteal stage), and 4) proestrus $(Day\;17/18{\sim}20/22)$ for 4 or 5 days (stage of luteal regression and follicular growing). Laparoscopy for observation of ovarian changes was invasive than laparotomy. Additionally, it had advantages of reduced adhesion and quick operation time. It was considered that laparoscopic examination of ovarian changes will be useful for embryo transfer in the Korean black goats.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.207-217
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• 2001

Diagnosis and treatment of major reproductive failures were carried out for 836 dairy cows of 12 farms in Kimje area from May 1999 to May 2000. Reproductive failures were classified into four categories: uterine diseases, ovarian diseases, combination of uterine and ovarian diseases, and anestrus with corpus luteum (CL), based on the diagnosis by both rectal palpation and ultrasonography (SA 600, Medison, 5.OMHz transducer). 1. Of 102 cows examined, 15 cows were diagnosed as pregnant. Cows with real reproductive failures were therefore 87 cows and the rate of reproductive failures far all the cows of 12 farms was 10.4% (87/836). 2. Of 57 cows with reproductive failures, the cows with uterine diseases were 33 heads (37.9%), with ovarian diseases: 30 heads (34.5%), with combination form: 16 heads (18.4%), and with anestrus with CL: 8 heads (9.2%). 3. Of 87 cows with reproductive failures, 7 cows were slaughtered and 80 cows were treated by hormone or douche. The cows expressed estrus were 74 cows (92.5%, 74/80 heads) and 56 cows were pregnant (70.0%, 56/80 heads) following treatment. 4. The reproductive failures tended to be increased as the period proceeded from 30 days (2.3%, 2/87 heads) to over 120 days (56.3%, 49/87 heads) after parturition. 5. Associated other diseases to reproductive failures were foot diseases(5 cows), joint diseases (5 heads), urovagina (6 heads), and rectovaginal fistula (2 cows) and the rate of occurrence of associated diseases was 20.7% (18/87 heads). 6. No reproductive record was used in 7 farms of 12 farms and 5 farms had no play ground or not used for the cows. These results indicated that diagnosis fur reproductive failures by rectal palpation along with ultrasonography was more accurate than the conventional rectal palpation and brought better result of treatment for major types of reproductive failures. It was also indicated that non-uses of reproductive record and play ground were also important factors in occurrence of reproductive failures.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.85-94
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• 2018

Endocrine disruptors have been concerned in toxicology but now challenged as physiological point especially concerned with exposing dose and period. In this study the low-dose chronic administration of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthaltae (DEHP) during reproductive period was examined to evaluate the possible roles. Adult male and female CD-1 mice were exposed to DEHP with drinking water containing $133{\mu}g/L$ and $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP in water according to OECD 433 guide line and sacrificed just after weaning. The weights of uterus and ovary were decreased by drinking of $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water. There was not adverse effects on either accumulated mating rate and mating rate depend on estrus stage, pregnancy duration, and sex ration at birth. However, the accumulated rate of successful delivery and litter size were significantly high at $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water. The number of epididymal sperm was significantly increased by drinking of $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water. In addition, the number of follicles (primary, secondary, tertiary) were more many than control at $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water drunk mother. Though further studies are needed to identify what are the mechanism of DEHP in folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. From this study we firstly report the effect of low-dose chronic administration of DEHP with drinking could change the ovarian follicle population size and spermatogenesis rate. Put together, those finding is different from previous high-dose effects and suggest the physiological role of DEHP in gonads and uterus.