• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.53-56
• /
• 2011

Infertility of the pig is directly affects on economic loss and failure of the embryo transfer. In the present case report, we show one rare case of porcine infertility resulted from oviductal obstruction. A gilt showing normal heat behaviors was selected as a recipient of embryo transfer. During the laparotomy surgery, abnormality of the reproductive tract was founded. Several large sized cyst-like structures were founded on infundibulum and body of uterus. Severe enlargement of oviduct represents that obstruction of the oviduct. Sign of fibrosis on the surface of uterus and other internal organs revealed that the obstruction was come arise from prior peritonitis. Mild neutropenia and elevated number of monocytes, eosinophils and platelets in blood smear represent that the peritonitis might be due to chronic parasitic infection. Ovarian function was seems to be normal due to blood progesterone concentration was higher than basal level. The pig was culled because she cannot be recovered by surgical or hormonal treatment.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.165-171
• /
• 1993

While ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is considered a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, difluoromethylornithine(DFMO) acts as an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis. Cycling crossbred gilts were randomly assigned to one of two (treatment and control) groups (6/group). An indwelling silicone catheter was surgically implanted in the jugular vein of each animal. DFMO was dissolved in saline(200 mg/ml) and adminstered by i. m. injection at a dose of 80 mg/kg/day. The control group received an equivalent volume saline injection. DFMO was injected 3 times daily(08:00. 16:00. 24:00h) from day 16 of estrous cycle to 21 or until estrus. Once daily blood samples (10ml) were taken from day 14 until two days after the last DFMO treatment. Window blood samples were collected every 15 min for 8 h (from 08:00 to 16:00h) starting on day 16 and continuing until day 21 from one gilt per day. Serum progesterone (P$_4$), estradiol (E$_2$), LH and FSH were measured. Typical concentration profiles for P$_4$ and E$_2$ were seen during the follicular phase regardless of DFMO treatment. Injection of DFMO suppressed the preovulatory LH concentration in the serum(p<0.01) while having no effect on FSH profile. The present results indicate that DFMO had an inhibitory effect on LH secretion in the pig, but did not affect PI, E2 or FSH release.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.450-452
• /
• 2005

A 3-year-old, 43kg, pregnant Great Pyrenese was examined for clinical signs of acute weakness and anorexia for 4 days. The dog was in lateral recumbency at referral. The rectal temperature was within reference range, and the respiratory and heart rates were 36 breaths/min and 58 beats/min, respectively. The abdomen was distended, and several puppies were palpated. The mean fetal head diameter was 2.8cm in the ultrasonographic examination. The initial complete blood count and serum biochemical examinations revealed mild dehydration, mud hyperglycemia, hypochloremia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and low sodium-potassium ratio. Serum BUN and total cholesterol values were slightly high. Hypoadrenocortical crisis was suspected on the basis of signs of acute collapse, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Adrenal gland function was evaluated by an ACTH stimulation test. The baseline cortisol concentration was $18.6{\mu}g/dl$ and the concentration at 1 hour after administration of tetracosactrin (ACTH, Synacthen) was $8{\mu}g/dl$. The dog was treated for the correction of assumed hypoadrenocortical crisis and substantial hyperkalemia. In addition to rapid infusion with saline solution, other medications administered intravenously included sodium bicarbonate and cimetidine hydrochloride. The dog was monitored with repeated serum electrolyte examination. After clinical stabilization, cesarean section was performed. All of 13 puppies were delivered, and the dog recovered from anesthesia without complications. The values of postpartum blood tests returned to normal or within reference range. The dog remained healthily.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.384-394
• /
• 2004

This study was carried out to monitor the response of ovaries and cyst according to treatment with GnRH or combination of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ in dairy cows with ovarian follicular cysts. Thirty cows were diagnosed as having follicular cysts by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone (P4) assays. Ten cows were treated with GnRH (control), and the other twenty were treated with $PGF_2{\alpha}$ at 10 days after GnRH treatment. All the animals were re-examined by ultrasonography and blood was collected for the measurement of plasma P4 concentration at day 0 (the day of treatment), day 7, day 10, day 13, day 24 and day 34, respectively. In 30 cows that were diagnosed with follicular cysts, mean plasma P 4 concentrations on day -II and day -I were 0.3 ng/ml and 0.4 ng/ml. On day 10 increased as 2.7$\pm$0.2 ng/ml. Mean cystic wall thickness by ultrasonography on day -11 and day -I were 2.1 mm and 2.2 mm. In 9 cows responded on luteinization of cystic wall, cystic wall thickness was 3.9$\pm$0.5 mm at day 10 after GnRH treatment. The responses of ovaries until day 10 after GnRH treatment included development of corpus luteum in the ovary bearing the cyst or in the contralateral ovary (12 cows), luteinization of cystic wall (6 cows) and clouding of the anechoic antrum of cysts (2 cows). The ovarian responses according to the combination of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ included regression of the corpus luteum (12 cows), increase (1 cow) and no change (1 cow) of cyst size until last examination, and complete disappearance on day 13 (6 cows), 23 (6 cows) and 34 (4 cows). Combination treatment group of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ showed a higher pregnancy rate within 100 days after initial treatment (40.0 vs 65.0%) and shorter intervals from the treatment to conception (45.4$\pm$25.8 vs 53.5$\pm$31.4 days) compared with control. It was concluded that the administration of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ following GnRH treatment is effective in shortening the interval from treatment to conception in cows with follicular cyst. Also, this study suggested that the response of the cyst according to treatment revealed various types. Therefore, veterinarians should pay attention to monitor of the response of cystic ovaries after treatment, specially no change, slowly decrease or increasement of cyst size after treatment.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.64-71
• /
• 1981

The present study was carried out to study the serum concentration of peptide and steroid hormones in puerperal sow. Eight crossbred sows were used for collection of blood samples from day 20 prepartum to day 20 postpartum. FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol-$17{\beta}$, progesterone and cortisol were assayed by radioimmunoassay methods. The mean serum FSH did not vary during the puerperal period and ranged from $8.1{\pm}1.8mIU/ml$ to $9.0{\pm}2.3mIU/ml$. LH concentrations increased from $2.6{\pm}0.3mIU/ml$ at day 20 prepartum to $3.9{\pm}1.1mIU/ml$ at the time of parturition, reached $3.2{\pm}0.9mIU/ml$ by day+2 and remained quite constant therafter. Prolactin reached a peak mean level of $68.5{\pm}9.5ng/ml$ at day 0. Estradiol-$17{\beta}$ increased from $205.0{\pm}29.5pg/ml$ at day 6 prepartum to $425.0{\pm}35.0pg/ml$ at the time of parturition. Progesterone remained fairly constant ($18.4{\pm}1.6$ to $20.2{\pm}2.1ng/ml$) from 20 to 6 days before parturition, began to decline on day-2, reached $0.9{\pm}0.3ng/ml$ by day+2 and remained quite constant thereafter. Cortisol reached a peak level of $86.5{\pm}10.5ng/ml$ at the day 0.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.28 no.9
• /
• pp.1296-1302
• /
• 2015

This study was conducted to examine the effects of supplementing brown seaweed by-products (BSB) in the diet of ruminants on ruminal fermentation characteristics, growth performance, endocrine response, and milk production in Holstein cows. In Experiment 1, the effects of different levels (0%, 2%, and 4% of basal diet as Control, 2% BSB, 4% BSB, respectively) of BSB were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h in vitro batch culture rumen fermentation. The pH tended to be higher for the higher level of BSB supplementation, with the pH at 12 h being significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the control. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen was lower at 3, 9, 12, and 24 h incubation (p<0.05) compared with the control, and tended to be low at other incubation times. Volatile fatty acid concentration appeared to be minimally changed while lower values were observed with 4% BSB treatment at 24 h (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, effects of levels (0%, 2%, and 4%) of BSB on growth performance, endocrine responses and milk production were studied with Holstein dairy cows during transition. Dry matter intake, daily gain and feed efficiency were not affected by BSB supplementation. The concentration of plasma estrogen for the control, 2% BSB and 4% BSB after three months of pregnancy were 55.7, 94.1, and 72.3 pg/mL, respectively (p = 0.08). Although the differences of progesterone levels between BSB treatments and the control were minimal, the concentration in 4% BSB treatment increased to 157.7% compared with the initial level of the study. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels were also higher after both three months and eight months of pregnancy than the initial level at the beginning of the study. In addition, BSB treatments during one month after delivery did not affect daily milk yield and composition. In conclusion, the present results indicate that supplementation of BSB did not compromise ruminal fermentation, and animal performance at lower levels and hence may have potential to be used as a safe feed ingredient in dairy cows.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.16 no.9
• /
• pp.1254-1260
• /
• 2003

The purpose of this study firstly was conducted to establish a radioimmunoassay (RIA) of estrone sulfate ($E_1S$), secondly to monitor the reproductive status of dairy cows using their urine samples. Urine and blood samples were collected in series within a day from four pregnant Holstein-friesian cows to evaluate the relationship between $E_1S$ levels in blood and urine with or without urinary creatinine basis. The urine was then collected biweekly from three cows in estrous and those artificially inseminated; collection from pregnant cows was made on a monthly basis. Results indicated that sensitivity for the $E_1S$ RIA was 5 pg/tube and the recovery rate was 100%. The daily urinary creatinine concentrations fluctuated within a day, but changes were slighter in midday, whereas the changes of concentrations of $E_1S$ in urine were relatively smaller. The concentrations of serum $E_1S$ during the estrous cycle were undetectable due to the limitation of assay, but the urinary $E_1S$ level could be measured with no obvious changes during the cycle. The urinary $E_1S$ levels increased remarkably around 7.7 to 8.3 ng/ml, 80 to 100 days after pregnancy but the serum $E_1S$ levels did not elevate until 120 to 150 days. The level of $E_1S$ increased gradually during pregnancy and eventually reached its peak before parturition at around 40 ng/ml and finally decreased to its basal level 2 days postparturition. During pregnancy, $E_1S$ concentrations of urine increased earlier than those in blood. The correlation coefficients between urinary and serum $E_1S$ concentration during pregnancy and postparturm were higher than those adjusted with creatinine (creatinine ratio). The concentrations of $E_1S$ in urine could be maintained unchanged for 8 days storing the samples in room temperature, which was extended to 8 days when the samples were pretreated by boiling for 30 minutes or treated with autoclave. In conclusion urinary $E_1S$ concentrations can be used directly for monitoring the pregnant status and fetal viability of dairy cows and can assist accurate confirmation of pregnancy in cows at least 80 to 100 days after insemination much earlier than by serum $E_1S$.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.263-267
• /
• 2008

This study was conducted to compare the expression pattern of the specific factors associated with pregnancy and angiogenesis during early pregnancy in Hanwoo. Synchronized female Hanwoo ($4{\sim}6$ year-old) were inseminated artificially. After 10 weeks after artificial insemination (AI), the pregnancy was tested by rectal palpation method. Three pregnant and non-pregnant Hanwoo were used in this experiment, respectively. The plasma progesterone level was measured by ELISA. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of pregnancy associated glycoprotein (PAG) or angiogenic factors (VEGF, B-FGF, ANP-1, and TIE-2). The plasma P4 level was increase gradually in pregnant group and maintained high level. The concentration of PAG was significantly higher from $5^{th}$ weeks in pregnant group compared to that of non-pregnant group (p<0.05). The concentrations of the VEGF (p<0.05), B-FGF (p<0.05), and ANP-1 (p<0.05) were significantly increased from $6^{th}\;or\;7^{th}$ week after AI in pregnant group, respectively. And the intensity of TIE-2, ANP-1 receptor, was well matched with ANP-1 (p<0.05). Taken together, it can be postulated that the blood vessels connected with fetus and dam were formed dramatically around 40 days after AI, because the expression levels of the angiogenic factors were increased significantly from this time in pregnant Hanwoo.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.282-285
• /
• 2009

A 10-year-old Paint horse was presented with gradual changes in behavior, characterized as stallion-like including aggressiveness towards people and other horse. The abnormal right ovary was detected via transrectal ultrasonography and rectal palpation. A complete blood count and biochemical panel values were within reference ranges. The hormone analysis revealed increased testosterone 46.00 pg/mL and inhibin 0.856 ng/mL, and progesterone concentration consistent with absence of luteal tissue 1.2 ng/mL more than normal values. The purpose of the study reported was to describe a ovariectomy of enlarged ovary by using the diagonal paramedian approach. This method is useful to minimize surgical exposure and hemorrhage. This ovary was confirmed fibroma by histological examination post operation. Behavior problems and the hormone values were alleviated after surgery, and clinical signs of complication were not showed.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.57 no.1
• /
• pp.23-29
• /
• 2017

This study investigated the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on pig growth, carcass quality, and sensory perceptions of pork meat by Thai consumers. Male crossbred pigs (n = 30) were separated into three groups of 10 pigs each: boars, immunocastrated pigs, and surgically castrated pigs. The immunocastrated group was immunized at 13 and 19 weeks of age with GnRH vaccine ($400{\mu}g/dose$). All pigs were slaughtered at 24 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected and testes size determined. Testes weight and back fat thickness were recorded at the time of slaughter, and meat samples were collected for sensory assessment by Thai consumers. Testosterone and progesterone concentration levels decreased significantly two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05), and the GnRH antibody titer of the immunocastrated pigs was significantly high two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05). GnRH vaccine significantly reduced the weight and size of testes. Thai consumers reported no significant differences in odor or flavor among meat samples from the three groups. In conclusion, immunocastration improved growth performance, removed the need for castration surgery, and avoided "boar taint" in the meat. It has also no distinct trace of the boar taint same as pork that is currently produced from physically castrated pig which is making it acceptable to consumers.