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Ali A, Derar DR, Abdel-Razek ARK. Ultrasonography for the detection of pregnancy and study of embryonic and fetal development in camels, buffaloes, and sheep: Techniques, equations, and limitations. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 268:107566. [PMID: 39089168 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
New technologies for detecting pregnancy shortly after mating/insemination and identifying gestational age are essential for speeding up the reproductive cycle and ensuring high reproductive efficiency in livestock farming. Ultrasonography can successfully identify pregnancy and determine gestational age in many domestic animals. On the other hand, many herds of camel and buffalo and flocks of sheep are aware of the day of service, making it difficult to appropriately manage pregnant animals. This study provides a review of the literature on various techniques for ultrasonographically diagnosing pregnancy in camels, buffaloes, and sheep, focusing on the most appropriate times to use each technique, the earliest opportunity to diagnose pregnancy, and the possibility of using various parts of the fetus to create mathematical equations to determine gestational age. Some limitations of ultrasonography in pregnancy diagnosis were identified and significant pregnancy events in dromedaries were discussed, including left-horn and twin pregnancies. The data presented here will prove essential for researchers, farmers, and countries that rely heavily on these animals for providing meat, milk, cosmetics, and other animal products to enhance reproduction and production efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ali
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.
| | - Derar R Derar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
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Riaz U, Idris M, Ahmed M, Ali F, Farooq U, Yang L. The Potential of Infrared Thermography for Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Nili-Ravi Buffaloes. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1966. [PMID: 38998078 PMCID: PMC11240746 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to explore the potential of infrared thermography (IRT) as an alternate approach for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes. The surface temperature (ST) of different regions (eyes, muzzle, flanks, and vulva) was determined in 27 buffaloes using IRT from the day of artificial insemination (AI; Day 0), and measurement was repeated every fourth day until Day 24 post-AI. From all regions, the ST in each thermograph was recorded at three temperature values (maximum, average, minimum). Pregnancy status was confirmed through ultrasonography on Day 30, and animals were retrospectively grouped as pregnant or non-pregnant for analysis of thermographic data. In pregnant buffaloes, all three values of ST were significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) for the left flank, while, in the left eye and vulva, only the maximum and average values were significantly greater. By contrast, the maximum ST of the muzzle was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in pregnant buffaloes compared to non-pregnant buffaloes. However, the ST of the right eye and right flank did not show significant temperature variation at any value. These findings suggest that IRT has the potential to identify thermal changes associated with pregnancy in buffaloes at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Riaz
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; (U.R.); (M.A.)
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Musadiq Idris
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan; (M.I.); (U.F.)
| | - Mehboob Ahmed
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; (U.R.); (M.A.)
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Farah Ali
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Umer Farooq
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan; (M.I.); (U.F.)
| | - Liguo Yang
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; (U.R.); (M.A.)
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Elmetwally MA, Meinecke-Tillmann S, Herzog K, Bollwein H. Effects of natural mating, artificial insemination and intravaginal deposition of raw semen or seminal plasma on vaginal and uterine blood flow in German Holstein cows. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:277. [PMID: 38926710 PMCID: PMC11201786 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03919-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The present study was performed to characterize and compare the perfusion of vaginal and uterine arteries after challenging the reproductive tract of dairy cows via natural mating, artificial insemination (AI), or intravaginal deposition (vaginal fundus) of different biological fluids or a placebo. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a double-blind study, six German Holstein cows were administered PGF2α during dioestrus and 48 h later treated with GnRH. Intravaginal or intrauterine treatments were carried out 12 h after GnRH was administered. Animals served as their controls, using a cross-over design with an interval of 14 days between experiments. The experimental animals were allocated to receive the following treatments: natural mating (N), intrauterine artificial insemination (A), intravaginal deposition (vaginal fundus) of 6 mL raw semen (R) or 6 mL seminal plasma (S), and compared to their controls [control 1: 6 mL placebo (P: physiological saline); control 2: no treatment (C)). Corresponding time intervals were chosen for the untreated control oestrus. Blood flow volume (BFV) in the uterine (u) and vaginal (v) arteries ipsilateral to the ovary bearing the preovulatory follicle was determined using transrectal Doppler sonography. RESULTS All animals exhibited oestrus and ovulated between 30 and 36 h after GnRH. Transient increases (P < 0.05) in vaginal blood flow occurred between 3 and 12 h following mating as well as 3 to 9 h after deposition of raw semen and seminal plasma, respectively. The most distinct increases (199%) in vBFV occurred 6 h after mating compared to values immediately before mating (= time 0 h). Neither AI nor deposition of a placebo into the vagina affected vBFV (P > 0.05). Only mating and deposition of either raw semen, seminal plasma or AI increased uBFV (P < 0.003). The greatest rise in uBFV occurred after natural mating. Maximum uBFV values were detected 9 h after mating when values were 79% greater (P < 0.05) than at 0 h. CONCLUSIONS The natural mating, deposition of raw semen or seminal plasma and conventional AI affect vaginal and/or uterine blood flow to different degrees. The factors responsible for these alterations in blood flow and their effects on fertility remain to be clarified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Elmetwally
- Institute for Reproductive Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
- Center for Reproductive Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Sabine Meinecke-Tillmann
- Institute for Reproductive Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathrin Herzog
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, D-26203, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, CH-8057, Switzerland.
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El-Sayed A, Refaai M, Ateya A. Doppler ultrasonographic scan, gene expression and serum profile of immune, APPs and antioxidant markers in Egyptian buffalo-cows with clinical endometritis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5698. [PMID: 38459095 PMCID: PMC10923904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56258-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to elaborate Doppler ultrasonographic scan, genetic resistance and serum profile of markers associated with endometritis susceptibility in Egyptian buffalo-cows. The enrolled animals were designed as; twenty five apparently healthy buffalo-cows considered as a control group and twenty five infected buffalo with endometritis. There were significant (p < 0.05) increased of cervical diameter, endometrium thickness, uterine horn diameter, TAMEAN, TAMAX and blood flow through middle uterine artery with significant decrease of PI and RI values in endometritis buffalo-cows. Gene expression levels were considerably higher in endometritis-affected buffaloes than in resistant ones for the genes A2M, ADAMTS20, KCNT2, MAP3K4, MAPK14, FKBP5, FCAMR, TLR2, IRAK3, CCl2, EPHA4, and iNOS. The RXFP1, NDUFS5, TGF-β, SOD3, CAT, and GPX genes were expressed at substantially lower levels in endometritis-affected buffaloes. The PCR-DNA sequence verdicts of healthy and affected buffaloes revealed differences in the SNPs in the amplified DNA bases related to endometritis for the investigated genes. However, MAP3K4 elicited a monomorphic pattern. There was a significant decrease of red blood cells (RBCs) count, Hb and packed cell volume (PCV) with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis in endometritis group compared with healthy ones. The serum levels of Hp, SAA, Cp, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, NO and MDA were significantly (P˂0.05) increased, along with reduction of CAT, GPx, SOD and TAC in buffalo-cows with endometritis compared to healthy ones. The variability of Doppler ultrasonographic scan and studied genes alongside alterations in the serum profile of investigated markers could be a reference guide for limiting buffalo endometritis through selective breeding of natural resistant animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed El-Sayed
- Department of Animal Health and Poultry, Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center (DRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Refaai
- Diagnostic Imaging and Endoscopy Unit, Agriculture Research Centre, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ateya
- Department of Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Abouelela YS, Shaker NA, El-Shahat KH, Bashir DW, El-Sherbiny HR, Abdelnaby EA. Anatomical, histological, and histochemical alterations in portio vaginalis uteri with an evaluation of the vaginal artery vascularity during the luteal and early pregnant stages in domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:260. [PMID: 38057858 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03816-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The portio-vaginalis uteri (PVU) and its mucus secretion have shown an essential role in conception. A significant endeavour to improve buffaloes' reproductive efficiency is the investigation of their basic reproductive pattern, which provides a reference for applications in breeding and pregnancy. The present study aimed to evaluate the anatomical and histological alterations in PVU regarding to the vaginal artery (VA) hemodynamic at luteal and early pregnant stages in buffalos. Egyptian live buffaloes (n = 16) and fresh genitals (n = 25) of mature buffalo were used. Different luteal and early pregnant stages were macroscopically identified with the shape and mucosal colouration with discharges of the PVU. Histological examination showed a significant difference in area % of alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff positive granules which considered an indication for presence of acidic and neutral mucins respectively in the epithelial cells of PVU mucosa which increased in pregnant stage than in other luteal stages. VA assessment demonstrated an increase in luminal diameter and thickness of tunica muscularis in pregnant stage than other stages (P < 0.05). Middle uterine (MUA) and VA arteries peak velocity point (PSV mm/sec) were elevated (P < 0.05) in pregnant stage, with a marked reduction in both resistance and pulsatility indices (RI and PI), and ratio of systolic /diastolic (S/D). Positive correlation was detected between VA. PSV and, MUA. PSV (r = 0.87), but a negative relation was detected with VA. S/D (r = -0.77), VA.PI (r = -0.89), VA. RI (r = -0.97), MUA. S/D (r = -0.94), MUA. PI (r = -0.85), and MUA. RI (r = -0.88). Doppler indices were negatively corrected with the VA. PSV (r = -0.68). It was concluded that there was a significant alterations in histological features of the cervical PVU at different physiological stages (luteal and early pregnant) in buffalos in relation to the MUA and VA hemodynamic pattern and that hypotheses can be established regarding the female cyclicity that affected by both arteries hemodynamics change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara S Abouelela
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza Square, Giza, 12211, Egypt.
| | - Nora A Shaker
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza Square, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Khaled H El-Shahat
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dina W Bashir
- Cytology and Histology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hossam R El-Sherbiny
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Elshymaa A Abdelnaby
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
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Sharawy HA, Hegab AO, Risha EF, El-Adl M, Soliman WT, Gohar MA, Fahmy RA, Farag VM, Imakawa K, Bazer FW, James D, Zaghloul A, Abdalla AA, Rabie MM, Elmetwally MA. The vaginal and uterine blood flow changes during the ovsynch program and its impact on the pregnancy rates in Holstein dairy cows. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:350. [PMID: 36115990 PMCID: PMC9482311 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim
OvSynch is a hormonal protocol for synchronization of estrus and use of artificial insemination (AI) at an optimal time without adverse effects on the ovaries or uterus. This study investigated the use of noninvasive color Doppler ultrasound to assess changes in uterine and vaginal blood flow during the Ovsynch program for synchronization of estrus and its relation to the pregnancy rates in Holstein cows. Materials and methods The experimental cows received an intramuscular dose of 10 μg of a GnRH analogue (G1), followed 7 days later with an intramuscular injection of synthetic prostaglandin F2α (P: PGF2α) analogue (500 μg cloprostenol sodium), and given a 10 μg, injection of the GnRH analogue (G2) i.m. 48 h after the PGF2α treatment, and the cows were bred 14-16 h after. Uterine and vaginal perfusion were investigated by performing transrectal Doppler ultrasonography of both the uterine and vaginal arteries in Holstein cows at different time points during the Ovsynch program to determine: peak systolic velocity (PSV), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the volume of blood flow (BFV), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), resistance impedance (S/D) and diameters of uterine (UA) and vaginal (VA) arteries. Steroid hormones were also assayed. Transrectal ultrasonography (TUS) was performed at 32 and 60 days to confirm the pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI). Results The uterine PSV, TAMV, and PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium and second GnRH injections (p<0.05) than at the time of the first GnRH injection. The vaginal PSV, PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium than at the time of the first and second GnRH injections (p<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) indicated a high correlation between the uterine and vaginal blood flow and the rate of the pregnancy (p<0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.920 and 0.87 (p<0.05) for vaginal and uterine arteries respectively at time of G2. The serum levels of progesterone, estrogen and cortisol were correlated with the P/AI (p<0.05). The P/AI significantly decreased from 43.9 % at 32 d to 35.37 % at 60 d. Conclusion These results indicate that noninvasive Doppler ultrasonography is a valid method to evaluate changes in the characteristics of uterine and vaginal blood flow in cows during the Ovsynch protocol. Furthermore, vaginal and uterine blood flow are two determinant factors for the higher conception rates in Holstein dairy cows.
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El-Sherbiny HR, Samir H, El-Shalofy AS, Abdelnaby EA. Exogenous L-arginine administration improves uterine vascular perfusion, uteroplacental thickness, steroid concentrations, and nitric oxide levels in pregnant buffaloes under subtropical conditions. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1493-1504. [PMID: 35946135 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) during pregnancy adversely affects uterine vascular perfusion and fetal development. L-arginine (L-Arg), a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, has been proven to enhance an organ's vascular perfusion. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of L-Arg administration on the pregnant buffaloes' uterine hemodynamics and uteroplacental thickness under environmental HS conditions. For this purpose, pluriparous (n=12) HS-pregnant buffaloes (mid-gestation, 180-190 d; temperature humidity index > 85) were haphazardly assigned into two groups, either administered a single intravenous (IV) bolus of 5 mg/kg BW of L-Arg Hcl (n=6; ARG) or received normal saline (0.9%; IV; 25 ml) that served as a control group (n=6; CON). Combined uteroplacental thickness (CUPT, mm), middle uterine arteries' (MUA) diameter (mm), and uterine Doppler hemodynamics (ipsi-lateral and contralateral to the pregnant horn) were examined utilizing B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. The serum levels of progesterone (P4), estradiol 17 β (E2), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assayed using commercial kits. The experimental time points were -1, 0, 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h post-L-Arg administration. The ARG group showed higher (P < 0.05) CUPT and MUA diameter values starting at 24 h post-treatment and onward than the control buffalo cows. In addition, there were improvements (P<0.05) in the blood flow parameters in the ipsilateral MUA after L-Arg treatment evidenced by lower values of pulsatility and resistive indices starting at 48 and 4 h, respectively and onward, and higher values of peak systolic velocity, colored areas toward the pregnant uterine horn (both 24-72 h). Increases in the NO levels were found during the period between 4 and 120 h in the ARG group compared to the CON group. Moreover, significant increases in the E2 and P4 means were noted in the ARG group, especially at 24 h onward, respectively compared to the CON group. Concerning the TAC status, neither the administration nor the hours affected serum TAC levels in the HS pregnant buffaloes (CON and ARG). In conclusion, L-Arg administration improved uteroplacental thickness and enhanced uterine hemodynamics, NO levels, and steroids production in mid-pregnant buffalo cows under environmental heat stress conditions which could improve fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam R El-Sherbiny
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Haney Samir
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amr S El-Shalofy
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Elshymaa A Abdelnaby
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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