The first aim of this study is to demonstrate the clinical efficacy and reliability of two different neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) protocols consisting of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC) and paclitaxel in dogs with clinical stages II-IV canine malignant mammary tumours (CMTs). Secondly, to determine the Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-positive and triple-negative molecular subtypes and their value in predicting clinical response to NAC in biopsy samples, and thirdly, to reveal the changes in Ki-67, human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), oestrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PgR) expression levels induced by NAC. Thirty dogs with clinical stages II-IV CMTs (T1-3N0-1M0) according to the modified TNM system were included in the study. Dogs in group-1 (n = 15) AC combination and dogs in group-2 (n = 15) were administered paclitaxel. Partial response (PR) was the most common clinical response in both treatment groups (66.66% and 86.66%, respectively). There was no difference between the groups regarding clinical response parameters (p = .001). The rate of treatment responders was higher than the rate of non-responders in both groups (p < .001). The adverse effects observed in both groups were mostly limited to grades 1 and 2 and all were easy to manage. The most frequently detected molecular subtype was Luminal A (59.25%). Complete response (CR) was achieved in 33.33% of dogs with triple-negative CMT in the AC group and 14.29% of the Luminal A subtype in the paclitaxel group. Alterations in Ki-67, HER2, ER, and PgR expressions after chemotherapy were not statistically significant (p > .05). As a result, we have shown that these neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols are effective and safe alternative treatment options for CMTs.

The anti-M & uuml;llerian hormone (AMH) indicates ovarian reserve in cattle, maintaining a consistent trajectory post-puberty. In heterosexual pregnancies, the development of the M & uuml;llerian duct in female foetuses is inhibited, resulting in an anticipated minimal or absent ovarian reserve capacity. This investigation aimed to compare AMH levels in healthy Holstein heifers that had reached puberty with those of freemartin animals of the same breed and age. The study incorporated Holstein heifers reaching puberty between 11 and 15 months of age in Group 1 (G1, n = 20) and freemartin animals in Group 2 (G2, n = 19, 16). AMH measurements (AMH-1/AMH-2) were recorded at 12-day intervals for the study participants. Notably, AMH levels in three freemartin animals could not be detected, prompting statistical analysis based on measurements from the remaining 16 freemartin animals in G2. A statistically significant correlation was observed between two separate measurements in G1 and G2 (p < .001). Furthermore, AMH-1 and AMH-2 levels were statistically higher in G1 than in G2 (p < .001). In G1, AMH-1 levels ranged from 227 to 677 pg/mL, with an average of 367.3 +/- 25.5 pg/mL, and AMH-2 levels ranged from 234 to 645 pg/mL, with an average of 380.8 +/- 24.4 pg/mL. Conversely, in G2, AMH-1 levels ranged from 10 to 72 pg/mL, with an average of 26.8 +/- 4.44 pg/mL, and AMH-2 levels ranged from 12 to 68 pg/mL, with an average of 28.75 +/- 4.18 pg/mL. The mean AMH levels in G1 were approximately 14 times higher than in G2 (p < .001). Consequently, ROC analysis utilizing AMH-1 and AMH-2 data established cut-off values of <= 72 and <= 68 pg/mL respectively for distinguishing freemartin animals. In conclusion, AMH could be used as a reliable biomarker for identifying Holstein freemartin animals.

The main purpose of this investigation was to identify and suggest suitable early screening inflammatory markers for the early diagnosis of uterine infections such as acute septic metritis (ASM) in the Holstein heifers. In addition, to achieve the above -mentioned aim, the objectives of the present study were tried to determine the relationship between blood serum lactate, acute phase proteins (APPs), pro/anti inflammatory cytokine levels, and metritis formation in Holstein heifers. For this purpose, 250 Holstein heifers which were 11-13 months old, were chosen as the study material. After heifers were conceived, blood serum samples were collected at the 8th and 4th weeks before the parturition. In the postpartum period, animals with ASM (n = 15) and healthy animals (n = 15) were identified, and blood serum samples were taken. Lactate, serum amyloid-A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1 ß), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF - α) levels were measured from these collected blood serum samples. Acute-phase proteins, lactate, and pro and anti inflammatory cytokine levels of healthy and animals with ASM were statistically compared. Heifers with metritis had a significantly greater concentration of IL-6 and SAA versus healthy heifers in the prepartum 8th week. In addition, it was determined that IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-10, TNF-α, and SAA levels were significantly higher in the 4th week before parturition in the ASM group than those of the healthy group. When all these findings are evaluated together, this study suggested that IL-6, and IL-10, can be used as early biomarkers in the prepartum preliminary diagnosis of postpartum important inflammatory processes such as ASM.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in the blood of dairy cattle are associated with the count of antral follicles (AFC), ovarian function. Numerous studies, particularly in human medicine, have shown that vitamin D3 (Vit D3) has a positive effect on AMH levels. To our knowledge, the effects of Vit D3 on serum AMH levels in heifers have not been investigated. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the concentrations of serum AMH in dairy heifers following Vit D3 treatment. The study included 20 healthy non-pregnant Holstein Friesian heifers. These animals came to estrus at least once. All heifers received a single intramuscular dosage of 5 million IU Vit D3 (Cholecalciferol). Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal veins of all animals before and after Vit D3 injection (days 7, 14, and 28) for the measurement of AMH and 25(OH)D concentrations. In our analysis, we observed that after exogenous Vit D3 administration, circular 25(OH)D increased constantly (up to day 28 after Vit D3 injection) in all animals. On day 28, AMH concentrations saw a 10% increase in comparison with those measured the day before the Vit D3 injection. However, a comparison of AMH concentrations measured across days did not reveal statistically significant differences between Day 0, 7, 14, and 28 levels (p = .10). Furthermore, no statistical correlation was observed between the pairs (age-AMH) and (weight-AMH). Considering all times, no correlation was found between 25(OH)D and blood AMH levels. These findings demonstrated that exogenous Vit D3 did not affect serum AMH in Holstein Friesian heifers.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) parameters could be used as biomarkers for canine malignant mammary tumors (MMTs), and the changes in these parameters according to different tumor (T), lymph node (N), and metastasis (M) stages (TNM I-II-III, TNM IV, TNM V) and the number of affected mammary glands (single, multiple). Thirty-seven with MMT and 20 healthy dogs were used in this study. Complete blood count and biochemistry analysis were performed in all dogs. Tumor material is removed by tru-cut and sent to the pathology laboratory for diagnosis. NLR, PLR, and SII values increased, and LMR and PNI values decreased in dogs with MMT. Median NLR values increased and median LMR and PNI values decreased as the TNM stage progressed. In dogs with a single MMT, median NLR, and PLR values were found to be lower than in dogs with multiple MMTs, and median LMR, SII, AGR, and PNI values were higher. The present results indicated that NLR, LMR, PLR, SII, and PNI parameters could be used as biomarkers for canine MMT. Also, NLR, LMR, PLR, SII, PNI, and AGR parameters may be valuable biomarkers that reveal the degree of systemic immune response according to different TNM stages and the number of affected mammary glands.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and toxicity of a doxorubicin cyclophosphamide combination for neoadjuvant use in dogs with locally advanced mammary tumors.A total of 16 dogs with locally advanced mammary tumors aged 8-14 years was used in this study.Samples were taken from all the dogs via Tru-Cut biopsy and fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph nodes prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.The samples were sent to the pathology laboratory for histopathological examination.Based on the histopathology results, mammary tumors were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma (n=13), tubulopapillary carcinoma (n=2) and malignant mixed tumors (n=1).For the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, doxorubicin (25-30 mg/m 2 ) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/m 2 ) were administered via slow IV injection 4 times at 3-week intervals.Clinical findings such as fever, vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, alopecia, enteritis, hematuria, and skin ulceration and laboratory findings such as a decrease in neutropenia and hematocrit values were observed.Based on the longest diameter of the tumors before and after four weeks of chemotherapy, a complete response was detected in 2 dogs (12.5%), a partial response was observed in 9 dogs (56.25%) and the disease was stable in 5 dogs (31.25%).According to results, the toxicity, and efficacy of a doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide combination for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in dogs with locally advanced mammary tumors is acceptable, and the treatment is promising.

This study was conducted to reveal the dynamics of haematological indicators in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cows. Sixty multiparous healthy dairy cows were divided into four groups based on the length of time they had been pregnant, namely first, second and third trimesters, and non-pregnant (n=15 each). Blood was collected from each animal, and serum was harvested and stored at -20 °C for biochemical profiling. Concentrations of serum total oxidants (TOC), ceruloplasmin oxidase (CpO) and triiodothyronine (T3) were higher (P <0.05) during the third trimester compared with non-pregnant cows. Serum arylesterase (Ary) concentration was lower (P <0.05) during the second and the third trimesters compared with the non-pregnant cows. The concentration of serum total homocysteine (tHcy) was higher (P <0.05) the third trimester compared with the first and the second trimesters. The concentrations of serum total antioxidants (TAC), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), thyroxine (T4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not different in the pregnant and the non-pregnant cows. Thus, TOC, Ary, CpO, tHcy and T3 could be taken as biological markers to assess the progression of pregnancy and to develop management tools to improve health status during late gestation in dairy cows Keywords: ceruloplasmin, hepatic enzymes, late gestation, triiodothyronine

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and toxicity of a doxorubicin cyclophosphamide combination for neoadjuvant use in dogs with locally advanced mammary tumors. A total of 16 dogs with locally advanced mammary tumors aged 8-14 years was used in this study. Samples were taken from all the dogs via Tru-Cut biopsy and fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph nodes prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The samples were sent to the pathology laboratory for histopathological examination. Based on the histopathology results, mammary tumors were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma (n=13), tubulopapillary carcinoma (n=2) and malignant mixed tumors (n=1). For the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, doxorubicin (25-30 mg/m(2)) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/m(2)) were administered via slow IV injection 4 times at 3-week intervals. Clinical findings such as fever, vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, alopecia, enteritis, hematuria, and skin ulceration and laboratory findings such as a decrease in neutropenia and hematocrit values were observed. Based on the longest diameter of the tumors before and after four weeks of chemotherapy, a complete response was detected in 2 dogs (12.5%), a partial response was observed in 9 dogs (56.25%) and the disease was stable in 5 dogs (31.25%). According to results, the toxicity, and efficacy of a doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide combination for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in dogs with locally advanced mammary tumors is acceptable, and the treatment is promising.

P regnancy Toxemia (PT) is a common condition of small ruminants at terminal stages of pregnancy carrying multiple fetuses.In large ruminants this condition is more pronounced in beef cattle during the second half of third trimester particularly in cows with twins.Condition is anticipated with reduced caloric intake, low quality fodder at advanced stage of pregnancy coupled with stress.In does with increased fecundity more chances of PT have been found.Over conditioning is also a predisposing cause of this ailment in domesticated animals.Same condition has also been reported in Guinea pig with identical signs and symptoms of small ruminants.There is profound ketonemia and acidosis leading to emaciated, depressed and comatose condition.It is an unusual but documented clinical ailment in canine ( Jackson et al., 1980).Bitches carrying a large sized litter in later stages of gestation may find it challenging to eat since compression of the gravid uterus on stomach.As a sequel, bitch is unable to take sufficient caloric intake and to keep pace with increased nutritional demand, body reserves are utilized.This disturbance leads to altered insulin to glucagon proportion.To overcome this deficient energy, fatty acids and glycerol are mobilized under the effect of lipases.These fatty acids and glycerol are used by liver for fetal demand.Under certain instances liver cannot meet the energy demands.Due to break down of fats, excessive ketone bodies are also produced which are toxic and deteriorate the stressed situation during the terminal stages of pregnancy.These free fatty acids and ketone bodies cannot cross placental barrier in considerable quantity and maternal glucose source remains as sole energy source for developing fetus.Ultimate outcome of this condition has resulted in off-feeding and depressed state.Diagnosis is based on pregnancy status with the number of pups, hypoglycemia and ketonuria.Hypoglycemia is critical and warrants emergency i.v.glucose therapy.If the bitch is on a nutritional plan having carbohydrate contents, relapse is unilaterally otherwise termination of pregnancy is warranted to save the life of the dam.Cesarean section is advised, even case report Abstract | Pregnancy toxemia is associated with a relative lack or alteration in the carbohydrate metabolism.Ketosis usually occurs during the late gestation in bitches due to inadequate nutrition or inability to eat enough carbohydrates to meet energy demand with increased litter size.A four-year-old, 55 day pregnant Golden Retriever bitch was presented for evaluation of anorexia, weakness, staggering gait, restlessness, tremble, contraction and subsequent coma.Diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia was based on the presence hypoglycemia in blood and ketone bodies in urine.Fetal's viability was assessed by heart beat using Ultrasonography.The bitch completely recovered after treatment.On 63 rd of gestation, whelping of eight healthy pups was observed.Mostly this condition is overlooked by breeders and misdiagnosed by veterinarians, because it is more common in other species of animals, such as small ruminants and Guinea Pig Sows than canine pregnancy.It is potentially life threatening in severe cases and bitches with large litter size are predisposed to pregnancy toxemia particularly Yorkshire terriers and Labradors.Therefore, case is aimed to present clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy toxemia in Golden Retriever Bitch.

The studies aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rate (PR) for timed artificial insemination (TAI) after G7G-Ovsynch, modified G7G-Ovsynch (MG7G-Ovsynch) and Ovsynch protocols and to assess the accuracy of using pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and plasma progesterone (P4) in pregnancy diagnosis compared with ultrasonography (US). In study 1, Holstein cows (n = 37) were bred by TAI following the G7G-Ovsynch protocol (n = 19) or MG7G-Ovsynch (n = 18). Pregnancy was evaluated by US at days 31, 59, and 87 after breeding. The PR was not different for the G7G-Ovsynch and MG7G-Ovsynch. Blood and milk samples were collected on day 3 after insemination and then weekly through day 59 post TAI in cows diagnosed as not pregnant on day 31 and through day 87 in pregnant cows. PAGs were measured using ELISA and P4 by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In the second study, Holstein cows (n = 212) were bred by TAI following G7G-Ovsynch protocol (n = 110) or standard Ovsynch (n = 102). Cows were subjected to pregnancy diagnosis on days 30, 60, and 90. A subset (n = 15 in each group) was subjected to blood and milk samples on days 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 to measure PAGs and P4. In study 2, PR was not significantly different between synchronization protocols on days 30, 60, and 90. Pregnancy loss averaged 15% between day 30 and day 90. The use of PAGs and P4 proved equally effective in diagnosis of pregnancy. Thus, G7G-Ovsynch was deemed the protocol of choice in postpartum cows, and PAGs assayed in milk or plasma could be used to diagnose pregnancy.

Appropriate postpartum reproductive management plays a vital role in dairy farm economics. Primary objective of the present study was to compare the efficiency of standard Ovsych protocol (OVP0) and its modified forms (OVP5 and OVP7) as postpartum reproductive management tools in cyclic dairy cows. In total, 167 Holstein cows were randomly divided into three treatment groups. The OVP0 group was comprised of 58 cows. Other two groups, OVP5 (n=55) and OVP7 (n=54), were similar to OVP0 except the intravaginal insertion of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) inserts for 5 or 7 days, respectively. Pregnancy was diagnosed using ultrasonography on d30, d60 and d90 post AI. Ovulatory follicle diameter was measured at timed AI and progesterone profile (ng/mL) on d30 and d60 post AI. Pregnancy rate was analyzed by Chi-square procedure while ovulatory follicle diameter and Progesterone profile by one way ANOVA (alpha=0.05). Ovulatory follicle diameter (Mean +/- SEM) was 15.19 +/- 0.17 (OVP0), 15.30 +/- 0.21 (OVP5) and 15.24 +/- 0.19 (OVP7), respectively. The P4 concentration has significant (P<0.05) difference among OVP0 (6.52 +/- 0.32), OVP5 (7.75 +/- 0.38) and OVP7 (7.58 +/- 0.26) on d30 post AI. This difference was non-significant (P > 0.05) on d60 post AI in OVP0 (6.37 +/- 0.49), OVP5 (6.75 +/- 0.36) and OVP7 (6.80 +/- 0.41), respectively. On d30 post AI, pregnancy rate was 39.70, 42.60 and 45.50% in OVP0, OVP5 and OVP7 groups, respectively (P=0.48). Corresponding pregnancy rate on d60 (P=0.39) and d90 (P=0.61) was 36.20, 32.80% in OVP0, 43.80, 41.80% in OVP5 and 37% in OVP7 group. Overall pregnancy loss was 17 (OVP0), 08 (OVP5) and 13% (OVP7), respectively (P=0.62). In conclusion, although pregnancy rate has non-significant difference among all three breeding protocols but numerically, improved pregnancy rate and reduced pregnancy loss was observed in OVP5 group.

Estrus synchronization and suitable resynchronization intervention is crucial part of improved reproductive management in dairy industry. Our objectives were to appraise CIDR-EB based estrus synchronization and used CIDR-Ovsynch based resynch protocol in lactating Holstein cows at two different geographical locations. On location A, 160 postpartum cows were enrolled in standard CIDR-EB protocol. Cows were subjected to timed AI and randomly assigned into two groups: 1) control (n=70), subjected to AI on detected estrus (AIDE) from d18-d30 post TAI. Pregnancy rate was diagnosed on d30, d60 and d90 post TAI, 2) resynch (n=90) received CIDR from d14-d21 post TAI. On day 23, all cows received GnRH shot and open cows received remaining Ovsynch protocol. Blood was collected on d14,d16 and d30 for P4 profile. Cross-sectional area of luteal tissue was measured on d30 in pregnant animals in both groups. In experiment II, both control (n=64) and resynch (n=54) groups were similarly treated as in experiment I, without P4 profile and luteal cross-sectional area measurement. Pregnancy rate(PR) was compared by PROC FREQ of SAS. Effect of treatment on circulatory P4 profile and luteal tissue cross-sectional area were analyzed using GLM procedures (P<0.05). The PR on d30 in control (43%) and resynch (48%) groups was non-significant. On d60 and d90 overall PR was 44 and 73% (P=0.002) and 43 and 72% (P=0.002) while overall pregnancy loss was 11 and 4 /0 in control and resynch groups, respectively. In experiment II, PR on d30, d60 and d90 was 44 versus 54% (P=0.28), 53 versus 72% (P=0.03) and 50 versus 70% (P=0.025) in control and resynch groups with overall pregnancy loss of 14 and 3%. Mean P4 profile (ng/mL) was non-significant on d14 while significant on d16 and d30 post TAI in control and resynch groups. Mean luteal cross-sectional area on d30 post TAI has significant difference between both groups. In conclusion, a significant increase in overall PR in resynch group makes it an efficient reproductive management tool in comparison with control group.

Our objectives were to appraise three ovulation synchronization protocols and Pregnancy diagnosis(PD) methods in lactating dairy cows. Cows (n=184;4.2 ± 1.2 lactations and average daily milk yield>28 kg with 3X milkings) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 timed artificial insemination(TAI) protocols: 1)Ovsynch protocol (n=66), GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH; 2)G7G-Ovsynch (n=63) protocol, PGF2α,GnRH 2 days later followed by Ovsynch; 3)PG7G-Ovsynch(n=55) protocol, PGF2α 14d before the start of G7G-Ovsynch protocol.Pregnancy rate(PR) was determined on d30, d60 and d90 post TAI using ultrasonography(US), P4(RIA), milk and Plasma PAGs(ELISA). The PR was compared using chi-square. Milk, plasma PAGs and plasma P4 profiles were analyzed using REG procedures of SAS(P<0.05). Ovarian status was monitored prior to enrollment and at final GnRH of individual protocol. Ovulatory follicle diameter(OFD) was 15.32 ± 0.18(Ovsynch), 15.06 ± 0.16(G7G-Ovsynch) and 15.14 ± 0.13(PG7G-Ovsynch) respectively. The PR on d30 was 44%(29/66), 51%(32/63) and 56%(3/55) in Ovsynch,G7G-Ovsynch and PG7G-Ovsynch(P=0.39) protocols respectively. On d60 post TAI,PR was 39%(26/66),48%(30/63) and 53%(29/55) in all three groups(P=0.33). Similarly, PR was 38%(25/66),48%(30/63) and 51%(28/55) with overall pregnancy loss of 14%,6%(2/32) and 10%(3/31) in Ovsynch,G7G-Ovsynch and PG7G-Ovsynch groups respectively on d90 post TAI. Plasma P4 profile (ng/ml; Mean±SEM) was 7.40 ± 0.53,7.75 ± 0.64 and 7.13 ± 0.42 on d30, d60 and d90 post TAI respectively. Optical density(OD) of milk PAGs was 1.06 ± 0.12,0.48±.04 and 0.96 ± 0.11 on day 30,60 and 90 post TAI respectively. Likewise, plasma OD was 1.82 ± 0.10,0.87 ± 0.05 and 1.66 ± 0.12 on d30,d60 and d90 post TAI. Sensitivity(Se), Specificity(Sp), positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of milk and plasma PAGs based test in present study was 98%(95% CI:91–100),100%(95% CI:94–100), 100% and 98%(95% CI:89–99) respectively in comparison with US on the PD basis. Similarly,Se,Sp,PPV and NPV of plasma P4 test in present study was 100%. In conclusion, introduction of presynch based protocols have been resulted in improved, although non-significant, PR in lactating dairy cows and PAGs are other apposite PD tools.

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are endogenous proteases that are responsible for degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cell surface antigens. The breakdown of ECM participates in the local invasion and distant metastases of malignant tumors. Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a naturally occurring contagious round cell neoplasm of dogs that affects mainly the external genitalia of both sexes. CTVT generally is a locally invasive tumor, but distant metastases also are common in puppies and immunocompromised dogs. We investigated the immune expressions and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CTVT. The presence of these enzymes in tumor cells and tissue homogenates was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. We used gelatin substrate zymography to evaluate the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes in tumor homogenates. We found that tumor cells expressed both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Electrophoretic bands corresponding to MMP-9 and MMP-2 were identified in immunoblots and clear bands that corresponded to the active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 also were detected in gelatin zymograms. Our study is the first detailed documentation of MMPs in CTVT.

Objectives were to determine effects of: 1) handling temperament and administration of flunixin meglumine, an inhibitor of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) synthesis, given at the time of embryo transfer, on pregnancy rates in beef cattle embryo transfer recipients; 2) handling temperament and flunixin meglumine on peripheral concentrations of progesterone, cortisol, substance-P, prostaglandin F metabolites (PGFM, (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2a) and isoprostane 8-epi PGF2a; and 3) flunixin meglumine treatment on proportion of non-pregnant recipient cows returning to estrus within an expected interval. Angus cross beef cows (n = 710) at 7 locations were assigned a body condition score (BCS: 1, emaciated; 9, obese) and a temperament score [0, calm, slow chute exit; walk (n = 352), 1, excited, fast chute exit; jump, trot or run (n = 358)] and were synchronized with Select-Synch with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol. Estrus detection aids were applied at CIDR removal and cows were observed thrice daily for estrus until 72 h. Recipient cows that expressed estrus and had a corpus luteum received a frozen-thawed embryo on Day 7 after estrus. At the time of transfer, recipient cows were randomly allocated to receive 10 mL of flunixin meglumine im, immediately after transfer (n = 365) or served as an untreated control (n = 345). In a subset of cows (n = 80), ovarian ultrasonography was performed on the day of embryo transfer to determine corpus luteum volume and blood samples were collected twice, at the time of embryo transfer and 7 d later. All cows received estrus detection aids again on Day 14 (7 d after embryo transfer) and were observed for estrus twice daily until Day 24. Accounting for treatment (P > 0.1), embryo transfer difficulty score (P < 0.1), temperament by treatment interaction (P < 0.05), recipient cows with calm temperament had a higher pregnancy rate compared to those with an excited temperament [59.4 (209/352) vs 51.7% (185/358)]. The pregnancy rate for excitable cows without flunixin meglumine was lower (46.3% 81/175) compared to excitable cows that did received flunixin meglumine [56.8% (104/183)], and calm cows that did [59.3% (108/182)] or did not [59.4% (104/170)] receive flunixin meglumine. Proportions of non-pregnant recipient cows returning to estrus on Days 18–24 were not different between flunixin meglumine and control groups, 87.6% (134/153) and 84.0% (137/163), respectively (P > 0.1). At the time of embryo transfer and 7 d later, there were moderate to strong correlations among circulating concentrations of progesterone, cortisol, substance-P, PGFM and isoprostane 8-epi PGF2a. Among excitable cows, progesterone concentrations were lower and cortisol, substance-P, PGFM and isoprostane 8-epi PGF2a concentrations were greater for cows in the control group compared to cows that received flunixin meglumine. In conclusion, administration of flunixin meglumine improved pregnancy rates in excitable recipient cows following embryo transfer without affecting the proportion of non-pregnant cows returning to estrus.

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of three different PGF2α (PGF) treatments in the 5-day CO-Synch progesterone-based synchronization protocol on artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rate (PR) in Holstein heifers in Turkey and the United States. We hypothesized that two doses of PGF administered concurrently or 6 hours apart would result in greater AI pregnancy compared with a single dose of PGF on Day 5 at controlled internal drug release (CIDR) removal. In Turkey, Holstein heifers (n = 450) from one farm in the province of Adana and another farm in the province of Bursa were included. In the US, Holstein heifers (n = 483) from two locations in the state of Idaho were included. Heifers within locations were randomly allocated to one of three protocol groups: 1PGF—received 25 mg IM of dinoprost at CIDR removal; 2Co-PGF—received 50 mg IM of dinoprost at CIDR removal, and 2PGF—received 25 mg IM of dinoprost at CIDR removal and an additional 25 mg IM of dinoprost 6 hours later. All heifers received a CIDR (1.38 g of progesterone) and GnRH (10 μg IM of Buserelin [Turkey] or gonadorelin hydrochloride [US]) on Day 0. The CIDRs were removed on Day 5, and each heifer was given PGF according to the assigned treatments. On Day 7, each heifer was given another dose of GnRH and concurrently inseminated at 56 hours after CIDR removal. Heifers in both experiments were examined for pregnancy status between 35 and 45 days after AI. Overall, controlling for age, the heifers in the 2PGF group had greater AI-PR (61.7% [192/311]) than heifers in 2Co-PGF (48.2% [149/309]; P < 0.001) or 1PGF (53.7% [168/313]; P < 0.05) groups. No difference was observed between 2Co-PGF and 1PGF groups (P > 0.1). In Turkey, the heifers in the 2PGF group had a greater AI-PR (60% [90/150]) than 2Co-PGF (45.3% (68/150); P < 0.01] group. No difference was observed between 2PGF and 1PGF (55.3% [83/150]) groups (P > 0.1). There was a trend for AI pregnancy between 1PGF and 2Co-PGF groups (P = 0.08). In the United States, the heifers in the 2PGF group had a greater AI-PR (63.4% [102/161]) than the heifers in 2PGF (50.9 [81/159]; P < 0.05) or 1PGF (52.1% [85/163]; P < 0.05) groups. Heifers that were 15- and 16-month old achieved greater AI-PR than 17- and 18-month-old heifers (59.2 [342/578] vs. 47.0% [168/355]; P < 0.01). In conclusion, administration of 2PGF at 6 hours apart on Day 5 at CIDR removal in a 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol resulted in greater AI pregnancy. A greater number of 15- and 16-month-old heifers became pregnant compared with 17- and 18-month-old heifers.

Present case report is about very rare condition of gravid uterus herniation into the thoracic cavity and right sided heart displacment in a three year old queen. Cat was presented to obstetrics and gynecology clinic with a history of overdue kittening date. Abdominal cavity was found to have an unusual solid mass in cranial part with little fluid oozing from vulva. Roentgenogram assesment revealed a fetus skeleton in abdomen with two similar skeletons in thoracic cavity and missing a normal diaphragmatic line. Similar findings were recorded on ultrasonography. Midline coeliotomy was done under general gas anesthesia. Diaphragmatic wall had 6 cm left-sided vertically oriented rent in the dorsal aspect with gravid uterine and a 2 cm right-sided vertically oriented in the middle of the diaphragm with liver lobe and gall bladder herniation. Three partially mummified fetuses were recovered. Both diaphragmatic tears were reduced and cat was neutered to avoid future complication. According to available data this is first atypical report in pet practice particularly in feline.

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on post-thawed semen quality of Beetal goat buck semen. Semen was obtained from six bucks using artificial vagina and cryopreserved in tris egg yolk extender and semen quality was assessed on the basis of post-thaw sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosomal membrane status. Ejaculates were pooled and extended to the concentration of 2 × 10 9 spermatozoa per mL in tris egg yolk extender (300 mOsmol/L). Tris egg yolk extender containing various concentrations of BHT (0.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mM) was prepared. French straws (0.5 mL) were manually filled with semen, gradually cooled from 39 o C to 4 o C and finally, cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen at -196 o C. Five straws from each treatment (BHT (0.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mM)) were thawed and evaluated under phase-contrast microscope (40 ×) for sperm motility, whereas sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were assessed by the supravital staining, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and normal acrosomal reaction, respectively. The results showed that only acrosomal integrity was improved (P < 0.05) by the addition of BHT in semen extender. Motility was suppressed (P < 0.05) by increasing BHT concentration. The maximum motility of sperm was achieved with 0.0 mM BHT. The HOST response and viability of spermatozoa were increased by addition of 2 and 5 mM BHT, but this increment was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the addition of BHT to semen extender can partially improve semen quality of Beetal goat.