Ultrasound guidance is not necessary during easy embryo transfers

Purpose: To determine whether the use of ultrasound (US) to guide embryo transfer (ET) in a population previously defined as likely to have easy transfer would change the implantation and pregnancy rates in an ICSI program.Methods: A total of 100 patients identified as likely to have easy transfer after mock transfer were divided into two groups: Group I, US-guided ET (N = 50) and Group II, ET without the aid of US (N = 50).Results: Implantation and pregnancy rates were similar (p = 0.51, p = 0.29) for Group I (19.6%,42%) and Group II (16.3%,30%), as also was the abortion rate (p = 0.55) (Group I: 1/21; Group II: 2/15).Conclusion: As long as previous mock transfers are routinely performed during a cycle preceding assisted reproduction and the clinician considers transfer to be easy, ultrasound does not benefit the process of embryo transfer.

Comparison of day 2 embryo quality after conventional ICSI versus intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) using sibling oocytes

Objective: To evaluate whether intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) could influence early paternal effects by observing embryo quality at day 2.Study design: The study included 30 couples with at least one of the following criteria: male factor infertility, at least 2 previous failures of implantation or previous miscarriages after IVF/ICSI. Sibling oocytes of each patient were randomly assigned to either the ICSI group or the IMSI group. For IMSI, spermatozoa were selected at 8400x magnification through an inverted microscope equipped with Nomarski differential interference contrast optics, Uplan Apo 100x oil/1.35 objective lens and variable zoom lens. For conventional ICSI, spermatozoa were selected at 400x magnification. An embryo was defined as top quality if there were four identical blastomeres on day 2 with no fragments or multinucleation of blastomeres. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon and chi-squared tests. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. The variables were analysed in relation to the general population and the subpopulations with or without male factor.Results: A total of 331 MII oocytes (30 oocyte retrievals) were selected and injected by the ICSI (n: 172) or IMSI (n: 159) procedure. For IMSI, only spermatozoa classified as morphologically normal at high magnification were used. No differences (P > 0.05) in fertilisation rate (ICSI: 70.9%; IMSI: 70.4%), early embryo cleavage rate (ICSI: 66.9%; IMSI: 60.4%) or cleavage rate (ICSI: 99.2%; IMSI: 99.1%) were observed. on day 2, as compared to ICSI, IMSI provided a similar proportion of top quality embryos (ICSI: 57.8%; IMSI: 52.2%; P > 0.05). These results were not influenced by the presence or absence of male factor.Conclusion: In terms of embryo quality at day 2, IMSI had the same performance as conventional ICSI. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that IMSI effects occur only as a positive later paternal effect. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single-embryo transfer reduces clinical pregnancy rates and live births in fresh IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles: a meta-analysis

Background: It has become an accepted procedure to transfer more than one embryo to the patient to achieve acceptable ongoing pregnancy rates. However, transfers of more than a single embryo increase the probability of establishing a multiple gestation. Single-embryo transfer can minimize twin pregnancies but may also lower live birth rates. This meta-analysis aimed to compare current data on single-embryo versus double-embryo transfer in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with respect to implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates.Methods: Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases from 1995 to 2008. Data management and analysis were conducted using the Stats Direct statistical software. The fixed-effect model was used for odds ratio (OR). Fixed-effect effectiveness was evaluated by the Mantel Haenszel method. Seven trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: When pooling results under the fixed-effect model, the implantation rate was not significantly different between double-embryo transfer (34.5%) and single-embryo transfer group (34.7%) (P = 0.96; OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.78, 1.25). on the other hand, double-embryo transfer produced a statistically significantly higher ongoing clinical pregnancy rate (44.5%) than single-embryo transfer (28.3%) (P < 0.0001; OR: 2.06, 95% CI = 1.64,2.60). At the same time, pooling results presented a significantly higher live birth rate when double-embryo transfer (42.5%) (P < 0.001; OR: 1.87, 95% CI = 1.44,2.42) was compared with single-embryo transfer (28.4%).Conclusion: Meta-analysis with 95% confidence showed that, despite similar implantation rates, fresh double-embryo transfer had a 1.64 to 2.60 times greater ongoing pregnancy rate and 1.44 to 2.42 times greater live birth rate than single-embryo transfer in a population suitable for ART treatment.

Viable human buccal mucosa cells do not yield typical nucleoids: Impacts on the single-cell gel electrophoresis/comet assay

Buccal mucosa (BM) cells have been used in human biomonitoring studies for detecting DNA adducts and chromosomal damage in an epithelial cell population. In the present study, we have investigated if human BM cells are suitable for use in the single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/Comet assay as an approach for estimating the exposure of epithelial cells to DNA-damaging agents. Our results indicate that only a few cells from BM cell samples yield comets that can be analyzed by current methods, and that the yield of cells with comets is independent of the percentage of viable BM cells in the sample. Data generated after enzymatic enrichment of viable cells and immunomagnetic separation of epithelial cells suggest that most of the BM cells that do form comets are probably leukocytes. Moreover, by reevaluating specific cells after running the Comet assay, we found that viable epithelial BM cells give rise to atypical comets that are not included in the analysis. Comparing DNA migration patterns between small groups of smokers and nonsmokers indicated that long-term smoking had no effect on the subpopulation of cells that yield typical comets. Our results indicate that the SCGE assay, as it is commonly performed, may not be useful for genotoxicity monitoring in human epithelial BM cells.

Morbidity-mortality and performance evaluation of Brahman calves from in vitro embryo production

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of nucleotides on broiler performance and carcass yield

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of nucleotides on the performance and carcass yield of broilers fed diets with no antibiotic growth promoters (AGP), anticoccidials, or animal feedstuffs. In the trial, 600 Ross 308 male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design into six treatments with four replicates of 25 birds each. Treatments consisted of a control diet (CD), CD + AGP, CD + 0.04%, CD + 0.05%, CD + 0.06%, and CD + 0.07% nucleotides. The experimental diets did not contain anticoccidials, and birds were vaccinated against coccidiosis at three days of age. No significant differences were detected among broilers submitted to the different treatments in none of the studied parameters. Under the conditions of this experiment, diets supplemented with nucleotides did not influence broiler performance or carcass yield at 42 days of age, and were not different from the feeds not containing any additive or with AGP.

Factors potentially affecting fertility of lactating dairy cow recipients

Objectives of this study were to evaluate factors that could affect pregnancy rate after embryo transfer (ET) in lactating dairy cow recipients. The trial was conducted at a dairy farm located in Descalvado, SP, Brazil from October 2003 to September 2004. From 1037 cows with CL that were treated with an injection of PGF(2 alpha), 43.3% were detected in heat; 263 were previously assigned at day of PGF(2 alpha) injection for AI and 186 for ET. Ovulation rate was 85.7% (385/449). Pregnancy rate for cows with CL for AI and embryo transfer recipients were 36.5% (84/230) and 58.7% (91/155) at day 25 and 33.0% (76/230) and 45.8% (71/155) at day 46, respectively. Embryonic loss were 9.5% (8/84) for the AI group and 21.9% (20/91) for the ET group. Average milk production was 31.4 L/day/cow. Average daily milk production from 7 days before PGFZ injection to 7 days after ET tended (P < 0.10) to influence pregnancy rate on days 25 and 46. Average daily milk production from the day of embryo transfer to 7 days after influenced embryonic loss (P < 0.05). Cows with higher milk production had lower probability of pregnancy and higher probability of embryonic loss. Cows with higher days in milk had higher probability of pregnancy. Cows with higher rectal body temperature had lower probability of pregnancy and higher probability of embryonic loss. The influence of high milk yield and body temperature on fertility in lactating dairy cow recipients suggests that these effects can occur also after embryo reaches the blastocyst stage. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance, carcass yield, and meat quality of free-range broilers fed wet grain corn silage

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of total replacement of dry corn by wet grain corn silage (WGCS) in the feed of label broilers older than 28 days of age on performance, mortality, carcass, parts, breast meat and thighs meat yields, and meat quality. A mixed-sex flock of 448 ISA S 757-N (naked-neck ISA JA Label) day-old chicks was randomly distributed in to randomized block experimental design with four treatments (T1 - with no WGCS; T2 - WGCS between 28 and 83 days; T3 - WGCS between 42 and 83 days; and T4 - WGCS between 63 and 83 days) and four replicates of 28 birds each. Birds were raised under the same management and feeding conditions until 28 days of age, when they started to have free access to paddock with pasture (at least 3m²/bird) and to be fed the experimental diets. Feed and water were offered ad libitum throughout the rearing period, which was divided in three stages: starter (1 to 28 days), grower (29 to 63 days), and finisher (64 to 83 days) according to the feeding schedule. During the short periods of WGCS use (group T2 during grower stage and T4 during the finisher stage), performance and mortality results were similar as to those of the control group (T1). At the end of the experiment, it was observed that the extended use of WGCS (T2 and T3) determined a negative effect on feed conversion ratio. However, the best results of breast meat yield were observed with birds fed WGCS since 28 days (T2). It was concluded that WGCS can replace dry corn grain for short periods during the grower and finisher stages with no impairment of meat quality and yield in slow growth broilers.

Ostrich (Struthio camellus) carcass yield and meat quality parameters

This article aimed at compiling recent studies on the main factors that influence ostrich meat quality and carcass yield. Few articles investigated the effect of subspecies, which generally are not even mentioned. There are important dietary effects, particularly those caused by dietary protein to energy ratio. Rigor mortis follow-up studies showed that there are no losses in meat quality when carcasses are hot-deboned. Age at slaughter influences some meat quality traits, such as tenderness and lipid content. Few effects of gender have been observed, and at the same age at slaughter, both male and female present the same meat quality traits.

Comparison of progesterone-based protocols with gonadotropin-releasing hormone or estradiol benzoate for timed artificial insemination or embryo transfer in lactating dairy cows

The objective was to compare two protocols for synchronizing ovulation in lactating Holstein cows submitted to timed AI (TAI) or timed ET (TET). Within each farm (n = 8), cows (n = 883; mean +/- SEM 166.24 +/- 3.27 d postpartum, yielding 36.8 +/- 0.34 kg of milk/d) were randomly assigned to receive either: 1) an intravaginal progesterone insert (CIDR (R)) with 1.9 g of progesterone + GnRH on Day -10, CIDR (R) withdrawal + PGF2 alpha on Day -3, and 1 mg estradiol cypionate on Day -2 (treatment GP-P-E; n(TAI) = 180; n(TET) = 260); or 2) a CIDR (R) insert + 2 mg estradiol benzoate on Day -10, PGF2 alpha on Day -3, CIDR (R) withdrawal + 1 mg estradiol cypionate on Day -2 (treatment EP-P-E; n(TAI) = 174; n(TET) = 269). Cows were subsequently randomly assigned to receive either TAT on Day 0 or TET on Day 7. Serum progesterone concentration on Day -3 was greater in GP-P-E than in EP-P-E (2.89 +/- 0.15 vs 2.29 +/- 0.15 ng/mL; P < 0.01), with no significant effect of group on serum progesterone on Day 7. Compared to cows submitted to TAI, those submitted to TET had greater pregnancy rates on Day 28 (44.0% [233/5291 vs 29.7% [105/354]; p < 0.001) and on Day 60 (37.6% [199/529] vs 26.5 [94/354]; P < 0.001). However, there were no effects of treatments (GP-P-E vs EP-P-E; P > 0.10) on synchronization (87.0% [383/440] vs 85.3% [378/443]), conception (TAI: 35.3% [55/156] vs 33.8% [50/148]; TET: 50.7% [115/227] vs 51.3% [118/230]) and pregnancy rates on Days 28 (TAT: 30.5% [55/180] vs 28.7% 150/174]; TET: 44.2% [115/260] vs 43.9% [118/2691) and 60 (TAI: 27.2% [49/80] vs 25.9% [45/174]; TET: 38.8% [101/260] vs 36.4% [98/269]). In conclusion, GP-P-E increased serum progesterone concentrations on Day -3, but rates of synchronization, conception, and pregnancy were not significantly different between cows submitted to GP-P-E and EP-P-E protocols, regardless of whether they were inseminated or received an embryo. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relationship between udder measurements and milk yield in Bergamasca ewes in Brazil

The present work aimed to evaluate udders of Bergamasca ewes and their correlation with milk yield in a mix system of milk yield. Seventy-seven ewes were fed with balanced concentrate starting 20 days before lambing until the end of the experiment. The lambs stayed with their mothers in pastures during the day and were separated at night. They returned to their mothers after the morning milking and were weaned at 45 days of age. Forty-eight hours after lambing, ewes were machine milked once daily at 7 am and the milk yield was recorded for a period of 60 days. Measurements of circumference, depth and width of the udder, and width and length of teats, at 30 and 60 days, were taken. A higher average daily yield of commercial milk was observed after lambs weaning (0.509 vs. 0.435 kg/ewe/day) than before. In the same way, the correlations between udder depth, circumference and width and milk yield were positive and significant only after weaning (0.74, 0.75 and 0.62, respectively). Udder measures had positive correlations with milk yield and can be used in programs of milk yield improvement. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of postbreeding gonadotropin treatments on conception rates of lactating dairy cows subjected to timed artificial insemination or embryo transfer in a tropical environment

The objective of experiment 1 was to evaluate the effects of treatments with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or GnRH 7 d after induced ovulation on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI) or timed embryo transfer (TET). A total of 834 potential breedings were used from 661 lactating Holstein cows (37.3 +/- 0.3 kg of milk/d). Cows had ovulation synchronized and were assigned randomly to receive TAI on d 0 or TET on d 7. Within each group, cows were assigned randomly to receive on d 7 no additional treatment (control; n(TAI) = 156; n(TET) = 126), a 100 mu g i.m. injection of GnRH (n(TAI) = 155; n(TET) = 124), or a 2,500 TU i.m. injection of hCG (ITA = 151; n(TET) = 122). Postbreeding treatment affected the percentages of pregnant cows at TET on d 28 (control: 38.1%; GnRH: 52.4%; hCG: 45.1%) and on d 60 (control: 32.5%; GnRH: 41.1%; hCG: 38.5%), but postbreeding treatment did not affect percentages of pregnant cows at TAT on d 28 (control: 30.1%; GnRH: 32.2%; hCG: 32.4%) or on d 60 (control: 25.6%; GnRH: 27.1%; hCG: 29.8%). The objective of experiment 2 was to evaluate the effect of a treatment with GnRH 7 d after TET on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows that received a previous GnRH treatment at TET. A total of 285 potential breedings were used from 257 lactating Holstein cows (35.1 +/- 0.8 kg of milk/d). Cows had ovulation synchronized and were assigned for TET on d 7. Immediately after TET, all cows were treated with a 100 mu g i.m. injection of GnRH. on d 14, cows were assigned randomly to receive (G7-14; n = 147) or not (G7; n = 138) an additional injection of GnRH. Pregnancy diagnosis were performed on d 28 and 60. The additional treatment with GnRH on d 14 did not affect the percentages of pregnant cows on d 28 (G7: 48.5%; G7-14: 42.9%) or on d 60 (G7: 39.8%; G7-14: 37.4%). In conclusion, treatment with GnRH or hCG 7 d after induced ovulation increased conception rates in lactating dairy cows submitted to TET, but not in cows submitted to TAI. Moreover, treatment with GnRH 7 d after TET did not enhance reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows that received a previous GnRH treatment at TET.