abstract:The experiment was conduct to assess the follicular dynamics, time and synchrony of ovulation in nuliparous Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) treated with an ovsynch protocol associated with progesterone. Eight nuliparous cycling buffaloes received an intravaginal CIDR device containing 1.9 g of progesterone and 100 mg of a GnRH analogue i.m. (Gonadorelin, Profertil  ) without regard to the stage of the estrous cycle (day of treatment, day 0) followed by 500 UI eCG (eCG, Novormon  ) 7 days later and 0.150 mg of PGF 2α i.m. (d-Cloprostenol, Prolise  ) 8 days later at the time of CIDR device removal. A second-treatment of the same GnRH analogue (100 mg, i.m.) was given 48 h after PGF 2α . All buffaloes presented a BSC of 3,5 (scale 1 to 5, 1 = very thin and 5 = fat) Follicular dynamics was monitored by transrectal ultrasound (Pie Medical, linear transducer of 7.5 MHz ). Only one female ovulated after first GnRH application. The diameter of the ovulatory follicle at the day of device removal was 7.5 ± 1.0 mm and at the day of second GnRH injection was 10.5 ± 1.2 mm. The interval between device removal and ovulation was 67.0 ± 6.0 hours and ovulation rate was 75% (6/8).

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SUMMARY The artificial insemination (AI) by cervical retraction using fresh or commercially available frozen semen was evaluated. Santa Inês ewes (n=151) were assigned in five groups. Natural mating (NM) composed the control group. Four groups were submitted to hormonal treatment and timed insemination by cervical retraction (CRI) or laparoscopy (LAI), using fresh or frozen semen. To perform CRI, the ewes were kept in standing position. The time required to penetrate the cervical canal and to perform CRI were recorded; local deposition of semen and the reaction intensity of the ewe (weak, moderate or strong) were measured. Blood samples were collected to perform the progesterone dosage at days 0, 3, 5, 12 and 17 (day 0 = AI/NM). Non-return to estrus rate (NRE), pregnancy (at D35) and fertility (birth / mated ewes) were evaluated. Mean time for cervical penetration and CRI were 52.8 ± 21.2s and 3:26min ± 47s, respectively. Reaction intensity to CRI was weak or moderate in 92.3% of the ewes. Serum levels of progesterone after CRI, LAI or NM were similar. NRE of the inseminated ewes were similar, except for CRI with frozen semen, which was lower (P<0.05). Fertility rates were similar between CRI and LAI (35.4% and 42.2%, respectively). Artificial insemination by cervical retraction with ewes in a standing position is practical, and does not change the progesterone profile, providing reproductive rates similar to laparoscopy. However, the use of this technique along with commercial frozen semen presents low fertility rate.

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RESUMO.A Inseminação Artificial (IA) em ovinos é uma biotécnica reprodutiva que, combinada a outras biotécnicas, como indução / sincronização de estro e ovulação e tecnologia do sêmen, pode agregar valor à criação, por permitir o uso de reprodutores de elevado padrão genético, utilizar fêmeas fora da estação reprodutiva e padronizar os lotes dos produtos gerados. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar os diversos tipos de IA, baseados no nível tecnológico da técnica e consequente forma de deposição do sêmen: vaginal, cervical ou intrauterina, quer seja via transcervical ou por laparoscopia. São abordados resultados comparativos de concepção, gestação, fertilidade e prolificidade, peculiaridades e influências, como status anatômico cervical de ovelhas, tipos de sêmen e concentrações espermáticas. Destaca-se também algumas implicações fisiopatológicas oriundas de técnicas transcervicais, como reações inflamatórias / infecciosas no trato reprodutivo, ou de técnicas laparoscópicas, a exemplo de regurgitação de conteúdo ruminal e acidose respiratória por pneumoperitônio. Assim, busca-se a compreensão de que, apesar da demanda por avanços científicos nas técnicas de IA, não se pode desconsiderar a necessidade de preservação do bem estar destes animais. Palavras chave: Biotecnologia, ruminantes Artificial insemination techniques and physiopathological implications in sheepABSTRACT. Artificial Insemination (AI) in sheep is a reproductive biotech that, combined with other biotechnologies such as induction / synchronization of estrus and ovulation and semen technology, can add value to the livestock by allowing the use of sires of high genetic pattern, using females outside the breeding season and standardize lots of products generated. This work aims to present the various types of AI, based on technical and technological level of the consequent form of semen deposition: vaginal, cervical or intrauterine, whether laparoscopic or transcervical route. Comparative results of conception, pregnancy, fertility and prolificacy, traits and influences, such as cervical anatomic status of ewes, types of semen and sperm concentrations are discussed. We also include some physiopathological implications arising from transcervical techniques such as inflammatory / infectious reactions in the reproductive tract, or laparoscopic techniques, like regurgitation of rumen contents and respiratory acidosis by pneumoperitoneum. Thus, we seek the understanding that, despite the demand for scientific advances in AI techniques, one cannot ignore the need to preserve the welfare of these animals.