  Sanitary control in bovine embryo transfer - How far should we go? A review; ; et al in Veterinary Quarterly (The) (2007), 29(1), 2-17 Embryo transfer is a globally executed technique which, when properly done, has both economic and sanitary advantages. International guidelines are available to prevent infection of the embryo with ... [more ▼] Embryo transfer is a globally executed technique which, when properly done, has both economic and sanitary advantages. International guidelines are available to prevent infection of the embryo with pathogens, both originating from the donor animals as from the environment. This manuscript describes the bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and prions that are of major concern in the context of embryo transfer in cattle. In addition, the actual scientific knowledge on these pathogens is evaluated in terms of the current international and national guidelines and legislation. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 44 (1 ULg)Inhibition of bovine sperm-zona binding by bovine herpesvirus-1; ; et al in Reproduction (2005), 130(2), 251-259 The purpose of the present study was to identify a potential interference of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) with sperm-oocyte interactions during bovine in vitro fertilization. An inhibition of almost 70 ... [more ▼] The purpose of the present study was to identify a potential interference of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) with sperm-oocyte interactions during bovine in vitro fertilization. An inhibition of almost 70% of sperm-zona binding was observed when bovine cumulus-denuded oocytes were inseminated in the presence of 10(7) 50% tissue culture infective dose/ml BoHV-1. The inhibitory effect of BoHV-1 on sperm-zona binding was mediated by an interaction of the virus with spermatozoa, but not with oocytes. Treatment of spermatozoa with BoHV-1, however, did not affect sperm motility and acrosomal status. Antiserum against RoHV-1 prevented the virus-induced inhibition of sperm-zona binding, indicating that BoHV-1 itself affects the fertilization process. In order to investigate which BoHV-1 glycoprotein(s) are responsible for the virus-sperm interaction, BoHV-1 was treated with monoclonal antibodies against the viral glycoproteins gB, gC, gD and gH prior to insemination. Anti-gC completely prevented the inhibitory effect of BoHV-1 on sperm-zona binding, while anti-gD caused a reduction of this inhibition. Further evidence for the involvement of gC and gD in the virus-sperm interaction was provided by the fact that purified gC and gD decreased sperm-zona binding in a dose-dependent way with gC being more effective than gD. These results indicated that BoHV-1 inhibits bovine sperm-zona binding by interacting with spermatozoa. The binding of BoHV-1 to a spermatozoon is mediated by the viral glycoproteins gC and gD, and therefore seems to be comparable with the mechanisms of BoHV-1 attachment to its natural host cell. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 18 (0 ULg)Ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein profiles in ewes pregnant with singletons or twins; ; et al in Reproduction in Domestic Animals (2004), 39(4), 278 Detailed reference viewed: 10 (1 ULg)Use of heterologous and homologous radioimmunoassay (RIA) for ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (ovPAG) determination to detect pregnancy in sheep; ; et al in Reproduction (Cambridge, England). Abstract Series (2004), 31 Detailed reference viewed: 10 (0 ULg)A new test for early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep: Determination of ovine pregnancy associated glycoprotein (ovPAG) concentration by means of a homologous radioimmunoassay; ; et al in Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift (2004), 73(2, MAR-APR), 119-127 Early pregnancy diagnosis is a useful tool in the management of sheep breeding. In this study different methods for pregnancy diagnosis in sheep, including the assessment of ovine Pregnancy-Associated ... [more ▼] Early pregnancy diagnosis is a useful tool in the management of sheep breeding. In this study different methods for pregnancy diagnosis in sheep, including the assessment of ovine Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (ovPAGs), are briefly discussed. Subsequently, in a field trial the use of transrectal ultrasound is compared with the assessment of the concentration of ovPAGs for early pregnancy diagnosis. At the start of the breeding season in 2002, 192 Texel ewes at 4 different farms were synchronized and afterwards mated or artificially inseminated (AI). At the moment of synchronization (D-14) and at 25 (D25), 35 (D35) and 45 (1345) days after mating/AI, transrectal ultrasound was performed and blood was collected by jugular vein puncture. The ovPAG concentration in the plasma of the ewes was measured by means of a homologous radioimmunoassay (RIA). The specificity of transrectal ultrasound was 85%, and the sensitivity was 92% at D25, 94% at D35 and 95% at D45. The specificity of the homologous RIA was 100%, and the sensitivity was 99% at D25, and 100% at D35 and D45. Higher ovPAG concentrations were detected at D35 and D45 than at D25 (P<0.01). An interesting finding was that within the same breed (Texel), ovPAG concentrations were significantly affected by the farm (P<0.01). In conclusion, determination of ovPAG concentration by means of homologous RIA can be used for early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep and is more reliable than transrectal ultrasound at 25,35 or 45 days of gestation. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 67 (0 ULg)Pregnancy diagnosis in sheep by means of ultrasound and ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (ovPAGs); ; et al in Proceeding of pregnancy diagnosis in sheep by means of ultrasound and ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (2003, November 17) Detailed reference viewed: 10 (0 ULg) |
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