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Intrauterine fluid accumulation in oestrous mares
1University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Saari, Finland.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Intrauterine fluid (IUF) accumulations in mares during estrus are linked to altered IUF composition and reduced sperm motility in vitro. However, these fluid findings did not impact embryo recovery rates in this study.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Veterinary science
- Equine reproduction
Background:
- Intrauterine fluid (IUF) accumulation during estrus in mares can indicate reproductive status.
- Understanding IUF composition and its effects is crucial for equine reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of intrauterine fluid (IUF) in mares with and without ultrasonically detectable fluid accumulations during estrus.
- To assess the impact of IUF on sperm motility and embryo recovery rates.
- To correlate IUF composition with endometrial changes.
Main Methods:
- Collected IUF via tampon from 57 mid-estrous mares.
- Analyzed IUF for bacteria, neutrophils, protein concentration, trypsin-inhibitor capacity (TIC), and enzyme activities (B-Gase, NAGase).
- Assessed sperm motility in vitro with IUF and performed embryo recovery 6 days post-ovulation.
Main Results:
- Fluid accumulations were detected in 26% of mares at the time of collection.
- IUF in mares with fluid accumulations showed significantly lower total protein, TIC, and B-Gase activity (p < 0.01).
- IUF negatively affected sperm motility in vitro (p < 0.05), but fluid presence did not impact embryo recovery rates.
Conclusions:
- Anechogenic intrauterine fluid accumulations during estrus are associated with altered IUF composition.
- While IUF negatively impacts sperm motility in vitro, its presence at insemination does not affect embryo recovery in mares.
- Increased endometrial fibrosis was noted in mares with fluid accumulations.