Evaluation of follicular growth and progesterone production in Bos taurus cows strategically treated with insulin

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of strategic insulin administration on follicular growth, progesterone production, and pregnancy rate in beef cattle. Two experiments were conducted, in experiment 1, 215 cows crossbreed cows (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) (Control Group, n = 109; Insulin Group, n = 106) were submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) with application of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and a vaginal device containing progesterone on day 0. On day 9, the device was removed and 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate was administered with 12.5 mg of dinoprost and 0.25 UI kg-1 of insulin for the treated animals. On day 11, artificial insemination (AI) was performed on all animals. On days 9 and 11 according to the protocol, was evaluated follicular growth and estrus manifestation, and 30 days after AI the pregnancy rate. In experiment 2, 85 cows were utilized, including Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, and crossbreeds (Control Group, n = 49 and Insulin Group, n = 36), and were submitted to the protocol for fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET), and progesterone concentrations were evaluated. On day 0, the cows received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and a vaginal device containing progesterone. On day 5 of the protocol, 0.150 mg of cloprostenol was administered. On day 8, the vaginal device was removed and 20 mg of purified porcine pituitary extract and 0.25 UI kg-1 of insulin was given to the animals in the treatment group, and on day 9, 1 mg of estradiol benzoate was administered. On day 17, an embryo transfer was performed and blood collection for evaluation of progesterone levels in animals submitted to FTET were collected. In experiment 1, the follicular growth rate and the pregnancy rate were similar between groups (P > 0.05) and in experiment 2, the production of P4 was not different between the animals that received the insulin application and the control group. The utilization of a single dose of insulin for beef cows did not affect the ovulatory follicular diameter, progesterone concentrations, or pregnancy rate.

Effect of PRID administration post-insemination on the establishment of pregnancy of dairy cows under commercial farm conditions

The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of progesterone supplementation post insemination (p.i.) in the fertility of dairy cows under commercial farm conditions. At initiation of the study, 405 cows from three farms -irrespective of their open days- were bred after showing heat or after synchronization. Subsequently, the cows were randomly allocated to receive a progesterone-releasing intra-vaginal device (PRID®) between D5 and D17 p.i (P4+, n=213), or to remain untreated (P4-, n=192). Pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) did not differ between P4+ (42.3%) and P4- (41.2%, P = 0.82) groups. However, the treatment improved P/AI in cows enrolled in the study after the second p.p. insemination (46.8 vs. 25.5, P = 0.02). In the farm that showed the lower days to insemination before treatment, progesterone supplementation tended to raise the P/AI (48.2 vs. 23.5, P = 0.08). However, in the farm with the greater fertility the P4+ group had significantly lower P/AI than the P4- group (37.7 vs. 57.4, P = 0.03). Conclusively, the beneficial effect of the post-insemination administration of PRID is mainly apparent only after the second p.p. insemination and probably during early lactation when fertility is suppressed.

Study of adaptability and efficacy of menstrual cup in managing menstrual health and hygiene

Background: Menstrual cups have been available for decades, but their use is limited by bulky design and the need for multiple sizes. However, some benefits have been reported like improvement in managing health and hygiene during menstruation, better information on the average menstrual fluid discharged by women during menstruation and attainment of more knowledge bridging the lacuna in knowledge about the adaptability and efficacy of menstrual cup as a better alternative to conventional options. The study is aimed towards assessing the adaptability and the effectiveness of menstrual cup by naïve users who have been using sanitary pads/tampons/cloth as conventional menstrual sanitary protection.Methods: The study was conducted at conducted Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society, Medical College and Hospital, Dharpur, Patan, Gujarat, India. Total 158 participants aged between ages of 20 to 50 years with regular menstrual cycle were enrolled in the study. Participants were provided menstrual cups to be used for three consecutive menstrual cycles. They were given detailed explanation/information about its usage. Feedback was obtained after every cycle for three cycles using a structured questionnaire.Results: The cup was preferred for comfort, dryness, and less odor. Insertion was easy for 80% participants and 90% participants found removal easy. Problem of leakage was encountered in 3-6%. There were few side effects like rashes, dryness or infection.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that this reusable vaginal device has no significant health risks and is acceptable to many women without the need for fitting or other medical services.