Presentation brochure
ESSENTIAL G IDES ON CATTLE FARMING
Servet (División de Grupo Asís Biomedia S.L.) Centro Empresarial El Trovador, planta 8, oficina I Plaza Antonio Beltrán Martínez, 1 • 50002 Zaragoza (España) Tel.: +34 976 461 480 • Fax: +34 976 423 000 • www.grupoasis.com
Reprod ctive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis Manuel Fernández Sánchez
Essential guides on cattle farming
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
ESSENTIAL G IDES ON CATTLE FARMING
Reprod ctive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis Manuel Fernández Sánchez
Author: Manuel Fernández Sánchez. Format: 17 x 11 cm. Number of pages: 72. Number of images: 160. Binding: paperback, wire-o.
RETAIL PRICE
33 €
This atlas entirely focuses exclusively on the evaluation of the most significant findings in ultrasound scan diagnosis in cattle. Essential aspects of the reproductive process are covered, including physiology, synchronization protocols, and reproductive pathologies, and are complemented by multiple case studies. This handbook is written by an author with great experience in the field using a practical and visual approach. The atlas format, and the many graphic resources (images, tables, flowcharts, etc.) included, make this handbook particularly accessible to interested readers.
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Presentation of the book Reproductive efficiency and efficacy are factors which play a key role in the economic success or failure of bovine farms. Therefore, productivity is closely related to the maintenance of excellent reproductive rating, as well as significant healthy levels accompanied with increasing welfare quality for animals. These facts show up the major parameters taking into account in order to tackle suitably the management of cattle herds. In fact, limiting factors could be detected so that could be acted more quickly to sort out those issues that pose greater difficulties, worsening productive operating results. Assure an appropriate reproduction management should be supported by a high quality veterinary advice, thus veterinarians must receive the best training, both theoretical and practical, so as to minimise those parameters which can jeopardize the yield and profitability of cattle farming. This atlas, written by a renowned author with a wide experience in this field, provides excellent content which allows to recognise structures and the main pathologies of reproductive system using ultrasound diagnosis, thus becoming the most helpful tool to increase the success rate in diagnosing reproductive abnormalities. A brief physiological review is carried out explaining, among other things, the anatomical an functional situation of reproductive system, as well as the follicular growth and the characteristics of the oestrous cycle in bovine species. Reproductive pathologies are described in the last chapter, emphasizing cysts. The atlas format and the resources used by the author (images, tables, flow charts, etc.) make the contents understandable and accessible to readers, turning into a reference in its field.
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
The author Manuel Fernåndez Sånchez Graduated in veterinary medicine from the University of Zaragoza. His career, which spans twenty years, has always been connected with the world of ruminants, from his first contact with practice in Bristol, Belgium and Scotland to his current position as a freelance veterinary consultant (founder of Consuvet). Of particular note is his work at ANGRA (the Spanish National Association of Rasa Aragonesa Pedigree Breeders), on the development of programmes for genetic improvement and reproduction in mutton sheep, and his work in Asturias on reproduction monitoring and the quality of cow’s milk. He has also participated as a speaker on various courses organised by the University of Santiago de Compostela.
hkeita/shutterstock.com
This professional experience in multiple areas of business, together with his practice at the free veterinary clinic and work with reproduction monitoring and nutrition in dairy cattle, have provided him with a broad view of the needs of the veterinary surgeon when faced with reproductive problems.
Communication services Website Online visualisation of the sample chapter. Presentation brochure in PDF format. Author´s CV. Sample chapter compatible with iPad.
www.grupoasis.com/promo/bovine_ultrasound
ESSENTIAL G IDES ON CATTLE FARMING
Reprod ctive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis Manuel Fernรกndez Sรกnchez
Table of contents 1. Introduction 2. Reproductive physiology Anatomical knowledge Functional knowledge Hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis
Follicular waves Phases of each wave of follicular growth
3. Assessment and diagnosis of reproductive status Methodology Assessment Evaluation Assessment of the uterus
Case studies
1
Introduction
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Reproductive control: key points
Knowledge of reproductive physiology
Recognition of pathologies 4
Identification of structures
Diagnosis and evaluation of structures
Selection of synchronization protocols
Selection of most appropriate treatments
Figure 1. With the development of ultrasound and its increasingly widespread application in cattle, diagnostic and treatment efficiency has increased.
01_Introduction.indd 4
08/10/15 13:24
IntroductIon
Identification of ovarian structures: corpora lutea
5
Figure 2. Corpus luteum with trabecula (red line).
01_Introduction.indd 5
Figure 3. Young corpus luteum (recently ovulated female): sonographically less echogenic than previous image.
Figure 4. Corpus luteum cyst (with cavity): physiologic.
08/10/15 13:24
1
Introduction
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
P4 plasma concentration (ng/ml)
Choosing synchronisation protocols (e.g. ovsynch)
8
Ovsynch
6 4
6
P4
2 0 0
GnRH
7
PGF2Îą
9
GnRH
Days since oestrus
10
Timed artificial insemination
Figure 5. Correct synchronisation of ovsynch treatment: day 6 of cycle = day 0 of treatment (selection phase: first follicular wave).
01_Introduction.indd 6
08/10/15 13:24
IntroductIon
Recognising pathologies
7
Figure 6. Uterus with abundant purulent material (cloud of dots) in a case of metritis.
01_Introduction.indd 7
Figure 7. Ovary in anoestrus (no structures).
08/10/15 13:24
1
Introduction
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
8
Figure 8. Measurement of follicular cyst (3.1 cm).
Figure 9. Embryonic resorption (disorganised content).
01_Introduction.indd 8
08/10/15 13:24
IntroductIon
Selection and evaluation of treatments
9
Figure 10. Follicular cyst after 7 days of treatment with GnRH (luteinisation of cyst).Â
01_Introduction.indd 9
08/10/15 13:24
2
Reproductive physiology
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Reproductive physiology
Anatomical knowledge
1
a
1. Body of uterus.
b
4
c
2
10
2
2. Oviduct. 3. Ovaries.
3
4. Uterine horns.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 10
08/10/15 13:39
RepRoductive physiology
a
b
c
11
Figure 11. Ultrasound of (a) the corpus luteum, (b) uterine horns and (c) follicle.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 11
08/10/15 13:39
2
Reproductive physiology
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Functional knowledge Âť It is essential to have a proper understanding of the endocrinological basis of different situations in order to select the best oestrus synchronisation system or the most appropriate treatment for a particular disease. 12
Âť The cascade of hormonal events resulting from the intimate relationship between the nervous and endocrine systems is conditioned by multiple stimuli from the environment surrounding the female.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 12
08/10/15 13:39
RepRoductive physiology
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis Hormones act as chemical mediators that trigger a cascade of events: the hypothalamus synthesises releasing hormones (RH), which in turn target the pituitary. These hormones enter the bloodstream and, instead of passing into general circulation, are transported via the hypophyseal portal system (via capillaries). 13
Table 1. Releasing hormones. GH-RH LH-RH FSH-RH
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 13
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone In cattle these two hormones are considered jointly as GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)
Prolactin-RH
Prolactin-releasing hormone (PRL)
CRH
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
TRH
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TSH)
08/10/15 13:39
2
Reproductive physiology
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Table 2. Hormones released from the pituitary upon the arrival of releasing hormones. Anterior lobe » Gonadotropic
hormones (FSH-LH).
» Prolactin (PRL).
Hypothalamus
Posterior lobe
GnRH
» Oxytocin. » Vasopressin
(ADH).
Pituitary
» Growth hormone
Follicular growth and development
FSH
LH
Ovulation and luteinisation
14
Effect –
hormone (ACTH). » Thyrotropic hormone (TSH).
Effect +
(GH).
» Adrenocorticotropic
Ovaries Produce oestrogens
Figure 12. Feedback mechanisms that regulate the release of hormones in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Produce P4
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 14
08/10/15 13:39
RepRoductive physiology
The cycle ends with the release of the oocyte at ovulation
15 Small follicles undergoing regression
Figure 13. Measurement of dominant follicle (2.4 cm).
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 15
Figure 14. Preovulatory follicle (arrow).
Figure 15. Thinning of the follicle wall and rupture of the stigma. This creates a gap through which the ovarian bursa passes by gravity, from where it is directed towards the horn by the movement of ciliated cells.
08/10/15 13:39
2
Reproductive physiology
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Follicular waves Âť The follicular population in the ovary follows a dynamic that reflects the growth and regression of follicles on their path towards the formation of the preovulatory follicle.
Âť The oestrous cycle of the cow (18-24 days) is characterised by 1 to 4 waves of follicular growth (most commonly 2 and sometimes 3 waves, and even 4 waves). 3 follicular waves Atresia
Ovulation
Deviation
Acute LH dependence and ovulatory capacity
Recruitment
Acute FSH dependence
Dominance
10
Ovulation
21
Days after ovulation
16
Follicular size
Follicular size
2 follicular waves
Ovulation
Ovulation
9
16
21
Days after ovulation
Figure 16. 2 and 3 follicular waves, respectively (Fricke, 2010).
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 16
08/10/15 13:39
RepRoductive physiology
Changes in the physiology of the new corpus luteum parallel the waves of follicular growth
a
b
17
c
d
Figure 17. Corpora lutea at different stages of growth: (a and b) young corpus luteum (deep red color); (c) a full-sized, highly-irrigated corpus luteum; and (d) a less smooth and paler corpus luteum.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 17
08/10/15 13:39
2
Reproductive physiology
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Phases of each wave of follicular growth » Two waves Recruitment (days 2-3): growth of a group of gonadotropin-dependent follicles of at least 2 mm in diameter caused by a transient increase in FSH. Young corpus luteum Follicles (2-8 mm in diameter) 18
New corpus luteum Corpus luteum albicans (old)
Figure 18. Recruitment of follicles of 2-8 mm in diameter.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 18
08/10/15 13:39
RepRoductive physiology
» First wave Selection (days 3-5): one or more follicles emerge from among those recruited.
Follicles of different sizes (>8 mm)
19
Figure 19. The concentration of circulating FSH is lower than that which induced recruitment, resulting in atresia of the recruited follicles, except for the selected follicle, which persists, via different mechanisms, despite the decrease in FSH (deviation).
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 19
08/10/15 13:39
2
Reproductive physiology
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Dominance (days 6-10): follicular dominance is both morphological (exerted by the largest follicle) and functional.
Corpus luteum
20
Dominant follicle
Figure 20. The follicle will not ovulate in the presence of P4 secreted by the corpus luteum, and will undergo atresia and eventually disappear.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 20
08/10/15 13:39
RepRoductive physiology
Dominance (days 11-12): dominant corpus luteum and small follicles, possibly undergoing recruitment.
21
Figure 21. This phase is difficult to distinguish from the previous phase. It is more common to observe several follicular structures of varying sizes than small follicles potentially undergoing recruitment.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 21
08/10/15 13:39
2
Reproductive physiology
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Âť Second wave Recruitment/selection (days 13-18): follicular dominance is both morphological (exerted by the largest follicle) and functional. Presence of the corpus luteum
22
Follicles of different sizes (>8 mm)
Figure 22. It is difficult to distinguish recruitment from selection during the second wave as the dominant follicle from the first wave, which has returned to its original size, persists.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 22
08/10/15 13:39
RepRoductive physiology
Dominance (days 19-21): the dominant follicle reaches 20-25 mm, inducing oestrus and ovulation.
2.3 cm
Dominant follicle
23
Figure 23. The cycle ends with the release of the oocyte at ovulation after the surge of LH.
02_Reproductive_phisiology.indd 23
08/10/15 13:39
3
Assessment and diagnosis
Reproductive evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis
Assessment and diagnosis of reproductive status
Assessment and diagnosis of reproductive status Âť The two ovaries are interdependent and function as if they were a single organ. Therefore, when studying structures, both ovaries should be evaluated, as evaluation of only a single ovary will result in an incomplete diagnosis.
Âť Parallel to the waves of follicular growth, the new corpus luteum, produced from
24
the most recent ovulation, can be observed, as well as scar tissue and the remains (corpus albicans) of previous corpora lutea.
Âť Ultrasonography of the uterine horns provides sufficient information to resolve any doubts that may arise.
03_Assesment.indd 24
08/10/15 13:27
Assessment And diAgnosis
Methodology Assessment
25
Figure 24. Right ovary: corpus luteum occupying almost the entire ovary.
Figure 25. Left ovary: dominant follicle.
Figure 26. Uterine horns: endometrium and myometrium are of comparable sizes.
Evaluation Cow in dominant phase of the first wave: ovulation will not occur due to the levels of P4 generated by the corpus luteum.
03_Assesment.indd 25
08/10/15 13:27
The publishing strength of Grupo AsĂs Editorial Servet, a division of Grupo AsĂs, has become one of the reference publishing companies in the veterinary sector worldwide. More than 15 years of experience in the publishing of contents about veterinary medicine guarantees the quality of its work. With a wide national and international distribution, the books in its catalogue are present in many different countries and have been translated into nine languages to date: English, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Turkish, Japanese, Russian and Chinese. Its identifying characteristic is a large multidisciplinary team formed by doctors and graduates in Veterinary Medicine and Fine Arts, and specialised designers with a great knowledge of the sector in which they work. Every book is subject to thorough technical and linguistic reviews and analyses, which allow the creation of works with a unique design and excellent contents. Servet works with the most renowned national and international authors to include the topics most demanded by veterinary surgeons in its catalogue. In addition to its own works, Servet also prepares books for companies and the main multinational companies in the sector are among its clients.
Servet (División de Grupo Asís Biomedia S.L.) Centro Empresarial El Trovador, planta 8, oficina I Plaza Antonio Beltrán Martínez, 1 • 50002 Zaragoza (España) Tel.: +34 976 461 480 • Fax: +34 976 423 000 • www.grupoasis.com