ASCI 351 - Lab Final

STALLION Components of a BSE (Stallion)

- physical exam
- reproductive history
- testes palpation
- ultrasound
- semen evaluation
- cultures
- assessment of sexual behavior

STALLION Reasons to perform a BSE on a stallion

- pre purchase exam
- insurance purposes
- determination of reproductive performance
- when a problem has been identified

STALLION To determine daily sperm output, how often should the stallion be collected

Daily for 7-10 days or every other day for 3 weeks

STALLION Examination of Reproductive Genitalia (Component of BSE)

- best performed after collection
- evaluate size, shape, and consistency of testes and epididymides
- testes are evaluated using calipers or ultrasonography

Testicular Volume = 0.523(LxWxH)
Total Testicular Volume x 0.024 - 0.76 = DSO

STALLION Reproductive History (Component of BSE)

Obtain the following:
- Age
- Number of mares bred last year/method
- Intended method of breeding
- Length of breeding season
- Pregnancy rates
- Foaling rates, incidence of abortion or early embryonic loss
- Evidence of uterine infection in mares previously bred
- Data from previous BSE
- Signs of lameness or back problems
- Sudden change in semen quality/testes size
- Any fertility problems with other stallions on the same farm
- EVA status or vaccination
- When the stallion last bred/collected
- Medications the stallion is on
- Health status of the stallion/recent illness or fever

STALLION Sexual Behavior (Component of BSE)

should be able to readily obtain an erection in the presence of a mare in heat and ejaculate in one or two mounts

STALLION Sperm Evaluation (Component of BSE)

Requires:
- microscope with heated stage
- sperm counting device
- incubator/water bath at 37 degrees Celsius

STALLION Sperm - Volume and Concentration

- check color and consistency
- look for debris/urine

concentration x volume = total sperm

STALLION Sperm - Motility

• total motility = percentage of sperm that are moving

• progressive motility = percentage of sperm that are moving in a straight line
  - raw semen should be diluted in a skim milk extenderto a concentration of 20-30 million to mL

STALLION Sperm - Morphology

- done by examining stained sperm at a magnification of 100x under oil emersion

STALLION Sperm - Additional Sperm Testing

- not routine
- used to measure sperm that are acrosome reacted, live/dead, sperm chromatid structure, electron microscope evaluation, and mitochondrial activity

STALLION Sperm - Bacteriology

• cultures taken from semen, urethra, urethral fossa, and prepuce

STALLION What does a routine BSE tell the client?

- reproductive problems with the stallion
- how many mares the stallion should breed during the season

- EACH YEAR: - if the stallion reproductive parameters are changing

MARE - BSE

• important to know general history (age, purchase date, performance history, feed, vaccination history...)
  & reproductive history (age at first heat, foaling dates, abnormal pregnancy, mothering ability…

MARE - Physical Examination

consider:
- conformation
- any abnormalities
- teeth/jaws

MARE - Reproductive Examination

during anestrus: reproductive tract is flaccid, thin walled, pale, dry, tightly closed (can NOT enter cervix)

during estrous: reproductive tract is thicker, heavier, pinker, softer and moist (one finger can enter cervix)

MARE - Reproductive Organ Conformation

- examine vulva for confirmation, apposition, tone, and evidence of discharge
- palpate clitoris, ovaries, and cliteral fossa
- cervix can be rectally palpated across the floor of the pelvis

MARE - Rectal Examination

- palpate uterus for pregnancy of any abnormalities

MARE - Vaginal Examination

uses speculum

- examine vaginal walls and cervix for color, inflammation, tumors, and tone

MARE - Perineal Inspection

• poor perineal conformation cause "air sucking", fecal bacterial contamination, and pooling of urine

MARE - Uterine Biopsy

results can be translated into the mares chance to conceive and carry a foal

MARE - Uterine culture and cytology

• used to identify uterine infection

• should be used in conjunction with each other

MARE Common cause of uterine fluid accumulation in the periovulatory period:

post mating induced endometritis

MARE Cervix is best evaluated during:

Diestrus

Female Layer of the Tract:

- serosa: outer single layer
- muscularis: contractile function
- submucosa: blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics
- mucosa: inner layer, defines lumen, secretory

Female Components of the Broad Ligament:

- Mesovarium: supports ovary
- Mesosalpinx: supports oviducts
- Mesovarium: supports uterus

Female Layers of the Antral Follicle:

- Granulosa
- Basement Membrane
- Theca Interna
- Theca Externa

(in order)

Female Components of the Oviduct:

- Infundibulum: terminal end (near ovary), fimbriae/finger-like projections cover opening
- Ampulla: longest/thickest portion, mucosal foldings, connected to ithmus via ampullary-ithmus junction
- Ithmus: connects to uterus via uterotubular junction, short end

Female Types of Uteri:

- duplex uterus: two separate cervix
(marsupials, rabbits)
- bicornuate uterus: small uterine body, two elongated horns
(mare, cow, bitch, queen, sow)
- simplex uterus: a single uterine body, no horns
(primates)

Female Components of Uterus Tissue:

- Perimetrium: thin, outer layer (SEROSA)
- Myometrium: contractile (MUSCULARIS)
- Endometrium: inner layer, can produce prostaglandin (MUCOSA + SUBMUCOSA)

Male Layers of Testicular Capsule:

- tunica albuginea (inner)
- visceral vaginal tunic (outer)

Male Layers of Scrotum:

—> vaginal cavity
- parietal vaginal tunic (innermost)
- scrotal fascia
- tunica dartos (muscle layer, responds to scrotal skin temp, can hold testes close to body)
- scrotal skin (outermost)

Male Sertoli Cells:

FSH receptor
- nurse cells, secrete estrogen & inhibin

Female Granulosa Cells:

FSH receptor
- nurse cells, secrete estrogen & inhibin

Male Leydig Cells:

LH receptor
- synthesize testosterone

Female Thecal Cells:

LH receptor
- synthesize testosterone

BULL Components of BSE:

- physical examination
- reproductive examination
- collection and examination of semen

BULL SFT Thresholds:

Minimum Thresholds including-
- Scrotal Circumference (30cm)
- Sperm Morphology (70%)
- Sperm Motility (30%)

BULL BSE is...

- a screening test
- a veterinary procedure
- a management tool
- a sound investment
- a welfare issue?

Female Endometritis is the result of:

delayed uterine clearance and inflammation

Most Cases of Pregnancy Loss Occur During:

the first 60 days of gestation