Data di Pubblicazione:
2014
Citazione:
Effect of the season on some aspects of the estrous cycle in Martina Franca donkey / A. Contri, D. Robbe, A. Gloria, I. De Amicis, M.C. Veronesi, A. Carluccio. - In: THERIOGENOLOGY. - ISSN 0093-691X. - 81:5(2014 Mar 15), pp. 657-661. [10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.12.010]
Abstract:
The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed, with 48 jackasses and 515 jennies, is considered an
endangered breed according to the data from the Monitoring Institute for Rare Breeds and
Seeds in Europe. The knowledge of the estrous cycle characteristics has a great impact for
assisted reproduction, especially in endangered species. In this study, the estrous cycle
characteristics were investigated in 12 MF jennies throughout the year. Estrous cycle,
estrous and diestrous lengths, follicular growth and ovulation, and estradiol-17b (E2) and
progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations were monitored in MF jennies and compared in
different seasons. In all jennies (100%) estrous cycle was detected during the whole year,
with no differences in the estrous cycle length among seasons. However, a significant
increase of estrous length in spring and summer compared with autumn and winter was
found. Diestrus was shorter in summer than in the other seasons. Estrous behavior was
always shown and characterized by rhythmic eversion of the vulvar labia (winking) with
exhibition of the clitoris, urination, male receptivity and clapping, with sialorrhoea, neck
and head extension, and back ears. Estrus was characterized by the ovulation of a larger
follicle in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. The pattern of E2 and P4 plasma
concentrations during the estrous cycle were similar to that reported for the mare, but
without differences among the four seasons, so that a negligible effect of environmental
conditions on ovarian E2 and P4 secretionwas hypothesized, despite the larger diameter of
the ovulating follicle in spring and summer.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Donkey; Estrous behavior; Estrous cycle; Follicular dynamic; Ovulation
Elenco autori:
A. Contri, D. Robbe, A. Gloria, I. De Amicis, M.C. Veronesi, A. Carluccio
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