Cryopreservation efficiency of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) sperm obtained from different origins through epididymal retrograde flushing or electroejaculation.

This study investigated whether the origin of sperm (epididymal vs. ejaculate) affects the cryopreservation efficiency in agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). Five sexually mature agoutis underwent electroejaculation, resulting in obtaining four semen samples.

Single injection of eCG/hCG leads to successful estrous synchronization in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The establishment of protocols for the control of the ovarian function of collared peccaries is recommended for the development of assisted reproductive techniques. The goals were to (1) compare a gonadotropin combination with prostaglandin analogue to synchronize timing of onset of estrus among animals, and (2) elucidate the effects of the most desirable protocol for performing an artificial insemination study and macroscopic evaluation of the ovaries. Three of five females treated with a double administration of 120 μg prostaglandin (cloprostenol) at a 9-day interval expressed symptoms of estrus 9 days after the second injection.

Effect of cryoprotectant type and concentration on the vitrification of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) ovarian tissue.

The aim of the present study was to establish a protocol for solid surface vitrification of peccary ovarian tissue by using different cryoprotectants. Ovarian pairs from five adult females were fragmented and two fragments (fresh control group) were immediately subjected to morphological evaluation using classical histology, transmission electron microscopy, and viability analysis using fluorescent probes. The remaining fragments (n = 18) were vitrified using a solid surface method with different concentrations (3 or 6 M) of ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethyl formamide (DMF).

..

(agouti) include wild rodents with highlighted ecological and economic importance, and are considered experimental models for endangered hystricognath rodents. Of late, development of techniques to conserve their genetic material as well as the formation of biobanks is increasing. In this context, this review describes the main advances in the knowledge of the reproductive morphophysiological specificities of agouti as well as the development and improvement of assisted reproductive techniques aimed at conservation, multiplication, and exploitation of their reproductive potential under captivity.

Estimating the binding ability of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) sperm using heterologous substrates.

In collared peccaries, the development of artificial insemination (AI) is scarce, requiring search for alternative methods for the evaluation of sperm fertilizing ability. Thus, the aims of this study were to estimate the binding capability of collared peccaries sperm, using swine oocytes and the egg perivitelline membrane, and to evaluate the prognostic value of sperm parameters on the in vitro interactions among sperm and heterologous substrates. Eleven ejaculates were collected by eletroejaculation and evaluated for viability and morphology by light microscopy, for functionality by hypo-osmotic swelling test, for plasma membrane integrity by epifluorescence microscopy, and for sperm motility by computerized analysis.

Monitoring the reproductive physiology of six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus, Linnaeus, 1758) through different techniques.

The aim of this study was to monitor the oestrous cycle using vaginal cytology, ultrasound and measurement of hormone levels associated with the modification of external genitalia in female Euphractus sexcinctus. Five adult female six-banded armadillos were used for the study. Every three days, we chemically restrained the animals with a combined dose of ketamine and xylazine for 90 days.

Use of Aloe vera-based extender for chilling and freezing collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) semen.

As an alternative for the conservation of collared peccary semen, this research aims at evaluating the use of Aloe vera (AV) extract as a cryoprotectant for semen chilling and freezing. Five ejaculates were divided in two aliquots that were diluted in Tris plus egg yolk (EY; 20%) or AV extract (20%) and chilled at 5 °C. In both treatments, an adequate semen conservation was achieved and values closer to 40% motile sperm with viability and osmotic response ranging from 20% to 40%, and normal morphology of 80% were found after 36 hours of storage.

Sperm characteristics following freezing in extenders supplemented with whole egg yolk and different concentrations of low-density lipoproteins in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu).

The aim of the current study was to compare sperm quality characteristics of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) following freezing in extenders supplemented with whole egg yolk and different concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Semen from 11 adult males was obtained by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm motility, vigor, morphology as well as membrane integrity analyzed by the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test and a fluorescent staining. Moreover, the semen was diluted in a Tris-based extender containing 20% egg yolk (control group) or 5, 10 or 20% LDL (treatment groups).

Interactions Among Different Devices and Electrical Stimulus on the Electroejaculation of Captive Agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina).

The interactions among different electroejaculation devices associated with serial or continuous stimuli were investigated to improve the efficiency of the electroejaculation for semen collection in agoutis. Ten sexually matured male Dasyprocta leporina were restrained by the intramuscular administration of xylazine-ketamine association. Each individual was randomly subjected to four electroejaculation protocols, by combining two devices (one presenting longitudinal electrodes emitting square waves and other presenting ring electrodes emitting sine waves) and two electrical stimuli protocols (serial or continuous).

Use of Non-invasive Methods for Evaluating the Testicular Biometry in Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two methods used to estimate testicular volume in the collared peccary. Calliper and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular dimensions (length, width and height) of both testes were taken on five adult collared peccaries. The testicular volume was calculated by Lambert's empiric formula: length (L) × width (W) × height (H) × 0.

Estrous synchronization in captive collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) using a prostaglandin F2α analog.

We verify the efficiency of a protocol for estrus synchronization in captive female collared peccaries (Pecaricari tajacu) using the prostaglandin analog D-cloprostenol. Five adult female collared peccaries received an intramuscular administration of 60 µg D-cloprostenol, which procedure was repeated after a 9-day interval. For 10 days after second the D-cloprostenol administration, females were monitored for changes in external genitalia, ovarian ultrasonography, vaginal cytology and reproductive hormonal dosage.

Influence of recovery method and centrifugation on epididymal sperm from collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

In order to establish protocols for gamete recovery from accidentally killed wild animals, or to take advantage of those slaughtered by captive breeders, we assess the influence of two methods on the recovery of epididymal sperm from collared peccaries, and verify the effect of centrifugation on such gametes. Genitalia from nine animals were used. For each animal, one epididymis was processed by flotation and the other was processed by retrograde flushing, both using a buffered media based on Tris.

Cryopreservation of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) semen using different freezing curves, straw sizes, and thawing rates.

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of different freezing curves, straw sizes, and thawing rates on the cryopreservation of collared peccary semen. Twelve ejaculates were obtained from captive adult males by electroejaculation, and evaluated for sperm motility, kinetic rating, viability, morphology, and functional membrane integrity. The ejaculates were diluted in a coconut water extender (ACP-116c) with egg yolk and glycerol, packaged into 0.

Individual variation related to testicular biometry and semen characteristics in collared peccaries (Tayassu Tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The aim of this research was to study the individual variation with regard to the morphometry of the testes evaluated by ultrasonography and semen characteristics and to verify the existence of relationship between these variables in collared peccaries. In addition, the testes of the animals were evaluated by histology in order to determine the proportion occupied by the seminiferous tubules. A total of 52 ejaculates were obtained from ten adult specimens that had been restrained by anesthesia.

Cryopreservation of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) semen using a powdered coconut water (ACP-116c) based extender plus various concentrations of egg yolk and glycerol.

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of a powdered coconut water-based extender (ACP-116c), plus various concentrations of egg-yolk and glycerol, as an alternative for cryopreservation of collared peccary semen. Twelve ejaculates were obtained from captive adult males by electroejaculation, and evaluated for sperm motility, kinetic rating, viability, morphology, and functional membrane integrity. The ejaculates were apportioned into aliquots that were diluted in Tris plus 10% egg yolk and 3% glycerol, or in ACP-116c plus 10 or 20% egg yolk and 1.

Abdominal exploration in captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) by ultrasonography.

This study determines the morphology and ultrasound features of the abdominal organs in male, nestling and healthy collared peccaries. The bladder wall is hyperechogenic, with a thickness of 0.2 ± 0.

Objective assessment of the cryoprotective effects of dimethylformamide for freezing goat semen.

The aim of this work was to assess the cryoprotective effects of dimethylformamide (DMF) for freezing goat semen, using an objective analysis by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Twenty-one ejaculates (seven per animal) were collected from three stud bucks with the aid of an artificial vagina and immediately evaluated for gross and microscopic characteristics. The semen was diluted in two steps with a Tris-egg yolk extender containing 6% glycerol or 6% DMF, frozen in 0.

Recovery and cryopreservation of epididymal sperm from agouti (Dasiprocta aguti) using powdered coconut water (ACP-109c) and Tris extenders.

The objective was to compare the use of powdered coconut water (ACP-109c; ACP Biotecnologia, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil) and Tris extenders for recovery and cryopreservation of epididymal sperm from agouti. The caudae epididymus and proximal ductus deferens from 10 sexually mature agoutis were subjected to retrograde washing using ACP-109c (ACP Biotecnologia) or Tris. Epididymal sperm were evaluated for motility, vigor, sperm viability, membrane integrity, and morphology.

Interactions between straw size and thawing rates on the cryopreservation of agouti (Dasyprocta aguti) epididymal sperm.

This study verifies the interactions between straw size and thawing rates and their impact on the epididymal sperm from this species. Caudae epididymidum from 10 agoutis were subjected to retrograde washing using a coconut water extender (ACP-109c(®) ). Epididymal sperm were evaluated and extended in ACP-109c(®) plus egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (6%).

Assessment of sperm survival and functional membrane integrity of the six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus).

The objective was to evaluate sperm survival in the six-banded armadillo, using a thermoresistance test, and to compare sugar solutions with varying osmolarities to analyze the integrity of the functional sperm plasma membrane in this species. Twelve ejaculates were obtained from four mature males by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm motility, vigor, live sperm, and morphology. Sperm survival was evaluated during a thermoresistance test at 34 °C (the body temperature of this species).

Sandflies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) survey in an urban transmission area of visceral leishmaniasis, Northeastern Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major public health challenge in Brazil, especially in states where it is endemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of sand fly population density with environmental variables (temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) in urban areas of the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. Sand flies were captured with Center Disease Control (CDC) traps installed monthly in the intra and peridomicile of three houses.

Effect of centrifugation and sugar supplementation on the semen cryopreservation of captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu).

The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of centrifugation for seminal plasma removal and the supplementation of fructose or glucose to the Tris-based extender on the kinematic patterns of the motility parameters of frozen-thawed semen obtained from captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu). Semen samples (n = 14) were collected from 10 sexually mature male collared peccaries by electroejaculation. These samples were further evaluated for parameters such as motility, vigor, sperm viability, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology.

Monitoring of Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva, 1912 in an area of intense transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil.

Urban increase of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil is associated with the adaptation of its vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, to environments modified by humans. The present study reports the results of an entomological monitoring of L. longipalpis and the effect of environmental variables on its population density.