title: Oestrus synchronisation and superovulation alter the production and biochemical constituents of ovine cervicovaginal mucus.
abstract: Controlled breeding programmes utilising exogenous hormones are common in the Australian sheep industry, however the effects of such programmes on cervicovaginal mucus properties are lacking. As such, the aim of this study was to investigate cervicovaginal (CV) mucus from naturally cycling (NAT), progesterone synchronised (P4), prostaglandin synchronised (PGF2α), and superovulated (SOV) Merino ewes. Experiment 1; volume, colour, spinnbarkeit, chemical profile and protein concentration of mucus (NAT, P4, PGF2α and SOV; n=5 ewes/treatment) during the follicular (5 d) and luteal phases (8 d) was investigated. Experiment 2; in vivo mucus pH and in vitro mucus penetration by frozen-thawed spermatozoa (NAT, P4 and SOV; n=11 ewes/treatment) was investigated over oestrus (2 d) and the mid-luteal phase (pH only, 2 d). Oestrus mucus was more abundant, clearer in colour and less proteinaceous than luteal phase mucus (p<0.05). SOV increased mucus production and protein concentration (p<0.05) while PGF2α reduced mucus volume (p<0.05). Mucus pH (oestrus 6.2-6.5), chemical profile and mucus penetration by sperm were unchanged (p>0.05). Results indicate that exogenous hormones used for controlled breeding affect cervicovaginal mucus production, but few other tested characteristics. Further research is required to explain fertility differences between synchronised and naturally cycling animals following cervical AI.
authors: The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Room 344, RMC Gunn Building (B19) Regimental Drive, NSW 2006, Australia. Electronic address: jessie.maddison@sydney.edu.au.
authors: Jessie W
authors: JW
authors: Maddison
authors: The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia.
authors: Jessica P
authors: JP
authors: Rickard
authors: The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia.
authors: Ethan
authors: E
authors: Mooney
authors: The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia.
authors: Naomi C
authors: NC
authors: Bernecic
authors: UMR 6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
authors: Clement
authors: C
authors: Soleilhavoup
authors: UMR 6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
authors: Guillaume
authors: G
authors: Tsikis
authors: UMR 6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Druart
authors: The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia.
authors: Tamara
authors: T
authors: Leahy
authors: The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW 2006, Australia.
authors: Simon P
authors: SP
authors: de Graaf
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004973:Estrus Synchronization; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D013480:Superovulation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011506:Proteins; D011374:Progesterone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D015237:Dinoprost
keywords: Cervicovaginal; Hormone; Oestrogen; Oestrus; Progesterone; Prostaglandin