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Application of ultrasonography in the study of the reproductive system of tropical jennies (shape Equus asinus)

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Abstract

The use of high-frequency (5 MHz) ultrasonography was studied in 11 jennies (7 non-pregnant and 4 pregnant) to characterize the reproductive organs and follicular activities at different stages of reproduction. The result showed close similarity with the mare. The visibility of endometrial folds increased towards ovulation. A positive correlation (p < 0.001; τ = 0.79) was found between the score of the folds and the size of the dominant follicle. The diameter of the uterus and the size of the dominant follicle were significantly correlated (p < 0.001; τ = 0.80). In pregnant jennies, an embryonic vesicle was detectable at 14 days. Follicular growth was characterized by more than one wave. The smallest ovarian follicle was 2 mm and the largest 40 mm. Depending on the reproductive stage, up to 13 follicles were detected per ovary. After monitoring 84 cycles, a mean (±SD) diameter of 34.4 ± 3.6 mm (27.5–40.2 mm) of the preovulatory follicle and 67.85% incidence of single ovulation were found. The mean (±SD) interovulatory interval was 25.7 ± 6 days. This study proved that high-frequency ultrasonography is highly effective in characterizing the reproductive organs and follicular activity of jennies and could be useful in the reproductive management of donkeys.

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Abbreviations

CL:

corpus luteum

IOI:

interovulatory interval

RIA:

radioimmunoassay

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia

    A. Lemma & M. Bekana

  2. Institute of Animal Sciences, Livestock Ecology Unit, Humboldt University of Berlin, Phillippstr 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany

    H. J. Schwartz

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  1. A. Lemma
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  2. H. J. Schwartz
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  3. M. Bekana
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Correspondence to A. Lemma.

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Lemma, A., Schwartz, H.J. & Bekana, M. Application of ultrasonography in the study of the reproductive system of tropical jennies (shape Equus asinus). Trop Anim Health Prod 38, 267–274 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-006-4384-6

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