Measuring health expectancy in the European Union

Background

Healthy life expectancy (HLE) is a population health measure that combines mortality and morbidity, which can be calculated using different methods. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation, reliability and (dis)agreement between two estimates monitored in the European Union (EU), that is, the European Commission's HLE based on self-perceived health (SPH-HLE) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's HLE based on disability weight (DW-HLE), by sex, and comparing these results with LE and proportion of life spent in good health (%GH).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in the EU28 countries, between 2010 and 2017. The HLE methods differ in definition, measurement and valuation of health states. While SPH-HLE relies directly on one question, DW-HLE relies on epidemiological data adjusted for DW. Spearman's r, intraclass correlation coefficient, information-based measure of disagreement and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess reliability, correlation and disagreement in HLE resulting from both methods and in LE or %GH measured by both institutions.

Results

Correlation and reliability between SPH-HLE and DW-HLE were good (better for males), with low disagreement, and were even better for LE between both institutions. The HLE Bland-Altman plots suggest a variability range of approximately 6 years for both sexes, higher for females. There was also an increasing HLE difference between methods with higher average HLE for both sexes.

Conclusions

We showed wide variations between both methods with a clear and different high impact on female and male HLE, showing a tendency for countries with higher health expectancies to yield larger gaps between SPH-HLE and DW-HLE.

Acknowledgements: This presentation was supported by National Funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia,I.P., within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UIDP/4255/2020)

Key messages

• Different methods for evaluating health expectancy lead to significantly different results.

• There is a systematic tendency with countries with higher health expectancies to yield larger gaps between SPH-HLE and DW-HLE.

Cambridge hybrid closed-loop algorithm in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a multicentre 6-month randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Closed-loop insulin delivery systems have the potential to address suboptimal glucose control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We compared safety and efficacy of the Cambridge hybrid closed-loop algorithm with usual care over 6 months in this population.

METHODS

In a multicentre, multinational, parallel randomised controlled trial, participants aged 6-18 years using insulin pump therapy were recruited at seven UK and five US paediatric diabetes centres. Key inclusion criteria were diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for at least 12 months, insulin pump therapy for at least 3 months, and screening HbA1c levels between 53 and 86 mmol/mol (7·0-10·0%). Using block randomisation and central randomisation software, we randomly assigned participants to either closed-loop insulin delivery (closed-loop group) or to usual care with insulin pump therapy (control group) for 6 months. Randomisation was stratified at each centre by local baseline HbA1c. The Cambridge closed-loop algorithm running on a smartphone was used with either (1) a modified Medtronic 640G pump, Medtronic Guardian 3 sensor, and Medtronic prototype phone enclosure (FlorenceM configuration), or (2) a Sooil Dana RS pump and Dexcom G6 sensor (CamAPS FX configuration). The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c at 6 months combining data from both configurations. The primary analysis was done in all randomised patients (intention to treat). Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02925299.

FINDINGS

Of 147 people initially screened, 133 participants (mean age 13·0 years [SD 2·8]; 57% female, 43% male) were randomly assigned to either the closed-loop group (n=65) or the control group (n=68). Mean baseline HbA1c was 8·2% (SD 0·7) in the closed-loop group and 8·3% (0·7) in the control group. At 6 months, HbA1c was lower in the closed-loop group than in the control group (between-group difference -3·5 mmol/mol (95% CI -6·5 to -0·5 [-0·32 percentage points, -0·59 to -0·04]; p=0·023). Closed-loop usage was low with FlorenceM due to failing phone enclosures (median 40% [IQR 26-53]), but consistently high with CamAPS FX (93% [88-96]), impacting efficacy. A total of 155 adverse events occurred after randomisation (67 in the closed-loop group, 88 in the control group), including seven severe hypoglycaemia events (four in the closed-loop group, three in the control group), two diabetic ketoacidosis events (both in the closed-loop group), and two non-treatment-related serious adverse events. There were 23 reportable hyperglycaemia events (11 in the closed-loop group, 12 in the control group), which did not meet criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis.

INTERPRETATION

The Cambridge hybrid closed-loop algorithm had an acceptable safety profile, and improved glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. To ensure optimal efficacy of the closed-loop system, usage needs to be consistently high, as demonstrated with CamAPS FX.

FUNDING

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Higher levels of physical activity is associated with lower arterial stiffness in patients with resistant hypertension

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) European Regional Development Fund – Operational Competitiveness Factors Program (COMPETE)

Background

 Physical activity has been associated with reduced arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension. However, in resistant hypertension, a specific population with an increased risk for target organ damage, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality, the evidence is sparse. 

Purpose

 The present study aimed to determine the association between daily physical activity and arterial stiffness in patients with resistant hypertension.

Methods

 Fifty-seven patients with resistant hypertension were recruited. Physical activity was objectively assessed during 7 consecutive days with accelerometers. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) . 

Results

 Participants (50.9% men), aged 58.8 ± 9.4 years, were mainly overweight and were taking in average 4.5 antihypertensive medications. The cf-PWV showed an inverse correlation with light-intensity physical activity (r = -0.290, p = 0.029) and total daily physical activity (r = -0.287, p = 0.030). Additionally, cf-PWV tended to be inversely associated with the number of steps per day (r = -0.242, p = 0.069). Patients with higher risk of cardiovascular events (cf-PWV ≥ 10 m/s) tended to spend less time in light-intensity physical activity (324.0 ± 129.4 vs. 380.5 ± 103.1 min/day, p = 0.090) and to perform less total daily physical activity (351.5 ± 141.7 vs. 411.7 ± 109.1 min/day, p = 0.091) than participants with cf-PWV below the risk threshold value.

Conclusions

 Higher levels of total physical activity and daily levels of light-intensity were associated to lower arterial stiffness. These results emphasize the importance of physical activity as a nonpharmacological tool for patients with resistant hypertension.

Primary care organizational model mix and avoidable hospitalization: an ecological study in Portugal

Background

In Portugal, there are different organizational models in primary health care (PHC), mainly regarding the payment scheme. USF-B is the only type with financial incentives to the professional (pay-for-performance). Our goal was to assess the relationship between groups of primary healthcare centres (ACES) with higher proportion of patients within USF-B model and the rate of avoidable hospitalizations, as proxy of primary care quality.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study considering the 55 ACES from mainland Portugal, in 2017. We used data from public hospitalizations to calculate the prevention quality indicator (avoidable hospitalizations) adjusted for age and sex, using direct standardization. The main independent variable was the proportion of patients in one ACES registered in the USF-B model. Unemployment rate, proportion of patients with family doctor and presence of Local Health Unit (different organization model) within ACES were also considered. The association was assessed by means of a linear regression model.

Results

Age-sex adjusted PQI value varied between 490 and 1715 hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants across ACES. We observed a significant effect of the proportion of patients within USF-B in the crude PQI rate (p = 0.001). However, using the age-sex adjusted PQI, there was not a statistical significant association (p = 0.504). This last model was also adjusted for confounding variables and the association remains non-significant (p = 0.865).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, when adjusting for age and sex, there is no evidence that ACES with more patients enrolled in a pay-for-performance model is associated with higher quality of PHC (using avoidable hospitalizations as proxy). Further studies addressing individual data should be performed.

This work was financed by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 - POCI, and by Portuguese funds through FCT in the framework of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030766 “1st.IndiQare”.

Key messages

Adjusting PQI to sex and age seems to influence its value more than the type of organizational model of primary health care. Groups of primary healthcare centres with more units under the pay-for-performance scheme was not associated with different rate of avoidable hospitalizations.

To be or not to be hospitalised with tuberculosis in Portugal

SETTING: In Portugal, as in other countries, tuberculosis (TB) is considered a disease that should be managed on an ambulatory basis. However, hospitalisation remains important to manage some at-risk groups and complications.OBJECTIVE: To identify the possible risk factors associated with hospitalisations in TB patients in Portugal.DESIGN: Data extraction through two national databases (one for registration of TB cases and the other with hospitalisation information in public health facilities) between 2007 and 2013. Univariate and multivariate analysis of demographic and clinical variables was performed.RESULTS: We identified 4421 hospitalisations. Chronic diseases, cancer, substance abuse, a higher social/economic risk, extra-pulmonary TB, lung cavitary disease and previous uncompleted treatment were more frequent among hospitalised patients. Human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, cancer, alcohol abuse, extra-pulmonary TB and uncompleted previous TB treatment were the most important predictors of hospitalisation with TB. The hospitalisation rate among TB patients in Portugal was lower when compared with other countries with lower and higher incidences.CONCLUSION: Immune dysfunctions and progression of chronic diseases are associated with more severe forms of TB and frequent adverse effects which can be sufficiently severe to necessitate hospital admission. Despite having an intermediate TB incidence, the hospitalisation rate in Portugal is not higher than that of other countries.

174 Use of mesenchymal stem cell treatment to improve oocyte yield and invitro embryo production in cattle

Cumulative tissue damage and chronic inflammation associated with frequent ovum pickup (OPU) may lead to a progressive reduction in the number and quality of the oocytes recovered, particularly in donors with a high antral follicle count. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intraovarian treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on oocyte yield, quality, and development potential during invitro embryo production (IVEP) in cattle donors undergoing repeated OPU. Mesenchymal stem cells were previously isolated from adipose tissue, cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium until reaching 80% confluence, isolated with trypsin, and frozen in liquid N2 until use. Characterisation of MSC was carried out according to the guidelines of the International Society for Cellular Therapy. Nelore (Bos indicus) cows (n=5) were used in this study, with the ovaries as replicates. The cows underwent eight OPU sessions at 15-day intervals, and the oocytes recovered were graded and used for IVEP with the semen of a single sire and batch under similar invitro culture conditions. To ensure a high inflammatory response, immediately after the fourth OPU session all ovaries received 30 additional punctures, performed with a 16-gauge Jelco needle. Six hours later, the left ovary of each cow was injected with 500µL of Dulbecco's modified phosphate buffered saline (control ovary) and the right ovary received 500µL of Dulbecco's modified phosphate buffered saline with 2.5×106 allogenic MSC (treated ovary). Oocyte yield and embryo production before and after treatment were recorded for each ovary and donor. Grade I blastocysts produced from control and treated ovaries were used for gene expression evaluation. Data was analysed using the repeated-measures procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.) to account for the effects of treatment, time, and interactions. There was no difference (P>0.05) in any endpoint before treatment (sessions 1-4) between the right and left ovaries. Thus, differences between ovaries observed in OPU sessions 5-8 were assumed to be due to the treatment. After the injection of MSC, more total and viable oocytes were collected from the right ovaries compared with the left ovaries (15.3±2.2 vs. 8.7±1.2 (P<0.02) and 13.6±2.1 vs. 7.1±1.0 (P<0.01), respectively), resulting in more embryos produced invitro (7.6±1.2 vs. 3.6±0.6, respectively; P<0.01) as well as more initial and expanded blastocysts (1.4±0.3 vs. 0.4±0.1 and 4.4±0.9 vs. 2.1±0.4, respectively; P<0.04). The proportion of viable oocytes recovered from the right ovary after treatment was greater than that from the left ovary (89.1% vs. 81.5%; P<0.05). However, blastocyst rates did not differ between ovaries before or after treatment (50.4% vs. 55.5%: P>0.05). In the blastocysts produced from treated ovaries, SLC2A3 was overexpressed (P<0.04), whereas there was no difference for the expression of KRT8, PLAC8, SLC2A1, CASP3, PRDX3, or SOD2 (P>0.05), suggesting potential differences in glucose uptake and metabolism. In conclusion, intraovarian treatment with MSC improved oocyte yield and quality and may be an alternative to increase IVEP from donors under intensive OPU schedules. This research was supported by CNPq, CAPES, and Fazenda Grupo Esplanada.

Efficacy and limitations of different approaches to anticipate the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle

ABSTRACT The study evaluated sonographic and serologic exams performed for early (20 to 30d) diagnosis of pregnancy. One hundred-twenty (n= 120) bovine recipients were synchronized (estrous=D0) and timed embryo transferred (TET, D7) with fresh in vitro produced embryos. In the first trial (n= 46), diagnosis of pregnancy was performed on day 20 (D20) by detecting CL blood flow (BF) and by Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) serology. In the second trial (n= 30), pregnancy diagnosis was performed on D25 by ultrasound visualization of uterine contents and by PAGs serology. In the last trial, PAG’s serology was performed on D30. Ultrasonographic detection of the uterine contents and embryo viability performed on D30 (DG30) was considered the gold standard. The PROC FREQ procedure was used to test the agreement between diagnostic methods. On D20, the Doppler ultrasonography of the CL had showed high sensitivity (100%), but only moderate specificity (53.3%). On the same day, serologic diagnostic had no agreement (k= -0.08, P< 0.46) with the gold standard, with very low sensitivity (6.3%). However, the sensitivity of the serologic exam increased dramatically (from 6.3 to 100%) from D20 to D25, and it contributed to detect false negatives from the ultrasound diagnosis, improving the overall accuracy from 90% to 96.7%.

Time trends of primary care quality across Portuguese regions: using prevention quality indicators

Background

Primary care quality is one of the main dimensions of primary care performance and can be evaluated by several methods, e.g. studying hospitalizations for conditions that could be treated, or less severe, if appropriately managed in primary care. Accordingly, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) developed prevention quality indicators (PQIs). In this study, we aimed to compare PQIs and their time trends across Portuguese regions.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study, using all adult public hospital discharges in mainland Portugal, between 2011 and 2015. PQI rates for the overall (PQI 90) and composite indicators (i.e. 91 - acute, 92 - chronic, 93 - diabetes) were computed using AHRQ specifications. These rates were compared between the 5 Portuguese NUTS 2 regions of residence.

Results

From the total of 407,792 hospital discharges in mainland Portugal (2011-2015) 11.9% comprised the selected PQIs, the majority related the acute composite PQI, followed by the chronic composite PQI. The hospitalization rate of the overall PQI increased from 999.5 hospitalizations (2011) to 1231,0 hospitalizations/100,000 inhabitants (2015), with an increase in all NUTS 2 regions. In 2015, while Algarve and North had the lowest PQI rates, Centro and Alentejo showed the highest ones.

Conclusions

Between 2011 and 2015, there was an increasing trend of overall and composite PQI rates. Also, important differences between Portuguese regions were found that must be further studied.

The authors thank the support given by the Project ’POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030766’ (1st.IndiQare - Quality indicators in primary health care: validation and implementation of quality indicators as an assessment and comparison tool), funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) and co-funded by Fundo de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) through Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (COMPETE 2020).

Key messages

Between 2011 and 2015, overall prevention quality indicator rate increased in Portugal. There are great differences between Portuguese NUTS 2 regions regarding prevention quality indicators.

Freezing goat embryos at different developmental stages and quality using ethylene glycol and a slow cooling rate

ABSTRACT The efficiency of an alternative freezing protocol for goat embryos of different morphology and quality was tested. Fifty-eight embryos on Day 6-7 stage were transferred as fresh or after freeze-thawing (n=29/group). For freezing, embryos were placed into 1.5M ethylene-glycol solution for 10min. During this time, they were loaded in the central part of 0.25mL straw, separated by air bubble from columns containing PBS/BSA 0.4% plus 20% BFS. Straws were then frozen using a freezing machine from 20ºC to -6ºC at a cooling rate of 3ºC/min, stabilization for 15min (seeding after 5min), from -6 C to -32ºC at 0.6 C/min,and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Frozen embryos were thawed for 30s at 37ºC in a water bath. Embryos subjected to fresh transfer were maintained in holding medium (37ºC). Fresh and frozen-thawed embryos were transferred at day 7 post-estrus to 30 recipients. Kidding and kid born rates were similar (P> 0.05), respectively, for recipients receiving fresh (66.7% or 10/15; 55.2% or 16/29) or frozen-thawed (60% or 9/15; 51.7% or 15/29) embryos. The cryopreservation of goat embryos using slow-freezing protocol and 1.5MEG resulted in similar efficiency rates of fresh embryos.

Severe psychosocial deprivation in early childhood is associated with increased DNA methylation across a region spanning the transcription start site of CYP2E1

Exposure to adverse rearing environments including institutional deprivation and severe childhood abuse is associated with an increased risk for mental and physical health problems across the lifespan. Although the mechanisms mediating these effects are not known, recent work in rodent models suggests that epigenetic processes may be involved. We studied the impact of severe early-life adversity on epigenetic variation in a sample of adolescents adopted from the severely depriving orphanages of the Romanian communist era in the 1980s. We quantified buccal cell DNA methylation at ~400 000 sites across the genome in Romanian adoptees exposed to either extended (6-43 months; n=16) or limited duration (<6 months; n=17) of severe early-life deprivation, in addition to a matched sample of UK adoptees (n=16) not exposed to severe deprivation. Although no probe-wise differences remained significant after controlling for the number of probes tested, we identified an exposure-associated differentially methylated region (DMR) spanning nine sequential CpG sites in the promoter-regulatory region of the cytochrome P450 2E1 gene (CYP2E1) on chromosome 10 (corrected P=2.98 × 10(-5)). Elevated DNA methylation across this region was also associated with deprivation-related clinical markers of impaired social cognition. Our data suggest that environmental insults of sufficient biological impact during early development are associated with long-lasting epigenetic changes, potentially reflecting a biological mechanism linking the effects of early-life adversity to cognitive and neurobiological phenotypes.

Bisphenol A causes reproductive toxicity, decreases dnmt1 transcription, and reduces global DNA methylation in breeding zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commercially important high production chemical widely used in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, and is ubiquitous in the environment. Previous studies demonstrated that BPA activates estrogenic signaling pathways associated with adverse effects on reproduction in vertebrates and that exposure can induce epigenetic changes. We aimed to investigate the reproductive effects of BPA in a fish model and to document its mechanisms of toxicity. We exposed breeding groups of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L BPA for 15 d. We observed a significant increase in egg production, together with a reduced rate of fertilization in fish exposed to 1 mg/L BPA, associated with significant alterations in the transcription of genes involved in reproductive function and epigenetic processes in both liver and gonad tissue at concentrations representing hotspots of environmental contamination (0.1 mg/L) and above. Of note, we observed reduced expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (dnmt1) at environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA, along with a significant reduction in global DNA methylation, in testes and ovaries following exposure to 1 mg/L BPA. Our findings demonstrate that BPA disrupts reproductive processes in zebrafish, likely via estrogenic mechanisms, and that environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA are associated with altered transcription of key enzymes involved in DNA methylation maintenance. These findings provide evidence of the mechanisms of action of BPA in a model vertebrate and advocate for its reduction in the environment.

Influência do grupo genético, condição sexual e tratamento antiparasitário nas medidas de área de olho do lombo e espessura de gordura in vivo e na carcaça de bovinos de corte

Foram estudados 48 bovinos machos oriundos de inseminação artificial, criados em pasto, sendo 24 (12 Nelore e 12 F1 ½ Red Angus-Nelore ) tratados com antiparasitários alopáticos e 24 (mesmo número de puros e cruzados) tratados com o antiparasitário bioterápico Fator C&MC. Os animais foram desmamados aos oito meses, metade de cada subgrupo genético (6) foi castrado aos 13 meses e todos abatidos aos 32 meses, com o objetivo de verificar a influência do tratamento antiparasitário, do grupo genético e da condição sexual sobre as medidas de área de olho de lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura de lombo (EGL). Usaram-se medidas de ultrassonografia no animal vivo (AOLU e EGLU) e na carcaça, plástico quadriculado e paquímetro (AOLC e EGLC). Os animais F1, os inteiros e os tratados com alopatia apresentaram peso vivo maior quando comparados aos Nelores, castrados e tratados com bioterápicos. Não houve diferença da AOLU e AOLC entre os grupos genéticos. EGLC foi mais alta nos cruzados. Os animais inteiros apresentaram AOLU e AOLC maiores que os castrados, e EGLU e EGLC menores. Foram altamente significativos os coeficientes de correlação entre as medidas por ultrassom e na carcaça para área de olho de lombo (0,87) e espessura de gordura do lombo (0,95).

Parâmetros reprodutivos de cabras Toggenburg inseminadas com sêmen resfriado, após diluição em meio à base de gema de ovo

Avaliaram-se a taxa de concepção, a resposta à prostaglandina, a duração do estro, a categoria reprodutiva e o tipo de muco de cabras inseminadas com sêmen diluído em meio à base de gema de ovo e resfriado a 5ºC, por 12 ou 24 horas. Foram utilizados dois reprodutores e 62 fêmeas da raça Toggenburg, que receberam duas doses de 22,5µg de PGF2α, em intervalos de 10 dias, para a sincronização do estro. A partir da primeira aplicação de PGF2α, o estro foi monitorado três vezes ao dia. Realizou-se uma única inseminação, 12 horas após o início do estro. As porcentagens de fêmeas em estro, após a primeira e segunda aplicações de PGF2α, foram de 85,5% e 88,7%, respectivamente. O intervalo de aplicação da primeira e segunda doses de PGF2α ao início do estro foi de 41,04±20,32 e 45,67±9,28 horas, e a duração do estro de 40,02±15,96 e 32,24±12,09 horas, respectivamente. A taxa de concepção total foi de 49,1%. O período de armazenamento do sêmen e a categoria reprodutiva não influenciaram (P>0,05) a taxa de concepção. O tipo de muco observado no momento da inseminação influenciou (P<0,05) a fertilidade das fêmeas, sendo o de aspecto estriado associado aos maiores índices de concepção.

Efeito do citrato e taurina em meio CR2aa no desenvolvimento de embriões bovinos fecundados in vitro

Avaliou-se o efeito do citrato em meio CR2aa suplementado com soro fetal bovino (SFB) ou livre de proteínas séricas e sua associação com taurina no desenvolvimento de embriões bovinos fecundados in vitro. Embriões foram cultivados em CR2aa contendo 0, 0,5, 1,0 e 3,0mM citrato, suplementado com 10% SFB (experimento 1) ou com álcool polivinil (PVA; experimento 2). No terceiro experimento, embriões foram cultivados em meio com 0,5mM citrato, ou 7mM taurina, ou com a associação de ambos, suplementado com SFB. Os cultivos foram realizados com células do cumulus em ambiente a 38,8ºC com 5% de CO2 em ar atmosférico. Melhora no desenvolvimento embrionário foi observado no cultivo de embriões em CR2aa com 0,5 e 1,0mM citrato na ausência de SFB (P<0,05), 8,6% e 11,3% de blastocistos, respectivamente, porém com valores mais baixos (P<0,05) que embriões cultivados em CR2aa com SFB (31,9%). Associação de citrato com taurina em meio com SFB não influenciou (P>0,05) a produção de embriões ou o número de células. Citrato em meio CR2aa pode ser uma alternativa para cultivo embrionário em condições atmosféricas com 5% de CO2 em ar na ausência de proteína sérica.

Características andrológicas de touros da raça Gir

Determinaram-se as características andrológicas de touros da raça Gir, classificando-os quanto ao seu potencial reprodutivo, utilizando-se o sistema de classificação andrológica por pontos (CAP). Os animais foram separados em três grupos: G1= animais de 18-24 meses (n=33), G2 = 25-31 meses (n=24) e G3 = 32-38 meses (n=12). A média da circunferência escrotal no G1 foi menor (P<0,05) do que nos G2 e G3. A motilidade (%) e o vigor não diferiram entre os grupos. As taxas (%) de defeitos maiores e totais foram maiores (P<0,05) no G1 do que nos G2 e G3. Para as características andrológicas não houve diferenças entre G2 e G3. Com relação ao CAP, G1, G2 e G3 apresentaram, respectivamente, 25,7%, 58,3% e 61,5% de animais aptos à reprodução; 11,4%, 20,8% e 15,4% questionáveis e 57,1%, 12,5% e 15,4% inaptos ou imaturos. A idade dos touros Gir influenciou a circunferência escrotal e os defeitos maiores e totais, mas não a motilidade e o vigor. Maior proporção de animais aptos à reprodução ocorreu após 24 meses de idade.

Protocolos de produção in vitro de embriões na raça Gir

Avaliaram-se os efeitos de dois protocolos de punção folicular na quantidade/qualidade dos oócitos e na produção in vitro de embriões, em vacas da raça Gir, não-lactantes. O ciclo estral foi sincronizado com cloprostenol e ao longo do experimento os animais receberam implantes auriculares de norgestomet, renovados a cada 14 dias. Os animais foram submetidos aos protocolos I (sem estimulação hormonal, com punção folicular duas vezes/semana) e II (pré-tratamento com 250 UI de FSH em doses decrescentes, três dias antes da punção folicular). Os oócitos recuperados foram levados ao laboratório em meio TALP-Hepes e submetidos à maturação. Na fecundação in vitro utilizou-se sêmen de touro Gir, previamente capacitado. Após 22 horas de fecundação, os prováveis zigotos foram co-cultivados com células da granulosa em CR2aa acrescido de 10% de soro fetal bovino. A taxa de clivagem foi avaliada 72 horas pós-fecundação e a de blastocisto 192 horas pós-fecundação. O número total de folículos foi maior (P<0,05) no protocolo II, assim como o número de folículos grandes e médios (P<0,05) e o diâmetro do maior folículo (P<0,05), sendo o número de folículos pequenos (P<0,05) menor. O total de oócitos recuperados por sessão não foi diferente entre os protocolos I e II (P>0,05). O número de oócitos de grau I e a taxa de clivagem foram maiores (P<0,05) e o número de degenerados menor protocolo II. A pré-estimulação ovariana com FSH pode melhorar a qualidade e a taxa de clivagem dos oócitos recuperados por punção folicular em animais Gir.

Indução de estro em cabras da raça Toggenburg com dois diferentes dispositivos intravaginais

Doze cabras nulíparas da raça Toggenburg foram distribuídas em dois tratamentos (T1 e T2) para indução do estro. O T1 (n=6) consistiu na inserção da esponja impregnada com 60mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona, associado à aplicação de 50µg do análogo sintético d-cloprostenol (PGF). No quarto dia, foram aplicadas 250UI de gonadotropina coriônica eqüina (eCG) e, no quinto, a esponja foi retirada. O T2 (n=6) diferiu somente quanto ao dispositivo empregado, que foi o CIDR-G®. Seis cabras do T1 e seis do T2 entraram em estro depois da retirada dos dispositivos, sendo que 83,3 (5/6) e 33,3% (2/6) ficaram gestantes em T1 e T2, respectivamente. O intervalo da retirada do dispositivo ao início do estro não diferiu entre tratamentos (P>0,05). As características ovulatórias não foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos. O intervalo da retirada do dispositivo à ovulação, para ambos os protocolos de indução do estro, não diferiu (P>0,05) entre tratamentos. Ambos os dispositivos foram eficientes em induzir o estro.

Concentração espermática e tempo de incubação na fecundação in vitro usando-se sêmen de touros da raça Guzerá

Estudou-se o efeito da concentração espermática e período de incubação e da interação dessas características sobre a fecundação in vitro (FIV) usando-se sêmen de touros Guzerá. Oócitos (n=1146) maturados in vitro foram divididos em tratamentos objetivando a FIV, em esquema fatorial 3×2×2 (três touros - A, B e C, duas concentrações espermáticas - 2 e 4×10(6) espermatozóides/ml e dois tempos de incubação 12 e 18 horas). Utilizaram-se espermatozóides viáveis obtidos por swin-up. A FIV foi realizada em meio fert-talp com heparina, em incubadora com 5% de CO2 e 95% de umidade, a 38,5°C. Após incubação, 50% dos oócitos foram fixados e corados para determinação das taxas de penetração, fecundação monoespermática e poliespermia. O restante foi co-cultivado com células da granulosa em meio CR2aa por oito dias, avaliando-se a taxa de clivagem e a produção de blastocisto. Houve maior taxa de penetração (P<0,05) na concentração de 4×10(6) espermatozóides/ml por 18 horas (64%), e não se observou diferença (P>0,05) entre os demais tratamentos. A taxa de poliespermia foi maior (P<0,05) na concentração espermática de 4×10(6), independente do tempo de incubação. Na concentração espermática mais alta, a taxa de poliespermia foi maior no tempo de incubação de 18 horas (P<0,05). O touro A apresentou menor (P<0,05) taxa de poliespermia em relação aos demais. Ainda, no touro A a taxa de clivagem foi maior (P<0,05) que no touro B, enquanto o C mostrou-se semelhante tanto ao A quanto ao B. O tempo de incubação, a concentração espermática e a interação das variáveis influenciaram as taxas de penetração e poliespermia, sem interferir na taxa de fecundação monoespermática e na produção de blastocistos.

209 NORGESTOMET IMPLANTS REDUCE LH RELEASE PATTERN IN ZEBU COWS UNDERGOING REPEATED OOCYTE PICK-UP

Ultrasound-guided follicular puncture (OPU) has become the most used technique to recover cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from valuable donors for in vitro embryo production, because of the low risk and the possibility of collecting COCs at intervals as short as twice-a-week. However, repeated aspiration of ovarian follicles may induce endocrine abnormalities due to partial luteinization of punctured follicles and interference with follicular development. The use of exogenous progestagens is an alternative used to control these side effects, and is under evaluation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the effect of norgestomet treatment on intra-follicular and systemic steroid concentrations and on ovarian follicular dynamics is related to changes in LH releasing pattern. Pluriparous non-lactating Gir breed (Bos indicus) cows (n = 10) were randomly distributed between treatment (norgestomet ear implants, replaced weekly) and control (no hormone used) groups, and had their ovarian follicles larger than 3 mm in diameter aspirated twice a week, during the next two consecutive weeks. Follicular dynamics were evaluated every 12 h between OPU sessions, and the largest follicles present were used to recover samples of follicular fluid. Blood samples were collected daily for progesterone evaluation in all cows, and 3 times within a 4-h window interval, at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after follicle puncture for LH evaluation, in 6 cows (3 from treated and 3 from control groups). LH was measured by a standardized RIA procedure. Data was analyzed by ANOVA, and means were compared by Tukey's test. Results are presented as means ± SEM. Treatment with norgestomet reduced mean progesterone plasma concentration during the evaluated period (36.3 ± 14.0 vs. 250.3 ± 49.3 pg/mL; P < 0.0001), the incidence of follicles growing above 9 mm (30% vs. 65%; P < 0.05) in the intervals between OPU sessions, and intrafollicular estradiol and progesterone concentrations in the largest follicles (n = 27) present (265.5 ± 47.4 and 34.9 ± 5.4 ng/mL vs. 765.2 ± 169.1 and 173.3 ± 43.4 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). Plasma LH concentrations were consistently lower during the 3 session intervals in cows treated with norgestomet (0.16 ± 0.04, 0.22 ± 0.03, 0.22 ± 0.09 and 0.17 ± 0.01 vs. 0.44 ± 0.15, 0.53 ± 0.04, 0.42 ± 0.05 and 0.39 ± 0.11 for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after OPU, respectively; P < 0.05). These results confirm the theory that norgestomet treatment is associated with a reduction in the LH-release pattern, as expected due to the reduction in both luteinization of punctured follicles and in the steroidogenic activity of growing follicles observed during the experiment. The use of norgestomet ear implants can be an alternative in the management of donor cows undergoing oocyte pickup. This work was sponsored by FAPEMIG and CNPq. The authors thank Dr. Robert Douglas for aiding with LH RIA.

240 GESTATION LENGTH AND BIRTH WEIGHT OF IN VITRO PRODUCED EMBRYOS FROM ZEBU DAIRY CATTLE

Gir cattle are a popular zebu dairy breed in tropical and subtropical regions because of their tolerance of heat stress and resistance to tick-borne disease. The use of in vitro embryo production (IVP) technology may help accelerate genetic improvement of this breed. However, in general, IVP systems have been implicated in the production of large offspring and a greater proportion of male calves. Natural breeding results in newborn Gir calves weighing around 25 kg despite the fact that dams may weigh over 500 kg. It is unknown whether in vitro-produced Gir embryos also result in large offspring. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of in vitro embryo production on gestation length, birth weight, and sex ratio in Gir cattle. COCs were harvested by oocyte pickup from mature non-lactating Gir cows and in vitro-matured in TCM 199 medium (Gibco, Sao Paulo, Brazil) with 10% inactivated estrous cow serum for 24 h under 5% CO2 at 38.5°C in air. Gir spermatozoa were obtained through the swim-up method and co-incubated with oocytes in Fert-TALP media (Parrish JJ et al. 1988 Biol. Reprod. 38, 1171–1180) with 10 μg/mL heparin (Sigma, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and 6 mg/mL fatty acid-free bovine albumin (Sigma) for 18 h in 5% CO2 at 38.5°C in air. Presumptive zygotes were co-cultured with their own cumulus cells in CR2aa medium (Wilkinson RF et al. 1996 Theriogenology 45, 41–49) with 10% fetal calf serum in humid atmosphere of 5% CO2 at 38.5°C in air. Fresh Day 7 blastocysts were transferred to synchronized B. indicus × B. taurus crossbred recipients. Data of gestation length, birth weight, and gender ratio from 26 IVP calves (IVP group) were recorded and compared to data obtained from Gir calves produced by artificial insemination or natural mating (n = 24; control group) using ANOVA or chi-square analysis. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in gestation length between pregnancies of the IVP and control groups (mean ± SEM, 285.4 ± 1.5 vs. 284.4 ± 1.1 days, respectively). IVP and control calves showed similar (P > 0.05) weight at calving (29.6 ± 0.9 vs. 26.9 ± 1.2 kg for IVP and control male calves, and 27.0 ± 2.5 vs. 25.2 ± 0.5 kg for IVP and control female calves, respectively). The percentage of male calves was greater (P < 0.05) in the IVP group than in the control group (76.9% vs. 43.4%, respectively). IVP calves did not show abnormalities associated with Large Offspring Syndrome, such as breathing difficulty and perinatal death. These data suggest that in vitro production may affect the development of Gir embryos, biasing the sex ratio in a manner similar to previously reported for in vitro-produced embryos from Bos taurus breeds. This work was supported by FAPEMIG and CNPq.

Efeito de diferentes meios de cultivo no desenvolvimento e proporção do sexo de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação de meios de cultivo sobre o desenvolvimento e proporção do sexo de embriões bovinos fertilizados in vitro. Complexos cumulus-oócitos obtidos de ovários de matadouro foram maturados e fertilizados in vitro. Os zigotos (n= 484) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em meio CR2aa, contendo soro fetal bovino (SFB) (T1), albumina sérica bovina (BSA) (T2) ou BSA mais insulina:transferrina:selênio e vitaminas (BSA+) (T3), no cultivo embrionário in vitro, a uma atmosfera de 5% CO2 a 38,8ºC em ar. A taxa de clivagem foi observada 72-76 horas pós-fertilização (PF) e a taxa de blastocistos com sete e oito dias PF. Os blastocistos (n= 63) foram sexados pela técnica de reação em cadeia de polimerase. A taxa de clivagem em T2 foi maior (P<0,05) do que em T1 e T3. A taxa de blastocistos foi similar (P>0,05) entre T2 e T3, porém menor (P<0,01) do que em T1. A proporção do sexo dos embriões não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos. O T1 influenciou o desenvolvimento de blastocistos, mas não teve efeito sobre a proporção do sexo.

228DOMINANT FOLLICLE DEVIATION IN GUZERA BREED (BOS INDICUS) COWS

Follicular dynamics of Zebu Cattle are characterized by lower maximum diameter and persistence of dominant follicles, when compared to European breeds. However, the main effects of follicular dominance on subordinated follicle population, and consequently on oocyte recovery and embryo production, have been shown to be similar among breeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dominant follicle establishment period, indicated by follicle divergence, in Zebu cows. Pluriparous, non-lactating Guzera breed (Bos indicus) cows (n=5), presenting a mean body weight of 518.0±48.5kg and similar body score condition (ranging from 3.5 to 4, in a 1 to 5 scale), were used. In a first trial, follicular dynamics were evaluated daily during 1 (n=2) or 2 (n=3) estrous cycles, using a portable ultrasound device equipped with a linear rectal 5MHz transducer (Aloka SSD500, Aloka Co., Tokyo, Japan). In a second trial, estrous cycles were synchronized using progesterone intravaginal-releasing devices (CIDR, Pharmacia, Sao Paulo, Brazil), and follicular dynamics were evaluated every 6h after ovulation, during the first follicular wave, until the largest follicle achieved a diameter of 10mm. During each evaluation ovaries were mapped, and evolution of follicles followed individually. Data are normalized for the moment of follicular divergence, and analyzed by ANOVA. Results are presented as mean±SD. Data from the first evaluations confirmed the occurrence of cycles with three (4/8) and four (1/8) follicular waves, despite a mean cycle length of 19.1±1.9 days, with a maximum diameter of 11.6±2.4mm for non-ovulatory follicles, and 14.4±0.5mm for ovulatory follicles. Follicular deviation during the first follicular wave occurred 49.2±5.0h after ovulation, when the largest follicle presented a diameter of 7.3±0.6mm, and the second largest follicle 6.8±0.7mm. Growth rates of the dominant and the largest subordinated follicles were similar before (0.35mm/6h vs. 0.33mm/6h, respectively;; P&gt;0.05), but significantly different after deviation (0.52mm 6h v. −0.04mm 6h; P&lt;0.05). These results shows that the lower maximum diameter and persistence of dominant follicles, in Zebu cattle, is partially compensated by an earlier dominant follicle deviation.

86COMPARISON OF TWO VITRIFICATION PROTOCOLS FOR CROSSBRED BOS INDICUS×BOS TAURUS IN VITRO-PRODUCED EMBRYOS

Dairy herds in tropical countries are often maintained as crossbred B. indicus×B. taurus hybrids to take advantage of heterosis, such as resistance to heat stress. Creating crossbred B. indicus×B. taurus embryos by in vitro methods may offer a means of rapidly improving tropical dairy herds, especially if the embryos can be cryopreserved. The aim of this study was to compare the viability of in vitro-produced crossbred B. indicus×B. taurus embryos (1/2, 3/4) using two vitrification solutions and equilibration/dilution temperatures. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were aspirated from purebred B. indicus and crossbred (B. indicus×B. taurus hybrid) ovaries, matured in vitro, and fertilized with spermatozoa collected from a Holstein bull. Presumptive zygotes were co-cultured in CR2aa medium with cumulus cells, in a humid atmosphere of 5% CO2-air at 38.8°C. On day 7 of co-culture, embryos were assessed and classified as good or excellent, and those at the appropriate developmental stage were vitrified using one of two vitrification solutions, a mixture of either glycerol/ethylene glycol (GE) or dimethylsulphoxide/ethylene glycol (DE). Embryos (n=34) assigned to GE vitrification were equilibrated in a medium of PBS+20% FCS (HM1) containing 10% v/v G for 5min, followed by 10% v/v G+20% v/v E for 5min., and then transferred to a vitrification solution of 25% v/v G+25% v/v E in HM1 for 30s. The embryos were immediately aspirated into an Open Pulled Straw (OPS) and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Embryos vitrified in GE were warmed by immersing the OPS in HM1 containing 1M sucrose for 1min (37°C), then stepwise diluted in fresh HM1 containing 1M, 0.5M, and 0.25M sucrose for 5min; and finally washed in HM1. Stepwise equilibration and dilution of GE embryos was at 20°C. Embryos (n=43) assigned to DE vitrification were equilibrated in a medium of PBS+5% FCS (HM2) containing 10% v/v D+10% v/v E for 1min, and then transferred to a vitrification solution of 20% v/v D+20% v/v E in HM2 for 30s. The embryos were immediately aspirated into an Open Pulled Straw (OPS) and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Embryos vitrified in DE were warmed by immersing the OPS in HM2 containing 0.25M sucrose for 1min (39°C), then stepwise diluted in fresh HM2 containing 0.25M and 0.15M sucrose for 5min, and finally washed in HM2. Stepwise equilibration and dilution of DE embryos was at 39°C. Diluted embryos from both groups and untreated control embryos (n=49) were cultured in TCM-199 with monolayer granulosa cells for 72h in conditions described above. Blastocyst re-expansion and hatching was assessed and analyzed by chi-square test. Overall, 67% of the thawed embryos were expanded blastocysts (remainder were blastocysts) and 56% were excellent quality (remainder were good). No significant difference (P&gt;0.05) was found between the rates of blastocyst re-expansion and hatching for the GE and DE vitrification procedures (respectively, 59 and 79%, and 41 and 58%). However the hatching rate of control embryos (77%) was significantly higher than that of vitrified embryos (P&lt;0.05). These results indicate that both vitrification procedures are promising for the cryopreservation of crossbred B. indicus×B. taurus in vitro-produced embryos. Supported by CNPq.

Intervalos do início e do final do estro à ovulação em vacas das raças Gir e Guzerá após luteólise natural ou induzida por prostaglandina

A duração do estro e os intervalos início do estro-ovulação e fim do estro-ovulação após luteólise induzida ou espontânea, e os intervalos administração de prostaglandina-início do estro e administração de prostaglandina-ovulação foram avaliados em 35 vacas da raça Gir e 12 da raça Guzerá, no inverno e no verão de dois anos consecutivos. A duração do estro não diferiu (P>0,05) entre as raças Gir (12,13±0,47h) e Guzerá (12,30±0,63h) e não foi influenciada (P>0,05) pelo tipo de luteólise e pela estação do ano. Os intervalos do início e final do estro à ovulação não diferiram (P>0,05) entre as raças Gir (29,30± 0,96h e 17,28± 0,93h, respectivamente) e Guzerá (28,33± 1,26h e 16,04± 1,21h, respectivamente) e foram similares (P>0,05) entre os estros induzido e natural, e entre estações. O intervalo aplicação de prostaglandina-início do estro foi menor (P<0,05) na raça Gir (64,68± 2,41h) do que na Guzerá (73,47± 3,45h) e não diferiu (P>0,05) entre as estações. O intervalo administração de prostaglandina-ovulação foi similar (P>0,05) entre as raças Gir e Guzerá (96,62± 4,25h e 104,01± 6,51h, respectivamente). Observou-se ampla variação no intervalo prostaglandina-início do estro e alta correlação entre este e o momento de ovulação, sugerindo que as sincronizações do estro e da ovulação não foram suficientemente precisas para permitir a adoção de IA programada.

Efeito da pré-estimulação ovariana sobre características de oócitos após punção folicular em bovinos

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da pré-estimulação ovariana com FSH e da imunização ativa contra inibina suína sobre o número e classificação morfológica de oócitos recuperados por punção folicular. Catorze vacas da raça Gir, pluríparas e não-lactantes, foram distribuídas em: TI - submetidas a pré-estimulação com 250 UI de FSH (n=4), TII - submetidas a imunização ativa contra inibina suína (n=4) e TIII - não tratadas (n=6; controle). Todos os animais tiveram seus folículos com diâmetro superior a três milímetros aspirados uma vez por semana, durante 10 semanas consecutivas. O TI apresentou aumento na população folicular total (P<0,05) e no número de folículos puncionados (P<0,001), porém a taxa de recuperação foi inferior à dos tratamentos II e III (68,8% vs. 78,4% e 76,3%, respectivamente; P<0,01). O TII não afetou as principais características ovarianas, exceto pelo aumento no número de folículos de tamanho médio (P<0,01). O TI produziu maior percentual de oócitos viáveis (77,2% vs. 69,8%; P<0,05) e de oócitos de Grau I (19,8% vs. 11,6%; P<0,001) do que o TIII. Os tratamentos I e II reduziram o percentual de oócitos degenerados (16,4% e 16,8% vs. 22,3%; P<0,05). A pré-estimulação ovariana com FSH demonstrou ser a alternativa mais consistente para aumentar a qualidade dos oócitos recuperados de vacas zebuínas.

Taxa de ovulação e concentração plasmática de progesterona em fêmeas bovinas imunizadas com líquido folicular suíno

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da imunização ativa contra proteínas do líquido folicular suíno sobre a taxa de ovulação, duração do ciclo estral e concentração plasmática de progesterona em vacas e novilhas da raça Limousin. Realizaram-se duas imunizações com 15 dias de intervalo, aplicando-se um imunógeno composto do conteúdo protéico de 25ml de fluido folicular suíno adicionados de 1ml de gel de hidróxido de alumínio, via subcutânea. O número de ovulações foi mensurado por palpação retal e ultra-sonografia sete a nove dias após cada período de estro. Após a última imunização, os animais apresentaram maior incidência de ovulações duplas (41,7%). As médias de ovulações pré e pós-imunização foram 1,00+0,00 e 1,40+0,31 ovulações/ciclo, respectivamente (P<0,01;chi2). A imunização foi efetiva em aumentar o número de ovulações. Não foram observadas diferenças na duração do ciclo estral e na concentração de progesterona nos diferentes dias do ciclo. A manipulação das ações fisiológicas da inibina pode ser utilizada como alternativa para indução de ovulações múltiplas em bovinos.

Taurina no desenvolvimento de embriões bovinos fecundados in vitro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de taurina no desenvolvimento de embriões bovinos fecundados in vitro em meio de cultivo com diferentes fontes de soro. No experimento 1, zigotos (n=440) fecundados in vitro foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos tratamentos com 0, 3, 7 ou 14 mM de taurina em meio de cultivo acrescido de 10% de soro fetal bovino (SFB) e 3g/l de albumina sérica bovina (BSA). No experimento 2, os zigotos (n=940) foram divididos nos tratamentos com 0, 3 ou 14 mM de taurina em meio acrescido de 10% de SFB ou 3g/l de BSA. No experimento 3, os zigotos (n=191) foram divididos nos tratamentos com 0 ou 3 mM de taurina em meio de cultivo sem fonte de soro, porém adicionado de 3 g/l de álcool polivinil. Nos experimentos 1 e 2 não se observou diferença (P>0,05) na taxa de clivagem, na produção de blastocistos e no número de células entre as concentrações de taurina avaliadas. No experimento 3 encontraram-se maior (P<0,05) taxa de clivagem (68,5% vs. 16,9%) e produção de blastocistos (8,3% vs. 0%) na presença de taurina. O cultivo de zigotos em meio adicionado de SFB produziu maior (P<0,01) taxa de blastocistos no sétimo (25,6% vs. 6,7%) e oitavo (30,8% vs. 13,9%) dia pós-fecundação e número de células/blastocistos (104,8± 2,63 vs. 84,7± 3,86) do que no cultivo com BSA, apesar de menor (P<0,01) taxa de clivagem (58,1% vs. 71,3%). Conclui-se que o efeito benéfico da taurina no desenvolvimento embrionário somente é observado na ausência de SFB e BSA. O SFB produz menor taxa de clivagem mas melhora o desenvolvimento embrionário após as primeiras divisões celulares.

Fertilidade de novilhas após aborto induzido com cloprostenol

O efeito da interrupção da gestação sobre a fertilidade foi avaliada em 50 novilhas da raça Holandesa, gestantes de fetos do sexo masculino entre 55 e 90 dias de idade. O aborto foi induzido pela administração de cloprostenol sódico, após o diagnóstico do sexo fetal. Os animais foram inseminados no segundo estro normal após o aborto. A interrupção da gestação ocorreu em 86% dos animais tratados e a via de administração, intramuscular ou intravulvar, não afetou a taxa de aborto. Os intervalos do aborto à primeira inseminação e do aborto à concepção foram de 38,94± 4,96 e 47,32± 15,89 dias, respectivamente. Não houve diferença no número médio de serviços por concepção pré e pós-interrupção da gestação (1,22 vs. 1,34; P>0,05). Conclui-se que a indução do aborto no terço inicial da gestação em novilhas não compromete a fertilidade dos animais.