CARACTERÍSTICAS DE MORFOECOGENICIDADE UTERINA E DE CORPO LÚTEO E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM OS NÍVEIS DE PLASMÁTICOS DE PROGESTERONA EM ÉGUAS “BAIXADEIRO”

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the aspects of uterine morphology and corpus luteum (CL) and the relationship with progesterone concentrations (P4) of the "Baixadeiro" mares during the rainy and dry periods. Nine animals, synchronized with two doses of prostaglandin PGF2a synthetic analogue, were used at intervals of 10 days and monitored by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography every 48 hours. The uterine echogenicity was determined by the degree of edema and the CL was classified for glandular organization. Blood was collected by jugular vein puncture to determine P4 concentrations by the ELISA method. The rainfall index did not present statistical difference (p < 0,05). The luminosity rate differed between the periods (p < 0,05). Weight and ECC did not differ between the periods (p < 0,05). Among the mares, 88,89% (8/9) ovulated in the rainy season while 55,56% (5/9) ovulated in the dry period, with no statistical difference (p < 0,05). As to uterine morphoecogenicity, there was no significant difference between the periods (p < 0,05). There was a difference between periods (p > 0,05) for plasma P4 levels, with the highest concentration during the rainy season. As for the morfoecogenicity of CL, these presented from anechoic center to hyperechogenic. Thus, the mares of the genetic group "Baixadeiro" remained cyclical in both rainy and dry periods; changes in echogenicity and P4 concentrations correspond to the expected values for the species, independent of the period; as well as there was no difference in uterine morpho echogenicity and CL between the periods.