Endometrial biopsy in Bos indicus beef heifers

An endometrial biopsy allows for a comprehensive assessment of the uterine environment of a breeding female. Although routine in mares, devices used for endometrial biopsies are impracticable in heifers due to the size and structure of the cervix. This report describes the use of a human bronchoscopy biopsy device (Karl Storz® 10366L) for collection of endometrial biopsies in Bos indicus beef heifers. The Storz® device is smaller and thinner and enabled the collection of an endometrial biopsy in 86% of heifers (n = 44/51). The biopsied tissue was of good quality and suitable for transcriptomic assessment of the endometrium, with total RNA yield and RNA integrity number (RIN) averaging 1.3 μg (range 0.4-5.3 μg) and 7.4 (range 5.7-8.4), respectively.

[1]  R. Lyons,et al.  Endometrial biopsy in Bos indicus beef heifers , 2017, Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene.

[2]  S. Scolari,et al.  The Transcriptome Signature of the Receptive Bovine Uterus Determined at Early Gestation , 2015, PloS one.

[3]  S. Scolari,et al.  Impact of probing the reproductive tract during early pregnancy on fertility of beef cows. , 2014, Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene.

[4]  A. Basso,et al.  Pregnancy rate and birth rate of calves from a large-scale IVF program using reverse-sorted semen in Bos indicus, Bos indicus-taurus, and Bos taurus cattle. , 2014, Theriogenology.

[5]  R Core Team,et al.  R: A language and environment for statistical computing. , 2014 .

[6]  L. Gregory,et al.  Comparison of ultrasonography and histopathology for the diagnosis of endometritis in Holstein-Friesian cows. , 2012, Journal of dairy science.

[7]  P. Griebel,et al.  Proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in endometrial cytobrush samples harvested from cows with and without subclinical endometritis. , 2012, Theriogenology.

[8]  G. R. Holyoak,et al.  Equine endometrial biopsy reviewed: observation, interpretation, and application of histopathologic data. , 2011, Theriogenology.

[9]  K. Meade,et al.  Endometrial biopsy: a valuable clinical and research tool in bovine reproduction. , 2010, Theriogenology.

[10]  R. Einspanier,et al.  Endometrial expression of selected transcripts involved in prostaglandin synthesis in cows with endometritis. , 2009, Theriogenology.

[11]  A. Wehrend,et al.  Cervimetry and ultrasonographic observations of the cervix regression in dairy cows during the first 10 days post partum. , 2003, Journal of veterinary medicine. A, Physiology, pathology, clinical medicine.

[12]  G. Mann,et al.  Use of repeated biopsies to monitor endometrial oxytocin receptors in the cow , 1994, Veterinary Record.

[13]  S. Martin,et al.  Endometrial biopsy in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. I. Technique, histological criteria and results. , 1991, Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire.

[14]  E. Studer,et al.  Postpartum evaluation of bovine reproductive potential: comparison of findings from genital tract examination per rectum, uterine culture, and endometrial biopsy. , 1978, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[15]  J. W. Macpherson,et al.  The reproductive tract of bovine slaughter heifers (a biometrical study). , 1966, Canadian journal of comparative medicine and veterinary science.