Recipient selection based on corpus luteum (CL) function is important for the success of embryo transfer (ET) in cattle. In this study, we evaluated the value of the parameters of luteal blood flow on the day of ET as a means of recipient selection in Holstein lactating dairy cows. The parameters of luteal blood flow [blood flow area (BFA) and blood perfusion (BP)], and CL size [luteal diameter, luteal area and luteal tissue area] and peripheral plasma progesterone (P₄) concentrations were evaluated at immediately before ET (n = 25) then cows were transferred embryos. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed that BFA and BP were effective to predict pregnancy and their AUCs (AUC > 0.70) were similar (P > 0.1). Pregnancy rates of high BFA (BFA ≥ 0.93 cm², n = 9) or BP (BP ≥ 26.0%, n = 12) groups was higher than that of low groups (BFA: 66.7% vs. 12.5%, BP: 50.0% vs. 15.4%). There was no correlation between plasma P₄ concentrations and luteal blood flow. The proportions of cows classified high group were different between cows with a large CL (luteal diameter ≥ 2.0 cm, n = 15) and those with a small CL (n = 10) in BFA (53.3% vs. 10.0%, P < 0.05) while similar between them in BP (46.7% vs. 50.0%). In conclusion, although BFA and BP are independent on the peripheral plasma P₄ concentration, they serve as indicators of fertility. The accuracy of predicting pregnancy might be similar, but the characteristic of recipient selection may be different between the two indicators.

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Pesticides are chemical agents used against living things such as insects, rodents, and weeds that cause toxicity in various tissues, including reproductive organs. In order to increase the effectiveness of pesticides, active ingredients are mixed with various formulations. The current study tried to determine the effects of pesticides and their mixtures on testicular tissue in rats. For this purpose, chlormequat chloride (CCC), pirimiphos methyl (PMM), glyphosate (GLY), tebuconazole (TBZ), chlorpyrifos methyl (CPM), deltamethrin (DLM), and their mix (acceptable daily intake (ADI) and ADIx10) were administried to Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days. As a result of the examinations, the ADIx10 group showed the most damaging effect by showing a statistical difference in terms of sperm motility and membrane integrity. The GLY group had a similar effect on membrane integrity as the ADIx10 group, while it had a moderately detrimental effect on motility. Degenerations of spermatocytes, necrosis, and edema in intertubular spaces were observed in all pesticide groups. Similarly, 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG) expression and Caspase-3 expression were moderate in all pesticide groups. Moreover, 8-OHdG expression and Caspase-3 expression were higher in the ADI and ADIx10 groups compared to other groups. As a result, pesticides and their mixtures cause histopathological changes in the testicular tissue of rats and decrease sperm quality.

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Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by various pathogenic Leptospira serovars. The disease also affects various animal species, especially humans. This disease, widespread in dogs, has become an important public health issue. In this study, uterine tissue and blood samples of 100 naturally infected dogs were examined to detect the presence of Leptospiral antigens. 100 uterine tissue samples were obtained from dogs that underwent ovariohysterectomy in Erzurum. After the uterine tissue was taken into buffered formalin solution, these samples were examined by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence methods. The other part was putting it into the freezer at -20˚C for examinations made by ELISA (IgM and IgG). Blood samples were centrifuged and analyzed in the laboratory using the ELISA (IgG) method. In the histological examinations of uterine tissue samples to determine the cycle periods, findings of 57 proestrus, 14 estrus, 19 diestrus, and 10 anoestrus periods were determined. In the presented study, in uterine tissue samples, in the examinations performed with the immunohistochemical staining method 19%, in the examinations made with the immunofluorescence staining method 24%, and in the examinations performed with the ELISA diagnostic method IgM 4%, and IgG 23.52% were detected. When the blood samples were analyzed using by ELISA diagnostic method, 51% seropositivity was detected. In conclusion, Leptospirosis, found to be positive in both the blood and uterine tissues of dogs by different methods, was found to be quite common in dogs today, and it is thought that this zoonotic disease is a threat to public health.

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The Congo Red Agar method (CRAM), a method for detecting the presence of bacterial biofilm-forming capacity, does not provide sufficient knowledge on the criteria for each bacterial species. In this study, the biofilm detection capacity of the CRAM and the criteria for determining the presence of biofilm-forming capacity of bovine mastitis-causing bacteria were examined. 149 strains isolated from the milk of dairy cows with clinical mastitis were determined for biofilm-forming capacity using the CRAM. The Calgary Biofilm Device Method was also used as a comparative experiment. The study showed that the suitable medium and incubation time in the CRAM differed for each bacterial species, and the criteria for determining the presence of biofilm-forming capacity in each species could be determined.

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