Self-Assembling Intrauterine Device (Upod) Modulation of the Reproductive Cycle in Mares.

The research study focuses on the effects of a new intrauterine device called Upod on the suppression of estrus or the reproductive cycle in mares, and the potential use of this device in animal breeding management.

Upod: The New Intrauterine Device

• The intrauterine device, Upod, is formed of three elliptically shaped units with each unit having a magnetic core. The entire device is coated with polymer which provides durability and each unit is approximately 12mm x 26mm in size, totaling a weight of 22.5g.
• The uniqueness of this device is that each unit can be inserted independently and they self-assemble once placed in the uterus.
• The assembled device forms a more energy-efficient “ring” configuration.
• To ensure safety during prolonged use, the Upod is created from a shatter-proof grade material and can be inserted in mares at any estrous cycle stage without multiple examinations needed.
• The device can be easily inserted and removed using a specially designed applicator and a magnetic retriever.

The Upod Experimentation

• The study conducted two separate experiments to study the effects of Upod.
• In the first experiment, 15 mares had Upods inserted into them post-ovulation during estrus. It was recorded that the average duration of diestrus – the period of sexual inactivity between cycles of estrus – was 73.4 days with a standard deviation of 36.6 days. The endometrial biopsies conducted pre and post insertion of the Upod did not display any significant variances.
• The second experiment involved inserting Upods in 14 mares regardless of their estrus cycle stage. Here, the average duration of diestrus noticed was 51.3 days with a standard deviation of 22.7 days.
• The presence of the Upod was tracked using a transrectal ultrasound and an external handheld metal detector.
• The lifespan of the corpus luteum, the temporary endocrine structure involved in reproduction, was monitored by assaying the levels of Progesterone, a steroid hormone.
• In both experiments, it was found that the duration of diestrus was significantly longer when compared to the control group which didn’t have any Upod insertion.

Subsequent Fertility Rates

• Eight mares were selected at random for breeding the following year post the retrieval of Upod.
• A hundred percent conception rate was recorded, suggesting that Upod did not adversely affect the fertility rates.

Conclusions

• The study validates that the newly invented intranutrine device, Upod, successfully extends the period of diestrus in mares.
• This can potentially offer a new method for managing the breeding cycles in animal husbandry, especially equine.
• Furthermore, the device does not impede the fertility of the mares post its removal as evidenced by the subsequent 100% conception rate.