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Home / Equine Research Bank / Aust Vet J / The contraceptive efficacy of a self-assembling intra-uterin...
Australian veterinary journal2021; 99(4); 130-136; doi: 10.1111/avj.13055

The contraceptive efficacy of a self-assembling intra-uterine device in domestic mares.

Abstract: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the contraceptive efficacy of a self-assembling uterine device (iUPOD™) in the mare. In addition, the effects of iUPODs on oestrous cyclicity, uterine health and circulating concentrations of cortisol were evaluated. Methods: Domestic mares underwent oestrous monitoring and artificial insemination. After subsequent ovulation, mares underwent either placement (n = 7) or sham placement (n = 7; controls) of an iUPOD device. Devices were left in place for at least 3 months. Pregnancy diagnoses were carried out 14 days post-ovulation, with any pregnancies terminated at 28 days post-ovulation. All mares underwent weekly blood sampling with or without reproductive examinations throughout the study. Towards the end of the study, multiple serum samples collected over three consecutive days were analysed for concentrations of cortisol. Endometrial biopsies were collected before artificial insemination and during the subsequent breeding season. Endometrial cytology and bacterial cultures were performed before device removal (iUPOD mares) or at the end of the study (control mares). Results: Pregnancies were diagnosed in 0 of 7 iUPOD mares versus 7 of 7 control mares. Placement of iUPODs was associated with extended luteal phases and variable accumulations of intra-uterine fluid. Bacterial culture results suggested that the mild endometritis associated with iUPODs was sterile in six of seven mares. Short-term placement of iUPODs had no detrimental effects on endometrial architecture. Mean serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in iUPOD mares than control mares. Conclusions: iUPODs represent a promising means of fertility control in the mare.
© 2021 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2021-01-18 PubMed ID: 33462802DOI: 10.1111/avj.13055Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates the contraceptive potential of a self-assembling intra-uterine device, iUPOD™, in mares and its impact on ovulation, uterine health, and cortisol levels.

About the Study

  • The main aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of a self-assembling uterine device (iUPOD™) as a contraceptive method in mares (female horses).
  • The effects of iUPODs on the mares’ estrous cycles, uterine health, and cortisol levels in the blood were also evaluated.

Methodology

  • The researchers monitored the mares’ estrous and conducted artificial insemination.
  • They then placed iUPODs in 7 mares and performed fake (sham) placement in another 7 mares, serving as controls, post-ovulation.
  • The devices were left in place for at least three months.
  • The team carried out pregnancy diagnoses 14 days post-ovulation and terminated any pregnancies at 28 days post-ovulation.
  • The mares underwent weekly blood treats with or without reproductive examinations throughout the study.
  • Serum samples collected over three consecutive days towards the end of the study were analyzed to record cortisol levels.
  • The researchers also gathered endometrial biopsies before artificial insemination and during the subsequent breeding season. Additionally, they performed endometrial cytology and bacterial cultures before removing the device (for iUPOD mares) or at the end of the experiment (for control mares).

Findings of the Study

  • The key finding of the study was that none of the 7 iUPOD mares became pregnant, while all 7 control mares became pregnant.
  • iUPODs resulted in extended luteal phases and inconsistent accumulations of intra-uterine fluid.
  • Bacterial culture results indicated that 6 of the 7 mares with iUPODs had a mild and sterile form of endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus).
  • Short-term use of iUPODs did not damage the endometrial architecture.
  • Interestingly, mares with iUPODs had significantly lower mean cortisol levels in their blood compared to the control mares.

Conclusions

  • The results suggest that iUPODs could be an effective means of controlling fertility in mares.

Cite This Article

APA
Joonè CJ, Gradil CM, Picard JA, Taylor JD, de Tonnerre D, Cavalieri J. (2021). The contraceptive efficacy of a self-assembling intra-uterine device in domestic mares. Aust Vet J, 99(4), 130-136. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13055

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 99
Issue: 4
Pages: 130-136

Researcher Affiliations

Joonè, C J
  • College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
Gradil, C M
  • Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
Picard, J A
  • College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
Taylor, J D
  • College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
de Tonnerre, D
  • College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
Cavalieri, J
  • College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Contraceptive Agents
  • Endometritis / veterinary
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Insemination, Artificial / veterinary
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproduction

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