The use of electrochemically activated saline as a uterine instillation in pony mares.

This study explores the effect of electrochemically activated saline, instilled in the uterus of pony mares, on their pregnancy rate post-insemination. The results show no significant difference in pregnancy rates between the control and treatment groups.

Research Methodology

• The experiment involved twelve pony mares, which were randomly divided into control and treatment groups.
• Every mare was inseminated with fresh, raw semen obtained from a single stallion of proven fertility. This type of approach was adopted to ensure uniformity in the sperm quality across all mares.
• The project followed a cross-over trial design meaning that every mare acted both as a control and as a part of the treatment group in different insemination cycles. This made the comparison between groups more accurate because the same mares were evaluated under different conditions.
• Pregnancy was diagnosed using transrectal ultrasound 12-14 days post-ovulation, and, after confirmation, pregnancy was terminated by administering a luteolytic dose of cloprostenol. The termination facilitated the next insemination cycle in the cross-over trial design.
• The pony mares in the treatment group received a uterine instillation of 100 ml of electrochemically activated saline 4-12 hours post-insemination, while the control mares received no treatment.

Results and Conclusion

• Per cycle pregnancy rate was 58.3% for the control group (mares that did not receive the electrochemically activated saline) and 50% for the treatment group (mares that did receive the electrochemically activated saline).
• Statistical analysis of the results (using a P value) indicated no statistical difference in pregnancy rates between the two groups. A P value of 1.000 suggests that the observed differences could be due to chance alone, and the electrochemically activated saline does not have a significant effect.
• This conclusion suggests that the use of electrochemically activated saline as a post-insemination uterine treatment does not significantly affect the pregnancy rate in pony mares. However, further studies may be needed to confirm this finding and explore potential uses and benefits of electrochemically activated saline.