Controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices are used in livestock for the synchronization of estrus. They are T-shaped devices with a silicone-coated nylon core. [1] The silicone coating is impregnated with progesterone. [2] CIDRs are inserted intra-vaginally using a specialized applicator. The flexible wings collapse for facilitated insertion and expand once placed appropriately within the vagina. [2] The expansion of the wings retains its position; CIDRs have very high retention rates that may exceed 97%. [3] A thin nylon tail remains exteriorized and is used for removal. [2]
Once inserted, CIDRs provide slow-release administration of progesterone, which artificially extends the luteal phase. [1] Plasma progesterone levels rapidly increase upon insertion, and remain relatively consistent while in place. [4] Following CIDR removal, progesterone levels decrease rapidly. [3] Occasionally, vaginal irritation may occur. This is normal and does not impact the effectiveness of the device or the animal’s performance. [3]
There are several types of CIDRs available, including CIDR-B for cattle, CIDR-S for sheep and CIDR-G for goats. CIDRs are similar to the progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID), also used for synchronization of estrous cycles in livestock.
CIDRs are approved for use in both beef cattle and dairy heifers in Canada and the United States. [2] CIDRs contain 1.9g of progesterone in Canada and 1.38g in the United States. [2] The CIDR-S is licensed for use in sheep and goats in New Zealand and Australia. [1] The CIDR-G is also suitable for use in ewes, lambs and goats. [4]
In cattle, CIDR-Bs are often used with synchronization protocols. The product label typically indicates that, in conjunction with an appropriate synchronization protocol, CIDRs should be left in for 7 days. [2] Ovsynch is a particular protocol that is often followed. [5] These estrus synchronization protocols allow Fixed Time Artificial Insemination to be used, giving herd managers more accurate control. [6] The use of CIDRs with synchronization protocols helps improve reproductive performance by reducing the inefficiency associated with estrus detection. [6]
Although there is variability in the response to estrus synchronization, studies show consistently high pregnancy rates following Fixed Time Artificial Insemination with CIDR synchronization of ovarian follicle development. [2]
Previously, intravaginal progestogen sponges were a common method of estrus manipulation in ewes. [7] The development and success of CIDRs has increased their use in sheep and goats. Unlike intravaginal progestogen sponges, CIDRs do not absorb or impede drainage of natural vaginal secretions, offering a cleaner method of delivery. [1] [4] They also allow administration of a natural form of hormone, as opposed to the potent analogues used in sponges. [4] A dose of 550 mg of progesterone has been found to be effective in controlling estrus and ovulation in sheep. [7]
CIDRs may be used as a treatment in cows with follicular cysts. Follicular cysts in cattle affect a significant proportion of dairy cows in several countries, and hinder the dairy industry by extending the period from calving to conception. [8] CIDRs help by reducing the Luteinizing Hormone pulse frequency and inducing atresia of cystic follicles. [8] This may also allow affected cows to be re-used in breeding or embryo transfer programs.
CIDRs were developed by AHI Plastic Moulding Company in Hamilton, New Zealand, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand). [4] Developmental trials began in 1981. The CIDR-S was licensed in 1986 and the CIDR-G in 1988.
Artificial insemination (AI) is the deliberate introduction of sperm into a female's cervix or uterine cavity for the purpose of achieving a pregnancy through in vivo fertilization by means other than sexual intercourse. It is a fertility treatment for humans, and is common practice in animal breeding, including dairy cattle and pigs.
The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries and is involved in the production of relatively high levels of progesterone and moderate levels of estradiol and inhibin A. It is the remains of the ovarian follicle that has released a mature ovum during a previous ovulation.
Dairy cattle are cattle cows bred for the ability to produce large quantities of milk, from which dairy products are made. Dairy cows generally are of the species Bos taurus.
The estrous cycle or oestrous cycle is the set of recurring physiological changes that are induced by reproductive hormones in most mammalian therian females. Estrous cycles start after sexual maturity in females and are interrupted by anestrous phases or by pregnancies. Typically, estrous cycles continue until death. Some animals may display bloody vaginal discharge, often mistaken for menstruation.
Vaginal rings are polymeric drug delivery devices designed to provide controlled release of drugs for intravaginal administration over extended periods of time. The ring is inserted into the vagina and provides contraception protection. Vaginal rings come in one size that fits most women.
Ovulation induction is the stimulation of ovulation by medication. It is usually used in the sense of stimulation of the development of ovarian follicles to reverse anovulation or oligoovulation.
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is a technique used in assisted reproduction involving the use of fertility medications to induce ovulation by multiple ovarian follicles. These multiple follicles can be taken out by oocyte retrieval for use in in vitro fertilisation (IVF), or be given time to ovulate, resulting in superovulation which is the ovulation of a larger-than-normal number of eggs, generally in the sense of at least two. When ovulated follicles are fertilised in vivo, whether by natural or artificial insemination, there is a very high risk of a multiple pregnancy.
Sheep's milk is the milk of domestic sheep. It is commonly used to make cultured dairy products such as cheese. Some of the most popular sheep cheeses include feta (Greece), ricotta (Italy), and Roquefort (France).
Domestic sheep reproduce sexually much like other mammals, and their reproductive strategy is furthermore very similar to other domestic herd animals. A flock of sheep is generally mated by a single ram, which has either been chosen by a farmer or has established dominance through physical contest with other rams. Most sheep have a breeding season (tupping) in the autumn, though some are able to breed year-round.
Intravaginal administration is a route of administration where the substance is applied inside the vagina. Pharmacologically, it has the potential advantage to result in effects primarily in the vagina or nearby structures with limited systemic adverse effects compared to other routes of administration.
CIDR is Classless Inter-Domain Routing, a method for allocating IP addresses and routing Internet Protocol packets.
Fertility testing is the process by which fertility is assessed, both generally and also to find the fertile window. General health affects fertility, and STI testing is an important related field.
Progesterone devices are broadly used in the control of reproductive management in livestock. They work by increasing circulating plasma progesterone levels with the following consequences:
Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium). It occurs on a regular basis in uninseminated sexually reproductive-age females of certain mammal species.
Luteal support is the administration of medication, generally progesterone, progestins, hCG or GnRH agonists, to increase the success rate of implantation and early embryogenesis, thereby complementing and/or supporting the function of the corpus luteum. It can be combined with for example in vitro fertilization and ovulation induction.
In agriculture, estrous synchronization is used to facilitate breeding by artificial insemination.
The ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (ICAR-CSWRI) is an Indian Council of Agricultural Research subsidiary commissioned for research, training and extension activities related to sheep and rabbits. The Institute is an autonomous body and is sponsored by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It is situated in Avikanagar, Malpura, in Rajasthan, India. It works in close liaison with the other ICAR institutes, Central Wool Development Board, Sheep and Wool Marketing Federation, Department of Biotechnology (GOI), Small Entrepreneurs, NGOs, State Animal Husbandry and Khadi gram and Cottage industries.
Induced ovulation is when a female animal ovulates due to an externally-derived stimulus during, or just prior, to mating, rather than ovulating cyclically or spontaneously. Stimuli causing induced ovulation include the physical act of coitus or mechanical stimulation simulating this, sperm and pheromones.
Flugestone acetate (FGA), sold under the brand name Cronolone among others, is a progestin medication which is used in veterinary medicine.
(Dorothy) Claire Wathes née Bulman is a British veterinary researcher who studies the reproduction of farm animals. She is known for her work on infertility in dairy cattle. As of 2018, she is a professor of veterinary reproduction at the Royal Veterinary College in Hatfield.