Abstract: An intravaginal device that provides biologically active circulating concentrations of an aromatase inhibitor for at least about of 4 days. Liposome-based and a wax-based formulations were used to assess letrozole diffusion through bovine vaginal mucosa in a diffusion chamber study. The wax-based vehicle was selected for further development of a letrozole intravaginal device based on its steady release rate. The addition of a letrozole-containing gel coating improved initial absorption and hastened the increase on plasma concentrations of the active ingredient, while the letrozole-containing wax-based vehicle maintained prolonged delivery from the intravaginal device.

Abstract: Described herein is an intravaginal device that provides biologically active circulating concentrations of an aromatase inhibitor for at least about of 4 days. Three compounds with estradiol inhibitory capability (letrozole, anastrozole and fenbendazole) were tested in vitro using bovine granulosa cell culture. Letrozole was found to be the most efficient and potent inhibitor. Liposome-based and a wax-based formulations were used to assess letrozole diffusion through bovine vaginal mucosa in a diffusion chamber study. Samples were collected over a 24 h period. The wax-based vehicle was selected for further development of a letrozole intravaginal device based on its steady release rate. In an in vivo study in cattle, 3 different intravaginal devices containing 3 g of letrozole were tested: Wax (with 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine, DOPE) +gel coat (n=2), Wax+gel coat (n=4) and Wax (n=4).

Abstract: Described herein are methods for synchronizing ovulation in a herd, inducing superovulation in a single animal, and improving frequency of successful implantation and development of fertilized ova.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for synchronizing ovulation in a herd, inducing superovulation in a single animal, and improving frequency of successful implantation and development of fertilized ova.

Abstract: A high speed data collection processing and distribution system for coupling a plurality of digital data sources to a plurality of digital data processors. The system includes a plurality of segmented parallel data paths and a plurality of nodes connecting said parallel data paths in an endless ring. Each node includes an input connector for connecting the end of one of said segments of parallel data paths on a one-for-one basis; a data multiplexer, a plurality of node parallel data paths in the node corresponding to the segmented parallel data paths, respectively, connected to the input connector and the data multiplexer such that data input to the multiplexer corresponds to respective ones of the segmented parallel data paths. A processor is coupled to said node parallel data paths, and as a second input to the multiplexer a common source of clock and slot signals is independently connected to said control processor in each node, respectively, for controlling the timing thereof.

Abstract: Ultrasonography together with computer analysis tools are used to obtain measurements of gonadal density and size in male livestock, and particular in immunologically castrated boars in a slaughterhouse. These measurements are compared with reference thresholds with the main purpose of determining whether the immunologically castrated boars have entered puberty. Boars are likely to be subject to meat tainting subsequent to the onset of puberty due to biological secretions which occur at that time. This method allows the majority of tainted meat to be screened out prior to delivery.

Abstract: A high speed data collection processing and distribution system for coupling a plurality of digital data sources to a plurality of digital data processors. The system includes a plurality of segmented parallel data paths and a plurality of nodes connecting said parallel data paths in an endless ring. Each node includes an input connector for connecting the end of one of said segments of parallel data paths on a one-for-one basis; a data multiplexer, a plurality of node parallel data paths in the node corresponding to the segmented parallel data paths, respectively, connected to the input connector and the data multiplexer such that data input to the multiplexer corresponds to respective ones of the segmented parallel data paths. A processor is coupled to said node parallel data paths, and as a second input to the multiplexer a common source of clock and slot signals is independently connected to said control processor in each node, respectively, for controlling the timing thereof.