Ultrasonographic evaluation of hG-CSF transgenic goat conceptus

Resumo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of transgenic (T) goat embryos and fetuses for human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (hG-CSF) by ultrasonography. Four pregnancies in non-transgenic (NT) goats were obtained after fertilization (either fixed-time artificial insemination or natural mating) using the T male for hG-CSF. Ultrasound examinations were carried out at 30, 40 (transrectal via), 50, 60, 90 and 120 days of pregnancy (transabdominal via). Some parameters were observed such as morphology, organogenesis and formation of skeletal fetuses, viability with cardiac activity and fetuses’ movements. Measurements were taken of the crown-rump length, diameter of embryonic vesicle, thorax, abdomen, umbilical cord and placentomes. After parturition, DNA testing was conducted in all offspring and 4 T and 2 NT kids were identified. The conceptus started their differentiation at 40 days. The heart was detected in all examinations and the heart chambers were assessed at 50 days. Gastric compartments, liver and kidneys were observed at 60 days, the same period that all bony structures were visualized. Average values ​​of all evaluated parameters had a gradual increase with the progression of pregnancy. T and NT goat embryos and fetuses had a similar growth and all remained viable throughout the experimental period.