Fig. 5

Effect of previous ULF collections on embryonic survival and mortality. Uterine horns of beef cows detected in estrus (D0) were flushed non-surgically with 30 mL of DMPBS and the resulting uterine luminal flushing (ULF) was collected. Animals were randomly assigned to be submitted to ULF collections on D1; D4; D7; or to remain not-collected, composing 4 experimental groups. On D7.5, three in vitro-produced, high-grade embryos were non-surgically transferred to the horn ipsilateral to the ovary containing CL. On D25, embryonic survival was determined based on detection of embryonic vesicle with heartbeat by ultrasound scan. Values are presented as means. Pregnancy rate was affected by group (P = 0.06). Orthogonal contrast was used for comparisons between groups (C1: Control vs. ULF-D1; C2: ULF-D4 vs. ULF-D7; C3: Control & ULF-D1 vs. ULF-D4 & ULF-D7)