This study was aimed to determine the biometry of genital organs, incidence of gynecological disorders and pregnancy loss in Black Bengal goat (Capra hircus). Genitalia of 118 does were collected from local abattoirs. Biometric parameters of genital organs were measured and gross and histopathological examinations were carried out for detection of abnormalities. For gravid uterus, age of the fetus was determined by measuring crown-rump length. There was no significant difference in the length, width and weight of right and left ovaries (P>0.05). However, the number of follicles between left (5.3 ± 2.3) and right ovaries (7.4 ± 2.7) varied significantly (P<0.05). The mean length of right fallopian tube and uterine horn were not varied with those of left fallopian tube and uterine horn. The length of uterine body, cervix and vagina were 1.3 ± 0.1 cm, 3.3 ± 0.5 cm and 6.8 ± 1.3 cm, respectively. Overall, 29 (24.6%) genitalia had abnormalities. Fifteen genitalia (12.7%) had ovarian abnormalities including ovaro-bursal adhesions (6.8%), parovarian cyst (5.1%) and follicular cyst (0.9%). Uterine abnormalities were found in 12 genitalia (10.2%) and predominant uterine lesion was endometritis (6.8%) followed by adenomyosis (1.7%), hemorrhagic lesion on endometrial surface (0.9%) and cyst in broad ligament (0.9%). In addition, cyst in fallopian tube (0.9%) and vagina (0.9%) were recorded. The proportion of slaughtered pregnant goats was 15.3% (18/118). The pregnancy wastage was highest in the first month (50.0%) followed by second (33.3%) and third (16.7%) month. It can be concluded that ovaro-bursal adhesions, parovarian cyst and endometritis are the gynecological disorders of major concern in Black Bengal goat.

The purpose of this study is to produce wanted sex progeny of genetically confined White Hanwoo (albinism) with preselected sex sperm. One bull of White Hanwoo was chosen for semen donor and X sperm was sorted by MoFlo XDP cell sorter. To compare the pregnancy and birth rates, KPN straw was used as control, total number of unsorted sperm was 20×106/straw. Sexed X frozen semen with 2×106 cells or 4×106 cells per straw were in seminated twice on Hanwoo heifers. The abnormality of the sexed X semen was 24.9 ± 7.31% and distal reflex abnormality of mid piece was significantly (p<0.05) higher (11.7%) compared with that of KPN 768 (5.6%). There were no differences on the pregnancy and birth rates between 2×106 cells or 4×106 cells of X-sperm but KPN semen showed significant differences (p<0.05). The pregnancy rates of KPN 768, 2×106 cells and 4×106 cells X-sperm of White Hanwoo cattle were 85.0%, 26.3% and 50%. The birth rates were 80.0%, 15.8% and 21.4%, respectively. The female offspring rates of KPN 768, 2×106 cells and 4×106 cells X-sperm of White Hanwoo cattle were 43.8%, 100% and 100% (p<0.05). These results indicated that sex sorted White Hanwoo could be used for the production of wanted progeny with 2×106 cells/straw for AI. To increase the efficiency of calf production, the sperm number of sex sorted semen will be optimized for sex selection of White Hanwoo progeny.

Presently, the first pregnancy age of dairy heifers attended National Dairy Herd Improvement Program (NDHI) in Korea has increased, and more research have been requested to evaluate the possibility of decreasing the first pregnancy age of dairy heifers. Accordingly, this study was investigated the effects of the month of age at the first service and pregnancy on the reproductive efficiency of Holstein heifers. For these, the reproductive performance of heifers was analyzed by evaluating the effects of first insemination service at 12-14 months of age (12 month old), 15-16 months of age (15 month old), 17-19 months of age (17 month old), and > 20 months of age (20 month old) in Holstein heifers. The service numbers per conception in the first insemination months were 1.85±1.22, 1.59±0.77, 1.58±0.72, and 1.76±0.97 times at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. The conception rates in the first service were 51.2, 57.8, 54.8, and 52.9% at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. The conception ages were 453.2±78.9, 512.1±75.9, 590.1±98.0, and 713.0±74.5 days in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. There was significantly difference in the conception age among groups (p<0.05). The cumulative conception rates in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age were 51.21, 57.8, 54.8 and 53.0% by the first service, 29.8, 30.1, 32.3, 23.5% by the second service, and 19.0, 12.1, 12.9 and 23.5% by the third service, respectively. The service numbers per conception in the first pregnancy months were 1.31, 1.55, 2.0, 2.05 times at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of the first service age, respectively. The service numbers per conception in the 12 and 15 months of age were significantly lower than those in the 17 and 20 months of age (p<0.05). The rates of repeat-breeder were 6.0, 11.3, 22.0, and 41.0% in the heifers serviced firstly at 12, 15, 17 and 20 months of age, respectively. These results demonstrate that first pregnancy of Holstein heifers should be conducted at 15 months of age, because the age at first pregnancy in heifers can be substantially influenced through implementation of reproductive management and performance.

Recently, several approaches have been used to measure the oxygen consumption rates of individual embryos, but relationship between oxygen consumption and pregnancy rates of Hanwoo following embryo transfer has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the correlation between oxygen consumption rate and pregnancy rates of Hanwoo embryo using a SECM. In addition to, the expression of apoptosis-related genes was determined using real-time PCR by extracting RNA according to the oxygen consumption of in vivo embryo. First, we found that the oxygen consumption significantly increased in blastocyst-stage embryos (blastocyst) compared to early blastocyst stage embryos, indicating that oxygen consumption reflects the embryo quality (Grade I). The oxygen consumption or GI blastocysts were significantly higher than those of GII blastocysts (10.2x1014/mol s-1 versus 6.4x1014/mol s-1, p＜0.05). Pregnant rate in recipient cow was 0, 60 and 80% in the transplantation of embryo with the oxygen consumption of below 10.0, 10.0~12.0 and over 12.0x1014/mol s-1, respectively. Apoptosis regulatory genes, Hsp-70.1 were significantly increased in over-10.0 group than below 10.0 group but in Caspase-3, Bax and P53 gene, there was no significant difference. In conclusion, These results suggest that measurement of oxygen consumption maybe help increase the pregnant rate of Hanwoo embryos.

Embryos formed in vivo were collected from 171 donors housed in Chung Cheong Buk-Do Institute of Livestock and Veterinary Research of the Chungbuk community during the years 2009∼2012. We evaluated annual embryo collection, effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and prostaglandin (PG) administration to the donor for superovulation and controlling the estrus cycle, seasonal effects of embryo collection and compared the number of embryos recovered as per the collection days and pregnancy rate. In all, 1,243 embryos were collected from 118 donors with an average of 7.31 ± 5.35 embryos per donor, out of which 69.4% were transferable. Dosages of FSH required for inducing superovulation in various donors were compared. Average number of embryos collected from donors administered with 30 AU of FSH (7.13 ± 5.74 per donor) was not significantly different from that of donors who were given an injection of 24 AU of FSH (7.53 ± 4.91 per donor). However, the percentage of transferable embryos in the 30AU FSH-administered group (63.2 %, 449 of 711) was higher than that in the 24AU FSH-administered group (77.8%, 414 of 532). In the group of donors under a natural estrus cycle, the FSH dose administered did not influence the number of transferable embryos produced (7.49 ± 6.25 per donor for 30 AU of FSH vs 7.49 ± 4.92 per donor for 24 AU of FSH). However, in donors administered with CIDR and PG for controlling the estrus cycle, the FSH dose affected the average number of transferable embryos collected (4.25 ± 2.87 per donor for 30 AU of FSH vs 8.50 ± 6.36 per donor for 24 AU of FSH). We collected embryos from donors 6, 7 or 8 days after artificial insemination (AI). Results showed that the percentage of transferable embryos among those collected 8 days after AI was significantly higher than that among embryos collected 6 or 7 days after AI. Seasonal variations did not affect number of recovered embryos and pregnancy rates in natural estrus cycle and CIDR treatment groups (48.28% and 42.55%) but higher than pregnancy rate of frozen embryos (19.63%). These results indicated that administration of FSH beyond a threshold dose (at least 24 AU) has no beneficial effect on the production embryos and that collection of embryos 7∼8 days after AI is optimal for embryo recovery. CIDR treatment induced superovulation in short term and had no influence on the natural estrus cycle. Finally, although good-quality embryos were transferred, freezing significantly reduced the pregnancy rates after transfer.

This study was conducted to investigate optimal time of artificial insemination (AI) to Hanwoo female after natural estrus. AI was occurred 12 and 24 hours after natural estrus in both heifer and multiparous recipient then pregnancy and parturition rates were estimated. Results indicated that AI performed at 24 hours after natural estrus showed significant (p<0.05) higher pregnancy rate in both heifer and multiparous recipient groups with significantly (p<0.05) higher abortion rate. However, there are no significant differences of parturition rate, twin birth and sex ratio in both heifer and multiparous recipient groups. Therefore, our results may suggest that performance of AI at 24 hours after natural estrus promise higher pregnancy rate than AI at 12 hours after natural estrus in both heifer and multiparous recipient.

The increase in the meat quality and milk production of cows, which breed Korean Native Cow (KNC) and Holstein cow, is not improving reproductive efficiency. In this study, we examined the effect of interferon (IFN) supplementation on motility of frozen-thawed semen and pregnancy rate after artificial insemination of KNC and Holstein cow. In experiment 1, we investigated the effect of IFN-tau concentration (10,000 IU and 20,000 IU) on the percentage of total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. In experiment 2, KNC were infused 20,000 IU IFN-tau at insemination or after insemination. In experiment 3, KNC or Holstein cow were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen and infused 20,000 IU IFN-gamma or -tau after insemination. In experiment 1, the average of TM (23.9% to 30.9%) and PM (18.5% to 21.9%) were similar between control and treatments. In experiment 2, the pregnancy rates of IFN infusing times were not different from 45.8% to 53.6%. In experiment 3, the pregnancy rates of Holstein cow infused different kinds of IFN were similar (control, IFN-gamma, IFN-tau; 42.9%, 40.5%, 48.0%). In the case of KNC, however, the pregnancy rate of control was 55.6%, which was significantly lower than that of IFN-gamma (68.9%; p<0.05). Thus, IFN is effective on the improvement of reproductive efficiency, but further study is needed.

Body condition score (BCS) is a useful management tool for distinguishing differences in nutritional needs of cows in the herd. Although it is not always possible to quantify the nutrient content of the feed supplied to the donor cow, the nutritional status can be determined by the BCS. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vivo embryo production, return to estrous of donor and pregnancy rate of recipients following BCS in Hanwoo superovulation. Sixty nine Hanwoo donor cows were flushed on day 7 of estrus cycle with same FSH and artificial insemination by the same technicians. Embryos were recovered on 7 days after the third insemination by flushing the uterus with Embryo Collection Medium. The results obtained were as follows: No differences were observed in the efficiency of superovulation rates regardless of BCS (≦2.0, 2.5 to 3.0, and ≧3.5). The mean number of total embryos was each 5.20±0.86, 11.56±1.04, and 6.23±1.07. The mean number of transferable embryo from ≦2.0, 2.5 to 3.0, and ≧3.5 of BCS was 2.60±0.87, 7.94±0.89, and 4.75±1.32, respectively (p<0.05). Return to estrous regardless of donor BCS was no difference. The pregnancy rates of recipient were BCS ≦2.0 11.76%, 2.5 to 3.0 40.79%, and ≧3.5 11.11%, following transfer of fresh embryos produced in vivo, respectively. These results indicate that if the Hanwoo with BCS 2.5 to 3.3 are used for donor and recipient, the embryo production and the conception rate will be greater.

This study was designed to adopt two estrus synchronization protocols in zebu and crossbred heifers and their effects on pregnancy rate after timed artificial insemination (TAI). A number of 120 cyclic heifers were allotted for two different treatment groups and one control group. Heifers under protocol A were injected with GnRH at first day followed by a single dose of at Day 11 and injection of GnRH at the day of AI; and heifers belonged to protocol B were treated with GnRH, two injections at 11 days apart and injection of GnRH at AI. AI was done at fixed time (within 72~96 hours after injection) in both protocols and pregnancy was confirmed by rectal palpation on 80~120 days of post AI. In control group; local heifers were conceived higher (30%) proportion than that of crossbred heifers (25%; p<0.05). In protocol A, the local breed were conceived higher (38.9%) proportion compared with crossbred (25%; p<0.05). In protocol B, local breed heifers were conceived higher (38.9%) proportion compared with crossbred heifers (33.3%; p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate in protocol A and protocol B was 33.3% and 36.6%, respectively. The proportion of pregnancy rate of local heifers (38.9%; Protocol A) was significant (p<0.05) in comparison with local heifers (30%) in control group (p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate between pooled control group (28.3%) and treatment group (35%) was significantly (p<0.05) differ from each other's. Results of present study concluded that estrus synchronization followed by fixed time AI could be applied for higher pregnancy rate in zebu and crossbred heifers.

The process of embryo implantation requires physical contact and physiological communication between the conceptus trophectoderm and the maternal uterine endometrium. During the peri-implantation period in pigs, the conceptus undergoes significant morphological changes and secretes estrogens, the signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy. Estrogens secreted from the conceptus act on uterine epithelia to redirect , luteolysin, secretion from the uterine vasculature to the uterine lumen to prevent luteolysis as well as to induce expression of endometrial genes that support implantation and conceptus development. In addition, conceptuses secrete cytokines, interferons, growth factors, and proteases, and in response to these signals, the uterine endometrium produces hormones, protease inhibitors, growth factors, transport proteins, adhesion molecules, lipid molecules, and calcium regulatory molecules. Coordinated interactions of these factors derived from the conceptus and the uterus play important roles in the process of implantation in pigs. To better understand mechanism of implantation process in pigs, this review provides information on signaling molecules at the conceptus-uterine interface during early pregnancy, including recently reported data reported.

Bovine brucellosis causes abortion and infertility. The authors conducted this study in order to determine pathological lesions of Korean native cows and fetuses who received experimental vaccination with Brucella abortus RB51 and were challenged with Brucella abortus 2308. Gross and histopathological lesions in endometrium and placenta were observed in cows of the vaccinated group. Twenty-five percent of pregnant cattle in the vaccinated group showed endometritis and placentitis, which was three times lower, compared with the non-vaccinated group. The pathological lesions in the uterus and placenta in both groups were consistent with previous reports. Therefore, vaccination in heifers using Brucella abortus RB51 may not provide adequate protection against infection with Brucella abortus virulent strain.

The objective of this study was to investigate the comparison of transferable embryos and pregnancy rate between Hanwoo and Chickso. The results obtained were as follows: No differences were observed in the efficiency of superovulation rates on Hanwoo 78%, and Chickso 85%, respectively. The mean number of total embryos are each 14.76± 2.16 and 6.23±1.07. So the mean number of transferable embryos are each 10.94±1.91 and 4.58±1.05. In addition, the mean number of total Hanwoo embryo from <10 and 10≤ of corpora luteum was 0.50±0.50, 11.56±1.92, respectively. In case of Chickso, The mean number of transferable embryo from <10 and 10≤ of CL was 2.75±1.39, 6.00±1.00, respectively. The pregnancy rates were Hanwoo 40%, and Chickso 37% following transfer of fresh embryos produced in vivo. Also, the pregnancy rates of Chickso 60% were significantly greater (p<0.05) than the Hanwoo 42.48% following transfer of following transfer of frozen embryos, respectively. In conclusion, these results suggest that Chickso may be effectively used for transferable embryos production in Hanwoo. Although the transferable embryos number was not enough, it seems the Chickso greatly affect pregnancy rate. The results indicated that the possibility of transferable embryos from Chickso for embryo transfer could be confirmed in this study. Based on the present findings, it was suggested that it is very important to evaluate in vivo embryo production and pregnancy rate of embryo transfer following superovulation for effective Hanwoo and Chickso production.

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the pregnancy rate (PR) according to the state of the ovaries and uterus, according to the number of embryos transferred from cows and heifers and to investigate the method of artificial twin induction with Hanwoo in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos by embryo transfer (ET). Looking at the PR according to the condition of the ovaries and uterus, the result was not influenced by the condition of the ovaries, but was significantly influenced by the state of the uterus. The PR according to the number of embryos transferred from cows was 36.8%, 53.0%, 50.5% for 1, 2, and 3 embryos, respectively and although there was a higher frequency of twin calves with 3 embryos than 2, the calving rate was the highest with 2 embryos. In case of heifers, the transfer of 1 embryo showed the best pregnancy and calving rate, and although the PR was similar with 2 embryos (67.7 versus 66.4), in case of 2 embryos transferred there was high frequency of embryonic loss (6.1%) occurred when a cow was diagnosed at 28 and 53 d after ET, total loss (21.3%); sum of fetal death, abortion and stillbirth after pregnant diagnosis at 60 day.

To investigate the biochemical nature of changes in vaginal physiology during estrus and pregnancy, we examined the cytology and viscosity, and monitored the protein expression profile in vaginal mucus during estrus and pregnancy. The viscosity progressively decreased from estrus to pregnancy. Cell type analysis revealed that white blood cells progressively increased from estrus to pregnancy, while red blood cells progressively decreased during pregnancy. The cornification index (CI) was higher in estrus than in pregnancy. Protein mass spectrumetry identified the presence of ribosome-binding protein 1, GRIP 1 (Glutamate receptor-interacting protein 1)-associated protein 1, DUF729 (Domain of unknown function729) domain-containing protein 1, prolactin precursor, dihydrofolatereductase, and MMP (Matrix metalloprotease)-9 in vaginal mucus. MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in the vaginal mucus were active throughout estrus and gestation, as measured by a gelatinase assay, but most abundant in the vaginal mucus on day 0 of estrus. Results from ELISA of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were in accordance with the gelatinase assay. In light of the crucial role of metalloproteinases in extracellular matrix remodeling, the level of MMP-9 in vaginal mucus might be useful as an indicator of estrus and pregnancy to increase the efficiency of reproduction.

Prostaglandins (PGs), especially PGE2 and PGF2α, are critical local mediators that play important role in luteolysis and maternal recognition of pregnancy in pigs. Luteolysis during the estrous cycle in pigs is induced by PGF2α synthesized and secreted by the uterine endometrium. In pregnant pigs, PG synthesis is changed in favor of PGE2 synthesis. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms by which PGE2 and PGF2α are produced in the uterine endometrium during pregnancy are poorly understood. Therefore, we determined immunolocalization of PTGES, AKR1B1, CBR1, and HPGD that are involved in synthesis and catabolism of PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in pigs. Uterine endometrial tissue samples were collected from day (D) 12 and D15 of the estrous cycle and from D12, D15, D30, D60, D90, and D114 of pregnancy. Spatial expression of all proteins studied was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. PTGES were localized primarily to luminal and glandular epithelial cells. AKR1B1 were localized to luminal epithelial cells during early pregnancy and chorionic membrane during mid- to late pregnancy. CBR1 and HPGD were localized to luminal epithelial cells. Our results showed that expression of proteins responsible for synthesis and catabolism of PGE2 and PGF2α were dynamically regulated in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in pigs. These results indicate that PGs play critical roles to support the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface in pigs. This research was supported by the Next Generation BioGreen 21 program (#PJ007997), RDA, Republic of Korea.

Na+/K+-ATPase, an energy-transducing ion pump, is responsible for maintenance of relatively high concentrations of potassium ions but low concentrations of sodium ions in the cell by transport of these ions across the plasma membrane and participates in transport of various nutrients including glucose, amino acids. and ions. Na+/K+-ATPase consists of α, β, and FXYD subunits, but only α and β subunits are needed for basic functions. FXYD subunit is an auxiliary protein for αβ complex of Na+/K+-ATPase. Our recent study has shown that α (ATP1A1-4) and β (ATP1B1-3) subunits of Na+/K+-ATPase are expressed in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in pigs. In this study, we further determined expression of FXYD (FXYD1-7) subunits of Na+/K+-ATPase in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in pigs. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that mRNAs for all subtypes of FXYD subunit were expressed in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in a pregnancy status- and stage-specific fashion. In situ hybridization analysis exhibited that transcripts of all subtypes of FXYD subunit were primarily localized to luminal (LE) and glandular epithelia (GE) during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy and to chorionic membrane (CM) during mid to term pregnancy. RT-PCR analysis showed that FXYD subunits were expressed in conceptuses on D12 and D15 of pregnancy. These results indicate that all subtypes of FXYD subunit are expressed in the uterine endometrium and conceptuses during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in a pregnancy status- and stagespecific manner. These suggest that FXYD may be involved in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy by regulating the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in nutrient transport at the maternal-fetal interface in pigs. * This work was supported by the Next Generation BioGreen 21 program (#PJ007997), RDA and the National Research Foundation (NRF #2010-0012304) funded by the Korean Government, Republic of Korea.

The purpose of this experiment is to compare the pregnancy rate (PR) according to the state of the ovaries and uterus, according to the number of embryos transferred from cows and heifers and to investigate the method of artificial twin induction with Hanwoo in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos by embryo transfer (ET). Looking at the PR according to the condition of the ovaries and uterus, the result was not influenced by the condition of the ovaries, but was significantly influenced by the state of the uterus. The PR according to the number of embryos transferred from cows was 36.8%, 53.0%, 50.5% for 1, 2, and 3 embryos respectively, and although there was a higher frequency of twin calves with 3 embryos than with 2, the calving rate was the highest with 2 embryos. In case of heifers, the transfer of 1 embryo showed the best pregnancy and calving rate, and although the PR was similar with 2 embryos (67.7 versus 66.4), in case of 2 embryos transferred there was high frequency of embryonic loss( 6.1%) occurred when a cow was diagnosed at 28 and 53 d after ET, total loss (21.3%; sum of fetal death, abortion and stillbirth after pregnant diagnosis at 60 day).

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of growing stages of the Korean Native Striped Bull (KNSB) on the freezability and fertility of frozen-thawed semen. First, we investigated the total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) according to the diluent used for semen freezing. Second, we examined the effect of the age of KNSB on semen volume, TM and PM of fresh and frozen-thawed semen. Third, we examined the effect of frozen semen from the different age of KNSB on the fertilization rate, and the artificial insemination pregnancy rate. The diluents used in this experiment were Triladyl and Tris-egg yolk extender (EYE). Semen was collected from 5 KNSB in the growing stage (15 months) and 5 adult KNSB (36 months). When Triladyl or Tris-EYE extender was used for semen freezing, there was no difference of the mean TM and the mean PM. However, the mean TM was significantly higher in Bull No. 1885 than Bull No. 4283 ( <0.05). The mean volume of semen collected from the 15-month-old bulls (2.3 ml) was significantly lower ( <0.05) than that from the 36-month-old bulls (5.0 ml). The mean semen concentration was similar for the 15-month-old ( spermatozoa/ml) and 36-month-old ( spermatozoa/ml) bulls. For the 15-month-old and 36-month-old bulls, the mean TM of fresh semen were 93.7% and 88.3%, respectively, and the mean PM were 97.0% and 88.3%, respectively; the 15-month-old bulls showed a particularly high PM ( <0.05). For the 15-month-old and 36-month-old bulls, the mean TM (56.0% and 58.0%, respectively) and the mean PM (64.0% and 70.7%, respectively) of frozen-thawed semen did not differ. The development rates of embryos after fertilization and the pregnancy rate after artificial insemination using frozen-thawed semen did not differ according to the bull's age. In summary, semen volume differed according to the bull's age, but semen concentration and survival rate, the fertilization rate, and the pregnancy rate did not differ according to the stripe bull's age. Accordingly, semen from bulls in the growing stage can be collected and frozen for the preservation and multiplication of rare livestock.

Proteases and their inhibitors are involved in the process of pregnancy by remodeling uterine endometrium and placenta in many mammals. During placentation, proteases and their inhibitors contribute to formation of epitheliochorial type placentation in pigs. Our previous study showed that LGMN and CST6 were expressed in the uterine endometrium and localized mainly to glandular epithelial cells (GE) and chorionic membrane (CM) during mid to late pregnancy. In this study, we investigated expression of LGMN and CST6 in the uterine endometrium and fetal membrane during pregnancy in pigs. Uterine endometrial tissue samples and fetal membrane samples were collected from D30, D60, D90, and D114 of pregnancy. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that both LGMN and CST6 mRNAs were detected in the uterine endometrium and fetal membrane in all samples with higher levels during mid to late stage of pregnancy. Analysis by immunoblotting revealed that LGMN protein was present in the porcine uterine endometrium and fetal membrane. Based on the placental and endometrial distribution of proteases and their inhibitors, we examined LGMN mRNA and LGMN protein expression in the neonatal pigs. In situ hybridization analysis using the intestine from D90 of piglet revealed that LGMN mRNA was highly expressed in the absorptive epithelium of the intestinal villi. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated that LGMN protein was localized to epithelial villi. These results suggest a possible role of LGMN in modification of proteins that are transported through the fetal membrane from the uterine for successful transport and utilization in the fetus.