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Lin CY, Nguyen NN, Tsai WL, Hsieh RH, Wu HT, Chen YC. Aspartame Intake Delayed Puberty Onset in Female Offspring Rats and Girls. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300270. [PMID: 38389198 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE The disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, gut microbiota (GM) community, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is a triggering factor for pubertal onset. The study investigates the effects of the long-term intake of aspartame on puberty and GM in animals and humans. METHODS AND RESULTS Aspartame-fed female offspring rats result in vaginal opening time prolongation, serum estrogen reduction, and serum luteinizing hormone elevation. , 60 mg kg-1 aspartame treatment decreases the mRNA levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Kiss1, and G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), increases the mRNA level of RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), and decreases the expression of GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. Significant differences in relative bacterial abundance at the genus levels and decreased fecal SCFA levels are noted by 60 mg kg-1 aspartame treatment. Among which, Escherichia-Shigella is negatively correlated with several SCFAs. In girls, high-dose aspartame consumption decreases the risk of precocious puberty. CONCLUSIONS Aspartame reduces the chance of puberty occurring earlier than usual in female offspring and girls. Particularly, 60 mg kg-1 aspartame-fed female offspring delays pubertal onset through the dysregulation of HPG axis and GM composition by inhibiting the Kiss1/GPR54 system and inducing the RFRP-3. An acceptable dose of aspartame should be recommended during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yuan Lin
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Nam Nhat Nguyen
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Tsai
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Health Promotion and Gerontological Care, College of LOHAS, Taipei University of Marine Technology, New Taipei City, 25172, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Hong Hsieh
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Tsung Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung, University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Ching Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 116, Taiwan
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
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Optimization of gonadotropin stimulation protocols for in vitro embryo production in prepubertal Mediterranean water buffalo. Theriogenology 2023; 197:84-93. [PMID: 36476506 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Embryos can be produced from prepubertal donor animals using laparoscopic ovum pickup and in vitro embryo production technologies (LOPU-IVEP). Together, these tools can shorten the interval between generations, rapidly accelerating the rate of genetic gain. Here, we assessed the impact of different gonadotropin stimulation protocols in Mediterranean water buffalo heifer calves aged between 2 and 6 months old. Following gonadotropin stimulation, LOPU was performed at two-week intervals, with animals receiving different protocols on subsequent LOPUs. After collection, the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured and fertilized in vitro, and embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage followed by transfer into synchronized adult recipients. The number and size of follicles aspirated during LOPU, the number and quality of COCs recovered, as well as cleavage, embryo development and pregnancy rates were assessed. First, we evaluated the impact of using FSH with and without eCG (administered 24-h prior to LOPU) and found that a combination of FSH and eCG was able to significantly improve embryo development rates (20.6 ± 2.0% vs. 9.0 ± 3.6%; P < 0.05). Second, we compared this protocol to a slow-release formulation of FSH reconstituted in hyaluronan. In addition to requiring less work to prepare the animals for LOPU, this slow-release formulation yielded numerically higher, but not statistically different, average number of recovered COCs (14.4 ± 2.1 vs. 10.3 ± 2.0; P > 0.05) and embryo development rates (22.9 ± 4.7% vs. 14.1 ± 5.2%; P > 0.05) compared to FSH given every 12 h. Next, we compared the length of gonadotropin treatment over 3-, 4- and 5-days prior to LOPU and found that as the length of gonadotropin treatment increased, although the number of COCs recovered steadily decreased (14.1 ± 2.4 vs. 8.7 ± 1.0 vs. 6.9 ± 0.7; P < 0.05), the embryo development rates steadily increased (14.4 ± 3.9 vs. 27.3 ± 4.4 vs. 35.9 ± 7.0; P < 0.05), presumably due to an increase in the proportion of large follicles at the time of LOPU. Numerically, the 4-day treatment yielded more transferrable embryos per donor per LOPU (2.70 ± 0.5) than 3-day (1.94 ± 0.6) and 5-day (2.25 ± 0.5) treatments. Finally, following embryo transfer, 26 of 90 recipient females became pregnant (28.9%). Pregnancies were established from all treatments, which suggests that post-implantation development was not affected among the gonadotropin treatments assessed.
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Rossignolo EADA, Silva NCD, Stolf RL, Cavalieri FLB, Colombo AHB, Andreazzi MA, Seneda MM, Morotti F. Evaluation of hCG as gonadotropic support to timed embryo transfer protocol in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2023; 195:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Currin L, Baldassarre H, de Macedo MP, Glanzner WG, Gutierrez K, Lazaris K, Guay V, Herrera MEC, da Silva Z, Brown C, Joron E, Herron R, Bordignon V. Factors Affecting the Efficiency of In Vitro Embryo Production in Prepubertal Mediterranean Water Buffalo. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243549. [PMID: 36552466 PMCID: PMC9774791 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryos from prepubertal water buffalo can be produced using laparoscopic ovum pickup (LOPU) and in vitro embryo production (IVEP). However, to date, it is unclear what factors and environmental conditions can affect LOPU-IVEP efficiency in prepubertal animals, especially buffalo. In this study, we explored the impact of season, age and individual variation among female donor animals, as well as the effect of the sire used for in vitro fertilization. Donor animals between 2 and 6 months of age were stimulated using gonadotropins prior to LOPU, which was performed at two-week intervals. Following in vitro maturation and fertilization, the resulting embryos were then cultured to the blastocyst stage until they were either vitrified or transferred into recipient animals. The number of follicles available for aspiration and embryo development rates was stable throughout the year. As animals became older, there was a slight trend for fewer COCs recovered from LOPU and better embryo development. There was a large individual variation in both ovarian response and the developmental competence of oocytes among donors. The bull used for fertilization also had a significant impact on embryo development. Upon embryo transfer, pregnancy rates were not affected by the number of embryos transferred per recipient. The best pregnancy rates were achieved when transferring blastocysts, compared to compact morula or hatched blastocysts. Finally, vitrification had no effect on pregnancy rate compared to fresh embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Currin
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Hernan Baldassarre
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | | | - Werner Giehl Glanzner
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Karina Gutierrez
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Katerina Lazaris
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Vanessa Guay
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | | | - Zigomar da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction—BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Caitlin Brown
- Ontario Water Buffalo Company, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0, Canada
| | - Erin Joron
- Ontario Water Buffalo Company, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0, Canada
| | - Ron Herron
- Ontario Water Buffalo Company, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0, Canada
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(514)-398-7793
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Ault-Seay TB, Brandt KJ, Henniger MT, Payton RR, Mathew DJ, Moorey SE, Schrick FN, Pohler KG, Smith TPL, Rhinehart JD, Schneider LG, McLean KJ, Myer PR. Bacterial Communities of the Uterus and Rumen During Heifer Development With Protein Supplementation. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.903909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial communities play major roles in rumen and uterine function toward optimal animal performance and may be affected by changes occurring during heifer development such as nutritional supplementation for optimal growth and the attainment of puberty. The effect of different levels of protein supplementation on ruminal and uterine bacterial communities following weaning was examined through first breeding of heifers. Angus heifers (n = 39) were blocked by initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of three 163-day (d) crude protein (CP) supplementation diets including control (10% CP, n = 14), 20% CP (n = 11), or 40% CP (n = 14) treatment groups. Growth and development were monitored by body weight, with blood progesterone concentration determined every 14 d to determine pubertal status. Uterine flush and rumen fluid were collected on d 56, 112, and 163 relative to the start of supplementation. Bacterial DNA was extracted from fluid samples, the V1–V3 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, and amplicons were sequenced then processed in R 4.1. Statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.4 with a GLIMMIX procedure utilizing fixed effects of protein, month, pubertal status, and interactions, with random effects including BW, interaction of BW and protein, and heifer within the interaction, and repeated measures of day. In the uterus, pubertal status and day of supplementation affected the observed amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and led to clustering of samples in a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA; P < 0.05), but no effect of protein supplementation was observed. Ruminal samples clustered in PCoA (P = 0.001), and observed ASVs were impacted over time (P < 0.0001), but no effect of protein supplementation was detected. In contrast, protein supplementation, pubertal status, and day of supplementation affected the abundance of multiple phyla and genera in the uterus and rumen (P < 0.05). Temporal and pubertal status effects on the heifer’s uterine bacterial communities potentially indicate a maturing uterine microbiome. Protein supplementation did not impact microbial diversity measures but did affect the abundance of individual bacterial phyla and genera that may provide future opportunities to manipulate bacterial community composition and maximize productivity.
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Proteomic analysis of hypothalamus in prepubertal and pubertal female goat. J Proteomics 2022; 251:104411. [PMID: 34728423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The functions of proteins at the onset of puberty in goats remain largely unexplored. To identify the proteins regulating puberty in goats, we analysed protein abundance and pathways in the hypothalamus of female goats. We applied tandem mass tag (TMT) labelling, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) to examine hypothalamus of pubertal (cases; n = 3) and prepubertal (controls; n = 3) goats. We identified 5119 proteins, including 69 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs), of which 35 were upregulated and 34 were downregulated. Fourteen DAPs were randomly selected to verify these results using PRM, and the results were consistent with the TMT quantitative results. DAPs were enriched in MAPK signalling pathway, Ras signalling pathway, Autophagy-animal, Endocytosis, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway categories. These pathways are related to embryogenesis, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and promoting the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus. In particular, PDGFRβ and MAP3K7 occupied important locations in the protein-protein interaction network. The results demonstrate that DAPs and their related signalling pathways are crucial in regulating puberty in goats. However, further research is needed to explore the functions of DAPs and their pathways to provide new insights into the mechanism of puberty onset. SIGNIFICANCE: In domestic animals, reaching the age of puberty is an event that contributes significantly to lifetime reproductive potential. And the hypothalamus functions directly in the complex systemic changes that control puberty. Our study was the first TMT proteomics analysis on hypothalamus tissues of pubertal goats, which revealed the changes of protein and pathways that are related to the onset of puberty. We identified 69 DAPs, which were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, the Ras signaling pathway, and the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, suggesting that these processes were probably involved in the onset of puberty.
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Currin L, Baldassarre H, Bordignon V. In Vitro Production of Embryos from Prepubertal Holstein Cattle and Mediterranean Water Buffalo: Problems, Progress and Potential. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2275. [PMID: 34438733 PMCID: PMC8388507 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) coupled with in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in prepubertal cattle and buffalo accelerates genetic gain. This article reviews LOPU-IVEP technology in prepubertal Holstein Cattle and Mediterranean Water Buffalo. The recent expansion of genomic-assisted selection has renewed interest and demand for prepubertal LOPU-IVEP schemes; however, low blastocyst development rates has constrained its widespread implementation. Here, we present an overview of the current state of the technology, limitations that persist and suggest possible solutions to improve its efficiency, with a focus on gonadotropin stimulations strategies to prime oocytes prior to follicular aspiration, and IVEP procedures promoting growth factor metabolism and limiting oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; (L.C.); (H.B.)
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Nafziger SR, Tenley SC, Summers AF, Abedal-Majed MA, Hart M, Bergman JW, Kurz SG, Davis JS, Wood JR, Cupp AS. Attainment and maintenance of pubertal cyclicity may predict reproductive longevity in beef heifers†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1360-1372. [PMID: 33709137 PMCID: PMC9630398 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized the manner that heifers achieve puberty may indicate their future reproductive longevity. Heifers with discontinued or delayed cyclicity during puberty attainment may have irregular reproductive cycles, anovulation, and infertility in their first breeding season contributing to a shorter reproductive lifespan. Therefore, plasma progesterone (P4) was measured from weaning to breeding on 611 heifers born 2012-2017 and four pubertal classifications were identified: (1) Early; P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml < March 12 with continued cyclicity, (2) Typical; P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml ≥ March 12 with continued cyclicity, (3) Start-Stop; P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml but discontinued cyclicity, and (4) Non-Cycling; no P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml. Historical herd records indicated that 25% of heifers achieved puberty prior to March 12th in the 10 years prior to the study. Start-Stop and Non-Cycling yearling heifers were lighter indicating reduced growth and reproductive maturity traits compared with Early/Typical heifers. In addition, Non-Cycling/Start-Stop heifers were less responsive to prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) to initiate estrous behavior and ovulation to be artificially inseminated. Non-Cycling heifers had fewer reproductive tract score-5 and reduced numbers of calves born in the first 21-days-of-calving during their first breeding season. Within the Start-Stop classification, 50% of heifers reinitiated cyclicity with growth traits and reproductive parameters that were similar to heifers in the Early/Typical classification while those that remained non-cyclic were more similar to heifers in the Non-Cycling group. Thus, heifers with discontinued cyclicity or no cyclicity during puberty attainment had delayed reproductive maturity resulting in subfertility and potentially a shorter reproductive lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Nafziger
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Sarah C Tenley
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Adam F Summers
- Department of Animal Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mariah Hart
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Bergman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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Stefańska B, Gąsiorek M, Nowak W. Short- and long-term effects of initial serum total protein, average starter feed intake during the last week of the preweaning period, and rearing body gain on primiparous dairy heifers' performance. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1645-1659. [PMID: 33309369 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of initial serum total protein (STP) concentration, average starter feed intake (SI) during the last week of the preweaning period, and average daily gain (ADG) on the growth, fertility, and performance of Holstein heifers during their first lactation. Eighty-four female Holstein dairy calves were weaned at d 56 of age and then the study continued until the end of the first lactation. Growth performance, including body weight, ADG, withers height, and its change were analyzed monthly from 3 to 450 d of life, and reproduction data and performance in the first lactation of primiparous dairy heifers over a 4-yr period (2015 to 2019) were recorded. In the first 24 h of life, calves received 4 L of colostrum (<2 h and <12 h after birth); on d 2 and 3: 2 feedings/d of 2 L of transition milk; from d 4 to 49: 6 L/d of milk replacer (150 g of powder/L as-fed) in 3 feedings; and from d 50 to 56: 2 L/d of milk replacer in 1 feeding. The calves were fed pelleted starter feed from d 4 to 56, and after that from 8 wk until 3 mo of age, a dry total mixed ration with an 85:15 ratio of weaning pelleted starter to straw. From 3 to 7 mo and from 8 mo of age to calving, the total mixed ration contained 16.9% and ~14.0% crude protein, respectively, on a dry matter basis and ~2.40 Mcal of metabolizable energy/kg on a dry matter basis. The results of the current study showed that the initial STP concentration of primiparous dairy heifers was associated with improved growth performance, especially greater body weight and withers height. In addition, with increasing levels of initial STP concentration, age at first estrus, artificial insemination (AI) service, pregnancy, and calving was decreased by 16, 18, 25, and 25 d, respectively. Initial STP concentration was positively correlated with milk production and increased total milk yield and yield of energy-corrected milk by about 1,558 kg and 1,149 kg during first lactation. Calves with higher average starter feed intake during the last week of the preweaning period had better growth performance, which in turn was positively associated with fertility parameters, accelerated first estrus (by 17 d), and reduced age at AI service (by 13 d). Preweaning ADG was favorably associated with fertility performance of heifers, with faster occurrence of first estrus and a reduction in age at AI service, pregnancy, and calving. Also, increasing preweaning ADG increased milk yield, energy-corrected milk, and 4% fat-corrected milk at 305 DIM by about 829, 754, and 763 kg at first lactation of primiparous heifers. These results indicate that in the rearing period, particular attention should be paid to the initial STP concentration, average SI during the last week of this period, and rearing ADG to increase growth, fertility, and performance in the first lactation of primiparous dairy heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Stefańska
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 33 Wołyńska Street, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; Department of Grassland and Natural Landscape Sciences, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 11 Dojazd Street, 60-632 Poznań, Poland.
| | - M Gąsiorek
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 33 Wołyńska Street, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - W Nowak
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 33 Wołyńska Street, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
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Bonamy M, de Iraola JJ, Prando AJ, Baldo A, Giovambattista G, Rogberg-Muñoz A. Application of longitudinal data analysis allows to detect differences in pre-breeding growing curves of 24-month calving Angus heifers under two pasture-based systems with differential puberty onset. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2020; 100:714-720. [PMID: 31597200 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longitudinal data analysis contributes to detect differences in the growing curve by exploiting all the information involved in repeated measurements, allowing to distinguish changes over time within individuals, from differences in the baseline levels among groups. In this research, longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis were compared to evaluate differences in growth in Angus heifers under two different grazing conditions, ad libitum (AG) and controlled (CG) to gain 0.5 kg day-1 . RESULTS Longitudinal mixed models show differences in growing curve parameters between grazing conditions, that were not detected by cross-sectional analysis. Differences (P < 0.05) in first derivative of growth curves (daily gain) until 289 days were observed between treatments, AG being higher than CG. Correspondingly, pubertal heifer proportion was also higher in AG at the end of rearing (AG, 0.94; CG, 0.67). CONCLUSION In longitudinal studies, the power to detect differences between groups increases by exploiting the whole information of repeated measures, modelling the relation between measurements performed on the same individual. Under a proper analysis, valid conclusion can be drawn with fewer animals in the trial, improving animal welfare and reducing investigation costs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Bonamy
- Cátedra de Producción de Bovinos, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Julieta J de Iraola
- Cátedra de Producción de Bovinos, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Alberto J Prando
- Cátedra de Producción de Bovinos, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrés Baldo
- Cátedra de Producción de Bovinos, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Giovambattista
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrés Rogberg-Muñoz
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), La Plata, Argentina
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Tahir MS, Nguyen LT, Schulz BL, Boe-Hansen GA, Thomas MG, Moore SS, Lau LY, Fortes MRS. Proteomics Recapitulates Ovarian Proteins Relevant to Puberty and Fertility in Brahman Heifers ( Bos indicus L.). Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E923. [PMID: 31726744 PMCID: PMC6895798 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High fertility and early puberty in Bos indicus heifers are desirable and genetically correlated traits in beef production. The hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis synthesizes steroid hormones, which contribute to the shift from the pre-pubertal state into the post-pubertal state and influence subsequent fertility. Understanding variations in abundance of proteins that govern steroid synthesis and ovarian signaling pathways remains crucial to understanding puberty and fertility. We used whole ovaries of six pre-pubertal and six post-pubertal Brahman heifers to conduct differential abundance analyses of protein profiles between the two physiological states. Extracted proteins were digested into peptides followed by identification and quantification with massspectrometry (MS) by sequential window acquisition of all instances of theoretical fragment ion mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS). MS and statistical analysis identified 566 significantly differentially abundant (DA) proteins (adjusted p < 0.05), which were then analyzed for gene ontology and pathway enrichment. Our data indicated an up-regulation of steroidogenic proteins contributing to progesterone synthesis at luteal phase post-puberty. Proteins related to progesterone signaling, TGF-β, retinoic acid, extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and pleiotrophin signaling were DA in this study. The DA proteins probably relate to the formation and function of the corpus luteum, which is only present after ovulation, post-puberty. Some DA proteins might also be related to granulosa cells signaling, which regulates oocyte maturation or arrest in ovaries prior to ovulation. Ten DA proteins were coded by genes previously associated with reproductive traits according to the animal quantitative trait loci (QTL) database. In conclusion, the DA proteins and their pathways were related to ovarian activity in Bos indicus cattle. The genes that code for these proteins may explain some known QTLs and could be targeted in future genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S. Tahir
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia; (M.S.T.); (B.L.S.); (L.Y.L.)
| | - Loan T. Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia; (L.T.N.); (S.S.M.)
| | - Benjamin L. Schulz
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia; (M.S.T.); (B.L.S.); (L.Y.L.)
| | - Gry A. Boe-Hansen
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4343, Queensland, Australia;
| | - Milton G. Thomas
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Stephen S. Moore
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia; (L.T.N.); (S.S.M.)
| | - Li Yieng Lau
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia; (M.S.T.); (B.L.S.); (L.Y.L.)
| | - Marina R. S. Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia; (M.S.T.); (B.L.S.); (L.Y.L.)
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12
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Bruinjé TC, Rosadiuk JP, Moslemipur F, Carrelli JE, Steele MA, Ambrose DJ. Carryover effects of pre- and postweaning planes of nutrition on reproductive tract development and estrous cycle characteristics in Holstein heifers. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10514-10529. [PMID: 31521363 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate the carryover effects of differing pre- and postweaning planes of nutrition on prepubertal reproductive tract development and postpubertal estrous cycle characteristics in Holstein heifers. Heifer calves (n = 36) were randomly assigned to receive either a low or a high (5 or 10 L of whole milk/d, respectively) preweaning diet from 1 to 7 wk of age and either a low or a high (70 or 85% of concentrate dry total mixed ration, respectively) postweaning diet from 11 to 25 wk of age. Starting at wk 26 of age, heifers were subjected to weekly transrectal ultrasonography until wk 33 or until first ovulation to assess endometrial thickness and ovarian follicular count and size in the prepubertal phase. In a subset of heifers (n = 28), ovarian ultrasonography continued weekly until at least the second ovulation was confirmed; thereafter, ovarian dynamics (through ultrasonography) and blood progesterone (P4) were assessed every 2 d throughout 1 complete estrous cycle in the postpubertal phase. In the prepubertal phase, endometrial thickness (12.0 ± 0.4 vs. 10.8 ± 0.3 mm) and largest follicle size (11.8 ± 0.3 vs. 10.9 ± 0.2 mm) were greater in heifers fed the high postweaning diet than in those fed the low postweaning diet. Furthermore, the number of class 2 (6-9 mm) follicles was greater in heifers fed the high preweaning diet than in those fed the low preweaning diet (1.6 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1), whereas the number of class 3 (>9 mm) follicles was greater in heifers fed the high postweaning diet than in those fed the low postweaning diet (1.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1). In the postpubertal phase, overall corpus luteum and P4 dynamics did not differ among pre- or postweaning treatments; however, P4 at 4 d preceding luteolysis was lesser in heifers fed the high postweaning diet than in those fed the low postweaning diet (6.1 ± 0.4 vs. 7.7 ± 0.4 ng/mL). In addition, compared with heifers fed the low postweaning diet, those fed the high postweaning diet had a greater number of antral follicles (31.4 ± 2.2 vs. 21.4 ± 2.3) and tended to have more class 3 follicles (3.6 ± 0.3 vs. 2.7 ± 0.3). Results indicate positive carryover effects of increasing the preweaning plane of nutrition from 5 to 10 L of whole milk/d on prepubertal follicular growth in Holstein heifers. Furthermore, an increased postweaning plane of nutrition (85 vs. 70% of concentrate dry total mixed ration) advanced reproductive development through greater endometrial thickness and follicular growth in the prepubertal phase and increased the population of antral follicles in the postpubertal estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Bruinjé
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5
| | - J P Rosadiuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5
| | - F Moslemipur
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5; Department of Animal Science, Gonbad Kavoos University, PO Box 163, Golestan, Iran, 49717-99151
| | - J E Carrelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5; Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - D J Ambrose
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5; Livestock Research Branch, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6H 5T6.
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13
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Cavalieri J. Absence of a corpus luteum and relatively lesser concentrations of progesterone during the period of pre-ovulatory follicle emergence results in lesser pregnancy rates in Bos indicus cattle. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 204:39-49. [PMID: 30853120 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Concentrations of progesterone before AI have had variable effects on fertility in both Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle. The aim of this study was to determine if fertility and concentrations of progesterone after AI were affected in Bos indicus females when pre-ovulatory follicles develop in the absence or presence of a corpus luteum (CL). Between 6.5-7.5 days after a synchronised oestrus, all follicles ≥4 mm in diameter were aspirated (Day 0) and cloprostenol was administered on Days 0 and 1 (LP4, n = 36) or on Days 4 and 5 (HP4, n = 40). Animals were inseminated on detection of oestrus until Day 9. Breeding continued using natural mating between Days 9 and 19, AI on detection of oestrus between Day 19 and 29 and natural mating between Days 29-90. Mean concentrations of progesterone were less on Days 2-4 in the LP4 compared to the HP4-treated animals but similar on Days 14 and 20. In the LP4- compared to the HP4-treated animals, the odds of being detected in oestrus and ovulating close to the first AI were similar, but odds of pregnancy to first AI (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.52) and after 1, 4 and 13 weeks of breeding were less (P ≤ 0.051). Absence of a CL and relatively lesser concentrations of progesterone during emergence of pre-ovulatory follicles resulted in lesser pregnancy rates to AI in Bos indicus cattle but did not affect concentrations of P4 after ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Cavalieri
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Qld 4811, Australia.
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Seneda MM, Morotti F, Zangirolamo AF, da Silva NC, Sanches TK, Blaschi W, Barreiros TRR. Antral follicle population in prepubertal and pubertal heifers. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:10-16. [PMID: 32188538 DOI: 10.1071/rd18344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The antral follicle count (AFC) is an important tool in the selection of bovine females destined for biotechnology. However, little is known about AFC in prepubertal and pubertal heifers. Some challenges inherent to the physiology of young females must be considered to achieve efficient rates with different procedures, such as ovum pick-up and IVF. This paper covers some important topics about ovarian physiology related to the population of antral follicles and reproductive efficiency in young female cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Seneda
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - F Morotti
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - A F Zangirolamo
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - N C da Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - T K Sanches
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - W Blaschi
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Rodovia BR - 369, Km 54, Vila Maria, Bandeirantes, Parana 86360-000, Brazil
| | - T R R Barreiros
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Rodovia BR - 369, Km 54, Vila Maria, Bandeirantes, Parana 86360-000, Brazil
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15
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Oosthuizen N, Canal LB, Fontes PLP, Sanford CD, DiLorenzo N, Dahlen CR, Seidel GE, Lamb GC. Prostaglandin F2α 7 d prior to initiation of the 7-d CO-synch + CIDR protocol failed to enhance estrus response and pregnancy rates in beef heifers. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:1466-1473. [PMID: 29669074 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the effects of administration of 25 mg of PGF2α 7 d prior to the initiation of the 7-d CO-Synch + controlled internal drug release (CIDR) fixed-time AI (TAI) protocol, 985 Bos taurus beef heifers were enrolled in a completely randomized design at 9 locations from April to July of 2016. Within location, all heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) CONTROL (n = 496); 100 µg injection of GnRH and a CIDR insert for 7 d [day 7], administration of 25 mg of PGF2α at CIDR removal [day 0], followed by a second injection of GnRH and TAI 54 ± 2 h later; or 2) PRESYNCH (n = 489); same as CONTROL but heifers received an additional injection of 25 mg of PGF2α 7 d prior [day 14] to CIDR insertion. Estrous detection patches were applied to all heifers on day 14 and were evaluated for estrual activity on day 7. Similarly, estrus alert patches were placed on all heifers on day 0 and evaluated for estrual activity at the time of TAI. Pregnancy was diagnosed via transrectal ultrasonography between 35 and 55 d after TAI. The percentage of heifers exhibiting estrus between days 14 and 7 was greater (P < 0.001) for the PRESYNCH (70.1 ± 2.4%) than the CONTROL (41.1 ± 2.3%) treatment, whereas the percentage of heifers exhibiting estrus between day 0 and TAI was greater (P < 0.001) for the CONTROL (55.6 ± 2.4%) than the PRESYNCH (39.7 ± 2.5%) treatment. Estrus response rates differed (P < 0.001) among locations. Pregnancy rates to TAI differed (P = 0.023) among locations; however, they did not differ (P = 0.739) between CONTROL and PRESYNCH treatments (45.4 ± 2.5 vs. 43.2 ± 2.5%, respectively). Final breeding season pregnancy rates did not differ (P = 0.811) between treatments. Therefore, an injection of PGF2α 7 d prior to initiation of the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol failed to improve pregnancy rates to TAI in replacement beef heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Oosthuizen
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL
| | - Luara B Canal
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL
| | - Pedro L P Fontes
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL
| | - Carla D Sanford
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL
| | - Nicolas DiLorenzo
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - George E Seidel
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - G Cliff Lamb
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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16
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Jones AL, Berghaus RD, Studstill MW, Segers JS, Duggin JD, Cannon PT, Stewart RL. Using performance data and reproductive measurements to predict fertility in replacement beef heifers. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 2:74-80. [PMID: 32704690 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the predictive value of reproductive tract evaluation and growth characteristics measured 30-70 d prior to the breeding season on 1) pregnancy outcome and 2) time to conception in replacement beef heifers. A total of 1,992 heifers (BW 329 ± 42 kg; age 347 ± 27 d) were delivered for enrollment in the Georgia Heifer Evaluation and Reproductive Development (HERD) program between 2006 and 2011 at two locations. Physical traits were selected to assess management of heifers prior to entering the program in addition to developmental traits traditionally measured in the HERD program and included: reproductive tract maturity score (RTS), weight 70 d prior to breeding as a percentage of target weight, hip height (HH) 40-50 d prior to breeding, and average daily gain 40-50 d prior to breeding. Cattle entered in the program were of similar age and subjected to comparable nutritional and management programs. Chi-square test of homogeneity (pregnancy status) and the Kaplan-Meier product limit method (number of days from initial breeding to conception) were used to analyze univariate associations with predictor variables. Multivariate analyses of pregnancy status and time to conception were performed using logistic regression and Cox regression, respectively. The odds of pregnancy increased by 15% for every 2.5 cm increase in HH (P = 0.001), and by 20% for every 30-d increase in heifer age at the start of the breeding period (P = 0.019). Although RTS was associated (P = 0.015) with pregnancy status in the univariate analysis, after adjusting for the other variables included in the final multivariable model there was no significant association (P > 0.05). RTS and heifer age were not associated (P > 0.05) with time to conception in the multivariable analysis and were not included in the final model. However, HH was significantly (P = 0.005) associated with the time to conception after adjusting for location and year of enrollment. After 35 d, the hazard rate for conception increased 15% for every 2.5 cm increase in HH [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.15 (1.04, 1.26); P = 0.005]. Variables intended to indicate prior management (average daily gain and weight 70 d prior to breeding as a percentage of target weight) were not found to be associated with pregnancy or time to conception. The results suggest that factors relating to maturity can be used to select heifers that are more likely to achieve pregnancy and have reduced times to conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Jones
- Department of Population Health, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA
| | - Roy D Berghaus
- Department of Population Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Matthew W Studstill
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Jacob S Segers
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA
| | - Jason D Duggin
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, The University of Georgia, Calhoun, GA
| | - Patsie T Cannon
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA
| | - R Lawton Stewart
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
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17
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Vrisman DP, Bastos NM, Rossi GF, Rodrigues NN, Borges LPB, Taira AR, de Paz CCP, Nogueira GDP, Teixeira PPM, Monteiro FM, Oliveira MEF. Corpus luteum dynamics after ovulation induction with or without previous exposure to progesterone in prepubertal Nellore heifers. Theriogenology 2018; 106:60-68. [PMID: 29040877 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were 1) to monitor corpus luteum (CL) dynamics after two different protocols of ovulation induction in prepubertal Nellore heifers, and 2) to determine differences in luteal function. Fifty-seven heifers (weight 289.61 ± 32.28 kg, BCS 5.66 ± 0.65, age 17.47 ± 0.81 months) were divided into two groups: GP4+GnRH received a progesterone (P4) device of 3rd use for 10 days, followed by the administration of 0.02 mg buserelin acetate (GnRH) 48 h after removal of the device, and GGnRH received only GnRH. The CLs formed were monitored by ultrasonography every 2 days until their functional regression (decrease in the color Doppler signal and serum P4 concentration < 1 ng/mL), determining their diameter and area, numerical pixel value (NPV), pixel heterogeneity, and vascularization percentage. The peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, resistivity index and pulsatility index (PI) of the ovarian artery and serum P4 concentration were also measured. A lifespan of the CL of more than 16 days was classified as normal-function and of less than 16 days as premature regression. The variables were compared between treatments, CL categories (normal-functional, prematurely regressed or non-functional), days of evaluation, and their interactions using the MIXED procedure of the SAS program (p ≤ 0.05). Three animals of each group (6/57 = 11%) did not respond to treatment, corresponding to an ovulation rate of 89%. There was a higher percentage of normal-function CLs in GP4+GnRH (81%) and a higher percentage of non-functional CLs in GGnRH (52%; P4 concentration < 1 ng/mL in all assessments). Normal-function CLs exhibited a greater area, vascularization percentage and P4 concentration than prematurely regressed and non-functional CLs. Lower diameter, area, NPV and P4 concentration were observed for non-functional CLs, but there was no difference in vascularization percentage compared to prematurely regressed CLs. Progesterone concentration was efficient in diagnosing CL function and was positively correlated with CL area (r = 0.62; p < 0.001) and vascularization percentage (r = 0.38; p < 0.001). Diameter and PI were important for the early diagnosis of non-functional and prematurely regressed CLs, respectively. In conclusion, luteal function differed for the first CL that develops after ovulation induction in prepubertal heifers. Ultrasonographic parameters (diameter, area, NPV, vascularization percentage, and PI) can be used to predict CL function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Priscila Vrisman
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil.
| | - Natália Marins Bastos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Fazan Rossi
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Naiara Nantes Rodrigues
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | | | - Augusto Ryonosuke Taira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme de Paula Nogueira
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba (FMVA/UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, 16050-680, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio Morato Monteiro
- Instituto de Zootecnia, Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte, Sertãozinho, São Paulo, 14160-970, Brazil
| | - Maria Emília Franco Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil.
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18
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Fortes MRS, Nguyen LT, Weller MMDCA, Cánovas A, Islas-Trejo A, Porto-Neto LR, Reverter A, Lehnert SA, Boe-Hansen GB, Thomas MG, Medrano JF, Moore SS. Transcriptome analyses identify five transcription factors differentially expressed in the hypothalamus of post- versus prepubertal Brahman heifers. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:3693-3702. [PMID: 27898892 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Puberty onset is a developmental process influenced by genetic determinants, environment, and nutrition. Mutations and regulatory gene networks constitute the molecular basis for the genetic determinants of puberty onset. The emerging knowledge of these genetic determinants presents opportunities for innovation in the breeding of early pubertal cattle. This paper presents new data on hypothalamic gene expression related to puberty in (Brahman) in age- and weight-matched heifers. Six postpubertal heifers were compared with 6 prepubertal heifers using whole-genome RNA sequencing methodology for quantification of global gene expression in the hypothalamus. Five transcription factors (TF) with potential regulatory roles in the hypothalamus were identified in this experiment: , , , , and . These TF genes were significantly differentially expressed in the hypothalamus of postpubertal versus prepubertal heifers and were also identified as significant according to the applied regulatory impact factor metric ( < 0.05). Two of these 5 TF, and , were zinc fingers, belonging to a gene family previously reported to have a central regulatory role in mammalian puberty. The gene belongs to the family of homologues of Drosophila sine oculis () genes implicated in transcriptional regulation of gonadotrope gene expression. Tumor-related genes such as and are known to affect basic cellular processes that are relevant in both cancer and developmental processes. Mutations in were associated with puberty in humans. Mutations in these TF, together with other genetic determinants previously discovered, could be used in genomic selection to predict the genetic merit of cattle (i.e., the likelihood of the offspring presenting earlier than average puberty for Brahman). Knowledge of key mutations involved in genetic traits is an advantage for genomic prediction because it can increase its accuracy.
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19
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Polymorphisms and genes associated with puberty in heifers. Theriogenology 2016; 86:333-9. [PMID: 27238439 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Puberty onset is a multifactorial process influenced by genetic determinants and environmental conditions, especially nutritional status. Genes, genetic variations, and regulatory networks compose the molecular basis of achieving puberty. In this article, we reviewed the discovery of multiple polymorphisms and genes associated with heifer puberty phenotypes and discuss the opportunities to use this evolving knowledge of genetic determinants for breeding early pubertal Bos indicus-influenced cattle. The discovery of polymorphisms and genes was mainly achieved through candidate gene studies, quantitative trait loci analyses, genome-wide association studies, and recently, global gene expression studies (transcriptome). These studies are recapitulated and summarized in the current review.
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