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Bisinotto DZ, Degan Mattos AC, Bonacim PM, Feltrin IR, Guimarães da Silva A, Poit DAS, Neto AL, Marques HS, Guimarães Peres RF, Pugliesi G. Impact of 17β-estradiol administration at the moment of timed-AI in Nelore cows with small dominant follicle or not showing estrus. Theriogenology 2024; 224:143-155. [PMID: 38776702 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.008] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of administering estradiol (E-17β) at the moment of timed-AI (TAI) on uterine gene expression, estrous expression rate (EER), and pregnancy rate (P/TAI) in Nelore cows with a small dominant follicle (DF) or not showing estrus at TAI. In Experiments 1 and 2 (Exp1, Exp2) cows were submitted to a P4/E-17β-based protocol (day 0) for synchronization of ovulation. On day 7, devices were removed, cows received 1 mg E-17β cypionate and 12.5 mg dinoprost. On day 9, cows with DF < 11.5 mm in diameter were split into different groups. In Exp1 (n = 16/group): Control (no treatment), E-2 (2 mg E-17β) and E-4 (4 mg E-17β). In Exp2: Control (n = 12); E-2 (n = 14); GnRH (0.1 mg gonadorelin acetate, n = 13); and E-2+GnRH (association of GnRH and E-17β, n = 13). Between days 9 and 11, endometrial thickness (ET), time of ovulation detection, and EER were recorded. In Exp1, a uterine cytological sample was collected 4 h after treatment to evaluate the transcript expression of receptors for E-17β (ESR1 and ESR2), oxytocin (OXTR), and P4 (PGR). In Experiment 3 (Exp3), 3829 suckled cows were submitted to a P4/E-17β-based protocol for TAI. On day 9, devices were removed and cows received 1 mg E-17β cypionate and 0.4 mg sodium cloprostenol. On day 11, TAI was performed and cows that did not demonstrate estrus received 0.1 mg gonadorelin acetate, and were allocated into two groups: GnRH (n = 368) and E-2+GnRH (2 mg E-17β; n = 363). In Exp1, plasma E-17β concentrations increased at 4 h after treatment in a dose-dependent manner but reduced at 12 h. The E-17β-treated cows had greater transcript abundance for OXTR and lesser for ESR1 and ESR2, and the ET was reduced 12 h after treatment (P < 0.05). No significant difference (P > 0.1) was observed between the E-17β doses in estrus or ovulation rate. In Exp2, the interval from treatment to ovulation was longer (P < 0.05) in the E-17β group. GnRH-treated cows showed higher ovulation rates (89 vs. 35 %) compared to cows not treated with GnRH, as E-17β-treated cows (P < 0.01) had a lower ovulation rate compared to those not receiving E-17β (44 vs. 78 %). In Exp3, P/TAI was 55 % for cows in estrus. For those not showing estrus, no difference (P > 0.1) in P/TAI was observed between GnRH (34 %) and E-2+GnRH (31 %) groups. Cows with a DF ≥ 11 mm (n = 192) had a greater (P < 0.05) P/TAI (49 %) than those with DF < 11 mm (n = 377; 29 %). In conclusion, E-17β administration in the moment of TAI modulates the mRNA expression of uterine receptors in cows with a small DF but does not impact the P/TAI compared with GnRH treatment in suckled Nelore not showing estrus previous to TAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Zago Bisinotto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Degan Mattos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Mielli Bonacim
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabella Rio Feltrin
- Department of Pharmacology and Biotechnology, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adomar Laurindo Neto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
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Perry GA, Ketchum JN, Quail LK. Importance of preovulatory estradiol on uterine receptivity and luteal function. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230061. [PMID: 37720725 PMCID: PMC10503890 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals that exhibited estrus had greater pregnancy success compared to animals that did not exhibit estrus before fixed-time AI (FTAI). Estradiol is synthesized in bovine ovarian follicles under gonadotropin regulation and can directly and indirectly regulate the uterine receptivity and luteal function. Estradiol concentrations at FTAI impacted oviductal gene expression and has been reported to play an important role in establishing the timing of uterine receptivity. These changes have been reported to impact uterine pH and sperm transport to the site of fertilization. After fertilization, preovulatory estradiol has been reported to improve embryo survival likely by mediating changes in uterine blood flow, endometrial thickness and changes in histotroph. Cows with greater estradiol concentrations at the time of GnRH-induced ovulation also had a larger dominant follicle size and greater circulating progesterone concentrations on day 7. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the individual benefit of greater estradiol concentrations prior to ovulation and greater progesterone concentrations following ovulation to pregnancy establishment, as these two measurements are confounded. Research has indicated an importance in the occurrence and timing of increasing preovulatory concentrations of estradiol, but increasing estradiol concentrations by supplementation may not be sufficient to increase fertility. Increased production of estradiol by the preovulatory follicle may be required to enhance fertility through the regulation of sperm transport, fertilization, oviductal secretions, the uterine environment, and embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaclyn Nicole Ketchum
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lacey Kay Quail
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Bevilaqua JR, Rodrigues NN, Rossi GF, Pupin MAF, Silva MO, Borges MS, Fernandes LG, Mercadante MEZ, Monteiro FM, Oliveira MEF. Effect of follicular wave stage on potential fertility predictors and their repeatability coefficient in prepubertal Bos indicus (Nellore) and Bos taurus (Caracu) heifers. Animal 2022; 16:100678. [PMID: 36493570 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to develop accessible methods for the precocious individual selection based on phenotypic attributes related to reproductive superiority, this study evaluated the effects of follicular wave stages (emergence and dominance) and the repeatability coefficients of potential fertility predictors (vulvar morphometry, uterine biometry, echogenicity and echotexture, ovarian biometry, and antral follicle count - AFC) in two breeds of purebred prepubertal heifers. Nellore (n = 30) and Caracu (n = 28) heifers were submitted to a sequence of 11 evaluations conducted every 48 h (D0 - random day of the antral follicular wave until D20) to study potential fertility indicators under natural conditions. The data obtained were compared according to breed and follicular wave stage. Statistical analysis included the fixed effects of breed, evaluation day, and their statistical interaction and was performed using MIXED, GENMOD, GLM, and CORR procedures of the SAS program. Breed was found to influence rima height, ovarian area, and AFC, which were greater in Nellore heifers (P < 0.02). The follicular wave stage also influenced most of the potential predictors, highlighting AFC which was higher in the presence of a dominant follicle in both breeds (P < 0.0001). The repeatability coefficients for vulvar width (0.76 and 0.66), ovarian area (0.70 and 0.62), and AFC (0.76 and 0.74) were considered to be high in Nellore and Caracu heifers, respectively. Only ovarian biometry was able to predict AFC (Pearson correlation coefficient ≥ 0.66; P < 0.0001) in prepubertal heifers. The results indicate that most of the phenotypic reproductive parameters analyzed can be characterized throughout prepuberty using a single measure since they are intrinsic attributes of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Bevilaqua
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - N N Rodrigues
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - G F Rossi
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M A F Pupin
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M O Silva
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - M S Borges
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - L G Fernandes
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M E Z Mercadante
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - F M Monteiro
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - M E F Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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Hölper M, Bretzinger L, Randi F, Heuwieser W, Borchardt S. Effect of dose and frequency of prostaglandin F2α treatments during a 7-day Ovsynch protocol with an intravaginal progesterone releasing device on luteal regression and pregnancy outcomes in lactating Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 106:755-768. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Cracco RC, Bussiman FDO, Polizel GHG, Furlan É, Garcia NP, Poit DAS, Pugliesi G, Santana MHDA. Effects of Maternal Nutrition on Female Offspring Weight Gain and Sexual Development. Front Genet 2021; 12:737382. [PMID: 34887899 PMCID: PMC8650139 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.737382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy influences postnatal life of animals; nevertheless, few studies have investigated its effects on the productive performance and reproductive development of heifers. This study evaluated the performance, reproductive development, and correlation between reproduction × fat thickness and performance × ribeye area (REA) traits of heifers. We also performed an exploratory genomic association during the rearing period in heifers submitted to fetal programming. The study comprised 55 Nellore heifers born to dams exposed to one of the following nutritional planes: control, without protein-energy supplementation; PELT, protein-energy last trimester, protein-energy supplementation offered in the final third of pregnancy; and PEWG, protein-energy whole gestation, protein-energy supplementation upon pregnancy confirmation. Protein-energy supplementation occurred at the level of 0.3% live weight. After weaning, heifers were submitted to periodic evaluations of weight and body composition by ultrasonography. From 12 to 18 months, we evaluated the reproductive tract of heifers to monitor its development for sexual precocity and ovarian follicle population. The treatments had no effect (p > 0.05) on average daily gain; however, the weight of the animals showed a significant difference over time (p = 0.017). No differences were found between treatments for REA, backfat, and rump fat thickness, nor for puberty age, antral follicular count, and other traits related to reproductive tract development (p > 0.05). The correlation analysis between performance traits and REA showed high correlations (r > 0.37) between REA at weaning and year versus weight from weaning until yearling; however, no correlation was found for reproductive development traits versus fat thickness (p > 0.05). The exploratory genomic association study showed one single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for each treatment on an intergenic region for control and PEWG, and the one for PELT on an intronic region of RAPGEF1 gene. Maternal nutrition affected only the weight of the animals throughout the rearing period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Cavalcante Cracco
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | | | - Édison Furlan
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Nara Pontes Garcia
- Departament of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Diego Angelo Schmidt Poit
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
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Silva FACC, da Silva GF, Vieira BS, Neto AL, Rocha CC, Lo Turco EG, Nogueira GP, Pugliesi G, Binelli M. Peri-estrus ovarian, uterine, and hormonal variables determine the uterine luminal fluid metabolome in beef heifers. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1140-1153. [PMID: 34350935 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, uterine luminal fluid (ULF) is the main source of molecules that support embryo development and survival during the peri-implantation period. Our overarching hypothesis is that peri-estrus changes in uterine function, including ULF accumulation and absorption, are uneven among individuals, and it affects ULF composition and fertility. Our objectives were (1) to characterize temporal and spatial changes in ULF volume, endometrial and luteal blood perfusion, endometrial and luteal size, and circulating progesterone concentrations during the peri-estrus period in beef heifers and, (2) to associate such changes with the metabolite composition in the ULF, four days after estrus (d 0). Fourteen B. indicus heifers that presented a PGF2α responsive CL received 500 μg PGF2α analog i.m. and were examined daily by rectal B-mode and pulse-wave color-Doppler ultrasonography until the fifth day after estrus (d 5). The composition of the ULF was analyzed by targeted mass spectrometry on d 4. Multivariate analyses clustered heifers according to ovarian, uterine, and hormonal variables in clusters A (n = 5) and B (n = 8 heifers). Concentrations of Pro, Ala, Leu, Gly, Val, Lys, Ile, Phe, Asp, Orn, Tyr, Arg, Trp, Suc, Cit, ADMA, the sum of essential Amino Acids (AA), sum of non-essential AA, sum of aromatic AA, and total AA were greater in cluster A (FDR ≤ 0.05). ULF volume dynamics and uterine, ovarian, and hormonal variables during the peri-estrus period presented a concerted variation among heifers within clusters, which was associated with the ULF composition four days after estrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A C C Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gabriela F da Silva
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna S Vieira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Adomar L Neto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Cecilia C Rocha
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Edson G Lo Turco
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme P Nogueira
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Sao Paulo State University, Aracatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Viana JHM, Pereira NES, Faria OAC, Dias LRO, Oliveira ER, Fernandes CAC, Siqueira LGB. Active immunization against GnRH as an alternative therapeutic approach for the management of Bos indicus oocyte donors diagnosed with chronic cystic ovarian disease. Theriogenology 2021; 172:133-141. [PMID: 34166988 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active immunization against GnRH in Nelore (Bos indicus) cows repeatedly used as oocyte donors that developed chronic cystic ovarian disease (COD). In the first experiment, ovarian and uterine features were first compared between COD cows (n = 15) and healthy cows (n = 22, cycling control group) from the same breed and herd. Cows with COD had a greater number of large (P < 0.0001) and medium follicles (P < 0.01) but lesser small follicles (P < 0.05) than cycling controls. Mucometra was diagnosed in 73.3% of COD cows, but in none of the controls. No difference in average thickness of the endometrium was detected between groups; however, endometrial thickness and mucometra score were negatively correlated (R = -0.73, P = 0.0029) in COD cows. In the second experiment, COD cows were randomly allocated into two experimental groups, which received two 1.0 mL SC injections of either an anti-GnRH vaccine (COD immunized group, n = 8) or saline (COD control group, n = 7), given 28 days apart. Cows were examined weekly by transrectal ultrasonography during nine consecutive weeks after the first injection to evaluate the number and distribution of follicles among size classes, endometrial thickness, and presence of clinical mucometra. Vaccination against GnRH resulted in a progressive suppression of follicle growth and a reduction in the average size of the largest follicle, as well as in the number of large follicles (P < 0.01) in COD immunized cows compared with COD controls from week 7 onwards. Conversely, the number of small follicles in the COD immunized group increased after week 5 and was greater (P = 0.0023) than controls on week 9. Endometrial thickness and mucometra score were not affected (P > 0.05) by immunization against GnRH. In the third experiment, the COD immunized cows with effective suppression of follicle growth four weeks after the 2nd injection (n = 6) were submitted to three consecutive ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions (weeks 10, 11, and 12) for in vitro embryo production (IVEP). Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were used as controls for IVEP. COD cows with produced 25.0 ± 3.8 COC per OPU session with no apparent detrimental effect of anti-GnRH vaccine on oocyte developmental potential in vitro, i.e., we observed similar cleavage rate (P = 0.5914) and greater blastocyst rate (P = 0.0177) in immunized cows compared with COC from slaughterhouse controls. Finally, in the fourth experiment wave emergence and follicular dynamics after follicle ablation were compared between COD immunized cows with effective suppression of follicle growth and a subset (n = 6) of the cycling, control group. No follicles grew beyond 4 mm diameter after follicle ablation in the COD immunized group, whereas a normal follicular wave emergence occurred in cycling controls. Antral follicle count was similar between cycling controls and COD immunized groups at 24 h and 96 h post-follicle ablation (P > 0.05), but greater in cycling controls at 48 h and 72 h post-follicle ablation (P < 0.05). In summary, our results suggest that active immunization against GnRH is effective to induce the regression of follicular cysts as well as increase the number of small follicles growing on the ovaries, in oocyte donors diagnosed with chronic COD, with no apparent negative effect on oocyte developmental potential in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Henrique Moreira Viana
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil; Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, 37130-000, Brazil; Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Gustavo Bruno Siqueira
- Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, 37130-000, Brazil; Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36038-330, Brazil
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De Clercq K, Vandaele L, Vanbinst T, Riou M, Deblauwe I, Wesselingh W, Pinard A, Van Eetvelde M, Boulesteix O, Leemans B, Gélineau R, Vercauteren G, Van der Heyden S, Beckers JF, Saegerman C, Sammin D, de Kruif A, De Leeuw I. Transmission of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 8 by Artificial Insemination with Frozen-Thawed Semen from Naturally Infected Bulls. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040652. [PMID: 33918924 PMCID: PMC8069090 DOI: 10.3390/v13040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of bluetongue (BT) virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) via artificial insemination of contaminated frozen semen from naturally infected bulls was investigated in two independent experiments. Healthy, BT negative heifers were hormonally synchronized and artificially inseminated at oestrus. In total, six groups of three heifers received semen from four batches derived from three bulls naturally infected with BTV-8. Each experiment included one control heifer that was not inseminated and that remained BT negative throughout. BTV viraemia and seroconversion were determined in 8 out of 18 inseminated heifers, and BTV was isolated from five of these animals. These eight heifers only displayed mild clinical signs of BT, if any at all, but six of them experienced pregnancy loss between weeks four and eight of gestation, and five of them became BT PCR and antibody positive. The other two infected heifers gave birth at term to two healthy and BT negative calves. The BT viral load varied among the semen batches used and this had a significant impact on the infection rate, the time of onset of viraemia post artificial insemination, and the gestational stage at which pregnancy loss occurred. These results, which confirm unusual features of BTV-8 infection, should not be extrapolated to infection with other BTV strains without thorough evaluation. This study also adds weight to the hypothesis that the re-emergence of BTV-8 in France in 2015 may be attributable to the use of contaminated bovine semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris De Clercq
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Tine Vanbinst
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
| | - Mickaël Riou
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Isra Deblauwe
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Wendy Wesselingh
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Anne Pinard
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Olivier Boulesteix
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Robert Gélineau
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Griet Vercauteren
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.V.); (S.V.d.H.)
| | - Sara Van der Heyden
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.V.); (S.V.d.H.)
| | - Jean-François Beckers
- Département des Sciences Fonctionnelles (DSF), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4130 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Donal Sammin
- Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Laboratories, Backweston, W23 X3PH Co. Kildare, Ireland;
| | - Aart de Kruif
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Ilse De Leeuw
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
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9
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Abdalla H, Salem SE, Elsohaby I, Swelum AA. Likelihood of pregnancy in cows identified with different amounts of anechoic intrauterine fluid at the time of insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 226:106688. [PMID: 33476904 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Effects of amount of anechoic intrauterine fluid (IUF) and size of largest follicle at insemination on proportion of cows pregnant as a result of AI (P/AI percentage), as well as factors associated with amount of IUF and size of the follicle were investigated. Follicle size was determined, and amount of IUF in the largest uterine segment was categorized as containing no fluid, ≤10, >10-20, and >20 mm using the ultrasonic monitor grid in 735 cows at time of insemination. Multivariable regression models were constructed to evaluate effects of different variables on P/AI percentage, and variables associated with the IUF score and follicle size. On day 30 post-insemination, the P/AI percentage was greater in cows that had >10 to 20 mm IUF than cows with no IUF (OR = 1.9, P = 0.01), but on day 70 post-insemination, the P/AI percentage was similar in cows with different amounts of IUF. Follicle size was not associated with P/AI percentage on days 30 and 70 post-insemination. Cows in spontaneous estrus, multiparous cows, cows with a cystic structure and a typically functional follicle, and Holstein cows had a greater likelihood for a larger IUF value. Primiparous cows, cows on which there was imposing of a hormonal-ovulation-synchronization regimen, and crossbred cows were more likely to have smaller follicles. In conclusion, amount of IUF at the time of insemination and size of the follicle were not associated with P/AI percentage, and several variables were associated with amount of IUF or follicle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Abdalla
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt.
| | - Shebl E Salem
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt; Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt; Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Tippenhauer CM, Steinmetz I, Heuwieser W, Fricke PM, Lauber MR, Cabrera EM, Borchardt S. Effect of dose and timing of prostaglandin F 2α treatments during a 7-d Ovsynch protocol on progesterone concentration at the end of the protocol and pregnancy outcomes in lactating Holstein cows. Theriogenology 2020; 162:49-58. [PMID: 33444916 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two prostaglandin F2α (PGF) treatments 24 h apart (500 μg of cloprostenol) and treatment with a double PGF dose on d 7 (1000 μg of cloprostenol) during a 7-d Ovsynch protocol on progesterone (P4) concentration and pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in lactating Holstein cows. We hypothesized that treatment leads to a decreased P4 concentration at the second GnRH treatment (G2) and an increase in P/AI compared to the traditional 7-d Ovsynch protocol. A secondary hypothesis was that the treatment effect is influenced by the presence of a corpus luteum (CL) at the first GnRH treatment (G1). Two experiments were conducted on 8 commercial dairy farms in Germany. Once a week, cows from both experiments were assigned in a consecutive manner to receive: (1) Ovsynch (control: GnRH; 7 d, PGF; 9 d, GnRH), (2) Ovsynch with a double PGF dose (GDPG: GnRH; 7 d, 2xPGF; 9 d, GnRH), or (3) Ovsynch with a second PGF treatment 24 h later (GPPG: GnRH; 7 d, PGF; 8 d, PGF; 32 h, GnRH). All cows received timed AI (TAI) approximately 16 h after G2. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal palpation (38 ± 3 d after TAI, experiment 1) or transrectal ultrasonography (35 ± 7 d after TAI, experiment 2). Whereas farms from experiment 1 used a Presynch-Ovsynch protocol (PGF, 14 d later PGF, 12 d later GnRH, 7 d later PGF, 2 d later GnRH, and 16-18 h later TAI) to facilitate first postpartum TAI, no presynchronization protocol was used on farms from experiment 2. In experiment 1, we enrolled 1581 lactating dairy cows (60 experimental units) from 2 dairy farms. At G2, blood samples were collected from a subsample of cows (n = 491; 16 experimental units) to determine P4 concentration at G2. In experiment 2, we enrolled 1979 lactating dairy cows (252 experimental units) from 6 dairy farms. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to determine the presence or absence of a CL at G1. In experiment 1, treatment affected P/AI (P = 0.01) and P/AI was greater for GDPG (38.2%) and GPPG (38.9%) than for control cows (29.8%). Both, GDPG and GPPG cows had decreased P4 concentration at G2 compared with control cows (P < 0.01). Whereas both treatments increased the percentage of cows with very low P4 concentration (0.00-0.09 ng/mL) at G2, only the GPPG treatment decreased the percentage of cows with high P4 concentration (≥0.6 ng/mL) at G2 compared to the control group. In experiment 2, P/AI was greater for GPPG (37.4%) than for control cows (31.0%; P = 0.03) and tended to be greater than for GDPG cows (31.8%; P = 0.05). Cows from the GDPG group had similar (P = 0.77) P/AI compared to the control group. Pregnancy per AI did not differ between cows with a CL at G1 and cows without a CL at G1 (34.1% vs. 32.6%; P = 0.50). There was no interaction between treatment and presence of a CL at G1 on P/AI (P = 0.61). Combining data from the 2 experiments but excluding cows from experiment 1 receiving presynchronization before first TAI (n = 2573; 312 experimental units), P/AI was greater for GPPG (40.3%; P < 0.01) than for control (31.8%) and GDPG cows (33.4%). Between GDPG and control cows, P/AI did not differ (P = 0.46). We conclude that overall the addition of a second PGF treatment on d 8 during a 7-d Ovsynch protocol increased P/AI compared to the traditional 7-d Ovsynch including a single PGF dose on d 7 and to a double PGF dose on d 7. Doubling the PGF dose on d 7 in a 7-d Ovsynch protocol did not affect P/AI. Use of a presynchronization protocol, however, seems to influence the effect of a dose frequency modification of PGF treatment in an Ovsynch protocol. Presynchronized cows receiving first postpartum TAI had similarly increased P/AI treated with a double PGF dose compared with treatment with a second PGF dose. Future studies need to elucidate whether the treatment effect is modified by presynchronization of the first postpartum TAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Tippenhauer
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - I Steinmetz
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - W Heuwieser
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - P M Fricke
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53706, United States
| | - M R Lauber
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53706, United States
| | - E M Cabrera
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53706, United States
| | - S Borchardt
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
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11
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Karl KR, Jimenez-Krassel F, Gibbings E, Ireland JLH, Clark ZL, Tempelman RJ, Latham KE, Ireland JJ. Negative impact of high doses of follicle-stimulating hormone during superovulation on the ovulatory follicle function in small ovarian reserve dairy heifers†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:695-705. [PMID: 33205153 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When women with small ovarian reserves are subjected to assisted reproductive technologies, high doses of gonadotropins are linked to high oocyte and embryo wastage and low live birth rates. We hypothesized that excessive follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) doses during superovulation are detrimental to ovulatory follicle function in individuals with a small ovarian reserve. To test this hypothesis, heifers with small ovarian reserves were injected twice daily for 4 days, beginning on Day 1 of the estrous cycle with 35, 70, 140, or 210 IU doses of Folltropin-V (FSH). Each heifer (n = 8) was superovulated using a Williams Latin Square Design. During each superovulation regimen, three prostaglandin F2α injections were given at 12-h interval, starting at the seventh FSH injection to regress the newly formed corpus luteum (CL). Human chorionic gonadotropin was injected 12 h after the last (8th) FSH injection to induce ovulation. Daily ultrasonography and blood sampling were used to determine the number and size of follicles and corpora lutea, uterine thickness, and circulating concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The highest doses of FSH did not increase AMH, progesterone, number of ovulatory-size follicles, uterine thickness, or number of CL. However, estradiol production and ovulation rate were lower for heifers given high FSH doses compared to lower doses, indicating detrimental effects on ovulatory follicle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Karl
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Fermin Jimenez-Krassel
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Emily Gibbings
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Janet L H Ireland
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Zaramasina L Clark
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Robert J Tempelman
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Keith E Latham
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - James J Ireland
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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12
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Poock SE, Melendez P, Caldeira MO, Moore SG, Mayo LM, Molina-Coto R, Lucy MC. Evaluation of cervical and uterine size, at 4 weeks postpartum, as a predictor of subsequent fertility in Jersey cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:915-921. [PMID: 32406564 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13702] [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: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Uterine and cervical size of Holstein dairy cows is reported among reasons for a decline in dairy cow fertility. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (a) determine whether size of the cervix and uterus at 4 weeks postpartum impacted subsequent fertility at first service in Jersey cattle, (b) determine whether progesterone level at 4 weeks postpartum impacted cyclicity and (c) the association of the presence of corpus luteum and uterus and cervix size. Body condition scores at calving, presence of postpartum diseases, parity number and milk weights were taken from lactating Jersey dairy cows (N = 147) for 28 days postpartum. During the fourth week postpartum, a blood sample was obtained for progesterone concentration, and transrectal ultrasonography was performed by a high-resolution ultrasound machine to determine cervical and uterine horn diameter, as well as ovarian structures measurements. Correcting for parity number, BCS at calving, presence of diseases and milk yield, cows with a cervix >2.54 ± 0.63 cm and uterine horn >2.25 ± 0.59 cm were less likely to become pregnant at first service (p = .04 and p = .003, respectively). The cows with larger cervix had a trend to be less likely to have a corpus luteum present at the 4th week of lactation (p = .067). Cows with larger uterine horn size were less likely to have a corpus luteum present at the 4th week of lactation (p = .015). It is concluded that a larger cervix and/or uterus during the postpartum was associated negatively with fertility and cyclicity in Jersey cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Poock
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Pedro Melendez
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Monica O Caldeira
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Stephen G Moore
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lauren M Mayo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Roger Molina-Coto
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Matthew C Lucy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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13
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Abdelnaby EA, Abo El-Maaty AM. Effect of the side of ovulation on the uterine morphometry, blood flow, progesterone, oestradiol and nitric oxide during spontaneous and induced oestrus in lactating dairy cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:851-860. [PMID: 32388889 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the changes in endometrial thickness between ipsilateral and contralateral uterine horns, diameter, blood flow area and hormonal concentrations in cows during natural and induced oestrus. In the induced group, six cows received a controlled internal device insert for 7 days. In the normal and induced oestrous group (n = 12), Doppler was performed day after day from day 5 till day 15. Oestradiol, progesterone and nitric oxide metabolites (NOMs) were measured. Results showed that dorsal, ventral and cross-section diameter of the ipsilateral horn increased during the induced oestrous group to reach a maximum on day 2 than during normal one. The total coloured area in both horns in a normal and induced group was also affected (p < .001), as the total coloured area in the ipsilateral horns, increased in the induced group, reach a maximum on day 2 after ovulation, while in normal it reaches a maximum on day of ovulation. Oestradiol increased during the induced cycle than during the normal one, but progesterone increased during days after ovulation reaches a higher value on day 10 in both groups. Nitric oxide showed two peaks, one on the day 3 and another peak on day 5. Conclusion: The ipsilateral uterine horn different diameters and thickness increased more rapidly in the induced oestrous group than the natural oestrus group. A complete analysis of variations in P4 and E2 concentrations and endometrial thickness suggested that decreases in P4 concentrations were related to an increase in endometrial thickness and that increases in E2 concentrations enhanced these endometrial changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elshymaa A Abdelnaby
- Theriogenology Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amal M Abo El-Maaty
- Veterinary Division, Animal Reproduction and AI Dept., National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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14
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Motta JCL, Madureira G, Silva LO, Alves RLOR, Silvestri M, Drum JN, Consentini CEC, Prata AB, Pohler KG, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R. Interactions of circulating estradiol and progesterone on changes in endometrial area and pituitary responsiveness to GnRH†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:643-653. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Changes in circulating progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) during proestrus produce dynamic changes in endometrial function and pituitary release of gonadotropins. Independent and combined effects of P4 and E2 on endometrium and pituitary were evaluated. In a preliminary study, an exogenous hormone model of proestrus was created by removal of corpus luteum and follicles ≥5 mm followed by gradual removal of intravaginal P4 implants during 18 h and treatment with increasing doses of estradiol benzoate during 48 h to mimic proestrus using high E2 (n = 9) or low E2 (n = 9). Decreased P4, increased E2, and increased endometrial area (EA) simulated proestrus in high-E2 cows and this was used subsequently. The main experiment used a 2 × 2 factorial design with: high E2 and low P4 (n = 11); high E2 and high P4 (n = 11); low E2 and high P4 (n = 11); low E2 and low P4 (n = 10). At 48 h, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release was determined. Variables were analyzed using PROCMIXED of Statistical Analysis System. The EA increased dramatically during 48 h only in high-E2 and low-P4 cows. For FSH, high-E2 cows had greater area under the curve (AUC) and FSH peak after GnRH than low E2, with mild negative effects of high P4. For LH, concentration at peak and AUC were 2-fold greater in high E2 compared to low-E2 groups, with low P4 also 2-fold greater than high-P4 groups. Thus, maximal changes in uterus and pituitary during proestrus depend on both low P4 and high E2, but different physiologic responses are regulated differently by E2 and P4. Changes in endometrium depend on low P4 and high E2, whereas GnRH-induced FSH secretion primarily depends on high E2, and GnRH-induced LH secretion is independently increased by high E2 or reduced by high P4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C L Motta
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Guilherme Madureira
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lucas O Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L O R Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Mayara Silvestri
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Jéssica N Drum
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carlos E C Consentini
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Alexandre B Prata
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ky G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
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15
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Singh H, Brar PS, Honparkhe M, Arora AK, Dhindsa SS. Subclinical endometritis in estrual buffaloes: diagnosis, prevalence and impact on reproductive performance. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 52:357-363. [PMID: 31376061 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-02022-w] [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: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The study evaluated the reliability of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count in endometrial cytology by cytobrush technique as a diagnostic for subclinical endometritis (SCE) at the time of estrus and its relationship with bacterial presence and fertility in buffaloes. Healthy pluriparous buffaloes (n = 115) were subjected to endometrial sampling by cytobrush technique (for cytology and bacterial isolation) and ultrasonography of genitalia prior to insemination at the time of spontaneous estrus. Buffaloes were inseminated at the same estrus and were confirmed for pregnancy by ultrasonography at day 40 post-insemination. Growth of aerobic bacteria was recorded in 26.1% (30/115) of estrual buffaloes. Bacteria of eight distinct genera (Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and T. pyogenes) were isolated. Presence of bacterial infection was considered as the standard, against which PMN threshold for SCE was calculated by receiver operator curve (ROC). The PMN count of ≥ 5% with good sensitivity (66.7, 95% CI 50.9-81.4) and specificity (87.0%, 95% CI 78.0-94.6) with an overall high diagnostic accuracy (81.7%) for predicting SCE was obtained. Based on calculated PMN threshold, buffaloes were divided into subclinical endometritic (SCE; ≥ 5% PMNs) and control (< 5% PMNs) groups. Thirty-one buffaloes (27.0%, 31/115) had ≥ 5% PMNs in the endometrial cytology at estrus. Ultrasonographic evaluation showed that size of largest follicle, endometrial thickness, and uterine horn diameter did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Significantly, lower conception rate (22.58 vs 36.90%, P < 0.05) for first artificial inseminations (AIs) and significantly higher number of AIs per pregnancy (2.81 ± 0.27 vs 1.75 ± 0.15, P < 0.05) were recorded in SCE compared to control group. The results indicated that cytobrush based endometrial cytology with 5% PMN cut-off value has a good accuracy for predicting subclinical endometritis at estrus in buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpreet Singh
- RVDEC, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Uchani, Karnal, Haryana, India.
| | - Parkash Singh Brar
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - M Honparkhe
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - A K Arora
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - S S Dhindsa
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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16
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Ernstberger M, Oehl H, Haessig M, Hartnack S, Bollwein H. Predicting the probability of conception in dairy cows with clinical endometritis based on a combination of anamnestic information and examination results. Theriogenology 2019; 138:127-136. [PMID: 31326659 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to improve prediction of the probability of conception in dairy cows with clinical endometritis by means of a combination of examination results. For this purpose, a total of 1386 dairy cows were screened for clinical endometritis and data from 286 cows were collected including the calving history, puerperal or concurrent diseases and cow-specific data (breed, parity, BCS at puerperal control 1 (PC 1 = 22-45 days in milk (DIM)), and daily milk yield). The diagnosis of clinical endometritis was made at PC 1 by vaginal discharge scoring with a Metricheck device on a scale from 1 to 3 (endometritis score (ES) 1 to 3). A detailed clinical and gynecological examination including external inspection, transrectal palpation and ultrasonographic examination of the genital tract (cervix, uterus, and ovaries), vaginoscopy and microbiological analysis of the intrauterine content were performed. All cows with clinical endometritis (n = 286) were treated according to the ovarian findings (corpus luteum, dominant follicle) at PC 1. A second puerperal control was performed 21 ± 1 days later. Data was collected until 200 DIM. The risk factors for ES 3 and their effect on the distribution of ES were determined by the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Multivariable implications of a large sum of examination parameters on the pregnancy outcome at different DIM (100, 150 and 200 DIM) were analyzed on the basis of conditional inference trees. The prevalence of clinical endometritis was 28%. The ovarian findings at PC 1 did not have any impact on reproductive performance. Puerperal diseases prior to the study, visible vaginal discharge (VVD) and the presence of Trueperella pyogenes (TP) were associated with an ES 3. The prediction of pregnancy status for all DIM times was dominated significantly by VVD or TP as decisive factors. Cows with VVD or TP had lower conception rates at all DIM times than cows without these findings, but the predictive accuracy was similar for both groups. These results suggest that VVD is a valuable and practical examination parameter, which can be used for pregnancy prediction on farm. Therefore, it might facilitate early breeding decisions in cows with clinical endometritis under farm conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ernstberger
- Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - H Oehl
- Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Haessig
- AgroVet.Strickhof, Eschikon 27, Lindau, Switzerland
| | - S Hartnack
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Bollwein
- Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Koyama K, Koyama T, Sugimoto M. Repeatability of antral follicle count according parity in dairy cows. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:535-539. [PMID: 30298823 PMCID: PMC6305846 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian reserve in cattle can be predicted by an indicator, the antral follicle count (AFC), which is easily determined via ovarian ultrasonography. However, the repeatability of AFC
measurements in the same individual taken approximately 1 year apart after first parity remains unclear. This study, thus, aimed to clarify the between-lactation repeatability of AFC after
first parity in dairy cows. We measured the AFC of the same individual cows consecutively across both first and second parity, both second and third parity, and both third and fourth parity
in 31, 37, and 26 heads, respectively. The values of the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the AFCs in first–second and second–third parity cows were more than 0.8, and the value
of the ICC for the AFCs in third–fourth parity cows was significantly lower than that in first–second parity cows (P = 0.01). Subsequently, based on the average number of AFCs measured at
some points from first to third parity, we classified the cows into three tertiles: <11 (low), 11–15 (intermediate), and ≥ 15 (high). We then compared the reproductive performance of the
first through third parity cows among the groups. The hazards of pregnancy by 200 days postpartum were higher in the high group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Our findings
demonstrate that between-lactation repeatability of AFC from first through third parity in dairy cows is very high, and that cows with an AFC of ≥ 15 have a better reproductive performance
than cows with a low AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Koyama
- Dairy Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Hokkaido 086-1135, Japan
| | - Takeshi Koyama
- Dairy Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Hokkaido 086-1135, Japan
| | - Masahito Sugimoto
- Dairy Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Hokkaido 086-1135, Japan
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Muthukumar S, Muniasamy S, Srinivasan M, Ilangovan A, Satheshkumar S, Rajagopal T, Ramesh Saravana Kumar V, Sivakumar K, Archunan G. Evaluation of pheromone‐based kit: A noninvasive approach of estrus detection in buffalo. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1466-1472. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Muthukumar
- Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science Bharathidasan University Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu India
- Center for Animal Research, Training and Services (CAReTS), Central Inter‐Disciplinary Research Facility (CIDRF) Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMC‐RI) Campus Puducherry India
| | - Samuthirapandi Muniasamy
- Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science Bharathidasan University Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu India
- Department of MicrobiologyAyya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous) Sivakasi Tamil Nadu India
| | - Mahalingam Srinivasan
- Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science Bharathidasan University Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu India
| | - Andivelu Ilangovan
- School of ChemistryBharathidasan University Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu India
| | | | - Thangavel Rajagopal
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology and MicrobiologyThiagarajar College (Autonomous) Madurai Tamil Nadu India
| | | | - Karuppusamy Sivakumar
- Department of Livestock Production and ManagementVeterinary College and Research Institute Namakkal Tamil Nadu India
| | - Govindaraju Archunan
- Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science Bharathidasan University Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu India
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Carvalho P, Santos V, Giordano J, Wiltbank M, Fricke P. Development of fertility programs to achieve high 21-day pregnancy rates in high-producing dairy cows. Theriogenology 2018; 114:165-172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Sugiura T, Akiyoshi S, Inoue F, Yanagawa Y, Moriyoshi M, Tajima M, Katagiri S. Relationship between bovine endometrial thickness and plasma progesterone and estradiol concentrations in natural and induced estrus. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:135-143. [PMID: 29398684 PMCID: PMC5902901 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate cyclical changes in endometrial thickness in relation to progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations during natural and induced estrus in 15 cows. In the prostaglandin (PG) F2α-induced estrus group, ultrasonography (USG) at 6-h intervals was used to determine endometrial thickness 48-24 h before the PGF2α treatment until 24 h after ovulation (ovulation = Day 0). In the natural estrus group, USG was performed every 48 h from Day 3 to Days 15-18 after the first ovulation, and then every 6 h until 24 h after ovulation. Endometrial thickness was standardized using Day 13 as a reference day. Blood was collected during every USG examination and plasma P4 and E2 concentrations were determined. Endometrial thickness of the induced estrus group (n = 11) was greater than that of the natural estrus group (n = 9) between 60 and 12 h before ovulation (P < 0.05). In the natural estrus group, prior to an increase in endometrial thickness, a decrease in P4 and an increase in E2 were detected. In the induced estrus group, based on the time of ovulation, an increase in endometrial thickness was detected at the same time of a decrease in P4 before an increase in E2. These results suggest that decreases in P4 concentrations may be a cue to changes in endometrial thickness, while increases in E2 concentrations appear to sustain and/or enhance these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomochika Sugiura
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Shun Akiyoshi
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Inoue
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masaharu Moriyoshi
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Motoshi Tajima
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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Barletta R, Carvalho P, Santos V, Melo L, Consentini C, Netto A, Fricke P. Effect of dose and timing of prostaglandin F2α treatments during a Resynch protocol on luteal regression and fertility to timed artificial insemination in lactating Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:1730-1736. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Muth-Spurlock AM, Dix JA, Coleson MPT, Hart CG, Lemley CO, Schulmeister TM, Lamb GC, Larson JE. The effect of follicular wave on fertility characteristics in beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:866-874. [PMID: 28380577 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.0898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of follicular wave (first or second) on diameter of the dominant follicle, concentrations of progesterone and estradiol and the hepatic enzymes that inactivate them, thickness of the endometrium, and pregnancy rates to AI. Beef heifers ( = 101) and cows ( = 106) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: insemination to the first follicular wave (FFW) or insemination to the second follicular wave (SFW). Estrous cycles of females were synchronized to ensure appropriate timing for the treatments. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used for analysis. A similar proportion of females in each treatment responded to presynchronization; however, females in the FFW group ovulated in response to the first injection of GnRH of the CO-Synch protocol more frequently. Only females ( = 94) that properly responded to ovulation synchronization were included in further analyses. Cows in the FFW group tended ( 0.06) to have larger ovulatory follicles 36 h post-PGF of the CO-Synch protocol compared to cows in the SFW group (14.22 ± 0.42 and 11.83 ± 0.49, respectively), whereas heifers were similar between treatment groups. Three d prior to AI, circulating concentrations of progesterone were lesser ( 0.01) in females in the FFW (3.63 ± 0.80 ng/mL) than in the SFW (7.12 ± 0.83 ng/mL), whereas concentrations of estradiol tended ( 0.08) to be greater in those in the FFW (82.72 ± 6.48 pg/mL) than in the SFW (65.55 ± 6.74 pg/mL). Concentrations of cytochrome P450 1A in the liver were lesser ( 0.01) in females in the FFW than those in the SFW (0.68 ± 0.08 vs. 0.96 ± 0.06, respectively). Endometrial thicknesses were similar between treatments but were thicker ( < 0.0001) in cows (9.73 ± 0.24 mm) than heifers (7.22 ± 0.26 mm). When considering all females or only those that were properly presynchronized, pregnancy rates were similar between treatments. However, when evaluating females that ovulated to the assigned follicular wave, there was a treatment by parity interaction ( = 0.04) with heifers in the FFW having a lesser pregnancy rate (25.9%) than heifers in the SFW (72.0%) while cows in both treatment groups were intermediate (45.4% in FFW and 50.0% in SFW). The differences in concentrations of steroids between treatment groups may affect fertility of heifers; however, additional research is necessary.
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23
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Selvam RM, Archunan G. A combinatorial model for effective estrus detection in Murrah buffalo. Vet World 2017; 10:209-213. [PMID: 28344404 PMCID: PMC5352846 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.209-213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buffaloes are silent heat animals and lacunae in their estrus detection results a substantial economic loss in developing countries. Many advanced tools to aid heat detection have been developed but are neither affordable nor easily interpretable by marginal farmers. AIM The present investigation was made to develop a cost-effective estrus detection model by combining several known estrus predicting parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Various signs of estrus were classified under major parameters such as visual, cow behavioral, bull behavioral, biochemical, and gyneco-clinical. Expression of those parameters was observed in buffaloes, and the percentage of positive estrus detection was calculated for each combination of estrus prediction parameters. RESULTS The present result concludes that the model comprises of five parameters group with several signals with twenty-six different combinations. It was observed that the expression of individual combinations and their corresponding estrus detection efficiency varies significantly, i.e., detection efficiency rises as the number of combination increases. CONCLUSION Combination of three parameters would provide an estrus detection efficiency >70% and suggested for an easy estrus detection. This would be a cost-effective model for farmers and benefits in enhancing buffalo population/reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramu Muthu Selvam
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli - 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Govindaraju Archunan
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli - 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
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Abstract
The first part of this article defines the attributes of the ideal pregnancy test and describes the direct and indirect methods for pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows that are currently available that have the potential to replace transrectal palpation. Second, this new technology must be practically integrated into a systematic on-farm reproductive management strategy and empirically demonstrated to exceed the status quo of the industry in reproductive performance. Finally a future direction for research and technology in the area of early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows is presented, and the overall conclusions of the ideas presented herein are drawn.
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Lüttgenau J, Lingemann B, Wellnitz O, Hankele A, Schmicke M, Ulbrich S, Bruckmaier R, Bollwein H. Repeated intrauterine infusions of lipopolysaccharide alter gene expression and lifespan of the bovine corpus luteum. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:6639-6653. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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26
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Lüttgenau J, Mang H, Borel N, Bruckmaier R, Bollwein H. Ultrasonographic examination reduces the percentage of unsuccessful inseminations in dairy cows. Theriogenology 2016; 85:664-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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27
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Pereira MHC, Wiltbank MC, Vasconcelos JLM. Expression of estrus improves fertility and decreases pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows that receive artificial insemination or embryo transfer. J Dairy Sci 2015; 99:2237-2247. [PMID: 26723130 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate if expression of estrus by dairy cattle altered fertility in timed artificial insemination (AI; n=5,430) or timed embryo transfer (ET; n=2,003) programs that used estradiol and progesterone (P4) to synchronize ovulation. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed on d 0 (time of AI) and 7 to determine ovulatory follicle diameter and ovulation. Only cows with a visible corpus luteum on d 7 were used in this study. At the time of controlled internal drug release removal, all cows received a tail-head device for detection of estrus and were considered in estrus when the paint of the device was completely removed by d 0. Circulating P4 concentrations were evaluated on d 7. Pregnancies per AI (P/AI) or ET (P/ET) were determined by ultrasonography on d 32 and 60. At d-32 pregnancy diagnosis, cows with expression of estrus had increased P/AI [no estrus=25.5% (222/846) vs. estrus=38.9% (1,785/4,584)] and P/ET [no estrus=32.7% (193/606) vs. estrus=46.2% (645/1,397)]. Similarly, at d-60 pregnancy diagnosis, expression of estrus increased P/AI [no estrus=20.1% (179/846) vs. estrus=33.3% (1,530/4,584)] and P/ET [no estrus=25.1% (150/606) vs. estrus=37.5% (525/1,397)]. Pregnancy loss was lower in cows that expressed estrus in timed AI [TAI; no estrus=20.1% (43/222) vs. estrus 14.4% (255/1,785)] and timed ET [TET; no estrus=22.7% (43/193) vs. estrus=18.6% (120/645)] compared with cows with no estrus. Independent of expression of estrus cows ovulating either too small or too large of follicles had lower P/AI. No effect of ovulatory follicle diameter on P/ET was noted in cows that expressed estrus; although, cows that did not express estrus tended to have lower P/ET if they ovulated larger follicles. In cows that showed estrus, follicle diameter did not affect pregnancy loss, but cows that did not show estrus and ovulated larger follicles tended to have greater pregnancy loss after TAI and had greater pregnancy loss on TET. A positive effect of d-7 P4 concentrations on P/AI was observed, independent of estrus. In contrast, no effect of P4 was found on d 7 on P/ET. Thus, expression of estrus during protocols for TAI or TET is associated with an increase in fertility and reduction in pregnancy loss. During TAI programs, optimizing follicle diameter and increasing circulating P4 on d 7 after AI were also associated with increased fertility, independent of expression of estrus. However, in cows with TET, the association of fertility with either ovulatory follicle diameter or P4 on d 7 was less dramatic and seemed to be related to whether cows expressed estrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H C Pereira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - M C Wiltbank
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil.
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Carvalho P, Wiltbank M, Fricke P. Manipulation of progesterone to increase ovulatory response to the first GnRH treatment of an Ovsynch protocol in lactating dairy cows receiving first timed artificial insemination. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:8800-13. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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McNeel AK, Cushman RA. Influence of puberty and antral follicle count on calving day in crossbred beef heifers. Theriogenology 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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30
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Effect of uterine size on fertility of lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 2015; 85:1357-66. [PMID: 26924681 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There are multiple reasons for reduced fertility in lactating dairy cows. We hypothesized that one cause of reduced fertility could be the overall size of the reproductive tract, particularly the uterus, given well-established uterine functions in many aspects of the reproductive process. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the variability in uterine size in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows and to analyze whether there was an association between uterine size and fertility, particularly within a given parity. Lactating Holstein dairy cows (n = 704) were synchronized to receive timed artificial insemination (TAI) on Day 81 ± 3 of lactation by using the Double-Ovsynch protocol (GnRH-7d-PGF-3d-GnRH-7d-GnRH-7d-PGF-56h-GnRH-16h-TAI). At the time of the last injection of PGF, uterine diameter was determined at the greater curvature using ultrasound, uterine length was determined by rectal palpation, and uterine volume was calculated from these two measurements. Blood samples were also taken to measure progesterone to assure synchronization of all cows used in the final analysis (n = 616; primiparous, n = 289; multiparous, n = 327). Primiparous cows had greater percentage pregnant/AI (P/AI) compared to multiparous cows (49.8% vs. 39.1% at 67 days of pregnancy diagnosis, P = 0.009). Diameter, length, and volume of the uterus were larger in multiparous than in primiparous cows (P < 0.001). For multiparous cows, uterine diameter and volume were smaller in cows that became pregnant compared to cows that were not pregnant to the TAI with a similar tendency observed in primiparous cows. Logistic regression and quartile analysis also showed that as uterine volume increased, there was decreased P/AI in either primiparous or multiparous cows. Thus, there is a negative association between uterine size and fertility in lactating dairy cows with a larger uterus associated with reduced fertility, particularly for multiparous cows.
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Lents CA, Cushman RA, Freking BA. Measures of the ovaries and uterus during development of gilts selected for differences in uterine capacity1,2. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:2433-9. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-7205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C. A. Lents
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166
| | - R. A. Cushman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166
| | - B. A. Freking
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166
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32
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Absalón-Medina VA, Butler WR, Gilbert RO. Preimplantation embryo metabolism and culture systems: experience from domestic animals and clinical implications. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:393-409. [PMID: 24682781 PMCID: PMC3969471 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advantages of in vitro embryo production in many species, widespread use of this technology is limited by generally lower developmental competence of in vitro derived embryos compared to in vivo counterparts. Regardless, in vivo or in vitro gametes and embryos face and must adjust to multiple microenvironments especially at preimplantation stages. Moreover, the embryo has to be able to further adapt to environmental cues in utero to result in the birth of live and healthy offspring. Enormous strides have been made in understanding and meeting stage-specific requirements of preimplantation embryos, but interpretation of the data is made difficult due to the complexity of the wide array of culture systems and the remarkable plasticity of developing embryos that seem able to develop under a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, a primary objective remains meeting, as closely as possible, the preimplantation embryo requirements as provided in vivo. In general, oocytes and embryos develop more satisfactorily when cultured in groups. However, optimization of individual culture of oocytes and embryos is an important goal and area of intensive current research for both animal and human clinical application. Successful culture of individual embryos is of primary importance in order to avoid ovarian superstimulation and the associated physiological and psychological disadvantages for patients. This review emphasizes stage specific shifts in embryo metabolism and requirements and research to optimize in vitro embryo culture conditions and supplementation, with a view to optimizing embryo culture in general, and culture of single embryos in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. A. Absalón-Medina
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - W. R. Butler
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - R. O. Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
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Pereira MHC, Rodrigues ADP, De Carvalho RJ, Wiltbank MC, Vasconcelos JLM. Increasing length of an estradiol and progesterone timed artificial insemination protocol decreases pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:1454-64. [PMID: 24393173 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Our hypothesis was that increasing the length of an estradiol and progesterone (P4) timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol would improve pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI). Lactating Holstein cows (n=759) yielding 31 ± 0.30 kg of milk/d with a detectable corpus luteum (CL) at d -11 were randomly assigned to receive TAI (d 0) following 1 of 2 treatments: (8d) d -10 = controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and 2.0mg of estradiol benzoate, d -3 = PGF2α(25mg of dinoprost tromethamine), d -2 = CIDR removal and 1.0mg of estradiol cypionate, d 0 = TAI; or (9 d) d -11 = CIDR and estradiol benzoate, d -4 = PGF2α, d -2 CIDR removal and estradiol cypionate, d 0 TAI. Cows were considered to have their estrous cycle synchronized in response to the protocol by the absence of a CL at artificial insemination (d 0) and presence of a CL on d 7. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on d 32 and 60. The ovulatory follicle diameter at TAI (d 0) did not differ between treatments (14.7 ± 0.39 vs. 15.0 ± 0.40 mm for 8 and 9 d, respectively). The 9 d cows tended to have greater P4 concentrations on d 7 in synchronized cows (3.14 ± 0.18 ng/mL) than the 8d cows (3.05 ± 0.18 ng/mL). Although the P/AI at d 32 [45 (175/385) vs. 43.9% (166/374) for 8d and 9 d, respectively] and 60 [38.1 (150/385) vs. 40.4% (154/374) for 8d and 9 d, respectively] was not different, the 9 d cows had lower pregnancy losses [7.6% (12/166)] than 8d cows [14.7% (25/175)]. The cows in the 9 d program were more likely to be detected in estrus [72.0% (269/374)] compared with 8d cows [62% (240/385)]. Expression of estrus improved synchronization [97.4 (489/501) vs. 81% (202/248)], P4 concentrations at d 7 (3.22 ± 0.16 vs. 2.77 ± 0.17 ng/mL), P/AI at d 32 [51.2 (252/489) vs. 39.4% (81/202)], P/AI at d 60 [46.3 (230/489) vs. 31.1% (66/202)], and decreased pregnancy loss [9.3 (22/252) vs. 19.8% (15/81)] compared with cows that did not show estrus, respectively. Cows not detected in estrus with small (<11 mm) or large follicles (>17 mm) had greater pregnancy loss; however, in cows detected in estrus, no effect of follicle diameter on pregnancy loss was observed. In conclusion, increasing the length of the protocol for TAI increased the percentage of cows detected in estrus and decreased pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H C Pereira
- Aluno do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu 18618-000, Brazil
| | - A D P Rodrigues
- Aluno do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu 18618-000, Brazil
| | - R J De Carvalho
- Fazendas Reunidas ACP e Filhos, Minas Gerais, Carmo do Rio Claro 37150-000, Brazil
| | - M C Wiltbank
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil.
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Physiological and practical effects of progesterone on reproduction in dairy cattle. Animal 2014; 8 Suppl 1:70-81. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731114000585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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35
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Pereira M, Rodrigues A, Martins T, Oliveira W, Silveira P, Wiltbank M, Vasconcelos J. Timed artificial insemination programs during the summer in lactating dairy cows: Comparison of the 5-d Cosynch protocol with an estrogen/progesterone-based protocol. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:6904-6914. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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36
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Escalante RC, Poock SE, Lucy MC. Luteal function, largest follicle, and fertility in postpartum dairy cows treated with 14dCIDR-PGF2α versus 2xPGF2α-Ovsynch for timed AI. Theriogenology 2013; 80:903-13. [PMID: 23998742 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A method for timed artificial insemination (AI) that is used for beef cows, beef heifers, and dairy heifers employs progesterone-releasing inserts, such as the controlled internal drug release (CIDR; Zoetis, New York, NY, USA) that are left in place for 14 days. The 14-day CIDR treatment is a method of presynchronization that ensures that cattle are in the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle when PGF2α is administered before timed AI. The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of the 14dCIDR-PGF2α program in postpartum dairy cows by comparing it with the traditional "Presynch-Ovsynch" (2xPGF2α-Ovsynch) program. The 14dCIDR-PGF2α cows (n = 132) were treated with a CIDR insert on Day 0 for 14 days. At 19 days after CIDR removal (Day 33), the cows were treated with a luteolytic dose of PGF2α, 56 hours later were treated with an ovulatory dose of GnRH (Day 35), and 16 hours later were inseminated. The 2xPGF2α-Ovsynch cows were treated with a luteolytic dose of PGF2α on Day 0 and again on Day 14. At 12 days after the second PGF2α treatment (Day 26), the cows were treated with GnRH. At 7 days after GnRH, the cows were treated with PGF2α (Day 33), then 56 hours later treated with GnRH (Day 35), and then 16 hours later were inseminated. There was no effect of treatment or treatment by parity interaction on pregnancies per AI (P/AI) when pregnancy diagnosis was performed on Day 32 (115/263; 43.7%) or Days 60 to 90 (99/263; 37.6%) after insemination. There was an effect of parity (P < 0.05) on P/AI because primiparous cows had lesser P/AI (35/98; 35.7%) than multiparous cows (80/165; 48.5%) on Day 32. Cows observed in estrus after the presynchronization step (within 5 days after CIDR removal or within 5 days after the second PGF2α treatment) had greater P/AI than those not observed in estrus (55/103; 53.4% vs. 60/160; 37.5%; observed vs. not observed; P < 0.01; d 32 pregnancy diagnosis). When progesterone data were examined in a subset of cows (n = 208), 55.3% of cows had a "prototypical" response to treatment (i.e., the cow had an estrous cycle that was synchronized by the presynchronization treatment and then the cow responded appropriately to the subsequent PGF2α and GnRH treatments before timed AI). Collectively, cows with a prototypical response to either treatment had 52.2% P/AI that was greater (P < 0.001) than the P/AI for cows that had a nonprototypical response (19%) (P/AI determined at 60-90 days of pregnancy). In conclusion, we did not detect a difference in P/AI when postpartum dairy cows were treated with 14dCIDR-PGF2α or 2xPGF2α-Ovsynch before timed AI. The primary limitation to the success of either program was the failure of the cow to respond appropriately to the sequence of treatments.
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Monteiro F, Mercadante M, Barros C, Satrapa R, Silva J, Oliveira L, Saraiva N, Oliveira C, Garcia J. Reproductive tract development and puberty in two lines of Nellore heifers selected for postweaning weight. Theriogenology 2013; 80:10-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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van Werven T, Waldeck F, Souza A, Floch S, Englebienne M. Comparison of two intravaginal progesterone releasing devices (PRID-Delta vs CIDR) in dairy cows: Blood progesterone profile and field fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 138:143-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Pereira M, Sanches C, Guida T, Rodrigues A, Aragon F, Veras M, Borges P, Wiltbank M, Vasconcelos J. Timing of prostaglandin F2α treatment in an estrogen-based protocol for timed artificial insemination or timed embryo transfer in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:2837-46. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Cushman RA, Miles JR, Rempel LA, McDaneld TG, Kuehn LA, Chitko-McKown CG, Nonneman D, Echternkamp SE. Identification of an ionotropic glutamate receptor AMPA1/GRIA1 polymorphism in crossbred beef cows differing in fertility. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:2640-6. [PMID: 23478821 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A proposed functional polymorphism in the ionotropic glutamate receptor AMPA1 (GRIA1) has been reported to influence antral follicle numbers and fertility in cows. Repeat breeder cows that fail to produce a calf in multiple seasons have been reported to have reduced numbers of small (1 to 3 mm) antral follicles in their ovaries. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that this GRIA1 polymorphism was affecting antral follicle numbers in repeat breeder cows. Repeat breeder cows (n = 64) and control cows (n = 72) that had always produced a calf were housed in a dry lot and observed twice daily for behavioral estrus. Blood samples were collected, and cows were genotyped for this GRIA1 polymorphism and for a polymorphism in the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) that was proposed to influence age at puberty. On d 3 to 8 after estrus cows were slaughtered, and reproductive organs were collected to determine antral follicle count, ovary size, and uterine horn diameter. Repeat breeder cows were older at first calving than control cows (P = 0.006). The length (P = 0.03) and height (P = 0.02) of the ovary contralateral to the corpus luteum (CL) were greater in control cows than repeat breeder cows. The endometrial diameter in the horn ipsilateral to the CL was greater in the control cows than the repeat breeder cows. Repeat breeder cows had fewer small (1 to 5 mm) antral follicles than control cows (P = 0.003); however, there was no association between GRIA1 genotype and antral follicle number. The GnRHR polymorphism was associated with age at first calving because cows that were homozygous for the C allele had a greater age at first calving than heterozygous cows or cows that were homozygous for the T allele (P = 0.01). In the granulosa cells from small (1 to 5 mm) antral follicles, mRNA abundances of 2 markers of oocyte quality, anti-Müllerian hormone and pentraxin 3, did not differ between fertility groups (P ≥ 0.12). We conclude that this GRIA1 polymorphism exists in beef cows but that it does not influence antral follicle numbers. The association between GnRHR genotype and age at first calving is likely not causal as this polymorphism is not functional. The utility of this polymorphism as a genetic marker for early conception in heifers will require further validation. Screening postpartum cows by ultrasonography to determine antral follicle numbers may aid in making culling decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Cushman
- USDA-ARS, Roman L. Hruska U. S. Meat Animal Research Center, P.O. Box 166, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA.
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Wiltbank MC, Souza AH, Carvalho PD, Bender RW, Nascimento AB. Improving fertility to timed artificial insemination by manipulation of circulating progesterone concentrations in lactating dairy cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:238-43. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This manuscript reviews the effect of progesterone (P4) during timed AI protocols in lactating dairy cows. Circulating P4 is determined by a balance between P4 production, primarily by the corpus luteum (CL), and P4 metabolism, primarily by the liver. In dairy cattle, the volume of luteal tissue is a primary determinant of P4 production; however, inadequate circulating P4 is generally due to high P4 metabolism resulting from extremely elevated liver blood flow. Three sections in this manuscript summarise the role of P4 concentrations before breeding, near the time of breeding and after breeding. During timed AI protocols, elevations in P4 are generally achieved by ovulation, resulting in an accessory CL, or by supplementation with exogenous P4. Elevating P4 before timed AI has been found to decrease double ovulation and increase fertility to the timed AI. Slight elevations in circulating P4 can dramatically reduce fertility, with inadequate luteolysis to the prostaglandin F2α treatment before timed AI being the underlying cause of this problem. After AI, circulating P4 is critical for embryo growth, and for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Many studies have attempted to improve fertility by elevating P4 after timed AI with marginal elevations in fertility. Thus, previous research has provided substantial insights into mechanisms regulating circulating P4 concentrations and actions. Understanding this prior research can focus future research on P4 manipulation to improve timed AI protocols.
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Wiltbank M, Sartori R, Herlihy M, Vasconcelos J, Nascimento A, Souza A, Ayres H, Cunha A, Keskin A, Guenther J, Gumen A. Managing the dominant follicle in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1568-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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