Fertility in postpartum dairy cows in winter or summer following estrus synchronization and fixed time AI after the induction of an LH surge with GnRH or hCG

The effect of heat stress on performance, fertility, and adipokines involved in regulating systemic immune response during lipolysis of early lactating dairy cows

The aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of heat stress on dairy cow productivity, fertility, and biochemical blood indices during the early lactation stage in a temperate climate. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the role of leptin and adiponectin in regulating the immune response accompanying lipolysis after calving in dairy cows. The study included 100 clinically healthy Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows selected based on parity and 305 d of milk yield from 5 commercial farms with similar herd management and housing systems. Prospective cohort data were recorded from calving day until 150 d in milk, and microclimate loggers installed inside the barns were used to record temperature and relative humidity data to calculate daily temperature-humidity index (THI) on the calving day, through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation. Additionally, monthly productive performance parameters such as milk yield, chemical composition, fatty acids composition, and fertility indices were analyzed. Results showed that the THI from calving day through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation was negatively associated with fertility parameters such as delayed first estrus postpartum and an elongated calving interval, respectively, by 29, 27, 25, and 16 d. Furthermore, an increase in THI value during early lactation was associated with an elongated artificially inseminated service period, days open, and intercalving period. Increasing THI from calving day (0 d) through +7, +14, and up to +21 d during early lactation was also linked to decreased milk yield by 3.20, 4.10, 5.60, and 5.60 kg, respectively. The study also found that heat stress during early lactation was associated with a lower body condition score in dairy cows and higher concentrations of leptin, nonesterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate, accompanied by a drastic reduction in adipose tissue-secreted adiponectin levels after calving. Additionally, heat stress-induced lipolysis in adipose tissue caused an inflammatory response that increased biochemical blood indices associated with immune responses such as cytokines, acute phase proteins, and heat shock protein. These findings suggest that exposing dairy cows to heat stress during early lactation can negatively affect their productive performance, fertility, and biochemical blood indices in subsequent lactations. Thus, farm management changes should be implemented during early lactation to mitigate the negative consequences of heat stress occurrence.

Magnitude and persistence of higher estrus-associated temperatures in beef heifers and suckled cows

Higher estrus-associated temperatures (HEAT) are a hallmark feature in sexually active females. The overarching aim of this study was to characterize the variability, magnitude, and persistence of HEAT in heifers and suckled beef cows as well as identify associated factors when occurring during thermoneutral conditions at the onset of the spring breeding season. In both heifers and cows, estrus was induced using a 7-d controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-PGF2α protocol. Vaginal temperature after prostaglandin F2α administration was recorded every 5 min using a Thermochron iButton affixed to a blank CIDR (containing no progesterone). Estrus was defined as when a heifer first stood to be mounted or when a cow had an Estrotect patch score of 3 or 4. Level of HEAT varied among individual animals. When comparing common HEAT variables using a mixed model with date nested within a year, maximum HEAT (39.9 ± 0.1 and 40.0 ± 0.1 °C) and duration (15.5 ± 0.8 and 15.4 ± 0.7) were similar in heifers and cows, respectively. However, the magnitude and persistence of HEAT differed. Total area under the HEAT curve was 117.1 ± 13.5 and 158.7 ± 12.3 for heifers vs cows, respectively (P = 0.0571). Further, 42.9% of heifers and 49% of cows had maximum HEAT ≥ 40 °C which persisted up to 6.5 and 10 h, respectively. When ambient conditions were predominantly thermoneutral, temperature humidity index had minimal impact on HEAT (mixed model, repeated measures over time). Toward identifying associated factors with different aspects of HEAT using best fit hierarchical linear regression models, baseline vaginal temperature and baseline duration were the most highly associated independent variables. Follicle size, estradiol and progesterone levels, and other available animal-related variables (e.g., age, weight, hair coat score) explained only a small amount of variation in HEAT. In summary, level of HEAT varies in estrus females even under thermoneutral conditions. Because HEAT can persist for an extended time, direct effects on fertility important components are unavoidable. Whether HEAT is a good or bad component of the periovulatory microenvironment is the basis of ongoing and future studies.

The Effect of Month and District on 100-Day In-Calf Rate in Year-Round Calving Dairy Herds

Monitoring 100-day in-calf rate (100DICR) is an integral part of the assessment of reproductive performance in year-round calving dairy herds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of month on 100DICR in year-round calving herds in New South Wales (NSW), Australia and determine whether a fluctuating 100DICR target is an appropriate alternative to a constant 100DICR target. The 100DICR is defined as the percentage of all current lactating cows over 100 days in milk (DIM) that conceive on or before 100 DIM. As dairy cows are typically dried off 7 months after conception, 100DICR was an approximate 7-month rolling average. Mean monthly 100DICRs were calculated with a generalised linear model for six NSW north coast herds located 15-140 km from the coast and four NSW south coast herds located less than 10 km from the coast, over a two-year period. The mean 100DICR was lowest in May at 28.62% (95%CI 28.31-28.93) and increased during winter and spring, peaking in December at 34.74% (95%CI 34.32-35.15). The observed trend was similar for north and south coast herds, although north coast herds experienced a greater change in 100DICR from the peak to a nadir of 27.58% (95%CI 27.18-27.98), a 7.15-point difference, compared to south coast herds with a nadir of 30.18% (95%CI 29.69-30.67), a 4.67-point difference between the peak and nadir. In conclusion, 100DICR is affected by month with the lowest 100DICRs observed in late autumn and the highest 100DICRs observed in late spring and early summer. Therefore, a fluctuating target 100DICR is an appropriate alternative to a constant target when assessing reproductive performance in year-round calving herds. While the district does not affect mean 100DICR per se, the district does affect the difference between peak and nadir 100DICR.

The association of subclinical hypocalcemia at 4 days in milk with reproductive outcomes in multiparous Holstein cows

Delayed or persistent episodes of subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) have been associated with reduced milk production and feed intake and they put cows at risk for additional disease development. However, little is known about the effect of delayed or persistent SCH on reproductive outcomes. The objectives of our study were to describe the association between SCH status at 4 d in milk (DIM) with the odds of pregnancy to first service and time to pregnancy through 150 DIM. Data were collected from multiparous Holstein cows (n = 697) from 4 farms in New York State that did not receive supplemental Ca during the first 5 DIM. Cows were classified into 1 of 2 SCH groups based on blood total Ca (tCa) at 4 DIM: normocalcemic (NC; n = 515) if tCa >2.2 mmol/L at 4 DIM or SCH (n = 182) if tCa ≤2.2 mmol/L at 4 DIM. We created a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the association between SCH group and pregnancy to first service and a time-to-event analysis to evaluate the effect of SCH group on the hazard of pregnancy by 150 DIM. Cows that were SCH at 4 DIM had lower odds of pregnancy to first service [odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61 to 0.93, incidence = 18.1%] compared with their NC counterparts (incidence = 27.4%). Similarly, SCH cows tended to have a lower hazard of pregnancy by 150 DIM (hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.01, incidence = 65.4%) than NC cows (incidence = 70.7%). Our results indicate that delayed or prolonged reductions in blood Ca in the early postpartum period, resulting in SCH at 4 DIM, were associated with reduced reproductive outcomes in multiparous cows. Our findings, in conjunction with previous reports of the negative associations of delayed or persistent SCH on health and production, suggest that reductions in blood Ca beyond the first day of lactation might be indicative of maladaptation to lactation, and the ramifications can persist beyond the immediate postpartum period.

The Association between Gut Microbiome Diversity and Composition and Heat Tolerance in Cattle

Cattle are raised around the world and are frequently exposed to heat stress, whether in tropical countries or in regions with temperate climates. It is universally acknowledged that compared to those in temperate areas, the cattle breeds developed in tropical and subtropical areas have better heat tolerance. However, the underlying mechanism of heat tolerance has not been fully studied, especially from the perspective of intestinal microbiomics. The present study collected fecal samples of cattle from four representative climatic regions of China, namely, the mesotemperate (HLJ), warm temperate (SD), subtropical (HK), and tropical (SS) regions. Then, the feces were analyzed using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that with increasing climatic temperature from HLJ to SS, the abundance of Firmicutes increased, accompanied by an increasing Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio. Proteobacteria showed a trend of reduction from HLJ to SS. Patescibacteria, Chloroflexi, and Actinobacteriota were particularly highest in SS for adapting to the tropical environment. The microbial phenotype in the tropics was characterized by an increase in Gram-positive bacteria and a decrease in Gram-negative bacteria, aerobic bacteria, and the forming of_biofilms. Consistently, the functional abundances of organismal systems and metabolism were decreased to reduce the material and energy demands in a hot environment. Genetic information processing and information storage and processing may be how gut flora deals with hot conditions. The present study revealed the differences in the structure and function of gut microbes of cattle from mesotemperate to tropical climates and provided an important reference for future research on the mechanism of heat tolerance regulated by the gut microbiota and a potential microbiota-based target to alleviate heat stress.

Impact of heat stress on embryonic development during first 16 days of gestation in dairy cows

Objective was to elucidate the effects of heat stress (HS) on embryo development during first 16 gestational days (GD) and circulating hormone concentrations on GD-16 in lactating Holstein cows. Cows in HS and control (CON) groups were exposed to temperature humidity index (THI) of ≥ 73 and < 73, respectively, for 3 weeks before the experiment. GD-7 (67 vs 49%) and GD-16 (52 vs. 31%) conception rates following single insemination were greater (P < 0.01) for CON compared with HS cows. Control cows produced more GD-7 transferrable embryos following superovulation compared with HS cows (84.8 vs 53.1%; P < 0.001). Mean (± SEM) length (45.2 ± 10.6 vs. 59.2 ± 9.1 mm) and weight (31.4 ± 4.3 vs. 42.4 ± 6.2 mg) of GD-16 conceptus were greater for CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Control cows yielded more filamentous conceptus (≥ 25 mm) compared with HS cows (71 vs 45%; P < 0.05). Progesterone (2.09-fold) was higher, and cortisol (1.86-fold), prolactin (1.60-fold), substance-P (1.55-fold), Isoprostane-8 (1.34-fold) and prostaglandin F metabolites (1.97-fold) were lower in CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Progesterone positively, and substance-P, isoprostane-8 and the THI negatively were associated with GD-16 conceptus length (P < 0.05). In conclusion, altered hormones concentrations in heat-stressed cows plausibly resulted in lower GD-7 and GD-16 conception rates, fewer GD-7 transferable embryos, and stunted GD-16 conceptus elongation.

Short term temperature elevation during IVM affects embryo yield and alters gene expression pattern in oocytes, cumulus cells and blastocysts in cattle

Heat stress causes subfertility in cattle by inducing alterations in steroidogenic capacity, follicular function and ovulation defects, which eventually negatively affect oocyte quality and embryo survival. Here, the effects of short, moderate temperature elevation during IVM, on embryo yield, and on the expression of various genes was evaluated. In 8 replicates, cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 24 h at 39 °C (controls n = 605) or at 41 °C from hour 2 to hour 8 of IVM (treated, n = 912), fertilized, and presumptive zygotes were cultured for 9 days at 39 °C. Cleavage and embryo formation rates were evaluated 48 h post insemination and on days 7, 8, 9 respectively. Cumulus cells, oocytes and blastocysts from 5 replicates were snap frozen for the relative expression analysis of genes related to metabolism, thermal and oxidative stress response, apoptosis, and placentation. In treated group, cleavage and embryo formation rates were statistically significantly lower compared with the control (cleavage 86.7% vs 74.2%; blastocysts: day 7, 29.9% vs 19.7%, day 8, 34.2% vs 22.9% and day 9 35.9% vs 24.5%). Relative mRNA abundance of three genes in cumulus cells (HSP90AA1, CPT1B, G6PD) and three genes in blastocysts (DNMT3A, PLAC8, GPX1) indicated significantly different expression between groups (p < 0.05)., The expression of G6PD, SOD2, GXP1 in oocytes and PTGS2 in blastocysts tended to differ among groups (0.05<p < 0.08). Heat stress altered (p < 0.05) the correlation of expression between HSPs and other genes in oocytes (G6PD, GPX1, CCNB1), cumulus cells (LDH, CCNB1) and blastocysts (AKR1B1, PLAC8). These results imply that exposure of oocytes to elevated temperature, even for only 6 h, disrupts the developmental competence of the oocytes, suppresses blastocyst yield and significantly alters the coordinated pattern of gene expressions.

Cattle adapted to tropical and subtropical environments: genetic and reproductive considerations

Efforts to understand biological functions and develop management schemes specific to Bos indicus-influenced cattle raised in tropical and subtropical environments are critical to meet the increasing global demand for protein. In the United States, B. indicus breeds are mostly used to generate B. indicus × B. taurus crosses with increased thermal and parasite tolerance, while retaining some productive characteristics of B. taurus cattle. Although crossbreeding represents a proven strategy to improve cattle adaptation almost immediately, research has also attempted to identify B. taurus genetics that can withstand subtropical and tropical climates. Reduced milk production and delayed reproductive maturation appear to be related with tropical adaptation of B. taurus breeds, as a means to conserve energy under stressful conditions and limited nutrition. Moreover, longevity may be the ultimate adaptation response to unfavorable environments, and retention of bulls and heifers from proven cows is the recommended strategy to improve longevity in B. indicus-influenced herds. Besides selection for longevity, other aspects should be considered when planning reproductive management in tropical and subtropical regions. Bos indicus and B. taurus breeds have multiple differences pertaining to reproductive function, including age at puberty, ovarian dynamics, and pregnancy development. Nutritional strategies such as the stair-step regimen, and use of exogenous progesterone (P4) inserts are options to hasten puberty attainment of late-maturing B. indicus-influenced heifers. Yet, limited pharmacological alternatives are available for reproductive management of B. indicus-influenced females in the United States, which rely on GnRH-based protocols not specifically designed to the reproductive function of B. indicus breeds. In contrast, hormonal protocols based on exogenous P4, estradiol esters, and equine chorionic gonadotropin are available for use in B. indicus females in South America. These include protocols tailored to prepubertal heifers, anestrous cows, and cycling nulliparous or parous females, which often yield pregnancy rates of 50% to fixed-time artificial insemination. The global dairy industry also faces similar challenges in increasing demand and production as the beef industry. Selection of cows capable of sustaining optimal milk yield, reproductive success, and health status in hot and humid conditions is essential for optimal dairy production in subtropical and tropical regions.

Invited review: Physiological and behavioral effects of heat stress in dairy cows

Animal welfare can be negatively affected when dairy cattle experience heat stress. Managing heat stress has become more of a challenge than ever before, due to the increasing number of production animals with increased milk yield, and therefore greater metabolic activity. Environmental temperatures have increased by 1.0°C since the 1800s and are expected to continue to increase by another 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052. Heat stress affects production, reproduction, nutrition, health, and welfare. Means exist to monitor and evaluate heat stress in dairy cattle, as well as different ways to abate heat, all with varying levels of effectiveness. This paper is a summary and compilation of information on dairy cattle heat stress over the years.

Effect of Utilization of Single or Double Prostaglandin Administration Within an Ovsynch Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol During Summer Season in Dairy Cows

This study investigated the fertility of dairy cows during summer season after treatment with a single or double PGF2α in a progesterone (P4)-based Ovsynch protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The data were compared to a treatment effectuated during winter season. Two groups of 60 dairy cows each were randomly assigned on day 60 post-partum to single PGF2α or double PGF2α group. At removal of the P4 treatment the single PGF2α group received a single dose and the double PGF2α group received two doses of PGF2α at 24 hours apart. In each group, 30 cows were treated during the summer (June, July and August) and 30 cows during the winter (December, January and February) season. During summer season a double PGF2α dose did not influence pregnancy rate at FTAI but improved cumulative pregnancy rate 60 days after FTAI (43% vs 69% for single PGF2α and double PGF2α administration, respectively; P<0.05). During winter season the single or double PGF2α administration did not modify PR or cumulative PR. In conclusion, during summer the utilization of a double instead of single PGF2α treatment into a P4-based Ovsynch-FTAI protocol did not increase pregnancy rate at FTAI but improved cumulative pregnancy rate.

Exposure to heat-stress environment affects the physiology, circulation levels of cytokines, and microbiome in dairy cows

The microbiome has emerged as a new player on behavior, physiology and stress because of its significant effects on the brain-gut axis. The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of brain-gut function in dairy cows. We investigated the effects of a heat-stress (HS) environment and individual differences of heat sensitivity (IH) on bovine physiological characteristics and microbial composition. Results indicate that both HS and IH increased rectal temperature (RT) (P < 0.05). An HS environment increased plasma, as well as milk cortisol and cytokines in plasma; however, it decreased plasma, and milk oxytocin, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine (P < 0.05) levels. Exposure to an HS environment reduced the diversity of the fecal microbial population, and resulted in a higher expression of diseases, the environmental adaptation pathway, and the immune related pathway, whereas it lowered the expression of metabolic pathways (P < 0.05). High heat sensitive cows have upregulated metabolisms, environmental adaptation and cellular process pathways, and a downregulated neurodegenerative disease pathway (P < 0.05). Thus, we conclude that exposure to an HS environment modulates physiological characteristics, which may interplay with microbial activity, and in turn, alter the circulation levels of cytokines, implicating the role of the brain-gut axis in dairy cows. The HS environment affected physiological characteristics, cytokine levels, and microbial composition, but IH influenced RT and fecal microbial functions.

Strategies for increasing fertility in high productivity dairy herds

Over the years, the dairy cow has been selected and managed for high performance and efficiency in milk production. Thus, different factors influence the fertility of dairy cows of high productivity. It has been observed that genetic selection for large productions and metabolic adaptations may explain the greater requirement to maintain reproduction at satisfactory levels. Also, these animals are more susceptible to environmental factors such as increased temperature and humidity. Studies have shown that heat stress results in reduced estrous expression and impairs ovarian function, interfering with folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Likewise, under heat stress conditions, dry matter intake is reduced, prolonging the after calving negative energy balance and calving-conception interval. Thus, suboptimal reproductive performance is one of the main factors responsible for the economic losses in large dairy farms. In this context, numerous management practices have been introduced to improve reproduction in high productivity animals, making reproductive management increasingly complex in dairy farms. Among them, we can mention the implementation of management and nutrition conditions adapted to the periods of heat stress, as well as protocols and biotechniques that improve the quality of the follicles and oocytes. Thus, because genetic selection for better fertility animals is a characteristic of low heritability, the success of reproductive programs in highly productive herds depends on the association of the control of genetic and physiological factors with those of environmental, nutritional and management. This paper aims to discuss reproductive aspects of dairy cows of high productivity, the role of heat stress in this context, and the implementation of management, nutrition and biotechnology conditions, to minimize the adverse effects on the reproduction of these animals.

Potential role of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with particular regard to the signaling pathways of arachidonic acid and its derivatives in the process of maturation of the oocytes: Contemporary review

Oocyte meiotic maturation is one of the significant physiological requirements for ovulation and fertility. It is believed that Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate, protein kinase A and protein kinase C pathways along with eicosanoids, particularly prostaglandin E_2, and steroids are the key factors regulating mammalian oocyte maturation. The aim of the current study was to highlight the molecular events triggered by arachidonic acid during oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption at the time of gonadotrophin surge. It should be noted that arachidonic acid release is tightly regulated by Follicle-stimulating and Luteinizing hormones during oocyte development.

Improvement of in vitro-produced bovine embryo treated with coagulansin-A under heat-stressed condition

Heat stress has large effects on reproduction including conception rate in cattle. In this study, we examined the effects of coagulansin-A (coa-A), a steroidal lactone, on acquired thermo tolerance during in vitro production of bovine embryos. Oocytes were incubated in in vitro maturation (IVM) media with or without coa-A at two different temperatures, 40.5˚C and 42˚C, for 20 h. The treatment of coa-A significantly improved blastocyst development only at 40.5˚C (P < 0.05). Interestingly, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that coa-A induced heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), but significantly attenuated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). To determine the expression patterns of related genes at the transcription level, qRT-PCR was performed. Expression of HSP70 and PI3K was elevated, whereas expression of NF-κB, COX2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated in the coa-A-treated group compared with the control group. Moreover, pro-apoptotic genes were downregulated, and antiapoptic genes were upregulated in the coa-A group. We also counted the total cell number and apoptotic nuclei at the blastocyst and found that more cell numbers (143.1 ± 1.5) and less apoptotic damages (6.4 ± 0.5) in the coa-A treatment group comparing to control group (131.4 ± 2.0 and 10.8 ± 0.5), indicating the enhanced embryo quality. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the coa-A not only improved the blastocyst development in vitro but also increased their resistance to heat stress condition through induction of HSP70/PI3K.

Causes of declining fertility in dairy cows during the warm season

In the Northern Hemisphere, from June to September and in the Southern Hemisphere from December to March, there are periods of reduced fertility (sub-fertility) in dairy cows that are described as summer infertility. Several factors contribute to sub-fertility during this time, such as ambient temperature, humidity and photoperiod. During the warm season there is a reduction in feed intake that may compromise the energy balance of the cow and/or induce an imbalance in the activity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-ovarian axis. These factors reduce the reproductive performance of the cow and compromise the quality of oocytes, embryos and corpora lutea. This paper reviews current knowledge on the metabolic and endocrine mechanisms that induce summer infertility and describe their effects on follicle, oocyte and embryo development in dairy cows.

Fixed-time Insemination in Pasture-based Medium-sized Dairy Operations of Northern Germany and an Attempt to Replace GnRH by hCG

A field study was conducted aimed at (i) evaluating the practicability of a fixed-time insemination regime for medium-sized dairy operations of north-western Germany, representative for many regions of Central Europe and (ii) substituting hCG for GnRH as ovulation-inducing agent at the end of a presynch or ovsynch protocol in an attempt to reduce the incidence of premature luteal regression. Cows of two herds synchronized by presynch and two herds synchronized by ovsynch protocol were randomly allotted to three subgroups; in one group ovulation was induced by the GnRH analog buserelin, in another by hCG, whereas a third group remained untreated. The synchronized groups were fixed-time inseminated; the untreated group bred to observed oestrus. Relative to untreated herd mates, pregnancy rate in cows subjected to a presynch protocol with buserelin as ovulation-inducing agent was 74%; for hCG it was 60%. In cows subjected to an ovsynch protocol, the corresponding relative pregnancy rates reached 138% in the case of buserelin and 95% in the case of hCG. Average service interval was shortened by 1 week in the presynch and delayed by 2 weeks in the ovsynch group. It may be concluded that fixed-time insemination of cows synchronized via ovsynch protocol with buserelin as ovulation-inducing agent is practicable and may help improve efficiency and reduce the work load involved with herd management in medium-sized dairy operations. The substitution of hCG for buserelin was found to be not advisable.

Impact of thermal stress on the efficiency of ovulation synchronization protocols in Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of thermal stress on the efficiency of three different protocols to synchronize time of ovulation in purebred Holstein cows under subtropical Egyptian conditions. The influence of temperature humidity index (THI) on the conception, pregnancy, embryonic loss and early abortion rates were investigated. Conception and pregnancy rates using the CIDRsynch and Presynch (37.5% and 33.9%; 29.5 and 29. 6%, respectively) were significantly greater than that for cows expressing spontaneous estrus (SE) and with use of the Ovsynch (28.5% and 24.3%; 21.6% and 24.6%, respectively) treatment regimen. Conception and pregnancy rates using the Ovsynch protocol were significantly decreased from 31.6% and 26.3% at the lesser THI to 11.5% and 9.9%, respectively than at the greater THI [crude odds ratio (COR) = 0.28 and 0.32; P = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively]. However, conception (P/AI at 28 days) and pregnancy (P/AI at 75 days) rates using the Presynch protocol were significantly reduced at either the lesser or greater THI (COR = 0.47 and 0.42; 0.48 and 0.34, respectively). Embryonic loss rate with the Presynch group was significantly increased from 11.5% at the lesser THI to 22.2% at the greater THI (COR = 2.28; P = 0.039). In contrast, conception, pregnancy and embryonic loss rates did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) with the CIDRsynch protocol at the different THI. Results from the present study indicate that use of the CIDRsynch protocol may provide consistent and satisfactory conception and pregnancy rates in Holstein cows under subtropical environmental conditions.

Impact of maternal heat stress at insemination on the subsequent reproductive performance of Holstein, Brown Swiss, and their crosses

Heat stress in hot environments is one of the major factors that can negatively affect milk production, reproduction, and the health of dairy cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of maternal heat stress at insemination on the subsequent reproductive performance of the pure Holstein (HO), Brown Swiss (BS), and their F1 crossbred (BF) cows, under subtropical Egyptian conditions. The influence of temperature-humidity index (THI) on the pregnancy rate, fetal loss rate, calving traits, and reproductive indices were investigated. Fetal loss rate of pure HO was significantly increased from 17.1% at low THI to 24.9% at greater THI (odds ratio = 2.09; P = 0.032). Furthermore, abortion and stillbirth rates of pure HO were significantly increased from 3.6% and 3.8%, respectively, at low THI to 7.2% and 5.9%, respectively, at greater THI (odds ratio = 2.17 and 2.58; P = 0.037 and 0.031, respectively). In contrast, BS and BF cows can tolerate the heat stress, as there were no differences in the fetal loss, abortion, and calving difficulty rates at the different levels of THI. Pure HO cows had a significant longer calving interval and days open at high THI (449 and 173 days, respectively), compared with low THI (421 and 146 days, respectively). On the contrary, BS and BF cows had no difference in the calving interval at the different levels of THI. Our results indicate that pure BS and BF cows have a better adaptability and competent reproductive performance than pure HO under subtropical conditions.

Comparison of the global gene expression profiles in the bovine endometrium between summer and autumn

Heat stress compromises fertility during summer in dairy and beef cows by causing nutritional, physiological and reproductive damages. To examine the difference in endometrial conditions in cows between summer and autumn, gene expression profiles were compared using a 15 K bovine oligo DNA microarray. The trial was conducted in the summer (early in September) and autumn (mid-November) seasons of two consecutive years (2013–2014) in Morioka, Japan. Endometrial samples were collected from the cows using a biopsy technique. The expressions of 268 genes were significantly higher in the endometrium collected in summer than those collected in autumn, whereas the expressions of 369 genes were lower (P<0.05 or lower). Messenger RNA expressions of glycoprotein 2 (GP2), neurotensin (NTS),E-cadherin (CDH1) and heat shock 105kDa/110kDa protein 1 (HSPH1) were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Transcripts of GP2 and NTS were more abundant in the endometrium from summer than in the endometrium from autumn (P < 0.05). In contrast, the mRNA expressions of CDH1 were lower (P < 0.05) and those of HSPH1 tended to be low (P = 0.09) in the endometrium from summer. Immunohistochemical staining showed that GP2, NTS and HSPH1 were expressed in the endometrial epithelial or glandular epithelial cells. The serum concentrations of NTS collected from the cows in summer were higher than those collected from cows in autumn (P < 0.05). Collectively, the different gene expression profiles may contribute to functional differences in the endometrium between summer and autumn, and the increases in GP2 and NTS may have a relationship with the endometrial deficiency that causes infertility of cows in summer.

Effect of elevated temperatures on bovine corpus luteum function: expression of heat-shock protein 70, cell viability and production of progesterone and prostaglandins by cultured luteal cells

Summer heat stress lowers fertility in cattle in hot environments by influencing oocyte quality, follicular activity and progesterone (P4) level in blood plasma. However, the mechanisms by which elevated temperature influences corpus luteum function remain unclear. Elevated temperature has generally been known to upregulate the gene expression of heat-shock protein (HSP) 70 in a variety of cell types. To clarify the direct effects of elevated temperature on bovine corpus luteum function, we examined the expressions of HSP70, cell viability and the production of P4 and prostaglandins (PGs) in luteal cells cultured at 37.5°C (normal temperature in our culture system), 39.0°C (moderately elevated temperature) or 41.0°C (severely elevated temperature) for 12 or 24 h. HSP70 mRNA expression was increased by incubation at 39.0°C for 12 h and at 41.0°C for 12 and 24 h, whereas HSP70 protein expression was not significantly affected. The viability of luteal cells cultured for 24 h, measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining, was not significantly affected by temperature. Interestingly, the production of P4 by cultured luteal cells was higher at 39.0°C than at 37.5°C after 12 and 24 h of incubation. The production of PGF2α was higher at 39.0°C and 41.0°C than at 37.5°C after 12 and 24 h of incubation. The production of PGE2 was higher at 41.0°C than at 37.5°C after 24 h of incubation. The overall results suggested that elevated temperature does not negatively affect luteal function, and that the low fertility observed during summer is not due to a direct effect of elevated temperature on luteal cells.

Effects of Environmental Heat on Conception Rates in Lactating Dairy Cows: Critical Periods of Exposure

Environmental heat can reduce conception rates (the proportion of services that result in pregnancy) in lactating dairy cows. The study objectives were to identify periods of exposure relative to the service date in which environmental heat is most closely associated with conception rates, and to assess whether the total time cows are exposed to high environmental heat within each 24-h period is more closely associated with conception rates than is the maximum environmental heat for each 24-h period. A retrospective observational study was conducted in 25 predominantly Holstein-Friesian commercial dairy herds located in Australia. Associations between weather and conception rates were assessed using 16,878 services performed over a 21-mo period. Services were classified as successful based on rectal palpation. Two measures of heat load were defined for each 24-h period: the maximum temperature-humidity index (THI) for the period, and the number of hours in the 24-h period when the THI was >72. Conception rates were reduced when cows were exposed to a high heat load from the day of service to 6 d after service, and in wk -1. Heat loads in wk -3 to -5 were also associated with reduced conception rates. Thus, management interventions to ameliorate the effects of heat load on conception rates should be implemented at least 5 wk before anticipated service and should continue until at least 1 wk after service. High autocorrelations existed between successive daily values in both measures, and associations between day of heat load relative to service day and conception rates differed substantially when ridge regression was used to account for this autocorrelation. This indicates that when assessing the effects of heat load on conception rates, the autocorrelation in heat load between days should be accounted for in analyses. The results suggest that either weekly averages or totals summarizing the daily heat load are adequate to describe heat load when assessing effects on conception rates in lactating dairy cows.

Manipulation and control of the estrous cycle in pasture-based dairy cows

Treatments designed to synchronize luteolysis, preovulatory follicular development, and ovulation, and resynchronize estrus after a first AI have improved responses to synchronization treatments. Protocols based only on the use of PGF result in variable onset of estrus. Concentrations of progesterone prior to administering PGF have affected submission rates and fertility while administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) after inducing luteolysis has improved the synchrony of estrus and ovulation in some studies. In pasture-based dairy cows, GnRH-based protocols have generally resulted in one-third of both anestrous and cycling cows conceiving following synchronization of ovulation and timed AI. Protocols which use intravaginal progesterone releasing inserts (IVP4) are effective in inducing estrus in over 90% of treated dairy cows. Resynchronization of estrus after reinsertion of an IVP4 also improves the synchrony of returns to estrus, but pregnancy rates to the first AI have been reduced in some studies, and submission rates at a resynchronized estrus are less than at the first synchronized estrus. Administration of EB can be used to synchronize follicle wave emergence in resynchronized cows with intervals to new wave emergence comparable to that in cows synchronized for a first AI, but plasma concentrations of progesterone following treatment may be reduced. Synchronization of estrus and ovulation can be enhanced by administration of EB or GnRH during proestrus, but dose, timing and stage of follicular development at the time of treatment can affect outcomes.

Summer heat stress alters the mRNA expression of selective-uptake and endocytotic receptors in bovine ovarian cells

Summer heat stress (HS) is a major factor in decreased reproductive performance in high-producing dairy cattle, possibly by affecting the steroidogenic capacity of ovarian follicles and ovarian follicular dynamics. In the present study, mRNA expression of cholesterol receptors was determined in bovine ovarian cells. Two endocytotic receptors (very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLr) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr)), and two selective-uptake receptors (scavenger receptor class B type 1 receptor (SRB1) and the lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 8 (LRP8)) were evaluated. Ovarian follicles in four diameter categories were evaluated from cows under non-heat stress (NHS) and HS conditions. As follicle size increased, expression of mRNA in NHS cows increased for the selective-uptake receptors, SRB1 and LRP8, and decreased (P<0.004) for the endocytotic receptors, LDLr and VLDLr. In contrast, in HS cows, mRNA expression did not significantly change (with increasing follicle diameter) for either receptor type. With increasing follicle diameter, cholesterol and fatty acid concentrations in the follicular fluid did not change in HS cows, whereas in NHS cows, cholesterol increased (P<0.008) and fatty acid decreased (P<0.0001). These changes paralleled those in the different lipoprotein fractions in the follicular fluid. In follicles from HS cows, the altered mRNA expression patterns for the endocytotic and selective-uptake receptors caused changes in the regulation of cholesterol supply at critical stages of folliculogenesis, which may play a role in the low turnover rates of ovarian follicles during the summer.

Utilização de gonadotrofina coriônica humana e cipionato de estradiol associado ao dispositivo de liberação controlada de drogas para sincronização de ovulação em cabras da raça Saanen

Dezesseis cabras nulíparas da raça Saanen foram distribuídas em dois grupos de tratamentos (T1 e T2) para sincronização da ovulação. Inicialmente, ambos os tratamento consistiram na aplicação concomitante do dispositivo de liberação controlada de drogas (CIDR-G®), de 5mg de dinoprost e de 1mg de cipionato de estradiol (CE) (dia 0). No quarto dia aplicaram-se 250UI de eCG e no quinto dia retirou-se o CIDR-G®. As cabras do T1 (n=8) receberam 1mg de CE 24 horas depois da retirada do CIDR-G® e as do T2 (n=8) receberam 250UI de hCG 30 horas após. Sete cabras do T1 e oito do T2 entraram em estro depois da retirada do CIDR-G®. Cabras que receberam hCG permaneceram em estro por 42,0± 6,9 horas e as que receberam CE por 45,0± 5,5 horas (P>0,05). As características ovulatórias não foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos. O intervalo da retirada do CIDR-G® à ovulação para ambos os protocolos de sincronização da ovulação não diferiu (P>0,05) entre tratamentos. As ovulações promovidas pelo CE ocorreram em menor intervalo de tempo.