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Ferraz PA, Poit DAS, Ferreira Pinto LM, Guerra AC, Laurindo Neto A, do Prado FL, Azrak AJ, Çakmakçı C, Baruselli PS, Pugliesi G. Accuracy of early pregnancy diagnosis and determining pregnancy loss using different biomarkers and machine learning applications in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2024; 224:82-93. [PMID: 38759608 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.006] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the accuracy of IFN-τ stimulated gene abundance (ISGs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), CL blood perfusion by Doppler ultrasound (Doppler-US), plasma concentration of P4 on Day 21 and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) test on Day 25 after timed-artificial insemination (TAI) for early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows and heifers. Holstein cows (n = 140) and heifers (n = 32) were subjected to a hormonal synchronization protocol and TAI on Day 0. On Day 21 post-TAI, blood samples were collected for PBMC isolation and plasma concentration of P4. The CL blood perfusion was evaluated by Doppler-US. Plasma samples collected on Day 25 were assayed for PAGs. The abundance of ISGs (ISG15 and RSAD2) in PBMCs was determined by RT-qPCR. Pregnancy was confirmed on Days 32 and 60 post-TAI by B-mode ultrasonography. Statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA using the MIXED procedure and GLIMMIX in SAS software. The pregnancy biomarkers were used to categorize the females as having undergone late luteolysis (LL); early embryonic mortality (EEM); late embryonic mortality (LEM); or late pregnancy loss (LPL). The abundance of ISGs, CL blood perfusion by Doppler-US, and concentrations of P4 on Day 21, and PAGs test on Day 25 were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of early pregnancy in dairy cows and heifers. Dairy cows had a greater (P = 0.01) occurrence of LL than heifers, but there was no difference (P > 0.1) for EEM, LEM, and LPL in heifers compared to cows. Cows with postpartum reproductive issues had a greater (P = 0.008) rate of LEM and a lesser (P = 0.01) rate of LPL compared to cows without reproductive issues. In summary, the CL blood perfusion by Doppler-US had the highest accuracy and the least number of false negatives, suggesting it is the best predictor of pregnancy on Day 21 post-TAI. The PAGs test was the most reliable indicator of pregnancy status on Day 25 post-TAI in dairy heifers and cows. The application of machine learning, specifically the MARS algorithm, shows promise in enhancing the accuracy of predicting early pregnancies in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Assis Ferraz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Diego Angelo Schmidt Poit
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Marin Ferreira Pinto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arthur Cobayashi Guerra
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adomar Laurindo Neto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cihan Çakmakçı
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Section, Faculty of Agriculture, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| | - Pietro Sampaio Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Rocha CC, Cordeiro ALL, Campbell M, Maldonado MBC, Silva FACC, Bennett A, Waheed A, Hansen T, Binelli M. In vitro reminiscence: uterine programming in vivo affects respective luminal epithelial cells function in vitro†. Biol Reprod 2024:ioae093. [PMID: 38910516 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In cattle, the endometrium during diestrus and early pregnancy displays cellular responses that are consequences of prior, transient stimuli. Goal was to establish a model to study cellular memory in the endometrium. The hypothesis is that stimuli given to endometrium in vivo are retained as a cellular memory that remains after bovine uterine epithelial cells (BUECs) are isolated, cultured, and further stimulated in vitro. Objectives were to measure BUEC proliferation/migration and responsiveness to recombinant bovine Interferon-tau (rbIFNT) in vitro: among cows that showed estrus (experiment 1 [Exp1]), cows that became or not pregnant to artificial insemination (Exp2), cows that received or not supplemental progesterone (P4; Exp3) and cows that received or not a COX-1/2 inhibitor (Exp4). Only cows that displayed estrus were included in studies. For all experiments endometrial cytology was collected 4 days after estrus, BUECs were cultured, propagated, and submitted to rbIFNT treatment and an in vitro scratch assay. In Exp1, different cows spontaneously grouped according to proliferative/migratory capacity and responsiveness to rbIFNT of their respective BUECs. In Exp2, BUECs from pregnant cows showed greater rbIFNT responsiveness and cellular proliferation. In Exp3, BUECs from cows supplemented with P4 presented inhibited proliferation and increased expression of RSAD2. In Exp4, Flunixin Meglumine modified rbIFNT responsiveness of BUECs in an IFN-signaling pathway-specific manner. In conclusion, physiological and pharmacological stimuli received by the endometrium in vivo were retained as cellular memory in BUECs, persisted in culture, and changed BUEC proliferation/migration and responsiveness to rbIFNT, which are characteristics associated with fertility in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrey Luiz Lopes Cordeiro
- Center of Biological and Nature Sciences, Federal University of Acre, Rodovia BR 364, Km 04, Rio Branco, Acre, 69920-900, Brazil
| | - Meghan Campbell
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandra Bennett
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Abdul Waheed
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
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Kelson VC, Kiser JN, Davenport KM, Suarez EM, Murdoch BM, Neibergs HL. Identifying Regions of the Genome Associated with Conception Rate to the First Service in Holstein Heifers Bred by Artificial Insemination and as Embryo Transfer Recipients. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:765. [PMID: 38927701 PMCID: PMC11202900 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Heifer conception rate to the first service (HCR1) is defined as the number of heifers that become pregnant to the first breeding service compared to the heifers bred. This study aimed to identify loci associated and gene sets enriched for HCR1 for heifers that were bred by artificial insemination (AI, n = 2829) or were embryo transfer (ET, n = 2086) recipients, by completing a genome-wide association analysis and gene set enrichment analysis using SNP data (GSEA-SNP). Three unique loci, containing four positional candidate genes, were associated (p < 1 × 10-5) with HCR1 for ET recipients, while the GSEA-SNP identified four gene sets (NES ≥ 3) and sixty-two leading edge genes (LEGs) enriched for HCR1. While no loci were associated with HCR1 bred by AI, one gene set and twelve LEGs were enriched (NES ≥ 3) for HCR1 with the GSEA-SNP. This included one gene (PKD2) shared between HCR1 AI and ET services. Identifying loci associated or enriched for HCR1 provides an opportunity to use them as genomic selection tools to facilitate the selection of cattle with higher reproductive efficiency, and to better understand embryonic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C. Kelson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA; (V.C.K.); (K.M.D.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Jennifer N. Kiser
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Kimberly M. Davenport
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA; (V.C.K.); (K.M.D.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Emaly M. Suarez
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA; (V.C.K.); (K.M.D.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Brenda M. Murdoch
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA;
| | - Holly L. Neibergs
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA; (V.C.K.); (K.M.D.); (E.M.S.)
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Da Silva LG, Da Silva LG, Ferreira LCL, Mascarello J, Moraes JGN, Lucy MC, Nogueira É. Factors influencing pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI) and embryonic mortality in Nelore females subjected to timed-AI in Brazil. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 265:107475. [PMID: 38663149 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107475] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
A greater understanding of factors influencing fertility is essential to improve pregnancy rates and reduce the occurrence of embryonic mortality in beef herds. The objective of the current study was to evaluate retrospective data of pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in Nelore females subjected to timed-AI (TAI) in Brazil. Data from 40,104 TAI collected from six breeding seasons (2016-2022) were analyzed, and the effects of animal category (e.g., classification based on age and parity), farm, month of parturition, sire, sire breed (Nelore vs Angus), estrus expression at TAI, animal temperament, and body condition scores (BCS) were evaluated. P/AI and pregnancy loss were affected (P < 0.001) by animal category. There was also an effect of farm (P = 0.0013) on P/AI and pregnancy loss (P = 0.001), as P/AI ranged from 49.28% and 55.58% and pregnancy loss from 3.37% to 6.89% across the herds evaluated. Month of parturition also affected (P < 0.001) P/AI and was higher for cows that became pregnant at the beginning of the previous breeding season. Calmer animals, presenting lower velocity scores while exiting the chute following TAI, achieved higher P/AI (P < 0.001). Lower BCS at TAI was associated (P < 0.001) with increased pregnancy loss, and BCS gain following AI was associated (P < 0.001) with reduced rates of embryonic mortality. There was a major effect (P < 0.001) of sire on P/AI and pregnancy loss, as P/AI ranged from 11% to 79%, and embryonic mortality from 0% to 40% for the bulls used in the study, highlighting the importance of the sire fertility on overall pregnancy success. Results from the current study reinforce the idea that animal age and parity at the beginning of the breeding season, BCS at the onset of estrous synchronization, BCS gain following AI, estrus expression at TAI, sire, and month of parturition are important factors influencing P/AI and rates of embryonic mortality in beef herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gomes Da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Post Graduation Program of Veterinary Medicine- CIVET-UFMS, Campo Grandes, Brazil
| | - Luana Gomes Da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Post-Graduation Program of Animal Science, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Cia Pecuaria Assessoria, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Julia Mascarello
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Post Graduation Program of Veterinary Medicine- CIVET-UFMS, Campo Grandes, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ériklis Nogueira
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation- EMBRAPA Beef Cattle, Av. Rádio Maia, 830, Campo Grande - MS, 79106-550, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Post Graduation Program of Veterinary Medicine- CIVET-UFMS, Campo Grandes, Brazil.
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McGraw MS, Bishman JA, Daigneault BW. Efficiency of embryo complementation and pluripotency maintenance following multiple passaging of in vitro-derived bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD24018. [PMID: 38902907 DOI: 10.1071/rd24018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Current methods to obtain bovine embryos of high genetic merit include approaches that require skilled techniques for low-efficiency cloning strategies. Aims The overall goal herein was to identify the efficacy of alternative methods for producing multiple embryos through blastomere complementation while determining maintenance of cell pluripotency. Methods Bovine oocytes were fertilised in vitro to produce 4-cell embryos from which blastomeres were isolated and cultured as 2-cell aggregates using a well-of-the-well system. Aggregates were returned to incubation up to 7days (Passage 1). A second passage of complement embryos was achieved by splitting 4-cell Passage 1 embryos. Passaged embryos reaching the blastocyst stage were characterised for cell number and cell lineage specification in replicate with non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Key results Passage 1 and 2 embryo complements yielded 29% and 25% blastocyst development, respectively. Passage 1 embryos formed blastocysts, but with a reduction in expression of SOX2 and decreased size compared to non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Passage 2 embryos had a complete lack of SOX2 expression and a reduction in transcript abundance of SOX2 and SOX17, suggesting loss of pluripotency markers that primarily affected inner cell mass (ICM) and hypoblast formation. Conclusions In vitro fertilised bovine embryos can be reconstructed with multiple passaging to generate genetically identical embryos. Increased passaging drives trophectoderm cell lineage specification while compromising ICM formation. Implications These results may provide an alternative strategy for producing genetically identical bovine embryos through blastomere complementation with applications towards the development of trophoblast and placental models of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura S McGraw
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jordan A Bishman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Bradford W Daigneault
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Munhoz SK, Cooke RF, Munhoz AK, Prado CP, Pereira MHC, Vasconcelos JLM. Pregnancy losses in Bos indicus-influenced beef and dairy recipients assigned to a fixed-time embryo transfer protocol. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 264:107471. [PMID: 38581821 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107471] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy losses from fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) to calving were evaluated in Bos indicus-influenced beef and dairy recipients. Data from 4366 FTET events were collected from Nelore × Angus recipient heifers, and from 38538 FTET events in Gir × Holstein recipient heifers and cows. In beef recipients, pregnancy losses were greater (P < 0.01) from FTET (day 7 of the experiment) to day 32 compared with day 32-100 and with day 100 to calving (58.7, 39.5, and 36.7%, respectively), and did not differ (P = 0.56) between these latter periods. Recipients that lost the pregnancy from FTET to day 32 gained less (P < 0.01) body condition score after FTET compared with recipients that maintained the pregnancy. Pregnancy losses from day 32 to calving were greater (P < 0.01) in recipients reared in drylots and moved to pastures on day 32 compared with recipients reared on pasture. In dairy recipients, pregnancy losses from FTET (day 7) to day 32 were greater (P < 0.01) than losses from day 32 to calving (50.4 and 29.4%). Pregnancy losses throughout gestation were greater (P < 0.01) when the FTET event was performed during the warm season, and greater (P < 0.01) in recipients with < 3/8 Gir influence. Recipients with ≥ 3/8 Gir influence experienced a lesser (P ≤ 0.05) increase in pregnancy losses during the warm season compared with recipients with < 3/8 Gir influence. Collectively, this experiment provides novel information about pregnancy losses in B. indicus-influenced herds receiving FTET.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA.
| | - A K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil
| | - C P Prado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil; Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - M H C Pereira
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil.
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Yokus B, Takci A, Ercan N, Em B, Uysal E. Early prognostic markers to predict unsuccessful pregnancy in dairy cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14587. [PMID: 38812420 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14587] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate maternal serum levels of some angiogenic factors and certain proteins in dairy cattle for (1) early prediction of unsuccessful fertilization and (2) early detection of possible pregnancy failures (early EM) after positive insemination Serum samples were collected from the same cattle at three distinct time points: 30 days before artificial insemination (B-AI), on the day of artificial insemination (AI), and 30 days after artificial insemination (A-AI). As a result of the pregnancy examination, the cows were divided into two main groups according to whether they were pregnant. The results showed that leucyl/cystinyl aminopeptidase (LNPEP) concentration was significantly decreased B-AI and Secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRP-3), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and LNPEP levels were significantly decreased on day of AI, while PRL level was increased, and these data have prognostic significance as early indicator of the risk of potentially failed pregnancy. Additionally, a significant decrease in LNPEP, SFRP3, and VEGF levels, along with an increase in PRL levels was also observed in A-AI. These results suggest that these biomarkers can be used as a screening test to monitor the course of pregnancy. There were no significant differences in serum levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 (IGF-2), Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), angiopoietin (ANG), Endoglin (ENG), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Inhibine-A (INH-A) and Transforming growth factors-β1 (TGF-β1) between the evaluated periods neither unsuccessful nor the successful pregnancy groups. This is the first study reporting that the maternal serum levels of LNPEP, SFRP3, VEGF, and PRL have important roles in pregnancy success and may indicate whether insemination outcome will be successful B-AI and predict the risk of unsuccessful pregnancy after AI in dairy cattle. The increase in such studies will allow the development of more specific, practical, and applicable markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beran Yokus
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahman Takci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Nazli Ercan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Bernan Em
- Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Ersin Uysal
- School of Technical Sciences, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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Griffin CK, Lemley CO, Pohler KG, Sun X, Lear AS. Characterization of placentome vascular perfusion in relation to pregnancy associated glycoproteins throughout gestation in pregnant beef heifers. Theriogenology 2024; 219:94-102. [PMID: 38417354 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.020] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy, blood flow to the uterus changes to support fetal demand. Placentomes serve as vascular attachment sites on the placenta for exchange of gases, nutrients, and metabolic products. Non-invasive methods of ultrasonography and biomarkers have been described to assess placental health and fetal viability. Pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are produced by the ruminant placenta and are detected in maternal circulation. In cattle, changes in circulating PAG concentrations are associated with embryonic and fetal outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the association between placentome blood perfusion and circulating PAG concentrations as they relate to the health of the developing fetus. We hypothesized that placentome perfusion and PAG concentration will be positively correlated and associated with neonatal outcome. A prospective, observational study was designed using 26 pregnant, nulliparous, Angus heifers in which PAG concentration and placentome blood perfusion were assessed throughout gestation, with assessment of calving characteristics following parturition. Placentome blood perfusion was visualized at 30-day intervals via transrectal Doppler ultrasonography with power flow function. Ultrasound images were analyzed using ImageJ software to determine the percent area of perfusion and integrated pixel densities. Venous blood was collected and PAG concentrations were determined via serum PAG enzyme-linked immunoassay. Mean placentome blood perfusion increased as gestation advanced. PAG concentrations demonstrated the expected temporal trend, increasing with gestation length, and were positively linearly correlated with placentome perfusion (P < 0.0001). The relationship identified between circulating PAG concentration and placentome blood perfusion suggests the use of transrectal power flow Doppler ultrasonography as a noninvasive technique to determine placental blood flow morphometrics to assess conceptus wellbeing throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Griffin
- 2407 River Dr, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - C O Lemley
- 335 Wise Center Dr, Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- 474 Olsen Blvd, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - X Sun
- IT and Digital Innovations, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - A S Lear
- 2407 River Dr, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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Sales AFF, Cappellozza BI, Vilela E, Claro Júnior I, Sá Filho OG, Vasconcelos JLM. Effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin dosage and its splitting in different days on reproductive performance of Nellore cows synchronized for timed-artificial insemination. Theriogenology 2024; 218:267-275. [PMID: 38367335 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.006] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and its splitting in different days of the synchronization protocol on reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous Nellore cows. In the present study, 2,536 Nellore cows (1,634 primiparous and 902 multiparous) were assigned to receive in a 2 × 2 factorial design 1) an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) on day -11, 12.5 mg (i.m.) of dinoprost tromethamine (PGF), 300 IU (i.m.) of eCG, 0.6 mg (i.m.) of estradiol cypionate (ECP), and P4 device withdrawal on day -2, followed by TAI on day 0 (n = 632 cows, being 409 primiparous and 223 multiparous; 300-2), 2) 300 IU (i.m) of eCG administered on days -4 and -2 (150 IU of eCG/day; n = 637 cows, being 412 primiparous and 225 multiparous; 300-4-2), 3) 400 IU (i.m.) of eCG administered on day -2 (n = 633 cows, being 406 primiparous and 227 multiparous; 400-2), and 4) 400 IU (i.m) of eCG administered on days -4 and -2 (200 IU of eCG/day; n = 634 cows, being 407 primiparous and 227 multiparous; 400-4-2). Individual cow BCS was assessed on days -11, 0 (timed-AI), and 31 of the study. Body condition score of the animals was classified into LOW or HIGH using the threshold of 2.75 (≤2.75 = LOW; >2.75 = HIGH). For primiparous cows, an eCG splitting effect was observed on follicle size, as cows receiving eCG on days -4 and -2 of the synchronization protocol had a larger follicle than cows administered eCG only on day -2. For day 31 P/AI, primiparous cows receiving 400-4-2, regardless of BCS, had a greater P/AI than cows from other treatments. Administering 400-4-2 to LOW BCS cows also resulted in greater P/AI than all other treatments assigned to LOW BCS cows. For multiparous cows, no treatment effect was observed for follicle size, estrus expression, and day 31 P/AI (P ≥ 0.21). In summary, increasing the dose and splitting the dose of eCG positively impacted the pregnancy rates of primiparous cows under a BCS ≤2.75, but no effects were detected on multiparous cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F F Sales
- Lageado Biotecnologia e Pecuária, Mineiros, GO, 75830-000, Brazil; Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, 18168-000, Brazil
| | | | - E Vilela
- Lageado Biotecnologia e Pecuária, Mineiros, GO, 75830-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, 18168-000, Brazil.
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10
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Yang MK, Yeh RH, Lee CJ, Yeh YH, Chen YH, Banhazi T, Tu PA. Pregnancy maintenance and fetal loss assessment in Holstein cows through analyzing pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in milk. Theriogenology 2024; 217:11-17. [PMID: 38219409 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.010] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Fetal loss (FL) from the 45th day of gestation until calving can impose a significant economic burden on dairy farmers, resulting in lost profits and increased production costs. Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) is commonly used for detecting pregnancy in cows. PAG is secreted by binucleated trophoblast cells of the placenta and regulated by more than 24 genes. The purpose of this study was to determine the PAG threshold for FL and a probability of pregnancy maintenance until calving based on milk PAG levels. Our results reveal that primiparous and multiparous cows that maintained pregnancy until the 40th week exhibited higher PAG sample-negative (SN) values in their milk in the 6th week of gestation than did those that experienced FL later in gestation. Pregnant cows with higher PAG SN values in the 6th week of gestation were more likely to maintain their pregnancies. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting the probability of pregnancy maintenance was 0.722 for our prediction model. On the other hand, a milk PAG SN value of <0.192 indicated 95 % confidence that FL would occur between the 7th and 40th weeks of gestation. Milk PAG testing is a noninvasive sampling technique that does not induce additional stress in lactating cows. The study reveals that PAG SN values increase significantly in Holstein cows during the 6th week of gestation. The predictive model developed was effective in forecasting pregnancy outcomes up to the 40th week of gestation or calving. The model's performance is moderately good for field application and could be a useful tool for dairy producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Kuew Yang
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Han Yeh
- Animal Products Processing Division, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tainan, 71246, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Lee
- Livestock Management Division, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tainan, 71246, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Yeh
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Chen
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan
| | - Thomas Banhazi
- National Taiwan University, International College, Changxing st, Da'an, Taipei, 10672, Taiwan
| | - Po-An Tu
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan.
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11
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Mercadante VRG, Lamb GC. Implementing Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Programs in Beef Herds. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:141-156. [PMID: 37684109 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.008] [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] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The article discusses the importance of reproductive biotechnologies, including artificial insemination and fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI), in beef cow-calf operations. The use of TAI improves cow-calf productivity and profitability by shortening the breeding season and increasing the number of calves born earlier, resulting in heavier calves at weaning. However, adoption of TAI by beef producers in the United States has been slow compared with the dairy industry and internationally, such as Brazil. Current TAI protocols are effective in synchronizing ovulation and yield consistent pregnancy results. Factors affecting the success of TAI include cow/heifer factors, sire, nutritional status, and cattle temperament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor R G Mercadante
- School of Animal Sciences, CALS and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, VAMD-CVM at Virginia Tech, 175 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Graham Cliff Lamb
- Texas A&M Agrilife Research, 600 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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12
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Pohler KG, Oliveira Filho RV. Impact of the Sire on Pregnancy Loss. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:121-129. [PMID: 37884437 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.006] [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] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
For over a century, scientists have attempted to develop techniques to accurately predict the fertility potential of a male's semen sample. In most livestock species, the sire is responsible for multiple pregnancies per year and up to hundreds of thousands of pregnancies if used for artificial insemination. Use of subfertile or infertile sires can have devastating impacts in regard to the reproductive efficiency of a cow herd. Despite the rapid expansion of fertility studies through advancements in molecular, genomic, and computer techniques, our understanding of male fertility is still far from complete. This article will provide an overview of the impact of the sire in pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ky G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Ramiro Vander Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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13
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Moriel P, Vedovatto M, Izquierdo V, Palmer EA, Vendramini JMB. Maternal prepartum supplementation of protein and energy and body condition score modulated the performance of Bos indicus-influenced cow-calf pairs. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107433. [PMID: 38368654 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107433] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Retrospective analyses were performed on a dataset of 1188 fall-calving, Brangus cow-calf pairs. Analyses 1 sorted cows according to their initial body condition score (BCS < 5 vs. ≥ 5) and whether they received (SUP) or not (NOSUP) prepartum supplementation of protein and energy. Analyses 2 sorted cows according to their calving BCS (BCS < 5 or ≥ 5) and BCS change from calving until the start of the breeding season (lost, maintained, or gained). Cows were not estrus synchronized and were assigned to natural breeding for 90 days. Prepartum supplementation increased (P = 0.04) pregnancy percentage in cows with initial BCS < 5 but not (P = 0.20) with initial BCS ≥ 5. Calf weaning weight was greatest (P ≤ 0.04) for calves born from SUP cows with an initial BCS ≥ 5 and did not differ (P ≥ 0.56) among all remaining groups. Among cows with calving BCS < 5, pregnancy percentage were less (P = 0.05) for cows that lost vs. maintained/gained BCS. Postpartum BCS change did not (P ≥ 0.16) impact pregnancy percentage of cows calving at BCS ≥ 5. Calf weaning weight increased (P < 0.01) for cows calving with BCS ≥ 5 vs. < 5 and was not impacted (P = 0.47) by postpartum BCS change. Therefore, precalving supplementation improved reproduction of cows with BCS below optimal and weaning weight of calves born from cows with BCS above optimal, whereas calving BCS was the major factor affecting postpartum BCS change and cow reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Moriel
- Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Ona, FL 33865, USA.
| | - M Vedovatto
- Dean Lee Research and Extension Station, Louisiana State University, Alexandria, LA 71302, USA
| | - V Izquierdo
- Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Ona, FL 33865, USA
| | - E A Palmer
- Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Ona, FL 33865, USA
| | - J M B Vendramini
- Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Ona, FL 33865, USA
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14
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Yu J, Liu C, Chen H, Xiang M, Hu X, Zhong Z, Liu Q, Wang D, Cheng L. Transcriptomic analysis of bovine endometrial epithelial cells in response to interferon tau and hormone stimulation. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1344259. [PMID: 38371594 PMCID: PMC10873918 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1344259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The embryonic loss during early stage of gestation is one of the major causes of infertility for domestic ruminants, causing huge economic losses to pasture. Maternal recognition of pregnancy and implantation are the crucial process for determining the successful establishment and development of pregnancy in cattle. The research on molecular mechanisms of pregnancy recognition will facilitate illustrating the complex process of pregnancy establishment and help to improve pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analysis of primary bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEND) with or without IFNT and hormones intervention through RNA sequencing. We eventually identified 608 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including 409 up-regulated genes and 199 down-regulated genes in IFNT and hormones-treated group compared with control group. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis demonstrated that the majority of DEGs were implicated in immune system process, response to external stimulus, response to cytokine, regulation of response to stress. Results from KEGG analysis showed a significant enrichment of NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation, necroptosis, oxidative phosphorylation, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway. Additionally, a set of promising candidate genes, including (USP18, STAT1, PSMB8, IFIH1, MX2, IFI44, DHX58, CASP8, DRAM1, CXCR4), were characterized by constructing an integrated interaction network. Specifically, the mRNA expression of HOXA11, PTGS1 and PTGS2 were remarkably suppressed by silencing DRAM1 under IFNT and hormone administration, thus speculating that DRAM1 might play a crucial role in early pregnancy by regulating endometrial function. The results of this study depicted a relatively comprehensive transcriptional profiles of BEND in response to IFNT and hormones, which contributes to a better understanding of gene interaction network and underlying regulatory mechanisms in endometrium of ruminants during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenhui Liu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongbo Chen
- Laboratory of Genetic Breeding, Reproduction and Precision Livestock Farming and Hubei Provincial Center of Technology Innovation for Domestic Animal Breeding, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Xiang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiuzhong Hu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuxia Zhong
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Genetic Breeding, Reproduction and Precision Livestock Farming and Hubei Provincial Center of Technology Innovation for Domestic Animal Breeding, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dingfa Wang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
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15
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Prado CP, Cooke RF, Munhoz AK, Munhoz SK, de Sousa MCG, da Silva VMP, Pohler KG, Vasconcelos JLM. Characterizing pregnancy losses in Bos indicus beef females receiving a fixed-timed artificial insemination protocol. Theriogenology 2024; 215:144-150. [PMID: 38070213 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.013] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This experiment evaluated pregnancy losses from day 30 of gestation to calving in Bos indicus females, and evaluated if serum haptoglobin concentrations during early gestation impacts subsequent pregnancy losses. A total of 4926 Nelore females were used, being 1802 nulliparous heifers inseminated as yearlings (precocious heifers), 1356 nulliparous heifers inseminated at 24 months of age (conventional heifers), 887 suckling primiparous cows, and 881 suckling multiparous cows. Cows were assigned to an ovulation synchronization + fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol from day -11 to 0 of the experiment. Pregnancy status was verified using transrectal ultrasonography on days 30 and 60 after FTAI, via transrectal palpation on day 150 after FTAI, and according to calf birth. Blood samples were collected from all animals diagnosed pregnant on day 30 after FTAI, and analyzed for serum concentrations of haptoglobin and pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG). Pregnancy loss was greater (P < 0.01) from day 60-150 of gestation (10.2 %) compared with day 30-60 of gestation (6.0 %) and with day 150 of gestation to calving (7.4 %), and differed (P = 0.04) between these latter two periods. Pregnancy loss from day 30-60 of gestation did not differ (P = 0.26) among parities, whereas total pregnancy losses (day 30 to calving) were greater (P < 0.01) in precocious (28.4 %) and conventional (27.1 %) heifers compared with primiparous (16.4 %) and multiparous (13.0 %) cows. Serum PAG concentrations on day 30 after FTAI were less (P ≤ 0.03) in cows that lost the pregnancy (5.63 ng/mL) from day 30-60 of gestation, as well as those that lost the pregnancy from day 30 to calving (8.59 ng/mL) compared with cohorts that maintained the pregnancy (9.39 and 9.32 ng/mL, respectively). No differences in serum PAG concentrations on day 30 after FTAI were noted (P ≥ 0.23) according to pregnancy losses from day 60 to calving. Serum haptoglobin concentration on day 30 after FTAI also did not differ (P ≥ 0.48) between cows that maintained or lost the pregnancy. This experiment provides novel information about pregnancy losses after day 30 of gestation in B. indicus cattle, with most losses occurring as fetal mortality and not affected by systemic inflammation during early gestation. Pregnancy losses were nearly doubled in precocious and conventional heifers compared with parous cows, demonstrating the relevance of this reproductive failure to B. indicus replacement heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Prado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil; Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA.
| | - A K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - S K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - M C G de Sousa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - V M P da Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil.
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16
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Aymée L, Mendes J, Lilenbaum W. Bovine Genital Leptospirosis: An Update of This Important Reproductive Disease. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:322. [PMID: 38275782 PMCID: PMC10812666 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020322] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis is an important disease that affects the reproductive sphere. Due to its high relevance for the bovine production chain in a worldwide scenario, a better understanding of the disease is crucial to reduce its negative impacts. The main agents are strains from the Sejroe serogroup, such as Hardjo and Guaricura, which lead to renal and genital infection. The genital colonization causes a chronic, silent, and subclinical reproductive syndrome, called Bovine Genital Leptospirosis (BGL). Embryonic death, estrus repetition, subfertility, and abortions are the main signs of BGL condition in females. However, although leptospires have been identified in semen, the manifestation of BGL in bulls remains to be clarified. The recommended diagnosis of BGL includes a serologic screening of the herds using the microscopic agglutination test followed by PCR of genital samples (cervicovaginal mucus, uterine fragment, or semen), especially from animals with reproductive failures. After the identification of carriers, control is carried out considering three steps: antimicrobial treatment of the carriers, environmental and reproductive management, and herd vaccination. Systematic testing, quarantine of newly arrived animals, and usage of antimicrobials in semen diluents or embryo culture media are other sanitary approaches that are encouraged to improve the control of the syndrome. Herein we discuss protocols for an efficient diagnosis and preventive procedures of BGL, which are fundamental to reducing the negative impact of the disease on cattle reproduction and its consequent economic hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Alameda Barros Terra Street, 57, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil (J.M.)
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17
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Jamwal S, Jena MK, Tyagi N, Kancharla S, Kolli P, Mandadapu G, Kumar S, Mohanty AK. Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Molecular Dynamics of Early Pregnancy in Farm Animals: An In-Depth Review. J Dev Biol 2023; 12:2. [PMID: 38248867 PMCID: PMC10801625 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010002] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major problem in farm animals, which has a negative economic effect on farm industries. Infertility can be defined as the inability of animals to achieve a successful pregnancy. Early pregnancy is crucial to establish a successful pregnancy, and it is reported that 70-80% and 20-30% of total embryonic loss occur in cattle and pigs, respectively, during the first month of pregnancy. The advanced high-throughput proteomics techniques provide valuable tools for in-depth understanding of the implantation process in farm animals. In the present review, our goal was to compile, assess, and integrate the latest proteomic research on farm animals, specifically focused on female reproduction, which involves endometrial tissues, uterine fluids, oviductal fluids, and microRNAs. The series of studies has provided in-depth insights into the events of the implantation process by unfolding the molecular landscape of the uterine tract. The discussed data are related to pregnant vs. non-pregnant animals, pregnancy vs. oestrous cycle, different days of the early pregnancy phase, and animals with uterine infections affecting reproduction health. Some of the studies have utilized non-invasive methods and in vitro models to decipher the molecular events of embryo-maternal interaction. The proteomics data are valuable sources for discovering biomarkers for infertility in ruminants and new regulatory pathways governing embryo-uterine interaction, endometrium receptivity, and embryonic development. Here, we envisage that the identified protein signatures can serve as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers to develop new therapeutics against pregnancy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Jamwal
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India;
| | - Nikunj Tyagi
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Sudhakar Kancharla
- Devansh Lab Werks, 234 Aquarius Drive, Homewood, AL 35209, USA; (S.K.); (G.M.)
| | - Prachetha Kolli
- Microgen Health Inc., 14225 Sullyfield Cir Suite E, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA;
| | - Gowtham Mandadapu
- Devansh Lab Werks, 234 Aquarius Drive, Homewood, AL 35209, USA; (S.K.); (G.M.)
| | - Sudarshan Kumar
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Ashok Kumar Mohanty
- ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt 250001, Uttar Pradesh, India
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18
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Webb EM, Holman DB, Schmidt KN, Pun B, Sedivec KK, Hurlbert JL, Bochantin KA, Ward AK, Dahlen CR, Amat S. Sequencing and culture-based characterization of the vaginal and uterine microbiota in beef cattle that became pregnant or remained open following artificial insemination. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0273223. [PMID: 37921486 PMCID: PMC10714821 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02732-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome-targeted approaches may provide a novel opportunity to reduce the incidence of reproductive failures in cattle. To develop such microbiome-based strategies, one of the first logical steps is to identify reproductive microbiome features related to fertility and to isolate the fertility-associated microbial species for developing a future bacterial consortium that could be administered before breeding to enhance pregnancy outcomes. Here, we characterized the vaginal and uterine microbiota in beef cattle that became pregnant or remained open via artificial insemination and identified microbiota features associated with fertility. We compared similarities between vaginal and uterine microbiota and between heifers and cows. Using culturing, we provided new insights into the culturable fraction of the vaginal and uterine microbiota and their antimicrobial resistance. Overall, our findings will serve as an important basis for future research aimed at harnessing the vaginal and uterine microbiome for improved cattle fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Webb
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Devin B. Holman
- Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kaycie N. Schmidt
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Beena Pun
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Kevin K. Sedivec
- Central Grasslands Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Streeter, North Dakota, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Hurlbert
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Kerri A. Bochantin
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Alison K. Ward
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Samat Amat
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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19
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Butt Z, Tinning H, O'Connell MJ, Fenn J, Alberio R, Forde N. Understanding conceptus-maternal interactions: what tools do we need to develop? Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:81-92. [PMID: 38064186 DOI: 10.1071/rd23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between the maternal endometrium and developing embryo/conceptus is critical to support successful pregnancy to term. Studying the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical as this is when most pregnancy loss occurs in cattle. Our current understanding of these interactions is limited, due to the lack of appropriate in vitro models to assess these interactions. The endometrium is a complex and heterogeneous tissue that is regulated in a transcriptional and translational manner throughout the oestrous cycle. While there are in vitro models to study endometrial function, they are static and 2D in nature or explant models and are limited in how well they recapitulate the in vivo endometrium. Recent developments in organoid systems, microfluidic approaches, extracellular matrix biology, and in silico approaches provide a new opportunity to develop in vitro systems that better model the in vivo scenario. This will allow us to investigate in a more high-throughput manner the fundamental molecular interactions that are required for successful pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenab Butt
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Mary J O'Connell
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonathan Fenn
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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20
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Avidor-Reiss T, Uzbekov R. Revisiting the mystery of centrioles at the beginning of mammalian embryogenesis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2539-2543. [PMID: 37713143 PMCID: PMC10643695 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02927-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevailing assumption has been that the human spermatozoon provides only one centriole to the zygote: the proximal centriole, with a canonical, cylinder-like shape. This overly simplistic view has come under challenge since discovering that the human spermatozoon provides a second, atypical centriole to the zygote. The study of human zygotes is challenging for ethical reasons, and bovine zygotes provide an important model due to a similarity in centrosome embryonic inherence and function. Detailed ultrastructural analyses by Uzbekov and colleagues identify the persistence of atypical centrioles in bovine early embryos, raising questions about the original single-centriole model. Whether the parental origin of nascent atypical centrioles or their wide structural diversity and deviation from the canonical centriolar form in blastomeres constitutes sufficient evidence to warrant a reconsideration of the single-centriole model is discussed herein. Because previous human studies identified only one canonical centriole in the zygote, atypical centrioles are likely present in the early human embryo; therefore, it is time to rethink the role of paternal centrioles in human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43607, USA.
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43607, USA.
| | - Rustem Uzbekov
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, 37032, Tours, France
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University, 119992, Moscow, Russia
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21
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Monteiro PLJ, Consentini CEC, Andrade JPN, Beard AD, Garcia-Guerra A, Sartori R, Wiltbank MC. Research on timed AI in beef cattle: Past, present and future, a 27-year perspective. Theriogenology 2023; 211:161-171. [PMID: 37639998 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.037] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This review aimed to (1) summarize the results from fixed-timed artificial insemination (TAI) fertility studies performed during the last 27 years; (2) compile and evaluate, as examples from the literature base, the direct comparisons made of specific manipulations to synchronization protocols; (3) evaluate the impact of the TAI programs on the reproductive performance during the breeding season, and (4) provide perspective on the future of TAI programs in beef cattle. A search of the literature published from 1995 to 2021 was conducted to identify experiments in which synchronization of ovulation and TAI in beef cattle was performed. The primary outcome of interest was fertility expressed as pregnancies per TAI. The literature included two search engines, the SIS Web of Science and the US National Library of Medicine Institutes of Health through PubMed. After the initial search and screening, a total of 228 manuscripts were selected containing a total of 272,668 TAI. A dramatic increase in the number of publications and TAIs occurred throughout the years. Most of them were from Brazil and United States, followed by Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, and Australia. Two main types of TAI programs were identified: GnRH-based and E2/P4-based protocols. In terms of GnRH-based programs, two variations were evaluated in the present manuscript. First, we evaluated the effect of the progesterone implant during the protocol. The progesterone implant increased pregnancy/TAI (P/TAI) from 44.3 to 54.3%. Second, the use of a second prostaglandin F2α treatment in 5-d CO-synch program increased the P/TAI from 53.2 to 60.9%. In E2/P4-based programs, use of GnRH at TAI increased P/TAI from 54.7 to 59.2% in cows. However, no increase was detected in heifers. Other research showed that use of TAI can increase the overall proportion of the cows pregnant at end of the breeding season and produce earlier calvings compared with bulls. In conclusion, there have been a large number of excellent research studies that have been performed during the last 27 years on TAI in beef cattle. This technology is being utilized successfully in the beef cattle industry. This success is largely because of the valid research that underlies the application of the technology and the economic value of the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L J Monteiro
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Carlos Eduardo C Consentini
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - João Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Adam D Beard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Alvaro Garcia-Guerra
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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22
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Santos GMGD, Junior LB, Silva-Santos KC, Ayres Dias JH, Dias IDS, Seneda MM, Morotti F. Conception rate and pregnancy loss in fixed-time cattle embryo transfer programs are related to the luteal blood perfusion but not to the corpus luteum size. Theriogenology 2023; 210:251-255. [PMID: 37549464 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.039] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of luteal blood perfusion and corpus luteum (CL) area on the conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss of recipients in a large-scale fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) program. Multiparous Brangus cows (n = 1700) at 45 days postpartum and body condition scores (BCS) between 2.5 and 4.0 (3.0 ± 0.3) were used in this study. On a random day of the estrous cycle (day -10), the females received progesterone and estradiol based on the FTET protocol. On day 7, 1465 recipients had at least one CL and were evaluated using B-mode ultrasound for the CL area (cm2) and color Doppler for the luteal blood perfusion score (I/low-vascularization area <40% of the CL; II/medium-vascularization >45% to < 50%; and III/high-vascularization >50%). Immediately after CL evaluation, each recipient received a single fresh embryo (blastocyst stage) ipsilateral to the CL, in vitro produced from a commercial laboratory. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days and repeated 60 days later to evaluate pregnancy loss (30-90 days). Ultrasound evaluation and embryo transfer were performed by a single technician. For data analysis, in addition to luteal blood perfusion groups, recipients were retrospectively ranked according to CL area into small (<3 cm2; 2.63 ± 0.01), medium (>3 to < 4 cm2; 3.44 ± 0.01), and large (>4 cm2; 4.77 ± 0.03). Data were analyzed using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). The overall conception rate was 44.2% (648/1465), influenced by the luteal blood perfusion score [P = 0.03; high 48.4%a (134/277), medium 44.6%a (427/958), and low 37.8%b (87/230)] but not by CL area ranking [P = 0.37; large 41.8% (225/538), medium 45.2% (276/610), and small 46.4% (147/317)]. There was no interaction between the luteal blood perfusion score and CL area ranking (P = 0.81), and the BCS did not affect the results of this study (P = 0.51). In terms of pregnancy loss up to 90 days, there was no effect on the CL area ranking (P = 0.77), but the flow score showed an effect [P = 0.03; high 3.6%b (5/139), medium 9.3%a (44/471), and low 10.3%a (10/97)]. The conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss in the FTET program in beef cattle are related to luteal blood perfusion but not CL size.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fábio Morotti
- UEL - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil; UNOPAR - Universidade Pitágoras Unopar Anhanguera, Arapongas, PR, Brazil.
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23
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Rocha CC, Martins T, Silva FACC, Sponchiado M, Pohler KG, Binelli M. Viperin (RSAD2) gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pregnant crossbred beef cows is altered by Bos indicus genetics. Theriogenology 2023; 209:226-233. [PMID: 37437340 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The expression of interferon (IFN) stimulated genes (ISGs) in lymphocytes has been used for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. However, among-cow variability has yielded sub-optimal predictive accuracy. We hypothesized that the expression of ISGs (ISG15, OAS1, RSAD2, CLEC3B, and AKR1B1) in early pregnancy varies according to the proportion of Bos indicus (B. indicus) genetics on females. Multiparous cows were classified in three genetic groups, High Angus (HA; n = 45 [0-33% Brahman influence]), Angus-Brahman (AB; n = 30 [34-67%]), and High Brahman (HB; n = 19 [68-100%]) and submitted to a Select-Synch + CIDR protocol. Cows that displayed estrus (n = 94) were artificially inseminated (Day0; D0). On D19, blood samples were collected to obtain peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and measure progesterone (P4) concentrations. On D30, pregnancy diagnosis was performed. The expression of RSAD2 in PBMC of pregnant cows was positively related to the proportion of B. indicus genetics of the groups, but not the expression of ISG15 and OAS1. In pregnant cows, the proportion of B. indicus genetics was negatively associated to circulating levels of P4 concentrations. The P4 concentrations were related positively with RSAD2 expression. ROC curve results determined that for cattle with B. indicus genetics lower than 67%, the CLEC3B and AKR1B1 combination was the most accurate option to predict the outcome of pregnancy. In cows with more than 68% of B. indicus genetics, RSAD2 provided the best accuracy. In conclusion, there is a relationship between the proportion of B. indicus genetics and the ISGs gene expression in PBMC during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago Martins
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and Brown Loam Experiment Station, Mississippi State University, Raymond, MS, USA
| | - Felipe Alves Correa Carvalho Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Mariana Sponchiado
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ky Garrett Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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24
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Hecker YP, González-Ortega S, Cano S, Ortega-Mora LM, Horcajo P. Bovine infectious abortion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1249410. [PMID: 37841464 PMCID: PMC10570746 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1249410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify the main infectious agents related to bovine abortion worldwide in the period between 2000 and 2022. First, we investigated the global prevalence of infectious agents related to bovine abortion. For this analysis, only 27 articles detected of a wide panel of agents were included. The random effects model revealed that the estimated prevalence of the abortifacient agents in bovine abortion was 45.7%. The heterogeneity among studies was high, but Egger's test showed that there was no publication bias, even though the total number of samples analyzed in these articles was variable. There was no significant effect of the year of the study publication on the estimated prevalence, although an increasing trend was observed over time, possibly due to the implementation of new diagnostic techniques. Then, we analyzed the prevalence of the main transmissible agents in bovine abortion. For this analysis, 76 studies that analyzed 19,070 cases were included. Some infectious agent was detected in 7,319 specimens, and a final diagnosis was reached in 3,977 of these, when both the infectious agent and compatible histopathological changes were detected. We found that Neospora caninum was the most detected agent (22.2%), followed by opportunistic bacteria (21.4%), Chlamydiaceae family (10.9%) and Coxiella burnetii (9.5%). Regarding viral agents, bovine herpes virus type 1 and bovine viral diarrhea displayed similar prevalence rates (approximately 5%). After considering the description of specific histopathological changes, our analyzes showed that N. caninum was a confirmed cause of abortion in 16.7% of the analyzed cases, followed by opportunistic bacteria (12.6%) and Chlamydia spp. (6.8%); however, C. burnetii was only confirmed as a cause of abortion in 1.1% of the cases. For all agents, the heterogeneity among studies was high, and the subgroup analyzes discarded the diagnostic method as the cause of such heterogeneity. This study provides knowledge about the global prevalence of the different infectious agents related to bovine abortion, the most coming of which is N. caninum. In addition, this review reveals the existing deficiencies in the diagnosis of bovine abortion that must be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Paola Hecker
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Sara González-Ortega
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Cano
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Mee JF. Invited review: Bovine abortion-Incidence, risk factors and causes. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:23-33. [PMID: 37186386 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14366] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The true incidence of bovine abortion (42-260 days of gestation) is unknown because of under-reporting. This is particularly true of the first half of gestation when most abortions occur. From research studies, it is estimated that the animal-level incidence of abortion between day 45 and term is approximately 10%, being lower in suckler than in dairy cows. While wide variation exists in herd-level incidence, up to 30%, it is estimated that less than 5% of farmers report high (>5%) observed abortion rates. Given these figures, veterinary practitioners and farmers tend to use investigation thresholds close to these values, ≥5 and ≥3%, respectively. Most of the risk factors for abortion are animal-level factors (e.g. parity), but there are also herd-level factors (e.g. enterprise type). Of the many risk factors for bovine abortion, only a small number are modifiable. While the causes of bovine abortion are often classified as noninfectious or infectious, in reality, this means diagnosis not reached (DNR) or infectious. Approximately 40% of abortions are diagnosed as infectious and the remaining 60% as DNR; DNR includes both infectious and noninfectious causes not diagnosed. Increasingly, genetic causes are being diagnosed and changes to current national genetic selection indices may be warranted. Of the infectious causes, Neospora caninum is now the most commonly diagnosed abortifacient internationally, followed by Trueperella pyogenes, BVDv and fungi. Both national eradication programmes and effective vaccination programmes can reduce the burden of some infectious abortifacients, but the control of sporadic, noninfectious and Neospora-associated abortions remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Mee
- Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Fermoy, Ireland
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26
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Jia GX, Ma WJ, Wu ZB, Li S, Zhang XQ, He Z, Wu SX, Tao HP, Fang Y, Song YW, Xu SR, Wang XQ, Yang QE. Single-cell transcriptomic characterization of sheep conceptus elongation and implantation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112860. [PMID: 37494181 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between the developing conceptus and endometrium is essential for pregnancy recognition and establishment in ruminants. We dissect the transcriptomic dynamics of sheep conceptus and corresponding endometrium at pre- and peri-implantation stages using single-cell RNA sequencing. Spherical blastocysts contain five cell types, with 68.62% trophectoderm cells. Strikingly, elongated conceptuses differentiate into 17 cell types, indicating dramatic cell fate specifications. Cell-type-specific gene expression delineates the features of distinctive trophectoderm lineages and indicates that the transition from polar trophectoderm to trophoblast increases interferon-tau expression and likely drives elongation initiation. We identify 13 endometrium-derived cell types and elucidate their molecular responses to conceptus development. Integrated analyses uncover multiple paired transcripts mediating the dialogues between extraembryonic membrane and endometrium, including IGF2-IGF1R, FGF19-FGFR1, NPY-NPY1R, PROS1-AXL, and ADGRE5-CD55. These data provide insight into the molecular regulation of conceptus elongation and represent a valuable resource for functional investigations of pre- and peri-implantation ruminant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Wen-Ji Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhao-Bo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Zhen He
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shi-Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hai-Ping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Fang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Yong-Wu Song
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Gangcha, Haibei 812300, China
| | - Shang-Rong Xu
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xiao-Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China.
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27
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Walker MB, Holton MP, Callaway TR, Lourenco JM, Fontes PLP. Differences in Microbial Community Composition between Uterine Horns Ipsilateral and Contralateral to the Corpus Luteum in Beef Cows on Day 15 of the Estrous Cycle. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2117. [PMID: 37630677 PMCID: PMC10458157 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated differences in uterine microbiota composition between uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum of beef cows on day 15 of the estrous cycle. Cows (n = 23) were exposed to an estrus synchronization protocol to exogenously induce synchronized ovulation. Cows were then euthanized on day 15 of the estrous cycle, and individual swabs were collected from uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum using aseptic techniques. DNA was extracted, and the entire (V1-V9 hypervariable regions) 16s rRNA gene was sequenced. Sequences were analyzed, and amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were determined. Across all samples, 2 bacterial domains, 24 phyla, and 265 genera were identified. Butyribirio, Cutibacterium, BD7-11, Bacteroidales BS11 gut group, Ruminococcus, Bacteroidales RF16 group, and Clostridia UCG-014 differed in relative abundances between uterine horns. Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Bacteroidales UCG-001, Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Psudobutyribibrio, and an unidentified genus of the family Chitinophagaceae and dgA-11 gut group differed between cows that expressed estrus and those that did not. The composition of the microbial community differed between the ipsilateral and contralateral horns and between cows that expressed estrus and cows that failed to express estrus, indicating that the uterine microbiota might play a role in cow fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pedro Levy Piza Fontes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (M.B.W.); (M.P.H.); (T.R.C.); (J.M.L.)
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28
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Ketchum JN, Perry GA, Quail LK, Epperson KM, Ogg MA, Zezeski AL, Rich JJJ, Zoca SM, Kline AC, Andrews TN, Ortega MS, Smith MF, Geary TW. Influence of preovulatory estradiol treatment on the maintenance of pregnancy in beef cattle receiving in vivo produced embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 255:107274. [PMID: 37320862 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107274] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This experiment was designed to determine the role of preovulatory estradiol in pregnancy retention after embryo transfer (ET). Cows were synchronized with the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR® protocol. On d0 (d-2 =CIDR® removal), cows were grouped by estrual status (estrual [Positive Control] and nonestrual), and nonestrual cows were administered Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and randomly assigned to either no treatment (Negative Control) or Estradiol (0.1 mg estradiol 17-β IM). All cows received an embryo on d7. Pregnancy status was retrospectively classified on d56, 30, 24, and 19 by either ultrasonography, plasma pregnancy-associated glycoproteins analysis (PAGs), expression of interferon-stimulated genes, plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations, or a combination of the factors. There was no difference in estradiol concentrations on day 0 h 0 (P > 0.16). At day 0 h 2, Estradiol cows (15.7 ± 0.25 pg/mL) had elevated (P < 0.001) estradiol compared with Positive Controls (3.4 ± 0.26 pg/mL) or Negative Controls (4.3 ± 0.25 pg/mL). On d19, pregnancy rates did not differ (P = 0.14) among treatments. On d24, Positive Controls (47%) had greater (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates than Negative Controls (32%); Estradiol cows were intermediate (40%). There was no difference (P = 0.38) in pregnancy rates between Positive Control (41%) and Estradiol (36%) cows on d30, but Negative Control (27%) cows had (P = 0.01) or tended (P = 0.08) to have decreased pregnancy rates, respectively. Thus, preovulatory estradiol may elicit an effect on early uterine attachment or alter histotroph components, consequently improving pregnancy maintenance through d30.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Ketchum
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - G A Perry
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - L K Quail
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - K M Epperson
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA; Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO 64468, USA
| | - M A Ogg
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - A L Zezeski
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, USA
| | - J J J Rich
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72467, USA
| | - S Menegatti Zoca
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996, USA; Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - A C Kline
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - T N Andrews
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - M S Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Animal&Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - M F Smith
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - T W Geary
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, USA.
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29
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Wang Y, Ming H, Yu L, Li J, Zhu L, Sun HX, Pinzon-Arteaga CA, Wu J, Jiang Z. Establishment of bovine trophoblast stem cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112439. [PMID: 37146606 PMCID: PMC10950030 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report that a chemical cocktail (LCDM: leukemia inhibitory factor [LIF], CHIR99021, dimethinedene maleate [DiM], minocycline hydrochloride), previously developed for extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) in mice and humans, enables de novo derivation and long-term culture of bovine trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Bovine TSCs retain developmental potency to differentiate into mature trophoblast cells and exhibit transcriptomic and epigenetic (chromatin accessibility and DNA methylome) features characteristic of trophectoderm cells from early bovine embryos. The bovine TSCs established in this study will provide a model to study bovine placentation and early pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjuan Wang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Hao Ming
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Leqian Yu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jie Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China; BGI-Beijing, Beijing 102601, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Hai-Xi Sun
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China; BGI-Beijing, Beijing 102601, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Carlos A Pinzon-Arteaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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30
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Speckhart SL, Oliver MA, Ealy AD. Developmental Hurdles That Can Compromise Pregnancy during the First Month of Gestation in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1760. [PMID: 37889637 PMCID: PMC10251927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several key developmental events are associated with early embryonic pregnancy losses in beef and dairy cows. These developmental problems are observed at a greater frequency in pregnancies generated from in-vitro-produced bovine embryos. This review describes critical problems that arise during oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, compaction and blastulation, embryonic cell lineage specification, elongation, gastrulation, and placentation. Additionally, discussed are potential remediation strategies, but unfortunately, corrective actions are not available for several of the problems being discussed. Further research is needed to produce bovine embryos that have a greater likelihood of surviving to term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.L.S.); (M.A.O.)
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31
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Wiltbank MC, Monteiro PLJ, Domingues RR, Andrade JPN, Mezera MA. Review: Maintenance of the ruminant corpus luteum during pregnancy: interferon-tau and beyond. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100827. [PMID: 37567676 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript reviews the mechanisms that maintain the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy in ruminants. In mammals, ovulation and luteinization of the remaining cells in the CL are due to a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH). In cattle, continued secretion of pulses of LH is essential for full development and function of the CL during the estrous cycle (LH pulses), however, the few studies on the CL after d20 of pregnancy do not indicate that LH is essential for maintaining the CL of pregnancy. The first essential step in maintaining the CL of pregnancy in ruminants is overcoming the mechanisms that cause regression of the CL in non-pregnant ruminants (d18-25 in cattle; d13-21 in sheep). These mechanisms have a uterine component involving oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2α (PGF2A) pulses and a luteal component involving decreased progesterone production and luteal cell death. There is a critical role for embryonic interferon-tau (IFNT) in suppressing the uterine secretion of PGF2A during early pregnancy (d13-21 in sheep; d16-25 in cattle) and preventing luteolysis. There are also effects of IFNT on the expression of interferon-stimulated genes in other tissues including the CL but the physiologic role of these interferon-stimulated genes is not yet clear. After the IFNT period, there is another mechanism that maintains the CL of pregnancy in ruminants since embryonic IFNT is inhibited as attachment occurs and trophoblastic binucleate/giant cells begin secretion of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. The second mechanism for luteal maintenance has not yet been defined but acts in a local manner (ipsilateral to pregnancy), and remains functional from d25 until just before parturition. The most likely mechanisms mediating later maintenance of the CL of pregnancy are increased uterine blood flow or decreased prostaglandin transporter expression in the utero-ovarian vasculature, preventing PGF2A reaching the CL. Finally, implications of these ideas on pregnancy loss in cattle are explored, highlighting the importance of inappropriate regression of the CL of pregnancy as a mechanism for pregnancy loss in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Pedro L J Monteiro
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Rafael R Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - João Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Megan A Mezera
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Pugliesi G, Guimarães da Silva A, Viana JHM, Siqueira LGB. Review: Current status of corpus luteum assessment by Doppler ultrasonography to diagnose non-pregnancy and select embryo recipients in cattle. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100752. [PMID: 37567660 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100752] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of potentials uses of Doppler ultrasonography have been explored in the last decades, both as research tools in reproductive physiology investigations and for the reproductive management of farm animals. The objective of this review was to address some of the recent strategies developed in fixed-time reproductive programs and resynchronization of ovulation in cattle, based on the evaluation of corpus luteum function by color-Doppler ultrasound imaging. Recent studies in dairy and beef cattle pointed out to a high accuracy when Doppler ultrasonography is used to assess the functionality of the corpus luteum and identify non-pregnant females at 20-24 days after breeding. Therefore, super-early resynchronization programs starting in the second week after timed-artificial insemination or embryo transfer have been developed and are being implemented in commercial assisted reproduction programs; thus, anticipating conception with proven semen or genetically superior embryos. In addition, assessment of corpus luteum blood perfusion can be used for identifying high fertility embryo recipients in fixed-time embryo transfer programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Guimarães da Silva
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900, Brazil
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Mee JF, Hayes C, Stefaniak T, Jawor P. Review: Bovine foetal mortality - risk factors, causes, immune responses and immuno-prophylaxis. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100774. [PMID: 37567672 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100774] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This review of bovine foetal mortality (>42 d gestation) concluded that while the majority of risk factors associated with sporadic loss operate at animal-level, e.g. foetal plurality, those that operate at herd-level, e.g. some foetopathogenic infections, are more likely to result in abortion outbreaks. While the causes of foetal mortality have traditionally been classified as infectious and non-infectious, in fact, the latter category is a diagnosis of exclusion, generally without determination of the non-infectious cause. This review has also established that the traditional dichotomisation of infectious agents into primary and secondary pathogens is based on a flawed premise and these terms should be discontinued. The delicate balance of the maternal gestational immune system between not rejecting the allograft (conceptus) but rejecting (attacking) foetopathogens is stage-of-pregnancy-dependent thus the timing of infection determines the clinical outcome which may result in persistent infection or foetal mortality. Utilisation of our knowledge of the materno-foetal immune responses to foetopathogenic infection has resulted in the development of numerous mono- and polyvalent vaccines for metaphylactic or prophylactic control of bovine foetal mortality. While some of these have been shown to significantly contribute to reducing the risk of both infection and foetal mortality, others have insufficient, or conflicting evidence, on efficacy. However, recent developments in vaccinology, in particular the development of subunit vaccines and those that stimulate local genital tract immunity, show greater promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Mee
- Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Fermoy P61P302, Ireland.
| | - C Hayes
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - T Stefaniak
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - P Jawor
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
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Chen F, Hou Y, Zhu X, Mei C, Guo R, Shi Z. Impact of Accessory Corpus Luteum Induced by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Pregnancy Rates of Dairy Cattle following Embryo Transfer: A META-Analysis. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050309. [PMID: 37235391 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The circulation of progesterone (P4) concentrations of recipients has positive correlations with embryo survival and pregnancy success of embryo transfer (ET) in dairy cows. One strategy to improve P4 concentration is the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thereby inducing the formation of accessory corpus luteum (CL). This study aimed at determining the efficacy of GnRH or hCG treatment regarding embryo transfer (ET) and providing a better clinical veterinary practice guidance. A meta-analysis was conducted on the data from 2048 treated recipient cows and 1546 untreated cows. By inducing the formation of accessory CL with GnRH (100 µg), GnRH analogue Buserelin (8-10 µg), or hCG (≥1500 IU) 5-11 days after synchronized ovulation, hCG alone achieved an improvement (RR = 1.39, p < 0.05), while GnRH and GnRH analogue did not result in significant changes (RR = 1.04, p = 0.26). Treatment with GnRH or hCG 5-7 days after synchronized ovulation was associated with increased chances of pregnancy compared with later treatment (11-14 days). Owing to the treatment, the pregnancy rate of cows with very poor fertility (<40%) was improved, while that of cows with good fertility (≥40%) was not affected. Treatment with GnRH or hCG greatly improved pregnancy rates of parous lactating cows (RR = 1.32, p < 0.05) compared with heifers (RR = 1.02, p > 0.05). Additionally, as indicated by pregnancy loss analysis, the treatment had no benefit on late embryo/early fetus survival at days 28-81. In conclusion, the induction of accessory CL with GnRH or hCG may benefit fertility and have important implications for the management of reproductive performance in the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yi'an Hou
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- Science and Technology Industry Development Center, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Cheng Mei
- Dongying Austasia Modern Dairy Farm Co., Ltd., Dongying 257345, China
| | - Rihong Guo
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop and Animal Integrated Farming, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhendan Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
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Pickett A, Cooke R, Gonçalves L, Burato S, Holton M, Dias N, Pancini S, Redifer T, Clark S, Currin J, Stewart J, Fontes P, Mercadante V. Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil via low-moisture molasses-based blocks to improve reproductive performance and overall productivity of beef cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 252:107227. [PMID: 37027991 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
This experiment evaluated reproductive and productive responses of beef cows receiving self-fed low-moisture blocks (LMB) enriched or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) throughout the breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckled multiparous Angus-influenced cows were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (day -10 to 0) followed by natural service (day 15-70). Cows were managed in 12 groups (46 ± 4 cows/group) maintained in individual pastures, and groups received LMB enriched with 25 % (as-fed basis) of CSSO or ground corn (CON) from day - 10 to 100. Both treatments were designed to yield a daily LMB intake of 0.454 kg/cow (as-fed basis). Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P < 0.01) mean concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids in plasma samples collected on days 0 and 55. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy rate to fixed-time AI (67.2 vs. 59.3 %), whereas final pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.92) between treatments. Pregnancy loss was less (P = 0.03) in CSSO cows (4.50 vs. 9.04 %), which also calved earlier during the calving season (treatment × week; P = 0.04). Weaning rate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in CSSO (84.8 vs. 79.4 %), although calf weaning age and weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.72) between treatments. Kilos of calf weaned/cow exposed was greater (P = 0.04) in CSSO cows (234 vs. 215 kg). Therefore, supplementing CSSO to beef cows via LMB during the breeding season improved their reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle.
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Comparison of the 7-day CO-Synch and 8-day estradiol-based protocols for estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination in suckled Bos taurus cows. Theriogenology 2023; 200:70-76. [PMID: 36764187 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.003] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to compare, follicle diameter (FD) on Day -1, corpus luteum (CL) area on Day 7, progesterone (P4) concentration on Day 7 and 18, pregnancy per timed artificial insemination (TAI) on Day 30, and pregnancy loss (PL) between Days 30 and 60 after TAI (TAI, Day 0) using two different synchronization protocols. In Experiment 1, Angus cows (n = 1148) were randomly assigned to either 7-d progesterone CO-Synch (7-d CO-Synch) or 8-d progesterone + estradiol (8-d P + ES) synchronization protocols for TAI. On Day -10, cows in the 7-d CO-Synch treatment group (n = 574) received a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PIVD; 0.5 g P4) and GnRH (0.105 mg), on Day -3 the PIVD was removed and cows received cloprostenol (0.150 mg), then, on Day 0 (64 h after PIVD removal), cows received GnRH (0.105 mg) and were TAI. On Day -10, cows in the 8-d P + ES treatment group (n = 574) received a PIVD (0.5 g P4) and estradiol benzoate (2.0 mg), on Day -2 the PIVD was removed, and cows received cloprostenol (0.150 mg) and estradiol cypionate (0.5 mg), then, on Day 0 (48 h after PIVD removal), cows were TAI. Pregnancy per TAI was determined on Days 30 and 60. In a subset of cows (7-d CO-Synch, n = 41; 8-d P + ES, n = 40), serum P4 concentration was evaluated on Day 18. In Experiment 2, anestrus (n = 34) and cyclic (n = 34) suckled beef cows were selected and submitted at random on Day -10, to either 7-d CO-Synch or 8-d P + ES treatment groups. Follicle diameter on Day -1, CL area, and serum P4 concentration on Day 7 were determined. In Experiment 1, pregnancy per TAI on Day 30 did not differ (7-d CO-Synch = 48.9%; 8-d P + ES = 45.6%) between treatments but it was greater for cows with BCS ≥5 (P < 0.01). Pregnancy loss between Days 30 and 60 did not differ between treatment groups but tended to be greater in cows with BCS <5.0 (P < 0.1). In a subset of cows, serum P4 concentration on Day 18 did not differ between treatment groups but tended to be lower (P < 0.1) in cows that had PL between Days 30 and 60 compared to cows that had no PL. In Experiment 2, FD tended to be greater (P < 0.1) and CL area was greater (P = 0.05) in anestrus cows from 7-d CO-Synch treatment. In cyclic cows, the treatment did not affect the FD or CL area. In conclusion, there was no difference in pregnancy per TAI on Day 30 and PL between Days 30 and 60 between cows using 7-d CO-Synch + PIVD or 8-d estradiol-based + PIVD protocols for estrus synchronization and TAI.
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Webb EM, Holman DB, Schmidt KN, Crouse MS, Dahlen CR, Cushman RA, Snider AP, McCarthy KL, Amat S. A Longitudinal Characterization of the Seminal Microbiota and Antibiotic Resistance in Yearling Beef Bulls Subjected to Different Rates of Gain. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0518022. [PMID: 36916922 PMCID: PMC10100376 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05180-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the seminal and fecal microbiota in yearling beef bulls fed a common diet to achieve moderate (1.13 kg/day) or high (1.80 kg/day) rates of weight gain. Semen samples were collected on days 0 and 112 of dietary intervention (n = 19/group) as well as postbreeding (n = 6/group) using electroejaculation, and the microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and culturing. The fecal microbiota was also evaluated, and its similarity with seminal microbiota was assessed. A subset of seminal bacterial isolates (n = 33) was screened for resistance against 28 antibiotics. A complex and dynamic microbiota was detected in bovine semen, and the community structure was affected by sampling time (R2 = 0.16, P < 0.001). Microbial richness increased significantly from day 0 to day 112, and diversity increased after breeding (P > 0.05). Seminal microbiota remained unaffected by the differential rates of gain, and its overall composition was distinct from fecal microbiota, with only 6% of the taxa shared between them. A total of 364 isolates from 49 different genera were recovered under aerobic and anaerobic culturing. Among these seminal isolates were pathogenic species and those resistant to several antibiotics. Overall, our results suggest that bovine semen harbors a rich and complex microbiota which changes over time and during the breeding season but appears to be resilient to differential gains achieved via a common diet. Seminal microbiota is distinct from the fecal microbiota and harbors potentially pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. IMPORTANCE Increasing evidence from human and other animal species supports the existence of a commensal microbiota in semen and that this seminal microbiota may influence not only sperm quality and fertility but also female reproduction. Seminal microbiota in bulls and its evolution and factors shaping this community, however, remain largely underexplored. In this study, we characterized the seminal microbiota of yearling beef bulls and its response to the bull age, different weight gains, and mating activity. We compared bacterial composition between seminal and fecal microbiota and evaluated the diversity of culturable seminal bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance. Our results obtained from sequencing, culturing, and antibiotic susceptibility testing provide novel information on the taxonomic composition, evolution, and factors shaping the seminal microbiota of yearling beef bulls. This information will serve as an important basis for further understanding of the seminal microbiome and its involvement in reproductive health and fertility in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Webb
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Devin B. Holman
- Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kaycie N. Schmidt
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Matthew S. Crouse
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Robert A. Cushman
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Alexandria P. Snider
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kacie L. McCarthy
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Samat Amat
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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Zhang X, Gong S, Li H, Jiang J, Jia Y, Zhang R, Liu H, Wang A, Jin Y, Lin P. USP18 promotes endometrial receptivity via the JAK/STAT1 and the ISGylation pathway. Theriogenology 2023; 202:110-118. [PMID: 36934584 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.011] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-tau (IFNT), a pregnancy recognition signal in ruminants, promotes the establishment of endometrial receptivity by inducing the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) via the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STATs) signaling pathway. However, the precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) acts specifically on the ISGylation modification system to exert deubiquitination and participates in the regulation of the type I IFN signaling pathway. The purpose of this study was to determine the role and mechanism of USP18 on endometrial receptivity in goat. USP18 was mainly localized in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium, and its expression levels were significantly increased from days 5-18 of early pregnancy. Progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and IFNT significantly stimulated USP18 expression in goat endometrial epithelial cells (gEECs) cultured in vitro. Meanwhile, the markers of endometrial receptivity HOXA11, ITGB1, ITGB3, and ITGB5 were significantly upregulated after USP18 overexpression in gEECs. However, USP18 interference significantly inhibited the expression of HOXA10, ITGB1, ITGB3, and ITGB5 in gEECs. In addition, both the phosphorylation levels of STAT1 and the expression of ISGylation-modified proteins were significantly increased after USP18 silencing in gEECs. Furthermore, pretreatment with the STAT1 inhibitor Fludara markedly restored the effect of USP18 interference in gEECs. In summary, USP18 may play an important role in promoting goat endometrial receptivity by regulating the JAK/STAT1 pathway and ISGylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Suhua Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Haijing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Jiaqi Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yanni Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ruixue Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Haokun Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Pengfei Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Nagy P, Reiczigel J, Barua R, Das Gupta A, Juhász J. Pregnancy and parturition in dromedary camels III. Incidence, timing and factors affecting abortions and perinatal mortality under intensive management. Theriogenology 2023; 197:322-333. [PMID: 36549083 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the incidence, timing and risk factors associated with abortion and perinatal mortality (PM) were described in dromedary camels under intensive management. In addition, overall pregnancy losses were also summarized and weekly risk of pregnancy wastage was determined throughout gestation. Data were collected over 11 breeding seasons from September 2006 through June 2017 at the world's largest camel dairy farm. A total of 229 abortions were observed (5.05%) out of 4533 pregnancies after 60 days (d) of gestation. Most abortions were singleton (n = 199, 86.9%), but twin abortions were also recorded in 30 cases (13.1%). Abortions showed a pronounced seasonal distribution, with a peak in August. The age category (P < 0.01), breed or ecotype of the female (P < 0.05) and bull influenced the occurrence of singleton abortions. Dromedaries with twins tended to abort earlier than those with a singleton fetus (median = 232.5 d vs. 257 d, P = 0.053). Perinatal mortality was observed in 174 cases (3.84%) out of 4533 pregnancies after 60 d of gestation. The condition included the premature birth of non-viable calves after shorter than normal gestation (330-350 d, n = 26, 14.9%), the birth of well-developed but dead calves after normal gestation length (n = 120, 69.0%) and neonates that died within 48 h after delivery (n = 28, 16.1%). The frequency distribution of PM was parallel with that of parturitions. The most important predisposing factor for PM was difficult calving. Thirty-nine percent (68 out of 174) of these losses were associated with dystocia. In addition, age category (P < 0.05) and parity of the female (P < 0.01), month of delivery (P < 0.05) and breeding season (P < 0.05) also affected the incidence of PM. The cause of 60 cases of PM (1.4% of all deliveries) could not be determined and was considered idiopathic. In conclusion, one-third of total pregnancy losses occurred during mid to late gestation. Approximately 10% of pregnancies after Day 60 failed, and 90% resulted in the birth of a live calf that survived beyond 48 h. More than half of these pregnancy losses were abortions before 330 d of gestation, and approximately 40% were classified as PM. The weekly mean risk of pregnancy loss after 100 d of gestation remained only a fraction of that observed during the first 2-3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Nagy
- Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products, Farm and Veterinary Department, PO Box 294236, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jenő Reiczigel
- Department of Biomathematics and Informatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078, Budapest, István u. 2, Hungary.
| | - Rajib Barua
- Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products, Farm and Veterinary Department, PO Box 294236, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Aungshuman Das Gupta
- Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products, Farm and Veterinary Department, PO Box 294236, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Judit Juhász
- Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products, Farm and Veterinary Department, PO Box 294236, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Magopa TL, Mphaphathi ML, Mulaudzi T. Application of gender-ablated semen during timed artificial insemination following oestrous synchronization in dairy and beef cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:529-536. [PMID: 36645737 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14323] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to compare oestrous synchronization expression and conception rate following timed artificial insemination (TAI) with frozen-thawed X-sexed or unsexed semen in dairy and beef cows. For this study, 227 cows (dairy, n = 130 and beef, n = 97) were assigned to a 9-day Ovsynch + controlled intravaginal drug release (CIDR) protocol. All cows were TAI using X-sexed or unsexed semen from 8 sires. Each semen type was obtained from 4 sires [2 dairy (Holstein Friesian) and 2 beef (Angus)]. Pregnancy detection was performed on Days 35, 65 and 95 following TAI by transrectal ultrasonography and hand palpation. The proportion of oestrus expression was higher in dairy (85.3%) cows compared with beef (65.0%) cows (p < .05). Overall, dairy (X-sexed, 61.9% and unsexed, 62.0%) cows had greater conception rates on Day 35 compared to beef (X-sexed, 56.0% and unsexed, 52.2%) cows (p < .05). Concurrently, on Day 95, overall conception rates in dairy (X-sexed, 41.4% and unsexed, 48.5%) cows were greater than beef (X-sexed, 38.0% and unsexed, 37.0%) cows (p < .05). Pregnancy/embryo losses between Days 35 and 65 in dairy (X-sexed, 33.3% and unsexed, 18.2%) cows and beef (X-sexed, 28.6% and unsexed, 29.2%) cows were recorded (p < .05). Dairy (X-sexed, 7.7% and unsexed, 8.3%) cows had higher incidence of pregnancy losses between Days 66 and 95 when compared to beef (X-sexed, 5.0% and unsexed, 0.0%) cows (p < .05). Oestrous expression and conception rates in dairy and beef cows were satisfactory. Advanced reproductive biotechnologies can successfully utilize gender-ablated semen in organized emerging cattle farming systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabang Luther Magopa
- Germplasm Conservation and Reproduction Biotechnologies, Agricultural Research Council Animal Production, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi
- Germplasm Conservation and Reproduction Biotechnologies, Agricultural Research Council Animal Production, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Thendo Mulaudzi
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
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41
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Consentini CEC, Alves RLOR, Silva MA, Galindez JPA, Madureira G, Lima LG, Gonçalves JRS, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R. What are the factors associated with pregnancy loss after timed-artificial insemination in Bos indicus cattle? Theriogenology 2023; 196:264-269. [PMID: 36436362 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.037] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy loss (PL) has important impacts on the profitability of livestock production systems, although it is not widely reported, particularly in Bos indicus cattle. The present study retrospectively evaluated PL after timed-artificial insemination (TAI) in Bos indicus (Nelore) beef cows corresponding to several factors, such as parity, body condition score (BCS), presence of corpus luteum (CL) at the beginning of TAI protocols, expression of estrus, and hormonal manipulations during the TAI protocol. Data from two experiments performed during three breeding seasons (BS) were reanalyzed. Both experiments evaluated adding GnRH treatment at TAI in a 7-d estradiol (E2) plus progesterone (P4)-based protocol, with intravaginal P4 implant removal on Day 7 combined with treatment with 0.5 or 1.0 mg E2 cypionate and 300 IU eCG, and TAI on Day 9. In addition, during BS 2 and 3 (Exp 2), cows were randomized to receive or not a PGF treatment on Day 0 (beginning of the TAI protocol). In all BS, presence of CL and BCS were evaluated at the beginning of TAI protocols, follicle size and expression of estrus were evaluated at TAI. The PL was assessed between the first pregnancy diagnosis (∼35d) and parturition. There were no effects of hormonal manipulations within TAI protocols of different BS on PL. There was no interaction between GnRH treatment at TAI and the other variables within BS, and there was no main effect of GnRH treatment on PL (without = 10.1% [102/1007] vs. with = 10.4% [114/1100]). The addition of PGF on Day 0 had no effect on PL (11.5% [102/886] vs. 10.5% [89/850]), as well as EC dose to induce final ovulation (10.8% [89/827] vs. 11.2% [102/909] for 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively). Primiparous had greater PL than multiparous cows (14.0% [77/550] vs. 8.9% [139/1557]), and cows not expressing estrus near TAI had greater PL than those expressing estrus (13.5% [57/422] vs. 9.7% [156/1617]). There was no interaction between follicle size at TAI and GnRH treatment on PL. However, probability of PL decreased linearly as follicle size at TAI increased. There were no effects of service number (first TAI or resynchronization), BCS, or presence of CL on D0 on PL. In addition, PL was not affected by sire within any of the BS. In conclusion, some factors that are known to impact pregnancy per AI also influenced PL, such as parity and expression of estrus, although, other aspects such as BCS, number of services, and presence of CL on D0 did not affect PL. Moreover, commonly implemented treatments to increase fertility (e.g., PGF on Day 0 and increasing EC dose to 1.0 mg) did not affect PL. Finally, the GnRH treatment at TAI had no effect on PL and did not interact with any of the variables, an important result, since GnRH at TAI also increases fertility in Bos indicus beef cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E C Consentini
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil; Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Rodrigo L O R Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Mateus A Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Juan P A Galindez
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Madureira
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Laísse G Lima
- "Hildegard Georgina Von Pritzelwiltz" Experimental Station, Londrina, PR, 86010-990, Brazil
| | - José R S Gonçalves
- "Hildegard Georgina Von Pritzelwiltz" Experimental Station, Londrina, PR, 86010-990, Brazil
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil.
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42
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Piibor J, Dissanayake K, Midekessa G, Andronowska A, Kavak A, Waldmann A, Fazeli A. Characterization of bovine uterine fluid extracellular vesicles proteomic profiles at follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:885-900. [DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10052-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EV) have been identified in uterine fluid (UF), however the bovine UF-EV profile during different phases of the oestrous cycle has not yet been established. Therefore, we compared the UF-EV, and their protein profile at follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. UF samples were collected from healthy uteri of six live and six slaughtered cows at follicular or luteal phases. Isolation of EV was performed using tangential flow filtration followed by size exclusion chromatography. EV were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), fluorescence NTA, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy. Mass-spectrometry was used to evaluate EV protein profile from live cows. Particle concentrations (mean ± SD) were higher (P < 0.05) at follicular than at luteal phase in both live (1.01 × 108 ± 1.66 × 107 vs 7.56 × 107 ± 1.80 × 107, respectively) and slaughtered cows (1.17 × 108 ± 2.34 × 107 vs 9.12 × 107 ± 9.77 × 106, respectively). The proportion of fluorescently labelled EV varied significantly between follicular and luteal phases across live (28.9 ± 1.9% vs 19.3 ± 2.8%, respectively) and slaughtered cows (26.5 ± 6.3% vs 27.3 ± 2 .7%, respectively). In total, 41 EV proteins were differentially expressed between the phases. Some of the proteins were involved in reproductive processes, cell adhesion and proliferation, and cellular metabolic processes. The results indicated differences in bovine UF-EV concentration and protein profile at follicular and luteal phases, which would suggest that EV modulate uterine microenvironment across the oestrous cycle. Further research is needed to understand the effect of EV changes throughout the oestrous cycle.
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Binelli M, Silva FACC, Rocha CC, Martins T, Sponchiado M, Van Hoeck V, Cordeiro A, Campbell M, Leroy JLMR, Peñagaricano F, Pugliesi G. Endometrial receptivity in cattle: the mutual reprogramming paradigm. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220097. [PMID: 36570681 PMCID: PMC9764794 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior to implantation in cattle, the mucous medium contained in the uterine lumen serves as a working interface for molecular exchange and signaling between the lining endometrium and the embryo. The composition of this luminal fluid changes temporally according to the secretory and reabsorptive activities of the uterus and the embryo, which are under complex regulation. Via this interface, both the embryo and the endometrium reprogram each other's functions to support pregnancy continuation beyond the pre-implantation period. More specifically, the embryo receives elongation signals and the uterus receives anti-luteolytic stimuli. Here, characteristics of the luminal compartment as well as the regulation of its composition to determine the pregnancy outcome will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA,Corresponding author:
| | | | | | - Thiago Martins
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and Brown Loam Experiment Station, Mississippi State University, Raymond, Mississippi, USA
| | - Mariana Sponchiado
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Veerle Van Hoeck
- Kemin Europa, Animal Nutrition and Health EMENA, Toekomstlaan, Herentals, Belgium
| | - Andrey Cordeiro
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal do Acre, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
| | - Meghan Campbell
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jo L. M. R. Leroy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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44
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Smith BD, Poliakiwski B, Polanco O, Singleton S, de Melo GD, Muntari M, Oliveira Filho RV, Pohler KG. Decisive points for pregnancy losses in beef cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:70-83. [PMID: 36592980 DOI: 10.1071/rd22206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Beef cattle producers rely on each of their cows to produce a marketable calf each year to maintain a sustainable operation. Within the first month of gestation, pregnancy failures have been recorded to be upwards of 40-50%. From fertilisation to birth, there are numerous factors contributing to pregnancy failure. From the beginning of gestation oocyte competence is often a large factor impacting fertility as the dam contributes all mRNA for initial embryo development. Other factors contributing to early embryonic infertility include hormonal concentration and heat stress. After the embryo enters the uterus, it becomes critical for the uterus to be receptive to the developing conceptus. The embryo then begins to elongate and secrete interferon-tau to initiate maternal recognition of pregnancy; a requirement to establish and maintain bovine pregnancies. After a pregnancy completes these steps, placentation actively begins around day 22 of pregnancy and lasts until organogenesis. The fetal phase follows the embryonic phase where disease and/or toxins are often the cause of pregnancy failure at this period. However, fetal mortality has been reported to occur in less than 10% of pregnancies. Understanding of the many factors influencing infertility needs to be further investigated to increase pregnancy success in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Smith
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - B Poliakiwski
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - O Polanco
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - S Singleton
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - G D de Melo
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - M Muntari
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - R V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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45
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Henker LC, Lorenzett MP, Lopes BC, Dos Santos IR, Bandinelli MB, Bassuino DM, Juffo GD, Antoniassi NAB, Pescador CA, Sonne L, Driemeier D, Pavarini SP. Pathological and etiological characterization of cases of bovine abortion due to sporadic bacterial and mycotic infections. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:2251-2262. [PMID: 36303022 PMCID: PMC9679116 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic bacteria and fungi are commonly reported causes of bovine abortion in a small percentage of fetal losses of infectious etiology in cattle. The objective of this study was to characterize the pathological and etiological findings in fetuses aborted due to secondary bacterial and fungal infections submitted for postmortem examination between 2004 and 2019 in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Nineteen cases of bacterial etiology and five cases of fungal etiology were assessed. In cases of bacterial etiology, gross changes were uncommon and two different microscopic patterns were observed: (1) primary bronchopneumonia with occasional dissemination in cases of Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., and Mannheimia haemolytica infections; and (2) systemic disease with sepsis in cases of Escherichia coli and Listeria sp. infections. Aspergillus sp. was the main fungal agent identified, and cases of mycotic abortion were characterized by placentitis, dermatitis, and pneumonia. Fetal membranes were available for examination in less than half of the submissions (11/24), and placental lesions were observed in all cases. This study reaffirms the importance of postmortem examinations in the determination of causes of fetal loss in cattle and highlights pathological findings commonly observed in fetuses aborted due to sporadic bacterial and fungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Cleber Henker
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Marina Paula Lorenzett
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna Correa Lopes
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Igor Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Marcele Bettim Bandinelli
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Daniele Mariath Bassuino
- Universidade de Cruz Alta (UNICRUZ), Bairro Educacional, Rodovia Municipal Della Campus Mea, Cruz Alta, RS, 98020290, Brazil
| | | | - Nadia Aline Bobbi Antoniassi
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Avenida Alexandre Ferronato - de 992 a 1000, Sinop, MT, 78557-267, Brazil
| | - Caroline Argenta Pescador
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Avenida Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, MT, 78069-900, Brazil
| | - Luciana Sonne
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Prédio 42.505, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
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46
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Luecke SM, Webb EM, Dahlen CR, Reynolds LP, Amat S. Seminal and vagino-uterine microbiome and their individual and interactive effects on cattle fertility. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1029128. [PMID: 36425035 PMCID: PMC9679222 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1029128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive failure is a major economical drain on cow-calf operations across the globe. It can occur in both males and females and stem from prenatal and postnatal influences. Therefore, the cattle industry has been making efforts to improve fertility and the pregnancy rate in cattle herds as an attempt to maintain sustainability and profitability of cattle production. Despite the advancements made in genetic selection, nutrition, and the implementation of various reproductive technologies, fertility rates have not significantly improved in the past 50 years. This signifies a missing factor or factors in current reproductive management practices that influence successful fertilization and pregnancy. Emerging lines of evidence derived from human and other animals including cattle suggest that the microbial continuum along the male and female reproductive tracts are associated with male and female fertility-that is, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy success-highlighting the potential for harnessing the male and female reproductive microbiome to improve fertility in cattle. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the recent studies on the bovine seminal and vagino-uterine microbiome and discuss individual and interactive roles of these microbial communities in defining cattle fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Luecke
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Emily M. Webb
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Lawrence P. Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Samat Amat
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
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47
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Cantón GJ, Uriarte ELL, Moore DP. Editorial: Diseases affecting reproduction and the neonatal period in ruminants, Volume II. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1025209. [PMID: 36213419 PMCID: PMC9536490 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1025209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Germán J. Cantón
- Animal Production Department, Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IIPADS), Balcarce, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Germán J. Cantón
| | - Enrique L. Louge Uriarte
- Animal Production Department, Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IIPADS), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Dadín P. Moore
- Animal Production Department, Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IIPADS), Balcarce, Argentina
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Berg DK, Ledgard A, Donnison M, McDonald R, Henderson HV, Meier S, Juengel JL, Burke CR. The first week following insemination is the period of major pregnancy failure in pasture-grazed dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9253-9270. [PMID: 36153157 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21773] [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: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A 60% pregnancy success for inseminations is targeted to optimize production efficiency for dairy cows within a seasonal, pasture-grazed system. Routine measures of pregnancy success are widely available but are limited, in practice, to a gestation stage beyond the first 28 d. Although some historical data exist on embryonic mortality before this stage, productivity of dairy systems and genetics of the cows have advanced significantly in recent decades. Accordingly, the aim was to construct an updated estimate of pregnancy success at key developmental stages during the first 70 d after insemination. Blood samples were collected for progesterone concentrations on d 0 and 7. A temporal series of 4 groups spanning fertilization through d 70 were conducted on 4 seasonal, pasture-grazed dairy farms (n = 1,467 cows) during the first 21 d of the seasonal breeding period. Morphological examination was undertaken on embryos collected on d 7 (group E7) and 15 (group E15), and pregnancy was diagnosed via ultrasonography on approximately d 28 and 35 (group E35) as well as d 70 (group E70). Fertilization, embryo, and fetal evaluation for viability established a pregnancy success pattern. Additionally, cow and on-farm risk factor variables associated with pregnancy success were evaluated. We estimated pregnancy success rates of 70.9%, 59.1%, 63.8%, 62.3%, and 56.7% at d 7, 15, 28, 35, and 70, respectively. Fertilization failure (15.8%) and embryonic arrest before the morula stage (10.3%) were the major developmental events contributing to first-week pregnancy failures. Embryo elongation failure of 7% contributed to pregnancy failure during the second week. The risk factors for pregnancy success that were related to the cows included interval between calving and insemination, and d-7 plasma progesterone concentrations, whereas insemination sire was associated with pregnancy outcome. Most pregnancy failure occurs during the first week among seasonal-calving pasture-grazed dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Berg
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Agricultural Centre, 10 Bisley Rd., Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
| | - A Ledgard
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Agricultural Centre, 10 Bisley Rd., Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - M Donnison
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Agricultural Centre, 10 Bisley Rd., Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - R McDonald
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Agricultural Centre, 10 Bisley Rd., Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - H V Henderson
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Agricultural Centre, 10 Bisley Rd., Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - S Meier
- DairyNZ Ltd., Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - J L Juengel
- AgResearch Ltd., Invermay, Puddle Alley Rd., Mosgiel 9092, New Zealand
| | - C R Burke
- DairyNZ Ltd., Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand
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49
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Koch J, Weber LP, Heppelmann M, Freise F, Klingelmann M, Bachmann L. Effect of Different Thawing Methods for Frozen Bull Semen and Additional Factors on the Conception Rate of Dairy Cows in Artificial Insemination. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182330. [PMID: 36139190 PMCID: PMC9495182 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Today, recommendations for thawing methods for frozen bull semen vary, and clear data to assess their influence on fertility are contradictory. Under present practical conditions, no differences between the three different thawing methods could be detected, so no clear recommendation for semen thawing methods in dairy reproduction can be made based on our data. Study results provide evidence that inadequate reproductive performance of high-producing, lactating dairy cows is a multifactorial consequence of farm and fertility management; accordingly, the livestock industry should focus more on cow health to avoid reproductive disorders and further improve the reproductive performance of dairy cows in the future. Abstract Recommendations for thawing methods of frozen bovine semen vary and clear data evaluating their influence on fertility are contradictory. In this respect, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different thawing methods of frozen bull semen in artificial insemination (AI) of dairy cows on conception rate (CR) under practical conditions and to determine further possible influencing factors on the success of AI in order to provide recommendations for practical use. From 2017 to 2019, 3393 AI were performed in a dairy farm in eastern Germany, distributed randomly into three groups of thawing methods: group A: n = 426 (11 s, 38 °C water bath); group B: n = 348 (35 s, 38 °C water bath); group C: n = 385 (30 s, “in the cow”). We observed no significant difference in CR from the general linear mixed model between the thawing methods (method A/B/C, 28.5%/26.6%/24.7%), but data analysis revealed effects of lactation number, month of insemination and AI method (natural heat vs. OvSynch) on CR. Based on our data, no clear recommendation for semen thawing method in dairy reproduction can be made. Our findings suggest that the main factors of influencing reproductive performance in the field are represented by the cow-side of fertility, e.g., insemination in natural heat, lactation number and season of insemination. Therefore, dairy farmers should focus more on cow conditions to further improve reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Koch
- Alta Deutschland GmbH, 29525 Uelzen, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Patricia Weber
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Applied Science Neubrandenburg, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Maike Heppelmann
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Fritjof Freise
- Department for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Bachmann
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Applied Science Neubrandenburg, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany
- Research-Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology “Oskar Kellner”, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-395-56932107; Fax: +49-395-569372107
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Zhang M, Current JZ, Chaney HL, Yao J. Identification of the DNA binding element of ZNFO, an oocyte-specific zinc finger transcription factor in cattle. Gene 2022; 834:146655. [PMID: 35680024 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146655] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The maternal effect genes are essential components of oocyte competence, which orchestrate the early developmental events before zygotic genome activation (ZGA). The Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain-containing zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) constitute the largest transcription factor family in mammals. As a novel maternal effect gene, ZNFO was identified previously in our laboratory. The gene codes for a KRAB-ZFP specifically expressed in bovine oocytes and early embryos and gene silencing experiments have demonstrated that ZNFO is required for early embryonic development in cattle. In the present study, we identified a consensus sequence, ATATCCTGTTTAAACCCC, as the DNA binding element of ZNFO (ZNFOBE) using a library of random oligonucleotides by cyclic amplification of sequence target (CAST) analysis. Sequence-specific binding of ZNFO to the DNA binding element was confirmed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and the key nucleotides in the ZNFOBE that are required for specific binding by ZNFO were further determined by a competitive EMSA using mutant competitors. Through a luciferase-based reporter assay, it was confirmed that the interaction between ZNFO and ZNFOBE is required for the repressive function of ZNFO. These results provide an essential step towards the identification of ZNFO regulated genes that play important roles during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiang Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Jaelyn Z Current
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Heather L Chaney
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Jianbo Yao
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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