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Kawano K, Sakaguchi K, Ninpetch N, Yanagawa Y, Katagiri S. Physiological high temperatures alter the amino acid metabolism of bovine early antral follicles. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:184-191. [PMID: 38631860 PMCID: PMC11153115 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-096] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat stress reduces the developmental competence of bovine oocytes during the growth phase; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Amino acids play various critical roles in follicular development, including protein synthesis and as energy sources. We performed in vitro growth (IVG) culture of oocyte-cumulus-granulosa complexes (OCGCs) to assess the amino acid metabolism of small follicles at high temperatures. We isolated OCGCs from early antral follicles (0.5-1.0 mm) and subjected them to IVG culture for 12 days. OCGCs in the heat shock group were cultured under a temperature cycle of (38.5°C: 5 h, 39.5°C: 5 h, 40.5°C: 5 h, and 39.5°C: 9 h) to reproduce the body temperature of lactating cows under a hot environment. OCGCs in the control group were cultured at a constant temperature of 38.5°C for 24 h. Of the surviving OCGCs, those showing similar morphology and size between the groups were selected for amino acid analysis. We analyzed the free amino acids and their metabolites in the culture medium and calculated the depletion or appearance of molecular species. The depletion of three essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, and valine), two non-essential amino acids (aspartic acid and glycine), and ornithine was higher in the heat shock group (P < 0.05). Alanine depletion was lower in the heat shock group (P < 0.05). We concluded that heat exposure alters the amino acid metabolism of OCGCs isolated from early antral follicles, which might be involved with the diminished developmental potential of oocytes during summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Kawano
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Present: Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh, The Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Present: Laboratory of Veterinary Theriogenology, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Nattapong Ninpetch
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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Ma F, Liu J, Li S, Sun P. Effects of Lonicera japonica Extract with Different Contents of Chlorogenic Acid on Lactation Performance, Serum Parameters, and Rumen Fermentation in Heat-Stressed Holstein High-Yielding Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1252. [PMID: 38672400 PMCID: PMC11047513 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081252] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This examined the effects of Lonicera japonica extract (LJE) with different chlorogenic acid (CGA) contents on lactation performance, antioxidant status and immune function and rumen fermentation in heat-stressed high-yielding dairy cows. In total, 45 healthy Chinese Holstein high-yielding dairy cows, all with similar milk yield, parity, and days in milk were randomly allocated to 3 groups: (1) the control group (CON) without LJE; (2) the LJE-10% CGA group, receiving 35 g/(d·head) of LJE-10% CGA, and (3) the LJE-20% CGA group, receiving 17.5 g/(d·head) of LJE-20% CGA. The results showed that the addition of LJE significantly reduced RT, and enhanced DMI, milk yield, milk composition, and improved rumen fermentation in high-yielding dairy cows experiencing heat stress. Through the analysis of the serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indicators, we observed a reduction in CREA levels and increased antioxidant and immune function. In this study, while maintaining consistent CGA content, the effects of addition from both types of LJE are similar. In conclusion, the addition of LJE at a level of 4.1 g CGA/(d·head) effectively relieved heat stress and improved the lactation performance of dairy cows, with CGA serving as the effective ingredient responsible for its anti-heat stress properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengtao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (F.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (F.M.)
| | - Shengli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Peng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (F.M.)
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3
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Stefanska B, Sobolewska P, Fievez V, Pruszynska-Oszmałek E, Purwin C, Nowak W. The effect of heat stress on performance, fertility, and adipokines involved in regulating systemic immune response during lipolysis of early lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2111-2128. [PMID: 37923214 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23804] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of heat stress on dairy cow productivity, fertility, and biochemical blood indices during the early lactation stage in a temperate climate. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the role of leptin and adiponectin in regulating the immune response accompanying lipolysis after calving in dairy cows. The study included 100 clinically healthy Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows selected based on parity and 305 d of milk yield from 5 commercial farms with similar herd management and housing systems. Prospective cohort data were recorded from calving day until 150 d in milk, and microclimate loggers installed inside the barns were used to record temperature and relative humidity data to calculate daily temperature-humidity index (THI) on the calving day, through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation. Additionally, monthly productive performance parameters such as milk yield, chemical composition, fatty acids composition, and fertility indices were analyzed. Results showed that the THI from calving day through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation was negatively associated with fertility parameters such as delayed first estrus postpartum and an elongated calving interval, respectively, by 29, 27, 25, and 16 d. Furthermore, an increase in THI value during early lactation was associated with an elongated artificially inseminated service period, days open, and intercalving period. Increasing THI from calving day (0 d) through +7, +14, and up to +21 d during early lactation was also linked to decreased milk yield by 3.20, 4.10, 5.60, and 5.60 kg, respectively. The study also found that heat stress during early lactation was associated with a lower body condition score in dairy cows and higher concentrations of leptin, nonesterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate, accompanied by a drastic reduction in adipose tissue-secreted adiponectin levels after calving. Additionally, heat stress-induced lipolysis in adipose tissue caused an inflammatory response that increased biochemical blood indices associated with immune responses such as cytokines, acute phase proteins, and heat shock protein. These findings suggest that exposing dairy cows to heat stress during early lactation can negatively affect their productive performance, fertility, and biochemical blood indices in subsequent lactations. Thus, farm management changes should be implemented during early lactation to mitigate the negative consequences of heat stress occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Stefanska
- Department of Grassland and Natural Landscape Sciences, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-632 Poznań, Poland.
| | - P Sobolewska
- Department of Grassland and Natural Landscape Sciences, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-632 Poznań, Poland
| | - V Fievez
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - E Pruszynska-Oszmałek
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Science, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - C Purwin
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Feed Science, and Cattle Breeding, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - W Nowak
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
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4
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Vinet A, Mattalia S, Vallée R, Bertrand C, Barbat A, Promp J, Cuyabano BCD, Boichard D. Effect of temperature-humidity index on the evolution of trade-offs between fertility and production in dairy cattle. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:23. [PMID: 38553689 PMCID: PMC10979633 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the current context of climate change, livestock production faces many challenges to improve the sustainability of systems. Dairy farming, in particular, must find ways to select animals that will be able to achieve sufficient overall production while maintaining their reproductive ability in environments with increasing temperatures. With future forecasted climate conditions in mind, this study used data from Holstein and Montbeliarde dairy cattle to: (1) estimate the genetic-by-temperature-humidity index (THI) interactions for female fertility, and (2) evaluate the production-fertility trade-off with increasing values of THI. RESULTS Two-trait random regression models were fitted for conception rate (fertility) and test-day protein yield (production). For fertility, genetic correlations between different THI values were generally above 0.75, suggesting weak genotype-by-THI interactions for conception rate in both breeds. However, the genetic correlations between the conception rate breeding values at the current average THI (THI = 50, corresponding to a 24-h average temperature of 8 °C at 50% relative humidity) and their slopes (i.e., potential reranking) for heat stress scenarios (THI > 70), were different for each breed. For Montbeliarde, this correlation tended to be positive (i.e., overall the best reproducers are less affected by heat stress), whereas for Holstein it was approximately zero. Finally, our results indicated a weak antagonism between production and fertility, although for Montbeliarde this antagonism intensified with increasing THI. CONCLUSIONS Within the range of weather conditions studied, increasing temperatures are not expected to exacerbate the fertility-production trade-off. However, our results indicated that the animals with the best breeding values for production today will be the most affected by temperature increases, both in terms of fertility and production. Nonetheless, these animals should remain among the most productive ones during heat waves. For Montbeliarde, the current selection program for fertility seems to be adequate for ensuring the adaptation of fertility traits to temperature increases, without adverse effects on production. Such a conclusion cannot be drawn for Holstein. In the future, the incorporation of a heat tolerance index into dairy cattle breeding programs would be valuable to promote the selection of animals adapted to future climate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Vinet
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | | | | | | | - Anne Barbat
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Beatriz C D Cuyabano
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Didier Boichard
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Tóth V, Heinc E, Mikó E, Csendes T, Bánhelyi B. Profitability Optimization of Dairy Farms: The Effect of Pregnancy Rate and Culling Decision. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:18. [PMID: 38200751 PMCID: PMC10778294 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010018] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most important decisions in dairy cattle production today is the correct choice of culling time for cows. In the culling decision process, the farmer has to take into account a number of factors, the complexity of which makes the decision-making task difficult. A crucial factor is the evolution of reproductive indicators. The aim of the research was to develop a microsimulation method that can be used to easily investigate the impact on profitability of increasing pregnancy rates and when the culling decision is made. In the microsimulation, the stock was examined without changing any other conditions. A microsimulation method has been developed to determine with high accuracy the effect of the pregnancy rate and the increase in culling days on the economic indicators of individual dairy farms. By microsimulation, the effect of changing these two parameters on the expected milk production of cows, the most important economic indicator for cattle farms, was investigated. The other parameters of economic importance were simulated using a cattle farm database. The purpose of microsimulation is to assist in producing certain managerial decisions in order to achieve better profitability and economic efficiency. In summary, the results showed that increasing the pregnancy rate can successfully reduce the length of the calving interval, but the improved pregnancy rate did not show a significant increase in milk production. In order to obtain results that can be used by farms, the authors intend to further develop the model in the future, adapting it to farms and taking into account their specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Tóth
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Szeged, Andrássy út 15., H-6800 Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary;
| | - Emília Heinc
- Institute of Informatics, University of Szeged, Árpád tér 2., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (E.H.); (T.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Edit Mikó
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Szeged, Andrássy út 15., H-6800 Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary;
| | - Tibor Csendes
- Institute of Informatics, University of Szeged, Árpád tér 2., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (E.H.); (T.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Balázs Bánhelyi
- Institute of Informatics, University of Szeged, Árpád tér 2., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (E.H.); (T.C.); (B.B.)
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Graziano M, Solberg MF, Glover KA, Vasudeva R, Dyrhovden L, Murray D, Immler S, Gage MJG. Pre-fertilization gamete thermal environment influences reproductive success, unmasking opposing sex-specific responses in Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:231427. [PMID: 38094267 PMCID: PMC10716643 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The environment gametes perform in just before fertilization is increasingly recognized to affect offspring fitness, yet the contributions of male and female gametes and their adaptive significance remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated gametic thermal plasticity and its effects on hatching success and embryo performance in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Eggs and sperm were incubated overnight at 2°C or 8°C, temperatures within the optimal thermal range of this species. Crosses between warm- and cold-incubated gametes were compared using a full-factorial design, with half of each clutch reared in cold temperatures and the other in warm temperatures. This allowed disentangling single-sex interaction effects when pre-fertilization temperature of gametes mismatched embryonic conditions. Pre-fertilization temperature influenced hatch timing and synchrony, and matching sperm and embryo temperatures resulted in earlier hatching. Warm incubation benefited eggs but harmed sperm, reducing the hatching success and, overall, gametic thermal plasticity did not enhance offspring fitness, indicating vulnerability to thermal changes. We highlight the sensitivity of male gametes to higher temperatures, and that gamete acclimation may not effectively buffer against deleterious effects of thermal fluctuations. From an applied angle, we propose the differential storage of male and female gametes as a tool to enhance sustainability within the hatcheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Graziano
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Monica F. Solberg
- Population Genetics Group, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kevin A. Glover
- Population Genetics Group, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ramakrishnan Vasudeva
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lise Dyrhovden
- Population Genetics Group, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - David Murray
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Simone Immler
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Matthew J. G. Gage
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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Rynia ISC, House JK, Ingenhoff L. The Effect of Month and District on 100-Day In-Calf Rate in Year-Round Calving Dairy Herds. Vet Sci 2023; 10:550. [PMID: 37756072 PMCID: PMC10537691 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090550] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring 100-day in-calf rate (100DICR) is an integral part of the assessment of reproductive performance in year-round calving dairy herds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of month on 100DICR in year-round calving herds in New South Wales (NSW), Australia and determine whether a fluctuating 100DICR target is an appropriate alternative to a constant 100DICR target. The 100DICR is defined as the percentage of all current lactating cows over 100 days in milk (DIM) that conceive on or before 100 DIM. As dairy cows are typically dried off 7 months after conception, 100DICR was an approximate 7-month rolling average. Mean monthly 100DICRs were calculated with a generalised linear model for six NSW north coast herds located 15-140 km from the coast and four NSW south coast herds located less than 10 km from the coast, over a two-year period. The mean 100DICR was lowest in May at 28.62% (95%CI 28.31-28.93) and increased during winter and spring, peaking in December at 34.74% (95%CI 34.32-35.15). The observed trend was similar for north and south coast herds, although north coast herds experienced a greater change in 100DICR from the peak to a nadir of 27.58% (95%CI 27.18-27.98), a 7.15-point difference, compared to south coast herds with a nadir of 30.18% (95%CI 29.69-30.67), a 4.67-point difference between the peak and nadir. In conclusion, 100DICR is affected by month with the lowest 100DICRs observed in late autumn and the highest 100DICRs observed in late spring and early summer. Therefore, a fluctuating target 100DICR is an appropriate alternative to a constant target when assessing reproductive performance in year-round calving herds. While the district does not affect mean 100DICR per se, the district does affect the difference between peak and nadir 100DICR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luke Ingenhoff
- Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia (J.K.H.)
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Li H, Sun N, Xiao Y, Yang H, Guo Z, Lin Y, Wang X, Wu Q, Zhou Y, Yang L, Hua G. Benefits of Using Double-Ovsynch Versus Presynch-Ovsynch are Affected by Environmental Heat in Primiparous Holstein Lactating Cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 251:107224. [PMID: 37003063 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107224] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Optimized reproduction management enhances fertility of dairy cows, and thus improves their milk production efficiency. Comparing different synchronization protocols under variable ambient conditions would be conducive to protocol selection and production efficiency improvement. Here, 9538 primiparous Holstein lactating cows were enrolled to either Double-Ovsynch (DO) or Presynch-Ovsynch (PO) to determine the outcomes under different ambiences. We found that averaged THI of 21-days before the first service (THI-b) was the best indicators in a total of 12 environmental indexes to explain changes in conception rate. And the conception rate decreased linearly in DO treated cows when THI-b was over 73, whereas the threshold was 64 in cows subjected to PO. Compared with PO treated cows, DO increased conception rate by 6%, 13% and 19%, when THI-b was lower than 64, from 64 to 73, and over 73, respectively. Furthermore, employing treatment of PO would lead greater risk for cows staying open compared with DO when THI-b below 64 (hazard ratio, 1.3) and over 73 (hazard ratio, 1.4). Most importantly, calving intervals were 15 days shorter in DO treated cows compared PO when THI-b over 73, while no difference was detected when THI-b below 64. In conclusion, our results supported that, fertility of primiparous Holstein cows could be improved by employing DO, especially in hot weather (THI-b ≥ 73), and the benefits of DO protocol were abated under cool conditions (THI-b < 64). Considering the impacts of environmental heat load is necessary to determine reproductive protocols for commercial dairy farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhao Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Hongzhen Yang
- Wuhan Anscitech Farming Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Modern Farming (Group) Co., Ltd., Maanshan, Anhui 243000, China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Qipeng Wu
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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9
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Neves SF, Silva MCF, Miranda JM, Stilwell G, Cortez PP. Predictive Models of Dairy Cow Thermal State: A Review from a Technological Perspective. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080416. [PMID: 36006331 PMCID: PMC9416202 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080416] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Heat stress in cattle is broadly defined as a physiological condition in which body temperature rises, and the animals are no longer able to adequately dissipate body heat to maintain thermal equilibrium due to environmental factors. Dairy cattle are particularly sensitive to heat stress because of the higher metabolic rate needed for milk production. Due to global warming and the expected growth of milk production in warmer regions, an increase in the occurrence of heat stress can only be avoided with the use of environmental control systems. However, most available systems were developed to take corrective measures or are not accurate enough to effectively prevent heat stress, as there is not yet an automated technological solution that considers all the environmental and animal variables that determine the occurrence of this condition. Further, these systems must be connected in time to prevent this condition in cattle but also disconnected when they are no longer needed, as their use raises major economic and environmental concerns regarding energy and water consumption. This review describes and discusses three types of predictive models that can make these systems more effective in preventing heat stress and more efficient in the use of energy and water. Abstract Dairy cattle are particularly sensitive to heat stress due to the higher metabolic rate needed for milk production. In recent decades, global warming and the increase in dairy production in warmer countries have stimulated the development of a wide range of environmental control systems for dairy farms. Despite their proven effectiveness, the associated energy and water consumption can compromise the viability of dairy farms in many regions, due to the cost and scarcity of these resources. To make these systems more efficient, they should be activated in time to prevent thermal stress and switched off when that risk no longer exists, which must consider environmental variables as well as the variables of the animals themselves. Nowadays, there is a wide range of sensors and equipment that support farm routine procedures, and it is possible to measure several variables that, with the aid of algorithms based on predictive models, would allow anticipating animals’ thermal states. This review summarizes three types of approaches as predictive models: bioclimatic indexes, machine learning, and mechanistic models. It also focuses on the application of the current knowledge as algorithms to be used in the management of diverse types of environmental control systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraia F. Neves
- CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Mónica C. F. Silva
- CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - João M. Miranda
- CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - George Stilwell
- CIISA—Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo P. Cortez
- ICBAS-UP—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CECA/ICETA—Centre for Animal Science Studies, Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
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10
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Chen F, Lu J, Guo R, Mei C, Guo B, Li W, Tsigkou A, Shi Z. Rectifying cow infertility under heat stress by immunization against inhibin and supplementation of progesterone. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 80:106726. [PMID: 35413656 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken for the development of novel techniques that are based on immunoneutralization of inhibin bioactivity to improve Holstein cow fertility. A series of 4 experiments were carried out on 2 farms that were located in subtropical or temperate regions, to test the effects of immunization against inhibin alpha subunit on cow fertility under varying degrees of heat stress conditions. Though immunization against inhibin alone improved conception rate (CR) after TAI moderately in cows under mild heat stress conditions, the treatment plus progesterone supplementation substantially enhanced CR in the range of 25 to 35 percentages from severe heat stress to comfortable weather conditions. There existed an additive effect between immunization against inhibin and progesterone supplementation that maximally enhanced CR. Further, immunization against inhibin increased both FSH and activin A concentrations in blood during both follicular and luteal phases. It also significantly increased blood concentrations of E2 in the follicular phase but decreased P4 concentrations during the early pregnancy. However, interferon-tau concentrations in blood around the time of pregnancy recognition were doubled in the inhibin immunized cows. In conclusion, immunization against inhibin plus P4 treatment enhances ovarian follicle and the subsequent early embryo developments that help to greatly improve the fertility of Holstein dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - J Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Nanjing Eason Science & Technology Co.,Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 215316, China
| | - R Guo
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - C Mei
- Dongying Austasia Modern Dairy Farm Co., Ltd., Dongying 257345, China
| | - B Guo
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - W Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - A Tsigkou
- Department of Biology, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Kunshan, 215316, China
| | - Z Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
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11
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Lu W, Sun H, Xu ZM, Du Z, Si L, Yuan S, Jin J, Jin CH. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for Clostridium perfringens infection in postpartum dairy cows: a report of 14 cases. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2022.2078329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wengeng Lu
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Sun
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng-Mei Xu
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Du
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linqing Si
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siqi Yuan
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jidong Jin
- Cofeed Feedmill (Changchun) Co., Ltd., Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Hao Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Food Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
- National Coarse Cereals Engineering Research Center, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Effect of heat exposure on the growth and developmental competence of bovine oocytes derived from early antral follicles. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8857. [PMID: 35614303 PMCID: PMC9132889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In dairy cows, low fertility caused by summer heat stress continues into the cooler autumn season. This can be caused by impaired oocyte quality in small growing follicles during summer. Here, we subjected oocyte-cumulus-granulosa complexes (OCGCs) derived from early antral follicles (0.5-1 mm) to in vitro growth (IVG) culture under two different temperature settings (the control and heat shock groups), and evaluated effects of heat exposure on growth and developmental competence of oocytes, factors affecting the developmental competence of oocytes (steroidogenesis of granulosa cells, oxidative stress in oocytes, and cell-to-cell communication between oocytes and somatic cells). Oocyte diameters after culture were smaller in the heat shock group. Although nuclear maturation and cleavage rates were similar between the groups, blastocyst rates were lower in the heat shock group (0.0%) than in the control group (27.7%), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in oocytes were lower in the heat shock group. Supplementation of cysteine, which stimulates GSH synthesis, increased GSH level and improved blastocyst rate of heat shocked oocytes (27.9%). These results suggest that heat exposure impairs the growth and developmental competence of oocytes in early antral follicles through GSH depletion, which can induce low fertility during summer and the following autumn.
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13
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Yu K, Pfeiffer C, Burden C, Krekeler N, Marth C. High ambient temperature and humidity associated with early embryonic loss after embryo transfer in mares. Theriogenology 2022; 188:37-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Vázquez-Mosquera JM, Fernández-Novo A, Bonet-Bo M, Pérez-Villalobos N, Pesántez-Pacheco JL, Pérez-Solana ML, de Mercado E, Gardón JC, Villagrá A, Sebastián F, Pérez-Garnelo SS, Martínez D, Astiz S. MOET Efficiency in a Spanish Herd of Japanese Black Heifers and Analysis of Environmental and Metabolic Determinants. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:225. [PMID: 35205092 PMCID: PMC8869101 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) systems have been intensively implemented in Japanese Black cattle in Japan and to create Japanese Black herds out of these areas. Environmental conditions influence MOET efficiency. Thus, we describe results of 137 in vivo, non-surgical embryo flushings performed between 2016-2020, in a full-blood Japanese Black herd kept in Spain and the possible effects of heat, year, bull, donor genetic value, and metabolic condition. Additionally, 687 embryo transfers were studied for conception rate (CR) and recipient related factors. A total of 71.3% of viable embryos (724/1015) were obtained (5.3 ± 4.34/flushing). Donor metabolites did not affect embryo production (p > 0.1), although metabolite differences were observed over the years, and by flushing order, probably related to the donor age. CR was not affected by embryo type (fresh vs. frozen), recipient breed, and whether suckling or not suckling (p > 0.1). CR decreased significantly with heat (44.3 vs. 49.2%; (p = 0.042)) and numerically increased with recipient parity and ET-number. Pregnant recipients showed significantly higher levels of cholesterol-related metabolites, glucose, and urea (p < 0.05). Therefore, adequate MOET efficiency can be achieved under these conditions, and heat stress should be strongly avoided during Japanese Black embryo transfers. Moreover, recipients' metabolites are important to achieve pregnancy, being probably related to better nutrient availability during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Vázquez-Mosquera
- Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Puerta de Hierro Avenue s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Aitor Fernández-Novo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain; (A.F.-N.); (N.P.-V.)
| | - Martin Bonet-Bo
- Embriovet SL, Polígono Industrial de Piadela II-8, A Coruña, 15300 Betanzos, Spain; (M.B.-B.); (D.M.)
| | - Natividad Pérez-Villalobos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain; (A.F.-N.); (N.P.-V.)
| | - Jose L. Pesántez-Pacheco
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Cuenca, Av. Doce de Octubre, Cuenca 010220, Ecuador;
| | - Maria Luz Pérez-Solana
- Animal Reproduction Department, National Institute of Agronomic Research (INIA-CSIC), Puerta de Hierro Avenue s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.P.-S.); (E.d.M.); (S.S.P.-G.)
| | - Eduardo de Mercado
- Animal Reproduction Department, National Institute of Agronomic Research (INIA-CSIC), Puerta de Hierro Avenue s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.P.-S.); (E.d.M.); (S.S.P.-G.)
| | - Juan Carlos Gardón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary and Experimental Sciences School, Catholic University of Valencia-San Vicente Mártir, Guillem de Castro, 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Arantxa Villagrá
- Institut Valencià d’Investigacions Agràries (IVIA), CV-315, Km, 10700 Valencia, Spain;
| | | | - Sonia Salomé Pérez-Garnelo
- Animal Reproduction Department, National Institute of Agronomic Research (INIA-CSIC), Puerta de Hierro Avenue s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.P.-S.); (E.d.M.); (S.S.P.-G.)
| | - Daniel Martínez
- Embriovet SL, Polígono Industrial de Piadela II-8, A Coruña, 15300 Betanzos, Spain; (M.B.-B.); (D.M.)
| | - Susana Astiz
- Animal Reproduction Department, National Institute of Agronomic Research (INIA-CSIC), Puerta de Hierro Avenue s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.P.-S.); (E.d.M.); (S.S.P.-G.)
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15
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KAWANO K, YANAGAWA Y, NAGANO M, KATAGIRI S. Effects of heat stress on the endometrial epidermal growth factor profile and fertility in dairy cows. J Reprod Dev 2022; 68:144-151. [PMID: 35095040 PMCID: PMC8979802 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrial epidermal growth factor (EGF) profile is an indicator of uterine function and fertility in cattle. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of heat stress on the
endometrial EGF profile and fertility in lactating Holstein cows. The endometrial EGF profiles of 365 cows in the Hokkaido and Kyushu regions were examined between June and September (heat
stress period, n = 211) and between October and January (control period, n = 154). EGF profiles were investigated using uterine endometrial tissues obtained by biopsy 3 days after estrus
(Day 3). The proportion of cows with an altered EGF profile was higher between June and September than between October and January (41.2 vs. 16.2%, P < 0.05). The effects
of rectal temperature on Days 0 and 3 on the endometrial EGF profile were also assessed in cows (n = 79) between June and September in the Kyushu region. A single embryo was transferred to
cow on Day 7 to evaluate fertility (n = 67). Regardless of the rectal temperature on Day 3, the proportion of cows with an altered EGF profile was higher (64.1 vs. 30.0%, P
< 0.05) and the pregnancy rate after embryo transfer (ET) was lower (26.7 vs. 51.4%, P < 0.05) in cows with a rectal temperature ≥ 39.5°C on Day 0 than in cows with a
rectal temperature < 39.5°C on Day 0. The present results indicate that alterations in the endometrial EGF profile induced by an elevated body temperature on Day 0 contributed to
reductions in fertility in lactating dairy cows during the heat stress period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei KAWANO
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yojiro YANAGAWA
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masashi NAGANO
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Seiji KATAGIRI
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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16
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Factors influencing embryo quantity and quality in donor cows from Latvian Blue, Latvian Brown, and Danish Red breeds at risk in Latvia. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Webb EC, de Bruyn E. Effects of Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) and Climatological Factors on Reproduction Efficiency of Holstein Friesian and Jersey Cows in the Subtropics. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113068. [PMID: 34827800 PMCID: PMC8614443 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of MUN and climatological factors on the inter calving period (ICP), reproductive performance (RP%), and reproductive index (RI) in Holstein Friesian (n = 1177) and Jersey cows (n = 3305) in different seasons in the subtropics. Threshold values for MUN on the reproduction of dairy cows in the subtropics remain controversial due to complex environmental interactions, especially with high environmental temperatures. A retrospective analysis was conducted of data obtained from the National Milk Recording scheme of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in South Africa. The results confirm that MUN influences the reproduction of dairy cows in the subtropics. MUN concentrations exceeding 18.1 ± 4.28 mg/dL in Holstein Friesian cows and 13.0 ± 4.70 mg/dL in Jersey cows extended the inter calving period (ICP), and decreased RP% and RI. Jersey cows have a lower threshold MUN concentration compared to Holstein Friesian cows, but they are not adversely affected by high humidity or temperatures, while Holstein Friesian cows are.
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18
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Amaral CDS, Correa GRE, Serrano Mujica LK, Fiorenza MF, Rosa SG, Nogueira CW, Portela VM, Comim FV, Schoenau W, Smirnova NP, Antoniazzi AQ. Heat stress modulates polymorphonuclear cell response in early pregnancy cows: I. interferon pathway and oxidative stress. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257418. [PMID: 34543299 PMCID: PMC8452032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major causes of early pregnancy loss is heat stress. In ruminants, interferon tau (IFNT) is the embryo signal to the mother. Once the interferon signaling pathway is activated, it drives gene expression for interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and alters neutrophils responses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate interferon (IFN) pathway, ISGs and gene expression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and oxidative stress in dairy cows under heat stress. Pregnant cows had their estrous cycle synchronized and randomly assigned to a comfort or heat stress group. Blood samples were collected at artificial insemination (AI) and on Days 10, 14 and 18 following AI. Pregnant cows were pregnancy checked by ultrasound on Day 30 and confirmed on Day 60 post-AI. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. The corpus luteum (CL) diameter was not different between groups of pregnant cows; concentration of progesterone of pregnant cows on Day 18 following AI was greater in comfort group compared to heat stressed group. Comfort pregnant cows had higher expression of all analyzed genes from interferon pathway, except for IFNAR1, on both Days 14 and 18. Conversely, heat stressed cows did not show altered expression of IFNT pathway genes and ISGs between Days 10, 14, and 18 after AI. The oxidative stress, determined as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was greater in heat stress group on Days 10, 14 and 18, independent of pregnancy status. Heat stress negatively influences expression of ISGs, IFN pathway gene expression in neutrophils, and oxidative stress. Our data suggest that lower conception rates in cows under heat stress are multifactorial, with the association of interferon pathway activation and the unbalanced oxidative stress being main contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina dos Santos Amaral
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mariani Farias Fiorenza
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Suzan Gonçalves Rosa
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristina Wayne Nogueira
- Synthesis, Reactivity and Organocalcogens Pharmacological and Toxicological Assessment Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Valério Marques Portela
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fábio Vasconcellos Comim
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - William Schoenau
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Alfredo Quites Antoniazzi
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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19
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Response to Therapeutic Abortion in Lactating Dairy Cows Carrying Dead Twins during the Late Embryo/Early Fetal Period. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092508. [PMID: 34573473 PMCID: PMC8472673 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the dose-response effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) when used to induce abortion in cows with two dead twins at pregnancy diagnosis 28-34 days post-AI (late embryonic period: LE) or at pregnancy confirmation 49-55 days post-AI (early fetal period: EF). The study population consisted of 415 cows receiving a single PGF2α dose (PG1 group: 254 LE and 161 EF cows) and 200 receiving a 1.5 × PGF2α dose (PG1.5 group: 121 LE and 79 EF cows). The induced abortion rate was significantly lower (chi-square test; p < 0.0001) in the EF (34.6%) than LE cows (88%), and was also reduced (p = 0.001) in the EF PG1 group (28%) compared with the EF PG1.5 group (48.1%). High milk production (≥45 kg) was the only factor influencing the induced abortion rate in LE cows (odds ratio 0.2; p < 0.0001), whereas the odds ratio for induced abortion of PG1.5 cows was 2.3 (p = 0.005) in EF cows. In conclusion, an increased PGF2α dose had no effect on abortion induction during the late embryonic period and its rate was inversely associated with milk production. This higher PGF2α dose did, however, offer benefits during the early fetal period.
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20
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Murata H, Kunii H, Kusama K, Sakurai T, Bai H, Kawahara M, Takahashi M. Heat stress induces oxidative stress and activates the KEAP1-NFE2L2-ARE pathway in bovine endometrial epithelial cells. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1114-1125. [PMID: 34296252 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress adversely affects the reproductive function in cows. Although a relationship between heat stress and oxidative stress has been suggested, it has not been sufficiently verified in bovine endometrial epithelial cells. Here, we investigated whether oxidative stress is induced by heat stress in bovine endometrial epithelial cells under high temperature. Luciferase reporter assays showed that the reporter activity of heat shock element (HSE) and antioxidant responsive element (ARE) was increased in endometrial epithelial cells cultured under high temperature compared to that in cells cultured under basal (thermoneutral) temperature. Also, nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2), a master regulator of cellular environmental stress response, stabilized and the expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes increased under high temperature. Immunostaining confirmed the nuclear localization of NFE2L2 in endometrial epithelial cells cultured under high temperature. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the expression levels of representative inflammatory cytokine genes, such as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and interleukin 8, were significantly decreased in endometrial epithelial cells cultured under high temperature compared to those in cells cultured under basal temperature. Thus, our results suggest that heat stress induces oxidative stress, whereas NFE2L2 plays a protective role in bovine endometrial epithelial cells cultured under heat stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirona Murata
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kunii
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Sakurai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Ohu University, 31-1 Misumido, Tomita-machi, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan
| | - Hanako Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan.,Global Station for Food, Land and Water Resources, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
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21
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Kalyesubula M, Casey TM, Reicher N, Sabastian C, Wein Y, Bar Shira E, Hoang N, George UZ, Shamay A, Plaut K, Mabjeesh SJ. Physiological state and photoperiod exposures differentially influence circadian rhythms of body temperature and prolactin and relate to changes in mammary PER1 expression in late pregnant and early lactation dairy goats. Small Rumin Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Ungerfeld R, Kmaid S, Baldi F, Salveraglio V. Probability of pregnancy to artificial insemination either after detected oestrus or at a fixed time in dairy cows: Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in a large-scale, on-farm study. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:783-791. [PMID: 33619769 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13918] [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: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The first aim of this study was to determine the influence of the procedures [hormonal treatments for fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) versus insemination at spontaneous oestrus (SEAI)] on several sequential inseminations (AI). A second aim was to determine the influence of some intrinsic and extrinsic factors and their interactions, including characteristics of the animals such as age, season, farm, sire, and AI technician on the response to both procedures. A retrospective analysis was performed from a data base of 120.807 AIs of healthy cows with at least 40-70 days post-partum at first service. Overall, FTAI achieved slighter greater pregnancy rates than insemination after detected oestrus. The second AI seems to be a key insemination as effects of sire and technician were greater than in the following ones. The use of FTAI or SEAI in one AI did not affect the results of the following AIs, regardless if FTAI or SEAI procedures were used in that AI. Technician had greater variation than sire or farm on final pregnancy rate. The results of each sire for pregnancy rate varied according to the type of insemination, with sires achieving greater results with one or other procedure. Pregnancy rate was positively related to the days in milk in the first two AIs. Results were greater in autumn than in spring services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sergio Kmaid
- Private Veterinary Practice, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fernando Baldi
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Naranjo-Gómez JS, Uribe-García HF, Herrera-Sánchez MP, Lozano-Villegas KJ, Rodríguez-Hernández R, Rondón-Barragán IS. Heat stress on cattle embryo: gene regulation and adaptation. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06570. [PMID: 33869831 PMCID: PMC8035499 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Global warming has been affecting animal husbandry and farming production worldwide via changes in organisms and their habitats. In the tropics, these conditions are adverse for agriculture and animal production in some areas, due to high temperatures and relative humidity, affecting competitiveness related to economic activities. These environments have deteriorated livestock production, due to periods of drought, reduction in forage quality and heat stress, eliciting negative effects on reproduction, weight gain, and reduced meat and milk production. However, the use of animals adapted to tropics such as breeds derived from subspecies Bos primigenius indicus and native breeds from tropical countries or their crossings, is an alternative to improve production under high-temperature conditions. Therefore, physiological adaptation including gene expression induced by heat stress have been studied to understand the response of animals and to improve cross-breeding between cattle breeds to maintain high productivity in adverse weather conditions. Heat stress has been associated with lower reproductive performance in cows, due to the impact on blastocyst production, decreased implantation and increased embryonic death. Thus, for decades, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer techniques have focused on studying the optimal conditions for production of high-quality embryos to transfer. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of heat stress in bovine embryos, and their physiological and genetic modulation, focusing on the genes that are related with major adaptability to heat stress conditions and their relationship with different embryonic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sebastian Naranjo-Gómez
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima, Altos of Santa Helena, A.A 546, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Heinner Fabián Uribe-García
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima, Altos of Santa Helena, A.A 546, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - María Paula Herrera-Sánchez
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima, Altos of Santa Helena, A.A 546, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Kelly Johanna Lozano-Villegas
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima, Altos of Santa Helena, A.A 546, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Roy Rodríguez-Hernández
- Poultry Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima, Altos of Santa Helena, A.A 546, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima, Altos of Santa Helena, A.A 546, Ibagué, Colombia
- Poultry Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima, Altos of Santa Helena, A.A 546, Ibagué, Colombia
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Permanence time in the herd and milk production of Holstein cows with up to five successive extended lactations. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:141. [PMID: 33496863 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02581-x] [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: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A total of 1338 high-yielding cows with five lactations from a large well-managed commercial dairy operation in a hot environment of northern Mexico were used to evaluate milk yield and reproductive performance of cows undergoing unplanned extended lactations (EL; > 450 days). The null hypothesis that cumulative milk yield during five consecutive lactations is the same in cows not having unplanned EL and cows with several EL was tested. All EL resulted from cows failing to become pregnant with ≥ 4 services. Cows were allocated to 1 of 6 groups according to the number of EL (EL0 for cows with no EL to EL5 for cows with 5 EL). Cumulative milk yield was highest (P < 0.01) for EL5 cows (95,499 kg) and lowest for EL0 cows (56,236 kg). Likewise, cumulative days in milk were greatest (P < 0.01) in EL5 (2968 days) and lowest in EL0 (1857 days) cows. Mean milk yield per lactation increased linearly with the increase in the number of extended lactations with a maximum of 19,099 kg of milk/lactation for EL5 cows. Mean daily milk yield/productive life was lowest (P < 0.01) for EL0 (30.2 kg) and highest for EL5 (32.1 kg). The percentage of days in milk relative to days from birth to the end of the fifth lactation was highest for EL5 (78.1%) and lowest for EL0 (59.6%), with EL2 to EL4 cows intermediate. Length of calving interval was longest (P < 0.01) for EL5 (24.7 months) and shortest for EL0 (15.5 months) cows. It was concluded that it is worthwhile maintaining high-yielding cows incapable to conceive before 230 days in milk because they did conceive again and produced considerable amounts of milk during their productive life, which substantially prolonged their permanence time in the herd.
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Abdalla H, Salem SE, Elsohaby I, Swelum AA. Likelihood of pregnancy in cows identified with different amounts of anechoic intrauterine fluid at the time of insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 226:106688. [PMID: 33476904 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Effects of amount of anechoic intrauterine fluid (IUF) and size of largest follicle at insemination on proportion of cows pregnant as a result of AI (P/AI percentage), as well as factors associated with amount of IUF and size of the follicle were investigated. Follicle size was determined, and amount of IUF in the largest uterine segment was categorized as containing no fluid, ≤10, >10-20, and >20 mm using the ultrasonic monitor grid in 735 cows at time of insemination. Multivariable regression models were constructed to evaluate effects of different variables on P/AI percentage, and variables associated with the IUF score and follicle size. On day 30 post-insemination, the P/AI percentage was greater in cows that had >10 to 20 mm IUF than cows with no IUF (OR = 1.9, P = 0.01), but on day 70 post-insemination, the P/AI percentage was similar in cows with different amounts of IUF. Follicle size was not associated with P/AI percentage on days 30 and 70 post-insemination. Cows in spontaneous estrus, multiparous cows, cows with a cystic structure and a typically functional follicle, and Holstein cows had a greater likelihood for a larger IUF value. Primiparous cows, cows on which there was imposing of a hormonal-ovulation-synchronization regimen, and crossbred cows were more likely to have smaller follicles. In conclusion, amount of IUF at the time of insemination and size of the follicle were not associated with P/AI percentage, and several variables were associated with amount of IUF or follicle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Abdalla
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt.
| | - Shebl E Salem
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt; Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate 44511, Egypt; Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Peng SY, Wu TH, Lin TY, Hii LY, Chan KS, Fu TY, Chang SC, Shen PC, Liu KY, Shaw SW. Application of cattle placental stem cells for treating ovarian follicular cyst. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:1366-1376. [PMID: 33312404 PMCID: PMC7705470 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i11.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High humidity and temperature in Taiwan have significant effects on the reproductivity of Holstein cattle, resulting in the occurrence of bovine ovarian follicular cyst (OFC). Because of economic loss from OFC, manual rupture and hormone injection have been advocated for the management of OFC. However, these incomplete treatments increase hormone resistance in cattle. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from placental stem cells (PSCs) demonstrate potential properties for the treatment of several diseases via promoting angiogenesis and immune modulation.
AIM To establish the possibility of cattle placental stem cells (CPSCs) as a treatment modality for OFC of cows in Taiwan.
METHODS The cows with OFC were divided into three groups: control (BC1 and BC2), hormone (H1 and H2), and CPSC (PS1 and PS2) treatment groups. In the hormone treatment group, the cows were given gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-prostaglandin-GnRH intramuscular injection with or without drainage of follicular fluid. In the CPSC treatment group, CPSCs were isolated from the placenta after labor. With the identification of surface antigen on stem cells, the cows were administered ovarian injection of 1 × 106 or 6 × 106 CPSCs with drainage. In all groups, OFC was scanned by ultrasound once a week for a total of seven times. The concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in serum were tested in the same period. The estrus cycle was analyzed by food intake and activity. If estrus was detected, artificial insemination was conducted. Then the cow was monitored by ultrasound for confirmation of pregnancy.
RESULTS After 7 d of culture, CPSCs were successfully isolated from placental pieces. CPSCs significantly proliferated every 24 h and had high expression of MSC markers such as cluster of differentiation 44, as determined by flow cytometry. Ultrasound showed lower numbers of OFCs with drainage of follicular fluid. We achieved recovery rates of 0%, 50%, 50%, 75%, 75% and 75% in BC1, BC2, H1, H2, PS1, and PS2, respectively. Higher concentrations of progesterone were detected in the CPSC treatment groups. However, both hormone and CPSC treatment groups had no significant difference in the concentration of estradiol. The estrus rate was 0%, 100%, 25%, 75%, 75% and 75% in BC1, BC2, H1, H2, PS1, and PS2, respectively. The two fetuses were born in H2 and PS1. In brief, cows with CPSC injection achieved higher recovery, estrus, and inseminated conception rates.
CONCLUSION CPSCs have efficacy in treating cows with OFC, and thus, may serve as an alternative treatment for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Yu Peng
- Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsin Wu
- Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yi Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yien Hii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan
| | - Kok-Seong Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yen Fu
- Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Chang Chang
- Kaohsiung Animal Propagation Station, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Perng-Chih Shen
- Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Kang-You Liu
- Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Steven W. Shaw
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan
- Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HU, United Kingdom
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Brooks S, House JK, Ingenhoff L. The effect of participation in a regular reproductive herd health program on 80-day submission rate and 100-day in-calf rate in year-round calving dairy farms. Aust Vet J 2020; 99:79-85. [PMID: 33241557 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Herd health management programs are commonly implemented on dairy farms to improve farm reproductive performance. In year-round calving systems, herd health programs can be supported by extension programs such as InCalf, which focus on improving the 100-day in-calf rate (100DICR) as a key reproductive performance indicator. The effect of implementing a herd health program was evaluated by analysing the 80-day submission rate (80DSR) and 100DICR during the initial 18-month period following commencement of regular herd health visits at 11 year-round calving dairy farms. The mean 80DSR and 100DICR was calculated for each of six consecutive three-month intervals following the initial herd health visit at 11 dairy farms distributed across the north and south coasts of New South Wales (NSW). On the 11 study farms 80DSR increased from 36.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 36.7-37.2) at 0-3 months to 61.9% (95% CI 61.4-62.4) and 100DICR increased from 19.1% (95% CI 18.9-19.3) at 0-3 months to 28.5% (95% CI 28.0-29.0) at 15-18 months. 80DSR increased at similar rates on north coast farms compared to south coast farms; however, north coast farms had a lower 100DICR at 0-3 months which increased at a greater rate compared to south coast farms. 100DICR on north coast farms increased from 12.8% (95% CI 12.5-13.2) at 0-3 months to 27.6% (95% CI 26.8-28.4) at 15-18 months, whereas 100DICR on south coast farms increased from 26.7% (95% CI 26.3-27.0) at 0-3 months to 29.6% (95% CI 28.8-30.5) at 15-18 months. Participation in a regular herd health program resulted in an increased 80DSR and 100DICR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snm Brooks
- Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - J K House
- Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - L Ingenhoff
- Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
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Abdelnour SA, Swelum AA, Abd El-Hack ME, Khafaga AF, Taha AE, Abdo M. Cellular and functional adaptation to thermal stress in ovarian granulosa cells in mammals. J Therm Biol 2020; 92:102688. [PMID: 32888576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change represents a significant environmental challenge to human welfare. One of many negative impacts may be on animal reproduction. Elevated ambient temperature unfavourably influences reproductive processes in mammals. High temperature can affect reproductive processes such as follicle development and may alter follicular fluid concentrations of amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants defence and growth factors. These impacts may lead to inferior oocyte competence and abnormal granulosa cell (GCs) function. Mammalian oocytes are enclosed by GCs that secret hormones and signalling molecules to promote oocyte competence. GCs are essential for proper follicular development, oocyte maturation, ovulation, and luteinization. Many environmental stressors, including thermal stress, affect GC function and alter oocyte development and growth. Several studies documented a link between elevated ambient temperature and increased generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can damage DNA, reduce cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis in GCs, thus altering oocyte development. Additionally, thermal stress induces upregulation of thermal shock proteins, such as HSP70 and HSP90. This review provides an update on the influence of thermal stress on GCs of mammals. Discussions include impacts to steroidogenesis (estradiol and progesterone), proliferation and cell cycle transition, apoptosis, oxidative stress (ROS), antioxidants related genes, heat shock proteins (HSPs) and endoplasmic reticulum responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh A Abdelnour
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed E Abd El-Hack
- Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa F Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22758, Egypt
| | - Ayman E Taha
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22578, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, 32897, Egypt
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Shahzad Q, Waqas M, Pu L, Wadood AA, Xie L, Husna AU, Yang K, Wang J, Xu H, Lu K, Lu Y. Seasonality and photoperiod influence in vitro production of buffalo embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1115-1123. [PMID: 32564396 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Buffalo is considered short-day breeder in tropical and subtropical part of the world and seasonality and photoperiodism impart major influence on its fertility. However, its impact on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of seasonal variations and photoperiodism on morphological and molecular parameters of IVEP in buffalo. For this purpose, we conducted two different experiments on the oocytes obtained by aspirating follicles from abattoir derived ovaries. In Exp. I, retrospective analysis was performed for oocyte recovery, blastocyst and hatching rate, during four consecutive seasonal periods (i.e. January-March, April-June, July-September and October-December). In Exp. II, oocytes from peak breeding and non-breeding seasons were subjected to 24 hr in vitro maturation and evaluated for polar body extrusion to assess maturation rate. Results showed that embryo development was markedly low during second quarter (April-June) and maximum during fourth quarter (October-December) of the year; referred as non-breeding and breeding seasons, respectively. Comparative data analysis demonstrated that poor oocyte quality is major reason for lesser efficiency of embryo production during non-breeding season than peak breeding season as suggested by poor oocyte recovery (2.31 ± 0.10 vs. 3.65 ± 0.27) and maturation rate (33.32 ± 2.1 vs. 63.15 ± 7.31). Subsequently, comparative gene expression analysis of blastocysts during peak breeding season significantly upregulated pluripotency gene (OCT-4) and downregulated heat shock protein 90, as compared to non-breeding season. Therefore, it could be divulged from the present study that seasonal variations and photoperiodism have profound effect on oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development. It is recommended to find suitable additives for in vitro maturation that could mitigate seasonal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qaisar Shahzad
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Liping Pu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Armughan Ahmed Wadood
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Asma Ul Husna
- Department of Zoology, University of Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Kailin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jingyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kehuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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To What Extent Does Photoperiod Affect Cattle Reproduction? Clinical Perspectives of Melatonin Administration – A Review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The seasonality of reproduction in most mammals is dictated by photoperiod, temperature and nutrition. Melatonin, mainly synthesized in the pineal gland, is generally accepted as the active mediator of photoperiod responses including reproduction. While non-pregnant heifers and cows show continuous sexual activity and are therefore not seasonal breeders, it has been suggested that photo-periodicity may influence the appearance of puberty in heifers and the onset of parturition. Further, the light/dark ratio may influence endocrine patterns of gestation and a shorter light period correlates with the incidence of twin pregnancies. This review considers specific aspects of the effects of photoperiod and melatonin on reproduction in dairy cattle and discusses the clinical applications of melatonin.
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Pytlík J, Stádník L, Ducháček J, Codl R. Comparative Study of Pregnancy Rate of Dairy Cows Inseminated with Fresh or Frozen-Thawed Semen. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2020. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun202068030573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Baruselli PS, Ferreira RM, Vieira LM, Souza AH, Bó GA, Rodrigues CA. Use of embryo transfer to alleviate infertility caused by heat stress. Theriogenology 2020; 155:1-11. [PMID: 32562738 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) has a pronounced deleterious effect on fertility in dairy herds throughout the world, especially in hot and humid summer months in tropical and subtropical areas. Summer HS reduces feed intake and increases negative energy balance, induces changes in ovarian follicular dynamics, reduces estrus detection rates and alters oviductal function leading to fertilization failure and early embryonic death. Furthermore, oocytes harvested from lactating cows during summer HS have a decreased ability to develop to the blastocyst stage after in vitro fertilization when compared with oocytes harvested during winter. The present manuscript describes the detrimental effect of HS on reproduction, with emphasis on preovulatory oocytes and carry over effects of HS on embryo development and P/AI. Embryo transfer (ET) has been an effective tool to reestablish fertility during HS because it bypasses the damage to the oocyte and early embryo caused by hyperthermia. Therefore, a management strategy to maintain increased fertility throughout the year would be to produce embryos during the cooler months, when oocyte quality is greater, and use them to produce pregnancies during the periods of HS, when oocyte quality is compromised. However, this strategy only can be implemented using cryopreserved embryos, what is still limiting. During the warmer months, the use of heifers or non-lactating cows as oocyte or embryo donors may facilitate embryo production, mainly because of the lesser deleterious effects of HS comparing to lactating cows. Also, genetic selection of donors for thermoregulation ability is one potential strategy to mitigate effects of HS and increase embryo production during the warmer months. These alternatives enable the transference of fresh embryos with more efficiency during HS periods. Additionally, the application of timed ET protocols, which avoid the need for estrus detection in recipients, has facilitated management and improved the efficiency of ET programs during HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Roberta M Ferreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís M Vieira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre H Souza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A Bó
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC) and Universidad Nacional de Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carlos A Rodrigues
- SAMVET Embriões, Rua Getúlio Vargas 300, CEP 13560-000, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Bittante G, Negrini R, Bergamaschi M, Cecchinato A, Toledo-Alvarado H. Pure-breeding with sexed semen and crossbreeding with semen of double-muscled sires to improve beef production from dairy herds: Factors affecting heifer and cow fertility and the sex ratio. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5246-5257. [PMID: 32307168 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Using sexed semen to produce purebred replacement heifers makes it possible to mate a large proportion of dairy cows to double-muscled sires and to quantitatively and qualitatively improve beef production and increase the income from dairy herds. Net profit first depends on changes in the farm's overall fertility rate. The objective of this study was to analyze the conception rate in herds using a combination of conventional dairy semen (for pure- and crossbreeding), X-sorted dairy semen (to produce purebred replacement heifers), and conventional beef semen (for terminal crossbreeding). Data were obtained from 50,785 inseminations of 15,580 dairy cows (78% Holstein-Friesian, 15% Brown Swiss, 2% Simmental, and 5% crossbreds) from 106 dairy farms (average milk yield 35.1 ± 9.4 kg/d, with 3.76 ± 0.83% fat and 3.32 ± 0.39% protein contents). To account for the main potential confounders, we used separate generalized linear mixed-effects models for cows and virgin heifers. The results showed that the odds ratio of conception improved (1.00 to 1.34) with an increase in the average milk yield of the herd but worsened (1.12 to 0.70) with an increase in the milk yield of individual cows within herd. The summer months showed a strong reduction in the odds ratio of conception in cows (0.56 in July and August) but not in virgin heifers. Multiparous cows had a lower odds ratio of conception (0.85) than primiparous cows (1.00). The order of insemination did not affect the fertility of the cows or heifers, whereas the odds ratio of conception improved with advancing lactation (1.00 to 2.12). The Simmental cows were more fertile than Holstein-Friesians (1.37 vs. 1.00), whereas the fertility of the heifers was not affected by breed. Taking all these possible confounders into account simultaneously, in pure-breeding the odds ratio of conception using sexed semen did not differ from that using conventional dairy semen in cows (0.90 vs. 1.00) or in virgin heifers (0.95 vs. 1.00). However, crossbreeding using conventional beef and dairy semen improved the odds ratio of conception (1.10 and 1.17, respectively) in cows (1.37 using beef semen) and heifers (1.25 using dairy semen). The proportion of newborn heifer calves was ≥90% using sexed dairy semen. The combined use of sexed semen, especially on heifers, to produce purebred replacement females and beef semen to produce terminal crossbred calves was shown to have the potential to increase overall herd fertility, which could be further improved using sexed dairy semen to produce dairy crossbreds instead of purebred replacement heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Bittante
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova (Padua), 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Riccardo Negrini
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Catholic University, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; Italian Association of Breeders (AIA), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bergamaschi
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova (Padua), 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Hugo Toledo-Alvarado
- Department of Genetics and Biostatistics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
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López-Gatius F, Hunter RHF. Local cooling of the ovary and its implications for heat stress effects on reproduction. Theriogenology 2020; 149:98-103. [PMID: 32247952 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects of season on the fertility of the dairy cow added to the metabolic stress of milk production are well known. We here present lactating dairy cows as a comparative model of this problem. This review examines the results of recent studies that have highlighted heat stress (HS) effects on pre-ovulatory follicles. From these studies, we draw information regarding the mechanisms giving rise to temperature gradients across reproductive tissues. Our review is completed by a discussion of approaches designed to reduce the negative effects of HS based on cooling strategies implemented before ovulation at or around estrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- F López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Center, University of Lleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain; Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, 22300, Barbastro, Spain.
| | - R H F Hunter
- Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, England, UK; Ladfield, Oxnam, Jedburgh, TD8 6RJ, Scotland, UK
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Li B, He X, Zhao Y, Bai D, Li D, Zhou Z, Manglai D. Analysis of the miRNA transcriptome during testicular development and spermatogenesis of the Mongolian horse. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:582-593. [PMID: 32209208 DOI: 10.1071/rd19133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for testicular development and spermatogenesis. In order to further characterise these physiological processes, three immature and three mature testes of the Mongolian horse were collected and six libraries were established. Using small RNA sequencing technology, 531 mature miRNAs were identified, including 46 novel miRNAs without previously ascribed functions. Among the 531 miRNAs, 421 were expressed in both immature and mature libraries, 65 miRNAs were found solely in immature testis libraries and 45 miRNAs were found solely in mature testis libraries. Furthermore, among the miRNAs that were identified in both immature and mature libraries, 107 were significantly differentially expressed (corrected P value (padj)<0.05). Among the miRNAs that were only expressed in immature testes, two miRNAs were differentially expressed, whereas among the miRNAs that were only expressed in mature testes, nine miRNAs were differentially expressed. Comprehensive analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles predicted 107 miRNA-mRNA interaction sites. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the predicted target genes suggested roles of the differentially expressed miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis. These findings identify miRNAs as key factors in the development of the testes and spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse, which may also help us to understand the mechanisms of fertility in related mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Xiaolong He
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Zhaojun RD.22, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Yiping Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Dongyi Bai
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Dandan Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China
| | - Dugarjaviin Manglai
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China; and Corresponding author.
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Ritter C, Beaver A, von Keyserlingk MAG. The complex relationship between welfare and reproduction in cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 3:29-37. [PMID: 31512321 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Using reproduction parameters as indicators for cattle welfare has limitations and, at best, these parameters should only be viewed as indirect indicators of welfare. On a farm level, measures such as fertility rates emphasize biological performance of the herd but fail to consider the welfare of individual animals. Even on an individual level, the relationship between reproductive effectiveness and animal welfare is complex. Good reproductive performance does not automatically signify good welfare, as domestication and targeted breeding programmes have led to prioritization of high productive and reproductive performance in most modern farm animal species. In this review, we synthesize literature regarding cattle husbandry, reproduction, welfare and their multidimensional relationships. We argue that practices such as artificial insemination or the use of sexed semen may provide potential welfare advantages as these practices reduce the risk of disease transmission and injury or enable selection of specific beneficial traits. Furthermore, they may offer a solution to current practices jeopardizing welfare, such as the management of surplus bull calves in the dairy industry. Conversely, the animals' ability to perform natural behaviours such as oestrous expression, an aspect arguably contributing to welfare, is often limited on commercial farms; this limitation is particularly evident in housing systems such as tie stalls where movement is restricted. Moreover, common management practices such as oestrus manipulation may lead to negative attitudes in citizens who often regard naturalness as important element of animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ritter
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Annabelle Beaver
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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RAHEJA NITIN, KUMAR NISHANT, LATHWAL SS. Dietary betaine reduces incidence of follicular cyst in post-partum Karan Fries cows during hot-humid season. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v89i12.96625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the heat stress ameliorating effect of dietary betaine in reducing the risk of development of follicular cyst in dairy cows during hot-humid season. Eighteen pre-parturient Karan Fries (KF) cows in their 2nd to 5th parity were selected and assigned to 2 groups of 9 cows each on basis of parity and body weight. One group of cows was kept as control and other as treatment (50 g betaine/day/cow). Environmental variables and temperature humidity index (THI) of sheds were recorded during the experimental period. Body weight, dry matter intake (DMI), plasma non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and cortisol levels were measured in both groups at fortnightly interval. Trans-rectal B-mode real time ultrasonography was performed weekly for diagnosis of follicular cyst. Results showed nonsignificant increase in mean DMI (1.86±0.12 kg vs 1.79±0.12 kg per 100 kg body weight) and overall body weight (416.76±10.24 kg vs 411.33±11.07 kg) in treatment group compared to control group. Plasma NEFA concentrations were lower in treatment group as compared to control (329.42±29.08 μmol/L vs 407.05±15.68 μmol/L). Plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in treatment group as compared to control group (4.91±0.68 ng/ml vs 6.89±0.49 ng/ml). In control group, 22.22% cows had follicular cyst on their ovaries whereas no follicular cyst was found in betaine supplemented cows. It can be concluded that supplementation of 50 g betaine/cow/day reduces the incidence of follicular cyst along with reduction in plasma NEFA and cortisol levels.
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Bai H, Ukita H, Kawahara M, Mitani T, Furukawa E, Yanagawa Y, Yabuuchi N, Kim H, Takahashi M. Effect of summer heat stress on gene expression in bovine uterine endometrial tissues. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13474. [PMID: 33159383 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress negatively affects reproductive functions in cows. Increased temperature disturbs fetal development in utero. However, the effect of heat stress on uterine endometrial tissues has not been fully examined. Using qPCR analysis, we measured the mRNA expression of various molecular markers in uterine endometrial tissue of dairy cows from Hokkaido, Japan, in winter and summer. Markers examined were heat shock proteins (HSPs), antioxidant enzymes (catalase, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase 4), inflammatory cytokines, and interferon stimulated genes. Our results showed heat stress, body and milk temperatures were higher during summer than during winter. Expression levels of HSP27, HSP60, and HSP90 mRNA, and of catalase and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase mRNA were lower in summer than in winter. Tumor necrosis factor alpha expression was higher in summer than in winter. In conclusion, summer heat stress may reduce the expression of HSPs, affecting the levels of inflammatory cytokines in bovine uterine endometrial tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanako Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Haruka Ukita
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Mitani
- Field Science Center for Norther Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Eri Furukawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | | | - Masashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Global Station for Food, Land and Water Resources, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Alnimer MA, Abedal-Majed MA, Shamoun AI. Effect of two prostaglandin injections on days 5 and 6 in a timed AI protocol after estrus expression on pregnancy outcomes in dairy cows during cold or hot seasons of the year. Arch Anim Breed 2019; 62:161-170. [PMID: 31807626 PMCID: PMC6852861 DOI: 10.5194/aab-62-161-2019] [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: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to test
whether prostaglandin (PG) injection on day 30 postpartum (pp) and detection of
estrus can affect the efficacy of injecting PG on days 5 and 6 in the timed
artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on pregnancy rate in a large dairy
herd in hot or cold seasons. Out of 2235 cows, 1998 received an injection
of PG at 30±3 d pp and estrus was observed. Cows that displayed
estrus during the estrous observation period after PG injection were
classified as estrus (E), while those that did not show estrus were
classified as nonestrus (NE). Cows in each group were assigned to two
treatments: CO-72 (control treatment) (ECO-72 and NECO-72) (day 44 GnRH, day 51
PGF2α, day 54 GnRH+TAI) or PG–PG (EPG–PG and NEPG–PG) (day 44
GnRH, day 49 PGF2α, day 50 PGF2α, day 52 GnRH+TAI).
Pregnancy was diagnosed on days 33 and 47 after artificial insemination (AI).
The proportion of cows in estrus on the day of TAI was higher (P≤0.05)
for cows that received two PG than for cows that received one PG.
Pregnancies per AI (P/AI) on days 33 and 47 for cows inseminated during and
after a voluntary waiting period in the NEPG–PG treatment had higher rates than
for cows in the EPG–PG, ECO-72 and NECO-72 treatments. Moreover, P/AI were
significantly (P≤0.05) affected by parity. Primiparous had higher P/AI
(37.0 %) than multiparous cows (31.6 %). Cows inseminated in cold
months had higher P/AI and reduced PL (35.6 % and 20.8 %) than cows
inseminated in hot months (29.1 % and 30.6 %, respectively). In
conclusion, treatments with PG on days 5 and 6 after the first GnRH injection
increased P/AI. Estrus detection before the beginning of TAI protocol did not
affect fertility. To maximize P/AI cows exhibiting heat at any time during
the synchronization protocol should be inseminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufeed A Alnimer
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan Amman
| | - Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan Amman
| | - Ahmad I Shamoun
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan Amman
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Parisi C, Guerriero G. Antioxidative Defense and Fertility Rate in the Assessment of Reprotoxicity Risk Posed by Global Warming. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:E622. [PMID: 31817462 PMCID: PMC6943697 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8120622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this review is to briefly summarize the recent progress in studies done on the assessment of reprotoxicity risk posed by global warming for the foundation of strategic tool in ecosystem-based adaptation. The selected animal data analysis that was used in this paper focuses on antioxidative markers and fertility rate estimated over the period 2000-2019. We followed a phylogenetic methodology in order to report data on a panel of selected organisms that show dangerous effects. The oxidative damage studies related to temperature fluctuation occurring in biosentinels of different invertebrate and vertebrate classes show a consistently maintained physiological defense. Furthermore, the results from homeothermic and poikilothermic species in our study highlight the influence of temperature rise on reprotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Parisi
- Comparative Endocrinology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
- Laboratory of Zebrafish Developmental Genomics, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Giulia Guerriero
- Comparative Endocrinology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Centre for Environment, University of Naples Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy
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Effect of Utilization of Single or Double Prostaglandin Administration Within an Ovsynch Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol During Summer Season in Dairy Cows. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2019-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigated the fertility of dairy cows during summer season after treatment with a single or double PGF2α in a progesterone (P4)-based Ovsynch protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The data were compared to a treatment effectuated during winter season. Two groups of 60 dairy cows each were randomly assigned on day 60 post-partum to single PGF2α or double PGF2α group. At removal of the P4 treatment the single PGF2α group received a single dose and the double PGF2α group received two doses of PGF2α at 24 hours apart. In each group, 30 cows were treated during the summer (June, July and August) and 30 cows during the winter (December, January and February) season. During summer season a double PGF2α dose did not influence pregnancy rate at FTAI but improved cumulative pregnancy rate 60 days after FTAI (43% vs 69% for single PGF2α and double PGF2α administration, respectively; P<0.05). During winter season the single or double PGF2α administration did not modify PR or cumulative PR. In conclusion, during summer the utilization of a double instead of single PGF2α treatment into a P4-based Ovsynch-FTAI protocol did not increase pregnancy rate at FTAI but improved cumulative pregnancy rate.
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42
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Wu Y, Wang Y, Liu Q, Zhu LJ, Gao H, Cui M, Liu J, Zhao P, Liu J, Chen L, Wang J, Zeng W, Woodruff TK, Zeng S. Conserved microRNA mediates heating tolerance in germ cells versus surrounding somatic cells. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1494-1503. [PMID: 31276432 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1639311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertility is reduced during heat exposure in the summer, but is regained as temperatures decrease in the autumn again. However, the mechanism underlying the phenomenon remains unknown. We investigated heat stress tolerance of germ cells and their surrounding somatic cells, and discovered that microRNA ssc-ca-1 was upregulated after heat stress in cultured porcine granulosa cells (GCs), but not in serum-starved GCs. Ssc-ca-1 inhibited heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression through its 3'- and 5'-UTRs. Although Hsp70 mRNA transcription was induced in GCs by in vivo exposure to heat in the summer, ssc-ca-1 inhibited Hsp70 expression. In ovarian cultures, heat stress-induced Hsp70 expression in primordial but not in growing follicles; ssc-ca-1 expression did not change in primordial follicles, but increased in growing follicles. Consistently, ssc-ca-1 was present in testicular cells and exhibited the same function as in ovarian cells. It modulated the different Hsp70 expression between spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells after scrotal heat stress. This mechanism is of relevance to mammalian fertility in parts of the world dominated by heat stress associated with global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China.,Laboratory Animal Center, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Yingzheng Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Qiang Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Program in Molecular Medicine, Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester , MA , USA
| | - Hui Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Maosheng Cui
- Biotechnology Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Tianjin Academy of Animal Science , Tianjin , China
| | - Jinghao Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Peking University , Beijing , China
| | - Pengju Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences (Ministry of Agriculture), Chongqing Academy of Animal Science , Chongqing , China
| | - Jinyong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Industry Sciences (Ministry of Agriculture), Chongqing Academy of Animal Science , Chongqing , China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University , Shaanxi , China
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Division of Fertility Preservation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Shenming Zeng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
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Botta D, de Arruda RP, Watanabe YF, de Carvalho Balieiro JC, Romanello N, do Nascimento Barreto A, de Andrade Pantoja MH, Giro A, de Carvalho CPT, de Sousa Oliveira A, Garcia AR. Influence of post-thawing thermal environment on bovine sperm characteristics and in vitro fertility. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13266. [PMID: 30868613 DOI: 10.1111/and.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate the effects of three thermal environments over time on kinetics, functionality and in vitro fertility of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Four ejaculates from five bulls (n = 20) were cryopreserved. After thawing, semen was evaluated (0 hr), incubated for 4 hr in T36.0 (36.0°C), T38.0 (38.0°C) and T39.5 (39.5°C), and analysed every hour (1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr). In vitro production of embryos was performed at 0 hr and 4 hr. Sperm motility and cell kinetics (Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis) were impaired after 2 hr at T38.0 and T39.5 (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed an increase in the cells with injured plasma membrane to 39.5°C and a general reduction in the mitochondrial potential over time (p < 0.05). In vitro fertility was impaired in all temperatures after 4 hr, but there was no difference between 36.0°C and 38.0°C. Our results suggest that the ex situ resilience of semen at 36.0°C after thawing with no major damage to the quality is limited to 3 hr. In normothermia or in thermal stress, sperm cells present a gradual reduction of movement and functionality, which were more significant after 1 hr of incubation. The in vitro production of embryos is impaired when the semen is kept in a thermal environment ≥36.0°C for 4 hr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Botta
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Rubens Paes de Arruda
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Júlio Cesar de Carvalho Balieiro
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Narian Romanello
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alessandro Giro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Carla Patrícia Teodoro de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Southeast Livestock (CPPSE/Embrapa), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, São Carlos, Brazil
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44
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A Holistic Wetland Ecological Water Replenishment Scheme with Consideration of Seasonal Effect. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11030930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wetland ecological water replenishment becomes necessary in most developing countries. A holistic water replenishment scheme considering both wetland ecosystem services and irrigation requirement is needed for river water reallocation. A framework was developed in this study to calculate wetland ecological water demand (WD), river water supply capacity (RSC) and the benefit of wetland ecological water replenishment and crop irrigation with consideration of the seasonal effects. The Xianghai wetland and the Taoerhe irrigation district (TID) were considered as the study area to investigate various wetland ecological water replenishment schemes (WRS). The results showed that the WRS, considering both wetland function and agricultural irrigation, has the highest overall benefit compared to the schemes with a single focus (either wetland or irrigation). In addition, the WRS design must consider the seasonal effect because of seasonal variation of rainfall, crop growth, and wetland plants and animals’ growth. The WRS design with consideration of seasonal effect not only increased the total value of river basin from $74.83 million to $104.02 million but also balanced the benefit between TID and wetland while meeting wetland WD. This study offers a decision-making framework of developing a holistic WRS considering benefits from multiple water users and seasonal variation.
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45
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Walsh BS, Parratt SR, Hoffmann AA, Atkinson D, Snook RR, Bretman A, Price TAR. The Impact of Climate Change on Fertility. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:249-259. [PMID: 30635138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Rising global temperatures are threatening biodiversity. Studies on the impact of temperature on natural populations usually use lethal or viability thresholds, termed the 'critical thermal limit' (CTL). However, this overlooks important sublethal impacts of temperature that could affect species' persistence. Here we discuss a critical but overlooked trait: fertility, which can deteriorate at temperatures less severe than an organism's lethal limit. We argue that studies examining the ecological and evolutionary impacts of climate change should consider the 'thermal fertility limit' (TFL) of species; we propose that a framework for the design of TFL studies across taxa be developed. Given the importance of fertility for population persistence, understanding how climate change affects TFLs is vital for the assessment of future biodiversity impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Walsh
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Authors contributed equally
| | - Steven R Parratt
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Authors contributed equally
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Atkinson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rhonda R Snook
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amanda Bretman
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tom A R Price
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Garcia-Ispierto I, De Rensis F, Pérez-Salas JA, Nunes JM, Pradés B, Serrano-Pérez B, López-Gatius F. The GnRH analogue dephereline given in a fixed-time AI protocol improves ovulation and embryo survival in dairy cows. Res Vet Sci 2018; 122:170-174. [PMID: 30513410 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study compares the fertility effects of inducing ovulation using the GnRH analogue, dephereline, versus natural GnRH at the end of a 5-day progesterone(P4)-based protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in in heat-stressed and non-heat stressed lactating dairy cows. Cows were given GnRH (GnRH group, n = 369) or dephereline (DEPH group, n = 379) and were inseminated 14-20 h later. Dephereline treatment increased corpus luteum (CL) size on Day 7 post-AI compared with GnRH (P < .0001) while a one-mm increase in CL size was found to give rise to a 1.1-fold increase in the pregnancy rate at FTAI (P = .001). Based on odds ratios, the interaction between treatment and heat stress had a significant effect on the ovulation failure rate (P < .01). This meant that relative to non-heat-stressed GnRH-treated cows, ovulation failure was 2.9 times more likely in heat-stressed GnRH-treated cows (P = .001), 0.3 times less likely in non-heat-stressed DEPH-treated cows (P = .04) and was similar in heat-stressed DEPH-treated cows. Further, non-heat-stressed DEPH-treated cows were more likely to conceive by a factor of 1.6 than the remaining cows (P = .03). Finally, GnRH-treated multiparous cows were 9.9 times more likely to suffer pregnancy loss than the remaining cows (P = .03). Our results indicate that, compared to treatment with GnRH, dephereline reduced the risk of ovulation failure and consequently increased the pregnancy rate under heat stress conditions. In multiparous cows, dephereline treatment also reduced the negative age effect on pregnancy maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Garcia-Ispierto
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, Spain; Agrotecnio Center, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - F De Rensis
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - B Serrano-Pérez
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, Spain; Agrotecnio Center, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - F López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Center, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, Barbastro, Spain.
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Garcia-Ispierto I, De Rensis F, Casas X, Caballero F, Serrano-Pérez B, López-Gatius F. Inducing ovulation with hCG in a five-day progesterone-based fixed-time AI protocol improves the fertility of anestrous dairy cows under heat stress conditions. Theriogenology 2018; 124:65-68. [PMID: 30347307 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study compares the fertility effects of inducing ovulation using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) versus gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) at the end of a 5-day progesterone(P4)-based protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in heat-stressed and non-heat stressed anestrous lactating dairy cows. Heat stress (HS) was defined as an environmental temperature-humidity index (THI) > 72. A P4 intravaginal device (CIDR) was fitted for five days and GnRH administered upon CIDR insertion and a double dose (24 h apart) of prostaglandin F2α upon CIDR removal. Cows then received either GnRH (GnRH group; n = 506), or hCG (hCG group; n = 493) 36 h after CIDR removal and were inseminated 50-56 h after CIDR removal. Ovulation failure was investigated in a subset of 425 cows: 223 and 202 receiving GnRH and hCG, respectively. Based on odds ratios, the interaction between treatment and HS had a significant effect on the ovulation failure rate (P = 0.01). This meant that compared to the rates recorded in non-heat-stressed, GnRH-treated cows (13%), ovulation failure in heat-stressed GnRH-treated cows (25.3%) was more likely by a factor of 2.3 (P = 0.04), in non-heat-stressed hCG-treated cows (2.3%) was less likely by a factor of 0.16 (P = 0.02) and was not significantly different in heat-stressed hCG-treated cows (7%). Interactions between treatment and HS and between treatment and parity had a significant effect on the pregnancy rate (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The treatment-HS interaction determined that compared to the rates recorded in non-heat-stressed, GnRH-treated cows (30.5%), pregnancy in heat-stressed GnRH-treated cows (17.6%) was less likely by a factor of 0.48 than the remaining cows (P = 0.001), whereas because of the treatment-parity interaction, compared to the rates recorded in primiparous, GnRH-treated cows (31.4%), pregnancy in GnRH-treated multiparous cows (18.9%) was less likely to conceive by a factor of 0.51 than the remaining cows (P = 0.002). No significant effects of treatment on the rates of pregnancy loss or twin pregnancy were identified by binary logistic regression. In conclusion, hCG treatment given at the end of a 5-day P4-based protocol for FTAI improved ovulation and pregnancy rates in anestrous cows under conditions of HS and also had a beneficial impact on the pregnancy rate in anestrous multiparous cows throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Garcia-Ispierto
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Agrotecnio Centre, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - F De Rensis
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - X Casas
- Divasa-Farmavic, S.A. (DFV(®)), Gurb-Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Caballero
- Divasa-Farmavic, S.A. (DFV(®)), Gurb-Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Serrano-Pérez
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Agrotecnio Centre, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - F López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, Barbastro, Spain.
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48
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Fernández IG, Ulloa-Arvizu R, Fernández J. Milk yield did not decrease in large herds of high-producing Holstein cows in semi-arid climate of Mexico. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 51:149-154. [PMID: 30003523 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the trends in milk production, fertility, temperature-humidity index (THI), and herd size in dairy herds from the Laguna region in northern Mexico. Records of 16 dairy herds of Holstein cows from January 2002 to December 2016 were used. Milk production was categorized in low and high levels. Milk production and fertility were analyzed using generalized equation estimation procedures by a model of repeated measures that included the effect of year, month, and productive level, an interaction for month × productive level, and herd effect was nested in productive level. For THI, a generalized linear model that included the effects of year and month was used. Dairy herds with high levels of milk production yielded more milk than those with low levels (P < 0.001). Milk production in 2002 and 2016 was 27.4 ± 0.6 and 32.3 ± 0.7 L/cow/day, respectively. Fertility fluctuated throughout the study. Dairy herds with high levels of milk production recorded higher fertility than those with low levels (P < 0.001). From October to April, THI was < 70, whereas it was > 73 from May to September, indicating that cows were in heat stress (20 h/day). The median herd size was 995 and 2569 cows in 2002 and 2016, respectively. In conclusion, in large herds, milk production increased over the years of study, whereas fertility showed a wave cycle; nonetheless, when THI was > 73, both milk production and fertility decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilda G Fernández
- Posgrado en Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez, 27054, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico.
| | - Raúl Ulloa-Arvizu
- Departamento de Genética y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Fernández
- Asociación de Médicos Veterinarios Especialistas en Bovinos de la Comarca Lagunera, A. C., Oceanía 180, La Feria, 35015, Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
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Macmillan K, Kastelic JP, Colazo MG. Update on Multiple Ovulations in Dairy Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8050062. [PMID: 29695075 PMCID: PMC5981273 DOI: 10.3390/ani8050062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This review updates the causal mechanisms and risk factors for multiple ovulations (MOV) in cattle. Clearly, MOV can lead to twin pregnancies, which negatively affects the health, production, and reproduction of cows. Therefore, a better understanding of the factors causing MOV may help to reduce twinning. Multiple ovulations occur after two or more follicles deviate and achieve codominance. The MOV rate is influenced by a complex network of hormones. For example, MOV is more common during periods of low progesterone (P4), that is, in anovulatory cattle or when luteolysis coincides with the selection of the future ovulatory follicle. There is also strong evidence for the luteinizing hormone (LH) being the primary factor leading to codominance, as high P4 concentrations suppress the transient LH surges and can reduce the ovulation rate in cattle or even inhibit deviation. Rates of MOV are increased in older and higher-producing dairy cows. Increased milk production and dry matter intake (DMI) increases hormone clearance, including P4; however, the association between milk yield and MOV has not been consistent. Additional risk factors for MOV include ovarian cysts, diet, season, and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Macmillan
- Livestock Research Section, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6, Canada.
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Marcos G Colazo
- Livestock Research Section, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6, Canada.
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Lee SC, Jeong JK, Choi IS, Kang HG, Jung YH, Park SB, Kim IH. Cytological endometritis in dairy cows: diagnostic threshold, risk factors, and impact on reproductive performance. J Vet Sci 2018; 19:301-308. [PMID: 29169226 PMCID: PMC5879079 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.2.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined the threshold proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) for a diagnosis of cytological endometritis (CEM), the risk factors for this condition, and its impact on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Uterine cytology was performed on 407 Holstein cows 4 weeks postpartum to determine the proportions of endometrial cells and PMNs. A receiver operator characteristics curve was used to determine the threshold above which the PMN proportion affected the likelihood of cows conceiving by 200 days postpartum. The optimal threshold was ≥ 14% PMN (sensitivity, 31.3%; specificity, 81.7%; p < 0.05). The farm identity, retained placenta (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87), and septicemic metritis (OR = 3.07) were risk factors for CEM (p < 0.05). Cows with CEM were less likely to resume cyclicity (OR = 0.58) and to conceive by 200 days postpartum (hazard ratio = 0.58). Cows with CEM tended (p < 0.1) to be less likely to become pregnant after their first insemination (OR = 0.65) and to require a greater number of inseminations per conception (2.3 vs. 2.2). In conclusion, a PMN threshold of 14% defined the presence of CEM at 4 weeks postpartum. The farm, retained placenta, and septicemic metritis were risk factors for CEM, which reduces subsequent reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Chan Lee
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jae Kwan Jeong
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - In Soo Choi
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyun Gu Kang
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Young Hun Jung
- National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Soo Bong Park
- National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Ill Hwa Kim
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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