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Brochado C, Duran BJ, Kieffer JD, Pinczak A, Menchaca A, Garcia-Guerra A. Reduced embryo yield obtained from superstimulated ewes with low circulating AMH concentration is improved by lengthening the FSH treatment. Theriogenology 2024; 218:79-88. [PMID: 38301510 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.024] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate: 1) the association between AMH, AFC, superovulatory response and embryo yield in sheep; and 2) the effect of FSH treatment length during superstimulation of the first follicular wave on ovarian response and embryo yield, particularly in ewes with low and high AMH. The experiment was performed on 63 Polled Dorset ewes that received an ovarian superstimulatory treatment during the first follicular wave (Day 0 protocol). Ewes were administered a total dose of 240 mg of FSH distributed in six (6-dose regimen, n = 30) or eight (8-dose regimen, n = 33) decreasing doses administered 12 h apart. On Day -9 (random stage of the estrous cycle) and Day 0 (day of the first FSH dose) ovarian ultrasonography was performed and blood samples were collected for AFC and AMH determinations, respectively. A weak positive correlation between AMH and small AFC (follicles <4 mm) was observed (r = 0.23; P = 0.07), and AMH concentration was positively correlated (r = 0.29; P < 0.05) with the number of corpora lutea (CL) determined at embryo collection (i.e., 6 d after insemination). The length of FSH treatment tended (P = 0.06) to affect the ovarian response, such that the number of CL was greater in 8-dose than 6-dose treated ewes, while no differences (P > 0.10) in embryo yield outcomes were observed. For further analysis, ewes were classified into low (<7 ng/mL) and high (>10 ng/mL) serum AMH. In high AMH ewes, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in the number of CL nor embryo yield between the 6-dose and 8-dose treatment (e.g., 7.8 ± 2.4 and 8.3 ± 2.5 transferable embryos, respectively; P = 0.92). Conversely, for low AMH ewes, fertilized ova and embryo yield were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for ewes receiving the 8-dose than the 6-dose superstimulatory treatment (e.g., 8.4 ± 2.8 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9 transferable embryos, respectively, P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, embryo production in poor responding ewes with low low circulating AMH is improved by extending the superstimulatory treatment length from 6 to 8 FSH doses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B J Duran
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J D Kieffer
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - A Pinczak
- Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Menchaca
- Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay; Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - A Garcia-Guerra
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Juengel JL, Cushman RA, Dupont J, Fabre S, Lea RG, Martin GB, Mossa F, Pitman JL, Price CA, Smith P. The ovarian follicle of ruminants: the path from conceptus to adult. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:621-642. [PMID: 34210385 DOI: 10.1071/rd21086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review resulted from an international workshop and presents a consensus view of critical advances over the past decade in our understanding of follicle function in ruminants. The major concepts covered include: (1) the value of major genes; (2) the dynamics of fetal ovarian development and its sensitivity to nutritional and environmental influences; (3) the concept of an ovarian follicle reserve, aligned with the rise of anti-Müllerian hormone as a controller of ovarian processes; (4) renewed recognition of the diverse and important roles of theca cells; (5) the importance of follicular fluid as a microenvironment that determines oocyte quality; (6) the 'adipokinome' as a key concept linking metabolic inputs with follicle development; and (7) the contribution of follicle development to the success of conception. These concepts are important because, in sheep and cattle, ovulation rate is tightly regulated and, as the primary determinant of litter size, it is a major component of reproductive efficiency and therefore productivity. Nowadays, reproductive efficiency is also a target for improving the 'methane efficiency' of livestock enterprises, increasing the need to understand the processes of ovarian development and folliculogenesis, while avoiding detrimental trade-offs as greater performance is sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Juengel
- AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand; and Corresponding author
| | - Robert A Cushman
- Livestock Biosystems Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- INRAE Institute UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Tours University, France
| | - Stéphane Fabre
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement, Institut national polytechnique de Toulouse, Ecole nationale vétérinaire de Toulouse, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Richard G Lea
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Graeme B Martin
- UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Francesca Mossa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Italy
| | - Janet L Pitman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Christopher A Price
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Smith
- AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand
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D Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS. Transforming growth factor-β superfamily and interferon-τ in ovarian function and embryo development in female cattle: review of biology and application. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:539-552. [PMID: 32024582 DOI: 10.1071/rd19123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival of the embryo and establishment of a pregnancy is a critical period in the reproductive function of female cattle. This review examines how the transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) superfamily (i.e. bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15, growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)) and interferon-τ (IFNT) affect ovarian function and embryo development. The oocyte in a primary follicle secretes BMP15 and GDF9, which, together, organise the surrounding granulosa and theca cells into the oocyte-cumulus-follicle complex. At the same time, the granulosa secretes AMH, which affects the oocyte. This autocrine-paracrine dialogue between the oocyte and somatic cells continues throughout follicle development and is fundamental in establishing the fertilisation potential and embryo developmental competency of oocytes. The early bovine embryo secretes IFNT, which acts at the uterine endometrium, corpus luteum and blood leucocytes. IFNT is involved in the maternal recognition of pregnancy and immunomodulation to prevent rejection of the embryo, and supports progesterone secretion. Manipulation of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT in both invivo and invitro studies has confirmed their importance in reproductive function in female cattle. This review makes the case that a deeper understanding of the biology of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT will lead to new strategies to increase embryo survival and improve fertility in cattle. The enhancement of oocyte quality, early embryo development and implantation is considered necessary for the next step change in the efficiency of natural and assisted reproduction in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, 410 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, V. F. Delpino, 1 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnia, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, CEP 05508-270 Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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Madureira G, Gomez-León V, Grillo GF, Nascimento Andrade JP, Lett B, Moghbeli SM, Wiltbank MC, Kirkpatrick BW. Practical application of an impractical bovine genotype: creating bilateral twin pregnancies in Trio allele carriers. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5903076. [PMID: 32901281 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa292] [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: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine twin birth is associated with detriments, including increased embryo/fetal losses, malpresentation, and dystocia. Incidence of these is lessened in bilateral compared with unilateral twin pregnancy. This study was undertaken to assess the use of follicular ablation by aspiration to create bilateral twin pregnancies in females with genetic potential for ~3.5 ovulations per cycle (Trio allele carriers). In experiment 1, carriers (n = 30) and noncarriers (n = 10) were synchronized for ovulation and timed artificial insemination (TAI). Follicles (>5 mm) in excess of one per ovary were aspirated ~16 h preceding TAI. Follicle count for females with follicles on only one ovary was reduced to two. Blood was sampled 2 wk post-TAI to assess progesterone (P4) concentrations; embryo count was determined by ultrasound 6 wk post-TAI. Circulating P4 concentration post-TAI was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with both genotype and subsequent pregnancy status (pregnant noncarriers: 7.06 ± 0.68 ng/mL; pregnant carriers: 5.54 ± 0.55 ng/mL; nonpregnant noncarriers: 5.22 ± 1.05 ng/mL; nonpregnant carriers: 3.13 ± 0.42 ng/mL). Experiment 2 was undertaken to offset the negative effects of follicular aspiration on subsequent P4 concentration observed in experiment 1. Carriers (n = 38) and noncarriers (n = 32) were submitted to TAI and follicle ablation as described for experiment 1. Additionally, accessory corpora lutea (CL) were induced in carriers by the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (carriers) at day 6 post-TAI. Consequently, P4 concentration post-TAI was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with subsequent pregnancy status (pregnant: 8.48 ± 0.61 ng/mL; nonpregnant: 6.70 ± 0.63 ng/mL) but not with genotype (carrier: 8.01 ± 0.59 ng/mL; noncarrier: 7.17 ± 0.64 ng/mL). Embryo number was greater in carriers (exp. 1: 1.64 ± 0.81; exp 2: 1.45 ± 0.09) vs. noncarriers (1.00 ± 0.00, both experiments). Single, twin, and triplet pregnancies occurred in carriers in experiment 1, whereas multiples in experiment 2 were limited to twin pregnancies. Genotype effects on pregnancy rate were not significant (P > 0.10) in either experiment. Results suggest that follicular ablation to create bilateral twin pregnancies in Trio carriers is feasible but requires the induction of accessory CL to offset the negative effects of follicular aspiration on subsequent P4 concentration and associated fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Madureira
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Victor Gomez-León
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | | | | | - Beth Lett
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | | | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Brian W Kirkpatrick
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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Gomez-León VE, Andrade JP, Kirkpatrick BW, Moghbeli SM, García-Guerra A, Ginther OJ, Wiltbank MC. Selection of fewer dominant follicles in Trio carriers given GnRH antagonist and luteinizing hormone action replaced by nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1217-1228. [PMID: 32940667 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying selection of multiple dominant follicles (DFs) in monovulatory species can advance our understanding of mechanisms regulating selection of single or multiple DFs. Carriers of the bovine high fecundity Trio allele select multiple DFs, whereas half-sib noncarriers select a single DF. This study compared follicle selection during endogenous gonadotropin pulses versus during ablation of pulses with Acyline (GnRH antagonist) and luteinizing hormone (LH) action replaced with nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment in Trio carriers (n = 28) versus noncarriers (n = 32). On Day 1.5 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were randomized: (1) Control, untreated; (2) Acyline, two i.m. doses (Days 1.5 and D3) of 3 μg/kg; (3) hCG, single i.m. dose of 50 IU hCG on Day 1.5 followed by daily doses of 100 IU; and (4) Acyline + hCG. Treatments with nonpulsatile hCG were designed to replace LH action in heifers treated with Acyline. Acyline treatment resulted in cessation of follicle growth on Day 3 with smaller (P < 0.0001) maximum follicle diameter in Trio carriers (6.6 ± 0.2 mm) than noncarriers (8.7 ± 0.4 mm). Replacement of LH action (hCG) reestablished follicle diameter deviation and maximum diameter of DFs in both genotypes (8.9 ± 0.3 mm and 13.1 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.0001). Circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was greater in Acyline-treated than in controls. Finally, Acyline + hCG decreased (P < 0.0001) the number of DFs from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 1.3 ± 0.2 in Trio carriers, with most heifers having only one DF. This demonstrates the necessity for LH in acquisition of dominance in Trio carriers (~6.5 mm) and noncarriers (~8.5 mm) and provides evidence for a role of GnRH-induced FSH/LH pulses in selection of multiple DFs in Trio carriers and possibly other physiologic situations with increased ovulation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor E Gomez-León
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, WI, USA
| | - João Paulo Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian W Kirkpatrick
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - O J Ginther
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, WI, USA.,Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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