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Ahuja K, Batra V, Kumar R, Datta TK. Transient suppression of Wnt signaling in poor-quality buffalo oocytes improves their developmental competence. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1324647. [PMID: 38274663 PMCID: PMC10808588 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1324647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the most evolutionary conserved communication systems, the Wnt signaling pathway is a major gene regulatory pathway that affects the developmental competence of oocytes and regulates most embryonic developmental processes. The present study was undertaken to modulate the canonical Wnt (Wingless/integration) signaling pathway in the poor-quality (colorless cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB-) buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to improve their in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryo production (IVEP) rates. Methods The expression of key Wnt pathway genes was initially assessed in the good (blue cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB+) and poor quality (BCB-) buffalo COCs to establish a differential activity of the Wnt pathway. The BCB- COCs were supplemented with the Wnt pathway inhibitor, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and later subjected to IVM and IVEP along with the BCB+ and BCB- controls. The cumulus expansion index (CEI), rate of nuclear maturation (mean percentage of oocytes in the MII stage) and embryo production, and the expression of developmentally important genes were evaluated to assess the effect of Wnt pathway inhibition on the development competence of these poor-quality oocytes. Results The Wnt pathway genes exhibited a significantly higher expression (p < 0.05) in the poor-quality BCB- oocytes compared to the good-quality BCB+ oocytes during the early maturation stages. The supplementation of BCB- COCs with 100 ng/mL DKK1 effectively inhibited the expression of the key mediators of the Wnt pathway (β-catenin and dishevelled homolog 1, DVL1). DKK1 supplemented BCB- COCs exhibited significantly improved cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation indices, development rates and significantly elevated expression (p < 0.05) of genes implicated in germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and embryonic genome activation (EGA) vis-à-vis BCB- control COCs. Conclusion These data indicate that inhibition of the Wnt pathway during the initial course of oocyte maturation can improve the development competence of poor-quality buffalo oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Ahuja
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, India
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Effects of breeding season and estrus synchronization protocols on the fertility of anestrus swamp buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis). Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Lack of effect of melatonin on ovarian function and response to estrous synchronization and fixed-time AI during the nonbreeding season in lactating dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 231:106796. [PMID: 34174498 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine whether pretreatment with melatonin would enhance ovarian follicular functions and increase response to estrous synchronization and fixed-time AI (TAI) during the nonbreeding season in lactating dairy buffalo. In Experiment 1, buffalo cows without a detectable corpus luteum (CL) were assigned on Day -20 (D-20) to three groups: control (n = 12); melatonin (n = 13); progesterone (P4) (n = 15). Cows in the melatonin group were implanted with melatonin on D-20. From D0 to D9, there was imposing of an estrous synchronization treatment regimen using either a standard Ovsynch protocol (control, melatonin) or a P4-based Ovsynch treatment regimen (P4). There were no differences (P > 0.05) among groups for the presence of a CL at D0, size of the largest follicle at D0, ovulation to GnRH injection at D0 and D9, or the time to ovulation after injection of GnRH at D9. In Experiment 2, there was imposing of the same treatment regimens as in Experiment 1, with inclusion of TAI. Females of the P4 group had a greater (P = 0.001) pregnancy/AI percentage (60 %) than those in the control (17 %) and melatonin (23 %) groups. Females of the P4 group also had a larger (P = 0.005) CL at D20 compared with those in the control and melatonin groups. Findings indicate treatment with melatonin for 20 days did not affect ovarian functions or the response to an estrous synchronization treatment regimen and TAI during the nonbreeding season in lactating dairy buffalo.
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Bustani GS, Baiee FH. Semen extenders: An evaluative overview of preservative mechanisms of semen and semen extenders. Vet World 2021; 14:1220-1233. [PMID: 34220124 PMCID: PMC8243668 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1220-1233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is fundamental for all living things as it ensures the continued existence of a species and an improved economy in animal husbandry. Reproduction has developed since history, and diverse processes, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, have been developed. Semen extenders were discovered and developed to protect sperm from harmful factors, such as freeze and osmotic shock, oxidative stress, and cell injury by ice crystals. Semen extenders preserve sperm by stabilizing its properties, including sperm morphology, motility, and viability and membrane, acrosomal, and DNA integrity. Therefore, semen extenders must provide a favorable pH, adenosine triphosphate, anti-cooling and anti-freeze shock, and antioxidant activity to improve semen quality for fertilization. Hence, this review provides precise data on different semen extenders, preservative mechanisms, and essential additives for semen extenders in different animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Falah Hasan Baiee
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kufa, Kufa 54003, Najaf, Iraq
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Saliba WP, Gimenes LU, Drumond RM, Bayão HXS, Di Palo R, Gasparrini B, Rubessa M, Baruselli PS, Sales JNS, Bastianetto E, Leite RC, Alvim MTT. "Which Factors Affect Pregnancy Until Calving and Pregnancy Loss in Buffalo Recipients of in vitro Produced Embryos?". Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:577775. [PMID: 33344525 PMCID: PMC7738327 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.577775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production and embryo transfer (ET) in buffaloes has been developed for decades. However, most studies are focused on the donor or laboratory improvements, and there is a lack of reports regarding the recipients. Therefore, our aim was to investigate factors associated to pregnancy (P/ET), pregnancy loss (PL), and calving rates in buffalo recipients. The studied factors were season, recipient parity, the synchronization protocol, the CL diameter, asynchrony between the embryo and the recipient, the day of the recipient estrous cycle, the embryo (fresh vs. vitrified), the day of embryo development, and the embryo stage. These retrospective data, from a program of in vitro produced embryos, were analyzed by logistic regression, and the odds ratio was also estimated. Two factors were related to P/ET and the calving rate: (1) progesterone associated to estradiol plus eCG protocol for fixed time ET tended to affect positively P/ET on day 30 (41.9 vs. 36.1%, respectively; P = 0.07; AOR = 1.28) and P/ET on day 60 (37.8 vs. 36.1%, respectively; P = 0.09; AOR = 1.08) compared to the Ovsynch protocol; and (2) the CL diameter (≥14.5 mm) at transfer increased P/ET on day 30 (47.4 vs. 32.5%; P < 0.01; AOR = 1.87) and on day 60 (45.3 vs. 27.7%; P < 0.01; AOR = 2.16), and also the calving rate (37.9 vs. 21.7%; P < 0.01; AOR = 2.20). PL was greater when ET was done in the nonbreeding season compared to the breeding season (PL 30-60: 12.8 vs. 0.0%, P = 0.01; AOR > 999.99; PL 60-calving: 26.8 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.03; AOR = 9.90; and PL 30-calving: 36.2 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.01; AOR = 15.30). In conclusion, the data of our study indicated that the synchronization protocol, the CL diameter, and ET during the breeding season impacted the reproductive efficiency of buffalo recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsay Unno Gimenes
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rossella Di Palo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bianca Gasparrini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Rubessa
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | | | - José Nélio Souza Sales
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Bastianetto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Cerqueira Leite
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Peralta-Torres JA, Torres-Chablé OM, Segura-Correa JC, Ojeda-Robertos NF, Chay-Canul AJ, Luna-Palomera C, Severino-Lendechy VH, Aké-Villanueva JR. Ovarian dynamics of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) synchronized with different hormonal protocols. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:3475-3480. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Tonizza de Carvalho NA, Soares de Carvalho JG, Sales JNDS, Guerreiro BM, Freitas BGD, D'Occhio MJ, Baruselli PS. Treatment with estradiol cypionate at progesterone withdrawal reduces handling without compromising the pregnancy rate to timed-AI in buffalo. Theriogenology 2020; 157:498-502. [PMID: 32905899 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if treatment with estradiol cypionate (EC) at the time of P4 withdrawal induced ovulation in a synchronization/timed-AI (TAI) protocol in buffalo. In Experiment 1, 56 buffaloes received an intravaginal P4 device (1.0 g) plus estradiol benzoate (EB, 2.0 mg im) on Day 0 (D0). On Day 9, the P4 device was removed and buffaloes were given PGF2α (0.53 mg im sodium cloprostenol) plus eCG (400 IU im). Buffaloes were then randomly allocated to one of two groups: Group GEC (n = 29), treated with EC (1.0 mg im) at P4 device removal; Group GEB (n = 27), treated with EB (1.0 mg im) 24 h after P4 device removal. Ovarian ultrasound was undertaken on: D0, to ascertain general ovarian status; D9 to D11 (every 24 h), to measure diameter of the largest follicle (LF) and follicular growth rate; D11 to D13 (every 12 h for 72 h), to determine the time of ovulation and ovulation rate. Following P4 device removal, Groups GEC and GEB had a similar follicular growth rate (0.9 ± 0.1 and 1.1 ± 0.1 mm/day, respectively; P = 0.15) and similar LF diameter on D11 (11.4 ± 0.6 and 12.5 ± 0.5 mm; P = 0.12). Groups GEC and GEB also had a similar diameter of the ovulatory follicle (13.0 ± 0.5 and 13.4 ± 0.6 mm; P = 0.52), interval from P4 device removal to ovulation (68.2 ± 2.8 and 71.1 ± 1.4 h; P = 0.41) and ovulation rate (62.1% and 70.4%; P = 0.44). In Experiment 2, 199 buffaloes were assigned to the two treatments in Experiment 1 (GEC, n = 100; GEB, n = 99). All animals underwent TAI 56 h after P4 device removal and pregnancy diagnosis was preformed on D41. The pregnancy rate was similar for Groups GEC and GEB (50.0 and 45.5%, respectively; P = 0.45). The findings indicate that treatment with EC at the time of P4 withdrawal induces ovulation and achieves the same pregnancy rate to TAI as treatment with EB 24 h after P4 removal. The use of EC requires one less handling which is highly important in facilitating practical adoption of TAI in assisted breeding and genetic improvement in buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelcio Antonio Tonizza de Carvalho
- Research and Development Unit of Registro / Diversified Animal Science Research Center / Institute of Animal Science, Registro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Júlia Gleyci Soares de Carvalho
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Nélio de Sousa Sales
- Department of Animal Science, UFLA, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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D'Occhio MJ, Ghuman SS, Neglia G, Della Valle G, Baruselli PS, Zicarelli L, Visintin JA, Sarkar M, Campanile G. Exogenous and endogenous factors in seasonality of reproduction in buffalo: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 150:186-192. [PMID: 32000994 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal breeding in buffalo is influenced by exogenous (photoperiod, climate, nutrition, management) and endogenous (hormones, genotype) factors. Buffalo are negatively photoperiodic and show a natural increase in fertility during decreasing day length. The hormone melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and has a fundamental role in photoperiodic time measurement within the brain. This drives annual cycles of gonadotropin secretion and gonadal function in buffaloes. Some melatonin is released into the systemic circulation and, together with peripherally produced melatonin, acts at somatic tissues. In the ovaries and testes of buffalo, melatonin acts as an antioxidant and scavenges oxygen free radicals to reduce both oxidative stress and apoptosis. This has beneficial effects on gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Female buffalo treated with melatonin show an improved response to estrus synchronization protocols in out-of-season breeding. Melatonin acts through melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 and the gene for MT1 (MTNR1A) is polymorphic in buffaloes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gene MTNR1A have been associated with fertility in female buffalo. The knowledge and tools are available to lift the reproductive performance of buffalo. This is highly important as the global demand for nutritious buffalo food products has undergone a sharp rise, and continues to grow. Buffalo can make an important contribution to affordable, nutritious animal protein. This will help address global nutritional security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarvpreet S Ghuman
- Department of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141004, India
| | - Gianluca Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Della Valle
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luigi Zicarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - José A Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mihir Sarkar
- Physiology and Climatology Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP, 243122, India
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Neglia G, de Nicola D, Esposito L, Salzano A, D'Occhio MJ, Fatone G. Reproductive management in buffalo by artificial insemination. Theriogenology 2020; 150:166-172. [PMID: 31982156 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is important for genetic improvement and to control the period of breeding in buffalo and has increased significantly over the past 20 years. AI is more difficult in buffalo compared with cattle due to variable estrous cycles, reduced estrous behavior, and reproductive seasonality. The latter is associated with a higher incidence of anestrus and increased embryonic mortality during the nonbreeding season. Protocols to control the stage of the estrous cycle have undergone recent development in buffalo. These protocols are based on the control of both the luteal phase of the cycle, mainly by prostaglandins and progesterone, and follicle development and ovulation, by prostaglandins, progesterone, GnRH, hCG, eCG and estradiol. Protocols that synchronize the time of ovulation enable fixed timed AI, avoiding estrous detection. Factors to consider when selecting an AI protocol include animal category (heifers, primiparous or pluriparous), reproductive status (cyclic or anestrus), and season. This review looks at the current status of estrus synchronization and AI in buffalo and provides some practical suggestions for application of AI in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Donato de Nicola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Luigi Esposito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Angela Salzano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Michael John D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gerardo Fatone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, NA, Italy
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Ahmad N, Arshad U. Synchronization and resynchronization strategies to improve fertility in dairy buffaloes. Theriogenology 2020; 150:173-179. [PMID: 31982154 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.025] [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: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dairy buffalo has an integral role in the sustenance of economics due to its substantial contribution in milk and meat industry, however, the reproduction in this species is challenging. During the last decade, our laboratory conducted a series of experiments to encapsulate the solutions of the problems through optimizing pre- and post-insemination interventions in dairy buffaloes. In an unique study, we proposed that timing of ovulation with reference to the onset of standing heat during spontaneous estrus is delayed, and subsequently re-framed the traditional AM-PM rule (AI after 12 h of standing heat) to AM-AM or PM-PM (AI after 24 h of standing heat) to achieve the optimum fertility using frozen thawed semen in dairy buffaloes. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) varied substantially either via injecting single shot of prostaglandin (PG) F2α to perform AI at detected estrus or applying standard ovsynch protocol for timed AI (TAI) in buffaloes. However, estrus response, and P/AI remained similar either with used or new controlled internal drug release device in dairy buffaloes. Additionally, the incorporation of estradiol benzoate in progesterone (P4) based protocol resulted in controlled emergence of follicular wave and increased the estrus intensity in buffaloes. Thereafter, we fine-tuned P4-based protocols to optimize the ovulation window for TAI either using GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or equine chorionic gonadotropin that ultimately improved the fertility in dairy buffaloes. Although, these hormonal interventions resulted in decent fertility, yet it was consistently being compromised due to early or late embryonic losses in dairy buffaloes. Administration of hCG or GnRH on d 7 or 23 or 25 post AI has been proved beneficial to enhance the embryonic survival in buffaloes. Recently, resynchronization program as an aggressive reproductive management approach has been tested that served as a dual-purpose tool to increase overall herd fertility and reduce embryonic losses at commercial buffalo farm operations. Taken together, we concluded that the solutions to the problems of reproductive function are now clearly available with acceptable fertility, however, their application to the small holder buffalo farming remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ahmad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Usman Arshad
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, Florida, USA
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Nava-Trujillo H, Valeris-Chacin R, Quintero-Moreno A, Escalona-Muñoz J. Milk yield at first lactation, parity, and season of calving affect the reproductive performance of water buffalo cows. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an18420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Profitability of water buffalo systems depends on a calving interval (CI) <400 days. Several factors affect the achievement of this target. However, milk yield at first lactation has received little attention.
Aims
Determine the effect of milk yield at first lactation, parity, season of calving and farm, on the length of CI and the probability of a CI ≤ 400 days in water buffaloes.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of milk yield at first lactation and reproductive records of 1459 water buffaloes was carried out. Milk yield was categorised as Group 1 (≤1090 kg), Group 2 (1090–1377 kg), Group 3 (1377–1684 kg) and Group 4 (>1684 kg); parity was categorised as parity 1, 2 and ≥ 3; and month of calving was grouped into three seasons: December–March, April–July, and August–November. Data were analysed using linear and logistic mixed models.
Key results
CI increased from 425.3 days (95% CI: 418.8–431.8 days) in group 1 to 463.3 days (95% CI: 456–470.6 days) in group 4 (P < 0.05), while the probability of having a CI ≤ 400 days decreased from 0.5 (95% CI: 0.46–0.54) to 0.26 (95% CI: 0.22–0.29), respectively (P < 0.05). CI decreased from 466 days (95% CI: 460.8–471.3 days) in parity 1 to 410.5 days (95% CI: 405.2–415.8 days) in parity ≥3, whereas the probability of a CI ≤ 400 days increased from 0.26 (95% CI: 0.24–0.29) to 0.51 (95% CI: 0.47–0.54) respectively (P < 0.05). Water buffaloes calving in August–November showed significantly shorter CI and, along with those calving between December–March, showed the highest probability of a CI ≤ 400 days. An interaction between milk yield at first lactation and parity on both outcomes was observed.
Conclusions
Shorter CI and higher probability of a CI <400 days were associated with lower milk yields at first lactation, higher parity and calving between August–November. Higher milk yield at first lactation affected negatively the reproductive performance of water buffaloes, especially at parity 1 and 2.
Implications
These results highlight the importance of adequate nutritional management to allow water buffaloes to cope with the challenge of the postpartum negative energy balance and have a calving interval less than 400 days.
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Esposito L, de Nicola D, Balestrieri A, Petrovas G, Licitra F, Salzano A, Neglia G. Effect of live body weight and method of synchronization on ovulation, pregnancy rate and embryo and fetal loss in buffalo heifers. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:859-863. [PMID: 32368264 PMCID: PMC7189557 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the influence of live body weight (LBW) and age on reproductive performance in buffalo heifers synchronized by different treatments. The study was carried out on 146 Mediterranean buffalo heifers (mean age 25.3±13.4 months, LBW 424±47 kg), divided into 2 homogeneous groups and synchronized by Ovsynch-TAI Program (OVS; n = 72) or double prostaglandin administered 12 days apart (PGF; n = 74). All the buffaloes were inseminated twice and follicle dimensions and ovulation rate (OR) were assessed by ultrasound 24 and 48 h post-insemination. Pregnancy was assessed on day 25, 45 and 90 post-insemination and the incidence of late embryonic (LEM) and fetal (FM) mortality were respectively recorded. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. The LBW was significantly (P<0.05) higher in inseminated animals, compared to those that did not respond to the treatments (450.0±3.2 vs. 423.2±9.6 kg in inseminated and not inseminated heifers, respectively). Total OR was similar between groups, although OR at 24 h tended to be higher (P = 0.06) in OVS (86.7 vs. 72.9% in OVS and PGF, respectively). A (P<0.01) higher LBW was observed in ovulated heifers of PGF, while no differences were recorded in OVS. LBW affected OR (odds ratio = 1,032; P<0.05) only in PGF, while no effects were recorded in OVS. Total pregnancy rate, LEM and FM were similar between groups. In conclusion, the LBW would be considered before including buffalo heifers in a synchronization program and both synchronization treatments can be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Esposito
- Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Napoli, Italy
| | - Donato de Nicola
- Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Balestrieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Napoli, Italy
| | - Georgios Petrovas
- Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Angela Salzano
- Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gianluca Neglia
- Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Napoli, Italy
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