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Rojas Canadas E, Herlihy MM, Kenneally J, Kearney F, Lonergan P, Butler ST. Postpartum vaginal discharge score is associated with genetic traits, postpartum fertility phenotypes, metabolic status, and overall reproductive performance in seasonal-calving pasture-based dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9778-9792. [PMID: 37641334 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate potential associations between genetic traits, postpartum phenotypes, cow factors, and postpartum vaginal discharge score (VDS); and (2) to investigate possible associations between postpartum VDS, plasma progesterone (P4) after first service, and reproductive performance. First- and second-parity (n = 2,842) spring-calving lactating dairy cows from 35 dairy herds were enrolled. Farm visits were performed every 2 wk during the postpartum period and weekly during the breeding period. Cows that were at wk 3 and wk 7 postpartum and between 7 and 13 d after first artificial insemination (AI) were examined. Body condition score (BCS) was measured on all farm visits using a 1-to-5 scale (low ≤2.5; target ≥2.75). Transrectal ultrasound examinations were conducted to determine the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL). Vaginal discharge score was determined at wk 3 and wk 7 using a Metricheck device (Simcro) and a 1-to-4 scale (1 = clear mucus; 4 = mucopurulent with >50% purulent material ± odor). At wk 3, cows having a VDS ≤2 were considered to have normal reproductive tract health status (RTHS). At wk 7, cows having VDS = 1 were considered to have normal RTHS. Blood samples were collected at each visit, and plasma concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, fatty acids, and progesterone (only during breeding visit) were analyzed. Animals with target BCS at wk 3 and wk 7 had greater odds of having normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7, respectively, than cows with low BCS. Cows with a CL at wk 3 and wk 7 had greater prevalence of normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7, respectively, compared with cows without a CL. Cows with normal RTHS had a lesser plasma concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate at wk 3 and wk 7 and greater plasma concentration of glucose at wk 3 compared with animals with abnormal RTHS. More cows in the greatest quartiles for the fertility subindex of the Economic Breeding Index and genetic merit for milk production traits (milk kg and milk protein [%]) had normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7 compared with the other quartiles. Cows with VDS = 4 at wk 7 postpartum had lesser plasma P4 concentration after first AI (-1.2, -1.1, and -1.0 ng/mL compared with cows with VDS = 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Similarly, cows with VDS = 4 at both wk 3 and wk 7 had lesser pregnancy at first service, lesser cumulative pregnancy rates at wk 3, 6, and 12 during the breeding period, and longer interval from mating start date to conception (+3 d if VDS = 4 at wk 3; +5 d if VDS = 4 at wk 7), compared with cows having other VDS. In conclusion, cows with superior genetic merit for fertility traits and milk production traits, and favorable fertility phenotypes at wk 3 and wk 7, were all associated with greater likelihood of having normal RTHS. In turn, abnormal postpartum RTHS and greater postpartum VDS (score = 4) were associated with lesser odds of successful pregnancy establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rojas Canadas
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61C996; Agrotecnio Center, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain 25198
| | - M M Herlihy
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61C996
| | - J Kenneally
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61C996
| | - F Kearney
- Irish Cattle Breeding Association, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland P72 X050
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland D04V1W8
| | - S T Butler
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61C996.
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Hofer A, Wehrend A. [Influence of an eCG administration on puerperal involution and fertility in Simmentaler cows]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2023; 51:211-217. [PMID: 37820626 DOI: 10.1055/a-2142-4111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
SUBJECT AND AIM In the literature, various methods aiming for a promotion of uterine involution and ovarian function in post-partum dairy cattle have been described. Recently, successful use of equine choriongonadotropin (eCG) in this context has been repeatedly reported, while other studies have failed to demonstrate positive effects of eCG administration on puerperal involution in cows. Due to the contradictory results described in the literature, the aim of this field study was to verify whether the administration of eCG on day 10 post-partum exerts a positive effect on uterine involution, ovarian activity and fertility indices in Simmental cows. MATERIAL AND METHODS In nine dairy farms, 205 Simmental cows were divided by lot into three groups: Group 1 animals received 500 I.U. eCG, group 2 received 50 µg gonadorelin, and group 3 animals received 250 mg butafosfan and 125 µg cyanocobalamin (control group). Treatment was administered on day 10 post-partum in each case. The animals were examined clinically and ultrasonographically on the 10th, 25th and 42nd day post-partum and the time to insemination and pregnancy were recorded. Group comparison with respect to the recorded parameters was initially performed without considering confounding factors by analysis of variance. In the second step, potential influencing variables (lactation, milk yield, change in backfat thickness, retentio secundarium and serverity of the obstetric intervention) were taken into account, as well as the combination of the random factors "farm" and "individual animal within the farm". RESULTS The administration of eCG exhibited no significant effect on uterine involution, however, the cervical involution was influenced significantly. In the group of cows with eCG treatment, ovarian cysts were detected significantly more frequently on day 25 post-partum (p=0.04). This difference did not persist on the 42nd day post-partum. Neither voluntary waiting period nor the days open were significantly shortened by eCG administration. Lactation number showed a significant effect on uterine involution. Heifers exhibited more rapid involution by day 42 post-partum than cows. CONCLUSION Administration of eCG in Simmentaler cows at day 10 post-partum showed no positive effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The use of eCG in early puerperium to promote fertility in the cow should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Axel Wehrend
- Tierklinik für Reproduktionsmedizin und Neugeborenenkunde, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Deutschland
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Rojas Canadas E, Herlihy MM, Kenneally J, Kearney F, Furlong J, Lonergan P, Butler ST. Plasma progesterone concentration after first service is associated with individual genetic traits, postpartum phenotypes, and likelihood of conception in seasonal-calving pasture-based dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:12968-12979. [PMID: 34482975 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20126] [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: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate postpartum phenotypes, cow factors, and genetic traits associated with plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations after first artificial insemination (AI); (2) determine variation in daily plasma P4 concentrations between d 7 and 13 after first AI; and (3) evaluate associations between plasma P4 concentrations and pregnancy success after first AI. First and second parity (n = 2,797) spring-calving lactating dairy cows from 35 dairy herds were enrolled. Farm visits were performed every 2 wk during the postpartum period as follows: cows that were at wk 3 (range: 14-27 d in milk) and wk 7 (range: 42-55 d in milk) postpartum were examined. Farm visits were performed weekly during the breeding season, and cows that were between 7 and 13 d after the first AI were examined. Body condition score (BCS) was measured at each visit using a 1 to 5 scale [low (≤2.75), target (≥3.0)]. Transrectal ultrasound examinations were conducted at wk 3 and wk 7 postpartum visits to determine presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) and uterine tract score [scale of G1 (best)-G4 (worst)]. Blood samples were collected at each visit, and plasma concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and fatty acids were analyzed. On the day of the weekly farm visit during the breeding season, blood samples for P4 determination were collected from all cows that were between 7 and 13 d after first AI during the breeding period. Cows that had a CL present and a G1 uterine score at wk 7 postpartum had greater plasma P4 concentration after first AI (+0.67 ng/mL and +0.4 ng/mL, respectively) compared with cows with no CL present and with a uterine score ≥G3. Cows with low BCS at wk 7 postpartum had lesser plasma P4 concentration after first AI than cows with target BCS. Each unit increase in plasma fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentration at AI was associated with 0.45 ± 0.33 ng/mL (estimate ± standard error) and 0.07 ± 0.04 ng/mL greater plasma P4 concentration after first AI, respectively. Regarding genetic merit traits, each unit increase in fertility subindex was associated with 0.005 ± 0.003 ng/mL greater P4 concentration. In addition, for every 1 ng/mL increase in plasma P4 concentration, the odds of estimated probability of pregnancy per AI increased by 3% (odds ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence interval = 1.00, 1.05). In conclusion, cows with superior genetic merit for fertility traits and milk production traits, favorable fertility phenotypes at wk 7 postpartum, (e.g., presence of a CL, a G1 uterine score, and target BCS), and blood parameters indicative of better metabolic status at AI were all associated with greater plasma P4 concentration after AI. In turn, greater plasma P4 concentrations were associated with greater odds of successful pregnancy establishment. This study underlines the important associations between early postpartum fertility phenotypes (CL presence, uterine health status) and subsequent plasma P4 concentrations after first AI, and hence provides additional evidence of the mechanisms through which selection for fertility traits improves phenotypic fertility performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rojas Canadas
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 C996; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland, D04 N2E
| | - M M Herlihy
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 C996
| | - J Kenneally
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 C996
| | - F Kearney
- Irish Cattle Breeding Association, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland, P72 X050
| | - J Furlong
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland, D04 N2E
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland, D04 N2E
| | - S T Butler
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 C996.
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Lin Y, Yang H, Ahmad MJ, Yang Y, Yang W, Riaz H, Abulaiti A, Zhang S, Yang L, Hua G. Postpartum Uterine Involution and Embryonic Development Pattern in Chinese Holstein Dairy Cows. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:604729. [PMID: 33585595 PMCID: PMC7874089 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.604729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the postpartum uterine involution pattern and embryonic development could facilitate bovine reproduction management, improve reproductive efficiency, and diagnosis of the reproductive disorder, which would contribute to the success of the dairy business. This study aimed to investigate postpartum uterine involution and embryonic developmental patterns or postconceptional marks of embryonic fetal development in Chinese Holstein dairy cows using B-mode ultrasonography. The results revealed a significant decline in the involution period with an increase of parity and age. The uterine involution period was shorter in multiparous cows when compared with cows with lower parities. Consistently, cows over 4 years old recovered faster than younger cows (2 or 3 years). Besides, the elder cows (over 4 years) had a relatively larger size of resumed cervix uteri and horns. Postpartum uterine involution pattern analysis revealed that the reproductive tract recovered very fast during the first 16 days postpartum for all the parity. Results of postconceptional marks of embryo development revealed a slow increase in diameter of the gravid uterine horn and crown-rump length (CRL) before day 60. In contrast, this increase was dramatic and rapid after the 60th day. We also established two models to estimate gestational age based on gravid uterine horn diameter or CRL. A formula was established to determine the gravid uterine horn size during postconceptional on day 30th–day 90th (r = 0.8714, P < 0.01). In addition, a significant positive correlation between CRL and gestational age (r = 0.98151, P < 0.01) was built. In conclusion, these results illustrated that parity and calving age had significant effects on uterine involution in Chinese Holstein cows. Crown-rump length and gravid uterine horn diameter are both efficient for evaluating the embryo growth. These current findings broaden the understanding of basic reproductive pattern in Chinese Holstein cows and could benefit bovine reproductive management primarily in postpartum and early pregnant cows to reduce the calving interval and avoid periparturient metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Lin
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongzhen Yang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Jamil Ahmad
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuze Yang
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing, China
| | - Wucai Yang
- College of Animal Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hasan Riaz
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | - Adili Abulaiti
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
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