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Cattaneo L, Prieto C, Ojeda D, Pereira A, Frutos J, Bó GA. The use of a recombinant equine chorionic gonadotropin (reCG) in fixed-time AI programs in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2024; 227:77-83. [PMID: 39029411 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.011] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a novel recombinant eCG (reCG) on pregnancy rates to AI (P/AI) in suckled beef cows of different breeds that were synchronized with an estradiol/progesterone (P4)-based protocol for fixed-time AI (TAI). In experiment 1, 1244 Bos taurus suckled cows were used. On Day 0 all cows received an intravaginal P4 device (600 mg P4) and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate. On Day 7, devices were removed, and all cows received 0.150 mg of D-cloprostenol plus 1 mg of estradiol cypionate and were randomly divided to receive 140 IU or 105 IU of reCG or no reCG treatment (controls) at that time. Cows were tail painted for estrus detection and those in estrus by 48 h after P4 device removal were inseminated; whereas those not showing estrus were also inseminated and received GnRH at the same time. In experiment 2, 818 Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbred suckled cows received the same FTAI protocol used in Experiment 1. Cows were randomly divided at the time of P4 device removal into 4 groups to receive 140 IU, 105 IU or 84 IU of reCG or no reCG treatment. In experiment 3, 345 Bos indicus suckled cows were submitted to the same FTAI protocol as those in previous experiments and were randomly divided into three groups to receive 140 IU or 105 IU of reCG, or 300 IU of serum derived eCG (PMSG). In Experiment 1, estrus rate and P/AI was greater (P < 0.05) in cows treated with reCG (79.9 and 53.5 %, 76.9 and 52.3 % for the 105 UI and 140 UI reCG groups, respectively) than those in the control group (69.9 and 44.4 %, respectively). In Experiment 2, cows treated with reCG tended (P < 0.1) to achieve a greater P/AI than control cows (38.6 %, 37.1 %, 36.2 % and 28.2 % for those receiving 84 IU, 105 IU,140 IU of reCG, and those in the control group); but when P/AI of all cows treated with reCG was contrasted to that of control cows, the difference was significant (P < 0.01). In Experiment 3, P/AI in cows treated with 84 IU of reCG (54 %) did not differ from that of cows treated with serum derived eCG (59 %) but both were greater (P < 0.05) than cows treated with 105 UI of reCG (41 %). In conclusion, treatment with reCG improved fertility in suckled Bos taurus and Bos taurus x Bos indicus beef cows. In suckled Bos indicus cows, although treatment with reCG and serum derived eCG were comparable, the higher dosage of reCG was detrimental to their P/AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Cattaneo
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; CEVA-ZOOVET S.A., Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Claudio Prieto
- CEVA-Biotecnofe S.A., Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Biotecnológico del Litoral, Laboratorio de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Ciudad Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Gabriel A Bó
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto A.P. de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Villa María, Villa del Rosario, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Rodríguez MC, Villarraza J, Tardivo MB, Antuña S, Fontana D, Ceaglio N, Prieto C. Optimization and Validation of a Liquid Formulation for a New Recombinant Veterinary Product using QbD Approach. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:2756-2765. [PMID: 37422284 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein formulation and drug characterization are one of the most difficult and time-consuming tasks because of the complexity of biotherapeutic proteins. Hence, maintaining a protein drug in its active state typically requires preventing changes in its physical and chemical properties. Quality by Design (QbD) is a systematic approach emphasizing product and process understanding. Design of Experiments (DoE) is one of the most important QbD tools, allowing the possibility to modify the formulation attributes within a defined design space. Here, we report the validation of a RP-HPLC assay for recombinant equine chorionic gonadotropin (reCG) that demonstrated a high correlation with the in vivo potency biological assay. QbD concepts were then applied to obtain an optimized liquid formulation of reCG with a predefined quality product profile. The developed strategy demonstrates the importance of applying multivariable strategies as DoE to simplify formulation stages, improving the quality of the obtained results. Moreover, it is important to highlight that this is the first time that a liquid formulation is reported for an eCG molecule, since, up to now, the only eCG products available in the market for veterinary use consisted in partially purified preparations of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) presented as a lyophilized product.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Celeste Rodríguez
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Cell Culture Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Javier Villarraza
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Cell Culture Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Belén Tardivo
- Biotecnofe S.A. Parque Tecnológico Litoral Centro (PTLC), Ruta 168 Pje El Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Antuña
- Biotecnofe S.A. Parque Tecnológico Litoral Centro (PTLC), Ruta 168 Pje El Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Diego Fontana
- UNL, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Biotechnological Development Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Argentina; Biotecnofe S.A. Parque Tecnológico Litoral Centro (PTLC), Ruta 168 Pje El Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Natalia Ceaglio
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Cell Culture Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Claudio Prieto
- UNL, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Biotechnological Development Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Argentina; Biotecnofe S.A. Parque Tecnológico Litoral Centro (PTLC), Ruta 168 Pje El Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Bó GA, Menchaca A. Prohibition of hormones in animal reproduction: what to expect and what to do? Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230067. [PMID: 37720723 PMCID: PMC10503886 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0067] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
As our understanding of ovarian function in cattle has improved, our ability to control it has also increased. The development of Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) protocols at the end of the 20th century has increased exponentially the number of animals inseminated over the last 20 years. The main reasons for this growth were the possibility of obtaining acceptable pregnancy rates without heat detection and, above all, the induction of cyclicity in suckled cows in postpartum anestrus and prepubertal heifers at the beginning of the breeding season. Most FTAI treatments in South America have been based on the use of progesterone (P4) releasing devices and estradiol to synchronize both follicular wave emergence and ovulation, with pregnancy rates ranging from 40 to 60%. These protocols are implemented on a regular basis, allowing producers access to high-quality genetics, and increasing the overall pregnancy rates during the breeding season. In addition, it provided the professionals involved in these programs with a new source of income and the diversification of their practices into activities other than their usual clinical work. Many of these practices are now apparently at risk from restrictions on the use of estradiol by the European Union (EU) and other countries. However, the development of alternative protocols based on GnRH, with P4 devices and eCG and other new products that are not in the market yet will allow us to adapt to the new times that are coming. Logically, the challenge has already been raised and we must learn to use alternative protocols to try to continue increasing the use of this technology in beef and dairy herds. The objective of the present review is to describe the main aspects of banning estradiol in livestock production, the negative impacts on reproductive efficiency, and to present some alternative FTAI protocols for dairy and beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Amilcar Bó
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Básicas, Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Villa María, Villa del Rosario, Córdoba, Argentina
- Fundación Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alejo Menchaca
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Baruselli PS, de Abreu LÂ, Catussi BLC, Oliveira ACDS, Rebeis LM, Gricio EA, Albertini S, Sales JNS, Rodrigues CA. Use of new recombinant proteins for ovarian stimulation in ruminants. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230092. [PMID: 37720727 PMCID: PMC10503889 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0092] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, gonadotropin products (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone, LH) used in animal reproduction are produced by extraction and purification from abattoir-derived pituitary glands. This method, relying on animal-derived materials, carries the potential risk of hormone contamination and pathogen transmission. Additionally, chorionic gonadotropins are extracted from the blood of pregnant mares (equine chorionic gonadotropin; eCG) or the urine of pregnant women (human chorionic gonadotropin; hCG). However, recent advancements have introduced recombinant gonadotropins for assisted animal reproduction therapies. The traditional use of FSH for superovulation has limitations, including labor requirements and variability in superovulation response, affecting the success of in vivo (SOV) and in vitro (OPU/IVEP) embryo production. FSH treatment for superstimulation before OPU can promote the growth of a homogenous follicular population and the recovery of competent oocytes suitable for IVEP procedures. At present, a single injection of a preparation of long-acting bovine recombinant FSH (rFSH) produced similar superovulation responses resulting in the production of good-quality in vivo and in vitro embryos. Furthermore, the treatment with eCG at FTAI protocol has demonstrated its efficacy in promoting follicular growth, ovulation, and P/AI, mainly in heifers and anestrous cows. Currently, treatment with recombinant glycoproteins with eCG-like activity (r-eCG) have shown promising results in increasing follicular growth, ovulation, and P/AI in cows submitted to P4/E2 -based protocols. Bovine somatotropin (bST) is a naturally occurring hormone found in cows. Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), produced through genetic engineering techniques, has shown potential in enhancing reproductive outcomes in ruminants. Treatment with rbST has been found to improve P/IA, increase donor embryo production, and enhance P/ET in recipients. The use of recombinant hormones allows to produce non-animal-derived products, offering several advantages in assisted reproductive technologies for ruminants. This advancement opens up new possibilities for improving reproductive efficiency and success rates in the field of animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Sampaio Baruselli
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Laís Ângelo de Abreu
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Bruna Lima Chechin Catussi
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana Carolina dos Santos Oliveira
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Lígia Mattos Rebeis
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Emanuele Almeida Gricio
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sofía Albertini
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Thompson RE, Meyers MA, Palmer J, Veeramachaneni DNR, Magee C, de Mestre AM, Antczak DF, Hollinshead FK. Production of Mare Chorionic Girdle Organoids That Secrete Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119538. [PMID: 37298490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119538] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The equine chorionic girdle is comprised of specialized invasive trophoblast cells that begin formation approximately 25 days after ovulation (day 0) and invade the endometrium to become endometrial cups. These specialized trophoblast cells transition from uninucleate to differentiated binucleate trophoblast cells that secrete the glycoprotein hormone equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; formerly known as pregnant mare serum gonadotropin or PMSG). This eCG has LH-like activity in the horse but variable LH- and FSH-like activity in other species and has been utilized for these properties both in vivo and in vitro. To produce eCG commercially, large volumes of whole blood must be collected from pregnant mares, which negatively impacts equine welfare due to repeated blood collections and the birth of an unwanted foal. Attempts to produce eCG in vitro using long-term culture of chorionic girdle explants have not been successful beyond 180 days, with peak eCG production at 30 days of culture. Organoids are three-dimensional cell clusters that self-organize and can remain genetically and phenotypically stable throughout long-term culture (i.e., months). Human trophoblast organoids have been reported to successfully produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and proliferate long-term (>1 year). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether organoids derived from equine chorionic girdle maintain physiological functionality. Here we show generation of chorionic girdle organoids for the first time and demonstrate in vitro production of eCG for up to 6 weeks in culture. Therefore, equine chorionic girdle organoids provide a physiologically representative 3D in vitro model for chorionic girdle development of early equine pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley E Thompson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mindy A Meyers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Jennifer Palmer
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - D N Rao Veeramachaneni
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Christianne Magee
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Amanda M de Mestre
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Douglas F Antczak
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Fiona K Hollinshead
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Luo Q, Zhou J, Tang W, Jiang P, Wan X, Ahmed W, Mohsin A, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Investigation and development of transient production process for porcine circovirus Type-2 (PCV2) capsid protein in HEK293F cells. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 208-209:106293. [PMID: 37137401 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Porcine circovirus type-2 capsid protein contains a major immunodominant epitope used as a subunit vaccine. Transient expression in mammalian cells is an efficient process for producing recombinant proteins. However, there is still a lack of research on the efficient production of virus capsid proteins in mammalian cells. Here we present a comprehensive study to investigate and optimize the production process of a model "difficult-to-express" virus capsid protein, PCV2 capsid protein in HEK293F transient expression system. The study evaluated the transient expression of PCV2 capsid protein in the mammalian cell line HEK293F and investigated the subcellular distribution by confocal microscopy. In addition, the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to detect the differential expression of genes after cells transfected with pEGFP-N1-Capsid or empty vectors. The analysis revealed that the PCV2 capsid gene affected a panel of differential genes of HEK293F cells involved in protein folding, stress response, and translation process, such as SHP90β, GRP78, HSP47, and eIF4A. An integrated strategy of protein engineering combined with VPA addition was applied to promote the expression of PCV2 capsid protein in HEK293F. Moreover, this study significantly increased the production of the engineered PCV2 capsid protein in HEK293F cells, reaching a yield of 8.7 mg/L. Conclusively, this study may provide deep insight for other "difficult-to-express" virus capsid proteins in the mammalian cell system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Junqi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Weihua Tang
- Morimatsu Life Science, No. 29, Jinwen Road, Zhuqiao Airport Industrial Park, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Jiang
- Morimatsu Life Science, No. 29, Jinwen Road, Zhuqiao Airport Industrial Park, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Wan
- Morimatsu Life Science, No. 29, Jinwen Road, Zhuqiao Airport Industrial Park, Shanghai, China
| | - Waqas Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China.
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Physicochemical Characterization of a Recombinant eCG and Comparative Studies with PMSG Commercial Preparations. Protein J 2023; 42:24-36. [PMID: 36652139 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10092-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] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is a glycoprotein hormone widely used in timed artificial ovulation (TAI) and superovulation protocols to improve the reproductive performance in livestock. Until recently, the only eCG products available in the market for veterinary use consisted in partially purified preparations of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Here, a bioactive recombinant eCG (reCG) produced in suspension CHO-K1 cells was purified employing different chromatographic methods (hydrophobic interaction chromatography and reverse-phase (RP)-HPLC) and compared with a RP-HPLC-purified PMSG. To gain insight into the structural and functional characteristics of reCG, a bioinformatics analysis was performed. An exhaustive characterization comprising the determination of the purity degree, aggregates and nicked forms through SDS-PAGE, RP-HPLC and SEC-HPLC was performed. Higher order structures were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and SEC-HPLC. Isoforms profile were analyzed by isoelectric focusing. Glycosylation analysis was performed through pulsed amperometric detection and PNGase F treatment following SDS-PAGE and weak anion exchange-HPLC. Slight differences between the purified recombinant hormones were found. However, recombinant molecules and PMSG exhibited variations in the glycosylation pattern. In fact, differences in sialic acid content between two commercial preparations of PMSG were also obtained, which could lead to differences in their biological potency. These results show the importance of having a standardized production process, as occurs in a recombinant protein bioprocess. Besides, our results reflect the importance of the glycan moieties on eCG conformation and hence in its biological activity, preventing denaturing processes such as aggregation.
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Rossignolo EADA, Silva NCD, Stolf RL, Cavalieri FLB, Colombo AHB, Andreazzi MA, Seneda MM, Morotti F. Evaluation of hCG as gonadotropic support to timed embryo transfer protocol in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2023; 195:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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