Effect of resynchronization with GnRH on day 21 after artificial insemination on pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Agonists in Bovine Reproduction II: Diverse Applications during Insemination, Post-Insemination, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Periods

The administration of GnRH and its agonists benefits various aspects of bovine reproductive programs, encompassing physiological stages such as estrous synchronization, post-insemination, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. The positive impact of GnRH administration in overcoming challenges like repeat breeder cows, early embryonic loss prevention, and the management of cystic ovarian disease (COD) is thoroughly surveyed. Furthermore, this review focuses on the significance of GnRH administration during the postpartum period, its role in ovulation induction, and how it enhances the productivity of embryo transfer (ET) programs. An emerging feature of this field is introduced, focusing on nano-drug delivery systems for GnRH agonists, and the potential benefits that may arise from such advancements are highlighted. While this review offers valuable insights into various applications of GnRH in bovine reproduction, it emphasizes the crucial need for further research and development in this field to advance reproductive efficiency and health management in dairy cattle.

A precise and rapid early pregnancy test: Development of a novel and fully automated electrochemical point-of-care biosensor for human urine samples

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a glycoprotein hormone secreted from the placenta, is an important biomarker for pregnancy. In this study, we designed a precise, rapid and fully automatic device with an electrochemical point-of-care biosensor capable of quantitative hCG detection from human urine samples for early pregnancy detection. Gold and Ag/AgCl electrodes, whose structure with optimum isopotential region and current density, were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® software and custom-made from Flex Medical. The sensing surface was fabricated with DSP self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and covalently immobilized anti-hCG-beta antibody. The detection method involved a sandwich assay using anti-hCG alpha-HRP. Based on an automated agitation design implemented in our device, the surface reaction rate is significantly improved comparing to routinely performed sandwich assays, and therefore a rapid detection of very low concentration can be achieved. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry (CA) measurements were used to characterize the immobilization of the antibodies and to determine the sensor activities respectively. The sensors displayed a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.17 mIU/ml within established clinical hCG levels for early detection of pregnancy. They responded very well to hCG, but not to luteinizing hormone (LH), which has a high degree of cross-reactivity with hCG. The results showed that the immunosensor has high specificity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability for the detection of hCG in urine samples.

Meta-analysis of the incidence of pregnancy losses in dairy cows at different stages to 90 days of gestation

Pregnancy losses are a biological challenge and economically important in dairy herds. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify losses in 4 periods from 19 to 90 d of pregnancy corresponding to the physiological development of gestation in dairy cows. A total of 19,723 diagnostic records from 46 studies were included. Pregnancy losses averaged 27%, 13%, 7%, and 2% in the early embryonic (19 to 32 d), late embryonic (30 to 45 d), early fetal (45 to 60 d), and later fetal (60 to 90 d) stages. These results provide a formal synthesis of the incidence of pregnancy losses in dairy cows.

Use and adequacy of non-pregnancy diagnosis in cow. Which future?

In cattle, early detection of gestation is very important from an economic and management point of view in all types of farming. However, due to the poor efficiency of oestrus detection, it is essential to determine non-pregnant cows as early possible, in order to minimize the inter-insemination interval, thus de facto, reducing herd open days. Direct and indirect gestation diagnostic methods have been developed with the aim of improving the reproductive performance of the herd. Today, the most accurate method for making an early diagnosis of gestation from 28-30 days post insemination is B-Mode ultrasound. In recent years, indirect methods have included techniques that allow non-pregnant cows to be identified with a minimum margin of error, the most widely utilized of which is the Color-Doppler. This technique is rapidly becoming established for the diagnosis of non-pregnancy that allows the identification of non-pregnant animals earlier compared the pregnancy diagnosis. Some limitations of this technique in dairy cow have been presented.

Bayesian estimation of sensitivity and specificity of a milk pregnancy-associated glycoprotein ELISA test for pregnancy diagnosis between 23 and 27 days after insemination in Holstein dairy cows

Pregnancy diagnosis using pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) ELISA technology in blood or milk samples is validated from 28 d after insemination in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of a commercial milk PAG-based ELISA in Holstein dairy cows between 23 and 27 d after insemination. Milk samples (n = 268) from 257 Holstein dairy cows 23 to 27 d after AI were submitted for PAG ELISA testing. Pregnancy status was confirmed by either a second milk PAG ELISA test conducted between 28 and 50 d after insemination (n = 200) or transrectal ultrasonography performed between 28 and 59 d after insemination (n = 68). A Bayesian latent class model was used to compare the paired results from the test at 23 to 27 d after AI test to the reference test. The latent class model typically used for comparing 2 or more imperfect tests was extended to include the possibility of pregnancy loss between the 23 to 27 d test and the reference test. Informative priors for the probability of pregnancy loss, and for the Se and Sp of the PAG and ultrasonography reference tests were obtained from the scientific literature. Estimated median Se and Sp of the PAG ELISA test conducted between 23 and 27 d after AI were 0.98 (95% credible interval 0.93 to 1.0) and 0.98 (0.89 to 1.0), respectively, when using a standardized corrected optical density threshold of 0.15. Although the accuracy of the test under investigation was excellent, more data will be needed to confirm the optimal diagnostic cut point for PAG in milk for early pregnancy diagnosis in this time window. The optimal timing of pregnancy diagnosis will depend on herd-specific logistics and the action to be taken to re-inseminate nonpregnant cows.

PLS-DA and Vis-NIR spectroscopy based discrimination of abdominal tissues of female rabbits

Using Vis-NIR spectroscopy to distinguish gestational sac from other abdominal tissues is the key to diagnosing female rabbits' pregnancy by optical means. This study aims to demonstrate the gestational sac and other abdominal tissues (hair, skin, breast, muscle, cecum, small intestine) of rabbits can be identified using Vis-NIR spectroscopy in vitro. These tissues' raw NIR spectra were recorded in the Vis-NIR range (490-940 nm) with interactive mode. The raw spectra of tissues were analyzed by the principal component analysis (PCA), and were pre-processed using five spectral pre-processing techniques (moving average filter (MF), De-trending (DT), first-order derivative (D1), Multivariate scattering correction (MSC), and standard normal variate (SNV)) to reduce signal noises. The raw and pre-processed spectra were classified using partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA). Two-way and multi-way PLS-DA model was conducted to understand the classification of each tissue from the gestational sac and to understand the classification of all tissues from the gestational sac, respectively. SNV-PLS-DA model had the best performance, and its multi-way accuracy (Ac), determination coefficients (R²), and Q² were 0.89, 0.91, 0.77, respectively. The successive projection algorithm (SPA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) were used to select characteristic wavelengths (CWs). The SNV-SPA-PLS-DA model with eighteen CWs was better than the SNV-CARS-PLS-DA model. The results showed that Vis-NIR spectroscopy technology combined with PLS-DA could discriminate the gestational sac from the abdominal tissues. This study may help develop an optical diagnosis system for pregnant rabbits.

Economics of Rebreeding Nonpregnant Dairy Cows Diagnosed by Transrectal Ultrasonography on Day 25 after Artificial Insemination

Pregnancy rates of Holstein cows showed a substantial decline in the past years, which caused intensive TAI programs for nonpregnant cows to shorten the period between unsuccessful insemination and the next attempt on the same cow. Although many studies examined the improvement in pregnancy rates following TAI, only a few examined the economic impact of such programs. In this study, we look at the feasibility of reproductive programs that included early pregnancy diagnosis performed by transrectal ultrasonography 25 days after artificial insemination (AI) and TAI of nonpregnant cows. This resulted in the following two TAI programs: a modified OvSynch program with a second PGF2α treatment at 24 h interval (GPPG, n = 100) and a modified OvSynch program with an intravaginal progesterone-release device inserted between days 0−7 (PRID + GPPG, n = 100). Cows included in the TAI programs recorded an improvement in the cumulative pregnancy rate (67% vs. 53%; 69% vs. 53%) compared to those in which this strategy was not applied (p < 0.05). An economic analysis was performed using a decision-support tool to estimate the net present value (NPV; USD/cow/year). The analysis revealed a difference in NPV of 89.6 USD/cow/year between the programs (rebreeding the nonpregnant cows following the TAI program vs. AI at detected estrus). In summary, rebreeding the nonpregnant cows after early negative pregnancy diagnosis (25 days after AI) using this strategy can improve the cumulative pregnancy rate and profitability of dairy farms.

Early pregnancy diagnosis of rabbits: A non-invasive approach using Vis-NIR spatially resolved spectroscopy

Pregnancy diagnosis is essential for rabbit's reproductive management. The early identification of non-pregnant rabbits allows for earlier re-insemination, increases the service rate, and reduces the laboring interval in commercial operations. The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility of using a Vis-NIR spatially resolved spectroscopy for diagnosing pregnancy in female rabbits. A total of 141 female rabbits, including 67 pregnant female rabbits (PRs) and 74 non-pregnant female rabbits (NPRs), were measured spectrally between 350 and 1000 nm with different source-detector distances (SDD). Different preprocessing methods were used to transform and enhance the spectral signal. A partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) classification model of the original and preprocessed spectra was established. The highest accuracy of the calibration set and prediction set was 91.75% and 86.05%, respectively. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projection algorithm (SPA) were used to select characteristic wavelengths from the variables of VIP > 1 (Variable importance in projection),and four classification models were established based on selected wavelengths, including PLS-DA, support vector machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Naïve Bayes. SPA-SVM was the optimal classification model, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the validation set and prediction set were 93.18%, 94.44%, 93.88%, 86.96%, 90.00%, 90.69% respectively. The results showed that Vis-NIR spatially resolved spectroscopy combined with classification models could discriminate the PRs and NPRs.

Selective use of a modified pre-synchronization-Ovsynch and resynchronization reproductive strategy in dairy herds: A field application study

We aimed to evaluate whether a modified pre-synchronization-Ovsynch (MPO) and resynchronization method, adjusted for the timing of biweekly reproductive consulting visits, could be implemented successfully under field conditions in dairy herds. Forty-five days after calving (calving: Day 0), 1,182 cows were assigned randomly to Ovsynch, MPO or control groups. (1) Cows were administered GnRH on Day 65, PGF_2α on Day 72 and GnRH 56 hr later, followed by timed artificial insemination (TAI) 16 hr later (Ovsynch, n = 380). (2) Cows with a CL were administered PGF_2α (n = 204) and cows without were administered GnRH (n = 199) on Day 45. Then, each cow was administered PGF_2α on Day 55 (9 to 12 days later), GnRH on Day 58 and underwent Ovsynch 7 days later (selective MPO [sMPO] n = 403). (3) The remaining cows underwent AI when oestrus was detected (EDAI, n = 399). The probabilities of pregnancy per AI 30 and 45 days after the first AI were higher in the sMPO group (odds ratios 1.99 and 1.92, p < .0001) than in the EDAI group. In addition, the probability of pregnancy by 105 days postpartum tended to be higher (p < .1) in the sMPO group than in the EDAI and Ovsynch groups, which shortened the mean interval from calving to pregnancy in the sMPO group (3.4 and 4.2 days, respectively) than in the EDAI and Ovsynch groups. In the sMPO group, the interval between the first and second treatments during pre-synchronization did not affect the probability of pregnancy per AI after the first AI. The probability of pregnancy per AI after the second AI did not differ between the Ovsynch, sMPO and EDAI groups. In conclusion, the sMPO programme, adjusted for the timing of biweekly reproductive consulting visits, followed by resynchronization, could be successfully adopted in field conditions, and is associated with good reproductive performance in dairy herds.

Lactating dairy cows managed for second and greater artificial insemination services with the Short-Resynch or Day 25 Resynch program had similar reproductive performance

The objective of this randomized controlled experiment was to evaluate reproductive performance and reproductive physiological outcomes of lactating Holstein cows managed for second and greater artificial insemination (AI) services with the Short-Resynch or Day 25 Resynch program. Cows from 2 commercial farms were randomly assigned after first service to the Short-Resynch (SR; n = 870) or Day 25 Resynch (D25R; n = 917) program in which they remained until 210 d after first service or left the herd. Cows in D25R received GnRH 25 ± 3 d after AI, whereas cows in SR did not. Cows not reinseminated at detected estrus (AIE) by 32 ± 3 d after AI underwent nonpregnancy diagnosis (NPD) through transrectal ultrasonography (TUS). Nonpregnant cows from both treatments with a corpus luteum (CL) ≥15 mm and an ovarian follicle ≥10 mm (hereafter, CL cows) received 2 PGF_2α treatments 24 h apart, GnRH 32 h after the second PGF_2α, and timed AI 16 to 18 h later. Cows that did not meet the criteria to be included in the CL group (NoCL cows) received a modified Ovsynch protocol with progesterone (P4) supplementation [P4-Ovsynch; GnRH and controlled internal drug-release device (CIDR) in, 7 d later CIDR removal and PGF_2α, 24 h later PGF_2α, 32 h later GnRH, and 16 to 18 h later timed AI]. In a subgroup of cows, blood samples were collected and TUS conducted at each treatment to evaluate ovarian responses to resynchronization. Binary data were analyzed with logistic regression, continuous data by ANOVA, and time-to-event data by Cox's proportional hazard regression. A greater proportion (mean; 95% CI) of cows were AIE before NPD in the SR (60.5%; 57.0-63.8; n = 3,416) than the D25R (50.1%; 46.5-53.7; n = 3,177) treatment, whereas pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 32 d for AIE services before NPD was greater for the D25R (41.3%; 38.8-43.8; n = 1,560) than the SR (37.6%; 35.5-39.8; n = 1,961) treatment. At NPD, a greater proportion of cows in the D25R (84.3%; 82.2-86.2) than the SR (77.0%; 74.4-79.4) treatment were considered CL cows. Pregnancy per AI at 32 d was greater for the D25R than the SR treatment for all timed AI services (D25R = 43.0%; 40.2-45.9 vs. SR = 36.8%; 33.8-39.8) and for CL cows (D25R = 42.8%; 39.7-45.9 vs. SR = 33.8%; 30.6-37.2) but did not differ for NoCL cows (D25R = 39.4%; 32.1-47.3 vs. SR = 44.0%; 36.8-51.4). The hazard ratio for time to pregnancy (1.03; 0.93-1.14) and the proportion of cows not pregnant at the end of the observation period (D25R = 5.9%; 4.4-7.8 vs. SR = 6.7%; 5.0-8.7) did not differ between SR and D25R treatments. The GnRH treatment 25 d after AI resulted in more cows with P4 >1 ng/mL (D25R = 80.5%; 75.3-84.9 vs. SR = 63.6%; 57.3-69.4) and smaller follicle diameter at NPD 32 ± 3 d after AI for D25R (16.2 ± 0.4 mm) than for SR (17.5 ± 0.4 mm); however, it did not affect follicle diameter and luteal regression risk (CL cows only) before TAI. We concluded that the use of reproductive management programs including SR and D25R for CL cows and the P4-Ovsynch protocol for NoCL cows resulted in similar hazard of pregnancy and proportion of nonpregnant cows for up to 210 d after first service.

A reproductive management program aimed at increasing reinsemination of nonpregnant dairy cows at detected estrus resulted in similar reproductive performance to a program that favored timed artificial insemination

The objective of this experiment was to compare time to pregnancy and proportion of cows not pregnant 210 d after first service for cows managed for second and subsequent artificial insemination (AI) services with a reproductive management program that promoted reinsemination at detected estrus (AIE) or a program that promoted timed AI (TAI). After first service, lactating Holstein cows were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to d 32 Resynch (D32R; n = 464) or AIE Resynch (AIER; n = 512). To determine the effect of management strategies on time to pregnancy and cows not pregnant by the end of a 210 d at-risk period after first AI service, cows remained in AIER and D32R until pregnancy or herd exit. Cows in D32R received a GnRH treatment 32 ± 3 d after AI (first treatment intervention; FTI). Nonpregnancy diagnosis was conducted 7 d later by transrectal ultrasonography when nonpregnant cows with a corpus luteum (CL) ≥15 mm completed the Resynch protocol (PGF_2α, 56 h later GnRH, and 16 to 18 h later TAI) and cows without a CL (NoCL cows) were enrolled in a PreG-Ovsynch protocol (GnRH, 7 d later GnRH, 7 d later PGF_2α, 56 h later GnRH, and 16 to 18 h TAI) to receive TAI. For the AIER treatment, nonpregnant cows with a CL ≥15 mm observed by transrectal ultrasonography 32 ± 3 d after AI (i.e., FTI) received PGF_2α to induce estrus. Cows not AIE within 7 d were enrolled in Resynch (GnRH, 7 d later PGF_2α, 56 h later GnRH, and 16 to 18 h TAI). Cows in the NoCL group in AIER were enrolled in PreG-Ovsynch. Detection of estrus was performed based on visual observation of behavioral signs of estrus and tail-paint removal. Binomial data were analyzed with logistic regression and time to event data with Cox's proportional regression. After the FTI, a greater proportion of cows were AIE in AIER than D32R (36.0 vs. 11.9%) and more cows were AIE within 7 d of the FTI for AIER (25.0%) than D32R (4.8%). Overall pregnancy per AI at 68 ± 3 d after AI did not differ (AIER = 35.5% vs. D32R = 34.7%). The hazard of pregnancy up to 210 d after first AI for all cows enrolled (hazard ratio = 1.04, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.19) and for cows that received treatments only (D32R = 308, AIER = 349; hazard ratio = 1.00, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.19) did not differ. We conclude that a program aimed at increasing the proportion of cows reinseminated at detected estrus by treatment with PGF_2α at 32 ± 3 d after AI may be an alternative strategy for dairy farms that prefer or need to inseminate more cows at detected estrus rather than by TAI.

Quantification by simulation of the effect of herd management practices and cow fertility on the reproductive and economic performance of Holstein dairy herds

The performance of dairy herds is affected mainly by factors related to cows' characteristics and herd management practices. However, these factors are interrelated, and as such, the estimation of their individual effect on the performance of dairy herds remains difficult. The aim of this study was to estimate the weight of these factors as well the interactions between them on the reproductive and economic performance of dairy farms. A stochastic dynamic model was used to simulate most physiological and management processes occurring on a dairy farm. A herd of 60 Holstein cows, with a milk yield of 8,000 L/cow-year, representative of French Holstein dairy herds, was simulated. A total of 216 scenarios were run by combining 2 levels of postpartum cyclicity resumption (average: 45 d, high: 75 d), 3 levels of 21-d conception rate of the herd (i.e., proportion of cows pregnant 21 d after insemination; low: 25%, average: 45%, high: 70%), 3 levels of probability of pregnancy loss until 120 d (low: 3%, average: 15%, high: 43%), 3 levels of sensitivity of estrus detection by the farmer (low: 20%, average: 50%, high: 90%), 2 alternative managerial goals (constant number of cows or constant volume of milk sold), and 2 types of management for the sale and purchase of animals (closed or open herd). The effect of each factor was estimated by sensitivity analysis. The parameter that had the greatest effect on reproductive performance was the sensitivity of estrus detection: a 10-percentage-point increase between the low and average levels and between the average and high levels reduced the calving interval by 16 and 5.7 d, respectively. However, the factor that had the greatest effect on economic performance was the 21-d conception rate: a 10-percentage-point increase between the low and average levels and between the average and high levels increased the gross margin by €62.2 and €22.3/cow-year, respectively. The pregnancy loss until 120 d had an effect on economic performance: an increase of 1 percentage point of this parameter decreased the gross margin by €2/cow-year. The other factors studied, and their interactions, did not have a major effect (low value of sensitivity indices). Closed herds or farms with a constant number of cows had economic losses of €58/cow-year compared with open herds or to farms with constant volume of milk sold. Altogether, our data suggest that, in a typical French dairy farm, farmers' efforts on estrus detection will be more profitable when associated with improvement of the conception rate of the cows.

Early pregnancy diagnosis at 21 days post artificial insemination using corpus luteum vascular perfusion compared to corpus luteum diameter and/or echogenicity in Nelore heifers

The objective was to compare the use of corpus luteum (CL) vascular perfusion to CL diameter and/or echogenicity to diagnose pregnancy at 21 d after timed-AI. Ovaries of Nelore heifers were assessed using ultrasonography in B-mode and color Doppler simultaneously 21 d after timed-AI (n = 113). Objective evaluations were performed using an image processing software to extract the number of colored pixels (ColorPix), diameter (mm) and echogenicity/mm² (EchoPix) of the CL. Subjective evaluations of the CL were performed by five evaluators using scores of estimated vascular perfusion area of color Doppler scan videos and estimated CL size and qualitative echogenicity of B-mode scan videos. The reference pregnancy diagnosis was performed 33 d after timed-AI using an ultrasonic device. Corpus luteum ColorPix, diameter and EchoPix were highly correlated (P < 0.001) with pregnancy. Pregnancy diagnosis accuracy, sensitivity, and negative predictive value were not different for CL ColorPix and diameter and was less with use of EchoPix compared to the other parameters. Size and vascular perfusion scores were correlated to the greatest extent (0.88-0.94) with the respective objective values within evaluator. The results from the ROC curve analysis indicated a smaller area under the curve for qualitative echogenicity compared to CL size and vascular perfusion. Corpus luteum vascular perfusion was the only subjective evaluation that when assessed there were no false negative pregnancy diagnoses. In conclusion, the use of the objective CL diameter resulted in the same efficacy as CL vascular perfusion evaluations for early pregnancy diagnosis in Nelore heifers.

Resynchronisation as an Element of Improving Cattle Reproduction Efficiency

Oestrus resynchronisation (RES, Resynch) programmes for non-pregnant cows allow shortening the period between an unsuccessful insemination and the next attempt on the same cow. The protocol of oestrus RES may be started after ruling out pregnancy by means of ultrasonography carried out 28 days after insemination or after performing a test for pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PAG) in blood or milk. The Resynch protocol can be based on a double application of prostaglandins, the OvSynch protocol, or hormonal therapy with exogenous sources of progesterone (CIDR intravaginal devices). The efficiency of the method depends on the functional state of the ovaries, the diameter of the corpus luteum, external factors, and the health and maturity of the cows. The present paper constitutes a comparison of research findings concerning the effectiveness of RES programmes.

Non-infectious causes that increase early and mid-to-late pregnancy loss rates in a crossbreed dairy herd

High reproductive performance is an element factor for profitability in dairy herds; although, pregnancy loss of non-infectious nature during early and mid-to-late embryonic period is increasing in dairy cattle. Based on that, the present study aimed to determine the incidence of pregnancy loss before and after 60 days of insemination, and to identify some non-infectious causes that could enhance it. The herd was composed by 600 crossbred dairy cows and those with a corpus luteum (CL) were treated with prostaglandinF2α, then inseminated, on the other hand, those without a CL were submitted to a timed artificial insemination protocol (TAI). Pregnancy losses rates were analyzed by logistic regression by SAS, and differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. The overall pregnancy loss and mid-to-late pregnancy loss were not affected by animal category (P > 0.05); although, early pregnancy loss was higher in cows than in heifers (11.90 vs. 3.39%). The early pregnancy loss was higher in those cows that calved on spring/summer when compared to those calved on fall/winter (9.22% vs. 16.11%), moreover, those inseminated during spring/summer tended to have higher early pregnancy loss when compared to those inseminated on fall/winter (13.35% vs. 8.57%). In conclusion, when some of non-infectious causes were evaluated, it was observed that cows that calved on spring/summer had higher pregnancy loss. At this point, strategies should be developing to minimize pregnancy loss in dairy herds, as it could be considered an important reproductive problem.

OvSynch Protocol and its Modifications in the Reproduction Management of Dairy Cattle Herds - an Update

Current knowledge about the function of the reproductive tract and appropriate use of hormonal drugs affords control of the oestrus cycle of cows. One of the hormonal protocols is OvSynch, which enables artificial insemination (AI) to be performed at the precise optimum time without control of the ovaries and uterus. Use of such protocols in reproductive management allows oestrus cycles to be synchronised and cows to be effectively inseminated without oestrous detection, which is time-consuming and difficult in farms with numerous cows. Therefore, OvSynch has become the first management tool for AI and is an alternative method to heat detection. Over the 20 years since its first implementation, OvSynch has been modified many times to improve its reproduction outcomes and widen its use. Besides its original use for heat synchronisation, it is also used in many ovarian disorders as a therapeutic method. This review article describes the possibilities which OvSynch provides, its current modifications, various applications, and the advantages and disadvantages of its use in practice.

Maternal and non-maternal factors associated with late embryonic and early fetal losses in dairy cows

Defining factors associated with embryonic and/or fetal losses will be helpful in overcoming such problem, either by adjusting conditions or applying therapeutic approaches to high-risk cows. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between a number of maternal and non-maternal factors and the risk of late embryonic (LED) and early fetal death (EFD) in dairy herds. Additionally, we investigated the effect of treating pregnant cows either with GnRH on day 26 post-insemination, or GnRH on day 26 plus CIDR insertion between days 26 and 33 post-insemination, on the risk of LED/EFD. From 3826 pregnancies, diagnosed at day 30 post-insemination, 851 cows lost the pregnancy by day 70 post-insemination. A mixed-effects logistic model was constructed to assess the effect of cow breed, calving difficulty, postpartum problems, lactation number, days in milk, insemination number, actual 305-day milk production, temperature humidity index (THI) at insemination, estrus synchronization protocols, and other factors, on the risk of LED/EFD. Our findings indicated that Holstein X Brown Swiss crossbreed cows had a lower risk for LED/EFD than Holstein cows (P < 0.05). Cows that had postpartum problems, were inseminated for the first time, produced more milk, or were inseminated at THI ≥75, recorded higher risks of LED/EFD (P < 0.05). Calving difficulty, lactation number, and synchronization protocols were not found to be associated with LED/EFD. Moreover, treatment of the pregnant cows with GnRH on day 26 post-insemination plus CIDR insertion between days 26 and 33 post-insemination decreased the risk of LED/EFD. In conclusion, cows that had postpartum problems, were inseminated early postpartum, produced higher milk, and/or were inseminated at high THI, were under higher risk of LED/EFD. Treating such cows with GnRH on day 26 plus CIDR insertion between days 26 and 33 may decrease the possibility of the LED/EFD.

Effect of early or late resynchronization based on different methods of pregnancy diagnosis on reproductive performance of dairy cows

The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive performance of dairy cows subjected to early (ER) or late (LR) resynchronization programs after nonpregnancy diagnoses based on either pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) ELISA or transrectal palpation, respectively. In addition, the accuracy of the PAG ELISA for early pregnancy diagnosis was assessed. Lactating Holstein cows were subjected to a Presynch-Ovsynch protocol with timed artificial insemination (AI) performed between 61 and 74 DIM. On the day of the first postpartum AI, 1,093 cows were blocked by parity and assigned randomly to treatments; however, because of attrition, 452 ER and 520 LR cows were considered for the statistical analyses. After the first postpartum AI, cows were observed daily for signs of estrus and inseminated on the same day of detected estrus. Cows from ER that were not reinseminated in estrus received the first GnRH injection of the Ovsynch protocol for resynchronization 2d before pregnancy diagnosis. On d 28 after the previous AI (d 27 to 34), pregnancy status was determined by PAG ELISA, and nonpregnant cows continued on the Ovsynch protocol for reinsemination. Pregnant cows had pregnancy status reconfirmed on d 46 after AI (d 35 to 52) by transrectal palpation, and those that lost the pregnancies were resynchronized. Cows assigned to LR had pregnancy diagnosed by transrectal palpation on d 46 after AI (d 35 to 52) and nonpregnant cows were resynchronized with the Ovsynch protocol. Blood was sampled on d 28 after AI (d 27 to 34) from cows in both treatments that had not been reinseminated on estrus and again on d 46 after AI (d 35 to 52) for assessment of PAG ELISA to determine the accuracy of the test. Cows were subjected to treatments for 72d after the first insemination. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at first postpartum timed AI did not differ between treatments and averaged 28.9%. The proportion of nonpregnant cows that were resynchronized and received timed AI was greater for ER than for LR (30.0 vs. 7.6%). Cows in ER had a shorter interval between inseminations when inseminated following spontaneous estrus (21.7±1.1 vs. 27.8±0.8d) or after timed AI (35.3±1.2 vs. 55.2±1.4d). Nevertheless, the ER did not affect the rate of pregnancy (adjusted hazard ratio=1.23; 95% confidence interval=0.94 to 1.61) or the median days postpartum to pregnancy (ER=132 vs. LR=140). A total of 2,129 PAG ELISA were evaluated. Overall, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values averaged 95.1, 89.0, 90.1, and 94.5%, respectively, and the accuracy was 92.1%. In conclusion, PAG ELISA for early diagnosis of pregnancy had acceptable accuracy, but early resynchronization after nonpregnancy diagnosis with PAG ELISA did not improve the rate of pregnancy or reduce days open in dairy cows continuously observed for estrus.

Reproductive performance of dairy cows resynchronized after pregnancy diagnosis at 31 (±3 days) after artificial insemination (AI) compared with resynchronization at 31 (±3 days) after AI with pregnancy diagnosis at 38 (±3 days) after AI

An important part of reproductive management programs on dairy farms is identification of nonpregnant cows and early re-insemination to achieve higher pregnancy rates. The objective of this study was to compare the effect on reproductive performance and pregnancy loss of 2 pregnancy diagnosis protocols: (1) pregnancy diagnosis performed 31±3 d after artificial insemination (AI) by ultrasonography (ULTRA), and (2) resynchronization started 31±3 d after AI but with pregnancy diagnosis performed 38±3 d after AI by palpation per rectum (PALP). Cows were randomly allocated into 1 of the 2 management programs. For cows enrolled in ULTRA, the initial pregnancy diagnosis (P1) was performed by transrectal ultrasonography at 31±3 d after AI, and nonpregnant cows were enrolled in the Ovsynch protocol for resynchronization of ovulation to receive timed AI (TAI). For cows enrolled in PALP, the Ovsynch protocol for resynchronization of ovulation to receive TAI was initiated at 31±3 d after AI regardless of pregnancy status, with the initial pregnancy diagnosis (P1) performed by palpation per rectum at 38±3 d after AI. For both groups, reconfirmation of pregnancy was performed by palpation per rectum at 63±3 d after AI (P2). Cows were inseminated after detection of estrus by use of activity monitors at any time during the study. Two levels of activity were used as a reference for cows AI after detection of estrus based on activity: an activity level of ≥2 when a cow was coded in DairyComp 305 (Valley Agricultural Software, Tulare, CA) as open (nonpregnant) and an activity level of ≥3 when the pregnancy status of the cow was unknown. Our findings showed that the odds of pregnancy loss cows in ULTRA was 2 times higher between P1 and P2 compared with that of cows in PALP. Furthermore, pregnancy diagnosis method (ULTRA vs. PALP) did not have a significant effect on the Cox proportional hazard of pregnancy at P2. The occurrence of assisted parturition, metritis, or retained placenta was associated with a reduced hazard of pregnancy at P2. An economic analysis was performed by simulating a 1,000-cow commercial dairy herd using a decision support tool to estimate the net present value (NPV; $/cow per yr) from using the 2 different pregnancy diagnosis methods. The analysis revealed minor differences in NPV between the programs, depending on the cost to perform ULTRA or PALP. In summary, we observed no difference in the reproductive performance and only a minor and fluctuating economic difference when using either PALP or ULTRA for pregnancy diagnosis of dairy cows.

Resynchronization with unknown pregnancy status using progestin-based timed artificial insemination protocol in beef cattle

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the use of resynchronization (RESYNCH) protocols using a progestin-based timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol in beef cattle. In experiment 1, 475 cyclic Nelore heifers were resynchronized 22 days after the first TAI using two different inducers of new follicular wave emergence (estradiol benzoate [EB; n = 241] or GnRH [n = 234]) with the insertion of a norgestomet ear implant. At ear implant removal (7 days later), a pregnancy test was performed, and nonpregnant heifers received a dose of prostaglandin plus 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate, with a timed insemination 48 hours later. The pregnancy rate after the first TAI was similar (P = 0.97) between treatments (EB [41.9%] vs. GnRH [41.5%]). However, EB-treated heifers (49.3%) had a greater (P = 0.04) pregnancy per AI (P/AI) after the resynchronization than the GnRH-treated heifers (37.2%). In experiment 2, the pregnancy loss in 664 zebu females (344 nonlactating cows and 320 cyclic heifers) between 30 and 60 days after resynchronization was evaluated. Females were randomly assigned to one of two groups (RESYNCH 22 days after the first TAI [n = 317] or submitted only to natural mating [NM; n = 347]). Females from the NM group were maintained with bulls from 15 to 30 days after the first TAI. The RESYNC-treated females were resynchronized 22 days after the first TAI using 1 mg of EB on the first day of the resynchronization, similar to experiment 1. No difference was found in P/AI (NM [57.1%] vs. RESYNC [61.5%]; P = 0.32) or pregnancy loss (NM [2.0%] vs. RESYNC [4.1%]; P = 0.21) after the first TAI. Moreover, the overall P/AI after the RESYNCH protocol was 47.5%. Thus, the administration of 1 mg of EB on day 22 after the first TAI, when the pregnancy status was undetermined, promotes a higher P/AI in the resynchronized TAI than the use of GnRH. Also, the administration of 1 mg of EB 22 days after the TAI did not affect the preestablished pregnancy.

Resynchronization strategies to improve fertility in lactating dairy cows utilizing a presynchronization injection of GnRH or supplemental progesterone: I. Pregnancy rates and ovarian responses

Objectives were to evaluate 3 resynchronization protocols for lactating dairy cows. At 32+/-3 d after pre-enrollment artificial insemination (AI; study d -7), 1 wk before pregnancy diagnosis, cows from 2 farms were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 resynchronization protocols after balancing for parity, days in milk, and number of previous AI. All cows were examined for pregnancy at 39+/-3 d after pre-enrollment AI (study d 0). Cows enrolled as controls (n=386) diagnosed not pregnant were submitted to a resynchronization protocol (d 0-GnRH, d 7-PGF2alpha, and d 10-GnRH and AI) on the same day. Cows enrolled in the GGPG (GnRH-GnRH-PGF2alpha-GnRH) treatment (n=357) received a GnRH injection at enrollment (d -7) and if diagnosed not pregnant were submitted to the resynchronization protocol for control cows on d 0. Cows enrolled in CIDR treatment (n=316) diagnosed not pregnant received the resynchronization protocol described for control cows with addition of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insert containing progesterone (P4) from d 0 to 7. In a subgroup of cows, ovaries were scanned and blood was sampled for P4 concentration on d 0 and 7. After resynchronized AI, cows were diagnosed for pregnancy at 39+/-3 and 67+/-3 d (California herds) or 120+/-3 d (Arizona herds). Cows in the GGPG treatment had more corpora lutea than CIDR and control cows on d 0 (1.30+/-0.11, 1.05+/-0.11, and 1.05+/-0.11, respectively) and d 7 (1.41+/-0.14, 0.97+/-0.13, and 1.03+/-0.14, respectively). A greater percentage of GGPG cows ovulated to GnRH given on d 0 compared with CIDR and control cows (48.4, 29.6, and 36.6%, respectively), but CIDR and control did not differ. At 39+/-3 d after resynchronized AI, pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was increased in GGPG (33.6%) and CIDR (31.3%) cows compared with control (24.6%) cows. At 67 or 120+/-3 d after resynchronized AI, P/AI of GGPG and CIDR cows was increased compared with control cows (31.2, 29.5, and 22.1%, respectively). Presynchronizing the estrous cycle of lactating dairy cows with a GnRH 7 d before the start of the resynchronization protocol or use of a CIDR insert within the resynchronization protocol resulted in greater P/AI after resynchronized AI compared with control cows.

Effects of resynchronization programs on pregnancy per artificial insemination, progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in plasma of lactating dairy cows

Objectives were to develop a timed artificial insemination (TAI) resynchronization program to improve pregnancy per AI and to evaluate responses of circulating progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in lactating cows. Cows (n=1,578) were presynchronized with 2 injections of PGF2alpha, given 14 d apart starting on d 45+/-3 postpartum, followed by Ovsynch [2 injections of GnRH 7 d before and 56 h after injection of PGF2alpha, TAI 16 h after second injection (d 0)]. The Resynch-treated cows received an intravaginal progesterone insert from d 18 to 25, GnRH on d 25, and pregnancy diagnosis on d 32, and nonpregnant cows received PGF2alpha., GnRH 56 h later, and TAI 16 h later (d 35). The control cows were diagnosed for pregnancy on d 32 and nonpregnant cows received GnRH, PGF2alpha 39 d after TAI, GnRH 56 h later, and TAI 16 h later (d 42). Pregnancy was reconfirmed on d 60 after AI. Ovarian structures were examined in a subset of cows at the time of GnRH and PGF2alpha injections. Blood samples for analyses of progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins were collected every 2 d from d 18 to 30 in 100 cows, and collection continued weekly to d 60 for pregnant cows (n=43). Preenrollment pregnancies per AI on d 32 did not differ for cows subsequently treated as Resynch (45.8%, n=814) and control (45.9%, n=764), and pregnancy losses on d 60 were 6.7 and 4.0%, respectively. Resynchronized service pregnancy per AI (36%, n=441; 39.5%, n=412) and pregnancy losses (6.3 and 6.7%) did not differ for Resynch and control treatments, respectively. Days open for pregnant cows after 2 TAI were less for the Resynch treatment than for the control treatment (96.2+/-0.82 vs. 99.5+/-0.83 d). Cows in the Resynch treatment had more large follicles at the time of GnRH. The number of corpora lutea did not differ between treatments at the time of PGF2alpha. Plasma progesterone for pregnant cows was greater for Resynch cows than for control cows (18-60 d; 6.6 vs. 5.3 ng/mL), and plasma concentrations of progesterone on d 18 were greater for pregnant cows than for nonpregnant cows (5.3 vs. 4.3 ng/mL). Plasma pregnancy-associated glycoproteins during pregnancy were lower for cows in the Resynch treatment compared with control cows on d 39 (2.8 vs. 4.1 ng/mL) and 46 (1.3 vs. 3.0 ng/mL). Cows pregnant on d 32 that lost pregnancy by d 60 (n=7) had lower plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins on d 30 than cows that maintained pregnancy (n=36; 2.9 vs. 5.0 ng/mL). Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins on d 30 (>0.33 ng/mL) were predictive of a positive d 32 pregnancy diagnosis (sensitivity=100%; specificity=90.6%). In conclusion, Resynch and control protocols had comparable pregnancy per AI for first and second TAI services, but pregnancy occurred 3.2 d earlier in the Resynch group because inseminations in the Resynch treatment began 7 d before those in the control treatment. Administration of an intravaginal progesterone insert, or GnRH, or both increased progesterone during pregnancy. Dynamics of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins were indicative of pregnancy status and pregnancy loss.

Incorporation of a rapid pregnancy-associated glycoprotein ELISA into a CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization program for a 28 day re-insemination interval

The objective was to compare two resynchronization programs; one that used a blood-based ELISA for pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) for pregnancy diagnosis so that non-pregnant cows were re-inseminated at 28 d after first TAI, and another that used transrectal ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis so that non-pregnant cows were re-inseminated at 35 d after first TAI. The PAG_resynch cows (n = 103) began CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization on Day 18 after first TAI (Day 0). On Day 25, the CIDR was removed and pregnancy diagnosis with a PAG ELISA was performed. If a cow was not pregnant on Day 25, she was treated with PGF(2α), treated with GnRH 2 d later (Day 27), and TAI on Day 28. Control cows (n = 99) were observed for estrus until Day 25, when they began an identical CIDR-Ovsynch program with pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography on Day 32. If a cow was not pregnant on Day 32, then she was treated with PGF(2α), treated with GnRH 2 d later (Day 34), and TAI on Day 35. There was no difference in pregnancy per AI (P/AI) for either group at first or second insemination. For cows without pregnancy loss, the interval between first and second (P < 0.001) or second and third (P < 0.016) TAI was shorter for PAG_resynch cows compared with Control cows. The interval between first and second or second and third TAI was not different if pregnancy loss cows were included in the analysis. Plasma progesterone concentrations were similar at PGF(2α) treatment, and plasma estradiol concentrations increased similarly after PGF(2α) treatment for PAG_resynch and Control cows. In conclusion, the 28 d CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization protocol was comparable to a 35 d CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization protocol that also included estrus detection. Shortened resynchronization protocols that do not require estrus detection may improve reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle.

Comparison of pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle by use of a commercial ELISA and palpation per rectum

OBJECTIVE

To compare agreement between 2 pregnancy tests in dairy cattle.

DESIGN

Evaluation study.

ANIMALS

976 and 507 cattle for phases 1 and 2, respectively.

PROCEDURES

Blood samples were collected, and palpation per rectum (PPR) was performed on cattle. Blood samples for the pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) ELISA were sent by courier to a commercial laboratory with results returned later. Results of PPR were extracted from herd records. Statistical comparison of results was performed by use of a mixed linear model and N analysis.

RESULTS

Of 571 cattle classified as pregnant by the PSPB ELISA in phase 1, 30 (5%) were nonpregnant by PPR. Mean +/- SE adjusted optical density (OD) of cattle classified pregnant by both tests was significantly higher (0.31 +/- 0.01), compared with the adjusted OD of cattle classified pregnant by the PSPB ELISA and nonpregnant by PPR (0.22 +/- 0.02). Of 255 cows classified pregnant by the PSPB ELISA in phase 2, 31 (12%) were nonpregnant by PPR. Mean +/- SE adjusted OD of cattle classified pregnant by both tests was significantly higher (0.26 +/- 0.01), compared with the adjusted OD of cattle classified pregnant by the PSPB ELISA and nonpregnant by PPR (0.21 +/- 0.01). The N value was 0.82 and 0.81 for phases 1 and 2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Good agreement existed between the 2 tests, especially at longer intervals after insemination. Discrepant results appeared to be attributable to a nonviable fetus, embryonic loss, or fetal loss.

Synchronization and resynchronization of inseminations in lactating dairy cows with the CIDR insert and the Ovsynch protocol

Pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI) was evaluated in dairy cows (Bos taurus) subjected to synchronization and resynchronization for timed AI (TAI). Cows (n=718) received prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF) on Days -38 and -24 (Days 39 and 53 postpartum), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on Day -10, PGF on Day -3, and GnRH and TAI on Day 0. Between Days -10 and -3, cows received a progesterone intravaginal insert (CIDR group) or no CIDR (Control group). Between Days 14 and 23, cows received a CIDR (Resynch CIDR group) or no CIDR (Resynch control group), GnRH on Day 23, with pregnancy diagnosis on Day 30. Cows in estrus (between Days 0 and 30) were re-inseminated at detected estrus (RIDE). Nonpregnant cows received PGF on Day 30 and GnRH and TAI on Day 33. Plasma progesterone was determined to be low or high on Days -24 and -10. Pregnancy rates were evaluated 30 and 55 d after AI. The CIDR insert included in the Presynch-Ovsynch protocol did not increase overall pregnancy per AI for first service (36.1% and 33.6% for CIDR; 34.1% and 28.8% for Control) but did decrease pregnancy loss (7.0% for CIDR and 15.6% for Control). The CIDR insert increased pregnancy per AI in cows with high progesterone at the time the CIDR insert was applied. Administration of a CIDR insert between Days 14 and 23 of the estrous cycle after first service did not increase overall pregnancy per AI to second service (24.7% and 22.7% for Resynch CIDR; 28.6% and 25.3% for Resynch control). For second service, RIDE cows had lower pregnancy rates in the Resynch CIDR group than in the Resynch control group. Cows with a CL (corpus luteum) at Day 30 had higher pregnancy rates in the Resynch CIDR group than those in the Resynch control group.

Effect of synchronisation of ovulation on ovarian profile and days open in holstein cows diagnosed as nonpregnant 26 days after timed artificial insemination

The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of a second protocol of ovulation synchronisation starting on day 26 after timed artificial insemination on ovarian profile and days open in dairy cows diagnosed as nonpregnant. Ninety-four Holstein-Friesian cows received intramuscular injections of a GnRH analogue (GnRH), 100 microg fertirelin, on day 0 and a prostaglandin F(2alpha) analogue (PG), 5 mg etyprostontromethamine, on day 7. GnRH was again administered 48 h after the PG injection, and timed artificial insemination was performed 16 to 20 h later (Ovsynch/TAI). Twenty-six of the 94 cows returned to oestrus within 26 days after TAI and were inseminated. Of the other 68 cows, 44 were not pregnant and were randomly allocated to undergo another Ovsynch/TAI protocol (Resynch group; n=23) or AI only after detection of oestrus (Control group; n=21). The ovarian and hormonal profiles were compared between the first and second Ovsynch protocol periods in the Resynch group. The diameter of the dominant follicle and plasma oestradiol-17 beta concentration at the second GnRH injection were significantly greater than those at PG injection during the second Ovsynch period. Ovulation was synchronised in all of the animals in the second Ovsynch period. The AI submission rates, mean AI intervals and pregnancy rates of the Resynch and Control groups were 100% and 57.1%, 36.0 +/- 0.0 and 43.2 +/- 10.9 and 30.4% and 14.3%, respectively. The mean AI interval was 7 days shorter and the pregnancy rate was higher in the Resynch group than in the Control group, although no significant differences were found due to the small number of the animals. In conclusion, the Resynch protocol initiated on day 26 after TAI in the first protocol has the potential to reduce days open and increase the pregnancy rate in dairy cows.

Evaluation of Methods of Resynchronization for Insemination in Cows of Unknown Pregnancy Status

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of 3 methods of resynchronization of estrus and ovulation for lactating dairy cows of unknown pregnancy status on conception rate and time to pregnancy. Holstein cows (n = 495) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) control (n = 167), resynchronization with a timed AI protocol upon diagnosis of nonpregnancy on d 31 after preenrollment AI (PAI); 2) CIDR-G (n = 159), use of an intravaginal progesterone insert from d 14 to 21 after AI, with AI at estrus from d 21 to 24 and initiation of a timed AI protocol on d 24 after AI in cows not reinseminated; 3) CIDR-G + ECP (n = 169), the same treatment as CIDR-G but with an injection of 1 mg of estradiol cypionate at the time of progesterone insert removal. Cows were continuously reenrolled in the same treatment until diagnosed as pregnant, which resulted in a total of 1,148 AI (495 PAI and 653 resynchronized AI; RAI). Blood was collected from 1,001 cows on d 14, 21, and 24 after each AI for analysis of progesterone, and ovaries were scanned on d 21, 24, and 31 after AI. The presence of an active corpus luteum was presumed based on progesterone > or = 1 ng/mL. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on d 31 and 61 after AI. The presence of an active corpus luteum and the incidence of luteolysis were similar for all treatments from d 14 to 24; however, luteolysis increased in the CIDR-G + ECP treatment from d 21 to 24. Conception rates for the PAI and all AI were similar on d 31 and 61 after insemination. Conception rates at 31 and 61 d after the RAI were also similar among treatments. Overall pregnancy loss for the PAI, RAI, and all AI were similar for all treatments. The accuracy of estrous detection, based on progesterone concentration within 2 d of detection of estrus, was similar for all treatments for the RAI and averaged 95.3%. The estrus-detection rate (EDR) decreased for the CIDR-G and CIDR-G + ECP treatments from d 14 to 21, but increased from d 21 to 24 compared with control cows; however, the EDR was smaller for cows in the CIDR-G treatment during the entire resynchronization period compared with those in the CIDR-G + ECP and control groups. The reinsemination interval was reduced in cows receiving the CIDR-G + ECP treatment compared with control cows because of increased EDR after removal of the intravaginal insert; however, the interval from study enrollment to pregnancy was not different among treatments. These results indicate that the reproductive performance of dairy cows did not differ among the 3 resynchronization treatments evaluated.

Timed artificial insemination of two consecutive services in dairy cows using prostaglandin F2alpha and gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols use PGF(2alpha) and GnRH injections to synchronize ovulation. The objective was to evaluate the PGPG protocol (d 0, PGF(2alpha); d 3, GnRH; d 11, PGF(2alpha); d 13, GnRH and TAI) for first TAI and also examine methods for second TAI in nonpregnant cows. A factorial test of the first PGF(2alpha) and first GnRH injections within the PGPG protocol was performed (the last PGF(2alpha) and GnRH injections were deemed essential to the TAI). Lactating dairy cows (n = 804) in a commercial herd were assigned to 1 of 5 first-TAI treatments, which were PGPG, GPG (d 0, no treatment; d 3, GnRH; d 11, PGF(2alpha); d 13, GnRH and TAI), PPG (d 0, PGF(2alpha); d 3, no treatment; d 11, PGF(2alpha); d 13, GnRH and TAI), and PG (d 0, no treatment; d 3, no treatment; d 11, PGF(2alpha); d 13, GnRH and TAI); the Ovsynch protocol (GnRH, 7 d, PGF(2alpha), 2 d, GnRH and TAI) was the positive control. For resynchronization, cows received either GnRH or the control (no injection) on d 22 after TAI. Nonpregnant cows on d 28 were then treated with PGF(2alpha) on d 29, GnRH on d 31, and TAI [i.e., resynchronization treatments of ReGPG (received GnRH on d 22) and RePG (did not receive GnRH on d 22)]. Pregnancy rates for PGPG, GPG, PPG, PG, and Ovsynch were similar at d 28 after first TAI. Analyses of multiple explanatory factors by logistic regression detected an effect of uterine or ovarian abnormality on the d-28 pregnancy rate (normal more likely to be pregnant). Day-42 pregnancy rates were affected by uterine or ovarian abnormality (normal more likely to be pregnant), postpartum disease occurrence (healthy cows more likely to be pregnant), milk production, and days in milk. Treatment was not significant for the d-42 pregnancy rate. Effects of postpartum disease, milk production, and days in milk on the d-42 pregnancy rate were apparently manifested through their effects on embryonic loss between d 28 and 42 of pregnancy. High-producing cows that received TAI early postpartum were most likely to experience embryonic loss. Day-42 pregnancy rates after the resynchronization treatment were affected by an interaction of the first synchronization treatment with the resynchronization treatment. We concluded that although PGPG can be used for TAI, a simpler TAI protocol that includes the last 2 injections (PGF(2alpha), 2 d; GnRH and TAI) would be equally effective.

The effect of a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) on pregnancy risk to fixed-time insemination following diagnosis of non-pregnancy in dairy cows

The objective was to compare the probability of pregnancy after fixed-time insemination in cows diagnosed as non-pregnant and re-inseminated following the Ovsynch protocol, with or without exogenous progesterone. Cows (n=415) used in this study originated from 25 farms. Upon diagnosis of non-pregnancy between 30 and 60 days after AI, cows were randomly assigned to receive either a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID; n=208) or a placebo intravaginal device (PID; n=207). All cows received GnRH at enrollment (Day 0), PGF(2alpha) concurrent with intravaginal device removal 7 days later, GnRH on Day 9 and fixed-time insemination 16h later (Day 10). Cows observed in estrus prior to Day 7, had the device removed and were inseminated. Ovaries were examined by transrectal palpation at the time of enrollment and the prominent structures were assessed and recorded. Body condition score, lameness status, interval from previous insemination, and times bred at enrollment were recorded. At intravaginal device removal, the occurrence and intensity of vaginitis was determined according to the amount of debris on the device. Overall, the intravaginal device retention rate was 91%. A total of 5.2% of PID-treated cows and 2.9% of PRID-treated cows were detected in estrus within the 7 days treatment period. Pregnancy status was diagnosed between 30 and 56 days after insemination and all cows were followed for a minimum of 150 days after enrollment. Approximately 28% of cows had evidence of mild vaginitis in response to the intravaginal device, whereas 6% of cows had copious debris associated with the intravaginal device at removal. The probability of pregnancy after fixed-time insemination was 43.8% versus 34.9% in PRID-treated versus PID-treated animals. Exogenous progesterone provided through an intravaginal device to non-pregnant cows that had not displayed estrus improved the probability of pregnancy after fixed-time AI.

Influence of sire and sire breed (Gyr versus Holstein) on establishment of pregnancy and embryonic loss in lactating Holstein cows during summer heat stress

Heat stress has negative effects on pregnancy rates of lactating dairy cattle. There are genetic differences in tolerance to heat stress; Bos taurus indicus (B. t. indicus) cattle and embryos are more thermotolerant than Bos taurus taurus (B. t. taurus). In the present study, the effects of sire and sire breed on conception and embryonic/fetal loss rates of lactating Holstein cows during the Brazilian summer were determined. In Experiment 1, cows (n=302) were AI after estrus detection or at a fixed-time with semen from one Gyr (B. t. indicus) or one Holstein sire (B. t. taurus). Pregnancy was diagnosed 80 days after AI. In Experiment 2, cows (n=811) were AI with semen from three Gyr and two Holstein sires. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 30-40 and at 60-80 days after AI. Cows diagnosed pregnant at the first examination but non-pregnant at the second were considered as having lost their embryo or fetus. Data were analyzed by logistic regression. The model considered the effect of sire within breed, sire breed, days postpartum, period of lactation, and AI type (AI after estrus versus fixed-time). There was no effect of the AI type, days postpartum or milk production on conception or embryonic loss rates. The use of Gyr bulls increased pregnancy rate when compared to Holstein bulls [9.1% (60/657) versus 5.0% (23/456), respectively, P=0.008; data from Experiments 1 and 2 combined]. Additionally, in Experiment 2, cows inseminated using semen from sire #4 (Gyr) had lower embryonic loss (10%) when compared with other B. t. indicus (35.3% and 40%) or B. t. taurus sires (18.2% and 38.5%, P=0.03). In conclusion, the use of B. t. indicus sires may result in higher conception rates in lactating Holstein cows during summer heat stress. Moreover, sire can affect embryonic loss and selection of bulls according to this criterion may result in higher parturition rates in lactating Holstein cows.

Effect of Interval from Timed Artificial Insemination to Initiation of Resynchronization of Ovulation on Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows

To compare 2 strategies for systematically resynchronizing ovulation, lactating Holstein cows (n = 763) at various days in milk and prior artificial insemination services were assigned randomly at timed AI (TAI) to receive the first GnRH injection of Ovsynch 26 (D26) or 33 (D33) d after TAI to resynchronize ovulation (Resynch) in cows failing to conceive. Cows in the D26 treatment received GnRH 26 d after TAI and continued Resynch only when diagnosed not pregnant by using ultrasonography 33 d after TAI, whereas D33 cows initiated Resynch only when diagnosed not pregnant 33 d after TAI. Cows were classified based on the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) at the not-pregnant diagnosis, and cows without a CL received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert during Resynch. When analyzed as a systematic strategy, pregnancy rate per AI (PR/AI) was greater for cows assigned to the D33 than the D26 Resynch treatment (39.4 vs. 28.6%). A treatment x parity interaction was detected for PR/AI after Resynch for nonpregnant cows having a CL in which primiparous cows had a greater PR/AI than multiparous cows when Resynch was initiated 33 d after the initial TAI, and primiparous and multiparous cows when Resynch was initiated 26 d after the initial TAI. Pregnancy loss for Resynch was 6.4% between 33 and 40 d, and 2.6% between 40 and 61 d after Resynch TAI. We concluded that delaying initiation of Resynch until 33 d after TAI increased PR/AI for primiparous cows.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its natural analogues: a review

The pivotal role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during the hormonal regulation of reproductive processes is indisputable. Likewise, many factors are known to affect reproductive function by influencing either GnRH release from hypothalamus or pituitary gland responsiveness to GnRH. In veterinary medicine, GnRH and its agonists (GnRHa) are widely used to overcome reduced fertility by ovarian dysfunction, to induce ovulation, and to improve conception rate. GnRHa are, moreover, integrative part of other pro-fertility treatments, e.g. for synchronization of the estrous cycle or stimulation for embryo transfer. Additionally, continuous GnRH which shows desensitizing effects of the pituitary-ovarian axis has been recommended for implementation in anti-fertility treatments like inhibition of ovulation or reversible blockade of the estrous cycle. Just as much, another group of GnRH analogues, antagonists, are now in principle disposable for use. For a few decades, GnRH was thought to be a unique structure with a primary role in regulation gonadotropins. However, it became apparent that other homologous ligands of the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) exist. In the meantime, more than 20 natural variants of the mammalian GnRH have been identified in different species which may compete for binding and/or have their own receptors. These GnRH forms (GnRHs) have apparently common and divergent functions. More studies on GnRHs should contribute to a better understanding of reproductive processes in mammals and interactions between reproduction and other physiological functions. Increased information on GnRHs might raise expectations in the application of these peptides in veterinary practice. It is the aim of this review to discuss latest results from evolutionarily based studies as well as first experimental tests and to answer the question how realistic might be the efforts to develop effective and animal friendly practical applications for endogenous GnRHs and synthetic analogues.

Strategies for improving fertility in the modern dairy cow

The high producing dairy cow of the 21st century is subfertile during lactation. Our objectives are to characterize physiological periods limiting reproductive performance and to describe integrated management strategies to improve pregnancy rates. Ovarian recrudescence with normal re-occurring estrous cycles and restoration of fertility to first service are associated with a reduced occurrence of periparturient metabolic and reproductive disorders. Marked negative changes in energy balance and reduced immunocompetence influence gonadotropic and metabolic hormones. Induced ovarian inactivity was associated with enhanced uterine involution. Post-partum health and reproductive performance were improved when by-pass lipids enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids were fed in the pre- and post-partum periods. Pharmaceutical control of follicle, CL, and uterine function with PGF, GnRH and intravaginal progesterone releasing inserts, has permitted development of more optimal timed-insemination programs for first service. Likewise, resynchronization of nonpregnant cows coupled with the use of ultrasound for early pregnancy diagnosis provides the opportunity for a second timed-insemination within 3 days of a nonpregnant diagnosis. Bovine somatotropin (bST) increases embryo development and embryo survival when coupled with a timed-insemination program or cows detected in estrus. Presence of a conceptus alters endometrial expression of genes and proteins in response to bST and nutraceuticals (i.e., unsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid in by-pass lipids) to improve pregnancy rates. Postovulatory increases in progesterone may enhance pregnancy rates in targeted populations of lactating dairy cows, but timing and magnitude of the progesterone increases are pharmaceutically dependent.

Comparison of artificial insemination versus embryo transfer in lactating dairy cows

Conception rates (CR) are low in dairy cows and previous research suggests that this could be due to impaired early embryonic development. Therefore, we hypothesized that CR could be improved by embryo transfer (ET) compared with AI. During 365 days, 550 potential breedings were used from 243 lactating Holstein cows (average milk production, 35 kg/day). Cows had their ovulation synchronized (GnRH-7d-PGF(2alpha)-3d-GnRH) and they were randomly assigned for AI immediately after the second GnRH injection (Day 0) or for transfer of one embryo 7 days later. Circulating progesterone concentrations and follicular and luteal size were determined on Days 0 and 7. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on Days 25 or 32 and pregnant cows were reevaluated on Days 60-66. Single-ovulating cows with synchronized ovarian status had similar CR on Days 25-32 with ET (n = 176; 40.3%) and AI (n = 160; 35.6%). Pregnancy loss between Days 25-32 and 60-66 also did not differ (P = 0.38) between ET (26.2%) and AI (18.6%). When single (n = 334) and multiple (n = 57) ovulators were compared, independent of treatment, multiple ovulators had greater (P < 0.001) circulating progesterone concentrations on Day 7 (2.7 ng/ml versus 1.9 ng/ml) and there was a tendency (P = 0.10) for a greater CR in multiple ovulators (50.9% versus 38.1%). However, there was no difference in CR between AI and ET cows with multiple ovulations (50.0% versus 51.7%). In single-ovulating cows, CR tended to be lower for AI than ET in cows ovulating smaller follicles (diameter < or = 15 mm; 23.7% versus 42.3%; P = 0.06) but not average-diameter follicles (16-19 mm; 41.2% versus 37.3%; P = 0.81) or larger (> or =20 mm; 34.3 versus 51.0%; P = 0.36) follicles. Thus, although ET did not improve overall CR in lactating cows, follicle diameter and number of ovulating follicles may determine success with these procedures.

Resynchronization of ovulation and timed insemination in lactating dairy cows

The objective was to compare pregnancy rates to resynchronization and timed AI (TAI) protocols in lactating dairy cows that received GnRH at 23 d and were diagnosed not pregnant at 30 d after the pre-enrollment AI. Nonpregnant cows (624) at ultrasonography on day 30 (study day 0) were classified as diestrus (74.8%), metestrus (5.6%) and without a CL (19.5%). Cows in diestrus were assigned either to the GnRH group (PGF2alpha on day 0, GnRH on day 2 and TAI 16 h later, n = 238) or the estradiol cypionate (ECP) group (PGF2alpha on day 0, ECP on day 1, and TAI 36 h later, n = 229). Cows in metestrus were assigned to the Modified Heatsynch Group (GnRH on day 0, PGF(2alpha) on day 7, ECP on day 8 and TAI on day 9, n = 35). Cows without a CL (n = 122) were classified either as proestrus (10.6%), ovarian cysts (7.5%) or anestrus (1.4%), and assigned to factorial treatments (i.e., use of GnRH versus CIDR) to either the GnRH group (GnRH on day 0, PGF2alpha on day 7, GnRH on day 9 and TAI 16 h later, n = 28), the CIDR group (CIDR insert from days 0 to 7, PGF2alpha on day 7, GnRH on day 9 and TAI 16 h later, n = 34), the GnRH + CIDR group (GnRH on day 0, CIDR insert from days 0 to 7, PGF2alpha on day 7, GnRH on day 9 and TAI 16h later, n = 32), and the control group (PGF2alpha on day 7, GnRH on day 9 and TAI 16 h later, n = 28). For cows without a CL, plasma P4 concentrations were determined on days 0, 7, 10 and 17 and ovarian structures determined on days 0, 7 and 17. Pregnancy rates were evaluated at 30, 55 and 90 d after the resynchronized AI. For cows in diestrus, there were no differences in pregnancy rates on days 30, 55 and 90 for cows in the GnRH (27.5, 26.5 and 24.2%) or ECP (29.1, 25.5 and 24.1%) groups. In addition, there were no differences in pregnancy losses between days 30 and 55 and 55 and 90 between the GnRH (7.0 and 8.6%) and ECP (9.8 and 5.4%) groups. For cows without a CL, GnRH on day 0 increased the proportion of cows with a CL on days 7 and 17 and plasma P4 concentration on day 17 in cows with ovarian cysts but not for cows in proestrus. The CIDR insert increased pregnancy rate in cows with ovarian cysts but reduced pregnancy rate for cows in proestrus.