Fertility regulation in cattle

Comparison of two intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices in shortened-timed artificial insemination protocols in beef cattle

Commercially available intravaginal progesterone (P4) devices differ in shape, surface area and P4 load, which may affect the resulting pregnancy per AI (P/AI) following timed-AI (TAI). The objective of this study was to compare two intravaginal P4 devices on estrus rate, follicular dynamics and P/AI in beef cattle subjected to shortened-TAI protocols. In Expt. 1, nulliparous heifers were randomly assigned to a P4-releasing intravaginal device (PRID-Delta, 1.55 g P4) or a controlled internal drug release (CIDR, 1.38 g P4) at the initiation of a J-synch protocol. Heifers that displayed estrus 72 h following device removal were TAI, or if not in estrus given GnRH at 72 h and TAI at 90 h. In Expt. 2, nulliparous heifers and non-suckling cows were randomly assigned to either PRID or CIDR groups and either 1 or 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) at initiation of a J-synch protocol. All cattle were TAI concurrent with GnRH 72 h after device removal. In Expt. 3, nulliparous heifers and suckling cows were randomly assigned to either PRID or CIDR groups and initiated a 5-d Cosynch protocol, with TAI concurrent with GnRH 72 h following device removal. In each experiment, cattle received estrus detection patches at device removal, which were then scored from 0 to 3 based on color change between initial application and TAI; 0 = unchanged, 1 = ≤50% change, 2 = >50% change, 3 = missing. Estrus was defined to have occurred when the patch was scored 2 or 3. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to determine cyclicity, diagnose pregnancy in all experiments, and the size of the ovulatory follicle in Expt. 3. In Expt. 1, the estrus rate was greater (72.0% vs. 61.0%; P = 0.04) in the PRID compared to the CIDR group. In Expt. 2, a parity by EB dose interaction (P = 0.02) was attributed to an increased estrus rate (52.8% vs. 41.4%; P = 0.05) in heifers given 1 vs. 2 mg EB. In Expt. 3, there was no difference in the ovulatory follicle diameter at device removal (P = 0.22) or TAI (P = 0.28) between P4 groups. Treatment with a PRID tended (P = 0.10) to increase the P/AI in cows compared to a CIDR (73.5% vs. 61.0%). In all experiments combined, the overall P/AI tended to increase (55.2% vs. 51.0%; P = 0.08) and P/AI in cattle exhibiting estrus increased (64.4% vs. 59.7%; P = 0.02) in cattle given a PRID compared to those given a CIDR, respectively. In summary, the type of intravaginal P4 device affected estrus response and P/AI following TAI in beef cows.

Design and evaluation of a recyclable intravaginal device made of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer for bovine estrus synchronization

In bovine estrus synchronization, intravaginal devices made of silicone are used to administer exogenous progesterone with the aim of maintain plasmatic levels above 2 ng ml^-1 during the treatment. After their use, devices must be discarded. There is an important concern on the environmental impact of the disposal of these used products due mainly to the non-degradability of the silicone and to the residual content of the hormone. Different alternatives are being studied, and the use of ecological materials appears as the more important. The objective of the present contribution was to design and evaluate a recyclable intravaginal prototype using ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). Devices were fabricated by an injection-molding technique and characterized in terms of dimensions, loading efficiency, release rate, and wing tension. An analysis was first conducted to compare three different matrices and two supports. Secondly, the best candidate prototype was assayed in both beef and dairy cattle. Finally, used matrices were recycled measuring the progesterone content in the resulting devices and testing them in vitro. According to release tests, no differences were observed between the three matrices both in vitro and in vivo. On the contrary, a better performance was achieved when a support with a more flexible Y shape was used in comparison with a rigid T geometry. Successful results were observed in non-lactating cows, with plasma concentrations above the threshold value defined for the synchronization therapy. However, lower progesterone levels resulted when devices were tested in animals with large milk production. By last, recycled matrices presented a similar initial content and in vitro release rate than original matrices. These findings could open the possibility to use recyclable EVA devices as an alternative to the non-degradable silicone intravaginal inserts. Future research must be carried out to optimize the performance of the recycled matrices in dairy cattle. Modifications of the release surface and/or the initial loading can give a solution to the lower values observed in these animals. Graphical abstract.

Intravaginal instillation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues with an absorption enhancer induced a surge of luteinizing hormone in lactating dairy cows

Our objectives were to evaluate circulating LH concentrations after intravaginal (IVG) instillation of GnRH analogs in lactating dairy cows. In 2 experiments, lactating Holstein cows (experiment 1: n = 32; experiment 2: n = 47) received the experimental treatments 48 h after the first of 2 PGF_2α treatments given 12 h apart and 7 d after a modified Ovsynch protocol (GnRH at -7 d, PGF_2α at -24 h, PGF_2α at -56 h, GnRH at 0 h). In experiment 1, cows were stratified by parity and randomly allocated to receive the following treatments: 2 mL of saline IVG (SAL, n = 6), 100 µg of gonadorelin (Gon) i.m. (G100-IM, n = 5), and 100 (G100, n = 7), 500 (G500, n = 8), or 1,000 µg of Gon IVG (G1000, n = 7). In experiment 2, treatments were SAL (n = 8), G100-IM (n = 8), G1000 (n = 7), 1,000 µg of Gon plus 10% citric acid (CA) IVG (G1000CA, n = 8), 80 µg of buserelin IVG (B80, n = 8), and 80 µg of buserelin plus 10% CA IVG (B80CA, n = 8). In both experiments, blood was collected every 15 min from -15 min to 4 h, and every 30 min from 4 to 6 h after treatment. Data for area under the curve (AUC), mean LH concentrations, and time to maximum LH concentration were analyzed by ANOVA with (mean LH only) or without repeated measures using PROC MIXED of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The proportion of cows with a surge of LH was evaluated with Fisher's exact test using PROC FREQ of SAS. In both experiments, LH concentrations were affected by treatment, time, and the treatment by time interaction. In experiment 1, the AUC for LH and maximum LH concentration were greatest for the G100-IM treatment and were greater for the G1000 than for the SAL and G500 treatments. The proportion of cows with an observed surge of LH was 100 and 0% for cows that received Gon i.m. and IVG, respectively. In experiment 2, the AUC and maximum LH concentrations were greater for the G100-IM, G1000CA, and B80CA treatments than for the other IVG treatments. The proportion of cows with a surge of LH differed by treatment (SAL = 0%, G100-IM = 100%, G1000 = 14%, G1000CA = 88%, B80 = 13%, and B80CA = 100%). For the treatments with a surge of LH, time to maximum concentration of LH was the shortest for the G100-IM treatment, intermediate for the G1000CA treatment, and the longest for cows in the B80CA treatment. In conclusion, Gon (up to 1,000 µg) absorption through intact vaginal epithelium after a single IVG instillation was insufficient to elicit a surge of LH of normal magnitude. Conversely, IVG instillation of 1,000 µg of Gon and 80 µg of buserelin with the addition of citric acid as absorption enhancer resulted in a surge of LH of similar characteristics than that induced after i.m. injection of 100 µg of Gon.

Electrically switchable polypyrrole film for the tunable release of progesterone

Background: Intrinsically conducting polymers, such as polypyrrole (PPy), have been utilized for drug delivery purposes as drug release rates can be tuned by electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation can be used to switch the redox state of PPy, subsequently changing the electrostatic charge and volume of the polymer. Most literature to date has focused on the delivery of charged bioactives. This study aimed to prepare a PPy film formulation where the release rate of the uncharged drug progesterone could be electrically tuned. Results & discussion: In this study PPy films loaded with progesterone are described. Drug loading levels were influenced by the concentration of drug during manufacture and polymerization time. The polymer formulation was electrically conductive and electroactive, switchable between oxidized and reduced states. Drug release was influenced by the application of electrical stimulation, the greatest release was observed on application of +0.8 V (to oxidize the polymer). Triggered release was observed in response to a period of electrical stimulation (±0.8 V at 0.5 Hz). Conclusion: This study describes the preparation of a PPy film loaded with the uncharged drug progesterone. The release rate could be tuned with electrical stimulation.

LC-MS/MS quantitation of plasma progesterone in cattle

Quantitation of progesterone (P(4)) in biological fluids is often performed by radioimmunoassay (RIA), whereas liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been used much less often. Due to its autoconfirmatory nature, LC-MS/MS greatly minimizes false positives and interference. Herein we report and compare with RIA an optimized LC-MS/MS method for rapid, efficient, and cost-effective quantitation of P(4) in plasma of cattle with no sample derivatization. The quantitation of plasma P(4) released from three nonbiodegradable, commercial, intravaginal P(4)-releasing devices (IPRD) over 192 h in six ovariectomized cows was compared in a pairwise study as a test case. Both techniques showed similar P(4) kinetics (P > 0.05) whereas results of P(4) quantitation by RIA were consistently higher compared with LC-MS/MS (P < 0.05) due to interference and matrix effects. The LC-MS/MS method was validated according to the recommended analytical standards and displayed P(4) limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 0.08 and a 0.25 ng/mL, respectively. The high selective LC-MS/MS method proposed herein for P(4) quantitation eliminates the risks associated with radioactive handling; it also requires no sample derivatization, which is a common requirement for LC-MS/MS quantitation of steroid hormones. Its application to multisteroid assays is also viable, and it is envisaged that it may provide a gold standard technique for hormone quantitation in animal reproductive science studies.

The application of co-melt-extruded poly(ε-caprolactone) as a controlled release drug delivery device when combined with novel bioactive drug candidates: Membrane permeation and Hanson dissolution studies

Eight bioactive drug compounds (abamectin, amoxicillin, dexamethasone, dexamethasone valerate, ketoprofen, melatonin, oestradiol 17β, and oestradiol benzoate) were combined via melt extrusion and disc pressing processes with a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix and were then evaluated and compared via membrane diffusion and Hanson dissolution studies. This investigation was to determine the potential of this matrix to act as a controlled release drug delivery vehicle for a number of drugs not previously combined with PCL in a melt extrusion mix. The inclusion of the progesterone/PCL system, for which the drug release behaviour has been well studied before was intended for comparison with the PCL systems incorporating drugs that have received little research attention in the past. Initial studies centred on an evaluation of the permeation ability of the bioactive drugs dissolved in aqueous cyclodextrin solutions through a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) membrane using Valia-Chien side-by-side cells. Permeation rates were mostly low and found to range from 0 to 122 μg h(-1) with only ketoprofen, melatonin, and progesterone displaying rates exceeding 20 μg h(-1). Hanson dissolution release profiles in aqueous alcohol were subsequently measured for the 9 melt extruded PCL/drug combinations and led to Hanson release rates of 0-556 μg cm(-2) h(-0.5) with dexamethasone, dexamethasone valerate, ketoprofen, melatonin, and progesterone giving values exceeding 100 μg cm(-2) h(-0.5). A number of drugs such as the dexamethasones probably performed better than they did in the permeability rate measurements because of the less polar aqueous alcoholic solvent used. In searching for useful correlations between the drug physicochemical properties and release rate, only a moderate correlation (R (2)=0.5675) between Hanson dissolution release rate and permeation rate was found. This suggests that the release rate and the permeation are both controlled by the rate of drug diffusion through the PCL with release rate involving an additional dissolution process (of the drug) before permeation occurs accounting for the moderate correlation. In general, of the eight drugs considered, it was clear that the oestradiol-based drugs, abamectin, and amoxicillin were generally not suited to drug delivery via PCL under the conditions used. However, ketoprofen was found to be very suitable as a drug candidate for melt extrusion with PCL with dexamethasone valerate, dexamethasone, and melatonin also showing potential as candidates though to a much lesser extent.

High-pressure steam sterilization of previously used CIDR inserts enhances the magnitude of the acute increase in circulating progesterone after insertion in cows

Objectives were to compare serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) in ovariectomized cows receiving (1) new, (2) re-used disinfected (DIS), and (3) re-used autoclaved (AC) controlled internal drug release (CIDR) inserts. Five ovariectomized (OVX) beef cows were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design. Each experimental period was 7 days, with at least 48 h between periods. All re-used CIDR had been inserted previously in beef cows for 7 days. Upon removal, CIDR used for the DIS treatment were washed thoroughly and soaked in a chlorhexidine gluconate solution (0.03%) for 2h, rinsed thoroughly with water and air-dried. For the AC treatment, CIDR were not soaked in disinfectant but were steam sterilized at 121 degrees C and 724 mmHg for 20 min before use. Blood samples were collected at 0, 10, 30, 60, 180, and 480 min relative to time of insertion of CIDR, daily until day 7, and at 30, 60, and 180 min relative to time of removal for radioimmunoassay of P4. Mean serum concentrations (ng/mL) of P4 during the 7-day period of insertion were greater (P<0.03) for new (3.7+/-0.2) and AC (3.4+/-0.3) than for DIS CIDR (2.8+/-0.2). These effects were created primarily by differences occurring during the first 8h after CIDR insertion. Within this interval, mean concentrations (ng/mL) differed (P<0.05) among all groups, but values for AC (6.0+/-0.7) exceeded both new (4.6+/-0.5) and DIS (2.7+/-0.3) markedly. Autoclaving may be the best option when re-using CIDR inserts because it creates greater concentrations of P4 immediately after insertion and reduces maximally the risk of disease transmission.

Concentração sérica de progesterona em bezerras da raça nelore e mestiças tratadas com progesterona em veículo de liberação lenta

Avaliaram-se a eliminação da progesterona em veículo de liberação lenta (P4LA) em animais zebus e mestiços e sua potencial aplicabilidade em programas de sincronização de estro, utilizando-se 60 bezerras, 30 da raça Nelore e 30 mestiças (Gir x Holandês), entre 120 e 150 dias de idade e peso médio de 150kg. Em cada grupo experimental as bezerras foram divididas em três subgrupos (G) de 10 animais, sendo GI = controle (tratado com 5ml de solução fisiológica por via intramuscular); GII = tratado com 450mg P4LA (3ml IM); e GIII = tratado com 750mg P4LA (5ml IM). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas no dia zero, 7 e 13 (D0, D7 e D13) e procedeu-se à análise hormonal por radioimunoensaio de fase sólida. A progesterona de ação prolongada (P4LA), administrada por via intramuscular, manteve-se por 13 dias na corrente sangüínea em concentrações superiores a 1ng/ml. As doses de 450mg e 750mg de P4LA não ocasionaram efeitos adversos sistêmicos clinicamente perceptíveis, e o metabolismo da P4LA foi mais lento nas bezerras Nelore, cuja concentração de progesterona foi maior na corrente sangüínea do que nas bezerras mestiças.

Effect of dietary intake on steroid feedback on release of luteinizing hormone in ovariectomized cows

This study tested the hypothesis that the decline in pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone (LH), resulting from steroid negative feedback, is greater in animals fed a low, compared with a high, plane of nutrition. Two-year-old cows were ovariectomized and six days later were fed diets to provide 1.5 x maintenance requirements (n = 6, supplemented) or 0.5 x maintenance requirements (n = 6, restricted) (Round 1). Pulsatile release of LH was measured over a 14-h period on the fifth day of feeding these diets (Day 1); at 6 h, all animals were treated with an intravaginal insert containing 1.38 g progesterone, which remained in place until the end of Day 3. Pulsatile release of LH was again measured for 14 h on Day 3; at 6 h, all animals were injected intramuscularly with oestradiol benzoate (ODB; 1 mg per 500 kg live weight). Three days later, this protocol was repeated, in a cross-over design, with cows that were previously restricted now being supplemented and those cows previously supplemented, now restricted (Round 2). Plasma concentrations of progesterone after intravaginal progesterone treatment were 1.01 ng mL(-1) higher in restricted cows compared with supplemented cows (P < 0.001) and were also higher in Round 1 than in Round 2 and on Day 1 than on Day 3 (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of oestradiol following injection with ODB did not differ between supplemented and restricted cows (P > 0.1). Dietary intake did not affect mean concentrations of LH, pulse frequency or amplitude during the 6-h period before steroid treatment or the change in these variables following steroid treatment; however, the slope of the decline in concentrations of LH following progesterone treatment was significantly more negative in cows fed restricted diets compared with those fed supplemented diets. In Round 2, mean concentrations of LH were higher preceding, and decreased more following, progesterone treatment compared with the decrease after ODB treatment. In conclusion, acute dietary restriction resulted in a more rapid decline in the release of LH following treatment with intravaginal progesterone, and was associated with higher concentrations of progesterone in plasma.

Supplementing previously treated anestrous dairy cows with progesterone does not increase first-service conception rate

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing previously treated anovulatory anestrous (AA) dairy cows with progesterone delivered intra-vaginally for 7 days, commencing 4 or 5 days after insemination, on first-service conception rate. A clinical trial, involving 990 AA dairy cows in 14 dairy herds, was conducted during the 2002/2003 breeding season. On Day -8, all cows were treated with a progesterone-containing intravaginal device (Cue-Mate). The devices were removed on Day -2; on Day -1, all cows were given 1mg of estradiol benzoate im. Cows in the control group (n = 499) received no further treatments. Cows in the treatment group (n = 491) that had been inseminated on Day 0 or 1 had a new device inserted (on Day 4 or 5), with removal of the device after 7 days. First-service conception rates for the control and treatment groups were not different (35.0% versus 36.7% respectively; P = 0.41). Furthermore, there was no difference in conception rates between cows that had devices inserted on Day 4 or 5 (31.3% versus 37.2% respectively; P = 0.45). In conclusion, supplementation of previously treated AA dairy cows with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device for 7 days (commencing 4 or 5 days after insemination) did not significantly improve first-service conception rate.

Control, communication and monitoring of intravaginal drug delivery in dairy cows

We present the design of an electronically controlled drug delivery system. The intravaginally located device is a low-invasive platform that can measure and react inside the cow vagina while providing external control and monitoring ability. The electronics manufactured from off the shelf components occupies 16 mL of a Theratron syringe. A microcontroller reads and logs sensor data and controls a gascell. The generated gas pressure propels the syringe piston and releases the formulation. A two way radio link allows communication between other devices or a base station. Proof of principle experiments confirm variable-rate, arbitrary profile drug delivery qualified by internal sensors. A total volume of 30 mL was dispensed over a 7-day-period with a volume error of +/- 1 mL or +/- 7% for larger volumes. Delivery was controlled or overridden via the wireless link, and proximity to other devices was detected and recorded. The results suggest that temperature and activity sensing or social grouping determined via proximity can be used to detect oestrus and trigger appropriate responses.

Comparison of two estrus synchronization and resynchronization treatments in lactating dairy cows

Reproductive performance in cows following synchronization of estrus with intravaginal progesterone releasing devices (IVD) has varied with the length of treatment, cyclic status and prolonged return to estrus intervals in some cows following first AI. The objective of this study was to compare two methods of synchronizing and resynchronizing estrus on the reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows. Cows were treated with an IVD (Day 0) for 7 days (n = 350) or 8 days (n = 350), cloprostenol (0.5 mg i.m.) at the time of device removal and estradiol benzoate (EB) at the time of device insertion (1.5mg i.m.), and again 9 days later (1.0 mg i.m.). Cows were also resynchronized starting on Days 23 and 46 by reinsertion of IVDs for either 7 or 8 days and treatment with EB (1mg i.m.) at the time of device insertion and again 9 days later. Cows were inseminated on detection of estrus for 4 days after removal of devices at each of the synchronized estrous cycles. No significant differences in reproductive performance were detected between each treatment throughout the study period. Synchrony of estrus was more precise at the first and second estrus after treatment with an IVD for 8 days compared to 7 days. Cows classified as anestrous had lower reproductive performance than cows classified as cycling and had longer intervals to estrus at the second (P < 0.001) and third estrus (P < 0.06), but not at the first estrus (P = 0.09). Mean time to onset of estrus after IVD removal was less in cows treated with an IVD for 8 days compared to 7 days at each synchronized estrus (P < 0.01). More Holstein-Friesian cows were classified as non-pregnant and not detected in estrus than crossbreed cows (15.7%, 54/343 versus 9.0%, 24/266; [P < 0.05). The results of the study suggested that the main effects of the treatments that were used to synchronize and resynchronize estrus were to alter the timing and synchrony of estrus without affecting fertility.

Therapeutic applications of viscous and injectable poly(ortho esters)

Poly(ortho esters) (POE) are hydrophobic and bioerodible polymers that have been investigated for pharmaceutical use since the early 1970s. Among the four described generations of POE, the third (POE III) and fourth (POE IV) are promising viscous and injectable materials which have been investigated in numerous biomedical applications. POE III has been extensively studied for ophthalmic drug delivery, it presents an excellent biocompatibility and is currently being investigated as a vehicle for sustained drug delivery to treat diseases of the posterior segment of the eye. POE IV is distinguishable by a highly reproducible and controlled synthesis, a higher hydrophobicity, and an excellent biocompatibility. It is currently under development for a variety of applications, such as ocular delivery, periodontal disease treatment and applications in veterinary medicine. This review will also focus on new perspectives for this promising family of polymers, such as guided tissue regeneration, treatment of osteoarthritis, as well as peptide and protein delivery.

Recent advances in bovine reproductive endocrinology and physiology and their impact on drug delivery system design for the control of the estrous cycle in cattle

When methods of drug intervention are being developed to control estrous cycles, a thorough understanding of the endocrine and functional changes together with the reproductive behavior of the animals are essential. This review presents our current knowledge on reproductive endocrinology, physiology and behavior, and the methods of drug intervention to control estrous cycles. It also describes current efforts to develop advanced drug delivery systems that meet the animal scientist's demands to control the estrous cycle in cattle.

Formulation and technology aspects of conrolled drug delivery in animals

In the veterinary field, the development of new routes of administration or new delivery systems capable of controlling the release of drugs are of considerable interest. Because of the large number of food-producing animals and the unique problems associated with the administration of drugs to these animals, the potential markets are huge and will only be fully realized if improvements to old dosage forms lead to practical and effective formulations. This review intends to summarize the state of the art in the field of veterinary controlled and/or prolonged release systems.