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Lockhart KN, Fallon LC, Ortega MS. Paternal determinants of early embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:43-50. [PMID: 38064190 DOI: 10.1071/rd23172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Existing research has primarily focused on investigating the impacts of the maternal environment, female fertility phenotype, and genetics on pregnancy loss in dairy cattle. Recently, attention has been directed toward understanding the role the sire has on embryo quality and viability. Studies have shown there is a paternal influence on early pregnancy loss, but the specific mechanisms impacting pregnancy establishment and maintenance remain unclear. Despite clear differences that sires have on pregnancy outcomes, there is a lack of evidence regarding specifically how sires influence pregnancy. Sperm characteristics, such as motility, concentration, and morphology, have been extensively studied, but further research is needed to understand what makes one sire more or less fertile than another sire and how this affects pregnancy. To effectively address pregnancy loss, a deeper understanding of the processes involved from fertilisation to blastocyst formation is essential, particularly for understanding early pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Lockhart
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lindsey C Fallon
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - M Sofia Ortega
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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2
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Santos GMGD, Junior LB, Silva-Santos KC, Ayres Dias JH, Dias IDS, Seneda MM, Morotti F. Conception rate and pregnancy loss in fixed-time cattle embryo transfer programs are related to the luteal blood perfusion but not to the corpus luteum size. Theriogenology 2023; 210:251-255. [PMID: 37549464 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of luteal blood perfusion and corpus luteum (CL) area on the conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss of recipients in a large-scale fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) program. Multiparous Brangus cows (n = 1700) at 45 days postpartum and body condition scores (BCS) between 2.5 and 4.0 (3.0 ± 0.3) were used in this study. On a random day of the estrous cycle (day -10), the females received progesterone and estradiol based on the FTET protocol. On day 7, 1465 recipients had at least one CL and were evaluated using B-mode ultrasound for the CL area (cm2) and color Doppler for the luteal blood perfusion score (I/low-vascularization area <40% of the CL; II/medium-vascularization >45% to < 50%; and III/high-vascularization >50%). Immediately after CL evaluation, each recipient received a single fresh embryo (blastocyst stage) ipsilateral to the CL, in vitro produced from a commercial laboratory. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days and repeated 60 days later to evaluate pregnancy loss (30-90 days). Ultrasound evaluation and embryo transfer were performed by a single technician. For data analysis, in addition to luteal blood perfusion groups, recipients were retrospectively ranked according to CL area into small (<3 cm2; 2.63 ± 0.01), medium (>3 to < 4 cm2; 3.44 ± 0.01), and large (>4 cm2; 4.77 ± 0.03). Data were analyzed using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). The overall conception rate was 44.2% (648/1465), influenced by the luteal blood perfusion score [P = 0.03; high 48.4%a (134/277), medium 44.6%a (427/958), and low 37.8%b (87/230)] but not by CL area ranking [P = 0.37; large 41.8% (225/538), medium 45.2% (276/610), and small 46.4% (147/317)]. There was no interaction between the luteal blood perfusion score and CL area ranking (P = 0.81), and the BCS did not affect the results of this study (P = 0.51). In terms of pregnancy loss up to 90 days, there was no effect on the CL area ranking (P = 0.77), but the flow score showed an effect [P = 0.03; high 3.6%b (5/139), medium 9.3%a (44/471), and low 10.3%a (10/97)]. The conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss in the FTET program in beef cattle are related to luteal blood perfusion but not CL size.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fábio Morotti
- UEL - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil; UNOPAR - Universidade Pitágoras Unopar Anhanguera, Arapongas, PR, Brazil.
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3
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López-Gatius F, Szenci O. Clinical management of pregnancy-related problems between days 28 and 60 in the dairy cow. Theriogenology 2023; 206:140-148. [PMID: 37209434 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The biological and economic impacts of pregnancy loss in dairy herds are well recognized. This review examines clinical aspects of late embryonic/early fetal loss of non-infectious cause in the dairy cow. The period of interest spans from shortly after observation of at least one embryo with a heartbeat upon pregnancy diagnosis, at around Day 28 of pregnancy (late embryonic period), until approximately Day 60 of pregnancy (early fetal period). This last time point is when pregnancy is firmly established and beyond which the risk of pregnancy loss is greatly reduced. We particularly focus on the role of the clinician in managing a pregnancy and discuss findings to predict the viability of a pregnancy, available therapies for expected pregnancy problems and possible implications of the newer technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, University of Lleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain; Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, 22300, Barbastro, Spain
| | - O Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Hungary.
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López-Gatius F, Garcia-Ispierto I. Sexing of Embryos at the Time of Twin Reduction: A Clinical Approach. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081326. [PMID: 37106889 PMCID: PMC10134968 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study provides new unique information on bovine twin pairs during the late embryonic period (28-34 days of pregnancy) in relation to (1) a predictive ultrasound measurement that was differential for sexing heterosexual twins; (2) intrauterine embryonic growth patterns in twin pairs; and (3) a higher vulnerability of female embryos compared to males following an induced embryo reduction in heterosexual twins. The study population comprised 92 dairy cows carrying bilateral twins. A length difference between co-twins equal to or greater than 25% in around 50% of pregnancies served to determine the sex of embryos with 100% accuracy in heterosexual twins, which was assessed four weeks later on the remaining fetus after twin reduction. The apparent rates of growth of twin pairs and of individual male and female embryos from day 28 to 34 of gestation were similar to established growth pattern standards for singletons. Mean embryo sizes in relation to gestational age were smaller by some 5 days' growth equivalent in twins compared to singletons. After the reduction in the female embryo in heterosexual twins, the risk of male embryo loss was null. This new information allowed for sex selection at the time of twin reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, 22300 Barbastro, Spain
| | - Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
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Rossignolo EADA, Silva NCD, Stolf RL, Cavalieri FLB, Colombo AHB, Andreazzi MA, Seneda MM, Morotti F. Evaluation of hCG as gonadotropic support to timed embryo transfer protocol in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2023; 195:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Easa AA, El-Aziz AHA, Barbary ASAE, Kostomakhin NM, Nasr MAF, Imbabi TA. Genetic parameters of production and reproduction traits of Egyptian buffaloes under subtropical conditions. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:270. [PMID: 36001186 PMCID: PMC9402497 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03251-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This research was aimed to investigate the production and reproduction traits and their genetic parameters of Egyptian buffaloes under subtropical environment. Heritability, phenotypic, and genetic parameters were estimated for productive and reproduction traits of first parity This study revealed the averages TMY, 305-dMY, LL, BW, DP, SP, CI, and AFC were 2260, 2150 kg, 271 days, 38.63 kg, 210.50 days, 195.20 days, 586.86 days, and 36.61 months, respectively. The heritability estimates for productive traits of the first lactation were 0.61, 0.52, 0.47, 0.20, and 0.23 for TMY, 305-dMY, LL, DP, and BW, respectively. Heritability estimates for reproductive traits SP, CI, and AFC were 0.07, 0.09, and 0.35, respectively. Genetic correlations of most of the investigated first parity traits were positive, with an exception of DP. The genetic correlation was negative between SP and BW, and between AFC and LL. Phenotypic correlations of the first parity among all investigated traits were positive except between DP and TMY, 305-dMY, LL, BW, and AFC. High and moderate heritability estimates indicated that the opportunity of genetic upgrading of these parameters could be achieved owing to sire selection. Selection for high milk yield will be associated with genetic improvement in lactation period and birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Easa
- Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Abadiyyat Damanhur, Egypt
| | - Ayman H Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Abadiyyat Damanhur, Egypt
| | - Adel S A El Barbary
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nikolay M Kostomakhin
- Department of Dairy and Beef Cattle Breeding, Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Agriculture Academy named After K.A. Timiryazev, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mohammed A F Nasr
- Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt.
| | - Tharwat A Imbabi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Bonato DV, Ferreira EB, Gomes DN, Bonato FGC, Droher RG, Morotti F, Seneda MM. Follicular dynamics, luteal characteristics, and progesterone concentrations in synchronized lactating Holstein cows with high and low antral follicle counts. Theriogenology 2021; 179:223-229. [PMID: 34896744 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We performed two experiments in high milk-producing Holstein cows. First, we evaluated the repeatability of the antral follicle count (AFC) - where all follicles were ≥2 mm in diameter - during the days of the ovulation synchronization protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI) in dairy cows (n = 20). In the second study we investigated the follicular dynamics and Doppler ultrasonography in cows with low (≤15 follicles, n = 9) and high (≥25 follicles, n = 9) AFC, and measured progesterone (P4) concentrations during CL evaluation. In addition, the diameter of the preovulatory follicle, area of blood flow of the preovulatory follicle, CL area, and CL blood flow were compared between groups with high and low AFC. Ultrasound examinations were performed during the days of the protocol and 10 days after ovulation to assess the CL. The constancy of the AFC was analyzed by calculating the repeatability. Parametric variables were analyzed using the t-test, and nonparametric variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test (P ≤ 0.05). The repeatability of the AFC on different days of the protocol was 0.98. Cows with low AFC showed a greater diameter of the preovulatory follicle (16 ± 0.3 vs. 15 ± 0.4 mm), blood flow area of the preovulatory follicle (17.3 ± 2.3 vs. 8.1 ± 3.2 mm2), CL area (579.1 ± 16.9 vs. 405.8 ± 21.2 mm2), area of CL perfusion (97.1 ± 9.4 vs. 68.3 ± 5.2 mm2), as well as higher P4 levels (3.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2 ng/mL). In high milk-producing Holstein cows, the AFC has high repeatability on different days of the TAI protocol, and cows with a low AFC show larger preovulatory follicles and CLs with greater perfusion, in addition to greater P4 concentrations in comparison to those cows with a high AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V Bonato
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil; UNIPAR Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, 87502-210, Brazil
| | - E B Ferreira
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil; Recanto das Paineiras-Arapoti-PR, Brazil
| | - D N Gomes
- Recanto das Paineiras-Arapoti-PR, Brazil
| | - F G C Bonato
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - R G Droher
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - F Morotti
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - M M Seneda
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT-LEITE), Londrina, PR, 8057-970, Brazil.
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Kubota K, Miwa M, Hayashi KG, Hosoe M, Sakatani M. Steroidal but not embryonic regulation of mucin 1 expression in bovine endometrium. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:386-391. [PMID: 34645736 PMCID: PMC8668378 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In cow herd management, inadequate embryo implantation leads to pregnancy loss and causes severe economic losses. Thus, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying
endometrial receptivity and subsequent embryo implantation. Transmembrane glycocalyx mucin 1 (MUC1) has a large and highly glycosylated extracellular domain known to inhibit embryo
implantation via steric hindrance. The role of MUC1 in the bovine endometrium remains to be explored. Herein, we used simple but reliable in vivo and in
vitro experiments to investigate the expression and regulation of MUC1 in the bovine endometrium. MUC1 gene expression was analyzed in endometrial epithelial
cells collected by the cytobrush technique using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MUC1 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of
endometrial samples collected from slaughtered cows. We used an in vitro cell culture model to study the regulation of MUC1 expression by treating cells with sex steroidal
hormones or co-culturing cells with a blastocyst. The results revealed that MUC1 was expressed and localized to the apical surface of luminal epithelial cells in the bovine endometrium. MUC1
expression disappeared during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle and during pregnancy. 17β-estradiol induced MUC1 expression, whereas progesterone inhibited its increase
and co-culturing with blastocysts did not affect the expression. A long postpartum interval is a known risk factor for reduced fertility, and MUC1 expression was higher in this compromised
condition. Our results demonstrated the MUC1 regulation by steroid hormones in bovine endometrium for embryo implantation, and we observed a negative correlation between MUC1 expression and
fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyu Kubota
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tochigi 329-2793, Japan
| | - Masafumi Miwa
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tochigi 329-2793, Japan
| | - Ken-Go Hayashi
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Misa Hosoe
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Miki Sakatani
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tochigi 329-2793, Japan
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Chaney HL, Grose LF, Charpigny G, Behura SK, Sheldon IM, Cronin JG, Lonergan P, Spencer TE, Mathew DJ. Conceptus-induced, interferon tau-dependent gene expression in bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:669-683. [PMID: 33330929 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine endometrium consists of epithelial and stromal cells that respond to conceptus interferon tau (IFNT), the maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) signal, by increasing expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Endometrial epithelial and stromal-cell-specific ISGs are largely unknown but hypothesized to have essential functions during pregnancy establishment. Bovine endometrial epithelial cells were cultured in inserts above stromal fibroblast (SF) cells for 6 h in medium alone or with IFNT. The epithelial and SF transcriptomic response was analyzed separately using RNA sequencing and compared to a list of 369 DEGs recently identified in intact bovine endometrium in response to elongating bovine conceptuses and IFNT. Bovine endometrial epithelial and SF shared 223 and 70 DEGs in common with the list of 369 endometrial DEGs. Well-known ISGs identified in the epithelial and SF were ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS2. DEGs identified in the epithelial but not SF included a number of IRF molecules (IRF1, IRF2, IRF3, and IRF8), mitochondria SLC transporters (SLC25A19, SLC25A28, and SLC25A30), and a ghrelin receptor. Expression of ZC3HAV1, an anti-retroviral gene, increased specifically within the SF. Gene ontology analysis identified the type I IFN signaling pathway and activation of nuclear factor kappa B transcription factors as biological processes associated with the epithelial cell DEGs. This study has identified biologically relevant IFNT-stimulated genes within specific endometrial cell types. The findings provide critical information regarding the effects of conceptus IFNT on specific endometrial compartments during early developmental processes in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Chaney
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Lindsay F Grose
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- INRA, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - I Martin Sheldon
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - James G Cronin
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Daniel J Mathew
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Zolini AM, Block J, Rabaglino MB, Rincon G, Hoelker M, Bromfield JJ, Salilew-Wondim D, Hansen PJ. Genes associated with survival of female bovine blastocysts produced in vivo. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:665-678. [PMID: 32710275 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03257-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to characterize the transcriptome profile of in vivo-derived female embryos competent to establish and maintain gestation. Blastocysts from superovulated heifers were bisected to generate two demi-embryos. One demi-embryo was transferred into a synchronized recipient and the other part was used for RNA-seq analysis. Data on transcript abundance was analyzed for 4 demi-embryos that established and maintained pregnancy to day 60 (designated as PP) and 3 that did not result in a pregnancy at day 30 (designated as NP). Using a false discovery rate of P < 0.10 as cutoff, a total of 155 genes were differentially expressed between PP and NP embryos, of which 73 genes were upregulated and 82 genes were downregulated in the PP group. The functional cluster with the greatest enrichment score for embryos that survived, representing 28 genes (48% of the annotated genes), was related to membrane proteins, particularly those related to olfaction and neural development and function. The functional cluster with the greatest enrichment score for downregulated genes in embryos that survived included terms related to oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial function, and transmembrane proteins. In conclusion, competence of in vivo-derived female bovine embryos to survive after transfer is associated with increased expression of genes encoding transmembrane proteins, perhaps indicative of differentiation of the inner cell mass to epiblast, and decreased expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, perhaps indicative of reduced metabolic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Zolini
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - J Block
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - M B Rabaglino
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - G Rincon
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - M Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
- Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - D Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
- Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA.
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Sire contribution to pregnancy loss in different periods of embryonic and fetal development of beef cows. Theriogenology 2020; 154:84-91. [PMID: 32535394 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the effect of service sire on pregnancy results during different periods of embryonic and fetal development. Angus cows (n = 658) were timed artificially inseminated (TAI) on day 0 after synchronization of estrus using one of eight Angus sires. Estrus expression prior to TAI was evaluated using estrus breeding indicators. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 24 and 31 for quantification of circulating pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG). Pregnancy was diagnosed at day 24 based on blood-based test, and on days 31 and 60 by transrectal ultrasonography to determine early embryonic mortality (EEM; between days 24 and 31) and late embryonic/early fetal mortality (LEM; between days 31 and 60). Sires were retrospectively classified according to the amount of pregnancy loss in each evaluated interval. Overall EEM was 5.54%, with values ranging from 1.8 to 11.7% among sires, whereas LEM was 6.7% with values ranging from 2.3 to 12.6% among sires. Individual sires had different phenotypes in regard to pregnancy loss during different developmental periods, indicating the importance of evaluating multiple milestones of embryonic development when classifying sire fertility. No difference (P ≥ 0.05) was observed in serum concentrations of PAG in cows bred with sires of different phenotypes. Pregnancy rate by sire was also influenced by estrus expression. Sires with a greater number of cows pregnant without estrus expression, had similar incidence of early (P = 0.71) but greater incidence of late embryonic mortality (P = 0.05). These results are significant to characterize sire contribution to pregnancy maintenance and establishment in beef cows and to serve as basis of studies to identify markers to improve sire fertility evaluation.
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Reese ST, Franco GA, Poole RK, Hood R, Fernadez Montero L, Oliveira Filho RV, Cooke RF, Pohler KG. Pregnancy loss in beef cattle: A meta-analysis. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 212:106251. [PMID: 31864492 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy loss in beef cattle causes both management and economic challenges to a producer. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify reproductive failures that occur during fertilization, early embryonic development, and late embryonic/early fetal development periods of gestation in beef cattle. The meta-analysis included more than 56,000 diagnostic records in 159 studies from 48 papers with 12 studies included in fertilization and pre- blastocyst loss analysis (FERT; days 1-7 of gestation), 107 in early embryo (EEM; days 7-32), and 40 in late embryo/early fetal period (LEF; days 32-100) analysis. Although fertilization rates are reportedly high in beef cattle, significant developmental failure occurs within the first 7 days of gestation. Approximately 28.4 % of embryos will not develop past day 7 of gestation with most embryonic losses occurring before day 4. By the conclusion of the first month of gestation, 47.9 % of cows submitted to a single insemination at day 0 will not be pregnant. Overall, LEF between days 32-60 and 100 was 5.8 %. Bos indicus animals had greater (P = 0.001) EEM compared to Bos taurus, but there was no difference (P = 0.39) for the LEF period between subspecies. Primiparous cows had greater EEM (P = 0.002) compared to nulliparous heifers and multiparous cows; and nulliparous heifers had a greater LEF compared to primiparous and multiparous cows (P = 0.048). Collectively, these cumulative findings provide a baseline assessment of pregnancy loss specific to beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Reese
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - G A Franco
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R K Poole
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R Hood
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - L Fernadez Montero
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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13
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Abstract
This manuscript describes the different topics I have been involved in the fields of reproductive
physiology and embryo biotechnologies with attempts to address practical issues raised
mainly by the breeding industry. The journey started with phenotyping work in the field of
reproductive physio-pathology. Other issues were related to the optimization of reproductive
biotechnologies to favorize genetic selection. The implementation of genomic selection
raised opportunities to develop the use embryo biotechnologies and showed the interest of
combining them in the case of embryo genotyping. There is still a need to refine phenotyping
for reproductive traits especially for the identification of markers of uterine dysfunction.
It is believed that new knowledge generated by combining different molecular approaches
will be the source of applications that may benefit AI practice and embryo technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Humblot
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Abdalla H, Elghafghuf A, Elsohaby I, Nasr MAF. Maternal and non-maternal factors associated with late embryonic and early fetal losses in dairy cows. Theriogenology 2017; 100:16-23. [PMID: 28708529 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Abdalla
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, 44511, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Adel Elghafghuf
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Misurata, P.O. Box 2478, Misurata, Libya
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, 44511, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A F Nasr
- Animal Wealth Development Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, 44511, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
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15
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Wiltbank MC, Baez GM, Garcia-Guerra A, Toledo MZ, Monteiro PL, Melo LF, Ochoa JC, Santos JE, Sartori R. Pivotal periods for pregnancy loss during the first trimester of gestation in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 2016; 86:239-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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