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Viana JHM, Silva BDM, de Moura RM, Féres LFR, Figueiredo RA. Oocyte developmental potential and embryo production before puberty in cattle. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20240069. [PMID: 39175997 PMCID: PMC11340790 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2024-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
With the development of in vitro technologies, embryos can be produced using oocytes retrieved directly from the ovaries, i.e., regardless of ovulation. This has allowed the use of different animal categories as oocyte donors, including prepubertal cattle. The advantages of using this strategy to shorten the generation interval and accelerate genetic gain over time were soon recognized, and the first offspring generated using oocytes collected from calves were born in the early 1990s. Nevertheless, embryo production from calves and prepubertal heifers remains a challenge. The oocytes collected before puberty present low in vitro developmental potential, and the subsequent blastocyst rates are consistently lower than those from pubertal females. The acquisition of developmental competence by the oocytes occurs progressively throughout the prepubertal period, which can be subdivided into an early, intermediate, and late prepubertal (or peripubertal) phases, each characterized by different physiological and endocrine features. Therefore, embryo yield increases with age but will only achieve its maximum after puberty. The most common strategy to improve oocyte developmental potential before puberty is the use of gonadotrophic stimulation prior to oocyte retrieval. The results with superstimulation, however, vary among studies, depending on the source, dose, and length of FSH treatment, as well as the age and breed of the donors. The use of calves and prepubertal heifers as oocyte donors should also consider the possible impacts of the oocyte retrieval technique (LOPU or OPU) and the use of exogenous hormones on their subsequent fertility and productive life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Henrique Moreira Viana
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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Oliveira CS, Rosa PMDS, Camargo AJDR, Feres LF, Saraiva NZ, Oliveira LZ, Camargo LSDA. Outstanding Gir oocyte donors: How does individual factor affect in vitro embryo production efficiency? Anim Sci J 2023; 94:e13862. [PMID: 37551633 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The oocyte donor plays a pivotal role in bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) success. The individual factor affects blastocyst/oocyte ratio and determine the existence of outstanding performing animals. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of individual factor effect to IVP efficiency, in a population of Gir oocyte donors. Extreme (high or low IVP efficiency based on blastocyst/oocyte ratio) animals were selected out of a population of 250 oocyte donors (1,734 observations) to form high (>0.48, n = 40), average (0.17-0.48, n = 168), and low (<0.17, n = 42) efficiency donor groups. Cumulus-oocyte complex indicators (total number, IVF-grade number, and IVF-grade/total ratio) were lower (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors. The number of blastocysts per OPU was analyzed for highest performing bull, and an increase (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors and a decrease (p < 0.05) in low efficiency donors were noticed, compared to average efficiency donors. The number of pregnancies obtained per OPU was affected (p = 0.017) by donor's efficiency (low:0.60 ± 0.09 $$ 0.60\pm 0.09 $$ , average:1.17 ± 0.07 $$ 1.17\pm 0.07 $$ , high:2.57 ± 0.26 $$ 2.57\pm 0.26 $$ ), being 4.3-fold higher in high than in low efficiency donors. We conclude that producing embryos from high efficiency blastocyst/oocyte ratio donors increases blastocyst and pregnancy numbers by OPU, being an important indicator for donor selection in IVP programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luiz Fernando Feres
- Jose do Rosario Vellano University (UNIFENAS), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Leticia Zoccolaro Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Kawamoto TS, Viana JHM, Pontelo TP, Franco MM, de Faria OAC, Fidelis AAG, Vargas LN, Figueiredo RA. Dynamics of the Reproductive Changes and Acquisition of Oocyte Competence in Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) Calves during the Early and Intermediate Prepubertal Periods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162137. [PMID: 36009727 PMCID: PMC9405107 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162137] [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] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the reproductive physiology, oocyte competence, and chromatin compaction in Nelore calves in the early-prepubertal period (EPP) and the intermediate-prepubertal period (IPP). Calves aged 2-5 (EPP) and 8-11 months old (IPP) were assigned to Trial 1 (morpho-physiological-endocrine evaluations, n = 8) or Trial 2 (oocyte donors, n = 8) vs. the respective control groups of cows (n = 8, each). All morphological endpoints, except the antral follicle count, increased from the EPP to the IPP. The EPP LH-FSH plasma concentrations were similar to cows, whereas LH was lower and FSH was higher in the IPP than in cows. . Cows produced more Grade I (12.9% vs. 4.1% and 1.7%) and fewer Grade III COC (30.1% vs. 44.5% and 49.0%) than the EPP and IPP calves, respectively. The IPP calves' oocyte diameter was similar to those from cows but greater than those from EPP females (124.8 ± 8.5 and 126.0 ± 7.5 μm vs. 121.3 ± 7.5 μm, respectively). The expression of the chromatin compaction-related gene HDAC3 was downregulated in calves. The proportion of the blastocyst rate to the controls was lower in EPP than in IPP calves (43.7% vs. 78.7%, respectively). Progressive oocyte competence was found during the prepubertal period, which can help to decide whether to recover oocytes from calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taynan Stonoga Kawamoto
- Department of Veterinary, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luna Nascimento Vargas
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Alamino Figueiredo
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-61-3448-4961
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Viana JHM, Pereira NES, Faria OAC, Dias LRO, Oliveira ER, Fernandes CAC, Siqueira LGB. Active immunization against GnRH as an alternative therapeutic approach for the management of Bos indicus oocyte donors diagnosed with chronic cystic ovarian disease. Theriogenology 2021; 172:133-141. [PMID: 34166988 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.014] [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: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active immunization against GnRH in Nelore (Bos indicus) cows repeatedly used as oocyte donors that developed chronic cystic ovarian disease (COD). In the first experiment, ovarian and uterine features were first compared between COD cows (n = 15) and healthy cows (n = 22, cycling control group) from the same breed and herd. Cows with COD had a greater number of large (P < 0.0001) and medium follicles (P < 0.01) but lesser small follicles (P < 0.05) than cycling controls. Mucometra was diagnosed in 73.3% of COD cows, but in none of the controls. No difference in average thickness of the endometrium was detected between groups; however, endometrial thickness and mucometra score were negatively correlated (R = -0.73, P = 0.0029) in COD cows. In the second experiment, COD cows were randomly allocated into two experimental groups, which received two 1.0 mL SC injections of either an anti-GnRH vaccine (COD immunized group, n = 8) or saline (COD control group, n = 7), given 28 days apart. Cows were examined weekly by transrectal ultrasonography during nine consecutive weeks after the first injection to evaluate the number and distribution of follicles among size classes, endometrial thickness, and presence of clinical mucometra. Vaccination against GnRH resulted in a progressive suppression of follicle growth and a reduction in the average size of the largest follicle, as well as in the number of large follicles (P < 0.01) in COD immunized cows compared with COD controls from week 7 onwards. Conversely, the number of small follicles in the COD immunized group increased after week 5 and was greater (P = 0.0023) than controls on week 9. Endometrial thickness and mucometra score were not affected (P > 0.05) by immunization against GnRH. In the third experiment, the COD immunized cows with effective suppression of follicle growth four weeks after the 2nd injection (n = 6) were submitted to three consecutive ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions (weeks 10, 11, and 12) for in vitro embryo production (IVEP). Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were used as controls for IVEP. COD cows with produced 25.0 ± 3.8 COC per OPU session with no apparent detrimental effect of anti-GnRH vaccine on oocyte developmental potential in vitro, i.e., we observed similar cleavage rate (P = 0.5914) and greater blastocyst rate (P = 0.0177) in immunized cows compared with COC from slaughterhouse controls. Finally, in the fourth experiment wave emergence and follicular dynamics after follicle ablation were compared between COD immunized cows with effective suppression of follicle growth and a subset (n = 6) of the cycling, control group. No follicles grew beyond 4 mm diameter after follicle ablation in the COD immunized group, whereas a normal follicular wave emergence occurred in cycling controls. Antral follicle count was similar between cycling controls and COD immunized groups at 24 h and 96 h post-follicle ablation (P > 0.05), but greater in cycling controls at 48 h and 72 h post-follicle ablation (P < 0.05). In summary, our results suggest that active immunization against GnRH is effective to induce the regression of follicular cysts as well as increase the number of small follicles growing on the ovaries, in oocyte donors diagnosed with chronic COD, with no apparent negative effect on oocyte developmental potential in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Henrique Moreira Viana
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil; Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, 37130-000, Brazil; Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Gustavo Bruno Siqueira
- Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, 37130-000, Brazil; Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36038-330, Brazil
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Fushimi Y, Okawa H, Monniaux D, Takagi M. Efficacy of a single blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration measurement for the selection of Japanese Black heifer embryo donors in herd breeding programs. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:593-598. [PMID: 32938834 PMCID: PMC7768178 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the relationship between plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in Japanese Black (JB) heifers at 7-10 months of age and the number of embryos recovered after superovulation treatment in selected ovum pick-up donors, concomitantly with changes in their AMH concentrations before and after parturition. Plasma AMH concentrations in heifers were positively correlated with the total number of follicles (r = 0.647, P < 0.01) and embryos (r = 0.681, P < 0.01) recovered from the animals postpartum, when selected as donor cows, but did not correlate with the total number of transferable embryos. No difference was observed between the plasma AMH concentration at the heifer period and the postpartum period. Additionally, serum AMH concentrations of heifers weakly correlated with the number of follicles and embryos recovered by virgin flush after superovulation treatment at 13-15 months of age. Therefore, a single blood AMH concentration measurement may accelerate intensive JB cattle breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Danielle Monniaux
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Mitsuhiro Takagi
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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Malard PF, Peixer MAS, Grazia JG, Brunel HDSS, Feres LF, Villarroel CL, Siqueira LGB, Dode MAN, Pogue R, Viana JHM, Carvalho JL. Intraovarian injection of mesenchymal stem cells improves oocyte yield and in vitro embryo production in a bovine model of fertility loss. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8018. [PMID: 32415089 PMCID: PMC7229041 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64810-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Valuable female cattle are continuously subject to follicular puncture (ovum pick-up - OPU). This technique is commonly used for in-vitro embryo production, but may result in ovarian lesion. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) ameliorate the function of injured tissues, but their use to treat ovarian lesions in cattle has not been established. We investigated whether a local injection of MSC would reduce the negative effects of repeated OPU under acute and chronic scenarios in bovines. First, we performed four OPU sessions and injected 2.5 × 106 MSCs immediately after the 4th OPU procedure (n = 5). The treated organs (right ovary) were compared to their saline-treated counterparts (left), and presented superior production of oocytes and embryos in the three following OPU sessions (P < 0.05). Then, cows with progressive fertility loss went through three OPU sessions. Animals received MSC, saline, or MSC + FSH in both ovaries after the first OPU. In the two following OPU sessions, the MSC and MSC + FSH - treated groups failed to present any significant alteration in the number of oocytes and embryos compared to saline-treated animals. Thus, MSC have beneficial effects on the fertility of OPU-lesioned cows, but not in cows with cystic ovarian disease and chronic ovarian lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F Malard
- Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil.
- Bio Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Brasília, DF, 71735-505, Brazil.
| | - Mauricio A S Peixer
- Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
- Bio Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Brasília, DF, 71735-505, Brazil
| | - Joao G Grazia
- Cenatte Embrioes, Pedro Leopoldo, MG, 33600-000, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz F Feres
- Universidade de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, 37132-440, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz G B Siqueira
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36038-330, Brazil
| | - Margot A N Dode
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - EMBRAPA Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Robert Pogue
- Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Joao Henrique M Viana
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - EMBRAPA Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Juliana L Carvalho
- Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil.
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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Blaschka C, Sánchez-Guijo A, Wudy SA, Wrenzycki C. Profile of bile acid subspecies is similar in blood and follicular fluid of cattle. Vet Med Sci 2019; 6:167-176. [PMID: 31713347 PMCID: PMC7196682 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition of follicular fluid (FF) has an impact on the developmental capacity of the oocyte and the resulting embryo. FF is composed of blood plasma constituents which cross the blood follicular barrier and the secretory components of granulosa and theca cells. Moreover, it has been shown recently that follicular cells have the ability to synthesize bile acids (BAs). BAs are present in several fluids of mammals especially in bile, blood and urine. FF is an essential impacting factor on the oocyte quality and therefore resulting embryos. To achieve a better understanding of this subject, the presence and concentration of BAs were measured in fluid collected from bovine follicles, categorized according to their size, throughout two entire oestrus cycles and compared to those in blood and urine. The body fluids were collected during the same examination procedure and in total samples from four heifers were obtained. A broad spectrum of 11 BA derivatives was measured applying liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The simultaneous and direct quantification of BAs in different body fluids of cattle are reported. Within the follicular fluid, blood and urine, cholic acid and glycocholic acid are the dominant BA subspecies irrespective of the oestrus cycle stage. Moreover, BA concentrations in blood compared to those in the FF were similar. For the first time these results clearly highlight the presence of different BA subspecies in FF, blood and urine during the oestrus cycle in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Blaschka
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Guijo
- Steroid Research and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Wrenzycki
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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Sales JNS, Iguma LT, Batista RITP, Quintão CCR, Gama MAS, Freitas C, Pereira MM, Camargo LSA, Viana JHM, Souza JC, Baruselli PS. Effects of a high-energy diet on oocyte quality and in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus and Bos taurus cows. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:3086-99. [PMID: 25726114 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The effects of different dietary energy levels [100 and 170% for maintenance (M) and high energy (1.7M), respectively] on metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive parameters were evaluated in nonlactating Bos indicus (Gir; n=14) and Bos taurus (Holstein; n=14) cows submitted to ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up followed by in vitro embryo production. The oocyte donor cows were housed in a tiestall system and fed twice daily (0800 and 1600 h). Twenty-one days before the beginning of the experiment, the animals were fed with a maintenance diet for adaptation followed by the experimental diets (M and 1.7M), and each cow underwent 9 ovum pick-up procedures 14 d apart. The recovered oocytes were cultured in vitro for 7 d. We measured glucose and insulin concentrations and performed glucose tolerance tests and the relative quantification of transcripts (PRDX1, HSP70.1, GLUT1, GLUT5, IGF1R, and IGF2R) from the oocytes recovered at the end of the experimental period. No interactions were observed between the effects of genetic groups and dietary energy level on the qualitative (viable oocytes, quality grade, and oocyte quality index) and quantitative (oocytes recovered) oocyte variables. There were no effects of dietary energy level on the qualitative and quantitative oocyte variables. However, Bos indicus cows had greater numbers of recovered structures, viable oocytes, and A and B oocyte grades as well as better oocyte quality index scores and lower DNA fragmentation rates compared with Bos taurus donors. In vitro embryo production (cleavage and blastocyst rates and number of embryos) was similar between diets, but the 1.7M diet reduced in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus cows after 60 d of treatment. Moreover, Bos indicus cows on the 1.7M diet showed lower transcript abundance for the HSP70.1, GLUT1, IGF1R, and IGF2R genes. All cows fed 1.7M diets had greater glucose and insulin concentrations and greater insulin resistance according to the glucose tolerance test. In conclusion, increasing dietary energy did not interfere with oocyte numbers and quality, but the 1.7M diet reduced in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus cows after 60 d of treatment. Finally, Bos indicus cows had greater oocyte quality, greater numbers of viable oocytes and greater in vitro embryo yield than Bos taurus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N S Sales
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (FMVZ-USP), Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria (DMV), Universidade Federal de Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
| | - L T Iguma
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | - C C R Quintão
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - M A S Gama
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - C Freitas
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - M M Pereira
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - L S A Camargo
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - J H M Viana
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - J C Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria (DMV), Universidade Federal de Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - P S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (FMVZ-USP), Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Velazquez MA, Kues WA, Niemann H. Biomedical applications of ovarian transvaginal ultrasonography in cattle. Anim Biotechnol 2014; 25:266-93. [PMID: 24813220 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2013.870075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian transvaginal ultrasonography (OTU) has been used world-wide for commercial ovum pick-up programs for in vitro embryo production in elite herds, providing an excellent model for the elucidation of factors controlling bovine oocyte developmental competence. Noninvasive sampling and treatment of ovarian structures is easily accomplished with bovine OTU techniques providing a promising system for in vivo delivery of transgenes directly into the ovary. The current review summarizes existing bovine OTU models and provides prospective applications of bovine OTU to undertake research in reproductive topics of biomedical relevance, with special emphasis on the development of in vivo gene transfer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Velazquez
- a Centre for Biological Sciences , University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital , Southampton , United Kingdom
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Fouladi-Nashta AA, Wonnacott KE, Gutierrez CG, Gong JG, Sinclair KD, Garnsworthy PC, Webb R. Oocyte quality in lactating dairy cows fed on high levels of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Reproduction 2009; 138:771-81. [PMID: 19633135 DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Different fatty acid (FA) sources are known to influence reproductive hormones in cattle, yet there is little information on how dietary FAs affect oocyte quality. Effects of three dietary sources of FAs (supplying predominantly palmitic and oleic, linoleic (n-6) or linolenic (n-3) acids) on developmental potential of oocytes were studied in lactating dairy cows. A total of 12 Holstein cows received three diets containing rumen inert fat (RIF), soyabean or linseed as the main FA source for three periods of 25 days in a Latin-square design. Within each period, oocytes were collected in four ovum pick-up sessions at 3-4 day intervals. FA profiles in plasma and milk reflected profiles of dietary FA sources, but major FAs in granulosa cells were not affected. Dietary FA source did not affect plasma concentrations of leptin, insulin, IGF1, GH, or amino acids. RIF led to a higher proportion of cleaved embryos than soya or linseed, but blastocyst yield and embryo quality were not affected. It is concluded that the ovary buffers oocytes against the effects of fluctuations in plasma n-3 and n-6 FAs, resulting in only modest effects on their developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Fouladi-Nashta
- Division of Animal Sciences, School of Biosciences, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
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Takuma T, Otsubo T, Kurokawa Y, Ichimaru H, Otoi T. Effects of twice-weekly follicular punctures of ovaries with or without the corpus luteum on follicular and luteal dynamics. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 45:50-4. [PMID: 19144025 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01224.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of twice-weekly follicular punctures of ovaries with or without corpus luteum (CL) on follicular and luteal dynamics. A cross-over design was used, with each cow (seven Japanese Black beef cows) being assigned to one of the three groups at 2-month intervals. Follicular punctures were performed twice weekly for three consecutive weeks until day 20 (oestrus = day 0). All visible follicles (diameter >3 mm) in the ovaries bearing CL (ipsilateral group) or those in the contralateral ovaries (contralateral group) were aspirated. As a control, all visible follicles in both ovaries were aspirated (bilateral group). Follicular development, CL formation and progesterone concentrations in each cow were monitored from days 0 to 30. Follicular growth profiles in the punctured ovaries during/after puncture treatment were similar, irrespective of the presence of follicles in the unpunctured ovary and the CL in the punctured or unpunctured ovaries. After puncture, two cows (28.6%) each in the ipsilateral and bilateral groups did not exhibit behavioural oestrus until day 30, whereas all cows in the contralateral group exhibited oestrus. CL growth and increase in progesterone concentrations after the last follicular puncture in the bilateral group were delayed when compared with those in the ipsilateral group. Our results indicate that the presence of follicles in the unpunctured ovary and the CL in the punctured or unpunctured ovaries does not significantly influence follicular growth in punctured ovaries during/after puncture treatment. However, follicular puncture in ovaries bearing CL may disturb or delay oestrus occurrence after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Takuma
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi
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Sá Filho MF, Carvalho NAT, Gimenes LU, Torres-Júnior JR, Nasser LFT, Tonhati H, Garcia JM, Gasparrini B, Zicarelli L, Baruselli PS. Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) on follicular population and on in vitro buffalo embryo production. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 113:51-9. [PMID: 18691835 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2007] [Revised: 05/18/2008] [Accepted: 06/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bovine somatotropin (bST) on ovarian follicular population in buffalo heifers and its influence on oocyte quality, recovery rates and in vitro embryo production. We tested the hypothesis that bST treatment in buffalo females submitted to an ovum pick-up (OPU) program would improve the number of follicles recruited, oocyte quality and in vitro embryo production. A total of 10 heifers were assigned into two treatment groups: group bST (n=5; receiving 500 mg of bST in regular intervals) and control group (n=5; without additional treatment). Both groups were subjected to OPU sessions twice a week (every 3 or 4 days), for a total of 10 sessions per female, although due to procedural problems, only the first five OPU sessions produced embryos. The number of follicles and the diameters were recorded at all OPU sessions. The harvested oocytes were counted and classified according to their quality as either A, B, C, D or E, with A and B considered good quality. Cleavage and blastocyst production rates were evaluated 2 and 7 days after in vitro fertilization, respectively. The bST treatment increased the total number of antral follicles (>3mm in diameter; 12.2 compared with 8.7; p<0.05) and of small antral follicles (<5mm; 9.1 compared with 6.5; p<0.05) per OPU session. The bST also tended to increase the number of oocytes recovered per session (5.2 compared with 4.1; p=0.07), and enhanced the percentage of good quality oocytes (48.8% compared with 40.6%; p=0.07). bST showed no effect on cleavage and blastocyst production rates (p>0.05). The significant effects of performing repeated OPU sessions were decreasing the follicular population (p<0.001) as well as the number of follicles aspirated (p<0.001), and oocytes recovered (p<0.02). In conclusion, bST treatment improves the follicular population, demonstrating its possible application in buffalo donors submitted to OPU programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Sá Filho
- Departamento de Repodução Animal, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Petyim S, Båge R, Madej A, Larsson B. Ovum Pick-up in Dairy Heifers: Does it Affect Animal Well-being? Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 42:623-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00833.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Valasi I, Menegatos I, Papanikolaou T, Goulas P, Amiridis GS. Oocyte pick-up in juvenile lambs affects neither onset of puberty nor their future fertility. Theriogenology 2006; 66:2144-51. [PMID: 16938342 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2006] [Revised: 06/29/2006] [Accepted: 07/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A study was designed to evaluate whether the time of onset of puberty and fertility of young ewe lambs would be affected by oocyte pick-up conducted in single or repeated sessions during the first months of lambs' live. Five groups of lambs from the Karagouniko breed were used (A-E each n=12). In group A no treatments were applied (control group) while, laparoscopical follicular aspiration (OPU) was performed early in the third, fourth and fifth month of lambs age (groups C-E, respectively). From the second to fifth month of their age, group B lambs were aspirated four times in monthly intervals. All lambs were weighed at birth, weaning, at second month and monthly thereafter until the eighth month of age. Progesterone priming and ovarian stimulation by serial FSH administrations proceeded each OPU session. To determine onset of puberty blood progesterone concentration was assayed in samples collected initially every week and after the seventh month of age twice weekly. From the seventh month a fertile ram was introduced in each group and oestrous behavior/mating was daily monitored and recorded. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by transabdominal ultrasound scanning 55 days after rams' removal. At the fourth and fifth month of age group B lambs were lighter (p<0.05) than controls, but this difference was later equalized. The time of onset of puberty did not differ between groups (p=0.069) and ranged between 224 and 270 days. Some animals (n=15) entered puberty with a full-length luteal phase having progesterone concentration greater than 1ng/ml, while others (n=32) exhibited one or two short luteal phases before luteal length restoration. During the first breeding season 41 animals were fertilized and maintained pregnancy to term, without noticeable differences between groups (p=0.555). During the second breeding season, all ewes were naturally served and lambed at the expected time. It is concluded that OPU in young dairy lambs does not affect the time of onset of puberty, the endocrine profile of the lambs and it does not compromise their future fertility even if it is applied at four successive months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Valasi
- Department of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Trikalon Str., PO Box 199, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
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McEvoy TG, Alink FM, Moreira VC, Watt RG, Powell KA. Embryo technologies and animal health – consequences for the animal following ovum pick-up, in vitro embryo production and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Theriogenology 2006; 65:926-42. [PMID: 16280157 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian reproductive technologies that aim either to complement or to transcend conventional livestock breeding options have contributed to some of the most remarkable achievements in the field of reproductive biology in recent decades. In so doing they have extended our horizons in two distinct dimensions, the first concerning what it is technically possible to achieve and the second relating to the time-frame within which an individual's life-long developmental capability is initially established and ultimately realized or undermined. Our impressions of the benefits and values, or otherwise, of technologies such as in vitro embryo production and nuclear transfer are rightly influenced by the extent to which they impinge on the health of animals either subjected to or derived from them. Here, we consider some of the health implications of oocyte/embryo-centric technologies applied to farm livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G McEvoy
- Scottish Agricultural College, Ferguson Building, Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
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Machado SA, Reichenbach HD, Weppert M, Wolf E, Gonçalves PBD. The variability of ovum pick-up response and in vitro embryo production from monozygotic twin cows. Theriogenology 2006; 65:573-83. [PMID: 16045974 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2004] [Accepted: 04/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oocytes were recovered by ovum pick up (OPU) from nine pairs of monozygotic twin German Simmental cows. The hypothesis was that there is less variability between identical twins versus among non-related individuals in the variation in the recovery of oocytes by OPU and in the efficiency of in vitro embryo production. Estrous cycles were synchronized with two doses of cloprostenol, 11 days apart. Beginning 3-4 days after synchronized estrus, OPU was done twice weekly (every 3 or 4 days; total of 11 sessions). The influence of repeated OPU on estrous cyclicity was established by estrus detection, plasma progesterone concentrations, and ovarian ultrasonography. There were no differences among days of collection for the number and quality of cumulus oocyte-complexes (COCs), and rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation. A total of 1,661 COCs, including 657 (39.6%) good-quality COCs, were recovered. From 1,457 (87.7%) cultured COCs, 827 zygotes cleaved and 314 blastocysts were produced on Day 7. The total number of COCs and the blastocyst rates varied among pairs of monozygotic twins; within pairs, only slight differences were observed. In conclusion, recovery of COCs and production of embryos had substantially less variation within pairs of monozygotic twins than among non-related cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Abreu Machado
- Department of Large Animals, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria RS, Brazil
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Greve T, Callesen H. Integrating new technologies with embryology and animal production. Reprod Fertil Dev 2004. [DOI: 10.1071/rd03084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review describes a range of selected farm animal embryo technologies used in embryological research and applied in animal breeding and production. Some of the techniques are driven by the breeder’s wish to obtain animals with higher breeding values, whereas others are primarily driven by the curiosity of researchers. The interaction between basic research and practical application in these areas is still a characteristic feature for people who contribute to the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) and has been an advantage for both researchers and breeders. One example of such an interaction is that detailed structural analyses have described quality differences between embryos of various origins and, following embryo transfer, the pregnancy results have confirmed the correlation between morphology and viability. Another example is that polymerase chain reaction technology has allowed detection of Y-specific sequences in male embryos and has become a tool in animal production today. Data from domestic animal genome sequencing will provide a great deal of new information. A major challenge for the years to come will be using this information in a physiologically meaningful context and to continue the efforts to convert the laboratory experience into use in practise. Finally, it is important to obtain societal acceptance for a wider application of many of the technologies, such as in vitro embryo production and cloning.
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Petyim S, Båge R, Hallap T, Bergqvist AS, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Larsson B. Two different schemes of twice-weekly ovum pick-up in dairy heifers: effect on oocyte recovery and ovarian function. Theriogenology 2003; 60:175-88. [PMID: 12620590 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01363-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare two different schemes of twice-weekly ovum pick-up (OPU), continuous (C) and discontinuous (DC), with special emphasis on differences in oocyte yield and quality, estrous cyclicity, ovarian dynamics, and progesterone production. Subsequent to characterization of their normal estrous cycles (pre-OPU period), eight dairy heifers were subjected to 4 months of twice-weekly OPU under two different schemes: the DC (OPU restricted to Days 0-12 of the cycle) and the C schemes. Effects of the two different schemes on oocyte yield, quality, and in vitro competence, together with effects on ovarian dynamics and progesterone production, were monitored. The mean numbers of punctured follicles and recovered oocytes per session were slightly higher (not significant (n.s.)) using the DC scheme, but in total, similar numbers of oocytes were obtained. The quality of the oocytes as well as cleavage rate after in vitro fertilization of the oocytes did not differ between the two OPU schemes. There was no influence of a corpus luteum (CL) producing progesterone on the oocyte yield and quality, whereas the presence of dominant follicles appeared to decrease the number of recovered ooctyes. During the pre-OPU period, all heifers showed normal cyclicity. In the DC scheme, the heifers showed regular and normal cyclic activity throughout the puncture period, with one to two complete follicular waves during the interval from the last OPU to the next estrus. In the C scheme, the heifers occasionally revealed cyclicities with irregular interestrous intervals and weaker signs of estrus. No complete follicular waves were seen during the OPU period in this scheme. The CL developed from the ovulation of the preovulatory follicles in the DC scheme showed similar characteristics to the CLs of the pre-OPU period; however, the CL-like structures from the puncture of follicles, in both the DC and the C schemes, revealed a shorter life span and inferior competence in producing progesterone (P<0.05). The present results indicate that the DC OPU scheme, which allows animals to go into natural ovulation prior to the first OPU, does not affect their ovarian function, whereas the C OPU scheme does. Our study further demonstrates that an equal number of oocytes can be obtained with both schemes, but that fewer OPUs are needed when the DC scheme is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Petyim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7039, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
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McEvoy TG, Thompson H, Dolman DF, Watt RG, Reis A, Staines ME. Effects of epidural injections and transvaginal aspiration of ovarian follicles in heifers used repeatedly for ultrasound-guided retrieval of ova and embryo production. Vet Rec 2002; 151:653-8. [PMID: 12498407 DOI: 10.1136/vr.151.22.653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem examinations of 13 Simmental heifers that had received between 16 and 28 injections to induce caudal epidural anaesthesia, the last not less than seven months before they were slaughtered, showed that none of them had any evidence of infection or inflammation at the injection site or in adjacent bone and soft tissues. Seven of them had minor damage to intercoccygeal discs, consisting of discospondylosis with neovascularisation and chondroid metaplasia, consistent with injuries caused by needles. The severity of the damage was not related to the number of epidural injections received, suggesting that the damage was probably caused by a discrete suboptimal injection procedure. In a second study, the ovaries from 22 Simmental heifers that had undergone between 13 and 16 transvaginal follicular aspirations were examined postmortem. Approximately one-third of them had a natural texture with little or no evidence of scar tissue, and less than one in five had extensive scarring and a toughened texture. There was no evidence of compromised ovarian function, as determined by the number and normality of corpora lutea and large follicles, in any of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G McEvoy
- Scottish Agricultural College, Animal Biology Division, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA
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