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Ciborowska P, Michalczuk M, Bień D. The Effect of Music on Livestock: Cattle, Poultry and Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123572. [PMID: 34944347 PMCID: PMC8698046 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In times of intensified livestock production, the search for methods that reduce stress, which has an adverse impact on the health and welfare of their animals, has become a challenge for breeders and producers. Therefore, the possibility of using various musical genres to alleviate stress in chickens, cattle or pigs was considered. It has turned out that choosing a musical item is extremely important, as it can positively affect the health and production performance of animals by increasing the feeling of relaxation. The time of exposure to sounds and their intensity are important as well, and some authors propose to also pay attention to the frequency of sound waves. Music therapy, which was previously more widely deployed among humans, is increasingly used for farm animals as an element of enriching their living environment. Current research shows the importance of sound waves’ influence in animal production. Proper selection of the music genre, music intensity and tempo can reduce the adverse effects of noise and, thus, reduce the level of stress. It should be remembered, however, that silence is equally important and necessary for the welfare of animals. The paper presents literature findings regarding the influence of music on cattle, poultry and pigs. Abstract The welfare of animals, especially those kept in intensive production systems, is a priority for modern agriculture. This stems from the desire to keep animals healthy, to obtain a good-quality final product, and to meet the demands of today’s consumers, who have been increasingly persuaded to buy organic products. As a result, new sound-based methods have been pursued to reduce external stress in livestock. Music therapy has been known for thousands of years, and sounds were believed to improve both body and spirit. Today, they are mostly used to distract patients from their pain, as well as to treat depression and cardiovascular disorders. However, recent studies have suggested that appropriately selected music can confer some health benefits, e.g., by increasing the level and activity of natural killer cells. For use in livestock, the choice of genre, the loudness of the music and the tempo are all important factors. Some music tracks promote relaxation (thus improving yields), while others have the opposite effect. However, there is no doubt that enriching the animals’ environment with music improves their welfare and may also convince consumers to buy products from intensively farmed animals. The present paper explores the effects of music on livestock (cattle, poultry and pigs) on the basis of the available literature.
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Kim WS, Peng DQ, Jo YH, Nejad JG, Lee HG. Responses of beef calves to long-term heat stress exposure by evaluating growth performance, physiological, blood and behavioral parameters. J Therm Biol 2021; 100:103033. [PMID: 34503778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the responses of beef calves to long-term heat stress (HS) exposure at various levels in comparison with the animals under thermoneutral conditions by evaluating growth performance, physiological, blood, and behavioural parameters. Data were collected from sixteen beef calves (BW: 136.9 ± 6.23 kg; age: 169.6 ± 4.60 d) kept at four stress levels of designated temperature humidity index (THI): threshold (22-24 °C, 60%; THI = 70 to 73), mild (26-28 °C, 60%; THI = 74 to 76), moderate (29-31 °C, 80%; THI = 81 to 83), and severe (32-34 °C, 80%; THI = 89 to 91) stress levels in climatic controlled chambers. Feed and water intake were recorded daily, and body weight was measured once a week. Blood was sampled every three days to analyse metabolite parameters. Dry matter intake (DMI) (p = 0.069, tendency) and blood glucose levels (p = 0.028) were decreased after sudden exposure to HS conditions (severe THI levels). Also, blood cortisol (p = 0.002), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) (p = 0.009), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p = 0.004) and standing time (p = 0.009) were increased in moderate and severe THI levels compared with threshold after exposure to HS conditions. However, in the severe THI group, blood cortisol (p < 0.05), glucose (p < 0.05), GOT (p < 0.05) and BUN (p < 0.05) levels were returned to normal range after 6-13 days of continuous HS exposure. In conclusion, DMI, blood cortisol, GOT, glucose, BUN, and standing time were closely associated with long-term HS condition in beef calves. In addition, calves exposed to HS modulated their physiological responses that resulted in the regulation of the pertinent blood metabolites in the blood to maintain homeostasis during the long-term HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Seob Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Qiao Peng
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Ho Jo
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jalil Ghassemi Nejad
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Gu Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Associations between On-farm Welfare, Milk Production, and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Herds in Northwestern Spain. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2020; 24:29-38. [PMID: 32286861 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2020.1750016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between on-farm welfare, milk production, and reproductive performance in dairy herds in northwestern Spain. Data on the welfare status from 31 herds were collected using the Welfare Quality® protocol. Linear regression was applied to assess associations between WQ criteria/principle scores on farm average 305-d milk production and calving to conception interval (CCI). Results indicated that milk production was associated with the absence of prolonged hunger criterion (average increase of 22.33kg per unit score). Each one unit increase in the score for good feeding was also associated with a26.49kg increase in milk production. A10 unit increase in the scores for the absence of pain (by management procedures), expression of social behaviors, and absence of injuries was associated with reductions in CCI by 1.77, 0.8, and 0.29 days. CCI also decreased by 1.08 and 0.53 days when the principles of good health and appropriate behavior increased by 10 units. This study points out associations which can help encourage the dairy cattle sector to adopt practices that promote animal welfare.
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Gómez Y, Bieler R, Hankele A, Zähner M, Savary P, Hillmann E. Evaluation of visible eye white and maximum eye temperature as non-invasive indicators of stress in dairy cows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Collier R, Renquist B, Xiao Y. A 100-Year Review: Stress physiology including heat stress. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:10367-10380. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Wright EC, Boehmer BH, Cooper-Prado MJ, Bailey CL, Wettemann RP. Effect of elevated ambient temperature at parturition on duration of gestation, ruminal temperature, and endocrine function of fall-calving beef cows1. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:4449-56. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-8055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. C. Wright
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater 74078-0425
| | - B. H. Boehmer
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater 74078-0425
| | - M. J. Cooper-Prado
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater 74078-0425
| | - C. L. Bailey
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater 74078-0425
| | - R. P. Wettemann
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater 74078-0425
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Bova TL, Chiavaccini L, Cline GF, Hart CG, Matheny K, Muth AM, Voelz BE, Kesler D, Memili E. Environmental stressors influencing hormones and systems physiology in cattle. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:58. [PMID: 24996419 PMCID: PMC4094414 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental stressors undoubtedly influence organismal biology, specifically the endocrine system that, in turn, impact cattle at the systems physiology level. Despite the significant advances in understanding the genetic determinants of the ideal dairy or beef cow, there is a grave lack of understanding of the systems physiology and effects of the environmental stressors that interfere with the endocrine system. This is a major problem because the lack of such knowledge is preventing advances in understanding gene-environment interactions and developing science-based solutions to these challenges. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the nature of the major environmental stressors, such as climate (heat, cold, wind, and humidity), nutrition (feeds, feeding systems, and endocrine disruptors) and management (housing density and conditions, transportation, weaning practices). We summarize the impact of each one of these factors on cattle at the systems level, and provide solutions for the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toree L Bova
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Ludovica Chiavaccini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Garrett F Cline
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Caitlin G Hart
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Kelli Matheny
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Ashleigh M Muth
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Benjamin E Voelz
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Darrel Kesler
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Erdoğan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
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Whitlock B, Coffman E, Coetzee J, Daniel J. Electroejaculation increased vocalization and plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone, but not substance P, in beef bulls. Theriogenology 2012; 78:737-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Szenci O, Karen A, Bajcsy AC, Gáspárdy A, de Sousa NM, Beckers JF. Effect of restraint stress on plasma concentrations of cortisol, progesterone and pregnancy associated-glycoprotein-1 in pregnant heifers during late embryonic development. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1380-5. [PMID: 21872319 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of restraint stress, which is commonly practised in the field, on plasma concentrations of cortisol, progesterone (P4) and bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (boPAG-1) in pregnant heifers between Days 30 to 40 of gestation. Twelve Holstein-Friesian heifers between Days 30 (Day 0 of experiment) and 40 (Day 10 of experiment) of pregnancy in a Hungarian dairy farm were used in the present study. The heifers were exposed to an acute stressor consisting of immobilisation (restraint stress) in a crush for 2 h (Group 1, n = 6) on Day 2 (Hour 48) and for 2 × 2 h (Group 2, n = 6) on Days 2 and 3 (Hour 72) of the experiment. Transrectal ultrasonography (7.5 MHz linear-array rectal transducer) was performed daily from Day 0 to Day 10 of the experiment to detect embryonic heartbeat or the fate of the conceptus. Blood samples were withdrawn before each ultrasonographic examination. Additional blood samples were withdrawn by 1 and 2 h (at Hours 49 and 50 in Groups 1 and 2 and Hours 73 and 74 in Group 2) of the onset of applying the stressor. Plasma cortisol, P4 and boPAG-1 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Acute restraint stress significantly (P < 0.001) increased the plasma cortisol level in pregnant heifers at 1 h of the exposure to the stressor at Days 2 (48 h) and 3 (72 h) of the experiment. On the other hand, the restraint stress did not affect the concentration of P4 and boPAG-1 concentrations in both groups. In conclusion, restraint stress for 2 h during early pregnancy in heifers increased blood cortisol, but it did not affect the concentrations of P4 and boPAG-1 between Days 30 to 40 of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Szenci
- Clinic for Large Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Üllõ-Dóra Major, 2225, Hungary.
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Reproductive performance of prepubertal Bos indicus heifers after progesterone-based treatments. Theriogenology 2010; 74:903-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Cooke RF, Arthington JD, Araujo DB, Lamb GC. Effects of acclimation to human interaction on performance, temperament, physiological responses, and pregnancy rates of Brahman-crossbred cows. J Anim Sci 2009; 87:4125-32. [PMID: 19717779 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate, over 2 consecutive years, the effects of acclimation to human interaction on performance, temperament, plasma concentrations of hormones and metabolites, and pregnancy rates of Brahman-crossbred cows. A total of 160 Braford and 235 Brahman x British cows were assigned to the 2-yr study. Approximately 45 d after weaning (August 2006) in yr 1, cows were evaluated for BW, BCS, and temperament (chute score, pen score, and exit velocity), stratified by these measurements in addition to breed and age, and randomly allocated to 14 groups (Braford = 8; Brahman x British = 6). Groups were randomly assigned to the control or acclimation treatment. In yr 2, cows were reevaluated within 45 d after weaning (August 2007) for BW, BCS, and temperament, stratified, and divided into 14 groups similarly as in yr 1, but in such a way that cows received the same treatment assigned in yr 1. Cows were acclimated to human interaction from August to January, and the acclimation process consisted of the same person visiting groups twice weekly and offering approximately 0.05 kg of range cubes per cow (as-fed basis). In January of both years, cow temperament, BW, and BCS were reassessed and cows were exposed to a 90-d breeding season. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the acclimation period (August) and breeding season (January) for determination of plasma cortisol, IGF-I, and acute phase proteins. A treatment x breed interaction was detected during yr 1 (P < 0.01) for pregnancy analysis because acclimated Braford cows conceived earlier and at a greater percentage (P < 0.01) compared with control cows. According to values obtained at the beginning of breeding and pooled across treatments and breeds, IGF-I concentrations and BCS affected quadratically (P < 0.05), and concentrations of ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin decreased linearly (P < 0.05), the probability of pregnancy during both years. Temperament and cortisol concentrations decreased the probability of pregnancy linearly (P < 0.05) during yr 1 (only Braford cows for cortisol analysis) and affected the probability of pregnancy quadratically (P < 0.05) during yr 2. Results from this study indicate that acclimation did not affect cow temperament and physiological responses but did increase pregnancy rates of Braford cows during yr 1. Further, measurements and physiological responses associated with temperament influenced the probability of cows becoming pregnant during the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Cooke
- Oregon State University, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns 97720, USA
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Hollenstein K, Janett F, Bleul U, Hässig M, Kähn W, Thun R. Influence of estradiol on adrenal activity in ovariectomized cows during acute stress. Anim Reprod Sci 2006; 93:292-302. [PMID: 16191466 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2004] [Revised: 07/18/2005] [Accepted: 08/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stress-dependent activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) can compromise reproductive function in animals and humans. In addition, it has been shown that estrogens are also capable of influencing the activity of the adrenal cortex. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of estradiol (E2) on adrenocortical secretion of cortisol and progesterone as well as on pituitary LH-release in cows during stress. Five ovariectomized Brown Swiss cows were exposed to acute restraint stress (2-h immobilization in a trimming chute), either with or without E2 treatment. Blood samples were taken every 15 min during a 5-h period for determination of cortisol progesterone and LH. Our results demonstrate that during the 2-h stress period mean cortisol concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) increased in all cows independent of E2 treatment. Mean progesterone concentrations also increased during stress, but the effect was only significant in E2-untreated cows. In contrast to cortisol and progesterone, mean LH values decreased in all animals during stress, but the decline was not significant. However, significantly lower mean LH values were seen at the end of the stress period comparing to values before stress. In cows without stress, E2 treatment had no significant effect on mean values of all three hormones analyzed. From our results it can be concluded that in ovariectomized cows (a) acute stress increases cortisol and progesterone secretion but decreases LH release and (b) the stress induced adrenocortical and pituitary responses were clearly attenuated under the influence of estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hollenstein
- Clinic of Reproduction, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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Starbuck GR, Gutierrez CG, Peters AR, Mann GE. Timing of follicular phase events and the postovulatory progesterone rise following synchronisation of oestrus in cows. Vet J 2006; 172:103-8. [PMID: 16772134 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2005.02.006] [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] [Accepted: 02/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In cows the timing of both ovulation and the subsequent postovulatory progesterone rise are critical to successful fertilisation and early embryo development. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of variability in the timing of ovulation relative to other follicular phase events and to determine how variations in the timing of follicular phase events contribute to the timing of the postovulatory progesterone rise. Plasma concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol and luteinising hormone (LH) and the timing of oestrus and ovulation were determined following induction of luteolysis were determined in 18 mature, non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows. Four cows were excluded on the basis of abnormal reproductive function. In the remaining 14 cows oestrus occurred at 57.4+/-4.3h and the LH surge at 54.6+/-4.0h following luteolysis (progesterone <1ngmL(-1)) followed by a fall in circulating oestradiol concentration at 64.6+/-4.4h. Cows ovulated at 88.0+/-4.7h with the postovulatory progesterone rise (to >1ngmL(-1)) occurring 159+/-7.2h after luteolysis. There was considerable variation in the timing of ovulation following luteolysis (range 64-136h) onset of oestrus (range 24-40h) and onset of the LH surge (range 24-44h). Cows were then split on the basis of interval from progesterone fall to progesterone rise giving groups (n=7 per group) with intervals of 180.6+/-6.7 and 138.3+/-5.7h (P<0.001). Between groups, both the intervals from luteolysis to ovulation (98.3+/-6.9 vs 77.7+/-3.4h; P<0.05) and ovulation to progesterone rise (82.3+/-4.2 vs. 60.6+/-5.5h; P<0.01) were longer in late rise cows. There was no difference between groups in the interval from oestrus or LH surge to ovulation. In conclusion the results of this study further highlight the high variability that exists in the timing and interrelationships of follicular phase events in the modern dairy cow, reemphasising the challenges that exist in optimising mating strategies. However, the data do suggest that in cows with poor post ovulatory progesterone secretion, the key problem appears to be poor post ovulatory development rather than a delay in ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Starbuck
- University of Nottingham, School of Biosciences, Division of Animal Physiology, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
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Janett F, Burkhardt C, Burger D, Imboden I, Hässig M, Thun R. Influence of repeated treadmill exercise on quality and freezability of stallion semen. Theriogenology 2006; 65:1737-49. [PMID: 16246408 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2005] [Revised: 09/19/2005] [Accepted: 09/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate changes of quality and freezability of stallion semen in response to repeated acute treadmill exercise. Ejaculates from 11 stallions were collected, evaluated and frozen weekly during four periods of 4 weeks each defined as before (period 1), during (period 2) and after (periods 3 and 4) intense exercise. In fresh semen the gel-free volume, sperm concentration, motility, normal sperm and sperm with major defects (acrosome defects, nuclear vacuoles, abnormal heads, midpiece defects and proximal droplets) were evaluated. In frozen-thawed semen, motility as well as viability (SYBR-14/PI) were examined. In period 2, all stallions were exercised on an indoor high speed treadmill twice a week (total of eight sessions) using an incremental workload test. Heart rate was monitored telemetrically during exercise and blood samples were taken for determination of cortisol, testosterone and lactate. Results of our investigation demonstrate that heart rate and the plasma concentrations of cortisol, testosterone and lactate significantly (P < 0.05) increased during each exercise session. Furthermore, significantly more major sperm defects were present in periods 3 (69.5+/-2.1%) and 4 (66.8+/-2.1%) than in periods 1 (62.2+/-2.4%) and 2 (62.5+/-2.2%). Acrosome defects increased towards the end of exercise but improved 3 weeks later to values observed before exercise. In frozen-thawed semen, motility was significantly lower in period 2 (45.4+/-2.3%) compared to period 4 (51.6+/-1.7%) and viability was significantly lower in period 2 (49.2+/-2.0%) than in periods 1 (53.8+/-2.1%) and 4 (53.7+/-1.6%). Our results clearly demonstrate that in the stallion repeated strenuous treadmill exercise can negatively influence semen quality and freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Janett
- Clinic of Reproduction, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
This study investigated pregnancy rates on day 16 in dairy cows following artificial insemination and blood sampling to monitor hormonal status. Collection of blood samples by jugular venepuncture coupled with single fixed time insemination resulted in a poor pregnancy rate (27.8%). Modification of the protocol to include double insemination and collection of blood samples from jugular cannulae inserted four days prior to insemination did not improve pregnancy rate (27.3%). Acclimatization of cows to the experimental facility, however, resulted in a dramatic increase in pregnancy rate (85.7%;P < 0.005). This improvement was not associated with any difference in plasma progesterone but was associated with a marked advancement in the decline in oestradiol at the end of the follicular phase, indicative of earlier ovulation. Non-pregnancy was associated with a delayed fall in oestradiol and reduced plasma concentrations of progesterone. The results support a role for inadequate progesterone in early embryo mortality but suggest that impaired ovulation is a more important problem in cows under the 'stress' of experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Mann
- Division of Animal Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
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