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Mills MD, Pollock AB, Batey IE, O’Neil MA, Schrick FN, Payton RR, Moorey SE, Fioravanti P, Hipsher W, Zoca SM, Edwards JL. Magnitude and persistence of higher estrus-associated temperatures in beef heifers and suckled cows. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae079. [PMID: 38502838 PMCID: PMC10998462 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae079] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Higher estrus-associated temperatures (HEAT) are a hallmark feature in sexually active females. The overarching aim of this study was to characterize the variability, magnitude, and persistence of HEAT in heifers and suckled beef cows as well as identify associated factors when occurring during thermoneutral conditions at the onset of the spring breeding season. In both heifers and cows, estrus was induced using a 7-d controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-PGF2α protocol. Vaginal temperature after prostaglandin F2α administration was recorded every 5 min using a Thermochron iButton affixed to a blank CIDR (containing no progesterone). Estrus was defined as when a heifer first stood to be mounted or when a cow had an Estrotect patch score of 3 or 4. Level of HEAT varied among individual animals. When comparing common HEAT variables using a mixed model with date nested within a year, maximum HEAT (39.9 ± 0.1 and 40.0 ± 0.1 °C) and duration (15.5 ± 0.8 and 15.4 ± 0.7) were similar in heifers and cows, respectively. However, the magnitude and persistence of HEAT differed. Total area under the HEAT curve was 117.1 ± 13.5 and 158.7 ± 12.3 for heifers vs cows, respectively (P = 0.0571). Further, 42.9% of heifers and 49% of cows had maximum HEAT ≥ 40 °C which persisted up to 6.5 and 10 h, respectively. When ambient conditions were predominantly thermoneutral, temperature humidity index had minimal impact on HEAT (mixed model, repeated measures over time). Toward identifying associated factors with different aspects of HEAT using best fit hierarchical linear regression models, baseline vaginal temperature and baseline duration were the most highly associated independent variables. Follicle size, estradiol and progesterone levels, and other available animal-related variables (e.g., age, weight, hair coat score) explained only a small amount of variation in HEAT. In summary, level of HEAT varies in estrus females even under thermoneutral conditions. Because HEAT can persist for an extended time, direct effects on fertility important components are unavoidable. Whether HEAT is a good or bad component of the periovulatory microenvironment is the basis of ongoing and future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan D Mills
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Abigayle B Pollock
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Ian E Batey
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Michael A O’Neil
- Office of Innovative Technologies—Research Computing Support, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - F Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca R Payton
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Pablo Fioravanti
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Will Hipsher
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Saulo M Zoca
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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McKinley E, Speckhart SL, Keane JA, Oliver MA, Rhoads ML, Edwards JL, Biase FH, Ealy AD. Influences of Supplementing Selective Members of the Interleukin-6 Cytokine Family on Bovine Oocyte Competency. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:44. [PMID: 38200775 PMCID: PMC10778514 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This work explored whether supplementing selective members of the interleukin-6 (IL6) cytokine family during in vitro bovine oocyte maturation affects maturation success, cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) gene expression, fertilization success, and embryo development potential. Human recombinant proteins for IL6, IL11, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were supplemented to COCs during the maturation period, then fertilization and embryo culture commenced without further cytokine supplementation. The first study determined that none of these cytokines influenced the rate that oocytes achieved arrest at meiosis II. The second study identified that LIF and IL11 supplementation increases AREG transcript abundance. Supplementation with IL6 supplementation did not affect AREG abundance but reduced HAS2 transcript abundance. Several other transcriptional markers of oocyte competency were not affected by any of the cytokines. The third study determined that supplementing these cytokines during maturation did not influence fertilization success, but either LIF or IL11 supplementation increased blastocyst development. No effect of IL6 supplementation on subsequent blastocyst development was detected. The fourth experiment explored whether each cytokine treatment affects the post-thaw survivability of cryopreserved IVP blastocysts. None of the cytokines supplemented during oocyte maturation produced any positive effects on post-thaw blastocyst re-expansion and hatching. In conclusion, these outcomes implicate IL11 and LIF as potentially useful supplements for improving bovine oocyte competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endya McKinley
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Savannah L. Speckhart
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Jessica A. Keane
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Mary A. Oliver
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Michelle L. Rhoads
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - J. Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Fernando H. Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
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Liles HL, Schneider LG, Pohler KG, Oliveira Filho RV, Neal Schrick F, Payton RR, Rhinehart JD, Thompson KW, McLean K, Edwards JL. Positive relationship of rectal temperature at fixed timed artificial insemination on pregnancy outcomes in beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620791. [PMID: 35772756 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The overarching aim was to examine the relationship of rectal temperature at fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) on pregnancy outcomes in a typical breeding season with expected pregnancy rates approaching 50% using Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle. This represents a continuum of steps to test the hypothesis that elevated body temperature at or around insemination is functionally important to maximize pregnancy outcomes. Rectal temperature of Bos indicus cattle at FTAI ranged from 37.0 to 40.9 °C; 60.6% were hyperthermic. Positive factors impacting pregnancy outcomes were rectal temperature at FTAI, body condition, and estrus patch scores. Rectal temperature at FTAI was positively associated with pregnancy outcomes (P < 0.0001); per each 1 °C increase pregnancy odds increased 1.9 times (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.6). Highest pregnancy outcomes occurred with rectal temperatures exceeding 40 °C (P = 0.0004). Rectal temperature before FTAI in Bos taurus cattle ranged from 37.8 to 41.8 °C; 43.3% were hyperthermic. Factors impacting pregnancy were rectal temperature at FTAI, estrus activity, parity, and ambient conditions on day of FTAI. Rectal temperature of Bos taurus cattle at FTAI was positively associated with pregnancy (P = 0.0286); odds increased 1.45 times (95% CI: 1.0 to 2.0) per each 1 °C increase. Highest pregnancy outcomes occurred with rectal temperatures at FTAI exceeding 40 °C (P = 0.057). Moreover, positive relationship of rectal temperature at FTAI to pregnancy persisted in estrual females (71.25% of total; P = 0.0408; OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.2). Mindful that 1) elevated temperatures observed in Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle directly promote meiotic resumption of the oocyte in vitro and that 2) in vivo hyperthermia alters intrafollicular components which others have shown to potentiate ovulation and promote meiotic resumption, it is biologically plausible that an acute elevation in body temperature at or around time of insemination is functionally important to maximize pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter L Liles
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Liesel G Schneider
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Ky G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ramiro V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - F Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca R Payton
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Justin D Rhinehart
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Kevin W Thompson
- University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, Spring Hill, TN 37174, USA
| | - Kyle McLean
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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Klabnik JL, Christenson LK, Gunewardena SSA, Pohler KG, Rispoli LA, Payton RR, Moorey SE, Neal Schrick F, Edwards JL. Heat-induced increases in body temperature in lactating dairy cows: impact on the cumulus and granulosa cell transcriptome of the periovulatory follicle. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620803. [PMID: 35772768 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cows acutely heat stressed after a pharmacologically induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge had periovulatory changes in the follicular fluid proteome that may potentiate ovulation and impact oocyte developmental competence. Because the cellular origins of differentially abundant proteins were not known, we have examined the cumulus and granulosa cell transcriptomes from the periovulatory follicle in cows exhibiting varying levels of hyperthermia when occurring after the LH surge. After pharmacological induction of a dominant follicle, lactating dairy cows were administered gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and maintained in thermoneutral conditions (~67 temperature-humidity index [THI]) or heat stress conditions where THI was steadily increased for ~12 h (71 to 86 THI) and was sufficient to steadily elevate rectal temperatures. Cumulus-oocyte complexes and mural granulosa cells were recovered by transvaginal aspiration of dominant follicle content ~16 h after GnRH. Rectal temperature was used as a continuous, independent variable to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased or decreased per each 1 °C change in temperature. Cumulus (n = 9 samples) and granulosa (n = 8 samples) cells differentially expressed (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05) 25 and 87 genes, respectively. The majority of DEGs were upregulated by hyperthermia. Steady increases in THI are more like the "turning of a dial" than the "flipping of a switch." The moderate but impactful increases in rectal temperature induced modest fold changes in gene expression (<2-fold per 1 °C change in rectal temperature). Identification of cumulus DEGs involved in cell junctions, plasma membrane rafts, and cell-cycle regulation are consistent with marked changes in the interconnectedness and function of cumulus after the LH surge. Depending on the extent to which impacts may be occurring at the junctional level, cumulus changes may have indirect but impactful consequences on the oocyte as it undergoes meiotic maturation. Two granulosa cell DEGs have been reported by others to promote ovulation. Based on what is known, several other DEGs are suggestive of impacts on collagen formation or angiogenesis. Collectively these and other findings provide important insight regarding the extent to which the transcriptomes of the components of the periovulatory follicle (cumulus and mural granulosa cells) are affected by varying degrees of hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Klabnik
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sumedha S A Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | | | | | - Rebecca R Payton
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - F Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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