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Fernandez-Novo A, Santos-Lopez S, Pesantez-Pacheco JL, Pérez-Villalobos N, Heras-Molina A, Gonzalez-Martin JV, Astiz S. Effects on Synchronization and Reproductive Efficiency of Delaying the Removal of the Intravaginal Progesterone Device by 24 h in the 5d Co-Synch Protocol in Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030849. [PMID: 33802721 PMCID: PMC8002514 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Reproductive biotechnologies in beef farms are key issues, such as artificial insemination, fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), embryo transfer, and ovum pick up, among others. Artificial insemination takes the first place with these available tools. Thus, science keeps improving hormonal treatments and procedures to optimize pregnancies after insemination. A synchronization protocol commonly used in beef heifers is the 5d Co-synch protocol, which fits better in terms of ovarian synchronization and resulting conception rate. We propose a modification of this protocol, which consists of delaying by 24 h the removal of the intravaginal progesterone device, to decrease the percentage of heifers showing estrus before the date of FTAI. Moreover, this modification will make easier the workload when inseminating herds with heifers and cows at the same time. Based on our results, the protocol 5d Co-synch with the delayed removal of the intravaginal progesterone device fits as well as the original protocol in terms of synchronization and conception rate. Therefore, it can be implemented in the heifers of beef cattle commercial farms. Abstract In beef herds, increasing animal welfare, improving reproductive performance and easing animal management are key goals in farm economics. We explored whether delaying the removal of the intravaginal progesterone device by 24 h in heifers synchronized with a 5d Co-synch 72-h protocol could improve reproductive efficiency of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). In experiment 1, we examined the total synchronization rate (TSR) in cycling Holstein heifers. Heifers (13.4 ± 0.69 mo.) were randomly assigned to the standard 5d Co-synch 56-h protocol (5dCo56; n = 10), 5d Co-synch 72-h (5dCo72; n = 17), or the modified 5d Co-synch 72-h protocol, in which removal of the progesterone device was delayed by 24 h (6dCo48; n = 19). In experiment 2, 309 cycling beef heifers on 18 commercial farms were subjected to the 5d Co-synch 72-h or 6-d Co-synch 48-h protocol and conception rate (CR) studied. In experiment 1, the three protocols led no differences on TSRs of 80.0% (5dCo56), 88.2% (5dCo72), and 89.5% (6dCo48). In experiment 2, the CR from the beef heifers, observed during two consecutive reproductive seasons did not differ: 59.7% for 5dCo72 and 62.0% for 6dCo48 (p = 0.907). Therefore, delaying removal by 24 h provides satisfactory results without reducing reproductive efficiency of heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Fernandez-Novo
- Veterinary Department, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Sergio Santos-Lopez
- Animal Production Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jose Luis Pesantez-Pacheco
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Cuenca, Avda. Doce de Octubre, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador;
| | - Natividad Pérez-Villalobos
- Veterinary Department, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-677-414245
| | - Ana Heras-Molina
- Animal Reproduction Department, SGIT (INIA), Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.H.-M.); (S.A.)
| | | | - Susana Astiz
- Animal Reproduction Department, SGIT (INIA), Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.H.-M.); (S.A.)
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González-García E, Alhamada M, Debus N, Menassol JB, Tesnière A, Gonçalves Vero J, Barboza B, Bocquier F. Short-, Medium- and Long-Term Metabolic Responses of Adult Meat Ewes Subjected to Nutritional and β-Adrenergic Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081320. [PMID: 32751763 PMCID: PMC7460355 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The ability of Merinos d’Arles ewes to quickly overcome undernutrition situations by efficiently using their body energy reserves was confirmed in this study. There is potential for a simplified ß-adrenergic challenge protocol helping to identify differences in adaptive capacity among individuals reared and fed under similar conditions in the same flock. Abstract Shortage and refeeding situations lead to switches in metabolic pathways induced by undernutrition and body energy reserve (BR) replenishment cycles. In a 122-d experiment, 36 adult Merinos d’Arles ewes were chosen and first accustomed to diet ingredients (i.e., wheat straw, pelleted alfalfa and sugar beet pulp) and the facility environment for 22 d. Then, ewes were randomly assigned to one of three “diet challenge” treatments during 50 d, (control, underfed and overfed; 12 ewes each) corresponding to 100%, 70% or 160% of energy requirements allowances, respectively. Then, a “refeeding challenge” was applied the last 50 d (i.e., diets adjusted with the same ingredients). An individual monitoring of body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and energy metabolism was carried out. The last day, a “ß-adrenergic challenge” was applied. Anabolic or catabolic responses were accompanied by synchronized metabolic regulations, leading to contrasting metabolic and BR profiles. Average BW and BCS were higher and lower in overfed and underfed ewes, respectively, which was proportional to lower and higher BR mobilization dynamics. Higher plasma free fatty acids (FFA) were accompanied by lower blood insulin, leptin and glucose levels. After refeeding, a rebound in BW and BCS were observed, and FFA were drastically reduced in underfed ewes. No differences were detected in plasma FFA at the end of the study, but the lipolytic activity was different and contrasted with the adipose tissue mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliel González-García
- INRAE UMR868, Systèmes d’Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (M.A.); (N.D.); (J.-B.M.); (A.T.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Moutaz Alhamada
- INRAE UMR868, Systèmes d’Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (M.A.); (N.D.); (J.-B.M.); (A.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Nathalie Debus
- INRAE UMR868, Systèmes d’Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (M.A.); (N.D.); (J.-B.M.); (A.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Jean-Baptiste Menassol
- INRAE UMR868, Systèmes d’Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (M.A.); (N.D.); (J.-B.M.); (A.T.); (F.B.)
- L’institut Agro-Montpellier SupAgro, Sciences Animales, Department MPRS, CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Tesnière
- INRAE UMR868, Systèmes d’Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (M.A.); (N.D.); (J.-B.M.); (A.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Jéssica Gonçalves Vero
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil; (J.G.V.); (B.B.)
| | - Bruna Barboza
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil; (J.G.V.); (B.B.)
| | - François Bocquier
- INRAE UMR868, Systèmes d’Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (M.A.); (N.D.); (J.-B.M.); (A.T.); (F.B.)
- L’institut Agro-Montpellier SupAgro, Sciences Animales, Department MPRS, CEDEX 1, F-34000 Montpellier, France
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Jardstedt M, Nadeau E, Olaf Nielsen M, Nørgaard P, Hessle A. The Effect of Feeding Roughages of Varying Digestibility Prepartum on Energy Status and Metabolic Profiles in Beef Cows around Parturition. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030496. [PMID: 32188129 PMCID: PMC7143206 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Grass silages based on timothy-meadow fescue are commonly fed to pregnant beef cows during winter. As beef cows usually are given free access to roughage for rational reasons, the use of these silages has been questioned due to their relatively high nutritional value, which may result in nutrient intakes above animal requirements and, hence, a waste of resources. Therefore, other roughage alternatives are requested, but their effects on cow intake and energy status before calving must be evaluated before applied in practice. Four diets based on timothy-meadow fescue silage, festulolium silage plus urea, reed canarygrass silage or barley straw supplemented with urea and rapeseed meal were fed in free access to mature pregnant beef cows. Timothy-meadow fescue and festulolium diets resulted in overfeeding of energy and protein and in body weight and body condition gains, whereas the opposite was observed for cows fed the other two diets. Hence, reed canarygrass or barley straw supplemented with urea and rapeseed meal prepartum may be suitable alternatives to the traditional timothy-meadow fescue diet, if cows are able to regain lost BCS during the grazing period, and may reduce winter feed costs of the cow-calf producer due to the low intakes of these diets. Abstract Resource efficient winter-feeding of mature pregnant beef cows requires knowledge of how different roughage-based feeding strategies affect cow intake and energy status. Four diets based on traditional timothy-meadow fescue silage (TM), festulolium silage plus urea (FE), reed canarygrass silage (RC) or barley straw supplemented with urea and rapeseed meal (BR), were fed ad libitum for 16 weeks prepartum to 36 Hereford cows. Postpartum, cows were fed the same diet before release on pasture. Individual data on cow intake, changes in body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and plasma metabolites, calf birth and weaning weights were recorded. The TM and FE diets resulted in increased BW and BCS prepartum (p < 0.001), while the RC and BR diets resulted in a catabolic state, as indicated by a loss of BCS, lower insulin levels and higher non-esterified fatty acid levels in cows fed BR (p < 0.001). There were no dietary effects on calf parameters (p > 0.29). Feeding RC or BR prepartum might be a possible alternative to traditional timothy-meadow fescue silage if cows are allowed to regain lost BCS during the grazing period. The influence on cow reproductive- and calf performance should be considered before making this management change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela Jardstedt
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden; (E.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-511-67145
| | - Elisabet Nadeau
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden; (E.N.)
- The Rural Economy and Agricultural Society Sjuhärad, Box 5007, 514 05 Länghem, Sweden
| | - Mette Olaf Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark;
| | - Peder Nørgaard
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark;
| | - Anna Hessle
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden; (E.N.)
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Kasimanickam RK, Whittier WD, Hall JB, Kastelic JP. Estrous synchronization strategies to optimize beef heifer reproductive performance after reproductive tract scoring. Theriogenology 2016; 86:831-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kouamo J, Tidjou SGD, Zoli AP, Mfopit YM. Effect of nutritional status on the ovarian follicular population, yield and quality of oocytes in the Ngaoundere Gudali zebu (Bos indicus). Vet World 2015; 8:502-7. [PMID: 27047123 PMCID: PMC4774800 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.502-507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nutritional status of the Gudali cows slaughtered at the Ngaoundere abattoir on follicular population, quality, and oocytes yield. Materials and Methods: Blood and ovaries were collected from 81 cows aged 6.35±0.24 years (3-12 years old), with a body condition score (BCS) of 2.93±0.09 (1-5). In each ovary, the follicle were counted and classified as small (<3 mm), medium (3-8 mm) and large (>8 mm) using an electronic caliper. Oocytes were collected by slicing technique and classified according to the homogeneity of the cytoplasm and layers of granulosa into four groups: I, II, III, and IV. The nutritional status of the animals was determined by quantification of serum glucose, total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulins, urea, and phosphorus level. Results: Of the total 162 ovaries harvested, 2916 follicles were counted on the ovarian surface with an average population of 36.00±2.17 follicles/cow. According to a size distribution, 16.67±1.54 (46.3%), 18.83±1.27 (52.3%), and 0.51±0.07 (1.4%), respectively for small (<3 mm), medium (3-8 mm), and large (>8 mm) were recorded. About 1,929 oocytes were obtained, with an average recovered of 23.81±1.53 oocytes/cow. Depending on the quality, 7.79±0.55 (32.7%), 6.04±0.41 (25.3%), 4.89±0.44 (20.6%), and 5.10±0.54 (21.4%) oocytes qualities I, II, III, and IV were obtained respectively; with an average cultivable oocyte recovered of 13.83±0.89 (58%). Cows with BCS > 3 and a high albumin and phosphorus level showed a highest number of follicles and oocytes able for in vitro maturation. Conclusion: These results indicated that nutrition remains an important factor for the in vitro production of the good embryo and the BCS is a useful tool for the selection of females’ oocytes donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Kouamo
- Department of Surgery and Medical Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, The University of Ngaoundere, Po Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Sorelle Gwladys Djatche Tidjou
- Department of Surgery and Medical Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, The University of Ngaoundere, Po Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Andre Pagnah Zoli
- Department of Physiology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, The University of Ngaoundere, Po Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Youssouf Mouliom Mfopit
- Department of Biochemistry, Regional Centre of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development Wakwa, Po Box 65, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
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González-García E, Gozzo de Figuereido V, Foulquie D, Jousserand E, Autran P, Camous S, Tesniere A, Bocquier F, Jouven M. Circannual body reserve dynamics and metabolic profile changes in Romane ewes grazing on rangelands. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2014; 46:37-48. [PMID: 24188681 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Throughout an entire year, 41 Romane ewes reared in an extensive rangeland were used to investigate temporal changes in body reserves (BRs) and profiles of related metabolites and metabolic hormones. Ewes were allocated to homogeneous groups according to BW and BCS and were distributed by parity (primiparous [PRIM], n = 21; multiparous [MULT], n = 20) and litter size (LSi; lambing singletons [SING], n = 21 or TWINS, n = 20). The feeding system was based on rotational grazing of rangeland paddocks and progressive supplementation with hay, silage, and barley at late pregnancy during the winter. Individual BW, BCS, plasma NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB), glucose, insulin, leptin, and triiodothyronine (T3) were monitored at -56, -12, 8, 49, 76, 107, 156, 195, 216, 246, and 301 d relative to lambing. The BR mobilization was observed from late pregnancy to the end of suckling and varied as a function of the ewe energy balance but also because of transitions from fertilized to native rangeland paddocks and by supplementation. Contrarily, BR accretion occurred from weaning, during the dry-off, and until the start of the next pregnancy. Lipolysis was well reflected by NEFA, β-OHB, and T3 kinetics. Mean BW (but not mean BCS) was affected by parity (MULT > PRIM), whereas both BW and BCS were influenced by LSi (SING > TWINS) but only for MULT. The most drastic BW loss was observed during the mid-suckling period (49 d in milk [DIM]) in all ewes. The lack of effects of LSi in PRIM but not in MULT was also evident in the majority of blood plasma kinetics, which were affected (P < 0.0001) by physiological stage in all ewes. A tendency to ketosis (β-OHB) was found in ewes nursing TWINS around lambing, irrespective of parity. Glucose concentrations were greater during suckling and dry-off, and a peak (0.96 ± 0.05 g/L) was attained at 156 DIM in MULT nursing TWINS. The highest plasma leptin concentration was observed during the start and the middle of the next pregnancy in MULT (107-216 DIM; 9.6 ± 0.44 ng/mL). In all ewes the physiological stage affected T3, which was affected by LSi just in MULT (from late pregnancy, MULT by SING > MULT by TWINS; 99.91 vs 85.52 ng/dL) and during suckling (111.7 ± 4.18 ng/dL). Lamb BW was affected at birth and weaning by parity (MULT > PRIM) and LSi (SING > TWINS). Overall, temporal changes in BR were directly affected by the transition of physiological states and feeding levels, whereas individual responses were predetermined by parity. In MULT, the reactivity and magnitude of response was influenced by LSi. The whole set of parameters allowed us to detect sensitive and critical periods throughout the entire annual cycle. We thus identified opportunities for improved nutritional management, for example, during physiological states usually underestimated such as early and mid-pregnancy. This work indicates the applicability of long-term studies about BR dynamics in ruminants as a potential component contributing to farm economic resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- E González-García
- INRA UMR868, Systèmes d'Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), Montpellier 34060, France.
| | - V Gozzo de Figuereido
- Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz' (ESALQ/USP), Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - D Foulquie
- INRA UE0321, Domaine de La Fage, 12250 Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, France
| | - E Jousserand
- INRA UE0321, Domaine de La Fage, 12250 Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, France
| | - P Autran
- INRA UE0321, Domaine de La Fage, 12250 Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, France
| | - S Camous
- INRA UMR1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France; ENVA, F-94704 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - A Tesniere
- INRA UMR868, Systèmes d'Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), Montpellier 34060, France
| | - F Bocquier
- INRA UMR868, Systèmes d'Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), Montpellier 34060, France; Montpellier SupAgro, Sciences Animales, Montpellier 34060, France
| | - M Jouven
- INRA UMR868, Systèmes d'Elevage Méditerranées et Tropicaux (SELMET), Montpellier 34060, France; Montpellier SupAgro, Sciences Animales, Montpellier 34060, France
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